The Little Lucky Girl.

Chapter 211 War in the North

The atmosphere in the imperial study was serene yet tinged with mystery. Murong Ye respectfully presented the paper to the emperor, which shone with a unique luster in the candlelight. The emperor's eyes were filled with surprise and curiosity. He looked at the paper before him, then turned to Murong Ye and asked, "Ye'er, was this paper made by Qing girl?" Murong Ye's expression was firm, and he nodded slightly, his tone tinged with pride, "Yes, father!" The paper and their conversation seemed to fill the imperial study with a unique atmosphere, as if something momentous was about to unfold.

The emperor held the paper, his eyes instantly gleaming, as if he had discovered a rare treasure. He carefully unfolded the rice paper, his fingers lightly touching the surface, feeling the unique texture, as if he could touch the care Su Qing put into its craftsmanship. Under the light, the grain of the rice paper was clearly visible, and the emperor could not help but nod slightly, his lips curled up in satisfaction, and he murmured, "This paper is so exquisite, Qing girl is truly a prodigy."

Murong Ye held the plan in both hands and handed it to the Emperor with a solemn expression. "Father, this is Qing'er's plan! Please take a look!" The Emperor put down the rice paper in his hands and looked up at Murong Ye, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes. Then he reached out and took the plan. The paper of the plan shone slightly, and the dense yet clear handwriting on it caught the Emperor's eye. The Emperor's expression gradually became solemn, and he read intently. The Imperial Study was so quiet that only the occasional rustling of papers could be heard.

The Emperor sat on the dragon throne in his study, absorbed in reviewing Su Qing's proposal for a joint printing and papermaking project. The air around him seemed frozen, the only sound being the gentle rustling of the pages as the Emperor flipped through them.

As he read deeper, the emperor's eyes widened, a glint of excitement and wonder gleaming in them. It was a glow like that of an explorer who had discovered a priceless treasure in the darkness, blazing with desire. His lips parted slightly, as if he wanted to share this surprise immediately, but he was so captivated by the plan's contents that he couldn't think of anything else.

When the Emperor finally finished reading the last line, he slowly put down the plan and leaned back against the dragon throne, remaining silent for a long moment. The entire Imperial Study was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Everyone held their breath, awaiting the Emperor's response. After a long moment, the Emperor took a deep breath, as if awakening from a profound dream.

"This plan is indeed the work of a genius!" The emperor's voice trembled slightly, with uncontrollable excitement, "If the cooperation between movable type printing and papermaking can be implemented, it will definitely change the pattern of cultural heritage of our dynasty and benefit future generations!" His eyes were full of longing for the future, as if he had already seen the grand scene of books emerging among the people like a tide.

The Emperor stood up and paced back and forth in his study, clutching the plan tightly in his hand like a key to a treasure trove of wisdom. "Improvements in papermaking will reduce paper costs and greatly increase production. Thus, books will no longer be the exclusive domain of the rich and powerful; ordinary people will have the opportunity to acquire knowledge." He spoke passionately as he walked, each step punctuated by a firm resolve.

"The wonders of movable type printing are beyond words. The layout is flexible and reusable, greatly shortening the printing cycle. Our dynasty's culture will flourish as a result, countless classic works will be passed down, and the flowers of thought will bloom in every corner." The emperor walked to the window and gazed into the distance. "Su Qing, this girl, possesses such discerning vision and wisdom. She has lit a bright light for our dynasty."

The ministers around him nodded in agreement upon hearing the emperor's words, their eyes filled with anticipation for this grand plan. They knew full well that this plan would be like a pebble in a calm lake, stirring up ripples and propelling the entire country towards a new era of cultural prosperity.

"Fu'an, show the ministers the rice paper Qing has made!" the emperor shouted. Eunuch Fu'an quickly responded, carefully holding the paper as if it were the most precious treasure in the world. He walked over to the ministers with small steps, respectfully handing the paper to the senior minister in the lead.

The veteran officials were already curious about the rice paper, and their eyes were now filled with anticipation. The old official took the paper, his hands trembling slightly. He leaned in for a closer look. The crisscrossing fibers were clearly visible on the surface, delicate and even, as if every grain spoke of the exquisite craftsmanship. He couldn't help but gently stroke it with his fingers. The touch was soft yet tough, and this wonderful feeling made his eyes flash with amazement.

"Wonderful! Truly wonderful!" the old minister exclaimed in admiration, then passed the rice paper to the person next to him. The ministers beside him couldn't wait to take it, and the moment they touched the rice paper, a look of amazement crossed their faces. They whispered to each other and discussed it in low voices.

"This paper is of such fine quality that writing on it will surely bring out the fullness of the ink."

"Yes, Princess Ding'an is truly a prodigy, able to make such fine paper."

For a moment, the entire court was filled with exclamations of praise surrounding this piece of rice paper. Everyone admired Su Qing's talent, and the rice paper was passed from one hand to another with amazement and appreciation.

In Sujia Village, Su Qing was tidying up a few empty houses to use as a paper mill! He went to the village chief's house again to look for him! "Grandpa Village Chief, are you home?"

"Yes, yes, Qingbao, what's the matter?"

Su Qing looked at the village chief seriously, with determination and eagerness in her eyes. "Village chief, recruit twenty more honest and down-to-earth men for me! I will open a paper mill soon! But they have to sign a confidentiality agreement!" Her voice was clear and loud, echoing in the village. The village chief looked at Su Qing with a smile on his face. He knew that this girl had great abilities, and nodded repeatedly, "Qing girl, don't worry, grandpa will find someone for you right away. I will also explain the confidentiality agreement to them." Su Qing frowned slightly, and added, "Grandpa, the technology of this paper mill cannot be passed on to outsiders. It concerns the future of our village. We must find reliable people." The village chief patted his chest, "Qing girl, grandpa knows what he is doing. The boys in our village are all good, and there will be no problems."

"Thank you, Grandpa Village Chief! Thank you for your concern! I'll be going back first!"

"Okay, Qingbao! Walk slowly!"

"Yeah!" Su Qing said goodbye to the village chief and returned to his own courtyard of the Su family!

Inside the Imperial Palace's Golden Throne Hall, the atmosphere was warm and solemn. Emperor Fengyuan sat atop the Dragon Throne, enthusiastically discussing the two great discoveries of papermaking and movable type printing with his ministers. The ministers expressed their respective opinions. Some praised these inventions as a path to eternal benefit, promising to spread culture and enlighten the people. Others discussed how to implement them nationwide to maximize their effectiveness.

Amidst this heated discussion, the harmonious atmosphere was suddenly shattered by the sound of hurried footsteps. A soldier in battle armor rushed into the hall, knelt on one knee, and presented an urgent letter with both hands, shouting, "Your Majesty, an urgent letter from the North Gate!" Emperor Fengyuan frowned, a sense of foreboding washing over him. He quickly took the letter and began to read. As his eyes moved over the letter, his expression grew increasingly solemn.

"Your Majesty, what's the matter?" a senior minister asked worriedly. Emperor Fengyuan slowly raised his head, a flicker of anger in his eyes. "The northern Tartars are harassing the border again!" The words rang out, sending the court into an uproar. The ministers exchanged bewilderment, their discussion of papermaking and movable type printing abruptly halted, replaced by a wave of concern for the situation in the north.

"This group of Tartars have repeatedly invaded our borders. They are really going too far!" said a young and energetic general angrily.

"Your Majesty, the people in the northern border are going to suffer again. Reinforcements must be sent as soon as possible." A civil official looked worried.

Emperor Fengyuan gripped the armrests of the dragon throne so tightly that his knuckles turned white. He knew the importance of the northern border. The people there were the people of Dafeng, and they must not be trampled upon by the Tartars. Moreover, if the northern border were lost, it would inevitably endanger the heartland of the Central Plains. "Pass on my decree; summon the Minister of War and the General who Guards the North to the palace for a meeting!" Emperor Fengyuan commanded with great authority.

Soon, the relevant generals hurried over. They immediately discussed countermeasures. Some advocated an immediate attack to prevent future trouble; others suggested strengthening defenses first and then making plans. The court debated endlessly, the atmosphere tense as a fully drawn bowstring. Emperor Fengyuan listened quietly, weighing the pros and cons. He not only had to consider the border conflict but also the impact on the nascent cultural development at home. After all, war required vast manpower, material resources, and financial resources, and the promotion of papermaking and movable type printing also required resources. Regardless, protecting the land and its people was his primary responsibility as emperor.