The Daily Life of Farming and Raising Children in Ancient Mountain Residences

Chapter 246: Benefits for the World

“Of course, I’m truly delighted that you trust me,” Concubine Fan said, even amidst her extreme shock, she was very certain of this.

She just couldn’t believe that Sang Luo had access to paper-making techniques.

Moreover, the paper-making techniques were being shown to her so openly.

She looked at the paper in her hand and then at Sang Luo. Besides expressing her certainty, she couldn’t really say anything. But undeniably, the feeling was extremely good, and her heart was both joyful and excited.

It was a fortunate encounter with a confidant.

She flipped through the two pieces of paper several times, struggling to suppress her urge to summon Governor Zeng immediately. “So, you want to have this formula presented to His Majesty through my husband?”

Sang Luo’s intentions were not hard to guess, especially considering the questions she had asked in the past few days. At the time, Concubine Fan thought it was casual conversation. Now, thinking back, Sang Luo must have already noticed the court’s shortage of paper, but she couldn’t stand up to the risk.

Being from a noble family, Concubine Fan understood the methods of the aristocracy and knew how difficult it was for Sang Luo to make this decision and the significant trust she placed in her and her husband.

“Yes,” Sang Luo said, her eyes softening with a smile. Shen Lie was right; she had indeed already chosen to trust the Zeng couple.

Concubine Fan paced around the room with the formula and process diagram in hand. After a while, she stopped two steps away from Sang Luo and said, “Since you trust me, then listen to me. This cannot be presented openly. No one should know it’s related to you.”

She looked at Sang Luo and continued, “Do you know how many interests are touched by the imperial examination system? At this critical moment, the Lu and Dou families are holding back on producing paper. Many people are happy to see this.”

In the aristocratic circles, there were those like herself and Governor Zeng who shared the same ideals as the emperor, and there were others who wished for the aristocracy to always be above the imperial power for generations. The latter was the mainstream. Dynasties change, but the aristocracy stands firm. There have been many instances where emperors were replaced by the combined efforts of the aristocracy. This has been the case for hundreds of years. Who would be willing to let the imperial examination system, which could shake the foundation of the aristocracy, be smoothly implemented? If not for the emperor’s capable methods and strong will, others would not dare to bring up this matter so easily.

Sang Luo nodded, “I understand. So, the formula is not presented by me but given to you and Governor Zeng to present.”

At this point, Sang Luo thought of something and asked Concubine Fan, “Does this affect you in any way?”

Concubine Fan hadn’t expected Sang Luo to have such plans and waved her hand, saying, “There’s no need for that. The Fan and Zeng families are not afraid of anything, but this is your accomplishment. It’s not right for us to take credit for it. If I were to take it, I wouldn’t be worthy of the trust you’ve placed in us.”

Realizing they had been standing all this time, Concubine Fan slapped her forehead and invited Sang Luo to sit down. “You’re willing to risk your safety to help His Majesty. I’m already very pleased. This is your trust in us. Rest assured, I will discuss this thoroughly with Governor Zeng and ensure everything is handled properly so that you won’t be put at risk. One thing, though, no one should know that this is related to you. There won’t be any public rewards or hidden benefits for now, but His Majesty will not neglect those who have done great service. Once the situation settles, there will be opportunities for compensation.”

She thought for a moment and added, “If you have any requests, you can also tell me. If His Majesty inquires, Governor Zeng will certainly advocate for you when the time is right.”

Sang Luo shook her head, “I don’t need any rewards. Initially, I was only trying to solve the problem of the high cost of paper and to help the scholars in the household. I just wanted to experiment myself. The results aren’t perfect yet. The court needs paper, and I happened to know how to make it.”

Sang Luo understood that the formula was at most a semi-finished product. She had tried filtering water through multiple layers of paper and failed.

In this time and space, the technique might not be fully developed given the high price of paper. However, in her original time period, the Song Dynasty’s paper-making industry was quite advanced. Given the popularity of the imperial examination, the widespread use of paper, Sang Luo didn’t believe that paper was made by just drying it one sheet at a time. There must have been other methods, but she hadn’t figured them out yet.

“‘Just that?’” Concubine Fan was genuinely impressed. “Do you know how much benefit this could bring to the Shen family, even if you don’t reveal it now? When your husband or brother-in-law achieves something, this could lead to the rise of an entire family and benefit many generations to come.”

Sang Luo smiled lightly and nodded, “I understand. However, to me, the country’s well-being is more important than the family’s. Without a stable environment, no matter how many formulas I hold, what use would they be if the situation is as it was a few years ago? I would rather enjoy a peaceful life with simple meals in a prosperous era. Besides, it’s not exactly simple living—I’ve been granted quite a bit of land and silver by His Majesty. My life can be managed easily, and my husband and brother-in-law are studying. The future is still promising.”

At this point, she lowered her eyes and thought for a moment before adding, “If Governor Zeng can indeed make a difference, I do have a wish. If possible, I hope that this formula can result in lower paper prices when it is in His Majesty’s hands, making paper more affordable for the common people and allowing more people to read.”

In reality, Sang Luo knew from her experience that making paper was very labor-intensive. Even if the emperor earned less, the common people couldn’t all afford scholars, but considering the cost and adding some profit, it could indeed lower paper prices more than before. Conditions like those in the Lu family might be able to afford it.

As for more, Sang Luo didn’t expect much. Given the emperor’s current financial constraints, if this formula could alleviate some pressure on him, she would consider it a merit.

Concubine Fan was truly impressed by Sang Luo. She felt she was an oddity among her sisters-in-law, her heart not in the inner quarters but in the outside world. Yet Sang Luo was even more perceptive and willing to invest resources, focusing on the common people.

Concubine Fan genuinely liked Sang Luo and felt she had met a kindred spirit. She smiled and said, “Alright, I will discuss this with Governor Zeng and convey it if there is an opportunity.”

With this, the matter was settled. Sang Luo picked up her tea to moisten her mouth and, noticing the water in the cup, suddenly remembered something. She closed her eyes, put down the cup, and asked, “I almost forgot—do you have any writing supplies here?”

“Of course.”

Even though the government office was short on paper, Concubine Fan still had some supplies with her. Without calling for a maid, she fetched them herself and watched as Sang Luo added water and ground ink, preparing to draw.

Sang Luo’s drawing skills were not particularly artistic but were practical. Her strokes were proficient, and she completed a large drawing and several small ones in just a little over a moment.

“This is the water mill. I’ve drawn detailed diagrams, and the principles are written on them. The water mill uses water power to replace manual labor in the pulping process. It’s used in paper-making and can also be used in other areas like milling rice or grinding medicine. It’s applicable wherever something needs to be crushed.”

There was also the water stone, but it was much more complex. Sang Luo had only seen pictures of it and was not familiar with its exact appearance, so she did not include it.

Concubine Fan had been watching Sang Luo draw and was now engrossed in the diagram of the water mill. After understanding its operation, she felt exactly the same way as Governor Zeng had initially.

“You’re a woman; it’s really a pity.”

Sang Luo smiled at Concubine Fan and replied half-jokingly and half-seriously, “It’s not that much of a pity. If I hadn’t met you and Governor Zeng, who are such good officials and care about the common people, would I have had the courage to present something like this? If the common people benefit from it, it’s worth it.”

As for becoming an official, Sang Luo hadn’t considered it. After thousands of years of feudalism, changing gender roles wasn’t so simple. Even someone like Concubine Fan from a noble family wouldn’t dare to imagine it.

After chatting a bit more, Sang Luo reminded Concubine Fan to shorten the soaking time in the process, suggesting they try three, seven, or ten days. She explained that the most obvious difference in soaking time was the color and said that if they needed to send the paper up, they should test it first. For now, the color wasn’t as important as the fact that it could make paper.

Concubine Fan noted Sang Luo’s advice and, as the discussion wrapped up, handed over the formula for the wall plaster, saying, “This formula is for making the walls smooth and white. It’s perfect for your new house.”

Though they had known each other for a short time and met infrequently, they both were generous. One handed over a paper-making formula and sketched a water mill, while the other provided a wall plaster formula. They exchanged a look and both smiled.

—

Shen Lie had specifically asked about Chen Dashan and their movements from Chu Qichang and timed it perfectly to pick up Sang Luo.

As for Governor Zeng, he didn’t realize the extent of Sang Luo’s achievements until he returned to the rear court in the evening. Concubine Fan dismissed the servants and then revealed the magnitude of what Sang Luo had done.

When he saw the three diagrams, he stood up in surprise and asked, “Where did these come from?”

After understanding, he joyfully turned around in the room, exclaiming, “A lucky star, truly a lucky star!”

To avoid drawing attention to Sang Luo, he waited until the next day, when Concubine Fan and he left the city for the countryside under the pretext of inspecting spring plowing. It was common for the governor’s wife to accompany him, so no one suspected anything.

—

Shen Lie and Sang Luo, guided by Chu Qichang, bought many green bricks and tiles. Once the green bricks arrived, everyone realized that the Shen family was preparing to build a house.

Building a house was necessary since the emperor had granted them a ceremonial arch and they had to accommodate the imperial edict—grass huts were not suitable.

Without waiting for Shen Lie and Sang Luo to organize labor, the local villagers, each sending one or two able-bodied men, willingly came to help with the construction.

During that time, it was common for neighbors to assist in house-building without wages, but good food and hospitality were required. Mrs. Chen knew Sang Luo was pregnant, so she and Qin Fangni took on the task. Mrs. Lu, Mrs. Gan, Old Mrs. Xu, and even Feng Liuniang, who had just finished her confinement, all came to help.

The house was indeed large, and the number of workers was considerable. Daxing Village buzzed with activity as construction began.

In just a few days, the wide dirt road outside the city of Shezhou leading to Daxing Village also became lively early in the morning with the sounds of hammering and construction. The officials, accompanied by craftsmen, arrived to set up the imperial arch and the edict stele for the Shen family.

The stele, made of large stone blocks, was inscribed with the exact content of the imperial edict and placed at a designated spot in the Shen family’s new construction site. The craftsmen even had to build a pavilion to protect the stele from the elements.

The arch, on the other hand, was erected outside Daxing Village, right beside the dirt road leading into the village. This location made the arch visible from the Shezhou city gate and the surrounding roads, making it extremely prominent.

In an era without machinery, erecting such an imperial arch was a massive project. However, with so many experienced workers on hand, the process was efficient. Many people came to watch, but they were kept at a distance. The inscriptions on the arch were covered with red silk. By mid-morning, when the arch was fully erected, music and drums played. The officials in charge invited Sang Luo out, and a large crowd had gathered both inside and outside the city to watch.

The people of Daxing Village and the workers all came out to see. Sang Luo and Shen Ning had the best vantage point. After the firecrackers were set off and the red silk was removed, Sang Luo looked up at the elegant, calligraphic characters on the arch. When she saw the inscription, her pupils contracted, and her heart pounded loudly in her chest, reverberating in her ears.

“Benefiting the Common People.”

Such a high honor was bestowed upon them.

Shen Ning’s breath quickened, and his palms were sweaty. “Eldest Sister-in-law, ‘Benefiting the Common People’!”

The literate onlookers were stunned, while the illiterate quickly asked, “What does it say?”

A group of literate people excitedly replied, “It says ‘Benefiting the Common People’!”

The half-grown children of Daxing Village were thrilled and excited to have such an honor.

Wang Maolin looked at what had once been his family’s Daxing Village, which he had only seen as a grain-producing farm. Now, with the imperial arch standing proudly at the village entrance, he said to Shopkeeper Xu beside him, “Benefiting the Common People! Daxing Village’s fortunes are about to rise.”

On the official roads, to the left were the recently returned Governor Zeng and his wife, and to the right was a newly arrived carriage. The carriage curtain was lifted to reveal Li Yu and the palace attendant Eunuch Cen, who had just returned from Kuaiji. The four of them looked up at the arch almost simultaneously.

Li Yu asked, “The Shen family has scholars, doesn’t it?”

Eunuch Cen replied, “Yes, indeed. Both brothers are wearing the scholar’s robes from the prefectural school. As long as they pass the prefectural exams and enter the capital, the Shen family will rise.”

The favor of the emperor.

Governor Zeng also looked up at the arch, smiling at the recently completed work. “Benefiting the Common People, without a doubt.”

The couple exchanged smiles but did not approach Sang Luo. The two groups of people on the official roads headed towards Shezhou City. At the entrance to the city, Governor Zeng raised his eyebrows and went forward to greet them.

Back at the governor’s residence, where it was more convenient to talk, Governor Zeng asked, “Master Li, how did this assignment go?”

Li Yu’s expression was less than pleasant. He waved his hand, expressing his embarrassment but not saying more.

This meant the emperor had absolutely rejected the conditions.

Governor Zeng smiled and said, “Don’t worry, Master Li. Perhaps returning to the capital will bring a turnaround.”

Li Yu raised his eyebrows. “What do you mean?”

Governor Zeng did not elaborate but bowed and said he also needed to go to the capital. “Master Li, I’ll be leaving immediately. Will you and Attendant Cen be coming along?”

After years of partnership, Li Yu sensed that Governor Zeng’s invitation was genuine. He didn’t focus on whether Daxing Village would prosper but replied, “Certainly!”