OBS Chapter 327 Shi Wanxia's Plans
Chapter 327 Shi Wanxia's Plans
Chapter 327 Shi Wanxia's Plans
In the spring of Beijing, sunlight streams through the carved wooden window frames, casting dappled shadows on the blue brick floor.
Shi Wanxia, dressed in a moon-white cross-collar ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) with a light green vest over it, stood quietly in a side hall of the palace, her hair loosely tied up with a plain silver hairpin.
Before him stood Crown Prince Shen Yanzhou, dressed in a black robe with python patterns. The jade pendant at his waist swayed gently with his movements. His gentle voice broke the momentary silence: "Miss Shi, please speak freely. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, I will certainly not stand idly by."
Shi Wanxia felt a warmth in her heart and lowered her eyes to hide the surprise in them.
She had thought that in the rigidly hierarchical court, her idea of papermaking innovation as a woman would face many obstacles. Unexpectedly, the usually low-key and reserved Crown Prince took notice and offered his support.
Thinking of this, a smile appeared on her lips: "Thanks to Your Highness's care, with Your Highness as my backer, many of Wanxia's ideas have the opportunity to come true."
A gentle breeze stirred, causing the gauze curtains inside the hall to sway softly, carrying a faint floral fragrance.
Shi Wanxia's mind suddenly shifted, and she remembered the progress made by the Ministry of Works regarding papermaking and movable type printing.
The papermaking technology she submitted some time ago was just a prototype. The artisans of the Ministry of Works experimented repeatedly and achieved some results, but the paper's ink absorption and ink-absorbing properties still needed to be improved.
Ordinary straw paper has poor water and ink absorption properties, which severely limits the book printing and writing experience.
"Your Highness, I need to go to the Ministry of Works. Do you wish to go?"
Shi Wanxia bowed slightly, her gaze questioning.
Shen Yanzhou frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then shook his head.
The mountain of memorials piled on his desk reminded him that his father would be listening to reports on famines in various regions at the morning court session tomorrow, and many government affairs urgently needed to be addressed.
"I still have matters to attend to, Miss Shi, you should go ahead! If there's anything you need, you can ask me, and I'll take care of it for you."
Shen Yanzhou's voice was gentle yet carried an undeniable power.
Shi Wanxia felt a surge of warmth in her heart, bowed, and took her leave: "Your Highness is busy with state affairs, so I will take my leave. If there is any progress, I will report to Your Highness immediately."
Stepping out of the palace, the sunlight bathed her, and Shi Wanxia felt full of energy.
She boarded her family's carriage and sped off toward the Ministry of Works.
The wheels rolled on, raising a cloud of dust, and the cries of vendors and the laughter of pedestrians gradually faded into the distance.
Before long, the carriage stopped in front of the Ministry of Works.
Shi Wanxia got out of the car, looked at the vermilion gate and the high-hanging plaque, took a deep breath, and walked steadily inside.
The official from the Ministry of Works had already received the news and personally came out to greet her: "Miss Shi, your arrival is just in time. We have encountered some difficulties regarding paper improvement and were just about to ask for your advice."
The two arrived at the workshop and saw the craftsmen busy at work.
Various paper samples were laid out on the table, some with a dull color and others with a rough texture.
Shi Wanxia picked up a piece of paper, gently stroked it, and carefully observed the texture of the paper.
"I previously suggested adding mulberry bark to the ingredients. I wonder how effective it was?" Shi Wanxia asked.
The doctor sighed: "Adding mulberry bark improves the paper's toughness, but the improvement in ink absorption is not significant."
“We tried adjusting the proportions of raw materials and improving the pulping process, but the problem persists.”
Shi Wanxia fell into deep thought. After a moment, her eyes lit up: "Perhaps we can add some special plant fibers to the pulp, which can enhance ink absorption without affecting the paper's toughness."
"In addition, treating the paper with a starch solution after it has been formed may improve the problem of ink bleeding."
The doctor's eyes lit up, and he immediately arranged for the craftsmen to conduct the experiment according to Shi Wanxia's suggestion.
The workshop immediately became busy, with the furnaces roaring and the craftsmen performing their respective duties.
Shi Wanxia also rolled up her sleeves and personally participated in the experiment, not letting go of any detail.
As the sun sets, its afterglow bathes the entire capital city in a golden hue.
When Shi Wanxia came out of the Ministry of Works, she was tired, but her face was full of a confident smile.
On this day, she took another step closer to her goal.
Meanwhile, in the Eastern Palace, after finishing his official duties, Shen Yanzhou gazed at the night outside the window, silently pondering the progress of Shi Wanxia's affair...
A gentle breeze drifted through the carved window frames, echoing in the courtyard of the Shi residence.
Shi Wanxia wore a moon-white cross-collar ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), with delicate bamboo leaf patterns embroidered on the hem, which swayed slightly with her light steps.
As soon as she stepped into the front hall, Shuyun hurried up to greet her, holding several invitations tied with vermilion silk thread.
"Sister Shi, these are all the invitations we received in the past few days, from various court officials."
"Oh, by the way, there's also the engagement banquet between Prince Xiang and Miss Ye, which is the day after tomorrow. They've specially invited you to attend, Miss." Shuyun said as she handed the invitation to Shi Wanxia.
Shi Wanxia raised her eyebrows slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.
She took the invitation, gently stroking the gold-embossed patterns on the cover, a hint of doubt rising in her heart: "Shuyun, this is...?"
Shuyun quickly explained, "These invitations have been arriving at the mansion like snowflakes during this period."
"The engagement banquet between Prince Xiang and Miss Ye is a grand event in the capital, and many high-ranking officials and nobles will attend."
Shi Wanxia placed the invitation on the table, picked up a celadon teacup, took a sip, and frowned slightly.
During this period, she devoted herself entirely to paper improvement and movable type printing, and had no interest in these social engagements.
However, just as she was about to put down the invitation, a thought flashed through her mind like lightning.
She pondered for a moment, her fingers tapping rhythmically on the table.
If we can use this engagement banquet to meet some capable and ambitious young women and work together in the papermaking and printing industry, we might achieve twice the result with half the effort.
When the time is right, they can openly and legitimately ask His Majesty for an official position or reward for them, thus securing a place for women in the court.
Thinking of this, a resolute glint flashed in Shi Wanxia's eyes: "Alright, I understand. Shuyun, Qinxin, you two will come with me the day after tomorrow. I have important business to attend to."
Shuyun and Qinxin exchanged a glance, their eyes full of doubt, but they still respectfully replied, "Yes, Miss."
The following morning, sunlight filtered through thin clouds and gently spilled into the courtyard of the Shi residence.
Shi Wanxia wore a light pink brocade dress, with lifelike peach blossoms embroidered on the skirt, and a layer of gossamer-like gauze over it, which made her figure look even more graceful.
She carefully styled her hair, tying it into an exquisite bun and inserting a jade hairpin. The pearl on the hairpin swayed gently with her movements, like dewdrops on a lotus leaf in the morning.
The three of them rode in an exquisitely decorated carriage, slowly making their way to the Prince of Xiang's residence.
The wheels rolled on, and the crisp sound of horses' hooves echoed on the stone road.
Looking out the car window at the bustling street scene, Shi Wanxia silently planned her day.
The gate of the Prince of Xiang's mansion was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers. The red lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, like clusters of burning flames.
Guests, dressed in their finest attire, streamed into the palace.
As soon as Shi Wanxia stepped off the carriage, she attracted the attention of many people.
She was elegant, with a smile on her face, and exuded a unique charm in every gesture.
Upon entering the Prince's Mansion, the courtyard is filled with blooming flowers and fragrant aromas.
The pavilions and towers are arranged in a well-organized manner, and the artificial hills and flowing water complement each other.
While admiring the beautiful scenery of the Prince's Mansion, Shi Wanxia kept an eye on the guests around her. Soon, she locked onto a few targets.
Under a quiet corridor, Shi Wanxia met Su Miaoling, the daughter of the Vice Minister of Rites.
Su Miaoling was dressed in a pale yellow ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), with delicate features and intelligent eyes.
Shi Wanxia stepped forward and greeted her with a smile: "Miss Su, I have long admired your name. Meeting you today, I can see that your reputation is well-deserved."
Su Miaoling was slightly taken aback, then smiled and replied, "Miss Shi, you flatter me. I have long heard of your achievements in papermaking and printing, and have always wanted to learn from you."
The two had a pleasant conversation, and Shi Wanxia took the opportunity to tell Su Miaoling her thoughts.
Upon hearing this, a hint of excitement flashed in Su Miaoling's eyes: "Miss Shi's idea is truly brilliant! I have always wanted to fight for a place for women, and if I can participate in it, I will definitely do my best."