“Father, I will handle the first newspaper. It will be a template for daily or weekly publication in the future.
Many things, even unimportant matters from the imperial court, can be reported in the newspaper. We can also publish the teachings of the Hundred Schools of Thought, but that requires their contribution to the Great Qin.
We can also publish strange and unusual events, myths and legends, and so on.
Father, you can organize a special department to publish newspapers in the future!”
“Hmm!”
“Good idea!”
Once again, everyone recognized the impact of the newspaper, elevating its significance.
It seems quite necessary!
“Chen, I entrust you with full authority over this matter. You can handle the personnel and funds as you see fit!”
“This child understands. I’ll take my leave.”
“Go!”
“Zhao Gao, follow me!”
“This servant obeys!” Zhao Gao glanced at Ying Zheng. Seeing that he had no objection, he followed Zhao Chen out.
As soon as they left the Zhangtai Palace, Zhao Chen instructed Zhao Gao.
“Zhao Gao, bring Xiao He and Li Si to the Office of Public Works. I’ll be there first!”
“Yes!”
Zhao Chen went to the Office of Public Works.
He arrived at the printing house and saw the busy craftsmen. He did not disturb them and waited silently for Zhao Gao and the others.
Soon, they arrived.
“Greetings, Your Highness!”
“No need for formalities!”
“Next, you are to write articles based on my general ideas, polishing them up a bit.
Keep them concise, clear, and understandable for the general public. Do you understand?”
“We understand, Your Highness!”
Then, Zhao Chen casually fabricated some strange and interesting events from the Six Kingdoms, some of the Great Qin’s upcoming policies, and the recent thunder incident, and had Xiao He and Li Si write them down.
He sat aside, waiting.
For each article they finished, he would check for errors. If there were any issues, he would point them out and have them polished until they were perfect.
The articles without any errors were set aside.
The afternoon passed by quickly.
Zhao Chen had obtained the content he desired.
He then had someone typeset it. He personally chose suitable paper, typeset the content, and had it printed.
Soon, the world’s first newspaper was born.
Although it wasn’t as colorful and diverse as the newspapers of his previous life, it was good enough for this era.
“Come, take a look. What do you think?”
The newspaper was three pages long. The first page was entirely dedicated to the Great Qin’s latest news, including some events from the imperial court and upcoming policies.
The next two pages featured strange and interesting events from the Six Kingdoms, including stories about the rulers of the Six Kingdoms, their nobles, and even the daily lives of ordinary people.
“Your Highness, is this the newspaper?”
“If we distribute it widely, it can indeed guide public opinion. Furthermore, it will spread information much faster than word of mouth.”
“That’s natural. Moreover, this newspaper is versatile. For example, Li Si, if you want to showcase your legal expertise, you can write your thoughts on the law in the newspaper. Then, everyone can see it, and you can see if your laws are acceptable to the people.
This is also true for the other members of the Hundred Schools of Thought who want their teachings to be seen by the people. In the past, they relied on accepting disciples, traveling, and lecturing. Now, all they need is a newspaper. Isn’t that right?”
“Your Highness is a genius! Xiao He admires you.”
“Your Highness is a genius! Li Si is in awe.”
“Zhao Gao, deliver this newspaper to my father. Have him review it and write the three characters ‘Great Qin Gazette’ on it. This will be the main newspaper of our Great Qin in the future.”
“This servant will do so immediately!”
“Xiao He, Li Si, the rest is up to you. When you receive my father’s inscription, add these four characters to the top of the newspaper and then have the craftsmen start printing the newspaper. Print ten thousand copies first!”
“We obey!”
After giving his instructions, Zhao Chen left.
He had done what he needed to. The rest was up to others. It was already dark, and he had to go to sleep. Otherwise, he wouldn’t grow tall.
At the Zhangtai Palace, Ying Zheng was still handling government affairs.
Zhao Gao rushed in with the newspaper.
“Greetings, Your Majesty. This is the newspaper created by His Highness. I’ve brought it for Your Majesty’s perusal!”
“Oh, it’s finished so quickly? Bring it here.”
Ying Zheng took the newspaper and began to read it carefully. He wanted to see what was written in it.
The first page was fine. It was about the Great Qin’s recent policies. The writing was simple and easy to understand, which was good.
Then the style of the second page suddenly changed.
It began to elaborate on anecdotes from the Six Kingdoms.
Many of the stories were pure fabrications, making Ying Zheng chuckle, but he found them quite amusing.
If even Ying Zheng found it amusing, what about the common people?
They would naturally find it even more interesting. After all, people are always curious about the gossips surrounding rulers and nobles.
Excellent, very good.
The publication of this newspaper can indeed divert the people’s attention.
The rumors circulating in Xianyang will naturally be dispelled.
“Good, Zhao Gao, edit this a bit, add the dictionary and phonetic symbols invented by the Prince, along with papermaking and other technologies. After typesetting, start printing!”
“This servant obeys!” Zhao Gao knew that Ying Zheng was trying to build up Zhao Chen’s prestige.
Zhao Chen: I don’t need this prestige! Stay away from me!
“Your Majesty, His Highness also instructed you to write the three characters ‘Great Qin Gazette’ in your own hand. He said this newspaper will be the main means of spreading news in the Great Qin.”
“Great Qin Gazette, that’s good. I’ll write it right now. After you finish, take it to the printer!”
Ying Zheng took a piece of white paper and wrote the three characters ‘Great Qin Gazette’. His calligraphy was powerful and forceful, revealing his importance.
“Done, go print it!”
“This servant will do so immediately!”
Three days later, the Great Qin Gazette was officially published in Xianyang.
Not only that, Zhao Chen had the Luo Net deliver the newspapers to the surrounding counties of Xianyang.
Newspaper! Newspaper!
Five wen for a copy!
Rich in content, you can’t go wrong!
…
Extra! Extra! A certain ruler seized his brother’s concubine. Was it a twist of fate or a moral decline?
…
Extra! Extra! A certain nobleman in a certain country forcibly took a woman from the street, killing her husband. His evil nature was fully revealed. For more details, please read the Great Qin Gazette!
Zhao Gao’s chosen, shrewd soldiers peddled newspapers on the streets of Xianyang.
These professional sales pitches were taught to Zhao Gao by Zhao Chen.
Sure enough, these words attracted a large number of people, including commoners, wandering swordsmen, and even nobles and officials.
They began buying newspapers.
Those who couldn’t read were also tempted by the vendor’s words and bought newspapers.
Even if they couldn’t read themselves, they could find someone who could read it to them.
The main reason was that they were interested in the content.
This is the nature of the Chinese people. They love to gossip.
Soon, all the newspapers were sold out.
Those who could read began to read.
Those who hadn’t bought a copy found people they knew to read it with them or to read the content aloud to them.
In just half a day, the content of the newspaper had spread throughout Xianyang.
It became the talk of the town.
As for the previous rumors, they had long been forgotten by the people.
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