Having agreed to contribute articles, the Chief Grand Secretary proceeded to inquire extensively about the newspaper's operations.
Since all attendees were trusted pillars of the court and the newspaper wasn't classified information, Wen Qingxiao answered thoroughly without reservation.
Eventually, Pei's questions turned to distribution and printing:
"You mentioned daily circulation with massive quantities and substantial content—how can printing capacity meet such demands?"
"The Prince of Li's residence has developed a revolutionary printing technique called movable type, which resolves this challenge."
Wen Qingxiao had previously raised this very concern, to which the Princess Consort had not only provided this solution but even demonstrated a small-scale model.
After examining the prototype, Wen Qingxiao's initial astonishment had given way to complete reassurance.
"Movable type?"
The unfamiliar term immediately sparked both confusion and intense curiosity in Pei—
What manner of printing could possibly overcome such formidable daily production requirements?
Seeing his teacher's reaction, Wen Qingxiao realized the imperial court likely remained unaware of this innovation.
Momentarily uncertain whether to continue, he instinctively glanced toward Gu Yanshu—
Receiving an approving nod that dissolved his hesitation.
Movable type wasn't classified information.
The Prince's household had simply delayed announcement until completing the type carving process, when practical implementation became feasible.
With the characters now finished undergoing final quality checks, Gu Yanshu had planned for Qin Lu to present the invention to the emperor soon regardless.
Thus authorized, Wen Qingxiao proceeded to explain movable type printing in detail.
Pei instantly recognized this wasn't empty boasting—the system genuinely could solve their production challenges.
Learning a demonstration model existed within the Prince's residence, the Chief Grand Secretary nearly rose immediately to inspect it personally.
Wen Qingxiao quickly intervened:
"The model isn't going anywhere, Teacher. Please finish your meal first to properly appreciate it afterward."
"Quite right."
Chastened, Pei resumed his seat—though his accelerated eating pace and reduced conversation betrayed eagerness to conclude the meal swiftly.
Wen Qingxiao observed this with mixed emotions:
So much for being the favorite disciple—upstaged by mere printing technology!
His gaze shifted to find his father similarly focused on hurriedly consuming his food—
Clearly sharing Pei's priority to examine the innovation.
Thus abruptly dethroned from center stage, the suddenly neglected Sixth Young Master Wen could only lower his head and concentrate on his meal in silence.
The other ministers at the banquet were equally fascinated by Wen Qingxiao's description of movable type printing. Upon learning they could inspect the model after the meal, they too subtly accelerated their eating pace.
For a moment, the reception hall became a scene of harmonious synchronization.
Gu Yanshu, ever meticulous, had instructed Zhige to research each minister's dietary preferences and restrictions beforehand.
Every dish served matched the recipient's habitual tastes—a detail that didn't escape notice as guests focused on their meals.
Some couldn't help wondering:
Having attended countless banquets, they'd rarely encountered such thoughtful hospitality.
This clearly wasn't the Prince of Li's style, which meant...
Their speculative glances toward the head table coincidentally captured Qin Lu serving Gu Yanshu dishes while exchanging quiet words.
The sight was profoundly startling—
In Tianqi's dining etiquette, wives traditionally served husbands, never the reverse.
Yet the servants' nonchalant reactions confirmed this was routine in the Prince's household.
Observing the couple's easy rapport—with attendants prioritizing the Princess Consort's needs before the prince's—
Understanding dawned:
This impeccably arranged banquet undoubtedly bore Gu Yanshu's touch.
Meals concluded swiftly thereafter.
Gu Yanshu, ever the astute observer, recognized the ministers' eagerness.
Once the last chopsticks were laid down, he promptly ordered the tables cleared and had Xingren bring out the movable type model.
Unlike the previous rudimentary version, this iteration featured greater precision and more character modules.
Additionally, Gu Yanshu had prepared rice paper and ink—
Allowing hands-on experimentation beyond mere observation.
These seasoned statesmen, guided by Wen Qingxiao's explanations, quickly grasped the system's mechanics.
Soon they resembled children with a new toy, clustering around the model in animated discussion—
Some even bickering good-naturedly over trial precedence.
Even Qin Lu and Gu Yanshu found themselves momentarily forgotten in the excitement.
Chief Grand Secretary Pei naturally claimed first demonstration rights.
The enhanced model's abundant characters enabled him to swiftly print a regulated verse.
Then, beckoning Wen Qingxiao forward, he challenged his disciple to recompose those twenty-eight characters into a new poem.
Though demanding, the task proved no match for Wen Qingxiao.
After brief contemplation, his slender fingers rearranged the type blocks—
Inking, pressing, and producing a flawless new verse within moments.
"Excellent," Pei nodded approvingly at the result. "Clearly your studies haven't languished these two years."
While their earlier conversation had hinted at Wen Qingxiao's continued scholarship, witnessing such rapid compositional skill reaffirmed Pei's pride—
His protégé's brilliance remained undimmed by adversity.
This exchange inspired other ministers to form small groups, attempting similar literary games.
Gu Yanshu—who could recite poetry but lacked compositional skill—watched their creative adaptations with near disbelief:
Must you showcase such sophistication with simple type blocks? You're making me feel uncultured.
Meanwhile, Wen Qingxiao subtly steered conversations toward Gu Yanshu.
As Pei's disciple and Gu Yanshu's collaborator, his mediation facilitated smooth interactions.
Soon several ministers were conversing animatedly with the Princess Consort.
Whether due to Tianqi's prolonged military conflicts or the emperor's influence, these officials shared defining traits regardless of faction—
Fierce patriotism coupled with genuine concern for common welfare.
Learning Gu Yanshu intended to make movable type publicly available rather than monetize it—
Distributing the technology across Tianqi once perfected—
Earned him immediate goodwill.
Their natural mentorship instincts toward promising youth further warmed relations upon discovering Gu Yanshu's unexpected depth—
His innovative thinking belying the rumors of incompetence.
By conversation's end, their tones had softened considerably.
Unlike earlier exchanges constrained by protocol and Wen Qingxiao's mediation, the ministers now regarded Gu Yanshu with almost avuncular warmth—
Their gazes carrying distinct mentorship affection.
As rapport deepened, some noticed peculiar details—
The notoriously ruthless Prince of Li appeared... henpecked?
Hadn't the household servants followed the Princess Consort's commands while largely ignoring the prince?
Moreover, Gu Yanshu frequently referenced Qin Lu during conversations—
Such as moments earlier when he'd bluntly criticized the prince's inflexibility.
Even among harmonious couples they'd observed, few wives so openly evaluated their husbands.
Yet Qin Lu showed no reaction—his expression utterly unperturbed.
When Gu Yanshu challenged "Am I wrong?" the prince had calmly agreed: "The Princess Consort speaks truth."
That "my consort is always right" demeanor was almost embarrassing to witness.
Their effortless dynamic left no doubt—this marital harmony wasn't performance.
Recalling Qin Lu serving Gu Yanshu earlier, several ministers felt they'd glimpsed profound truth.
While aware that rumors exaggerated Qin Lu's brutality, the military-forged austerity surrounding him still discomforted civil officials.
Yet observing these interactions—though feeling force-fed something inexplicably sweet—
Many found their perceptions of Qin Lu shifting:
The circumstances behind this marriage were no secret to veteran statesmen.
That Qin Lu showed neither resentment nor coldness, but genuine respect and care, spoke volumes about his character.
Moreover, the prince's entire aura visibly softened around his consort—
Even that blood-soaked battlefield intensity seemed to fade slightly.
This subtle atmospheric shift didn't escape Gu Yanshu's notice, lifting his spirits further.
Despite enjoying these exchanges, he hadn't forgotten today's primary objective.
Preempting requests, he gracefully initiated:
"Understanding several esteemed guests experience vision difficulties, the Prince's residence has developed corrective lenses called eyeglasses. As these require personalized fitting, might we conduct examinations now while lighting remains optimal?"
This being their chief purpose for attending, the ministers readily agreed.
Soon servants brought out vision charts Gu Yanshu had prepared days earlier.
The established rapport emboldened some to ask previously unvoiced questions:
"Are these spectacles solely for aged eyes, or might younger individuals also benefit?"
Gu Yanshu arched a brow slightly, momentarily puzzled—
Until explanatory context emerged:
This particular elder suffered no ocular impairment himself—
His petition stemmed from a gifted grandson recently afflicted with severe vision deterioration.
Having experienced the emperor's reading glasses and magnifiers, he'd hoped to secure similar aids for the struggling youth.
Nodding comprehension, Gu Yanshu clarified:
"What we're preparing today are presbyopic lenses, specifically designed for age-related vision decline—ineffective for youthful eyes."
The minister's crestfallen expression prompted swift qualification:
"Young vision impairment—called myopia—requires different corrective lenses."
"You mean solutions exist?" Hope reignited instantly.
"Indeed. But like presbyopic glasses, they demand personalized calibration through testing."
Anticipating the next query, Gu Yanshu continued:
"Minister Qi may bring your grandson whenever convenient. Alternatively, once Taoran Residence reopens, fittings will be available there—though with slightly delayed production."
Relief washed over Minister Qi—his grandson's scholarly pursuits needn't be abandoned after all.
Unlike Minister Qi, others focused on a different revelation:
"Taoran Residence?"
This establishment was hardly unknown among the ministers—
Not only did many commission annual porcelain replacements there, but its recent pricing war with Yunci Zhai had been impossible to ignore.
Yet Taoran Residence was a ceramics shop—since when did it sell eyeglasses?
Never one to waste prime marketing opportunities, Gu Yanshu smoothly launched into promotion:
"As esteemed guests know, my Taoran Kiln developed glassware. The residence's current renovations prepare for its sale. Since eyeglasses share production techniques with glass, they'll be available there as well."
Quick-witted as ever, someone immediately connected dots:
"Does that include these glass windows we're enjoying?"
Gu Yanshu beamed at this perfect segue:
"Naturally—though window installations require custom measurements unlike tableware."
This declaration sent speculative ripples through the assembly.
Having experienced the windows' benefits firsthand—
Their aesthetic appeal and revolutionary ability to reconcile winter warmth with visibility—
Every official envisioned installing them at home.
Yet "custom fabrication" raised concerns:
"How lengthy might window orders take?"
Would winter end before their installations?
Gu Yanshu sidestepped with a smile:
"If interested, perhaps compile your requirements? I'll arrange deliveries within days."
The ministers staunchly refused—
Having already accepted magnifiers and reading glasses, how could they impose further?
Especially knowing the Prince's strained finances after recent military provisions.
Gu Yanshu countered that glass was Taoran Kiln's commonplace product—
If they insisted on reciprocity, perhaps contributing newspaper articles post-launch?
After ritualistic demurrals, they settled on terms—
One room's worth of glass per minister in exchange for one article each.
Wen Qingxiao observed this masterstroke with awe—
Not only securing twenty-plus guaranteed submissions but pre-selling installations!
Superficially, gifting glass for future articles seemed disadvantageous—
Yet Wen Qingxiao recognized the trap—
Ministers would prioritize studies, then inevitably crave consistency elsewhere—
Once accustomed to luxury, could they tolerate mismatched rooms?
And what of spouses and children left with inferior windows?
Gu Yanshu wasn't just earning goodwill—he was cultivating dependency!
A part of Wen Qingxiao felt relieved—
Had he not voluntarily joined the newspaper venture, who knows what elaborate schemes Gu Yanshu might have devised?
Yet the blissfully oblivious ministers detected no ulterior motives—
Some even lamented privately—
Why must such brilliance be wedded to the Prince of Li?
Until glancing at Qin Lu's impassive face extinguished such thoughts instantly.
Between movable type demonstrations and glass promises, the ministers recognized Gu Yanshu's generosity with innovations—
Emboldening someone to voice the lingering question—
How had the hall maintained springlike warmth without charcoal braziers?
Most attendees had long shed outer robes, save frail elders like the Chief Grand Secretary.
"Ah, that?"
True to form, Gu Yanshu explained readily:
"During renovations, we installed underfloor heating—what you're experiencing now."
"Underfloor heating?"
Another novel concept, yet by now the ministers expected nothing less—
Their follow-up question almost reflexive:
"And what might that entail?"