The funny counterattack of traveling through time and space and becoming a vicious female supporting

Chapter 113 Good News for Scholars

Lu Linger carefully prepared a special gift for Ji Huaide, which was not only a tribute to Ji Huaide, but also a true blessing for his love of reading. This gift included detailed movable type printing, papermaking, and ancient pencil production processes, showing him the essence of ancient book making.

movable type printing

The first step in making movable type is to create the blanks. These are made of clay or metal, each of uniform dimensions. A single character is engraved in reverse on one end, with the raised strokes roughly the thickness of a copper coin. This is then hardened in fire, forming individual pieces of movable type. The finished type needs to be stored, categorized, and placed in wooden grids, labeled with paper for easy reference and use.

When typesetting, a mixture of rosin, wax, and paper ash is first applied to a framed iron plate. The required movable type is then placed into the frame one by one, until a full frame is formed. The typeface is then baked over a fire to slightly melt the mixture, and then a flat plate is used to flatten the typeface. Once the mixture cools and solidifies, the typeface is fixed.

During the printing process, ink is applied to the plate, paper is placed over it, and pressure is applied to complete the printing. To improve efficiency, two iron plates are often used alternately: one for applying ink and the other for setting the type. After printing is complete, the plates are disassembled, the type removed, cleaned, and reclassified for storage for the next use. Proofreading is also performed to ensure that every character is correct, and any errors are promptly replaced.

Papermaking

The primary raw materials for ancient papermaking included plant fibers such as tree bark, hemp ends, rags, and old fishing nets. These materials were readily available and inexpensive. During the soaking and steaming stages, the raw materials were soaked in water to soften them, then boiled in a large pot. Lime and other additives were added to remove impurities and pigments. The boiled raw materials were then mashed and rinsed to form a pulp, which was then rinsed thoroughly to remove any remaining impurities.

During the pulping stage, rinsed pulp is placed in water and stirred to form a uniform paper film, which is then scooped up using bamboo screens or fine mesh. During the pressing and drying stages, the paper films are stacked layer by layer and pressed tightly with wooden boards to squeeze out excess moisture. The films are then air-dried or oven-dried. After drying, the paper needs to be finished and used, including cutting, polishing, and sizing, to improve its quality and suitability for various applications, such as writing, printing, and packaging.

Ancient pencil making

The main raw materials for ancient pencils were graphite and clay. To prepare the raw materials, graphite powder and clay were mixed in a certain proportion, then an appropriate amount of water was added and stirred until smooth. Next, the mixture was extruded into a thin, long pencil lead. During the drying and firing process, the lead was dried and then fired in a high-temperature kiln to harden it.

Afterwards, it's impregnated with oil to fill pores, improve the lead's smoothness, and enhance its writing performance. To create the penholder, the wood is sawn in half, a groove is carved in the middle to accommodate the lead, and the two halves are joined and glued together. Finally, the pencil is polished and colored to a smooth surface, where it's then painted and decorated.

This gift not only demonstrates Lu Ling'er's profound understanding of ancient printing, papermaking, and pencil making, but also reflects her respect and care for Ji Huaide. Upon receiving the gift, Ji Huaide expressed sincere admiration for Lu Ling'er's talent and dedication, believing that these detailed technical solutions are extremely valuable and will have a positive impact on his work and academic research.

When Ji Yun, Gu Yichen, and Ji Junche saw these exquisite gifts, they were stunned, their eyes filled with disbelief and curiosity. They all turned to Gu Yichen, curiously wondering how Lu Ling'er knew about these technologies. Gu Yichen silently shook his head, indicating that he knew nothing about them either.

Lu Ling'er's reason for understanding these ancient techniques is simple. In a past life, she was particularly fascinated by a handsome man in ancient costume who uploaded videos daily showcasing various ancient life skills and methods. She was completely captivated by these videos, never expecting that this knowledge would actually come in handy one day. She couldn't help but smile, thinking to herself, "Thank you, handsome man! I never thought your videos would be a lifesaver for me in ancient times!"

At this moment, she was still thankful that she had watched those videos of handsome men in ancient costumes and mastered many ancient life skills. She didn't expect that this knowledge would come in handy today. Many years later, Lu Linger was surprised to find that today's unintentional action had become an important milestone in the history of the Tianqi Dynasty, leaving a far-reaching impact on the future.