My father Liu Xuande

Chapter 170 Inviting the Three Sages

Liu Feng developed the quill pen because, compared to the brush pen, the quill pen was several times faster and more efficient at writing.

Especially for small characters, a quill pen is ten times more effective than a brush pen.

A novice can master a quill pen and write small characters, although the writing may be very ugly. However, it is absolutely impossible for a novice to write small characters with a brush pen.

Moreover, after the promotion of paper, Liu Feng and others, after unifying the country, would want to find opportunities to promote simplified characters.

Of course, Liu Feng's intention in promoting simplified characters was not to reminisce about his original world, but to simplify the teaching and learning of characters.

Reduce the difficulty of learning, increase paper production, promote calligraphy with pens, and develop movable type printing.

All of this is aimed at increasing the accessibility of education.

Without sufficient education, all reforms are castles in the air, because humans are self-interested and selfish, and the ruling class instinctively wants to keep the people ignorant, since the cost of ruling a populace that has been kept ignorant is the lowest.

Without sufficient educational foundation, farmers simply cannot protect their land. Even if Liu Feng forcefully pushes forward land reform, it will only ultimately create a completely new interest group.

Liu Feng inquired carefully, "What is the cost of this paper? What is the production volume?"

Liu Fa replied earnestly, "Currently, the cost of a sheet of paper is about eight copper coins. There is still room for improvement in the process. As long as the production volume keeps up, it may be reduced to less than five copper coins in the future. At present, there is only one workshop with no more than sixty or seventy people, and the daily output is more than ten sheets."

Liu Feng nodded. For most industrial projects, efficiency is always directly proportional to scale; the larger the scale, the higher the efficiency.

Today, a small workshop with only sixty or seventy people can produce more than ten sheets of paper this large every day. If cut to the normal size of a book today, one sheet could be equivalent to five or six pages.

The technology has now been successfully developed. As long as Liu Feng is willing to invest funds and manpower, production can increase explosively. In the future, the annual output will be tens of thousands or even thousands.

While pondering this in his mind, Liu Feng continued to ask, "What's the situation with the supply of materials?"

Liu Fa answered clearly and logically: "As instructed by the young master, we tried various materials and different processes. The most suitable raw materials are still trees, bamboo, wheat stalks, and rice straw, which produce clean and white paper. In addition, if we use the baking method, the quality of the paper is the best and the speed is the fastest, but it requires additional fuel. If we use the drying method, we can save a lot of fuel, but it takes a long time, and if the weather is bad, we need to stop work to rest, which is a great waste of time."

Baking is an improved method.

In the earliest days, people would smear the pulp onto walls to dry, but this method required sunny weather and plenty of sunlight.

If the weather is bad, efficiency will be very low, and if it rains, then work can only be stopped and rested.

However, the baking method changed the sun-drying process to drying in a smokehouse, which was a major leap forward in ancient papermaking technology. From then on, papermaking no longer had to depend on the weather.

"Um……."

Liu Feng nodded. Developing industry could indeed support a large population and alleviate the problem of land annexation. At the same time, the promotion of papermaking would not only bring Liu Feng substantial financial gains, but also, more importantly, a good reputation.

It can be said to serve multiple purposes.

"good."

After considering for a moment, Liu Feng said, "I'll leave this matter to you. The Mi family's first-half settlement should be coming soon, and the estimated dividend is at least 30 million. I can allocate 5 million to you first to recruit manpower, expand raw material production capacity, and increase output."

The Mi family had previously sent a letter to Liu Feng, reporting on the sales of frost sugar and snow salt in the first half of the year.

More than 60 shi of frosting sugar were sold, generating a profit of 84 million coins. The cost was only one-third of that. After deducting the costs of sales and taxes, the net profit reached 47 million coins.

According to the tax rate of the Eastern Han Dynasty, sugar was subject to a 10% sales tax.

Of the 84 million, 8.4 million must be paid in taxes.

However, the world is becoming increasingly chaotic, which is actually a good time for powerful and wealthy businessmen.

Despite their various schemes, the Mi family only paid a little over four million in taxes, nearly two million of which were paid in Xuzhou, meaning the money ended up in their own territory.

Unfortunately, the Mi family has almost depleted their inventory of brown sugar and cane sugar in one go, and they have also bought up most of the miscellaneous sugars in Xuzhou. Sales in the second half of the year will definitely drop significantly.

However, things will improve starting next year, as Liu Feng has successfully captured Guangling.

At this time, Guangling County was a sugarcane-producing area with vast sugarcane fields, which could provide the Mi family with a large amount of raw materials. At the same time, Guangling was adjacent to Yangzhou, and could also import sugarcane and mixed sugar from Yangzhou. The Mi family had already begun to mobilize merchant caravans to go and purchase them.

It is expected that sales will return to a stable level in the first half of next year, with annual sales estimated at around 130 shi and net profit at around 100 million.

According to Mijia's statistics, the biggest problem now is not a lack of market demand, but a shortage of raw materials.

Despite the current chaos, the powerful clans and wealthy families still have plenty of money.

Frosting sugar is not only a high-calorie, delicious food, but it can also be a life-saving medicine in critical moments.

Indeed, in ancient times, sugar was a very precious delicacy, medicinal ingredient, and condiment. It was easy to preserve, did not spoil easily, and had a small volume, making it very popular among the gentry and powerful families. More importantly, sugar was a consumable; once it was consumed, it needed to be replenished, so there was never a shortage of market demand.

Previously, the Mi family wanted to give Liu Feng a share of the profits, but Liu Feng politely declined and entrusted the money to the Mi family.

This time I'm back, and it'll be a good opportunity to share the money and get things done.

After calculating in his mind, Liu Feng made a request: "Within three months, increase the daily output to more than one hundred sheets. There is no need to worry about sales. At present, I have six or seven counties under the control of Xuzhou, and we can gradually replace bamboo slips with paper."

Government procurement has always been the easiest business to conduct, provided that timely settlement is guaranteed.

Liu Feng is Liu Bei's son and the young master of Xuzhou, so naturally there's no need to worry about settlement issues.

Liu Fa and the others respectfully accepted the order.

“The paper industry is currently of paramount importance, but there is a shortage. You can apply for it. If the daily output is less than 500, you can increase the production capacity at any time without waiting for my approval.”

In Liu Feng's framework, paper was a very important element. Whether it was changing the recommendation system to the imperial examination system or promoting education, a huge amount of paper was needed.

The technology of movable type printing is not actually complicated; the most difficult part is that flash of inspiration that leads to a breakthrough.

Therefore, there is no rush in this regard. We should first increase the production of paper before we can introduce movable type printing. Otherwise, if there is not enough paper, there will be no need for printing.

Liu Feng had originally considered collaborating with the Chen and Lu families on papermaking technology, but now he has changed his mind.

As Liu Bei and his son's foothold in Xuzhou became increasingly secure, he had no reason to relinquish such a lucrative and prestigious enterprise to share with others.

As for the military industry, Liu Feng plans to split it into two parts: ordnance and iron smelting.

The arms industry must be controlled by ourselves; no outsiders are allowed to interfere.

As for the iron smelting industry, the more the better. Not only have we already invited the Mi family, but we can also invite the Chen family of Xiapi, the Lu family of Guangling, Cao Bao, and even Chen Qun in the future.

Although the Chen family doesn't have much money, they are well-known in Yuzhou. We can ask them to introduce us to powerful and wealthy merchants in Yuzhou who are interested in this matter.

There are three main reasons for this. First, the iron smelting industry is a heavy industry that requires an enormous amount of capital. Even with the Mi family's immense wealth, it would be difficult for them to support it on their own. Otherwise, given the importance of the Qu County Ironworks to the Mi family, they would have expanded the scale of iron smelting many times over.

Secondly, a vital industry like iron smelting is not suitable to be controlled by a single wealthy merchant; only by bringing in more people can there be competition.

Finally, Liu Feng could also use this opportunity to win over more people, especially the powerful clans and gentry of Yuzhou and Yangzhou, which would help Liu Bei expand in these two directions in the future.

Subsequently, Liu Feng inquired about matters such as Hua Tuo, land reclamation, and orphans.

Liu Feng invited Liu Bei to appoint Hua Tuo as his medical advisor, with an annual salary of 120 shi (a unit of dry measure), plus a monthly stipend of 2,000 wen (another unit of cash). In addition, Hua Tuo would receive two bolts of silk and hemp cloth each year during the four seasons and festivals, a truly exceptional favor.

At the same time, Liu Feng also creatively fabricated the idea of ​​project funding, preparing 50,000 yuan for Hua Tuo to use for his medical research.

Hua Tuo now has more than 30 students under his tutelage. At Liu Feng's suggestion, he has begun to organize his notes and insights, which he named the "Qing Nang Shu" (Book of the Green Bag), and will use it as a teaching plan to educate his students.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Liu Feng also stuffed in some things he remembered, so that Hua Tuo and the others could study them while teaching. Things like the panacea Banlangen, the effects of ginkgo leaves, etc., anything that Liu Feng could vaguely remember, he stuffed in.

After reviewing the documents prepared by Liu Fa and his team, Liu Feng found no problems and signed his approval.

They provided Hua Tuo with an additional 200,000 coins for research and teaching, and also gave Liu Erying an extra 500,000 coins and 2,000 shi of grain.

After finishing all that, it finally came to an end, and it was already evening.

Liu Feng sent someone to deliver invitation cards to Xun You, Zhuge Jin, and the Zhuge Liang brothers, inviting them to a gathering the next day.

Afterwards, Liu Feng went to accompany his grandmother and Lady Tian. Xun You, who was in the guesthouse, was somewhat surprised when he received the invitation, but after a moment's thought, he agreed.

When Zhuge Jin and Zhuge Liang received the invitation, they were quite surprised. They had originally thought that Liu Bei and his son would be busy for a while and wouldn't think of the Zhuge family for a while.

Unexpectedly, Liu Feng sent an invitation so quickly, inviting the two brothers to travel together.

After discussing it for a while, the two readily agreed to the appointment.

Regardless, Liu Feng was Liu Bei's eldest son and the savior of the Zhuge family, so they had to give him some face.

The next day, Liu Fengxian went to the guesthouse to welcome Xun You.

Liu Feng personally stood outside the gate, waiting for Xun You.

Upon seeing Xun You, he bowed and said, "Mr. Xun, I am deeply grateful for your kind invitation."

Xun You was startled and quickly stepped aside, saying, "Young master, there's no need for this. I am unworthy of such praise."

Liu Feng, however, took Xun You's hand affectionately: "I have long admired your name, sir, and know that you are a man of exceptional talent. Now that you have come all the way to Xuzhou at the request of my father and me, how can I not be grateful to you?"

After exchanging pleasantries, the two boarded the car together at Liu Feng's invitation and set off.

Liu Feng's arrival this time was far from simple; he was accompanied by a squad of armored soldiers and several oxcarts, with Dong Xi and Gan Ning serving as the chief guards.

The person in the same carriage was Xun You, who was going to pick up Zhuge Ziyu and Zhuge Kongming.

This was quite a grand affair; even the future King of Wu of Wei would likely find it difficult to match.

Soon, Liu Feng's convoy arrived outside Zhuge Liang's residence.

The residences Liu Bei arranged for them were also in the inner city, next to the guesthouse.

The two Zhuge brothers were already waiting at the door, but Liu Feng insisted on getting out of the carriage to greet them. After welcoming them onto the oxcart, they set off again.

On the bumpy oxcart, Zhuge Liang suddenly spoke up: "Brother, it seems that Young Master Liu values ​​my family very much."

What Zhuge Liang truly doubted was Liu Feng's high regard for him, but he couldn't say it directly.

Zhuge Jin nodded slowly. The historical Zhuge Jin was very insightful and discerning, and he often saw through things but did not say them.

For example, Zhuge Jin had long seen through Sun Quan's distorted mentality and his mean and ungrateful character, but he never confronted Sun Quan directly. Instead, he tried to understand Sun Quan's intentions and then used different methods to advise him.

Therefore, Zhuge Jin seemed unremarkable, and many things were changed by Sun Quan himself.

Only those who truly understand the events can comprehend the role Zhuge Jin played in these matters.

This perfectly embodies the saying that a skilled warrior has no illustrious reputation.

In Liu Feng's opinion, Zhuge Jin's civil administration skills were quite similar to those of Zhuge Liang.

If Zhuge Liang's political score is 99, then Zhuge Jin's score is undoubtedly consistently above 90.

In military matters, Zhuge Jin was truly incompetent, but he was far from being bad.

The only ones capable of defeating Zhuge Jin were top figures in Wei, such as Cao Zhen, Xiahou Shang, or Sima Yi. To be able to withstand defeat against such opponents and not crumble shows that Zhuge Jin's military capabilities were far from being as weak as the public perceives.

Zhuge Jin's son, Zhuge Ke, could not learn his father's prudence and shrewdness. He was talented and sharp-tongued, but ultimately died because of his carelessness and negligence.

After listening to Zhuge Liang, Zhuge Jin nodded in agreement, and asked with some doubt, "Young Master Liu has been very kind to my Zhuge family. He not only treats my uncle with respect, but he is also very close and friendly to my brothers."

At this point, Zhuge Jin paused, glanced at his second brother, and then continued, "As a brother, I feel that he seems to value you the most, and treats you with special regard."

Upon hearing his elder brother's words, Zhuge Liang showed no shame or humility. Instead, he nodded and said, "If my elder brother also feels this way, then my doubts are not unfounded."

“Ke Liang knows he has no reputation. Although he has served his uncle and mother and taken care of his younger siblings, these are just things that a son and an elder brother should do. How can he expect Young Master Liu to look at him differently?”

Zhuge Jin also shook his head, puzzled.

The brothers' discussion revealed that the other had also become suspicious, but they still couldn't figure out the mystery.

Finally, Zhuge Jin made the final decision: "Young Master Liu is very kind and has saved our family's life. We should repay him with all our heart. As for our doubts, since we can't figure them out, we don't need to think about them anymore. The truth will come out in the future."

After listening, Zhuge Liang nodded and smiled, "That is indeed as you said, elder brother."

The reason why Zhuge Jin and Zhuge Liang could think this way was simply because they couldn't sense any malice from Liu Feng.

In that case, there's really no need to worry unnecessarily.

The oxcart soon came to a stop and arrived at a courtyard behind the Fangbo Mansion.

This residence is quite large, consisting of three courtyards. However, it is bustling with people and filled with steam, making it seem more like a workshop than a place for people to live.

This place is a papermaking workshop.

For reasons of secrecy and security, Liu Fa and his team obtained Liu Feng's consent and chose to locate the paper mill within the city.

There are three reasons why this courtyard was chosen: firstly, it is close to the Fangbo Prefecture; secondly, its location is relatively remote, which is conducive to monitoring and defense; and thirdly, there is a well in the courtyard.

Papermaking consumes a significant amount of water.

After Liu Feng got off the carriage, he invited Xun You, Zhuge Jin, and the Zhuge brothers to come inside together.

As Liu Feng extended the invitation, he also cautioned, "Gentlemen, this is a secret place in Xuzhou. Please do not divulge it after you have seen it."

Xun You blinked and suddenly said, "Young master, since this place is a secret and important location in Xuzhou, and I am not from Xuzhou, it might be inappropriate for me to enter rashly. Moreover, although I do not want to reveal Xuzhou's secrets, I am afraid that if I am forced by others in the future, I will find it difficult to keep my promise."

Upon hearing this, Liu Feng looked at Xun You in surprise.

Not to mention Liu Feng, even Zhuge Jin and Zhuge Liang were surprised by Xun You's words.

This is quite a direct slap in the face.

After pondering for a moment, Liu Feng still didn't understand why Xun You had said those words, but he guessed that it might be a test from the other party.

So Liu Feng, still smiling, said sincerely, “Mr. Gongda, there is no need to worry. If anyone is coercing you, you can speak frankly. It is best to protect yourself. My father once wrote a letter inviting you to visit Xuzhou, so he naturally trusts you. Moreover, even if you were to leak these secrets, my father and I would have no objection.”

Xun You nodded slowly: "In that case, I will respectfully comply."

In fact, Liu Feng's guess was correct. Xun You just wanted to test Liu Feng's magnanimity and see his reaction.

After all, Liu Bei stated in his letter that Xun You was free to come and go as he pleased.

Xun You naturally wanted to see Liu Feng's reaction, so as to speculate on the veracity of Liu Bei's letter.

As a result, Liu Feng's response was very generous, appropriate, and sincere, which dispelled much of Xun You's doubts.

"Gentlemen, please come in."

Led by Liu Feng, the four of them walked into the courtyard together.

Because Liu Feng had given prior instructions, the craftsmen in the papermaking workshop did not stop their work and continued with their tasks.

Liu Feng then led Zhuge Liang and the other two on a leisurely stroll.

Xun You, Zhuge Jin, and Zhuge Liang were not pedantic scholars; their intellect was among the best of their time, and they quickly realized that this was a papermaking workshop.

During the Eastern Han Dynasty, papermaking technology had already expanded significantly.

Zuo Bo paper from Qingzhou, hemp paper from Yizhou, and rattan paper from Jiangling are all quite famous.

In particular, Zuo Bo paper from Qingzhou is hailed as the best paper in the world.

(End of this chapter)