Moreover, ordinary woodblocks are all made of fired clay. The main problem with clay movable type is that it is easy to break and damage. Wooden movable type has uneven texture and easily becomes uneven after contact with water. Metal movable type uses water-based ink, and the adhesion of water-based ink to copper movable type is very problematic.
So in fact, movable type printing sounds good, but in ancient times when a complete set of books was needed, engraving was cheaper and took less time. This is also the main reason why movable type printing was not popular in ancient China.
Unless it is for printing articles rather than books, the demand for movable type is relatively small.
Meng Chengqi smiled bitterly and said, "When I first went to Hangzhou to hire that craftsman Bi, I really thought it was great, so I bought some. But when I got back, I found out it cost more than carving a block, so I couldn't afford it."
He only bought a few hundred Chinese characters, but a set of movable type printing that meets typesetting needs must have at least tens of thousands of movable types, with different movable types arranged in sets.
Such a large quantity would require high production costs and a long time, which is beyond the reach of most private printing workshops.
"It's a good thing, but it's a bit expensive and not very useful on a daily basis. Wait, what did you say, sir?"
Meng Chengqi didn't hear clearly at first, then looked at Zhao Jun in surprise and said, "Sir, if you really want to buy this printing house, the annual deficit will be a huge amount."
"Master Meng, do you think people in Bianliang like poetry?"
But isn’t this a coincidence?
Zhao Jun planned to print notices to deal with Wuyou Cave and Guifan Tower, and planned to start a newspaper in the future, so movable type printing came in handy.
He immediately made a decision and said, "This is a good thing, Mr. Meng, what's the price of your printing shop? I want to buy all the items at once. Please give me a fair price."
"Of course!"
"hehe."
Zhao Jun laughed, took out a small stack of papers from his arms and handed it over, saying, "Boss, why don't you help me see how much these words can be sold for?"
Zhao Jun asked.
Meng Chengqi laughed and said, "If it's good poetry, everyone loves it. Take, for example, Magistrate Liu. When he was in Bianliang, his poems made a fortune. Prostitutes and ladies from wealthy families alike scrambled to get their hands on his collections of poetry. Our printing house made a lot of money back then. It's a shame that Magistrate Liu passed the imperial examination and went to serve as an official in another province. Bianliang no longer has that flourishing scene."
"You mean to say that if a good new word appears, the printing house will start printing and sell a large number of poetry collections? Make a lot of money from it?"
"Mr. Zhao, these words..."
Meng Chengqi raised his head and asked in surprise, "Did you write this, young master?"
"Yes."
Meng Chengqi took the papers with a little doubt, and his eyes widened after looking at the first one.
Then the second page, the third page, and the fourth page.
His breathing became more and more rapid, and his face gradually turned red. In this late autumn and early winter season, it seemed that hot air could come out of his nostrils.
In order to have a small business.
In order to establish a newspaper in the future and occupy the high ground of public opinion.
I can only bear with you for a while.
Zhao Jun laughed and said, "If you can use these words to become famous in Bianliang, my printing shop will be able to make money."
I'm sorry to all the famous poets of the Southern Song, Ming and Qing dynasties after the Northern Song.
In order to maintain the expenses of the Imperial City Bureau.
Of course, there are also students in later generations.
I think that even if all the works of future great poets were copied, with the talents of people like Su Shi, Li Qingzhao, Lu You, and Xin Qiji, they might be able to write better ones.
So students will feel double the happiness, no need to thank me too much.
(End of this chapter)
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