Chapter 583: The Technique of Movable‑Type Woodblock Printing

Yuwen Hu and Pei Xun both were taken aback, their eyes full of curiosity.

"Oh?"

Yuwen Hu leaned forward slightly, his tone urgent as he asked, "What kind of method could produce such an effect?"

"A Yan, please explain in detail; if it truly can solve the problem of book circulation, the reform of learning will be more than half accomplished!"

Pei Xun also turned his gaze, his eyes fixed on Chen Yan, full of expectation.

He knows well that the monopoly on books is the greatest obstacle for poor‑clan scholars seeking education; if there truly is a way to break this impasse, the reform would achieve twice the result with half the effort.

And those who oversee this matter will surely go down in history!

Chen Yan met their gazes, his expression steady, and said at an even pace, "In the past books were mostly hand‑copied; reproducing a single classic took months of work, not only inefficient but also prone to errors, with extremely high cost, making circulation naturally difficult..."

"My method is to improve the woodblock printing technique!"

"We can refine the carving process by using movable‑type woodblocks, carving each character onto a small wooden piece; after layout and printing, the types can be removed and reused!"

"In this way, not only is the time for carving greatly saved and printing efficiency increased, but various books can be flexibly laid out, reducing printing costs."

He paused, then continued, "The Court could take the lead in establishing a state‑run printing workshop, gathering skilled artisans to refine movable‑type and printing processes, mass‑producing classics, introductory texts, legal statutes, and the like, priced cheaply for scholars and common folk to purchase..."

"At the same time, encourage private printing workshops, with the Court providing policy support, forming a printing landscape of both official and civilian efforts..."

"Within a few years, all kinds of books could circulate widely in the markets, and poor‑clan youths would need only a modest sum to purchase them."

"Even without a personal library or famous teachers, one could self‑study to lay a foundation of knowledge, later enter academies for further study and examinations for office, standing on the same starting line as aristocratic scholars, truly allowing talent and learning to determine rank!"

Yuwen Hu, after listening, eyes full of amazement, tapped the desk again, his tone brimming with excitement and approval: "Excellent! What a splendid movable‑type woodblock printing technique!"

"A Yan, your method truly hits the crux, solving the book monopoly problem at its root; it is a brilliant scheme!"

"If it can indeed be implemented successfully, it will not only aid the reform of learning but also promote the spread of knowledge, benefiting all under Great Zhou—a deed of everlasting merit!"

Pei Xun also nodded, his face full of grateful smile, his tone earnest: "If the movable‑type printing technique can be put into practice, book costs will plummet and circulation will expand, and the difficulty poor scholars face in seeking education will be easily resolved..."

"The reform of learning can truly be realized, achieving the goal of fair talent selection."

"Great Zhou's talent pool will become ever more abundant, and its foundation ever more solid!"

Chen Yan bowed and saluted, his tone modest: "Grand Preceptor and father‑in‑law, your praise is misplaced; I merely happened upon the opportunity and thought of this method..."

"Further implementation will still require the Court to take the lead, gather skilled artisans to refine the craft, establish printing workshops, and only then can this matter be realized!"

Yuwen Hu raised his hand to signal him to sit, his tone solemn and resolute: "I, the king, will personally supervise this matter; we will immediately allocate personnel, gather skilled artisans, study and improve the movable‑type printing technique, swiftly establish a state‑run printing workshop, and mass‑produce books!"

As the candle flame flickered, Chen Yan's smile remained, his fingertips lightly tapping the edge of the desk before his knees; he then reached into his robe, his fingers brushing the silk‑lined collar, and slowly drew out a neatly folded document.

The document's cover was cut from plain xuan paper, its edges pressed with delicate cloud patterns, and the corners showed no crease thanks to careful storage.

The scent of ink mingled with the fresh moisture of the paper, gently dispersing with the movement.

He pinched a corner of the document, slowly unfolding a bit, his eyes scanning the dense characters and drawn diagrams, then looked up at the Grand Preceptor, his tone carrying a calm smile: "Grand Preceptor, I understand the reform of learning is of great importance, and the implementation of the movable‑type printing technique requires detailed regulations; I have already drafted a comprehensive promotion plan..."

"Inside, it lists the timeline and allocation of authority for each stage of the learning reform, and also includes the innovation details of the movable‑type woodblock printing technique."

"Additionally, the procedures for carving, layout, and printing are all illustrated clearly, facilitating implementation; please review them!"

When he finished speaking, Chen Yan rose, holding the document with both hands, his torso slightly bowed, and respectfully presented it to the Grand Preceptor.

Yuwen Hu, seeing this, smiled even wider, lifted his hand to stroke his chin beard, his gaze fixed on the orderly document, his tone full of praise and a hint of expected satisfaction: "A Yan, you handle affairs truly without fighting an unprepared battle!"

"You think ahead in every matter, leaving no room for others to waste effort."

As he spoke, he reached for the document, his fingertips feeling the cool texture of the xuan paper; his eyes scanned the neatly written small script on the first page, the brushstrokes vigorous and crisp, the sentences orderly—he grew more pleased, his fingertips gently rubbing the document's edge, praising again: "It remains as thorough as ever, even the diagrams are prepared with such meticulous detail..."

"It saves the effort of many subsequent discussions, thus sparing a great deal of work."

Chen Yan bowed his head, withdrew his hands to his sides, respectfully clasped his fists, and said modestly and earnestly, "Grand Preceptor, your praise is misplaced!"

"Alleviating concerns for you and Great Zhou is within my duties; I must fulfill my responsibilities wholeheartedly, daring not a moment of slackness!"

Having said that, he straightened, stood quietly aside, waiting for Yuwen Hu to peruse the document, his demeanor still composed.

Yuwen Hu lowered his head and carefully turned the pages, his fingertips tracing each line, occasionally nodding or lightly tapping the document, his eyes full of approval.

When he encountered a crucial point, he would whisper a few lines, his tone unable to hide his commendation.

Pei Xun sat upright beside them, his tea cup already slightly cool yet unnoticed, his gaze fixed on the document in Yuwen Hu's hand, his thoughts drifting silently.

Just now his own son‑in‑law had proposed the movable‑type printing technique, solving the scarcity of books, and he felt deeply gratified.

But after a moment of quiet contemplation, he sensed some omissions.

When Yuwen Hu turned to the page showing the movable‑type printing process diagrams, Pei Xun's brows furrowed slightly, his fingertips lightly tapping the desk, breaking the hall's silence, and he spoke in a deep voice: "Now the book problem is essentially solved; with movable‑type printing, classic circulation expands and costs drop dramatically..."

"Poor and commoner youths can finally afford and read books, but merely having these books is still insufficient!"

He paused, then looked at Yuwen Hu and Chen Yan, his expression growing more solemn, adding: "Classics and histories are often obscure and difficult; their passages hide many principles, and cannot be mastered merely by reading..."

"Without teachers to point out and explain, even with the books, poor youths would mostly grasp only fragments, unable to perceive the essence."

"Moreover, among the commoners, many cannot even recognize basic characters, let alone read books; even if books lie before them, they have no way to start, so literacy itself remains a pressing key issue..."

Pei Xun's words struck the core; Yuwen Hu's page‑turning paused briefly, he looked at him, a hint of agreement flashing in his eyes, then turned his gaze to Chen Yan, evidently sharing the same concern.

Chen Yan heard this, immediately nodded in agreement, his tone growing weightier: "Father‑in‑law, you are absolutely right; this is indeed the most critical subsequent challenge now!"

"Poor and commoner youths, most come from impoverished families..."

"Nine out of ten lack the means to hire teachers for home lessons; even ordinary private school tuition is a heavy burden they simply cannot bear."

"Even with books, without teachers to guide and without basic literacy, true learning remains difficult; examinations for office also remain unfair, and the original intent of reform would be compromised."

Yuwen Hu placed the document on the desk, his fingertips turning the Jade Ring on his hand.

In fact, before Pei Xun spoke, he had already thought of this while perusing the document, but intentionally waited to hear Chen Yan and Pei Xun's ideas, to see whether their thoughts aligned.

Now that the two had finished speaking, he looked up at Chen Yan, his gaze carrying a hint of inquiry, and asked calmly: "So, A Yan, what do you think should be done regarding literacy and teaching?"

Chen Yan already had a plan in mind; hearing the question, he smiled calmly, and without haste said, his tone firm and clear: "I believe the Court should take the lead and establish free schools in every prefecture and county!"

"Within the schools, hire reasonably learned Confucian scholars as teachers to instruct children in literacy and recitation of introductory texts; once the foundation is solid, they can teach the meanings of classics, and students need not pay any tuition..."

"Salaries for teachers, school maintenance, and expenses for brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones shall all be funded by the Court!"

He paused, then looked at Yuwen Hu, a hint of deeper meaning flashing in his eyes, bowed and clasped his fists, his tone growing more earnest: "In this way, we can swiftly raise the literacy rate among poor and commoner peoples across the realm, giving more people the chance to access knowledge and laying a foundation for further study and examinations..."

It can also rally the hearts of the common folk across the land, letting them know that it is the Court, it is the Grand Preceptor who gave them the chance to pursue further study, so they will be grateful to Great Zhou and to the Grand Preceptor!

The key is, we need not worry about aristocratic families crowding out resources.....

Because proud as they are, they won't lower their pride to associate with anything free!

Even if it were truly discovered, we would publicize it widely and use public opinion to drive it out.....

Yuwen Hu, after listening, burst into hearty laughter, his bright laugh shaking the candle flame slightly; he raised his hand and pointed at Chen Yan, his eyes full of satisfaction and approval, his tone tinged with delight: "Excellent!! You're finally thinking the same as this lord!"

Having said that, he withdrew his finger, lightly tapped the desk with his fingertip, his tone becoming solemn and resolute, bearing an unquestionable decision: "Let the Treasury fund it, immediately assign personnel to coordinate this, first pilot schools in the prefectures and counties surrounding Jingcheng; once the process matures, gradually expand to all prefectures and counties across the realm....."

"We must ensure that every commoner's child across the realm has a path to education!"

If, when he first took charge of Great Zhou, Yuwen Hu perhaps truly lacked such boldness.

After all, even a clever housewife cannot cook without rice.

But times have changed; now there is a huge influx of salt tax revenue, sales to Liang Kingdom have earned considerable foreign exchange, there are also taxes from the Qinglou, and various proceeds from the recent confiscations by the Mingjing Office.....

The confidence cannot be said to be insufficient!

Pei Xun sat quietly beside them, his fingertip lightly tapping the desk, a hint of contemplation in his expression, before raising the issue of literacy and teaching.

Now that the Court has approved the establishment of free schools, the dilemma of commoners' children having no way to study has already been resolved.

Yet he thought further: the poor families of these children, even without tuition fees, still struggle for basic sustenance; if they must hustle for livelihood, they will inevitably find it hard to focus on studies, fearing that results will still be limited.

He lowered his gaze, thought briefly, let his fingertip fall slowly, looked up at Yuwen Hu and Chen Yan, chose his words, and in a steady and earnest tone added: "Grand Preceptor, A Yan, establishing free schools and hiring teachers has already solved the urgent need of commoner children for education...."

"However, there is still one detail that could be refined a bit more."

Yuwen Hu and Chen Yan both looked up at him, their eyes showing a hint of inquiry, waiting silently for his further words.

Pei Xun, meeting their gazes, continued: "Many commoner children are constrained by livelihood; even if they enter school, they may have to work due to lack of food at home, making it hard to devote themselves fully to study....."

"I think we could provide a portion of grain to the commoner students in the schools, thereby relieving their livelihood worries, allowing them to study with a clear mind without being distracted by food and shelter!"

"Moreover, we could grant extra grain to the outstanding students in the schools as an incentive, which would both stimulate their enthusiasm for learning and help select more talented individuals!"

"It would serve both further cultivation and the preparation of officials—a win‑win!"

This practical suggestion hits another obstacle faced by commoner students; after hearing it, Yuwen Hu nodded in strong agreement, his fingertip lightly tapping the desk, his tone full of approval: "Excellent!"

"Pei Zhuguo's idea is excellent, considered extremely thoroughly!"

"Grain assistance may seem trivial, yet it can relieve the commoners' worries, allowing them to study peacefully; rewarding the outstanding with grain further motivates them, appearing more reliable than mere teaching..."

"Let this matter be incorporated into the school's regulations, with its expenses allocated together by the Treasury."

The grain subsidies and rewards can fully mobilize the students' initiative.

Moreover, the large amount of grain previously requisitioned from Qi State is just right for use!

Chen Yan sat nearby, a slight smile at his mouth, looking at Yuwen Hu and Pei Xun, and said: "In addition, once movable‑type printing spreads, government‑run printing workshops can mass‑produce classics and primers; although priced low, they can still generate profit....."

"Private printing workshops, supported by the Court, can later pay taxes proportionally."

"When printing fully enters the proper track, the revenue from printing alone can completely cover all expenses of establishing schools, including teachers' salaries, grain subsidies, and costs of brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, without requiring the Treasury to provide long‑term extra funds."

"Moreover, as profits increase, surplus can be poured directly into the Treasury, both supporting educational reform and bolstering Great Zhou's finances—a truly multiple‑benefit move!"

Yuwen Hu, hearing this, showed a flash of delight in his eyes, then leaned back in his chair, his fingertip still turning the Jade Ring, his expression showing composed strategic confidence; after a moment's contemplation, he said decisively: "This is excellent; with no lingering worries and the ability to generate revenue, we can push this forward wholeheartedly!"

"As for supervising the concrete affairs, let Du Yichuan take charge, coordinating the establishment of schools, the construction of printing workshops, and all related matters!"

"Pei Hongqu and Yu Yan, familiar with local administration and Court regulations, will assist, supporting Du Yichuan in implementing details, each performing their duties and cooperating!"

Pei Xun, hearing this, immediately rose, standing shoulder to shoulder with Chen Yan, bowed toward Yuwen Hu, and said respectfully and earnestly: "Grand Preceptor, your wisdom!"

That Du Yichuan is no ordinary person.....

He is Yuwen Ze's maternal uncle's elder brother.

This arrangement perfectly balances interests and stabilizes the foundation.

Yuwen Hu raised his hand and gave a light tap.

The two nodded and slowly took their seats.

Chen Yan sat quietly for a moment, lifted his eyes to Yuwen Hu, a hint of contemplation in his gaze, blinked, and, with a slightly probing tone, began: "Grand Preceptor, the highest academies within Chang'an are the Imperial Academy and the Grand Academy, their curricula are similar and the texts taught are largely the same....."

"Yet they fall under different departmental jurisdictions; daily affairs and staff allocations are often inconvenient, making unified management difficult over time and hindering further educational reform....."

"I dare to propose, may we merge the Imperial Academy and the Grand Academy, consolidating faculty and resources under a unified system for easier coordination?"

Yuwen Hu, hearing this, paused his fingertip's turning of the Jade Ring, looked up at Chen Yan, a hint of thought in his expression.

The merger of academies concerns Chang'an's top education system and requires careful consideration.

He pondered briefly, weighing pros and cons; the long‑standing separation of the Imperial and Grand Academies indeed causes fragmented management and waste of resources.

Now, with educational reform underway, it is an opportune moment for integration.

It can simplify procedures and concentrate talent cultivation, thus feasible.

After a moment, Yuwen Hu raised his hand and gave a decisive order, his tone crisp: "Proceed! The merger is feasible; taking advantage of this reform, we will streamline the academy system and avoid future hassles."

Having said that, he stroked his beard, his gaze sweeping the candles in the hall, pondering a name for the new academy; after a moment, he announced loudly: "After the merger, we will no longer use the old names; we shall call it the Guozijian!"

"It conveys both the meaning of inheriting education and the Court's emphasis on the academy; henceforth it will be Great Zhou's highest academy, overseeing all education affairs nationwide and coordinating all reforms of teaching regulations!"

Chen Yan, hearing the words 'Guozijian', froze slightly, a trace of bewilderment and surprise flashing in his eyes, leaving him momentarily dazed.

The Guozijian has been the highest academy of successive dynasties for a thousand years; he never expected it to be born early in Great Zhou today, far earlier than history had originally slated.

He lowered his gaze, suppressing the surprise, murmuring to himself: "Guozijian, so it steps onto the stage like this?"

Yuwen Hu lifted his eyes to Chen Yan, his tone bearing trust and expectation: "Since many of the reforms were first proposed by you, A Yan, the subsequent refinement of regulations and the academy's integration cannot be done without your planning....."

"Then you shall take the lead, fully responsible for the Guozijian's construction and later management, and serve as its inaugural Sacrificial Wine!"

"Coordinate nationwide education affairs, formulate teaching regulations, and select teachers and students!"