Xiao Qingyin was not surprised at all when she heard him say that.
New things take a long time to be accepted by people.
If there is a large-scale smallpox outbreak and the public is in a state of panic, they will definitely participate enthusiastically when they hear about vaccination as a preventive measure.
But the smallpox had just appeared and hadn't had a chance to spread before she nipped it in the bud.
Getting the public to accept vaccinations will require more effort.
"We can target specific groups for promotion. For impoverished people, we can offer rewards, such as rice and flour for those who get vaccinated against smallpox."
For the aristocratic class, conduct extensive outreach to popularize medical knowledge, helping them understand the underlying principles and dispel superstitions.
"How can we increase publicity? Issue imperial edicts? Post imperial notices? Or hire storytellers to spread the word?"
Yi Shuihan frowned.
"Even though an imperial edict has been issued to implement it, the effect is not good, and the storytellers will not listen to it."
Xiao Qingyin pondered for a moment and asked, "It seems that Xi Kingdom doesn't have newspapers yet, right?"
"newspaper?"
"It refers to publications that reflect and guide public opinion and regularly release important news."
Yi Shuihan shook his head: "No."
Xiao Qingyin smiled and said, "Perhaps you could start one? Don't you want to bring about change? Newspapers can guide the public and reduce resistance."
She told him the general classification of the newspapers.
Yi Shuihan became more and more interested as he listened.
"That's a good idea. I'll gather people to discuss it right away."
He left in a hurry and finalized the matter of starting a newspaper in just half a day—to publish both an official newspaper and a tabloid.
The official gazette was called the Dae Hee Daily, which published recent imperial edicts, memorials from ministers, current political events, the dismissal and promotion of officials, and major local events.
Tabloids, on the other hand, are called "Xi Wen" and serve as a supplement to official newspapers, digging into and reporting hot news, gossip, arts and culture in a more down-to-earth way.
The official gazette was naturally handled by the Jinzouyuan, a special bureau established by the imperial court, and all reports were subject to strict review.
Tabloids, on the other hand, establish their own newspaper offices, with an editor-in-chief in charge.
The editor-in-chief was chosen by Yi Shuihan, and Xiao Qingyin was a little surprised when she found out who it was.
Why did you choose Tang Xihong?
Is there something wrong with him?
"Isn't he a student of Songyue Academy? He's only a Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial examination), he hasn't even passed the Jinshi (the highest level of the imperial examination) yet, right? Will choosing him as editor-in-chief be convincing?"
Yi Shuihan smiled.
"It seems you only know one side of the story, not the other."
After he explained in detail, Xiao Qingyin realized that Tang Xihong was a renowned and talented scholar.
Not only was he proficient in all the arts, including music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, but he also started organizing literary gatherings at a young age. He founded one of the top calligraphy and painting societies in Da Xi.
Moreover, he has a wide range of interests and is quite well-known in the sumo and football circles; he can do everything.
It was precisely because of his strong curiosity and multitasking that he missed the imperial examination.
Of course, he himself was not very interested in the imperial examination. The Tang family was an old and prestigious family with many members, including officials, businessmen, and large landowners. There were many outstanding people among them.
After Yi Shuihan told him about starting a newspaper, he was very excited and agreed immediately.
"Scholars as learned as him are few and far between."
Yi Shuihan commented.
"He should be able to run an excellent tabloid."
Xiao Qingyin nodded: "I'm also looking forward to it."
However, she did not expect that the first thing Tang Xihong did after taking on this job was to ask her to write the masthead.
"You are a well-known miracle doctor, and the masthead you write will surely be a sensation."
Xiao Qingyin: "..."
She's a bit too proud to accept such praise.
Although her calligraphy was passable, it paled in comparison to the literati of Da Xi.
“That’s not a good idea,” she declined. “It would be better to find someone of high moral standing to write it, like your teacher or some scholar.”
Tang Xihong shook his head: "No matter how well they write, their gimmicks are not as good as yours. You are the kind of person who can make His Majesty dismiss all his concubines."
Xiao Qingyin: "..."
Yi Shuihan really made the right choice; you know how to run a newspaper.
She couldn't help but ask, "What if His Majesty deposes the Empress one day?"
Are you suggesting we change the masthead?
Tang Xihong said firmly, "Even if His Majesty deposes the Empress, your masthead will not be changed. We at Xiwen only recognize you as our Empress."
Xiao Qingyin was inexplicably moved.
Surprisingly, she already had a loyal following even before becoming empress.
"Since you've brought it up, I'll give it a try. If you don't think it looks good enough, don't force it. I don't care whether you use my handwriting as the masthead or not."
"good."
After wasting more than a dozen sheets of paper, Xiao Qingyin finally wrote a satisfactory masthead.
After handing it over to Tang Xihong, he praised it highly: "I didn't expect that you not only have excellent medical skills, but also such beautiful calligraphy."
Although his words sounded like flattery, Xiao Qingyin was still quite happy.
This is praise from a great talent.
Once "Xi Wen" is published, she will definitely buy a hundred or two hundred copies and give them to her relatives and friends.
At this time, she had no idea that she would appear on the front page of the inaugural issue of Xiwen magazine.
Thank you for your compliment.
She said to Tang Xihong.
Wishing you a successful launch of the journal.
"Thanks."
After Tang Xihong finished writing the masthead for the newspaper, he went to Situ Zhi and invited her to draw illustrations for Xiwen.
Situ Zhi was afraid that she would not be able to do the job and wanted to decline, but she couldn't resist his repeated invitations and finally agreed.
Once the main creative team was assembled, and the plate makers and printing equipment were all in place, Tang Xihong began searching for trending news.
He wanted to create a sensational news story to make the inaugural issue an instant hit.
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