The moment Mo Shang entered Deyang Palace, everyone inside, including Liu Hong, looked at the pristine white paper in Mo Shang's hand.

Upon approaching, Mo Shang held the papers and bowed to Liu Hong.

"Your Majesty, I, the Supervisor of the Imperial Workshop for the manufacture of Mo Shang, pay my respects!"

"Mo Qing, no need for formalities!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

"Has Mo Qing come here this time because there has been progress on the papermaking matter?"

Looking at the stack of white papers in Mo Shang's hand, Liu Hong couldn't help but show an excited expression.

"Your Majesty, that is indeed the case. This is paper that we have recently produced. Please take a look!"

As he spoke, Mo Shang held the paper above his head, and Zhang Rang quickly stepped forward, carefully took it, and then presented it to Liu Hong.

"Great! That's wonderful!"

Liu Hong couldn't help but reach out and pick up a sheet of white paper, gently stroking its clean, smooth surface, and couldn't help but admire it.

"Quickly, take these papers and let everyone take a look!"

Noticing that everyone was looking at him, Liu Hong quickly gestured to Zhang Rang to distribute a card to everyone in the hall.

"This paper... is truly a marvelous object!"

"I have never seen such paper before...! It is as white as snow and as smooth as a mirror; it is truly a rare and wondrous object!"

Chen Fan, Hu Guang, and the others all stared at the paper in their hands with shining eyes, repeatedly expressing their amazement.

"Since everyone is here today, why don't we test the quality of this new paper?"

"Okay, okay!"

Liu Hong's suggestion was approved by everyone.

Liu Hong then had someone bring him pen, ink, and the paper he usually used.

Then, everyone began to write and compare the two types of paper.

"Your Majesty... this new paper is indeed a rare and wonderful thing! The ink gathers without spreading! And it is not easily seeped or torn, making it the best material for writing official documents and copying books!"

Chen Fan, Hu Guang, and others were full of praise. With this kind of paper, it would be much more convenient and faster for them to issue official documents and make records and statistics in the future.

"I wonder what the manufacturing speed and output of this new paper are?"

Chen Fan couldn't help but inquire about the papermaking process. The paper was of good quality, but if the speed and output were not high, its effectiveness would be limited.

Mo Shang then said, "In response to your questions, under His Majesty's wise guidance, our colleagues in the Research and Manufacturing Department have been conducting repeated research day and night for several months, and...!"

"Let's get down to business...!"

Seeing Mo Shang's rambling, Chen Fan couldn't help but glare at him.

"Oh, okay...."

Seeing that the old tutor was somewhat angry, Mo Shang didn't dare to delay and quickly said:

"This paper can be formed in just seven days. Each batch of pulp can produce five hundred sheets of raw paper. After cutting, two thousand sheets of book paper can be obtained!"

Compared to traditional paper production, the speed is increased fivefold, and the quantity is increased tenfold!

"Hiss! That high?"

Mo Shang's words caused the people in the hall to gasp in surprise, while a glint of light flashed in their eyes.

After comparing the two, the group naturally realized that the quality of this paper was perfectly suitable for making books.

Today, improvements have increased papermaking speed and output, which undoubtedly greatly benefits the recording and transmission of knowledge and culture.

Liu Hong also said at the opportune moment: "As you all know, paper is more convenient for recording and dissemination than bamboo slips. With this paper, you can study and write books in the future, spreading your theories and ideas throughout the world for students to study and learn. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Liu Hong's words made everyone present take notice.

The ancients often said that a teacher could teach even a single word. If one could truly record all one's lifelong learning in a paper book and spread it throughout the world, as the emperor said, what a glorious thing that would be.

At that time, having students all over the world will not just be empty talk.

Thinking of this, even the two old men, Chen Fan and Hu Guang, couldn't help but blush and become extremely excited.

"What is the cost of this new paper?"

Cao Song's question immediately brought everyone back to reality.

Then everyone realized the most important issue: price. If the price was too high, people wouldn't be able to afford it, and all their joy would be for nothing.

In an instant, everyone turned their attention back to Mo Shang.

In the past, the main reason why paper was expensive was that it took a long time to produce and the output was low. As a result, the paper that could be used for writing was ridiculously expensive. The cost of a single sheet of paper was as high as 130 coins, so even wealthy families rarely could afford it.

Seeing this, Mo Shang confidently held up one finger and laughed, "This paper isn't expensive to produce; a single sheet costs only a few dollars..."

"One hundred coins? That's right... more than four times lower than before. Mo Qing's improvement is a merit that will last for generations! Scholars all over the world will surely be grateful for Mo Qing's good deeds!"

Before Mo Shang could finish speaking, Liu Hong quickly chimed in, showering Mo Shang with compliments.

Mo Shang, who was interrupted by the emperor, paused for a moment while holding up a finger. He was about to say that the cost was only one coin when he noticed that the emperor winked at him.

"Uh... Your Majesty is right. The cost of the original paper is indeed one hundred coins. That works out to about twenty-five coins per page..."

Mo Shang instantly understood the emperor's intention, and then quickly changed his words, continuing along with Liu Hong's words.

"At twenty-five coins per page, the cost is not high!"

Chen Fan nodded, quite satisfied with the cost.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!