Chapter 15: The First Sheet of Paper and Movable Type Printing

In recent days, all the demon residents in the city have been bustling with activity.

Those who had nothing to do wandered around, eager to find work.

Although Her Highness the Queen had said that every demon would eventually have a job, seeing their neighbors being selected to work in the coal mines made everyone anxious.

Yin Jixue, however, didn't expect that the first sheet of paper would be produced so quickly. Although the paper was rough, resembling cheap draft paper, its appearance in this era was already a significant step forward.

The craftsman who created the paper didn't know how to use it. Fortunately, Yin Jixue had a makeshift brush pen, the rabbit hair that she had reluctantly plucked from a rabbit fur cloak in her dowry.

"This is a brush pen, a tool for writing," she explained.

Yin Jixue's calligraphy was delicate and elegant, a skill she had acquired during her first sixteen years without memories of her past life while learning to read and write in the palace.

In the Yin Dynasty, only wealthy families could afford ink and brushes. Writing tools were bamboo scrolls and silk, as paper had not yet been invented.

Yin Jixue personally met with the craftsman who had produced the paper.

"As we agreed earlier since you were the one to create the paper, you will be responsible for supplying paper to the city. If you need workers, I can assign them to you. Do you have any other questions?"

The craftsman, who had been ecstatic about creating the paper, was so overwhelmed upon meeting the Queen that he couldn't speak. Now that Her Highness had entrusted him with such an important task, he was determined to do his best!

"No questions, Your Highness. I will follow your arrangements."

Yin Jixue then explained the concept of movable type printing to him: "The children need textbooks for their lessons. Relying solely on Mr. Zhongshang and Mr. Nan's oral teachings isn't enough. We need standardized books. I've heard you're skilled in carving, so this task is perfect for you. I'll try to select literate workers to assist you."

The craftsman expressed his gratitude repeatedly, accepted the task from Yin Jixue and left the palace.

One advantage of this era was that both humans and demons were under centralized rule. Even if she handed over papermaking and movable type printing, she wasn't worried about the technology leaking out.

Yin Jixue felt much more at ease after receiving a thick stack of paper. She no longer had to worry about wasting the dwindling supply of parchment.

After all, the parchment belonged to the Demon King, and it was a one-time-use item. Each sheet used meant one less sheet available. Now, with paper, things were much more convenient.

During these days, the palace maids and guards had been busy harvesting sweet potatoes.

They only knew that these were seeds brought by Her Highness the Queen, and they were amazed that something could grow from them. Every demon's face was filled with excitement, knowing that this winter they wouldn't have to endure food shortages.

Soon, news came from the coal mines that the first batch of coal had been extracted. Yin Jixue organized the city's residents to transport the coal back, prioritizing its use in the blacksmiths' workshops and several canteens before distributing it to each household.

The city now had a school canteen dedicated to providing meals for students and teachers. Outside the city, there were three mining canteens for the crystal, iron, and coal mines. Previously, these places had to gather firewood from the mountains the day before cooking, and if they found a dry tree, they would chop it down and bring it back.

It was said that to maintain a lasting fire, they would even add a bit of barren soil to the firewood.

Yin Jixue suddenly remembered news from her past life about coal poisoning. She immediately drafted a notice and had the guards post it at the city gates and throughout the city. She also instructed literate residents to spread the word every two hours.

Recently, guards had been patrolling the city, stopping every few hours to loudly announce new decrees from Her Highness the Queen.

Everyone paused their work to listen carefully. It turned out that Her Highness was warning everyone to ensure proper ventilation when using coal for cooking to avoid poisoning.