The Leisurely Life of the Prince of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 480: Lord Zheng's Words
Li Chengqian asked again: "Aren't Zhinu and Shendi coming?"

"Your Majesty, Prince Jin and Prince Ji are at Longshouyuan."

Li Chengqian looked at a mold and said, "They are still accompanying father."

Yan Lide said: "Prince Jin and Prince Ji value filial piety very much."

The so-called movable type printing is indeed not as convenient as woodblock printing, but movable type printing excels in the front end of production. Its efficiency is not reflected during printing, but in the front end of production when the template is made before printing, where its benefits can be realized.

The two types of printing have their own advantages, or if you want to be more flexible, a complete font mold can be used to prepare several copies of the content for printing at the same time. Just stagger the same characters and reuse them repeatedly. The faster the mold is arranged, the faster the printing can be.

Li Chengqian put down the mold in his hand and said, "Give the orchard in the north of Jingyang to Zhinu and Shendi, and give the Jingyang Printing House to them."

After that, Li Chengqian emphasized, "Let's host it together, and let Quan Wanji come to Chang'an to serve as the chief historian of Prince Jin and Prince Ji."

Yan Lide responded: "Yes."

Li Chengqian saw that some of the molds were cracked and some were missing corners, so he said, "Let them use copper to make molds. I will give them whatever they need."

"Your Majesty, I have something else to report."

"You said."

"I have taken custody of all the craftsmen involved in movable type printing. What should I do with them?"

Li Chengqian asked back, "Do Zhinu and Shendi know that you did these things?"

"Your Majesty, neither the King of Jin nor the King of Ji knows."

"Let all the craftsmen go to work in the printing workshop in Jingyang. I will give them and their families generous rewards."

"Here."

Seeing His Majesty nod again, Yan Lide had all the character models put away and then took his leave.

In the seventh year of Qianqing's reign, in August, Guanzhong had also reached the hottest time of the year.

In the third month after movable type printing was introduced to Jingyang, the printing speed in Jingyang increased nearly five times, which was even more exaggerated than the previously expected three times.

The printing workshops in Jingyang are rapidly consuming the paper stocks accumulated over the past decade.

Cartloads of books were brought to Chang'an City for sale, and the price of books once dropped to as low as thirty coins per copy.

Su Tan bought a copy and when he opened the book, he saw beautiful regular script. He could tell at a glance that it was copied from Ouyang Xun's copybook. The square and neat handwriting was very pleasing to the eye.

There were traces of small frames around each word. Su Tan asked the bookseller, "What's with these marks?"

The bookseller laughed and said, "I am just a bookseller. I cannot even enter the workshops in Jingyang."

Su Tan frowned as he looked at the book. Just as he was about to leave, he heard the words of the bookseller.

"This book will become cheaper in the future. I heard that the Jingyang workshop belongs to the imperial court and is considered the emperor's family business. Not only has it been losing money for years, but now the books are being sold at a lower price."

When Su Tan heard the words, he turned around and glared at the bookseller.

The bookseller noticed the other person's gaze, so he lowered his head and stopped talking.

On the contrary, if the price of books is increased, with the current printing speed in Jingyang, the losses over the years can be made up.

But if this happens, the number of people who own books will decrease.

His Majesty is a man of high status. He naturally sees the interests involved clearly. From the perspective of educating the world and providing support for education, the loss of Jingyang is nothing.

This kind of education is more cost-effective than war. If we can stabilize the country with only books and teaching, we can accomplish the greatest goal with the cheapest cost.

When Su Tan returned to Chongwenguan, he saw a group of children reciting aloud the Zheng Gong Lu. Those were the words that Zheng Gong had used to advise the emperor. Now these words are still written on wooden signs on the roadsides of various counties and towns, and anyone passing by can see them.

Lu Zhaolin held the scroll and asked, "The Emperor asked, there was a merchant from the Hu tribe in the Western Regions who got a precious pearl, cut open his flesh with a knife, and hid the pearl inside. A minister replied that this was true. The Emperor said, the emperor's pursuit of luxury led to the destruction of his country. How is this different from the merchant from the Hu tribe? How did Duke Zheng advise him?"

Su Tan thought about it and realized that this question was actually very difficult and even involved allusions.

The children first discussed quietly for a while, and then one of them stood up and answered: "Duke Zheng said that Duke Ai of Lu told Confucius that there was a person who was very forgetful and forgot his wife when he moved. Confucius replied that there were even worse cases, such as King Jie of Xia and King Zhou of Shang who were so obsessed with material things that they forgot their own bodies."

Another child stood up and said, "The Emperor was delighted to hear this, and ordered Duke Zheng to advise him frequently, so that the emperor and his ministers could assist each other."

Lu Zhaolin nodded with satisfaction. Just then the dinner bell rang. He smiled and said, "Let's go eat."

A group of children stood up and ran quickly to the cafeteria.

Lu Zhaolin saw the newcomer and bowed, "Master Su."

Su Tan said: "You have worked hard these days."

Lu Zhaolin said, "I can't say I'm tired."

Su Tan put his hands behind his back and said, "There will be more and more books in the future. The court means that most of the books in Jingyang will be given to Chongwen Academy first. This is our share among the several academies in Chang'an, and Chongwen Academy will account for 90%."

Lu Zhaolin asked doubtfully, "Ninety percent?"

Su Tan said: "The teachers who teach in various places don't have many books in their hands. The court has arranged a team to transport the books. Before the beginning of autumn this year, Du He will hand over the printing workshop in Luoyang to the court."

Seeing that the young man still looked confused, Su Tan said, "Let's eat. If you don't go now, the children will finish their meal again."

Thinking of the children's amazing appetite, Lu Zhaolin hurried to keep up.

In the seventh year of Qianqing, by September, the heat in Guanzhong had mostly faded, but it was still scorching hot at noon, especially the hot wind at noon. People were blown by the wind, and the whistling wind almost turned people into bacon.

The Japanese envoys filed a complaint with the Censorate accusing the Silla King Kim Chunchu of persecuting the Japanese.

Before the Censorate could react to the news, the Japanese who sued the King of Silla died the next day.

When Shangguan Tingzhi brought people from the Dali Temple to the inn, they saw Jin Famin standing there with a knife, which was still dripping with blood.

There were many holes on the Japanese man's body, and it was obvious that he was dead.

Shangguan Tingzhi asked, "Did you kill him?"

Jin Famin dropped the knife in his hand and said loudly: "This Japanese dared to frame my father, so I must kill him."

Shangguan Tingzhi walked into the house, covered her nose and said, "Do you have to kill someone here? Smell it, this room stinks."

The body of the Japanese envoy was still lying in front of him. Jin Famin picked up the wine jug beside him, took a sip of wine and said, "It's my fault. I shouldn't kill people here."

"You think it's right to kill him, but you shouldn't have killed him here."

The voice came from outside.

Everyone in the room looked back and saw that it was Di Renjie who had arrived with people from Jingzhao Prefecture.

Shangguan Tingzhi added: "It's a lot of trouble to clean a nice house."

Jin Famin bowed and said, "I will clean this place up."

"Wait!" Di Renjie stopped Jin Famin who was about to move the body, and said, "Shangguan Shaoqing, how should this matter be handled?" "Well? Didn't your Jingzhao prefect say anything?"

"Prefect Xu went fishing with His Majesty early in the morning."

"Your father is the Minister of Justice. Where is your father?"

"Your Majesty is going fishing, and my father will follow you."

"Ow..."

Shangguan Tingzhi raised his head slightly, looked at the bustling Suzaku Street outside, and asked, "How do you think this murderous Silla envoy should be dealt with?"

Di Renjie clasped his fists and saluted, saying, "I am only here to ask about this as ordered. As for how to deal with this, it is up to Shangguan Shaoqing to make the decision."

Seeing that Di Renjie was not arrogant and was very humble, Shangguan Tingzhi also said politely: "This involves the exchanges between Silla and the Tang Dynasty, so we have to be cautious."

Di Renjie asked again: "Should we send someone to inform the Honglu Temple and ask them to send someone to Silla to ask about the King of Silla?"

The remaining two Japanese were still kneeling on the ground and crying.

Shangguan Tingzhi paid no attention to the crying Japanese envoy, but continued, "I heard that Jin Chunqiu and your Jingzhao prefect are close friends?"

Di Renjie smiled and said, "We are not close friends, but Jin Chunqiu had some connections with the prefect in Chang'an."

Shangguan Tingzhi added: "After all, Silla is so loyal to the Tang Dynasty and is trusted by your majesty. The king of Silla was canonized by your majesty. It is not good to accuse them for no reason. You should report to the Honglu Temple and wait for a reply. The Dali Temple cannot make the decision on this matter. It still needs to be discussed by the various departments in the court."

"Alright."

Looking at Jin Famin who was standing beside him with a smile on his face, Di Renjie said again: "I will go right away."

In the post house, the body of the Japanese envoy was carried out, and no one knew where he was taken afterwards. Jin Famin killed someone in Chang'an City and was placed under house arrest by the Dali Temple and guarded in a house.

After this matter reached the Honglu Temple, there was no response yet.

The case was investigated by the Dali Temple and the Jingzhao Prefecture, handled by the Honglu Temple, and the murderers were Silla people. The killing of the Japanese by the Silla envoy had nothing to do with the Japanese who were killed, but had everything to do with other people.

Afterwards, the body of the Japanese envoy was left outside. Before the people from the Dali Temple were about to burn him, a group of Silla maids spat on the body of the Japanese envoy.

Shangguan Tingzhi ordered his men to burn the Japanese corpses, as they would become smelly if left for too long.

When Li Chengqian learned about this, he was fishing by the Jing River.

Xu Jingzong asked, "Your Majesty, do you want to deal with Jin Famin?"

Li Chengqian looked at Chu Suiliang on the other side and asked, "What do you think, Minister Chu?"

"Your Majesty, there is a cause for this. The Japanese envoy first reported Jin Chunqiu to the Imperial Censorate for harming the Japanese."

Li Chengqian said: "I thought that with your talents and wisdom, it would be no problem to settle this matter."

Xu Jingzong hurriedly said: "The Grand Canal and the Anxi Protectorate are under construction. Your Majesty should not waste your energy on such matters."

Chu Suiliang also said: "I ask for your permission to deal with the Silla envoys."

Xu Jingzong added: "Your Majesty, this matter involves exchanges between the two countries. This is the responsibility of the Ministry of Rites and the Honglu Temple. Even if the Dali Temple does not investigate, Jingzhao Prefecture has the right to inquire about it. There is no need to let the Ministry of Civil Affairs intervene."

Li Chengqian looked around and asked loudly, "Where is my Minister of Justice?"

As soon as the words fell, Dickson, who was eating barbecue in the back, wiped the oil from the corner of his mouth, walked over quickly, saluted and said, "Your Majesty."

Li Chengqian put one hand on his knee, looked back and asked, "Minister Di, how do you think this matter should be handled?"

Di Zhixun said: "Investigate the cause of the incident, order Jingzhao Prefecture and Dali Temple to write a confession, and then hand it over to the King of Silla."

Xu Jingzong said: "Your Majesty, if Jin Famin dies, I am afraid Jin Chunqiu will change."

"If Jin Chunqiu really rebelled, I would think highly of him."

The implication is that even if Jin Chunqiu had ten times the courage, he would not dare to rebel. Even if he did, he would have to stay in a cold and bitter place on the overseas border for the rest of his life, and he would never get the wealth and glory he wanted.

Furthermore, what we need to discuss now is how to deal with Jin Famin.

The scene of Your Majesty and the ministers fishing by the river is a beautiful one. In the sunshine, the ministers are wearing court robes, sitting neatly in a row, and each of them holds a fishing rod in his hand.

Occasionally, someone would catch one or two fish, take the big fish back and release the small fish.

The two little princesses were learning how to unlock the Luban lock beside Princess Jinyang, and His Majesty's youngest son was playing a jigsaw puzzle.

The Queen and Concubine Ning also walked with the wives of the court officials, talking and laughing.

On the other side of the Jing River, there are fields that stretch as far as the eye can see. The fields are full of wheat and are ready to be harvested. Under the arrangement of the Sinong Temple, this year's wheat will be harvested half a month later. Such good weather will allow the wheat ears to be fuller.

A cool breeze blew, causing everyone's clothes to flutter.

Li Chengqian looked up and saw that the sky was still clear. The wind in Guanzhong had become much cooler ahead of time, and it was probably starting to get colder in the north.

Ashina She'er was the only one who didn't catch any fish. This was due to his patience. He said, "Your Majesty, why not let the Japanese kill a Silla envoy and exchange one life for another."

Li Chengqian smiled and said, "She'er's idea is good, but if I really do this, some people will say that I am Jie and Zhou."

Hearing this, Ashina She'er sat down again.

As if they were bored and a little sleepy while fishing, everyone found a topic to chat about, but stopped talking after a while.

When the sun sets, the river water turns a little red under the sunset.

The emperor loved fishing, so his court officials also liked fishing, and fishing became a trend in Chang'an City.

Li Chengqian put away his fishing rod, picked up his fish basket and said, "Gentlemen, remember to take the fish you caught home and keep them in clean water for a day before eating them."

The ministers bowed and saw him off.

The Honglu Temple sent people to send the confessions collected by the Dali Temple and Jingzhao Prefecture to Silla, informing the King of Silla of his son's evil deeds of killing envoys from other countries in Chang'an, and reprimanding Kim Chunchu for becoming the King of Silla and his son's arrogance and domineering.

Di Renjie was sitting at the door of his house. When he saw his father coming back, he went up to him and asked, "Your Majesty, do you know?"

Di Zhixun walked into the house, put the fishing rod by the wall, and nodded, "Your Majesty also asked me about this old man."

"Ah? How did Dad respond?"

"Your Majesty did not accept my words." Di Zhixun washed his hands again and sat down, saying, "What are we having for dinner today?"

Di Renjie shouted towards the backyard: "Mom! Dad wants to know what we want to eat today!"

As expected, Di Renjie saw his mother cooking while cursing and saying that she only knew how to eat.

Looking at his father's face again, Di Renjie whispered, "Dad, how about finding a servant to cook for us?"

Di Zhixun put his hands on his knees, sat up straight and began to teach, saying: "The court has repeatedly warned us to avoid extravagance and practice frugality... Huaiying, you are now the secretary of Jingzhao Prefecture, so you should be more vigilant."

(End of this chapter)