Chapter 231: Choose Again, Choose Again

Chapter 231: Choose Again, Choose Again

Upon hearing the phrase "great minds think alike," Xianjin seemed to let out a sneer.

Bai Dalang immediately seized the opportunity, trying to take advantage of it: This woman may look good, but she is utterly detestable. She usually looks down on him, and now she even dares to mock him in front of their family's backer!

One must at least respect the owner before beating the dog!

Bai Dalang opened his mouth to shout.

Unexpectedly, Xianjin covered her mouth and nose, sneezed fiercely, and then rubbed her nose calmly, saying matter-of-factly, "...we've been working tirelessly on developing special paper for the imperial examinations, staying up late for several nights, and caught a cold from the cold wind last night..." Xianjin smiled, "Regardless of me, just listen to Bai Dalang brag, oh no, just listen to Bai Dalang introduce."

Introduce?

There's nothing much left to introduce.

Isn't it just moving from the right side to the top?

Xianjin had already explained it quite specifically, and Bai Dalang stammered through a repetition. The three officials at the head table found it uninteresting. Assistant Prefect Wen and Wang Xuezheng exchanged glances, and Wang Xuezheng walked down with a short brush pen dipped in ink and wrote the character "Wang" on both sheets of paper.

The two sheets of paper absorbed the ink almost instantly, and the ink vapor disappeared completely.

Wang Xuezheng then rubbed his fingertips over the characters.

His left finger rubbed "Cheng Heng," while his right finger rubbed Baiji.

On the right finger, there was a faint layer of light gray ink residue.

Wang Xuezheng did not make any judgment but extended both hands for everyone to examine.

Bai Dalang turned red and looked at his father: The ratio of rice straw and green sandalwood bark provided by the other party was indeed eighty-twenty! The paper had sacrificed hardness for flexibility and texture for water absorption... It was made according to the eighty-twenty ratio provided!

Old Master Bai smiled understandingly, "When writing an examination paper, one moves from right to left without going back. A slight delay in water absorption isn't a big deal." Old Master Bai lowered his eyes, "Every tool has its strengths and weaknesses; our paper is a bit harder, so it naturally absorbs water more slowly, but it is also more durable, reducing the chance of tearing during exams."

Copy and then change the answer!

But...

Xianjin stroked her chin, but this answer seems to have some logic to it.

Keep that in mind.

Xianjin looked up quietly, waiting for Wang Xuezheng's judgment. She saw his goatee slightly curl as he waved his hand, "In terms of quality, both papers have their merits and cannot be easily compared—please bring out the sealed envelopes with your quotes."

Xianjin took out the envelope containing the quote.

Wang Xuezheng had asked them to write the quotes beforehand and seal them with wax before bringing them here.

Wang Xuezheng gestured, "Let's compare prices. Since the quality is similar, the lower price wins. Both Assistant Prefects are here to ensure no one cheats or tries to be clever—our government pays real money for purchases and does not accept charity. I'll say it plainly: if either of you tries to write something like 'one copper coin' or 'ten taels of silver' as a half-gift price, you will be disqualified."

A few hundred taels of business is insignificant for the government, who would treat it the same regardless of who provides it.

Xianjin believed that once this news spread, many merchants would be willing to do this business for free or even at a loss.

Merchants offering for free might not be accepted by the government, which values face, order, and rules—since Emperor Xuwen, the rulers of Great Wei have maintained integrity.

Therefore, Heng Wuniang suggested, "Why don't we write something like 'one or two copper coins' on our quote... If we don't charge, then Baiji can't possibly offer a lower price!"

Xianjin only shook her head.

In these times, real money is secondary; face and integrity are paramount. If Wang Xuezheng truly wanted to take advantage, he wouldn't have agreed to the price comparison request!

Indeed, Wang Xuezheng's reminder proved that malicious bidding was not an option.

Xianjin collected herself, picked up the paper cutter, and with a steady hand, cut open the envelope, taking out the quote and placing it face-down on the table.

Bai Dalang tried to read Xianjin's expression but after a moment realized: Alright, this girl is as steady as if wearing a mask, showing little emotion except when mocking him...

Old Master Bai also took out his envelope and placed it face-down on the table.

The three officials at the head table came down, politely deferring to each other, and decided that Assistant Prefect Wen, who had no connection to either party, should open them.

Assistant Prefect Wen first picked up Baiji's quote, his square face looking very stern, "It's precise to the last cent!"

Old Master Bai bowed respectfully, "This amount was calculated by our accountant, myself, and my son based on the cost."

Assistant Prefect Wen nodded and announced loudly, "Two hundred seventy-seven taels and four mace of silver!"

Heng Wuniang's eyes slowly darkened.

As expected...

As expected, it was leaked by an insider.

Compared to their quote, it was twenty-four cash less.

Not much.

Just twenty-four cash less.

Who leaked it?

She had no one around her, so it couldn't be Heng Kee's fault.

Then it must be someone close to Xianjin.

Was it the casual Zhou Ergou? Xianjin calls him "Dog Master," and upon closer inspection, his left foot is slightly impaired, supposedly due to sacrificing himself for others against bandits... Or was it Zhang Mama, who constantly complains about her being too thin and small but prepares nourishing foods for her during mourning... Or was it the lean old Li, who likes to squat at the door smoking a pipe, speaking little but bright-eyed when discussing papermaking...

None of them seem likely.

These people have no motive to defect!

She can't see any reason for this group to betray her!

A sourness rose in Heng Wuniang's throat.

Clearly... clearly she felt it... felt that the entire Jixi Workshop was being managed by Xianjin like an iron bucket!

How could there be a leak!

Heng Wuniang's nails dug into her flesh, filled with despair.

Assistant Prefect Wen finished reading the amount from Baiji and finally a faint smile appeared on his usually stern face, "This quote shows great sincerity."

Old Master Bai humbly bowed, "We didn't make a single copper coin—price is one thing, but making good paper is most important."

Assistant Prefect Wen nodded, picked up the quote in front of Xianjin, and began reading as he flipped through it, "Two hundred seventy-seven taels, four mace, and twenty-four cash..."

A very close figure.

Assistant Prefect Wen said regretfully, "Unfortunately, it's twenty-four cash too much."

Xianjin calmly nodded, "Please turn to the folded page."

Assistant Prefect Wen followed her words and noticed that half of the page was folded down. He unfolded it, paused, then said, "...This quote is for eight hundred reams of paper."

Assistant Prefect Wen turned to Wang Xuezheng in confusion, "For this year's autumn examinations, only twenty thousand rooms were prepared..."

His words conveyed his bewilderment, "Preparing eight hundred reams of paper, even as a backup, is unnecessary."

Assistant Prefect Wen turned around, "I think we should go with Bai..."

"Changing paper and blurring names are usually used together."

Xianjin interrupted Assistant Prefect Wen, standing straight and raising her head, "The design of the examination papers uses the blurring names method to prevent officials from seeing familiar faces and letting them cheat; changing paper prevents officials from recognizing handwriting or special marks when they cannot see the names or origins of candidates."

Assistant Prefect Wen was intrigued and about to speak when Wang Xuezheng walked down, barely containing his excitement, "Go on... Go on!"

Xianjin continued, "Changing paper means that after the candidates' answer sheets are collected at the provincial office, a dedicated team will transcribe them, obscuring the handwriting and any possible marks, and then present the transcribed sheets to the officials, eliminating the possibility of cheating from the source—if we're changing paper, then four hundred reams won't be enough. With twenty thousand candidates, each needing four sheets, we need eight hundred reams of paper."

"My quote includes the production of these eight hundred reams of paper and the transportation costs from Xuancheng Prefecture to Yingtian Prefecture."

"This quote is based on our cost calculations, and I won't make a single copper coin, and might even lose money due to replenishment or unexpected events."

"Therefore, if 'Chen's' has the honor of handling the examination papers, I hope the esteemed officials will allow Chen's to sell this paper in advance—you can rest assured that Chen's will set the lowest possible price to ensure every candidate who wants to try the paper won't be discouraged by lack of funds."

Upon hearing Xianjin's words, Wang Xuezheng's face was filled with excitement!

What is an achievement!

This is an achievement!

He had been in charge of the imperial examinations for decades, and he knew immediately that this so-called "changing paper and blurring names method" would definitely work!

If this new anti-cheating method for the examinations spreads from his hands... this would be his greatest achievement!

Wang Xuezheng paced back and forth, excited, and made a decision instantly, "Choose 'Chen's'! Choose Chen's and Heng Kee! This method is feasible!"

Ignoring Assistant Prefect Cao's pale face, he looked at Assistant Prefect Wen with determination and excitement, seeking support, "If this plan is implemented, Southern Zhili will be the pioneer! Regardless of other things, we will surely receive great praise during our annual review!"