Daqin: My weak and virtuous minister

"Your Majesty, I want to talk about the art of papermaking. I am willing to contribute my technology and invite all Mohists to come to Xianyang to make paper together."

coax

The court officials looked at Zhang Yuanqing in shock.

Anyone who can stand here is not a fool, how could they not understand the value of this paper? If it is sold, it will be an endless source of wealth. Zhang Yuanqing actually wants to donate it!

Some people are concerned about interests, while others are concerned about inviting Mohists from all over the world.

Obviously, Ying Zheng also thought of this, and was even more impressed by Zhang Yuanqing's talent and foresight.

"Well, I'll leave it to you to take charge now, and Li Si will assist from the side." Considering Zhang Yuanqing's physical condition, Ying Zheng added again.

Li Si grinned happily, "Yes."

Receiving a lot of envious and jealous looks, Li Si looked at Zhang Yuanqing and realized that he was indeed Brother Zhang.

After the court session, Zhang Yuanqing quickly left Zhangtai Palace, and Li Si followed closely.

Returning to the palace, Zhang Yuanqing took out a large piece of paper and wrote on it, "The emperor has invented the art of papermaking, but is currently short of manpower. I invite the Mohists to come to Xianyang to jointly make paper." The emperor will then decide on the merits and rewards.

"Brother Zhang, can we really recruit people from the Mohist School this way?"

"We'll know if it works if we try." Zhang Yuanqing put down the brush nonchalantly, not worried about it at all.

"Write a few more copies of this and post them. Make sure everyone knows the wonderful uses of this paper. I'll leave this matter to you. My health is really not suited to such a rush."

As he spoke, Zhang Yuanqing coughed twice.

"Don't worry, Brother Zhang. I know the seriousness of this matter and will definitely handle it well."

"Alright, let's gather some workers and start making paper. Once the Mo family arrives, we'll have them improve it. The paper we have now is a bit yellowish. If it could be as white as snow, that would definitely be better."

Li Si's eyes lit up and he left with full of fighting spirit.

But within a few days, the whole Xianyang knew that Da Shangzao, who had achieved a grain yield of four stone per mu, had invented paper. This paper was thinner and lighter than bamboo slips, and much more convenient, and easier to write on. Now people from the Mohist school were needed.

People who were curious about the paper also went to see it, especially those who read books, who regarded it as a sacred object.

In just a few days, the paper had become a hot topic.

At the same time, Li Si also found a house for papermaking and guarded it with soldiers to prevent the technology from being leaked.

As soon as Zhang Yuanqing issued the notice, Xiang Liqin and Fu?, the descendants of Mozi in Qin, got the news.

The disciples were also ready to make a move.

If they had invented papermaking, it would definitely be a masterpiece.

Seeing that his disciples were eager to try, Xiang Liqin and Fu? hesitated for a long time and decided to go to Zhang Yuanqing.

In fact, Zhang Yuanqing's move was not to attract the Mohists who advocated universal love and non-merit, but to find someone who was proficient in weapon making like the early Gongshu Ban.

Back then, Gongshu Ban was definitely a top talent in the art of weapons, but it was Mozi's ideas that convinced Gongshu Ban, and made him no longer keen on weapons manufacturing. In Mozi's words, war makes people suffer terribly, and when you manufacture weapons, you are causing suffering to the people, and this should not be the case.

After that, Gongshu Ban agreed with Mozi's ideas, and Mozi's Mohist school advocated universal love and non-aggression.

Alas, Zhang Yuanqing sighed regretfully.

Don't worry, if someone from the Mohist School comes, we can persuade a few of them to defect and let them study weapons. That would be fine.

At this time, the Mohist school still didn't know what Zhang Yuanqing was planning.

When Xiang Liqin and Fu arrived, Zhang Yuanqing had just gone to the paper mill to guide some improvements.

"I have met the Great Master."

"Please stand up and sit down."

At this time, Zhang Yuanqing's house had been renovated and was fully equipped with tables and chairs.

Xiang Liqin and Fu? saw Zhang Yuanqing sitting on a strange object and looked at the furnishings in the study curiously.

"This is a chair. It's much more comfortable to sit on than a saw. This is a table to go with the chair. That's the coffee table and the bookshelf."

Seeing that the two were curious, Zhang Yuanqing introduced them one by one and very kindly satisfied their curiosity.

Xiangli Qin and Fu? After looking at the whole thing, they were all simple things. It was really a great talent that Dashangzao could think of using such simple things to bring such convenience.

The two people who were originally hesitant now tilted their minds towards Zhang Yuanqing.

"These crafts are simple and common, and can be easily imitated. If you two like them, you can make some for your own use."

Zhang Yuanqing had no intention of using this to make money, simply because it was unrealistic.

But I can use these to build up my reputation later.

Alas, I have to fight for the system reward.

"Thank you, Daishozo."

"You came here to learn the art of papermaking."

After solving the small things, it will naturally be time to deal with the serious matters.

The two men stood up and said respectfully, "That's right. The papermaking technique that Da Shangzao has mastered can be considered the work of a sage. We are willing to contribute to Da Shangzao's work."

"Okay." Zhang Yuanqing nodded with satisfaction. "The paper mill has already started making paper. I invited you here to improve the papermaking technique."

As he spoke, Zhang Yuanqing brought out paper and handed it to the two of them.

Although they had seen the magic of paper on the notice, Xiang Liqin and Fu? were still amazed when they held it in their hands.

"Although today's paper can be used for writing, it still has some shortcomings. I need you to improve the technology and produce better paper. And these."

This time, Zhang Yuanqing brought toilet paper.

"These sheets can be used to wipe your hands or after using the toilet."

Speaking of this, Zhang Yuanqing also felt a little uncomfortable. Who could have imagined that one day he would have to discuss butt wiping with others?

After these words were spoken, Xiang Liqin and Fu looked at Zhang Yuanqing in shock.

Obediently

I'm a good boy

Such precious paper was actually used by Da Shangzao to wipe his butt.

Zhang Yuanqing felt uncomfortable being stared at and coughed strategically. "This is much more practical than bamboo strips and cheaper than silk. Why can't we use it? Not only can we use it, but everyone in Qin can use it in the future."

"Isn't your Mohist mission to create more convenient things to improve people's lives? I'll leave this matter to you."

"promise."

When the two heard this, they realized that what Da Shangzao said was true. For the sake of the people, they should do it!

"Come on, I'll take you to the paper mill first. But to prevent the technology from being leaked, you'll need to live there and sign a confidentiality agreement. If the technology is leaked here, the consequences will be..."

"Don't worry, Da Shangzao. We will definitely cooperate and will never reveal the art of papermaking without permission."

Are you kidding? Only a fool would tell others that.

If the art of papermaking had been developed and promoted in their hands, it would definitely be a beautiful thing that would be recorded in history.

By then, all the Mohists in the world will be led by them, and Meng Sheng, Hu Feizi and others will have to beg them for help.

Thinking of this, the two looked at Zhang Yuanqing even more eagerly.

Zhang Yuanqing braved the gazes and quickly sent them to the paper mill, where they discussed technology for a long time.

On the second day, Xiang Liqin and Fu? brought their disciples to the paper mill, and Li Si enthusiastically arranged for everyone.