Paper Mill and Printing House

She excitedly grabbed Zhao Ruxi's hand. "Zhiwei, tell me carefully what to do."

Zhao Ruxi then told Madam Cui what she knew about the operating model of modern newspapers.

She said, "We can divide the newspaper into sections. Each section has its own content and characteristics. For example, a section could specialize in laws related to women, a section could serialize stories, and a section could teach people some common sense or skills, such as cooking tips."

"Wait a minute." Madam Cui hurried to the table, ground ink and laid out paper, then looked at Zhao Ruxi, "Repeat what you just said to me."

This time, Zhao Ruxi explained it in even more detail.

The idea of starting a newspaper didn't come to her after meeting He Yuqi; it existed even before the printing press was invented.

Therefore, her ideas not only incorporated her understanding of modern newspaper management experience, but also made appropriate modifications based on the circumstances of ancient times.

Madam Cui listened and took notes.

She was initially at a loss, unsure how to do it. But as she wrote more and more, she gained a clearer understanding of how to run a newspaper.

"That's wonderful." After writing, Madam Cui looked up at Zhao Ruxi, her eyes slightly red. "Zhiwei, on behalf of all women, I thank you. You've come up with a brilliant idea."

"Master, I feel ashamed when you say that," Zhao Ruxi said. "I was merely offering suggestions; you are the one who has done the most for them."

"Having the will is not enough; you need the ability. You have no idea how many women your idea could save from dire straits," Madam Cui remarked.

Zhao Ruxi's intelligence was unlike anything she had ever seen in her life.

"Zhiwei, you are smart and hardworking. I don't know how high you will go in this life. I just hope you won't end up like Zhang Lu and the others, confined to the inner quarters after marriage. That would be such a waste of your intelligence and talent," Madam Cui said earnestly.

Zhao Ruxi nodded emphatically. "Don't worry, Master, I won't."

She wouldn't have done that in her past life, and she certainly won't in this one. She's lived well in both her past and present lives thanks to her own abilities, so why would she be so foolish as to be confined to the inner quarters? That's just not her personality.

After finishing her business, Zhao Ruxi took her leave.

"Let's go, let's go out together. I'll go find Grand Princess Shangde and inform her of this matter." Madam Cui also stood up.

After seeing Madam Cui off at the academy gate, Zhao Ruxi returned to her courtyard and said to Qingfeng, "Have Zhaoming go and summon Steward Zhou."

After Zhou Chun arrived, she asked, "How are the preparations for the seal-making workshop going?"

"The basic preparations are complete," Zhou Chun said. "Luckily, the young lady found suitable paper; otherwise, we would have had to spend time constantly searching for and trying different types."

To run a newspaper, printing costs must be reduced. Only by adopting a strategy of low profit margins and high sales volume can a newspaper reach a wide audience; a wide audience leads to greater influence; and greater influence leads to wider sales.

This is a virtuous cycle.

So after she invented the printer, she used it to test various types of paper.

After all, printing presses have requirements for the hardness and thickness of the paper. Because of the ancient custom of writing with soft brushes, the paper was relatively soft, with good water absorption but insufficient water resistance, which is completely different from the paper used in printing presses.

They not only wanted to test the suitability of the paper, but also wanted to find the lowest-cost paper possible in order to reduce the cost of the newspaper.

Therefore, Zhao Ruxi wrote a letter to Xiao Lingyan, asking him to find suitable paper in the Ministry of Works.

The reason for seeking out Xiao Lingyan instead of Gong Cheng was that Xiao Lingyan knew what kind of paper was suitable for the printing press, and even if there wasn't any readily available, he could have the craftsmen from the Ministry of Works of Works experiment and improve it.

It would be a waste of breath to talk to Gong Cheng, and it would also be difficult to explain the origin of the printing press.

She planned to conceal her identity when she opened the printing shop, having a manager act as a cover to avoid a lot of trouble.

Xiao Lingyan did not disappoint her trust. After observing the papermaking technology at the paper mill, he devised a papermaking machine that simplified the papermaking process, greatly improved efficiency, and reduced papermaking costs.

To this end, he had his subordinates open a paper mill in his own name, selling paper and papermaking machines along with paper, hoping to lower the price of paper and benefit the scholars of the Great Jin.

"In that case, let's choose an auspicious day to open for business," Zhao Ruxi said.

She had originally planned to open the printing shop after the New Year, and then find an opportunity to talk to Madam Cui about starting a newspaper. Unexpectedly, He Yuqi gave her the opportunity.

Now that the newspaper project has been put on the agenda, the printing shop should also be opened as soon as possible. When Madam Cui and the others are preparing to launch the newspaper, the printing shop manager can automatically come to their door to solicit business.

If the printing shop only opens when the newspaper shop is being prepared, the timing will be too synchronized and will arouse suspicion.

"Yes," Zhou Chun replied.

Sure enough, the next day, Madam Cui sent a message to Zhao Ruxi, saying that Grand Princess Shangde was very interested in starting a newspaper and wanted to invite Zhao Ruxi to discuss it.

Accompanied by Madam Cui, Zhao Ruxi visited Grand Princess Shangde and recounted her experience in running a newspaper to the Grand Princess Shangde.

However, when Grand Princess Shangde invited her to invest, she declined.

After taking her leave, Madam Cui asked Zhao Ruxi, puzzled, "Why did you refuse?"

It was Zhao Ruxi who suggested investing. How many people wanted to be associated with Grand Princess Shangde but couldn't?

Although Zhao Ruxi was Mister Kumu's apprentice, Mister Kumu ultimately held little real power. Moreover, he was getting old. Having another powerful backer would prevent Zhao Ruxi from being easily bullied.

As for the money for the investment, she wasn't worried that Zhao Ruxi wouldn't be able to come up with it.

Kang Shilin loved to show off his young apprentice's skills at the academy. Madam Cui had seen Zhao Ruxi's paintings created using the new painting technique.

Of all the Women's Academy who had seen Zhao Ruxi's paintings, only Kang Shilin was qualified to participate in the auction. Therefore, Madam Cui was unaware that the painting that fetched a high price of 25,000 taels of silver belonged to Zhao Ruxi.

But Zhao Ruxi's paintings are so good that if she were willing to sell them, even though she's not famous yet, she could still sell a painting for one or two thousand taels of silver and still find buyers.

Zhao Ruxi waved her hand and said, "How dare I, a commoner, meddle in the affairs of noble people? If there's anything I can help with in running the newspaper, please just say so, but let's not talk about investing."

Madam Cui tried to persuade her a couple more times, but seeing that Zhao Ruxi was determined not to agree, she had no choice but to give up.

"By the way," she changed the subject, "The competitions in various places will start in about ten days. Have you registered yet?"

Zhao Ruxi scratched her cheek. "I haven't decided whether I want to sign up yet."

The year-end competition includes music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, providing an opportunity for talented individuals to gain recognition.

"Why didn't you sign up? Your paintings are so good," Madam Cui asked curiously.

"Uh, my master said I don't need to go," Zhao Ruxi said, making things up.