The Grand Minister Wen

“I believe Master Du is suitable as one of the heads of the Water Resources Department,” suggested Bi Gan, giving his recommendation for a senior official.

The Master Du referred by Bi Gan was none other than Du Yuanxian, who held the position of Grand Minister in the Bureau of Astronomy. Di Xin considered this for a moment and found it fitting to have someone from the Bureau of Astronomy oversee the Water Resources Department.

Addressing the courtiers, Di Xin continued, “Master Du is indeed a good candidate. If there are no other suitable candidates, we shall appoint Master Du as the chief.”

“We have no objections,” replied the courtiers unanimously, and thus, Du Yuanxian was appointed as the head of the new department.

With discussions about the Dragon Clan settled for the time being, attention shifted to other matters. Just as Di Xin was about to consult his courtiers on educational matters, two burly men entered, carrying an overwhelming pile of memorials like a mountain.

“These are the memorials accumulated during the King’s recent neglect of state affairs,” Shang Rong explained.

These memorials...

The sheer quantity of these memorials was excessive. Even if he had the capability, approving so many memorials would undoubtedly strain his arms. It seemed necessary to produce paper promptly, especially considering the imperative needs of the educational sector.

Writing on paper was undoubtedly more convenient than on bamboo slips!

"I am planning to establish a school in the capital, allowing children of suitable age to receive an education. What are your thoughts, esteemed ministers?"

The ministers looked at each other, and after a moment, Bi Gan stepped forward and spoke.

"Promoting education is undoubtedly a great endeavor, but our state treasury is already stretched thin. It may be difficult to allocate funds."

Due to the recent turmoil in the realm and the hard-won unification, the state treasury was already depleted. Coupled with previous natural disasters, the situation was dire, and the people were struggling.

As for the school, while it would undoubtedly be beneficial for the long-term development of intellect, it also entailed considerable expenses.

"How about constructing a small one as a trial? Let's settle on that. Do any of you know if there's anything that can replace bamboo slips?"

Lack of funds was not an issue for Di Xin, being a time-traveler. Making money was just a matter of minutes, as easy as turning over one's hand. Things like glass, sugar, and salt were all quick money-making ideas.

The main concern was dealing with this group of conservative ministers, fearing they might cause trouble again.

“Why replace bamboo slips? What’s wrong with using them?" asked Shang Rong, puzzled by the sudden interest in an alternative.

Bi Gan shrugged, "I have no idea." He then turned to King Wucheng, who often spent time with Di Xin.

Huang Feihu, unable to comprehend the situation, was equally at a loss.

Seeing the bewildered expressions on the faces of the ministers, Di Xin had a clear understanding that the mythical world apparently had no paper.

Such a business opportunity was a rare find. When the time came, monopolizing the paper-making technology would undoubtedly lead to a windfall of money beyond imagination.

"As for using paper to replace bamboo slips, it mainly came to me when I saw the residue left by women washing mulberry hemp and silk. It was just a spontaneous inspiration. Please take a look, esteemed ministers."

Di Xin gestured, and a palace maid brought forward some extremely thin fibers.

"These fibers are the residue left by women after washing mulberry hemp and silk. They exhibit the characteristic of forming threads when pressed, so I had this wild idea that refining this material could replace the cumbersome bamboo slips."

After speaking, he instructed the palace maid to pass these fibers around to the various ministers for inspection.

"If such a lightweight material can truly replace bamboo slips for writing, it can benefit the world and be celebrated for generations to come."

"This item is extremely ingenious. Your Majesty’s wisdom is unmatched, and it will undoubtedly be immortalized for eternity."

The ministers were greatly impressed, their eyebrows trembling with excitement.

Shang Rong and Bi Gan were particularly admiring, expressing their admiration wholeheartedly.

After the ministers praised for a while, Di Xin realized it was not enough. They couldn't do anything practical. Surely, he would have to figure out the details himself and present a refined process before entrusting it to others.

The discussion in the court had reached a satisfactory conclusion, and the court was adjourned.

After announcing the adjournment, Di Xin intended to have Huang Feihu help find a few people to assist in preparing for the paper-making project.

"Your Majesty, Grand Minister Wen has returned."

Di Xin was taken aback.

Grand Minister Wen, one of the seventy-two feudal lords, had left to suppress Yuan Fu in the Northern Sea and was expected to return only after eight years. His early return raised questions in Di Xin's mind.

Could it be related to the alterations he made in history?

Had Grand Minister Wen faced a defeat and fled back?

Despite the turmoil in his thoughts, Di Xin maintained the proper etiquette for welcoming Grand Minister Wen, who held significant prestige and authority, even possessing the royal whip that symbolized power.

Outside the palace, an elderly man sat atop a black kylin.

Although his hair was silver, he radiated vitality and strength, wearing battle armor that showcased his imposing aura. His sharp eagle-like eyes revealed no anger but tremendous authority.

Di Xin, despite his status as the emperor, felt a bit overwhelmed facing this revered figure.

This elderly man had an unusual feature—a closed eye on his forehead. Di Xin, concerned about the unexpected return, questioned, "Grand Minister Wen, why have you returned? Could it be that the Northern Sea campaign has met with defeat?"

Di Xin, who had successfully dealt with challenges from the Western Zhou but faced a reversal from the Northern Sea, felt a wave of anxiety.

Grand Minister Wen calmly shook his head, "Rest assured, Your Majesty. The Northern Sea campaign is well under control. It's only a matter of time before peace is restored. I've instructed Vice General Xing Huan and General Deng Zhong to lead the forces in the Northern Sea, and I am returning to Zhao Ge."

Di Xin, relieved to hear the assurance, thanked Grand Minister Wen for handling the situation. With this understanding, he approached to lead the kylin, and prepared to return to the palace together with Grand Minister Wen.