"National Teacher, you had always been reasonable and understanding..."
Pan Yun said, "I'm still perfectly reasonable and understanding now. I think you're just lazy. Paper may be widespread these days, but it's far from enough. How many scholars are there across the realm? Why can't the process be improved further?"
Hu Cheng said, "If the cost per sheet falls below ten copper coins, what will the private paper shops do? That would be competing with the people for profit."
Pan Yun said, "Then sell the formula to the private shops. Of course, I wouldn't object if the Ministry of Works gave it away for free."
Hu Cheng: ...
Pan Yun said earnestly, "Old Hu, it's not that I want to criticize you, but you need to look farther ahead. The Imperial Court is carrying out a grand educational plan. How many community schools have been opened this year alone? The Court's goal is to eliminate illiteracy and make five years of compulsory community-school education universal within fifteen years. Once costs come down, you can win through volume."
"If even government offices are short of paper, what about ordinary citizens? How are you supposed to spread the educational plan?"
Hu Cheng fell into thought. The craftsman who had been summoned to the side could not help stepping forward. "National Teacher, if we make cheaper paper, will everyone truly be able to study? Will every person be able to attend school for five years?"
Pan Yun stressed, "They must attend. Regardless of gender, anyone who refuses to send their children to school can wait to pay a fine."
The craftsman's eyes lit up at once. "I'll take this job. I'll improve the formula."
"Ah..." Hu Cheng hesitated, but in the end he sighed. "Fine, fine, go ahead. But who will take over