Chapter 1525: Chapter 1524: This is a Great Achievement_1

The Shen Family was originally the most illustrious aristocratic family in Daqi, with Shen Chenghao once serving as the Right Chancellor, a position more prestigious than that of Yu Ang. However, a rebellion in a single morning not only cost him his life but also dragged down his entire family.

In ancient times, it was like this: during prosperous times, everyone in a large clan enjoyed glory and wealth together; in times of trouble, they all faced calamity together.

Poor Shen Bai knew nothing at all, yet because of this incident, he became a prisoner at the bottom of the hierarchy, first squatting in prison for a while before being thrown into the manor, where he was guarded daily and deprived of his freedom.

Once the brightest and most dazzling existence among the sons of the Aristocratic Families, Yang Hao’s friend–his light completely dimmed.

To be honest, Qiao Xiaomai felt quite sorry for him.

“Your Highness, he previously helped the Crown Prince with many things, and he had no knowledge of the Shen Family’s rebellion, You see…” she carefully inquired.

“That’s why I agree to let him stay in your manor. Right now, the Shen Family people are indeed serving hard labor,” Yang Wenxiao spoke.

“Um…”

Qiao Xiaomai choked, unable to speak.

“He’s living quite well in the manor, right?” Yang Wenxiao asked further.

“I haven’t returned to the manor since leaving last summer. When I left, he was having a very hard time,” Qiao Xiaomai admitted frankly.

“It seems his spirits aren’t bad if he’s managed to invent a new kind of paper,” Yang Wenxiao remarked.

Qiao Xiaomai “…”

She was at a loss for words.

She genuinely didn’t know Shen Bai’s situation. The letter was written by Ailiusa, who mentioned in it that Shen Bai’s mood was passable. As for what exactly that ‘passable’ meant, she really had no idea.

“I understand what you’re getting at, but I killed his father, and his family members are still serving hard labor; I can’t release him,” Yang Wenxiao said, “But this time, his invention of bamboo paper is a significant achievement.”

Paper contributes to the spread of culture, from scholars writing books to everyday scholars reading and writing on a daily basis. The high cost of paper was not something everyone could afford. When Sun Junyan was studying, it nearly forced Xiaomai’s family to sell their children.

Now with the new method of papermaking, the price isn’t high, the technology has improved, and the production speed has increased slightly. With more paper available, the price will inevitably fall.

Once it falls, ordinary families will be able to afford it too, lessening the burden of studying.

It will also be much more convenient for him when printing books.

Take “Journey to the West,” for instance; he has read it over and over again recently. It could definitely be printed and sold as a book.

That’s another source of income.

And not a small one at that– “Journey to the West” is sure to sweep across the entirety of Daqi and sell many copies.

Money is needed.

Since paper can now be made from bamboo, the official roads in the southern provinces need to be repaired. He will send people to make paper, and the finished paper must be transported to the Capital City and other surrounding areas.

Daqi is thriving day by day, with one money-making idea after another. Not bad at all.

“I will remember this achievement of his, and in the future, depending on his conduct, I am not against releasing him if he behaves well,” Yang Wenxiao added.

Yang Hao had always known about Shen Chenghao’s plot to rebel, but he did not tell Shen Bai. He continued to interact with Shen Bai as usual, which essentially amounted to deceiving Shen Bai.

This matter was like a thorn that had been piercing Yang Hao’s heart. As a grandfather, he had to resolve it on behalf of another.

He was not an old-fashioned man. As long as Shen Bai’s achievements were sufficient and his future conduct was good, he genuinely could release him.