Chapter 49: Zhou Qingchen's Mental Strain
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Although Huayang didn’t understand why the silver had suddenly disappeared just now, she still nodded and said, “Don’t worry, Brother, production is already in full swing.”
“Right, the manufacturing process has been divided and handled under multiple procedures. Even if some craftsmen are untrustworthy, none can reveal the complete production process.”
Fusu nodded, looking at his elder sister. “Once the price of paper drops in a while, we can start printing some books.”
“Sis, there are some matters I need you to arrange people to handle. You can prepare accordingly…”
The two talked for quite some time. Only then did Fusu leave the courtyard, accompanied by several guards, and returned to the mansion.
Upon returning, he saw that Shisheng and the others had already been brought over by Wang Ben’s men.
Without hesitation, Fusu assigned a large area within the mansion to Shisheng and his group for residence and began training them in the systematic process of gunpowder manufacturing.
Of course, as a precaution, Fusu taught the process in divided batches and stages—each person responsible only for their part, with no interference in others’ work.
Individually, the pieces were useless, but combined, they could unleash tremendous power.
During this costly and repetitive endeavor, the rifle technology was gradually conquered, until the first rifle was finally crafted...
Prime Minister’s Mansion.
Li Si had spent quite a lot on purchasing paper over the past few days.
The more he used it, the more indispensable it became.
Not to mention how convenient it was for writing, even using it in the lavatory was remarkably smooth!
This was truly a great invention!
As Li Si marveled, Wu Gong entered and said, “Master, according to the intelligence we’ve gathered within the city, there’s no indication that Prince Fusu has made any arrangements against us…”
“Impossible!” Zhou Qingchen’s eyes sank, his complexion pale, speaking sharply. “We’ve attacked him multiple times in court; he can’t just do nothing to us as if everything’s fine!”
A worried look flashed in Zhou Qingchen’s eyes after he spoke.
These days, this matter had consumed him with anxiety, leaving him visibly thinner.
Li Si was also on high alert, cautious in every move, unwilling to make the slightest mistake.
“Can we trust it?” Li Si hesitated.
Wu Gong nodded, “Very reliable. Although the spies within Fusu’s mansion are gone, others remain. After thorough verification, this report was brought to us.”
Li Si nodded and paced for a moment. “Fusu is now isolated and vulnerable; the more he does, the more mistakes he makes!”
“If he won’t fall into our trap, then we must think of something else.”
Wu Gong pondered, “Master, some time ago, Prince Fusu purchased a batch of Baiyue slaves. Zhao Cheng informed us of this.”
“And there seems to be a problem with that batch.”
“They were originally reserved by Feng Ji but were snatched by Fusu!”
Li Si’s expression darkened. “The land of Baiyue…”
“Investigate further. Find more clues. We must plan this carefully.”
Wu Gong nodded and set off to carry out the orders.
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Li Si wandered around the room a bit more before looking anxiously at Zhou Qingchen. “You should do something too!”
“Staying so tense all the time will make you sick!”
Zhou Qingchen nodded. “Please give me your orders!”
Li Si thought for a moment. “Work quietly to acquire the method for making paper as soon as possible!”
“Such an item will bring earth-shaking changes to our great Qin. We can’t let that old Wang Jian have all the benefits.”
“We must also have the capability to produce paper!”
Zhou Qingchen immediately nodded and hurried off.
...
Within Xianyang City.
As the Wang family shops displayed stacks of paper, scholars flocked eagerly to buy.
The new batch of paper was sold out within half a day.
“Tomorrow, the same amount will be available!”
“Everyone, don’t panic or push. You’ll get your chance to buy…”
Wang Dafa, the shop owner, comforted the disappointed scholars.
In the distance, some poorly dressed scholars cursed loudly, “Shady merchants!”
“Thirty sheets of paper cost as much as a dou of millet. With that money, we’d be better off buying millet!”
“Exactly!”
“Not having paper won’t kill you, but no food will!”
“No buying! None of us will buy! Let’s see how they sell then!”
“That’s right!”
“Boycott paper! Absolutely no purchase!”
“We’ll make bamboo slips ourselves…”
These scholars of humble origins gritted their teeth in anger and stormed off.
Wang Dafa shook his head, thinking, “What fools!”
“Do they really think these people buy paper just for reading and writing?”
“Many buy paper to replace handkerchiefs…”
Just then, a clerk from the back shop came in, “Boss, boss, the new batch of paper has arrived.”
“So soon?” Wang Dafa looked suspicious.
The clerk smiled, “This batch is special. According to the craftsman who delivered it, this paper is softer but also easier to tear.”
Oh?
Wang Dafa was puzzled.
If it tears so easily, how can people write on it, or…
Curious, Wang Dafa walked into the back courtyard and saw the yellowed rolls of paper, completely stunned.
So much?
The clerk immediately pulled out a roll and said, “Boss, look, isn’t this much softer?”
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“If used in the lavatory, wouldn’t it be very comfortable?”
“The craftsmen said this is toilet paper!”
“In the future, paper will be categorized: some for writing, some for hygiene like toilet paper, and…”
“And what else?”
The clerk recalled seriously, “There are also some harder sheets for making packaging boxes!”
Wang Dafa felt as if struck by lightning.
They could do this?
The next moment, sensing a business opportunity, Wang Dafa said, “Quickly organize this. We need to clearly explain the uses of each type of paper!”
The clerk scratched his head and smiled, “Don’t worry, boss! I’ll handle it carefully!”
...
Thus, while everyone thought paper was too expensive and preferred buying millet, the grain in Xianyang City was being swept away at an astonishing pace.
When the price of grain rose, everyone realized that paper wasn’t so expensive after all...
At that moment, Fusu looked at the storage space, where nearly a few thousand shi of grain were stocked, and nodded with satisfaction.
It was time to slow down.
If he bought too much and someone investigated, it would be problematic.
What would the heir apparent of Qin buy so much grain for? Rebellion?
If this reached Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s ears, trouble would surely follow.
Therefore, Fusu slowed the pace of grain purchases but did not stop.
At this moment, Fusu was writing a plan for future commercial development.
A lovely young girl with bright eyes and white teeth entered the room, smiling sweetly. “Your Highness, here is the tea you requested.”
Fusu looked up and said, “Place it…”
“Hm?”
Fusu stared at the girl with her sun-kissed complexion and straight hair, momentarily stunned.
So adorable!