Chapter 54: Do You Even Have to Hide It?

Xu Shu looked at Cao Zhang in astonishment and asked, "What does Gongzi mean is that he wants to give this "Thousand Character Text" to Xun Lingjun, publish it in his name, and then use it as an enlightenment book for the academy?" ”

"Does Yuan Zhi think there is something wrong with this?" Cao Zhang asked Xu Shu.

"Don't get me wrong, I didn't mean that. I just think that the content of Childe's thousand-word essay is surprising and full of charm, although the number of words is not much, but if you taste it carefully, it is a wonderful pen. If it is used as an enlightenment text, it is a good product, and it is indeed far better than all kinds of books now. Xu Shu hurriedly explained to Cao Zhang.

"Gongzi gave the "Thousand Character Text" to Xun Lingjun, and he published it on his behalf, this gift is indeed heavy enough, and it can be regarded as his favorite, he has absolutely no reason to refuse." Xu Shu continued to analyze.

"That's good." Hearing Xu Shu say this, Cao Zhang calmed down, "Then we will wait for the result of expression, only if papermaking and movable type printing can be successful, I will take a thousand words to see Xun Lingjun, and he will accept it with indignation." ”

Xu Shu nodded in approval of Cao Zhang's words: "What Gongzi said is that with new paper and printing, thousand-character texts can be printed and circulated in large quantities, so as to have the meaning of impressing Xun Lingjun." ”

"If it is still the original bamboo slip production, the speed is slow, and now there are continuous wars in various places, it is extremely difficult to sell to other states and counties, and the impact will be much smaller. As an enlightenment book, if it cannot circulate quickly, it will lose its meaning. Xu Shu reminded Cao Zhang.

Cao Zhang nodded in agreement: "Yes, now we can only hope that there will be good news from Boda's side as soon as possible." ”

……

For the next few days, Cao Zhang quietly waited for Sima Lang's news every day.

Xiahou Juan would make some supplements for Cao Zhang every day, and the medicine sent by Guo Zhao was also very effective, and Cao Zhang's injuries recovered quickly.

In his spare time, Cao Zhang began to study all kinds of military books and strategies, thinking about what other ways to strengthen the combat strength of the troops, according to Xu Shu and his own analysis, it may not be long before he will lead the troops into battle.

Preparing early and planning ahead will ensure that you have a better chance of winning the battle.

On this day, Cao Zhang had just gotten up, and was drinking the chicken soup she had boiled under the service of Xiahou Juan, when someone came in to report that Sima Lang was here.

Cao Zhang knew that Sima Lang must have brought news about papermaking and movable type printing, so he quickly put down the soup bowl and got up to greet him.

Xiahou Juan knew that Cao Zhang must have something important to discuss with Sima Lang, so he hurriedly packed up the dishes and chopsticks and retreated.

"Boda, how's it going?!" Cao Zhang grabbed Sima Lang's wrist and asked anxiously.

After all, whether these two technologies can succeed or not is related to Cao Zhang's military supplies and various expenses in the future, and he is very nervous.

"Hui Gongzi, the new paper and movable type printed books have been successful, please take a look." While reporting excitedly, Sima Lang took out a roll of paper from his arms and unfolded it in front of Cao Zhang.

Cao Chang happily took the paper and carefully unfolded it, the roll of paper contained three different textures: bamboo paper, mulberry paper, and wheat straw paper.

Cao Zhang first touched it with his hands, then picked up the pen, unfolded the paper, and tried to write one by one.

Among the three types of paper, the effect of bamboo paper is the most obvious, and the words written are not inked or infiltrated at all.

Slightly worse is wheat straw paper, and finally mulberry paper, and the paper of mulberry paper is obviously yellow, far less than the snow-white bamboo paper.

Cao Zhang looked at the new paper, extremely excited. New paper was made, which meant that his plan was half the battle.

"Childe, among these three kinds of paper, bamboo paper has the best effect, but relatively speaking, the production process is also the most complicated and difficult."

"It's only because the texture of the bamboo is hard that it needs to be fully soaked for a long time, and it needs to be mixed with a certain amount of bark, which is crushed and boiled together, and it has been tried and improved again and again before it finally succeeds."

"That is, Gongzi provided us with some corresponding theories in advance, plus these craftsmen of my Sima family are experienced, and the papermaking technology is relatively proficient, so that we can finally develop all three kinds of paper."

"In the future, we can divide the three types of paper into three grades and sell them at different prices." Sima Lang introduced to Cao Zhang in detail the process of making new paper and the difficulties encountered.

Cao Zhang nodded with satisfaction: "Boda, for these craftsmen, there are many rewards, whether it is money or land, it will be paid by my side." Merit should be rewarded, this is the principle of my work! ”

"Yes, my subordinates thank me for them!" Sima Lang bowed and thanked him.

Cao Zhang continued to ask: "Didn't you say that movable type printing has also been successfully tested, but there is a finished product?" ”

"Yes!" Sima Lang then took out a thin book from his arms and presented it to Cao Zhang.

Cao Zhang took the book and looked through it carefully, this book was printed on bamboo paper, and it felt very good to the touch. The printed handwriting is also very clear and clean, and the font spacing, as well as the typography, are also very elegant.

The content of the book is the "Thousand Character Text" provided by Cao Zhang to Sima Lang, although it cannot be compared with modern printed books, but in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, it was definitely a book work of high quality.

"Well, that's great!" Cao Zhang kept admiring.

The success of both paper and movable type printing meant that he could start producing paper in large quantities and printing books for sale, thus making a large profit to grow himself.

"Childe, what are we going to do next, please tell me." Sima Lang asked Cao Zhang for instructions.

Cao Zhang pondered for a moment and responded: "Boda, first of all, reward all the craftsmen, let them feel that they can get enough food and clothing from us, and they will keep our technical secrets from leaking out. ”

"Then you can select the best-selling books in the market and print them in large quantities. Of course, the price is lower than that of bamboo books, small profits and quick turnover, so let's open the market first. ”

"Oh, then the subordinate will go back and arrange it immediately!" Sima Lang said yes and left.

Cao Zhang happily looked at the new paper in front of him and the printed "Thousand Character Text", his face was unconcealable excitement, and he immediately shouted loudly: "Quick, go and invite Mr. Yuanzhi!" ”

After a while, Xu Shu walked in briskly: "Childe, are you looking for me?" ”

Cao Zhang waved his hand and beckoned Xu Shu, showing him the new paper and the "Thousand Character Text" in front of him: "Yuan Zhi, look! ”

Xu Shu stepped forward to look at it carefully, with a look of surprise on his face: "It's really done!" That's great! Son! ”

"Yes, I have already instructed Sima Lang to make a large amount of paper and print books, and it is estimated that it will not be long before we can get the benefits and carry out the next plan." Cao Zhang said excitedly.

Xu Shu calmed down at this time, and said to Cao Zhang after a moment of silence: "Childe is planning to act in secret like this?" ”

"It's natural, and only our family can ensure that the benefits are maximized." Cao Chang nodded in response.

"Naturally, technically, we naturally want to keep it a secret. I mean, are you even ready to hide it?! Xu Shu reminded Cao Zhang in a low voice......