Chapter Forty-One: The Plan to Manufacture Writing Paper

The three empresses were clearly stunned by his words, or perhaps they were simply impatient to try it for themselves. After all, everyone possesses a strong curiosity toward new things. So much so that even after Liu Tan had removed his clothes and jumped into the bath, none of the three came to attend him.

But it didn’t matter. Liu Tan was not one to fuss—he had spent over twenty years in his previous life bathing alone, perfectly capable without anyone’s assistance.

Reclining in the wooden tub, he absentmindedly stirred the rose petals floating on the water. Just days ago, it had been his own suggestion to the empresses, and not only had they wholeheartedly implemented it for themselves, but they had also imposed it upon him. Now, every day, he was accompanied by the scent of roses. If only there were flowers with a fragrance like the cologne of his former world—it would suit a man far better.

Lost in thought, the Empress entered gracefully. She cleansed her hands in a basin beside the tub, then moved behind Liu Tan and quietly began to knead his shoulders.

“Did you try it?” Liu Tan asked, his eyes still closed.

The Empress murmured her assent.

“Is it useful? Did it tear?”

Before the Empress could reply, Wang’s delighted voice rang out, arriving before she did. “Your Majesty, this paper, this paper is truly wonderful—so very useful!”

Once she entered, she added, “Your Majesty, I was wondering if we could make more of this kind of paper!”

Liu Tan sighed, tapping his forehead. “What I want is paper suitable for writing. This toilet paper, well, it’s hardly essential, isn’t it?”

Just then, Li arrived, and after hearing Wang’s words, a look of eager anticipation appeared in her eyes.

“Your Majesty, do you think we could sell this paper? Imagine how much silk wealthy households could save! The raw material is wood, so the cost is very low. Even ordinary families could afford it, and it’s so much better than sticks or stones. If, in future, everyone in Shu uses our paper, then…” Wang licked her thick lips, “how much could we sell it for?”

Liu Tan’s eyes lit up. This was precisely the point. He asked, “Beloved, when I spoke the other day of partnering with your father, wasn’t this what I meant?”

Wang’s face brightened in delight. “Your Majesty, do you mean to work with my father?”

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Liu Tan nodded. “Exactly. I have the technology, your father has money and connections. If we work together, we won’t just make money in Shu, we’ll profit from Cao Wei and Sun Wu as well.”

“That’s wonderful! I’ll inform my father immediately—I’m sure he’ll be overjoyed!” Wang began to dance with excitement. In this era, merchants held a low status. But to partner with the Emperor in business would greatly elevate her family’s standing.

“No need to rush. I still have a few experiments to run. Once they succeed, we’ll discuss matters with your father. For now, I have a task for you: from this day forward, whatever experiments I conduct with you, you must record every step and detail. If we ever move to large-scale production, these trials will be the original data to guide our work!” Liu Tan spoke gravely.

Wang nodded, but then said, “Your Majesty, could Sister Li help me? I know only a few characters—enough for daily use, but I find it difficult to keep accurate records for Your Majesty!”

In this era, though it hadn’t yet reached the belief that a woman’s lack of talent was her virtue, women’s status was still low. For women, studying or practicing martial arts was considered unorthodox; embroidery and farming were their proper duties.

Liu Tan understood completely and agreed. Raising his head, he added, “The three of you must learn from each other, complement one another’s strengths, and stand together in the palace. Consider the illustrious Queen Dowager Xuan of Qin and Empress Dowager Dou of Han—women of great talent and vision. As my consorts, you must keep pace with me. I have neither troops nor capable ministers; you are the ones I can rely upon.”

At these words, the three empresses exchanged glances, understanding the Emperor’s meaning.

Since the Emperor had recovered from his injuries, he scarcely used eunuchs or palace maids anymore. They were no fools; it was because he didn’t trust them.

The realm of Shu Han seemed peaceful, but beneath the surface, turmoil brewed. The root cause was weak leadership and strong ministers.

Once his bath was nearly finished, Liu Tan rose from the wooden tub. The three women, now accustomed to his routine, naturally dried him and dressed him in silk robes.

The Empress remarked, “Sisters, have you noticed how much thinner His Majesty has become?”

Li and Wang looked carefully, then nodded in agreement. Li said, “He is thinner, but I feel His Majesty is more robust than before.”

Liu Tan rolled his eyes. “Do you think those four hours a day—no, two whole watches—are wasted? The fat is gone, replaced by muscle. Of course I’m stronger.”

During breakfast, Wang asked, “Your Majesty, what shall we do today?”

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Liu Tan replied, “Order the bamboo to be cut and prepare everything. When your father finishes the tools, we’ll begin making paper fit for writing.”

The three nodded their assent.

Wang pressed, “But Your Majesty, couldn’t we make more toilet paper?”

Liu Tan sighed again, patting his forehead. “What’s the rush? We’ve managed for years without it—can’t you endure a little longer? If I don’t produce something, what will I have to negotiate with your father or discuss the establishment of the Eastern Bureau with the Prime Minister? Words alone—do you think your father will trust me? The Prime Minister support me? Also, you must leave seven or eight sheets of that toilet paper for me—I need them!”

The Emperor’s barrage of questions clearly startled Wang. She quickly lowered her head, hurriedly saying, “I was wrong, Your Majesty, please forgive me!”

Indeed, the Emperor had not lost his temper for nearly half a month; the sternness in his tone was enough to cause discomfort and anxiety.

The Empress glanced around and asked, “Your Majesty, what is the difference between writing paper and toilet paper?”

Liu Tan explained, “Different uses require different materials and processes. Toilet paper needs to be soft, so the pulp must be fine and not too dense when formed. Writing paper must be firmer, less absorbent, and brighter in color. Bamboo’s green hue makes it ideal for writing paper.”

The three nodded in understanding, and the tense atmosphere eased.

After the meal, the three empresses departed the hall, issuing orders: some to cut bamboo, others to gather firewood, still others to urge their families to prepare tools.

Seeing bundles of fresh bamboo and wood neatly arranged in the courtyard, despite having sweated under the sun, the three women felt fulfilled—far more than in their former secluded lives.

Liu Tan, meanwhile, sat in the hall deep in thought, pondering improvements to weapon forging, so that in a few days, when he presided over court, he could bestow new methods upon the Armory Battalion.