Chapter 57 Bao Si (V) Queen Shen
Early the next morning, Lin Jiaojiao was awakened by the sound of a wooden hammer coming from the direction of the workshop.
She got up, put on her clothes, and opened the window to see smoke curling up from the bamboo forest. Lao Mu was already busy in the workshop. The morning light fell on the paper blanks drying on the bamboo curtains, giving them a faint beige sheen.
"Madam, the old carpenter said that yesterday's paper blanks will be completely dry today. Do you want to go and have a look?" A'mo came in with the wash water and saw Lin Jiaojiao looking out the window and asked softly.
As she spoke, her eyes unconsciously fell on Lin Jiaojiao's face - the morning light sprinkled on the lady's unmade-up cheeks, even the shadow of her eyelashes was particularly soft, which once again reminded A'mo of the early morning mist on the bank of the Wei River, clean and moving.
Lin Jiaojiao smiled and nodded, then simply washed up and walked towards the workshop.
As soon as she passed through the bamboo forest, she saw Old Zhou guarding outside the workshop. Seeing her coming, he hurried forward and said, "Madam Si, Lord Taishibo came early in the morning and said he wanted to see the condition of the paper blanks." When he spoke, his eyes subconsciously avoided Lin Jiaojiao's face, but he couldn't help but glance at her with the corner of his eye. Madam was wearing a moon-white cloth skirt today, with delicate orchid patterns embroidered on the hem. She walked in the morning light, as if she was walking on clouds.
Lin Jiaojiao walked into the workshop and saw Tai Shi Bo squatting beside the bamboo curtain, holding a thin wooden stick in his hand, gently moving the paper blanks, his eyes full of anticipation.
Hearing footsteps, Tai Shi Bo turned around and saw Lin Jiaojiao. A flash of surprise flashed across his eyes, but was soon replaced by curiosity about the paper. "Madam Si is here? This paper looks much smoother than yesterday. I think it will be able to be written on after it dries."
"You're overpraising, Master Taishi. We'll have to see how it turns out after it dries." Lin Jiaojiao walked over to the bamboo curtain and gently touched the paper blank with her fingertips. It felt more flexible than she had imagined. "Old carpenter, today we can try adding a small amount of hemp fiber to the paper blank. Perhaps it will make the paper stronger."
Lao Mu nodded quickly: "Madam is right, I have prepared the hemp fiber yesterday. Let's try it after the paper blanks are dry." He looked at Lin Jiaojiao's focused profile. The morning light shone through the bamboo slits and fell on her hair. There was an indescribable elegance - Lao Mu suddenly felt that it was a blessing in his life to be able to work with such a beautiful and knowledgeable lady.
Near noon, the paper blank was finally dry.
Lao Mu carefully peeled the paper off the bamboo curtain and handed it to Lin Jiaojiao. Although the paper was not as fine as later papers, it was much lighter than bamboo slips, with neat edges and a smooth surface, which was sufficient for writing.
Lin Jiaojiao picked up the brush, dipped it in ink, and wrote the four words "Wei Shui An Lan" on the paper - the ink spread evenly without seeping through the paper, and the handwriting was clearly visible.
"It's done! It's really done!" Tai Shi Bo came over and saw the words on the paper. His voice trembled with excitement.
He took the paper, stroked the surface repeatedly, compared it with the bamboo slips in his hand, and sighed: "This paper is a hundred times lighter than bamboo slips. If a volume of classics is written on paper, it can be put into a cloth bag. If it is promoted, the inheritance of classics will no longer be restricted by the heavy bamboo slips!" As he spoke, he looked up at Lin Jiaojiao, his eyes full of admiration, and even the look in his eyes when he looked at her was a little softer - a woman with such beauty and wisdom was actually rumored to have "relying on favor to get to the top", which was really unfair.
Lin Jiaojiao smiled and handed the pen to Tai Shi Bo: "Tai Shi Bo, why don't you try it and see if it's easy to write."
Tai Shi Bo took the pen and wrote the four words "Zhou Shi Yong Chang" on the paper with a smooth stroke without any sense of stagnation.
He put down his pen, looked at the handwriting on the paper, then looked at Lin Jiaojiao, and said solemnly: "Madam Si, I will write to the king today, requesting that paper be promoted in the Royal Library and that funding be allocated to support the expansion of the workshop so that more craftsmen can participate in papermaking!"
"Thank you, Taishi Bo." Lin Jiaojiao bowed and thanked him, feeling relieved. She knew that with Taishi Bo's support, the promotion of papermaking would be much smoother, and this was also her first step in protecting cultural classics.
Just then, hurried footsteps were heard outside the workshop. A'mo walked in quickly and made a gesture to Lin Jiaojiao, saying "Queen Shen sent someone over", his face full of nervousness.
Lin Jiaojiao's heart trembled. Just as she was about to ask Lao Mu to put the paper away, she saw a palace maid in vermilion palace dress walking into the workshop. It was someone close to Queen Shen.
"Madam Si, the Queen asks you to go to the main palace, saying that there is something important to discuss." The red-clothed palace maid spoke in a cold tone, her eyes sweeping across the papers in the workshop, her eyes full of vigilance, but when she saw Lin Jiaojiao, she paused subconsciously.
The lady stood beside the bamboo curtain, her moon-white cloth skirt shone softly in the sunlight. Although she was not wearing luxurious clothes, she was more eye-catching than the noble ladies in the palace who were wearing gold and silver. This made the palace maid in red feel a little inexplicably frustrated.
Lin Jiaojiao knew clearly that Queen Shen’s sudden summons must have been for papermaking.
She calmly handed the paper to Tai Shi Bo and said to the red-dressed palace maid with a smile, "Thank you for the trip, sister. I will go with you now."
Before leaving the workshop, Lin Jiaojiao whispered to Ling, "Queen Shen might cause trouble. Please keep an eye on her for me. If there's any danger, alert me immediately."
"Don't worry, I will monitor the whole process. In addition, Xiaotao just sent a message that Queen Shen has been communicating frequently with Marquis Shen recently, and it seems that they are plotting to mobilize troops. You need to be extra careful when you go to the main palace this time." Ling's voice was a little solemn.
Following the red-dressed palace maid on the way to the main palace, Lin Jiaojiao deliberately slowed down her pace and observed the movements on the palace road.
When passing by the laundry, she saw Azhu hanging out clothes to dry. Azhu also saw her, his eyes full of worry, but he could only secretly make a "be careful" gesture to her.
Lin Jiaojiao smiled at her gently, and that smile was like a reassurance in Azhu's eyes, making Azhu feel much more at ease instantly - she always felt that no matter what happened, this beautiful and kind lady could resolve it.
When they arrived at the main palace, Empress Shen was sitting in the main seat, holding a scroll of bamboo slips in her hand. Seeing Lin Jiaojiao come in, she didn't even raise her eyelids and said in a cold tone: "Madam Si is in a good mood. Instead of staying in Qiongtai Palace, she went to the workshop to tinker with those useless things."
"Your Majesty, you are joking. I just think that bamboo slips are heavy, and I want to research a lighter writing material so that I can contribute to the inheritance of royal classics." Lin Jiaojiao saluted calmly, her tone calm, without the slightest timidity.
She stood in the hall, her moon-white cloth skirt looking particularly fresh amidst the gorgeous furnishings of the main palace, yet she was not suppressed at all. Instead, she had a unique style that made the palace maids in the hall couldn't help but secretly look at her.
Queen Shen finally raised her head and her gaze fell on Lin Jiaojiao. Her eyes were full of scrutiny, but there was also a hint of complexity that was hard to detect. She had to admit that Lin Jiaojiao was indeed beautiful. That kind of beauty was not gaudy with pearls and hairpins, but the elegance that came from her bones, which made men unable to help but be moved, and also made women feel wary.
"Studying writing materials?" Queen Shen sneered and threw the bamboo slips onto the table. "I see you're trying to curry favor with the king and consolidate your position through these unorthodox methods. Do you think you can gain a foothold in the palace just by looking pretty? Don't forget, I've always been the only mistress of the Zhou Dynasty!"
Lin Jiaojiao didn't object, but instead said softly, "Your Majesty, you've misunderstood. I'm researching paper not to please the king, but for the benefit of the world's students and the preservation of ancient texts. Yesterday, Lord Taishibo saw the paper and recognized its value. He even said he would write to the king to promote it. If Your Majesty finds it inappropriate, I can suspend my research. I only hope that Your Majesty won't vent her anger on Lord Taishibo and the craftsmen in the workshop."
Her tone was soft, yet filled with unquestionable firmness. She looked at Queen Shen with clear eyes, without any evasion.
Queen Shen looked into her eyes and suddenly felt a little dazed - the woman in front of her had a bewitching look, but her eyes were as clear as a pool of water, which made her unable to utter many harsh words she had prepared.
At this moment, a report came from outside the palace: "Master Taishi Bo requests to see the Queen."
Empress Shen was startled. She hadn't expected Tai Shi Bo to arrive so soon. She glanced at Lin Jiaojiao, suppressed her doubts, and said to the eunuch, "Let him in."
When Taishi Bo entered the hall and saw Lin Jiaojiao, he was stunned for a moment, then bowed to Queen Shen and said, "Your Majesty, I have come here today to report the paper issue. Yesterday, I saw the paper made by Madam Si. It is light and flexible, and it is truly a blessing for the inheritance of ancient books. I have decided to write to the king, requesting the promotion of paper. I hope Your Majesty will support it."
Queen Shen looked at Taishi Bo's determined eyes, and then looked at Lin Jiaojiao who was standing calmly beside her. She knew in her heart that if she opposed it at this time, she would definitely be branded as "obstructing the inheritance of classics."
She was silent for a moment, then said coldly, "Since Taishi Bo thinks it's feasible, then we'll do as you wish. But Madam Si, let Taishi Bo and the craftsmen handle the papermaking. You don't need to interfere."
"I obey your order." Lin Jiaojiao bowed respectfully, but felt relieved in her heart - although Queen Shen restricted her participation in papermaking, she also acquiesced to the promotion of paper, which was the best result.
When leaving the main palace, Tai Shi Bo deliberately walked with Lin Jiaojiao and whispered, "Don't worry, Madam Si. I'm here to take care of the papermaking, and I won't let your hard work be in vain. But the queen seems to be quite hostile to you, so you need to be more cautious in the future." As he spoke, his eyes fell on Lin Jiaojiao with a bit of worry, but he couldn't help sighing - such an intelligent and insightful woman, who happened to be so beautiful, no wonder she would arouse the queen's fear.
Lin Jiaojiao smiled and nodded: "Thank you Taishi Bo for your concern, I will pay attention to it."
Back at Qiongtai Palace, Lin Jiaojiao had just sat down when Ah Mo handed her a secret letter. It was sent by Xiao Tao. It said, "After the Queen summoned the Madam today, she immediately sent someone to deliver a letter to Lord Shen. It seemed that they were discussing how to stop the promotion of paper. She also mentioned that action should be taken as soon as possible to prevent the Madam from having the opportunity to win over more ministers."
"Queen Shen really doesn't want us to successfully promote our paper." Lin Jiaojiao frowned and handed the secret letter to A'Mo to burn. "Ling, we must speed up our efforts to contact Queen Shen. We can't let her make the first move. Who do you think we can contact Queen Shen through?"
"According to the scan, Queen Shen has a maid named Qingdai by her side. She was brought in as a dowry. She is loyal to Queen Shen, but also cares about the people and is dissatisfied with Marquis Shen's radical actions." Ling's voice echoed in his mind. "Xiaotao and Qingdai used to work together in the laundry department. They have a decent relationship. Let Xiaotao get in touch with Qingdai first to test Queen Shen's attitude before deciding whether to meet."
"Okay, let's do as you say." Lin Jiaojiao nodded, already having a plan in mind. "Amo, tell Xiaotao to find a chance to talk to Qingdai and find out Queen Shen's attitude towards Huanjun. Remember not to reveal our intentions."
A'mo nodded quickly and turned to find Xiaotao.
Lin Jiaojiao walked to the window and looked towards the main palace in the distance, her mind full of thoughts. Queen Shen had the support of Marquis Shen and held military power. If she fought head-on, she would have no chance of winning. Only by making Queen Shen realize that "changing the monarch" was the only way to preserve the power of the Jiang family and avoid war could she let go of her hostility and cooperate with her.
In the evening, Xiao Tao returned with a look of excitement on her face. "Madam, Sister Qingdai said that the Queen is actually dissatisfied with the King's indulgence in pleasure, but she is worried that Prince Bofu will not be able to control the situation after the replacement of the Queen and the Duke of Shen. She is also afraid that Marquis Shen will seize the opportunity to seize power. She also said that if Madam can guarantee the safety of Prince Yijiu and curb the power of Marquis Shen, the Queen may be willing to meet with Madam for a chat."
"Great!" Lin Jiaojiao's eyes lit up. "Xiaotao, go find Qingdai and tell her that I can guarantee Prince Bofu's safety and will find a way to curb Marquis Shen's power. I hope the queen will give me a chance to meet. The location is Jingxin Garden on the west side of the palace. It's secluded and hard to be seen."
Xiaotao nodded quickly and turned to look for Qingdai again.
Lin Jiaojiao sat at the desk, looking at the dry papers on the table, her heart full of anticipation - if she could reach a cooperation with Queen Shen, it would not only prevent the invasion of the Quanrong, but also preserve the classics and people of the Western Zhou Dynasty, which was more important than anything else.
Ling's voice rang out in his mind, with a hint of relief: "Jiaojiao, you did very well. Qingdai has conveyed your wishes to Queen Shen. Queen Shen has agreed to meet in Jingxin Garden in three days. However, you must be careful. Queen Shen may bring guards with her. I will scan the environment of Jingxin Garden in advance to ensure your safety."
"I understand." Lin Jiaojiao responded softly, her fingertips gently stroking the paper on the table, feeling the paper's flexibility. This small piece of paper carries her hope of protecting culture, and perhaps it is also an opportunity for her to reach a cooperation with Shen Hou.
As the night deepened, the lights in the Qiongtai Palace remained on.
Lin Jiaojiao sat at the desk and wrote down the "Main Points of the Plan" on a piece of newly made paper. The handwriting was clear on the paper and more fluent than when writing on bamboo slips.
She looked at the words on the paper, her heart filled with confidence - no matter how difficult the road ahead was, she would persevere and strive for a peaceful future for herself, for those around her, and for this turbulent era.
At this moment, the Queen, Shen, was holding the news sent by Qingdai with a frown on her face.
She looked at the moonlight outside the window, her heart full of confusion - Madam Si was beautiful, but also intelligent and insightful. If she cooperated with her, perhaps she could really save the prince and the Jiang family's power.
But if Lady Si had other plans, she and the Crown Prince would be doomed. Finally, Queen Shen sighed and said to Qingdai, "When we meet in three days, bring more people with you and ensure the safety of the Crown Prince and me."
Qingdai nodded quickly: "Don't worry, Madam, I will make sure everything is arranged."
The moonlight sprinkled on the two palaces. On one side was the hopeful Lin Jiaojiao, and on the other side was the hesitant Queen Shen. They both knew that the meeting in Jingxin Garden three days later would determine the future fate of the Western Zhou Dynasty, as well as their respective destinies.
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