The Moon in the Qin Dynasty

Chapter 52 Ready to begin

"The most important thing about papermaking is to reduce the cost. The lower the cost, the better. Only in this way can it benefit the people of the world, rather than just a few people. I hope Mr. Xiangli will do more experiments on this. There is no need to pursue perfection for the time being. As long as it can satisfy the needs of writing records, it will be fine."

"Of course, things in the world are naturally divided into good and bad. For the same paper, if it is the perfect top-grade paper, it is naturally desirable. The technology for making top-grade paper can be improved slowly. We can start with a small amount of production, and the main thing is to keep the cost low so that ordinary people can also afford it."

Xiang Lisheng bowed deeply and said, "Sir, you are right. You are a man who cares about the world. I admire you very much and will follow your words. I am also a Mohist who advocates equality and universal love. I will do as you ask."

Ying Zheng returned the greeting: "All the philosophers and sages, no matter what their theories are, they all have the common people in their hearts. Everyone's heart is the same. This is the same destination, different paths!"

"I'll leave this matter to you, sir."

Xiang Lisheng bowed and said, "I will obey your orders, sir!"

"There is no time to lose. Mr. Xiangli should do it first. Zheng is not in a hurry to learn knowledge. There are other teachers. If Mr. Xiangli has any questions during the process, he can come to Zheng at any time."

"I obey your command. I will do it right away."

Xiangli Sheng was about to leave in a hurry, but Ying Zheng stopped him in a hurry: "Mr. Xiangli, there is one more thing. Zheng is also quite curious about the mechanical art of the Mohist school. If Mr. Xiangli has any unused mechanical creations, and they are small, you can also send one or two to Zheng for observation."

Xiang Lisheng smiled in his heart. After all, he was still young and had some childish nature.

He smiled and said, "Don't worry, sir. I still have some at home. I will send someone to bring them to you when I get back. They will definitely be the best for you."

Ying Zheng bowed and smiled, "Thank you, Mr. Xiangli."

Xiang Lisheng hurriedly returned the greeting: "No, no, this is just a trivial matter, sir, I will take my leave first."

After seeing Xiang Lisheng off in a hurry, Ying Zheng thought:
"Paper alone is not enough, it must be bound into books. In this era, knowledge is still monopolized. Even if there are paper and pens, the natural spread of knowledge is still too slow."

"Having paper without knowledge to spread is a big deal. Fortunately, we have a large collection of books in the Qin Dynasty. Once paper is made, we will print more books and prepare to distribute them."

"One cannot eat alone. Bring more people in. Nowadays, there are many schools of thought. I believe they dare not stand still. At least the Mohists will not mind spreading their own academic ideas."

'The Confucians today probably wouldn't mind. If they were willing to contribute their classics, the other schools of thought would be forced to follow suit.'

"The most important thing is basic arithmetic. How can we manage if we can't even calculate the accounts? It seems that we still need to find an excuse to come up with Arabic numerals. I remember that Arabic numerals have not been invented yet."

"Hey, then I'll invent it."

"Let's compile another set of math textbooks. They don't have to be too complicated. They should be enough for middle school graduates now. Well, it's almost enough for elementary school graduates."

'The empire is growing, with more people and resources. This matter cannot be delayed. The accounting method must also be changed. The current written narrative recording method is completely unable to meet the needs. A good accounting method can more effectively avoid corruption.'

'Let's evolve to double-entry accounting in one step, develop the four-column accounting and the dragon gate accounting, and also the abacus.'

'These things are inconspicuous, but they are indeed the most practical.'

"What's the difference between being an emperor and being a businessman? They both need to settle accounts, but the emperor has too many accounts to settle, both overtly and covertly."

Ying Zheng felt emotional, as there were too many things to do. He was also thankful that his status allowed him to have enough time, energy and resources to do them. In this era, good things were not something that common people could get, not even some minor nobles.

'It will take some time to make paper, and it will also take time to improve the technology. Take advantage of this gap to open up a trade route throughout the country. Paper and books are also very profitable. The emperor also needs money, or it can be said that the emperor needs money the most. ''The nobles are not stupid and will buy books. First, make a profit by using low-quality paper, and then make a profit by selling high-quality paper. Books made with high-quality paper can earn a lot of money from the nobles. '

'Win-win means I win twice.'

"It's simple. It's a monopoly product, and it's something everyone wants. Anyone can do it. The main thing is to be loyal and reliable."

"This matter can be handed over to Chang Lu and Qing Qin to do, and let Lü Buwei know that by using Lü Buwei's method, and with the support of our Great Qin behind us, things can be done."

"Let's give the Mohist school a share, it can solve some of the blind people. There are many Mohists in the world, many Mohist heroes, and the Mohist school has always been united against the outside world. With their protection, ordinary people dare not cause trouble."

"You need to ask your father for some money. You need capital to run a business."

Thinking of this, he gave an order:
"Someone, call Chang Lu Qingqin over."

Chang Lu and Qingqin have been living a very comfortable life recently.

Mistress Zhao Ji and Prince Ying Zheng have always been a very good friend. In Zhao State, they are in charge of all the affairs of the mansion, and they live a very comfortable life.

I thought that after returning to Qin, I would no longer be able to accompany them. After all, their master was Lu Buwei.

Lu Buwei was also very satisfied with their contributions over the years and rewarded them generously after returning.

Of course, over the past few years, they still wanted to follow Master Zheng more.

Unexpectedly, after only a few days in Qin, Master Zheng took them back and completely changed their identities, with Master Zheng becoming the master.

You have to know that the current Prince Zheng is the eldest son of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, and the two of them watched Ying Zheng grow up.

The relationship between master and servant has been very deep for many years. Given Mr. Zheng's status, both of them will surely be successful in the future.

It’s a pity that the palace rules are strict and the two cannot enter the palace easily. They can only live in a separate courtyard outside the Xianyang Palace and be ready to be summoned at any time.

When they heard that the young master had something to ask them today, they were surprised and happy and hurried into the palace.

The Xianyang Palace was magnificent and majestic. The two of them were extremely respectful. They didn't even dare to look around, let alone raise their heads to take a closer look.

The two arrived in front of the hall and the maid went in to report.

They were allowed to enter after being summoned by Ying Zheng. When they saw Ying Zheng, they bowed politely and said, "Greetings, young master."

They heard the familiar voice again, with a smile, which made them feel particularly at ease: "Get up! There's no need to be so reserved."

The two men stood up and stood respectfully.

"I called you here today because there is an important matter for you to do. I only trust you in this matter. You must do it well and recruit some reliable people. If you do it well, I will guarantee you a title in the future."

(End of this chapter)