The Sui and Tang dynasties were an identity-based society, and the clans had high prestige and status in society. They have deep roots, and their protégés are all over the world. has a high say in the policies of the imperial court and the appointment of officials, which makes those in power very jealous. This made every ruler use some means to curb the influence of the family on the imperial court.

The emergence of the imperial examination system in the Sui Dynasty was a product of the attack on the big families. Before the implementation of the imperial examination, the selection of officials mainly relied on the "probation system" and the "conscription system." These two systems only focus on family background, not learning. Many children of poor families had to commit themselves to the origin of a certain family. However, the imperial examination still could not curb the growth of the clans, because the influence of the clans was far more than the political aspect, the monopoly of economy and culture, and the monopoly of public opinion, which was their most advantageous guard of honor.

The family is in charge of most of the wealth in society, and also controls most of the educational resources. They also have a lot of control over public opinion in society. What a power it is for such a large interest group. As an emperor, the absolute controller of the country, whether they will be jealous of them, the answer is undoubted.

If Li Sheng can create movable type printing, it will be a huge blow to the family. The ancients' thirst for books and knowledge was incomparably great, and only by learning knowledge could they get rid of poverty. This is also the reason why Li Erhu would rather go to work hard as a soldier and Li Sheng to study. A large number of books and the imperial examination system will slowly dismantle the monopoly of the family on culture and education, and will also directly affect their control of political decision-making and social public opinion.

Cheng Yanjin is at the helm of a new family, and he must know that if Li Sheng can create this thing, it will have an impact on the entire society. If this kind of sharp weapon is obtained by the incomparably holy Zhenguan Emperor Li Shimin, the blow to the family will be overwhelming. So what kind of benefits and dangers will he get, Cheng Yanjin thought of this, and his big heart couldn't help but jump extremely fast. The benefits will be enormous, but so will the risks.

At this time, it is time to test the courage of a family leader, Cheng Yanjin is a person with courage, otherwise he would not have won such a family background from the troubled times. It is still prudent not to bite the gold in the process, although he wants to do this, he can't act blindly, he must have an extremely good plan.

"Nephew of the Li family, you won't fool the old man, right? As far as I know, it would be nice for the most skilled booksmith to be able to print a book a day. It would take more than ten days or a month before the printing plate could be printed. You're talking a bit big. In Cheng Yanjin's smile, in Li Sheng's opinion, there was always a feeling that a lewd uncle was seducing a little girl.

"Uncle Cheng, don't think about the words of the little nephew, let's talk about it first, if I can make it, Uncle Cheng is ready to give me a share? No, Uncle Cheng, before I hand you the secret recipe, Uncle Cheng has to do my little nephew a favor first. Li Sheng only thought that movable type printing could bring him and Cheng Yanjin money and profits, but he didn't think that movable type printing would have a great impact on society and the court.

"Let's not talk about the rest, then I'll help you with this first, you can talk about it." Cheng Yanjin has gone through a lot of storms, and regardless of whether Li Sheng can create movable type printing or not, it should not be a loss to give him a personal favor first. In Cheng Yanjin's view, Li Sheng, this kid is honest on the surface and has a smooth mind, and he will definitely be extraordinary in the future. Since he has spoken out about movable type printing, he will definitely find his cooperation after he is done, and it is not a matter of urgency.

Uncle Cheng also knew that his father volunteered to recruit as a government soldier for his nephew last year. Uncle Cheng was also born in the army, and the danger on the battlefield is needless to say. The little nephew lost his mother at an early age, and there is such a relative in the world, and the little nephew really can't lose his father. Please ask Uncle Cheng to help the little nephew Ge to go to his father's army, I wonder if Uncle Cheng can help the little nephew with this? The little nephew is willing to give the secret recipe of 100 books printed in Japan free of charge. After Li Shengqing finished speaking sincerely, he gave Cheng Yanjin a deep salute.

Datang advocates military merit, and the soldiers' worship of honor is incomparable. After Cheng Yanjin listened to Li Sheng's words, he muttered for a long time and did not speak.

Cheng Huaimo looked at Li Sheng in disbelief and said, "Brother Li Sheng, are you okay?" Is it a fever that is not well yet? If I weren't my son-in-law, I would have joined the army, and I would never eat at home and wait for death. It has been my lifelong dream to be able to ride a horse, and I can't go even if I want to. You still let your father be a deserter, and if you let him walk out of the army like this, it will be worse than letting him die. ”

After listening to Cheng Huaimo's words, Cheng Yanjin glanced at Cheng Huaimo very meaningfully. Then he said: "Mo'er is right, I understand your filial piety, but I can't help you with this favor, I think you haven't asked your father yet, it's better for you to ask him first, if he wants to agree, I will help you with this." I don't think there's way he could promise you. ”

Li Sheng stopped talking, he didn't expect it to be like this. After seeing the wounded soldiers on Chang'an Street today, he also thought about giving up this idea. But his dedication to family affection still made him want to try. But he also got a result that he was not sure of, and he didn't know whether he should ask his father or not.

"Boy, the old man doesn't promise to help you, you won't do anything that prints hundreds of books a day, right?" Cheng Yanjin saw that Li Sheng was silent in thought, and his heart was bottomless. If Li Sheng insisted on letting his father out of the barracks, he would do movable type printing. Cheng Yanjin will definitely agree without hesitation. The reason why Cheng Yanjin persuaded Li Sheng was only out of respect for the soldiers. If you go to change movable type printing, Li Erhu's dignity can only be thrown into the toilet.

"Uncle Cheng, let's think about it! Please also ask Uncle Cheng not to blame. Li Sheng's face was full of decadence, but Li Sheng's this was deliberate, the shameless teasing of later generations.

"Don't! There is something to discuss. I've got you covered! Cheng bit Jin and said it casually, and he regretted it after saying it. This is also the reason why movable type printing has been too tempting for him. When he saw Li Sheng looking at him with a playful face, he had the urge to scrape the past. Damn, he was blinded by the geese pecked by the geese today, and he fell for the evil of this little cub.

Li Sheng saw Cheng Biting Jin's anxious appearance, and he also understood a little in his heart, this matter is definitely not simple, otherwise the old man will not lose his square inch.

"Uncle Cheng, tell your nephew about the benefits of this thing!"

Cheng Yanjin recovered instantly, and said with disdain: "Benefits? You can build it first! ”

"In that case, then I can't play with Brother Huaimo. If you make it, you will definitely make it, but the exclusive skills cannot be passed on. Uncle Cheng has to think clearly. Li Sheng has already eaten this old horseman, looking at the way he looked just now, coupled with Li Sheng's understanding of movable type printing, Li Sheng can deduce how much benefit there will be behind it.

"If you don't take it, forget it, let's settle the accounts first, the old man may not have moved his body for a long time. Today, my palms are getting more and more itchy. Huaimo closed the door, from today on, this kid is not allowed to leave our house at one step. The old man is going to train you two and teach you some fist and foot kung fu. Cheng bit Jin Lao smiled unashamedly, with a shameless look.

Li Sheng ran with his legs pulled, but before he could run two steps, he was dragged by Cheng Yanjin. Li Sheng shouted loudly: "I am a Xianyang County man personally sealed by His Majesty, you can't illegally imprison me." ”

"The county man is a fart, Lao Tzu is still a national prince! Pack up your little county boy and see who dares to say anything. Cheng Biting Jin grabbed Li Sheng like a package, just like walking in the backyard.

"Daddy! Father! Put down Li Sheng first, and have something to say. Cheng Huaimo followed Cheng Biting Jin's ass and kept persuading, but Cheng Biting Jin didn't pay attention to him at all.

"Uncle Cheng, if you have something to say, I will promise anything. Can you let me down first? Li Sheng was intimidated, and he was very thorough.

"It's late, when will you make the thing you said, and when will the old man let you go. Isn't that good, you say? ”

"Good! Uncle Cheng, you let me down, I'll go buy materials and find craftsmen, you let me down. ”

"Come here with less damn water, I'll let go of you with my front hand, if you kid don't run away, the old man's Cheng character is written backwards. The craftsman and the old man will help you prepare the materials, so you can live here with the old man! Cheng Yanjin was obviously not fooled, and Li Sheng was completely helpless.

Cheng bit his golden eyes and said, "Your father's old man will go and tell him, if he doesn't want the old man, there is no way." However, the old man can help him move in the army. Now you can rest easy! ”

Bang dang!

Cheng Yanjin opened the door of a room and threw Li Sheng into the house, and Cheng Huaimo, who was following behind, was not spared, and was also dragged in by Cheng Yanjin.

"You two are just staying here, and someone will bring you food. I promise that you will not starve to death, when will it be made, and when will the old man let you go. Cheng Yanjin turned around and left after speaking, and when he went out, he turned around and said, "Boy, if you can make this thing, the old man will thank you!" Your Majesty will thank you too. I, the prince of the Cheng family, will bless your Li family for ten thousand years. ”

Li Sheng was stunned, and after he understood Cheng Biting Jin's words, cold sweat broke out from his back. I was reckless, why didn't I think of the big family, Li Sheng regretted it at this time. Li Sheng slapped himself a few times, and Cheng Huaimo looked at it on the side.

"I said brother, my father will lock us up for two days, and let us out in a few days. Don't worry too much, just do what you say and you'll be fine, my dad is a little confused, but he can't do anything with you. ”

After Cheng Huaimo comforted Li Sheng, he walked to the door and shouted outside: "Do you still understand the rules?" Don't hurry up and bring the wine and food to the master. ”

Li Sheng sat down at the table in the room in annoyance, and he wanted to think about the dangers and benefits of this matter. He wanted to think about whether Cheng Yanjin would kill him after he created movable type printing. Li Sheng thought for a while, Cheng Yanjin shouldn't be. If he kills his mouth, he will not lock Cheng Huaimo with himself, which is obviously a rhythm to take advantage of and share the credit. Li Sheng wanted to understand this, and thought that Cheng Yanjin must be going to dedicate movable type printing to the emperor, and he definitely didn't dare to keep it. After the emperor takes it, he will definitely reward Cheng Biting Jin and himself, so that he should not be in danger, and he will get a lot of benefits.

After thinking about this, Li Sheng understood why Cheng Yanjin locked him up, if he was making movable type printing outside, if he revealed a trace of news. If the family gets the news, they will die. It seems that Cheng Biting Jin is still very old and spicy, but this rough method makes Li Sheng dare not compliment.

made things by himself, Cheng Yanjin helped take the risk, and it was understandable to give him some credit. Just make it yourself with peace of mind, and how to use it is a matter for the big guys, just wait for the benefits yourself. After Li Sheng figured it out, there was no burden in his heart.

Cheng Huaimo is very heartless, it seems that confinement is already commonplace for him. Cheng Huaimo didn't fail to see that this time was different from the previous confinement, and he also understood that his father locked Li Sheng with him because he wanted Li Sheng to give him some credit for what he had created.

Li Sheng was not so heartless, he asked Cheng Yanjin to prepare all the materials for movable type printing, and the coppersmiths, booksmiths, and carpenters that could be used. The reason why there are so many craftsmen is because Li Shengzao's movable type printing is not the simple movable type printing technology invented in the Song Dynasty. Li Sheng wanted to build a printing press, which could not be compared with the printing presses of later generations, but it could also achieve the ability to print 100 books a day.

Since Cheng Yanjin locked Li Sheng and Cheng Huaimo in a small courtyard in the backyard, this small courtyard has been blocked by Cheng's family. The subordinates of the Cheng Mansion only saw some strange craftsmen who went in and never came out again, and some wood and copper and some materials were sent in. Except for being able to see Cheng Yanjin himself and a general who delivered food to go in, anyone who walked in front of the courtyard would be blocked. The whole city government didn't know what was going on, and they couldn't find out what was going on. Everyone thought that Cheng Yanjin was going crazy again, but they didn't take it seriously. They didn't know that an invention that changed the pattern of society was quietly being made in that small courtyard.

Ten days later, Li Sheng looked at a printing press about two meters long, half a meter wide, and about one meter high. I can't help but feel proud in my heart, this is what a traverser should do. Before Li Sheng could be proud, Cheng Yanjin rushed over. He paid attention to Li Sheng's progress every day, and as soon as the printing press was ready, he hurried over.

Cheng Yanjin looked at the thing in the courtyard that looked like a table, and his eyes couldn't help but look at Li Sheng. said, "What is this thing called?" How to use it? ”

Li Sheng walked to the printing press and opened the top of the machine, revealing the ten rows of movable type on the machine base. What's even more ingenious is that Li Sheng designed a semi-automatic ink brushing device. With the opening of the top of the machine, the cylinder is pushed to the rear, and the movable type is already full of ink, and the person who controls the printing will open the machine, and the cylinder will be left behind. After printing, as long as the person who controls the printing closes the bracket smoothly, the cylinder will be reloaded before the top of the machine is closed.

Li Sheng called a man to help, and specially asked him to put the paper and take back the printed paper. After Li Sheng and the man cooperated to print a dozen copies, it took less than five minutes. The speed was so fast that the people in the yard were dumbfounded. Cheng Yanjin trembled, walked to the printing press, picked up the printed paper, and saw that the handwriting on the paper was neat and clear, and there was a faint fragrance of ink.

Cheng Yanjin couldn't be calm, and said in disbelief: "Li Sheng, have you ever calculated how much a book costs?" ”

"Two to five dollars to see, it depends on how much paper is used, and the more paper you use, the more expensive it is."

"Two dollars, my god two dollars. Li Sheng followed me into the palace to face the saint. Cheng Yanjin didn't wait for Li Sheng to finish speaking, and he couldn't help but say, Li Sheng was pulled by Cheng Yanjin.