[Red Chamber] Madam's wishes come true

Daiyu naturally would not refuse.

In her opinion, it was already a very great thing for her father to agree to publish the Lin family's collection of books and examination papers.

After all, after the ancestors of the Lin family got these books, in order for the books to be intact and not lost, or even maliciously damaged and taken away by others, the ancestors of the Lin family never let the things in the library be taken out of the Lin family. Just like Lin Kou did before, get someone to copy it out and then send it out.

Furthermore, Daiyu is very clear that after these books and examination papers are published, it may harm the interests of the younger brothers——

Because when these books of the Lin family are published, the children of the Lin family will definitely not have the advantage of Lin Ruhai in the imperial examination before, and they can only compete with many people on the same level.

But her father agreed to her request.

Daiyu is very grateful for her father's love, and when she finds that she may help her father, she will naturally not refuse.

only……

She carefully reminded: "Father, Sister Kou took out these charts. Although Sister Kou also said that she did not invent these charts, but if you want to use them, my daughter thinks you should tell Sister Kou. As for what my daughter wants to do It’s okay to temporarily postpone the business.”

Lin Ruhai finally regained consciousness from the excitement of discovering something good: "It's only natural. As a father, I'll send someone to ask Ji girl for her opinion."

After he paused, he smiled wryly, "It's just that, our family will owe favors to Yatou again."

Daiyu was at a loss: "But sister Kou and us are not a family? Why should we see each other as a family? If sister Kou knows that you care about her, I'm afraid she will be angry."

It is not necessary to be angry, but it is certain to be unhappy.

Fortunately, Lin Ruhai listened to Daiyu's words, and only came to ask Lin Kou's opinion in person, and did not say anything in return.

Lin Kou didn't refuse, and didn't think there was any need to refuse: "This is just an auxiliary tool, and it will reduce the workload for sure, but if you hope that after using these charts, no one will deceive you , Stealing money from the country to support my own small family..."

It is indeed more difficult to cheat, but as long as people have selfish intentions, they can always find a way to cheat.

If not, there would not be so many tax-evading companies in modern times.

Lin Ruhai smiled bitterly after hearing the words: "It can always be peaceful for a few years first. Besides, it's good enough to reduce the workload."

Seeing that he was ready, Lin Kou thought about it, and asked someone to write the Arabic numerals from 0 to 9 with a pen and paper: "Generally speaking, those charts need to match this kind of numbers. It's just Daiyu's business." It is small enough to be seen by the naked eye, and the sales volume of each book per month will not be too much, as long as the space is drawn a little bigger, there is absolutely no problem."

"But the master used these charts to use the household department." Lin Kou smiled, "The household department is in charge of the world's money and food, and every income and expenditure is a huge number. If you use the charts, I'm afraid you will never The original idea will be smashed into the sand."

Diagrams are actually not difficult, but they almost never appeared in ancient China.

Lin Kou didn't really understand it before, but not long after she traveled to the Red Mansion, she learned how to be a housekeeper with Jia Min for a period of time, and after reading the account book for a period of time, she almost understood it.

Because there are no Arabic numerals.

For example, if you want to record a number exceeding 15874, the Arabic numerals are only recorded as a short string of "[-]", but the Chinese characters are "[-], [-], [-]", and more than [-] exaggerate.

Perhaps in history someone tried to make a graph and ended up throwing it away because the numbers were too long.

Things that have no practical significance can only be lost if they are invented.

But with Arabic numerals it is different.

Lin Kou introduced the combination of Arabic numerals and the existence of the decimal system——

The hexadecimal system may be one of the obstacles restricting the promotion of Arabic numerals.

If a workman wants to be good, he must first sharpen his weapon.

Without enough good basic tools, even if someone develops a good thing, it will not be matched at all.

It should be said that Lin Ruhai just instinctively felt that these charts could help him, improve the existing accounting methods of the Ministry of Accounts, reduce the workload of officials of the Ministry of Accounts, and increase the difficulty of fraud. The degree of attention has been increased at once.

Lin Ruhai followed up and asked a lot of details, and he was relieved when he really figured out everything.

He looked at Zhen Fu, who was buried in the questions beside him, and then at Lin Kou: "I will explain to His Majesty that you told me these things."

Lin Kou raised his eyebrows: "There's no need to mention me. I didn't invent these things at all. You can guess from the name of the Arabic numerals. These numerals were invented by people in a country called Arabia. Similarly, Other things were also invented by people from other countries, I just found out about it by accident and told you about it."

Lin Ruhai paused, and said: "I will tell your majesty the truth, but I can't guarantee whether your majesty will think you have merit and want to reward you."

Lin Kou laughed, "Actually, you don't need to mention me."

Lin Ruhai shook his head: "You all know not to claim credit for others. Am I not as good as you and would want to claim credit for yours? I will tell the emperor the whole thing, and the emperor will decide for himself."

It's all said here, Lin Kou naturally couldn't refuse.

But even if Lin Kou told Lin Ruhai about such new things, she didn't think they could be successfully promoted.

After all, any reform may involve some interests, which will hurt the muscles and bones.

And at this time, Dayang is still standing on the top of the world. Almost every person in Dayang is full of pride in their identity and culture. It is not so easy for them to use "barbarian" things.

It is also not so easy to change the habits that have been formed for decades.

After Lin Ruhai left, Lin Kou expressed his thoughts.

Zhen Fu had just sent Lin Ruhai away, and before he had time to write to answer the question, he looked at Lin Kou and said, "You are quite right to be worried, but Uncle Lin's goal is not hopeless."

Lin Kou looked at Zhen Fu.

Zhen Fu thought of the current emperor's temperament, smiled and shook his head: "Our current emperor's elder brother is determined to forge ahead and serve the country and the people wholeheartedly. If uncle can convince the emperor that promoting what you said is really good for the country and the people, Your majesty will definitely try to overcome all opinions and promote what you said."

"At least, it will also be promoted from the Ministry of Households to local governments."

Lin Kou regained consciousness: "Are you serious?"

Zhen Fu laughed: "Of course it is true. If Your Majesty is not a wise emperor, how can you allow me to provoke one after another, and finally be willing to fulfill my dream?"

Lin Kou was a little disappointed: "This only shows that the emperor has a good temper, which is not the same thing as whether he is a wise king."

A good temper can only mean that he is a good person.

The criteria for judging a good emperor and a good person are two completely irrelevant systems.

Some good emperors with a long history should be judged by the standards of good people, and they are completely scumbags, but this does not prevent the vast majority of people from agreeing that he is a good emperor.

For example, one of the wisest emperors, Tang Taizong.

Zhen Fu paused, realized the inappropriateness of what he said, and quickly explained: "Don't look at the fact that you haven't made any achievements today, but this doesn't mean that your majesty doesn't have the heart to do great things. No matter what he does, he has to work hard to gain the approval of the Supreme Emperor."

After a pause, Zhen Fu's expression was indescribable, "The emperor's temper is somewhat..."

I am so happy, I care too much about my reputation, I am too soft and kind to officials...

You want to say that he is not a fool, right?That's really not enough.

But you want to say that he is a wise gentleman?That's even less of a problem.

In short, the life of the emperor is not easy.

What kind of temperament is the current emperor, because he hasn't been around for a long time, Lin Kou really doesn't know much about it; but what kind of temperament is the Supreme Emperor...

He has been the emperor for so many years, and he can know the specific deeds as soon as he asks. How could Lin Kou not know?

But she is even less optimistic about Lin Ruhai: "If according to what you said, the emperor also listens to the Taishanghuang, then I think the master will just go for nothing this time. After all, the Taishanghuang has a conservative personality, and it doesn't seem like he is willing to promote decimal and Arabic numerals." people."

If the decimal system and Arabic numerals are not popularized, the practicability of the chart is greatly limited.

and so……

Zhen Fu stopped writing: "That's true."

The two looked at each other, and after smiling, Lin Kou looked down and looked at the test paper that Zhen Fu didn't write a few questions: "How many questions have you done?"

Before Zhen Fu could answer, Lin Kou turned his head and looked at the hourglass that was about to bottom out, and with a "boom", he rang the gong.

Zhen Fu's smile froze, and he quickly buried himself in the answer.

As Lin Kou expected, after Lin Ruhai presented the things, the emperor really liked charts and other things very much.

But when he showed the things to the Supreme Emperor and appeared in front of Lin Ruhai again, his face became much gloomy.

Obviously, the final result was not what he wanted.

Lin Ruhai was a little disappointed, but he could only ask: "If there is no way to promote the whole country, I wonder if it is possible to implement it only in the Ministry of Households and related fields?"

According to the Taishanghuang, this is of course impossible.

But thinking of the benefits of promoting these things, the emperor hesitated for a moment, but still nodded fiercely: "Yes! There must be real data and charts in the memorial presented by the Ministry of Households next year!"

Lin Ruhai finally felt relieved.

Although there is no way to promote these good things across the country, it is good that the household department can use them without restrictions.

Lin Ruhai is very content.

So when she went home that day, Lin Ruhai told Daiyu the good news: "The Ministry of Household Affairs has been approved to use it, and the shop opened by Yu'er can naturally be used."

Daiyu laughed happily: "This is really great, we will have some charts printed out tomorrow."

For the past few days, she has been searching for famous ancient books in the small library, but has been lost to the outside world, and now she has a clue.

As soon as the good news about Lin Ruhai came out, Daiyu immediately went to the library to take out the book and started copying.

After copying, he sent the books to Lu Feng, and after showing them to his husband and wife, Lu Lu's husband immediately sent a whole set of metal movable type that he made and all the books sent by Daiyu to Lin's family.

After seeing it, Daiyu realized that the so-called set of metal movable type was not engraved with one for all the characters she thought, but different numbers were carved according to the frequency of use of all the characters, such as the more commonly used "zhi", "hu", " "Zhe", "Ye" and other characters are engraved with hundreds of characters, while some less commonly used characters are only engraved with two or three, or even only one.

Daiyu handed this set of characters and the books she copied to Jia Min, and Jia Min asked someone to copy the books again, and then sent them to her printing workshop.

On the third day alone, the printing workshop delivered a stack of papers filled with words.

After Jia Min read it, she called Daiyu: "See if you are satisfied with the printing effect. If you are satisfied, the printing workshop will print according to this standard."

Daiyu took the sample and flipped through it, and found that the printed content was clearly written, uniform in size, and evenly spaced. She immediately smiled and nodded: "If all the finished products in the future are the same as these, there will be no problem."

Jia Min laughed: "Alright then, I'll have someone tell the manager of the printing workshop."

"Yeah!" Daiyu nodded happily, "I'll let someone tell Sister Kou about them!"

After saying that, he ran out.

Looking at Daiyu's lively back, Jia Min was taken aback for a moment, and then laughed out loud: "This child, after getting better and better in health, seems to be getting more and more lively, and he no longer looks like a lady. "

Bai Lu couldn't help laughing: "Your servant, look, Madam would rather the second girl have such a lively temperament."

Jia Min gave her an angry look: "Isn't this a matter of course?"

The master and servant couldn't help but smile at each other.

Lin Kou soon learned of the good news, and she turned to Zhen Fu: "When the Lin Family Bookstore starts selling these books that have been lost outside, we will go to cheer them on."

Zhen Fu had just finished a test paper and didn't react for a while.

When Lin Kou's eyes fell on him, Zhen Fu immediately shuddered: "Buy, buy, I'm a man who is preparing to take the imperial examination. Naturally, the more books you read, the better. Short of buying a book...

After a pause, thinking of the small book library of the Lin family mentioned by his wife, he couldn't say the second half of the sentence.

Lin Kou laughed: "Say it, why don't you finish talking?"

Zhen Fu smiled wryly: "I've settled the accounts. It seems that I can't buy back all the books of the Lin family with my family background."

The important thing is that he still has to spend money to buy exam questions!

Books at this time were very expensive, and the prices of books such as the Four Books and Five Classics, which were printed in large quantities, would be a little cheaper. For books with a small circulation, in order to pay back the copies, one book would cost dozens of taels.

Because of this, many books sold in bookstores are actually not printed seriously, but manuscripts of scholars.

The Lin family's books are intended to be sold for a long time, so they must not be copied by hand, so the price...

Even if the books haven't started selling, Zhen Fu can still imagine how beautiful the price is.

Seeing this, Lin Kou laughed, "Why are you panicking? The Lin family only publishes a few books a month. You need to buy them slowly. It's not like you spend all the money and then lose it. We can earn it ourselves."

Just like what she said in the "Five-Year Township Examination and Three-Year General Examination", she came up with an idea, wouldn't it be okay to share a little profit?

And Zhen Fu, as a scholar, can help to come up with questions.

This method not only makes a lot of money, but also does not affect Zhen Fu's reputation at all. It is a very good way to make money.

Zhen Fu was a little embarrassed: "With my current level, I can also give questions to those schoolchildren who didn't even pass the exam, but didn't you say before that the county examination questions are simple, and Daiyu's little girls Can you ask any questions?"

Lin Kou nodded, wondering: "Yes, what's the problem?"

She suddenly realized, "You don't think it's embarrassing to pose a question with a group of little girls, do you?"

Thinking of this, Lin Kou looked at Zhen Fu with something wrong.

Zhen Fu quickly explained: "No, no, I just think that since there are already better candidates, there is no need for me, a big man, to join in. Isn't this... stealing the pocket money from little girls?"

Lin Kou laughed, "You think too much."

After a pause, she explained, "It is impossible for a book like this that is specially written to be sold to scholars to be sold all over the world, and some content must be added every once in a while. And I want scholars to spend money to buy it. , they must be convinced of the level of the questioner, Daiyu and Miss Xue alone are not enough."

Zhen Fu came to a sudden: "Need a celebrity?"

Lin Kou nodded: "I was thinking about letting Mr. Lin write a question, but I was busy with the household affairs, so I thought I could only ask him to write a preface for the book, so writing a question is probably impossible. If you want to make money, you can Isn't it great to show up? Eight-year-old boy, ten-year-old scholar, you should be famous in Jiangnan, right?"

Zhen Fu nodded hesitantly: "I used to be quite famous, but later, everyone said I 'hurt Zhongyong'."

"But at least you passed the examination of scholar." Lin Kou spread his hands, "I remember that you are the leader of the county examination, government examination and hospital examination? This is a serious little three yuan. what is the problem?"

Zhen Fu was a little embarrassed by the words.

Lin Kou smiled and said, "Of course, if you can pass the Juren examination, that would be even better."

After Lin Kou said this, Zhen Fu had no psychological burden: "Then when you have made a decision, just let me know. I still remember the content of my original test paper and roughly know how to write the questions."

With income, he can buy books casually.

Like Zhen Fu, there are still many people who are worried that they don't have enough money and can't buy back the books they are interested in.

Especially after the Lin Family Bookshop announced that several lost books would be on sale next month, a group of scholars started saving money together after seeing the title of the book.

Books like this are not easy to buy.

And because they didn't know how many copies the Lin family was going to sell, many scholars who knew the news simply rotted the news in their stomachs, and didn't reveal the news to anyone at all.

Because of this, when the books are officially on sale, there are not many people who go to bookstores to buy books.

Daiyu took a total of eight books to sell, but the one that sold the most only sold about [-] books a month, and the few that sold only sold two or three books.

Daiyu herself didn't think there was anything wrong, but the shopkeeper of the book shop was a little unhappy: "There are no one to buy such a good book. If you ask me, the owner might as well take all the books home and hide them. He said that a new book will be published next month, and he even wanted to print and sell a few books from the Lin family collection every month, but if he continues to lose money, it will be next month. The girl is messing around."

The shopkeeper originally just complained casually, but he didn't want to be heard by the shop assistants, so he boasted about the matter as something he had done wrong, and it spread to the ears of those scholars who bought the newly released books.

The scholar was startled, and went to the book store to find the shopkeeper to verify the authenticity.

The shopkeeper was angry: "My master's family is a scholarly family that has been passed down for hundreds of years. There are not a thousand but five hundred books in the family. What are you trying to do!"

"That, that..." The scholar was a little embarrassed, but also looking forward to it, "Your master really plans to sell a few books from your own collection every month?"

The shopkeeper glanced at him: "That's what you said, but I don't think it will be possible."

"why?"

"Why else? Not making money!" The shopkeeper was annoyed, "Such a good book, but not many people come to buy it, and the cost of printing the book in the printing house can't be recovered. Is it possible that my master should lose money and make money? Will Isn’t it good to keep those books at home as family heirlooms and pass them on to future generations? Why show them to a group of ignorant scholars?”

The scholar suddenly became anxious: "How can this be done?"

The shopkeeper was getting impatient: "The book belongs to my master, and the printing cost is also paid by my master. For the few books we sold, we didn't even make back the cost. Why can't it be done?"

He glanced at the scholar, "I see that you are a good man, and I have some news for you. Two days later, the book store will have a new batch, so hurry up and buy it. It will probably not be a good thing in the next month or so."

After speaking, he turned around and went straight to tidy up the bookshelves.

The scholar was sad and anxious at the same time, seeing that the shopkeeper no longer wanted to talk to him, he turned around in a hurry.

There is also a reason why this scholar values ​​the Lin family's collection of books so much——

He came from a family of merchants.

Dayang does not prohibit businessmen from participating in the imperial examination, but it only costs a lot of money to buy a place in the imperial examination.

However, ordinary scholars who came from businessmen have more money than ordinary peasants, but at the same time they are not well received by other scholars because of their "smell of copper".

Farmers can still copy one or two books from their friends to read at home, but the sons of merchants like them can only spend their own money to buy them, and others are not willing to give them their own books to copy.

But most of the really useful books are hidden by the real dignitaries and those scholarly families.

This scholar has a wealth of ten thousand, but he can't buy it at all!

It would be fine if he was gifted and smart enough to break the prejudices of others.

Unfortunately, he didn't.

He is smarter than ordinary people, and does not have much advantage over other scholars.

Therefore, after the scholar is admitted to the scholar, he can obviously feel that he can continue to take the exam, but because he has no way to broaden his horizons and accumulate knowledge, he can only watch some scholars who are not as smart as himself continue to take the exam. Failed.

Now I have this opportunity, but because the owner is losing money...

The scholar gritted his teeth: "Shopkeeper, how many of those eight books did you print? If, if the quantity is not much, I, I will buy them all!"

The shopkeeper turned his head abruptly: "Are you sure? The one with the fewest eight books left has more than 80 books."

The scholar thought that he was going to bleed heavily, but he never expected...

"There are only more than 80 copies?" He couldn't believe it, "How many copies have you printed?"

The shopkeeper sighed: "There are only a hundred copies, but at most a dozen copies were sold, so I said that this matter will definitely be dirty in the future. Because no one bought it at all, and it was printed to wink at the blind. Look, you scholars don't know anything!"

With a snap, the scholar slapped the table in surprise: "There are so few, I bought them all!"

Shopkeeper: "???"

The scholar was proud: "It's less than 1 taels, it's very cheap!"

The shopkeeper confirmed it again, and seeing that he really wanted to round the schoolbag, he quickly asked the shop assistant to take out the book and wrap it up, and then pushed it in front of the scholar: "Pay the money with one hand and the book with the other hand!"

The scholar immediately took money into his pocket.

It's just that before he took out the money, he saw a group of scholars rushing towards the bookstore.

One of them jumped directly in front of the shopkeeper, his eyes sparkled, and his expression was eager: "Shopkeeper, shopkeeper, do you still have "Mengxi Bi Tan" in your store?"

Others followed -

"Is "xxx" still available?"

"What about "xx"? It won't be sold out, right? Didn't it mean that few people bought it?"

"What about "xxxxx"? It won't be sold out too, will it?"

The shopkeeper and the scholar looked at each other, and a series of question marks floated out of their heads——

what happened?