Reborn as the Crippled King's Beloved-Chapter 488 She Wants to Be Adored by Everyone

"If her method works, it will greatly reduce the cost of papermaking. Combined with movable type printing, books can enter every household and ordinary families will also be able to afford them,"

Manager Chai said solemnly after listening to Lou Zixi’s words.

It had always been a troubling issue for Her Majesty the Empress that ordinary people found it difficult to access education. For years, she had invested all the silver she earned into schools everywhere to allow the populace to read and write.

Manager Chai and others had also been thinking about cost-saving measures, because every bit of money saved could help even more people.

Many might laugh at this form of charity, considering it a futile effort. Now, many nobles secretly ridiculed them, saying that a peasant, even if literate, remains a peasant and can never change their strata.

Such thoughts were deeply ingrained, but they believed that with the relentless efforts of the Emperor and Her Majesty the Empress, one day, common people could also rise above their class.

Therefore, when Manager Chai heard that the papermaking technique could be improved, he was both excited and relieved.

Although Wang Yingluo was not a good person, she indeed had many useful ideas.

These great ideas, when applied appropriately, would benefit the country and the people!

No wonder even the Emperor had to "endure humiliation and bear a heavy burden," and Her Majesty had to continue feigning illness.

For the sake of the country and the people, what harm was there in a little personal discomfort?

"Regarding papermaking, I’ll arrange for someone to handle it while you focus on your tasks. If there are technical challenges, you’ll need to rely on your charm,"

Manager Chai jokingly said.

Lou Zixi shook his head speechlessly, but what Manager Chai said wasn’t wrong; he indeed had to "sell his charm." Even if he couldn’t smile at that woman, he would still feign a smile and look at her earnestly.

He said, "Don’t underestimate that woman. The Emperor said she has the ability to alter memories. If we must pretend, we need to do it with all our heart. She’s very vain. Just sincerely admiring her is enough; anything more would be overdoing."

"Don’t worry, this is crucial. Even for Her Majesty the Empress, I will be fully committed. In front of the other subordinates, I will carry it through to the end,"

Lou Zixi nodded. Being cautious was certainly appropriate.

Wang Yingluo might exercise her ability on others but wouldn’t act rashly against them because doing so would greatly increase her chances of being exposed.

But of course, it’s always better to be cautious—a cautious driver navigates a thousand years.

Manager Chai got busy again. With many hands and capable people sent by the Emperor, it didn’t take long before they actually produced bamboo paper.

As soon as the bamboo paper was made, Lou Zixi hurried over.

"Brother, quickly bring over the bamboo paper for me to see!"

He called to Manager Chai.

Unexpectedly, as he looked up, he saw the Emperor and Her Majesty the Empress!

Startled, he immediately knelt down.

Before he could speak, Jun Yuyan called him to rise.

"We are out of the palace incognito, Your Majesty and I. It’s best not to draw attention. Besides you and Manager Chai, no one here knows of our presence."

Murong Jiu also smiled and beckoned him, "Zixi, come and see. This bamboo paper is really good, delicate and flexible, dry and clean. It saves about 60 percent over traditional papermaking techniques. Most importantly, bamboos grow quickly, making this raw material more convenient and efficient than tree bark."

As soon as Lou Zixi held the bamboo paper, he felt its difference from traditional paper.

Indeed, the nobility also had expensive Xuan paper which was not only costly but also complicated in its production, making it rare. After becoming a new noble of the Imperial Court, naturally, people presented him with lavish gifts.

Before today, he believed that being costly had its reasons, but after seeing bamboo paper, he suddenly felt that compared to the expensive Xuan paper, the bamboo paper in his hand was not only equivalent but actually superior in terms of durability.

Compared to the costly Xuan paper, which was one silver taels per sheet, bamboo paper had a lower cost and was easier to promote, many advantages were clear upon comparison.

"Good, very good. Previously, the books we borrowed were almost illegible, after all, due to poor paper quality, which easily blurred and was prone to moisture, not to mention storing it for a few years, even just a few months would significantly degrade the text," he said.

On the bamboo paper in his hand, he recognized it was the Emperor’s handwriting, the script was clear and forceful, yet it neither bled through nor permeated, with a smooth surface that took ink exceptionally well.

Jun Yuyan said, "Previously, rice flour paste was added to paper for adhesion, but now plant mucilage is used, making the pulp more homogenous. Coupled with lime water soaking, the paper quality is smoother, more flexible, and suitable for storage, indeed admirable."

Murong Jiu mused, "It probably took numerous artisans’ experiments to achieve these final results, whereas we skipped that step and directly received the outcome."

Everyone laughed.

Despite not knowing exactly what the future holds, initially feeling alarmed by Wang Yingluo’s odd presence, ultimately, all that is being done now benefits the nation and its people, so why bother worrying about the future?

It doesn’t matter how many years into the future Wang Yingluo comes from, nor whether similar individuals will appear later, as long as all dangers are completely eradicated, there is no need to feel panicked.

Feeling a sense of crisis is not necessarily a bad thing.

"Beloved Minister Lou, whether or not you can continue to glean more insights from Wang Yingluo depends on you," he said.

Jun Yuyan said to Lou Zixi.

Lou Zixi replied, "Yes."

These past few days, he had been "seeking advice" on various issues from Wang Yingluo.

He said, "Miss Wang is not omniscient and omnipotent, she cannot explain the things she does not understand. However, she indeed has a broad range of knowledge, not mastering any, but still providing inspiration."

Murong Jiu said, "This too is something to be pleased about, as I believe in her era, many people like her possess vast knowledge."

Everyone affirmed Wang Yingluo’s capabilities, also understanding that Wang Yingluo was not an inventor but merely lived in a favorable era and possessed an excellent mind capable of retaining miscellaneous knowledge.

"By the way, Zixi, does Ah Wan know? Will it..."

Murong Jiu was somewhat worried that Lou Zixi and Sikong Wan could face conflict due to Wang Yingluo. Wang Yingluo was not one to stay passive, her daily actions were silently reported to both him and Jun Yuyan by the Hidden Guard, naturally revealing that Wang Yingluo was intent on winning over Lou Zixi.

Women like Wang Yingluo, both demanding and ambitious, were rare nowadays. It seemed she wanted to become the center of attraction, having countless men revolving around her.

Not only Lou Zixi, Su Kai also felt this way; Wang Yingluo held him in high regard as well.

"Your Majesty rest assured, my feelings with Ah Wan are mutual, she will not wreck anything,"

"It’s not that I’m worried she will wreck anything, but I fear she might misunderstand something and get hurt,"

Lou Zixi shook his head, indicating that such an event wouldn’t occur.

Murong Jiu was finally reassured.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, Wang Yingluo is here!"

Manager Chai had gone out and came back in immediately to report.

Jun Yuyan, holding onto Murong Jiu, walked towards the inner room:

"Let’s step aside and let her in."