Chapter 220 Si Lu, you are the Si Lu of the Legalists!

In the open space in front of the Railway Chamber of Commerce, around the two machines, hundreds of people were silent, watching the blazing fires and the machines running intently.

The steam kept making noises, driving the gears to rotate, allowing sheets of light grey paper to rotate along with the rollers, turning into newspapers printed with neat black text.

Qingkong Gui walked forward and picked up a printed newspaper. The ink on it was not dry yet, it felt rough and had a slightly pungent smell, but it was almost the same as a hand-printed newspaper.

Qingkong Gui took another look at the machine, and then asked Zhou Tieyi, "How many newspapers can this machine print every hour?"

Zhou Tieyi smiled and replied, "It can print 3000 newspapers per hour, and this is just the initial result. After a few months or years of improvement, this machine should be able to print more than 10000 newspapers per hour."

Zhou Tieyi didn't care whether the steam printing press could produce more than 10,000 copies per hour. Anyway, he could brag about it first, and leave the rest to Gongshu's apprentices to figure out.

"Three thousand copies in one hour!"

Qian Guangyun, the head of the Southeast Chamber of Commerce, couldn't help but exclaim softly.

Qingkonggui looked at Qian Guangyun.

Qian Guangyun hurriedly cupped his hands and said, "Lawyer Si, you don't know that even if a skilled printer cooperates and operates the original printing machine, it can only print about 400 newspapers in an hour."

This is also why, even though they knew that the sales of this issue of Tianjing News were extremely good, Zhou Tieyi from the Ministry of Internal Affairs only planned to print 30 copies in three days, because without the participation of practitioners, this was the limit of the Printing Bureau.

Zhou Tieyi thought for a moment and added, "And compared to humans, this steam printing machine can work almost continuously for twelve hours before resting."

He looked at his second uncle Gong Shusheng. This was the specific information he knew yesterday.

Gongshu Sheng's voice was steady. After thinking for a moment, he said, "The steam engine I made myself is more sophisticated and durable. If it were made by ordinary people, it would still need to be tested. However, if they become skilled, the performance of the steam engine they make should be infinitely close to this level. After all, the principle remains the same."

“Can ordinary people make it?!”

This time, even Qingkong Gui couldn't maintain his calm expression. He looked at another steam printing press not far away with surprise.

Look at the young men who are also looking at the steam engine with curiosity.

These teenagers are full of energy, quick-witted, and learn very quickly...

But they are all ordinary people!
Ordinary people can make mechanical creations, and these mechanical creations can also greatly improve the production efficiency of an industry...

Qingkong Gui sighed deeply in his heart, and finally understood where his feelings just now came from.

Although Zhou Tieyi and Gongshu Sheng have not yet broken the boundary between ordinary people and cultivators, they are not far away. Moreover, these young people will surely grow rapidly when making this mechanism, because the eighth rank of Gongshu family is called "mechanical scholar".

Qingkong Gui turned to look at Zhou Tieyi, "Isn't this steam engine useful for more than just printing newspapers?"

He also speculated what a "train" was, and like Dong Xingshu, he concluded that a train was a creation similar to a Youtian boat. However, at that time he did not think that the train made by Zhou Tieyi was not driven by inkstone, but by coal.

Now with the pattern of the steam printing press, it was like the last building block. He finally understood the layout of Zhou Tieyi's Railway Chamber of Commerce, and understood why Zhou Tieyi vowed to provide convenience for millions of people.

Without inkstone, the power of this mechanical device is naturally limited, but it also means that its application prospects are unlimited.

A mechanical creation made and controlled entirely by ordinary people...

It's really hard to imagine.

Zhou Tieyi smiled and did not explain further to Qingkong Gui. He looked at the martial arts heroes and merchants around him who were already shocked and speechless, and said with a smile, "Everyone, please go in and have a cup of tea first. We need to discuss some things slowly."

Everyone reacted instantly.

"Inspector Zhou is right!"

"Mr. Gongshu's creation of this machine is a great achievement that will benefit future generations!"

"Confucianism talks about making achievements, and today Mr. Gongshu deserves it!"

……

Flattery came one after another, but they were all sincere words, without even the slightest bit of water, and Gongshu Sheng accepted them calmly.

After entering the courtyard of the Railway Chamber of Commerce, of course only important figures like Qingkong Gui could sit in the main hall. The others were arranged to chat and drink tea in the side courtyard to digest the shocking news they received today.

Qingkong Gui did not sit on the main seat immediately, but looked at Gongshu Sheng, "Sir, you should sit with me today."

Whether it is Gongshu Sheng's current strength or the achievements he has made, it is enough to sit on par with him.

Faced with Qingkong Gui's invitation, Gongshu Sheng thought about it and did not refuse the position.

The servants quickly placed a chair side by side next to the main seat, and then Qingkong Gui and Gongshu Sheng sat down, and then everyone sat down one by one.

Qingkong Gui looked at Zhou Tieyi, the first person at the bottom, and asked again, "This steam engine can be used for more than just newspapers, right?"

Zhou Tieyi still did not answer directly, but talked about the matter at hand, "With the help of this steam printing press, the production cost of each newspaper will be greatly reduced. It is estimated to be four cents per copy now. And the more it is produced and the more the machine is used, the cost will be further reduced. I have also asked people to research cheaper paper and ink. It is estimated that within a year, the cost of the newspaper should be roughly the same as the selling price, and there may even be a slight surplus."

Zhou Tieyi didn't answer twice. Qing Konggui understood that this was a tactful refusal. He could only follow Zhou Tieyi's words and think about the newspaper first.

With the help of the steam printing press, the cost of newspapers was equal to the selling price, and there might even be a surplus in the future...

The first thing Qingkong Gui thought of was that Zhou Tieyi was going to drastically reduce the price of newspapers.

Now that the price of Awakening Newspaper had been forced to drop to five cents per copy, Dong Xingshu had no choice but to "beg" from various academies. When the price dropped to two cents, or even one cent, the number would be multiplied by more than 300,000 copies, or even one million copies.

The Awakening Newspaper must be produced using a steam printing press, otherwise there is no way out!
He glanced at Gongshu Sheng, who was wearing a mask, had an unclear expression, and did not say a word.

But it’s not that easy to use a steam printing press!
This is already someone else's tradition. Unless Gongshu Sheng agrees, even if they ask someone from the Mohist school to imitate it, it will probably be "damaged" from time to time, and then they will have no place to complain.

"Awakening Newspaper" has reached a dead end!

However, Zhou Tieyi definitely didn't come to see the steam printing machine just to show off.

Just like what I mentioned in the car.

His Majesty will not allow Zhou Tieyi to damage the dignity of the court through factional strife for the second time, nor will he allow the Tianjing News to truly dominate the market and be completely controlled by Zhou Tieyi!

This smart boy must understand this!

Hearing this, compared to Si Lu Qingkonggui who had a heavy face and was constantly thinking, most of the military meritorious officials and businessmen present smiled knowingly.

They all only saw the immediate benefits. They saw that Zhou Tieyi came up with a specific solution to solve the losses in just one month, and there was even profit to be made. Then, all their previous investments and risks could be exchanged for ten or a hundred times the profit!

And Si Lu's heavy expression further confirmed this point.

Qingkong Gui pondered for a moment and said, "This steam printing press is beneficial to the country and the people..."

Zhou Tieyi interrupted without any hesitation, "Of course I know that this is a matter of benefit to the country and the people. Besides, the inheritance of the orthodox doctrine can only be spread more and more widely, not closed-door. I just want to remind you, Si Lu, that it is not necessary to run a newspaper together with Confucianism!"

Zhou Tieyi's words were like a thunderclap.

Qingkong Gui reacted instantly.

So that's it, it turns out he was waiting for me here!
Without waiting for Qingkong Gui to continue thinking, Zhou Tieyi spoke like a rolling ball, "Besides, the kind of person who wrote the article in the Awakening Newspaper has been revealed to the world today. With such corrupt morals, how can he teach the people!"

Zhou Tieyi's voice was majestic and his words were righteous, as if at this moment, he was the lawyer of Daxia who was in charge of the law.

"Legalism is a way of setting an example for the people of the world. How can you associate with these morally corrupt people? Please think twice! You are the Legalist's lawyer, not the Confucianist's lawyer!"

"Today, I would like to offer 20 steam printing presses and recommend one person to publish the Legal Newspaper for the Ministry of Law. At the same time, I would like to ask Your Majesty to write a letter to spread the knowledge of the Legalists and teach the people of the world!"

I, Zhou Tieyi, have helped you control the cost issue. I, Zhou Tieyi, have also helped you think of the people who will run the newspaper. Let's see if you have any excuses to delay.

Qingkong Gui sighed softly. Zhou Tieyi really taught him a good lesson today.

This is a blatant way of alienating himself from Confucianism.

You know, when Zhou Tieyi gave him the teaching stick in the morning, he was still thinking about educating him. When he invited himself but not Dong Xingshu to visit the Railway Chamber of Commerce, the officials probably laughed at this stupid plot to sow discord in their hearts.

But it was only for a few hours.

He had to accept this divisive plot even if he didn't want to. Otherwise, how could he explain himself to all the Legalists in the world?

This is the true wisdom of appearing foolish!
I am the Si Lu of the Legalists, not the Si Lu of the Confucianists!
This sentence has already killed his last retreat.

If there was no other choice before and they had to unite with Confucianism to fight against Zhou Tieyi, then there would be some reason to argue.

But now, Zhou Tieyi told everyone clearly that, first, the reputation of "Xingshi Bao" was ruined, second, it was difficult to reduce the cost of "Xingshi Bao", and third, I will help you to run your own newspaper, help you reduce costs, and even recommend a capable person to you.

At this moment, if I don't fall into this trap, then it would really mean that I, as the lawyer, have ulterior motives towards the Fajia. No wonder this kid said it in front of everyone.

"Who do you recommend?"

Zhou Tieyi smiled and pulled Mei Juncang from behind to stand in front of him, "Can my disciple be accepted by Si Lufa?"

Mei Juncang was also slightly stunned, then bowed to Si Lu.

I saw Mei Juncang standing in the middle like a cold plum blossom.

The many businessmen who were still brainstorming, and the military meritorious dandies had thunder and lightning in their heads, and were completely confused by Zhou Tieyi's series of moves.

Even if you want to alienate Confucianism and Legalism, you don't have to damage your own foundation!

Mei Juncang is the chief writer of the Tianjing News, and everyone has seen the role he plays. No one can deny Zhou Tieyi's ability to train disciples now, and they all wish they could send their own children to Zhou Tieyi for training.

Only a few people, such as Qian Guangyun, showed a thoughtful look. Although they had not fully understood Zhou Tieyi's layout, they were now grateful but also a little scared. Fortunately, when Zhou Tieyi asked them to invest in the Railway Chamber of Commerce, they quickly agreed.

Thinking about it now, I was extremely lucky.

When Qing Konggui was responsible for this unpredictable act, the Great Xia Si Lu had no choice but to follow Zhou Tieyi's plan.

If it happened to businessmen like me, even if we lost everything we had, it would not be enough to atone for our previous sin of disrespect.

Things have come to this point, and Qingkong Gui also understood Zhou Tieyi's complete plan.

When this "Legal Daily" was published, it seemed to be published for the Legalists themselves, but it was able to completely tear apart the alliance between the three departments.

A newspaper authority.

Si Min Dong Xingshu controls the half-dead "Xingshi Bao", the right general Yuchi Pojun joins forces with Zhou Tieyi, the Queen Mother controls the "Tianjing Bao" which has the greatest voice, and she alone controls the newly established "Fazhi Bao", forming a stable power triangle.

At the same time, this stable power triangle also gives His Majesty an explanation. His Majesty does not have to worry that Zhou Tieyi's newspaper will do too well and get out of control.

Didn’t you see that Zhou Tieyi was even willing to give up his capable chief writer position?
Moreover, compared to the "Tianjing News" which has courtesans and treasures that make His Majesty hesitate whether to write about it, the "Legal News" is the most suitable newspaper for His Majesty to write about, and it can also help His Majesty win the hearts of the Legalists.

For this operation, even if he did not recommend Zhou Tieyi for credit, the emperor must reward Zhou Tieyi, and give him a great reward.

This is the perfect performance of a subject in the monarch's mind.

Not only did he fully carry out the emperor's orders to attack Confucianism, but he also limited his own authority, helped the emperor to check and balance the three schools of thought, and won over the hearts of the Legalists.

Qingkong Gui felt that his previous evaluations of people could no longer be applied to Zhou Tieyi. At least in the past two months, Zhou Tieyi's grasp of power and worldly affairs had exceeded his own knowledge as a lawyer, so he now needed to study hard and research diligently.

There is no noble or humble, no old or young, where the Tao is, there the teacher is.

Qingkong Gui thought of these words again and had a new understanding.

He no longer worried about how to explain today's events to Dong Xingshu, so it would be better if he didn't publish the "Awakening Newspaper".

It’s not that I, Qingkong Gui, am not firm, but this kid gave too much!

I believe that you, Dong Xingshu, can understand my difficulties!

He looked at Mei Juncang and said with a smile, "Your ability is obvious to all, so I naturally cannot question anything, but..."

Qingkong Gui looked at Zhou Tieyi and asked, "Should this Legal Daily be written in a formal language, or should it be written in your vernacular language?"

In today's "Tianjing News", taking advantage of the temporary lull in the activities of the literati in Tianjing, Zhou Tieyi took the opportunity to propose the concept of "vernacular writing" under the pen name Zhou Shuren in the first edition of "Tianjing Affairs" and wrote an article entitled "On the Enlightenment of the People with Vernacular Writing".

Zhou Tieyi smiled and asked, "Then what do you think, are the laws made by the Legalists meant for officials or for the people?"

Qingkong Gui didn't say anything. After a while, he sighed and said, "I want to see them all."

Zhou Tieyi said, "That's right. Why not write two copies and let my disciple translate part of the Great Xia Tian Constitution into vernacular Chinese in each issue of the Legal Daily. Lawyer Si can correct it and provide specific precedents. Everyone can read whichever one they want to read. Then we can teach the people of the world so that everyone knows the law, understands the law, and abides by the law. Then the world will be governed!"

The world is in peace!

This is the highest philosophy of Legalism and also the first level of Legalism. Now I will tell you the way.

But the prerequisite is that you have to let my disciples participate in revising the "Daxia Constitution".

Zhou Tieyi’s strategies came one after another, one linked to another, like a violent storm.

This time Qingkong Gui did not agree immediately. Even in the face of Dazhi's temptation, he calmed down and said to Zhou Tieyi seriously, "Revision..."

"It's the translator."

Zhou Tieyi interrupted.

He still knew the difficulty between revision and translation.

The former was something that he couldn't accomplish with his current size, but the translation was different. He wouldn't change the original, but would just add a copy. With the help of Qingkong Gui and some persuasion from His Majesty the Great Xia, this was something that could be done.

Qingkong Gui smiled and said, "You kid still knows your bottom line."

"Even the translation of the Great Xia Tian Constitution is not something I can decide on my own."

"Of course, this matter must be consulted with His Majesty and let His Majesty preside over it."

Zhou Tieyi quickly expressed his loyalty.

I, Zhou Tieyi, am a loyal minister!
However, it is still unclear whether Your Majesty would be willing to spend time reading the complicated laws or to spend time practicing Taoism.

As for whether the Emperor of Daxia would agree, Zhou Tieyi was more than 80% sure.

Because translating "The Xia Constitution of the Great Heaven" into vernacular Chinese is a further blow to the Confucian discourse power.

Compared with the Legalist's first-class "great governance", the Great Xia Emperor is more afraid of the saints that will emerge from the Confucian school. As long as the Confucian fortune can be suppressed, the Great Xia Emperor will make a choice.

Besides, this "great governance" will not fall on me, Zhou Tieyi, but will most likely fall on Qingkong Gui, the legalist Si Lu. At most, my disciple will get a share of the luck from it and achieve a small achievement of the third-grade "rules" of the legalist school.

Qingkong Gui did not continue discussing this matter with Zhou Tieyi. After all, the "Daxia Tianxian" was relatively sensitive. It all depended on the emperor's attitude, and he also had to discuss with many factions within the Legalists. This was not something that could be resolved in a month or two. It was normal to take half a year or even a year to start.

Now it is just a rumor to let His Majesty know that there is a means to suppress Confucianism.

However, the case mentioned by this kid can indeed be published in the "Legal Daily".

"Then let's publish the case in vernacular Chinese in the Legal Daily."

Qingkong Gui can still make the decision on this matter.

This also means that vernacular Chinese has completely torn apart the Confucian and Legalist schools. It is no longer limited to the lower classes, but has begun to spread to the upper ruling class.

If His Majesty of Great Xia finally agrees to "translate" the "Xia Constitution of Great Xia" into vernacular Chinese, it will mark the stage-by-stage success of the vernacular Chinese movement and set rules for the new era.

(End of this chapter)