Chapter Fifteen: Advancements in Papermaking Techniques

When Liu Xie caught sight of the workshop beside the testing ground, his eyes immediately brightened.

Inside the experimental workshop stood a crowd of people; a group of craftsmen were peering intently at something and loudly arguing among themselves.

“This isn’t all that different from the previous papermaking technique!”

“The raw materials have completely changed—how could it possibly be the same?”

“But aren’t the steps still the same? Separating raw materials, pulping, forming, drying—what’s so difficult about that?”

“I bet the paper will look no different after drying! Maybe it’s even worse than before!”

“I don’t think so!”

...

Listening to their debate, Liu Xie sensed the underlying meaning: the craftsmen were disputing the papermaking technique, evidently doubting the improved method he had provided them.

Papermaking actually had a long history in China. Since ancient times, the Chinese had known how to raise silkworms and reel silk. By the Qin and Han dynasties, handicrafts using inferior cocoons to make silk cotton had become widespread.

This method of processing inferior cocoons was called the ‘flotation method,’ which involved careful, repeated pounding to break down the silkworm’s cocoon layers. This technique later evolved into the pulping process in papermaking. Additionally, ancient China often used limewater or plant ash water to degum silk and hemp fibers, a technique that inspired fiber degumming in papermaking. Paper developed through the application of these technologies.

However, the process was complicated and costly, preventing widespread adoption.

It was not until the Eastern Han when Cai Lun improved, simplified, and standardized the papermaking procedure using inexpensive materials that the technique became popular. Nonetheless, the paper produced at that time was coarse and fragile, unsuitable for writing and mostly used for packaging.

Hearing the craftsmen’s disputes, Liu Xie understood their skepticism wasn’t mere doubt but stemmed from their protective instincts. Since ancient times, craftsmanship in China was a closely guarded family secret, passed from father to son and never to daughters. Any new technology that threatened their skills was naturally resisted.

This explained why, despite many inventions in ancient China, progress remained limited to foundational levels without significant advancement. Liu Xie sighed inwardly at this thought.

Beside him, Asan cautiously asked, “Your Majesty, why do you sigh?”

Liu Xie shook his head and replied, “It’s nothing. Lead me to see your results.”

Upon arriving in Luoyang yesterday, Liu Xie had arranged for the Fuhu Unit to seek out the imperial craftsmen still in the city. He had handed them a silk scroll containing the improved papermaking formula and techniques from the future, instructing them to produce samples as soon as possible.

At this moment, the craftsmen, upon seeing Liu Xie and the Fuhu Unit led by Asan, immediately knelt and bowed deeply in unison, “We humbly greet His Majesty, the Son of Heaven!”

Liu Xie waved them off with a smile. “Rise. I heard you arguing from afar; let me see what you’re disputing.”

Asan then led Liu Xie to a wooden rack where thin layers of yellowish pulp were drying on a mesh, not yet fully dried. Liu Xie turned and asked, “Is this the improved pulp you mentioned?”

A craftsman in his fifties stood respectfully. “Your Majesty, this improvement was made by Chen Xuan, a second-rank craftsman of the Imperial Workshop.”

A young man, no older than eighteen or nineteen, thin and delicate in appearance, rose to speak respectfully. “Your Majesty, this method is not my own, it is—”

He noticed Fuhu behind Liu Xie signaling him. Originally about to credit Fuhu for the improvement, he quickly corrected himself, “Your Majesty, it is indeed my work.”

Liu Xie nodded in approval, scanning the crowd of craftsmen. Slowly, he said, “I heard your debate just now. You have doubts about this new technique. That is good. But—”

“To judge any technique or matter, one must first see the results, is that not so?” Liu Xie’s voice was firm.

“We acknowledge our error!” The craftsmen knelt and kowtowed, sweating nervously, wondering if they had misspoken.

Seeing their expressions, Liu Xie knew they hadn’t truly understood, so he continued, “I hope that not only the artisans of the Imperial Workshop but all craftsmen of the realm can innovate boldly rather than cling stubbornly to the old ways.”

“Don’t simply criticize new things blindly! Right and wrong must be judged after seeing the outcome. I hope you will not be so fixated on preserving your old skills that the craft can never flourish!”

“As craftsmen of the Imperial Workshop, every technology and tool that leaves here is meant to benefit the people!” Liu Xie grew more impassioned, and the craftsmen began to grasp the meaning.

One by one, they fell silent, unsure how to respond.

Calming himself, Liu Xie said slowly, “Do not be bound by ancient methods or stagnate. Do not let your skills perish with you.”

Then he turned and left. Having said so much, anyone with a shred of understanding could grasp his intent.

Only when Liu Xie’s figure had vanished far down the corridor did the craftsmen finally rise, calling out, “We humbly see Your Majesty off!”

Hearing their voices, Liu Xie smiled faintly. His purpose had been partly achieved, but this was only the beginning. He did not intend to change just these few people; he wished to liberate the world from ignorance and reform society.

There was much to change—thoughts, systems, culture, education...

The road ahead was long, he thought deeply.

***

After Liu Xie disappeared from the corridor, the craftsmen of the Imperial Workshop rose one by one in silence. Chen Xuan was the first to speak.

“Fellow senior craftsmen, we all understand His Majesty’s meaning, do we not? Even without His Majesty’s command, his foresight surpasses our comprehension!”

“As craftsmen of the Imperial Workshop, our duty is to benefit the people! We cannot remain closed off any longer!”

His eyes steady, he declared, “I am willing to share my formula and techniques with everyone!”

His words stirred the hearts of all present, and seeing Chen Xuan’s sincere determination, one after another expressed willingness to share their skills and techniques.

“Old Li, haven’t you admired my knife skills for years? I’ll teach you!”

“Ha! Old Zhang, since you say so, I’ll show you the woodworking skills you’ve been jealous of all these years!”

“Old Wang! You’re not going to...”

...

The workshop instantly grew lively. Though Liu Xie was no longer present, he had anticipated this. Even if reason alone wouldn’t suffice, he would find ways to compel them to share their craft and train a new generation.

After all, they were growing old.

***

Meanwhile, two hundred miles from Luoyang, in Chenliu, the main camp of the Eastern Coalition Army was assembled.

Inside a vast tent at the center sat warlords and bandit leaders from across the land. The leader, clad in dark armor, wore an unsettled expression. The tense atmosphere stifled all speech.

This general was Yuan Shao, the proclaimed leader of the Eastern Coalition.

Finally, a general sitting opposite him could no longer remain silent and asked, “Lord Yuan, what urgent matter has summoned us so early this morning?”

Yuan Shao answered slowly, his tone betraying no emotion, yet causing a stir among those present.

“The Son of Heaven led troops to reclaim Luoyang yesterday and has executed the traitor Dong!”