The Fierce Teacher of Zhenguan: Starting with Teaching the Crown Prince to Make a Comeback

Chapter 173 seems to have added a... junior brother?
The aftershocks of the silent struggle between the Crown Prince and the aristocratic families had not yet completely subsided when news came from the Ministry of Works.

The message was sent by Duan Lun himself to the Eastern Palace.

A boy named Zhao Xiaoman from the Bow and Arrow Workshop of the Imperial Workshop, with the help of his father Zhao Tiezhu and three other craftsmen, actually came up with a method called "woodblock printing".

It is said that this method can reproduce books and articles in large quantities without requiring people to copy them word by word, making it more than a hundred times more efficient than hand copying.

Because Zhao Xiaoman himself had limited literacy, the specific carving and layout of many characters were completed by several craftsmen who were somewhat literate.

Li Chengqian was reviewing documents categorized according to the new laws in Xiande Hall when he heard the news. He was startled at first, then suddenly stood up from the brocade cushion.

Because of the sudden movement, he felt a sharp pain in his right ankle, but he was completely unaware of it. His face was instantly filled with a huge surprise and disbelief.

"Is this true? Has Minister Duan personally verified it?"

His voice trembled almost imperceptibly with excitement.

The official from the Ministry of Works who came to deliver the message bowed, his tone certain.

"Your Highness, it is absolutely true! Minister Duan has personally seen the woodblock-printed pages of the Thousand Character Classic. The characters are clear and indistinguishable from handwritten ones."

"And dozens of them can be obtained in a short time!"

"Good! Good! Good!" Li Chengqian said three times, his chest heaving with intense emotion.

The image of his father's deep eyes flashed into his mind yesterday in the Liangyi Hall when he discussed the strategy of slowly dismantling the aristocratic families with him, and the expectation hidden therein.

enlightenment!

This is education!

If this woodblock printing technique can be widely adopted, the cost of books will plummet, and the speed and breadth of knowledge dissemination will be enhanced like never before!
Isn't this the most direct and powerful weapon to weaken the monopoly of knowledge by aristocratic families?
He could almost see countless inexpensive books, like trickling streams, breaking through the knowledge barriers erected by powerful families.

They flooded into the homes of ordinary people and the studies of impoverished scholars.

Given time, who will still rely solely on the libraries and private schools of aristocratic families?
The grand plan that his father had devised for centuries was now, in a way he had never anticipated, revealing a crucial glimmer of hope!
"Prepare the sedan chair! I want to go to the Ministry of Works in person!"

Li Chengqian gave the order almost impatiently, his face flushed with excitement.

He wanted to see for himself what this "weapon" that could shake up the world order really looked like.

At almost the same time, Li Shimin, inside the Liangyi Hall, also received a report from Duan Lun.

The eunuch Wang De presented the report, which included several loose pages of the "Thousand Character Classic" with neat and uniform handwriting.

Li Shimin initially didn't pay much attention to it.

They assumed that the Ministry of Works had come up with some new tricks to improve paper or ink.

However, as he casually unfolded the loose pages and his gaze swept over the identical characters with no difference in handwriting, his fingers suddenly stopped.

He picked up two of them and placed them side by side on the imperial desk, comparing them carefully.

The same structure, the same spacing, and even the subtle differences in ink density are almost identical.

This is absolutely beyond human capability!

"Woodblock printing...?"

Li Shimin read the word mentioned in Duan Lun's report in a low voice, and his pupils suddenly contracted.

As an emperor, he grasped the terrifying power contained within almost instantly.

Previously, books were all copied by hand, which was time-consuming, laborious, and costly. A single classic text was often very valuable and could only be owned by wealthy or prominent families.

This is one of the key reasons why knowledge is monopolized.

But with this... efficiency will increase by more than a hundredfold?
The cost of books will plummet!
The imperial decrees, the teachings of sages, and the articles of law can all be copied in large quantities, quickly, and cheaply in this way and distributed to prefectures, counties, and even villages!
This is not merely a convenience; it is an unparalleled weapon for seizing the right to educate and dismantling the foundations of powerful families!

Li Shimin slowly put down the paper in his hand, took a deep breath, and tried to calm his heart, which was beating faster due to the shock.

He looked up at the outside of the palace, his gaze seemingly piercing through the layers of palace walls and landing in the direction of the Ministry of Works.

How long has the Crown Prince been in charge of the Ministry of Science and Technology?
First came the improved crossbow, then came woodblock printing... Is this really a coincidence?

Or is there some unseen hand pulling the strings behind the scenes?
Did the owner of that hand already see through all of this and quietly lay out this piece that could change the course of the world?
He was silent for a moment, then instructed Wang De: "Pass on my oral decree to Duan Lun, this matter must be kept strictly confidential."

"All artisans involved in this matter are strictly prohibited from contacting the outside world. I will make a decision after discussing it with the Crown Prince."

"According to the order."

Wang De bowed and replied, secretly glancing at the emperor's solemn expression, knowing that this matter was of utmost importance.

The atmosphere in the courtyard where the Ministry of Works is located is completely different from usual today.

Although the sounds of hammering and sawing continued, the craftsmen's expressions were filled with an irrepressible excitement and curiosity.

His gaze kept glancing at the workshop next to the archery institute, which had been temporarily requisitioned and was now clearly more heavily guarded.

When His Highness the Crown Prince's entourage arrived outside the Ministry of Works, the officials of the Ministry of Works, led by Duan Lun, had already received the news and were bowing to greet him at the gate.

"I am waiting to see His Highness the Crown Prince!"

Li Chengqian alighted from the palanquin, glanced at the crowd, and gestured with his hand.

"All of you, rise. Minister Duan, quickly take me to see the woodblock printing technique."

His tone was urgent, even carrying a hint of unquestionable authority.

"Yes, Your Highness, please follow me."

Duan Lun quickly led the way.

The group crossed the courtyard and arrived at the heavily guarded workshop.

The moment the door was opened, a rich aroma of ink and wood wafted out.

Inside the workshop, Zhao Tiezhu, Zhao Xiaoman, and three other craftsmen stood nervously with their hands at their sides. Next to them were several jujube wood blocks carved with reverse relief characters, as well as some freshly printed paper with ink that was not yet fully dry.

Upon seeing the Crown Prince arrive, the group hurriedly knelt down, their voices filled with fear and excitement.

"This humble...this lowly one greets Your Highness the Crown Prince!"

Li Chengqian's gaze was immediately drawn to the woodblocks and the printed papers scattered on the ground.

He stepped forward, disregarding etiquette, and bent down to pick up several sheets of printed paper, examining them carefully.

The handwriting on it was exactly the same as the report attachments he had seen before—neat, clear, and exuding a cold, mechanical beauty that stirred his blood.

"No need for formalities, all of you, rise and speak."

Li Chengqian tried to keep his voice calm, but the burning desire in his eyes was impossible to hide.

He held the printing paper and looked at Duan Lun and the other craftsmen.

"This...is this woodblock printing? How does it work? Tell me in detail!"

Duan Lun gestured for Zhao Tiezhu to step forward and answer. Zhao Tiezhu was so nervous that sweat beaded on his forehead. He rubbed his hands together and began to stammer an explanation.

"Yes... Your Highness, it is... it is like this. First, we select a fine-grained board, plan and sand it... Then, a literate person writes the text to be printed in reverse on thin paper with a brush."

"Then...then turn it over and stick it onto the wooden board. Following the ink marks, use a carving knife to remove the blank parts, making the text stand out...to become a printing plate..."

As he spoke, a craftsman who could read picked up a pre-carved printing block, while two others worked together, one using a brush to dip into ink and evenly brushing it onto the raised characters on the printing block.

Another person places the cut paper on top and then gently brushes the back of the paper with a clean, flat brush.

A moment later, the paper was peeled off, revealing a loose page of the Thousand Character Classic with clear handwriting.

The whole process took only a short time.

Li Chengqian stared intently, growing increasingly alarmed with each glance.

The principle is simple: it's just an enlargement and combination of seals. But what it represents is a revolution in the way knowledge is disseminated!
He suppressed his excitement and pressed on, "How many copies can be printed in one printing block?"

Zhao Tiezhu hurriedly replied, "Your Highness, as long as the printing plate is not damaged, ... tens of thousands of copies can be printed! Moreover, ... the speed is very fast. Once you are skilled, one person can print hundreds of copies a day."

Thousands upon thousands!
One person can produce hundreds of photos a day!

Li Chengqian felt that he was having some difficulty breathing.

what does this mean?
This means that if the imperial court wants to implement a legal code or an educational article, it no longer needs to spend years and mobilize countless scribes to copy it!
This means that scholars from humble backgrounds may be able to acquire classic books that previously required going bankrupt, with only a small price to pay!
He seemed to see the solid foundation that had finally been laid for the ambition in his heart to "enable talented people from poor families to stand in the court based on their talents" and "let the way of the sages reach the common people".

This cornerstone is not an empty slogan, but a real skill that can change the material foundation!
"Good! Good! Excellent!" Li Chengqian exclaimed repeatedly, unable to contain his joy.

He looked at Zhao Tiezhu, Zhao Xiaoman, and the three craftsmen, his eyes filled with admiration.

"You have performed such an extraordinary feat, a merit that will last for generations for the country and its people! I will reward you handsomely! Zhao Tiezhu, you are hereby awarded three hundred bolts of silk and two hundred strings of cash!"

"The remaining three craftsmen will each be promoted one rank and awarded one hundred bolts of silk and one hundred strings of cash!"

"Zhao Xiaoman... is granted special permission to attend classes at the Hongwen Academy to learn calligraphy and literature. All expenses will be covered by the Crown Prince. He will also be awarded fifty bolts of silk and fifty strings of cash!"

Hongwen Hall!
That was such a noble place, gathering the most learned scholars in the world. For Zhao Xiaoman, the son of a craftsman, being able to enter and listen in was like taking the first step in a carp leaping over the dragon gate!
Upon hearing this, Zhao Tiezhu and the three craftsmen felt a surge of excitement rush to their heads, trembling with emotion, and kowtowed in gratitude, their words incoherent.

"Thank you, Your Highness! Thank you for your grace! I... I will repay you with my life!"

Zhao Xiaoman, bewildered, knelt down and kowtowed after her father, her little face flushed red with excitement.

Li Chengqian nodded in satisfaction, then turned to Duan Lun, his tone solemn.

"Minister Duan, the Ministry of Works has made a great contribution this time! I will not elaborate on the importance of this technique, but you should understand it."

"The artisans involved in this matter must be properly protected, and all woodblocks and tools must be strictly guarded."

"Sir, obey the order!"

Duan Lun bowed and accepted the order, his expression solemn.

He naturally knew what this woodblock printing technique meant.

Li Chengqian was excited and toured the workshop again, inquiring about some other recent matters of the Ministry of Works.

Duan Lun reported in detail, mentioning that the craftsmen were in high spirits under the Crown Prince's policy of "encouraging innovation and rewarding meritorious officials".

Besides woodblock printing, several other groups are also researching topics such as improving the efficiency of textile machines, improving agricultural tools, and optimizing glassmaking processes.

Although there has been no breakthrough yet, a spirit of dedicated research and daring to try new things has already taken shape.

"Great! That's the kind of spirit we've been looking for!"

Li Chengqian nodded repeatedly as he listened, and addressed Duan Lun, as well as all the Ministry of Works officials present.

"The Ministry of Works is a place where all crafts gather, a place where truly ingenious ideas can be turned into tangible objects!"

"Minister Duan, you must remember that the key to the Ministry of Works lies in gathering the best talents from all over the country, regardless of their background, only in their abilities and knowledge!"

"We must dare to break with convention and encourage craftsmen to think boldly and act freely! The imperial court will be generous with its rewards, and the Crown Prince will provide strong support!"

"The prosperity of the Tang Dynasty is inseparable from agriculture and sericulture, military preparedness, and also from the ingenuity and hard work of the Ministry of Works! The Ministry of Works must set a good example!"

His words were both an encouragement and a setting point, clearly elevating the Ministry of Works to a strategic level concerning the foundation of the nation.

Duan Lun and the other officials from the Ministry of Works were deeply moved and bowed in agreement.

"Your Highness's teachings will be firmly remembered!"

Just as everyone was immersed in the encouragement brought by the Crown Prince and their vision for the future, Li Yichen, who had been quietly standing in the corner observing the several woodblocks, felt someone gently tug at his sleeve.

He looked down and saw that it was Zhao Xiaoman.

Zhao Xiaoman tilted her head back, her eyes filled with a thirst for knowledge.

There's also a sliver of anticipation after completing the "homework".

He bowed deeply to Li Yichen with utmost respect, his voice low yet clear: "Master."

His address of "mentor" and his respectful bow were not particularly noticeable in the somewhat noisy workshop.

But Li Chengqian, who was looking around with satisfaction, happened to see it.

Li Chengqian paused slightly, his gaze shifting between Li Yichen and Zhao Xiaoman, a curious smile appearing on his face.

"Master of Ceremonies Li, what do you think of this young man?"

He asked the question casually, with a hint of idle chatter.

Li Yichen remained calm, meeting Li Chengqian's gaze, and answered frankly: "Your Highness, this boy does indeed possess some extraordinary talent in the study of things. He has keen observation skills, ingenious ideas, and the ability to put them into practice with dedication."

"I see that he is a promising talent and I cannot bear to see such a gem go to waste. Therefore, I have recently taken him under my wing and teach him to read and write in my spare time."

His tone was calm, as if he were talking about something trivial.

However, to Li Chengqian, it was like a thunderclap!
The master... took Zhao Xiaoman as his apprentice?

In an instant, the birth of woodblock printing became an incredibly clear answer in Li Chengqian's mind!

That's it!

It turns out that Mr. was behind all of this!

It wasn't that the gentleman personally wielded the hammer to carve the printing blocks, but rather that he had unknowingly sown the seeds and guided the direction long ago!

This woodblock printing technique may seem to be a flash of inspiration from Zhao Xiaoman and a few craftsmen, but its origin may lie in the scholar's guidance!

No wonder...

It turns out that it was his unpredictable and mysterious husband who had been secretly exerting his influence behind the scenes!
Li Chengqian's heart was instantly filled with a tremendous sense of realization and indescribable joy.

He looked at the calm Li Yichen, then at Zhao Xiaoman who seemed somewhat flustered by the simultaneous attention of the Crown Prince and her "mentor," and suddenly had a strange feeling—

It seems I've gained a... junior brother?
(End of this chapter)