Chapter 841: The Will of the People
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Upon hearing the shopkeeper’s words, the people in the queue were even more confident that Princess Binglan had developed the paper. They thought only a kind person like her could sell high-quality paper at lower prices. If it were anyone else, they would sell low-quality paper at high prices.
“Miss Su is the princess.”
“Yeah, she’s the one who selflessly helped us.”
“Now I can buy cheap paper for my nephew, who’s attending a private school. He’ll be thrilled to use them.”
“Do you remember how expensive paper used to be?”
“l wasn’t willing to spend ten coppers last time, but Princess Binglan has given my son and daughter-in-law jobs at her factory. They’ll earn high wages, so I’m a little more willing to spend money now.”
“You’re right. My family lives in the neighboring village, and the princess has taught us how to grow tomatoes. We’ve planted many so the princess can buy them whenever they’ve ripened. My family and I figured we’d earn a lot from selling tomatoes.”
“l no longer have to worry about not being able to sell the tomatoes I grow or the medicinal herbs I pick, thanks to Princess Binglan.”
“Yeah, I don’t have to worry about scrounging for food. My family and I don’t feel that much pressure anymore.”
Everyone felt more secure, knowing Su Binglan was a princess. They did not have to worry about the factory suddenly shutting down or about not receiving their wages and bonuses on time.
Everyone just wanted to work hard and not worry about anything else. Moreover, Su Binglan had repaired the roads from the village to the town, making it much more convenient for people to travel to and from.
The commoners chatted and smiled as they waited in queue.
“Maybe we finally can go to a hotpot restaurant and try the food there soon.”
“My two children can earn stable salaries monthly. They recently helped rebuild the roads and factories. Since they’ve earned a lot from that, their lives will be better now.”
“Did you guys notice how much livelier it is in town now? I see so many people walking around.”
“Indeed, it used to be so deserted here. More people are willing to visit the town market now.”
“That’s because everyone has enough money and no longer has to worry about those scoundrels. People can finally enjoy strolling around town.”
“l could easily sell my eggs in town this morning. Last time, I might not even see anyone walking around.”
“l never expected Yang County to go through such a drastic change in such a short period. It’s all thanks to Princess Binglan. We should be grateful to her. She also said our county will continue to improve,”
“She has been leading some people in building a villa at a hot spring lately. I don’t know what that means, but she says it’ll benefit our county greatly.”
“l heard about that, too. Princess Binglan said that soaking in a hot spring is good for the body.”
Su Binglan and Su Wenxiu heard the commoners’ conversations as they lined up in front of the paper shop. Su Binglan could not help but smile while her brother sighed.
He remembered how empty the streets were when he first arrived at Yang County. However, things changed, and people were still on the streets even in the late evening.
People came and went in the surrounding shops, and the workers greeted their customers warmly. Yang County began to thrive, improving everyone’s mood. Everyone enjoyed the liveliness in town because it meant the county was improving.
Su Binglan did everything she could to help as many people as possible. Su Wenxiu felt he should work just as hard as his sister so that he could open a pharmacy in Yang County. He would then assign his graduated students to work here.
Su Wenxiu was stunned when he and his sister entered the paper shop. The former looked at the thick paper and felt it, saying, “Sister, the paper is perfect.
Not only was the paper white, but it was also smooth to the touch and carried a faint fragrance. Su Wenxiu was impressed with the high-quality paper. He wanted to write on it to see how it felt.
The shopkeeper explained, “This paper is different from the ones you used to know. Ink won’t blotch into it as it does on ordinary paper. It’s also smooth to write on.
“We have different thicknesses of paper, too. We also have books on the second floor, which use a new printing technique. That’s why books are now cheaper than before here.”
“What’s a printing?” a customer asked curiously.
The shopkeeper scratched his head and chuckled. “l don’t know how to explain it either. The printing factory made over ten copies of each type of book.
“We no longer have to hand copy books like before, so they’re much cheaper,
Feel free to visit our second floor to check them out.’
The customer said, “In that case, this so-called printing is great for everyone.”
“Miss Su also developed the printing method.” The waiter was full of admiration when he mentioned Miss Sue
“That must be the princess.”
“Yeah, she even helped us commoners vent our frustrations against those horrible merchants. It was so satisfying.”
After looking at the paper, Su Binglan and Su Wenxiu went to the second floor. The latter picked up a few books and looked at them, realizing that the words were neat and consistent. It was evident that it was not handwritten.
Su Wenxiu was shocked when he looked at the beautifully printed books.
‘Is this the art of printing? My sister’s developments always surprise me. I wouldn’t have believed it if she wasn’t standing right beside me.’ Meanwhile, many scholars in the shop excitedly discussed the books.
“The words in these books are so consistent. I can tell that a person didn’t copy these books by hand.”
“Yeah, it’s amazing how consistent they are.”
“l met Miss Su when she taught my mother how to make dumplings and ketchup.”
“l wanted to study in a private school, and my mother finally let me. She works in the ketchup factory, while my father works in the herb factory. Since they earn a lot now, they can fully support my education.”
“Indeed, you should continue with your studies. You’re so talented, Brother Zhou. You can take the Imperial Exams and become an excellent government official.
“l only want to serve Prince Ruozhu. I don’t intend to work at the capital’s
Imperial Court.”
“You’re right. Prince Ruozhu and Princess Binglan are close, and everyone wants to serve them. I plan to enroll in Fiery Blue Academy to serve the prince..”
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