The Tang Dynasty started from saving Empress Changsun

Chapter 52 Woodblock Printing
The workshop has a large space. Before the craftsmen arrived, Chen Jingke had asked people to divide different functional areas and prepare some utensils such as tables, cases and shelves.

Inside the small warehouse were stacked wooden planks that Zhang Ruiguang bought the day before yesterday, all of which were high-quality jujube planks.

Although Chen Jingke does not know the specific development history of printing, he also knows that jujube wood and boxwood are the most suitable materials for making printing engravings in terms of cost performance.

Including movable type printing, these types of wood are also the most cost-effective woods-this point has been written in history books, and it should not be faked.

In fact, the principle of printing is not difficult to put it bluntly. When Chen Jingke explained the principle clearly, he did not need to intervene in the subsequent matters, and the artisans who were eager to express solved it by themselves.

The wooden blocks were processed according to the size of ordinary books. Fortunately, the supervisors sent their tools along with them, otherwise the work would not be able to start for a while.

When engraving, everyone unanimously recommended a 40-year-old craftsman to do the first engraving.When it came to technical issues, the submissive craftsman showed unprecedented confidence on his face.

Without any modesty, he took over the job without hesitation, took out his full set of tools and was ready to do it.

"His name is Mei Laoshi, and he is the one with the best carving skills among us." Tian Dachun explained from the side:

"Small jobs are very small and exquisite patterns. It is the most test of hand skills. If you shake it, the whole thing may be ruined. Honestly, Mei has not made any mistakes in ten years."

Chen Jingke couldn't help being speechless. Although he didn't know how to carve, he also knew that the more subtle things are, the harder it is to start with.There have been no mistakes in ten years, and this is no longer simply a matter of craftsmanship.

He couldn't help but look forward to it a little more.

Mei Honest was a little embarrassed by the praise, and said: "Don't listen to Dachun's nonsense, real people, it's just a few tricks."

Although he spoke modestly, he didn't hesitate when he got the board in his hands.First, paste the manuscript paper provided by Chen Jingke on the wooden board, then pick up the knife and start carving lines.

Tian Dachun said in a low voice: "The patterns of fine work are often more complicated. We will draw the pattern first and then do it if we are afraid of making mistakes."

"If it is a front carving, I will draw the picture directly on the material. If it is a reverse carving, I will first draw the picture on the paper, paste it on the material reversely, and draw the outline before engraving."

Chen Jingke nodded and did not speak, his eyes were always fixed on Mei Honest's hand.

Then he knew what a skilled craftsman is. The carving knife fluttered like a butterfly in his hand, and the hard jujube board was like butter, and pieces of wood were easily dug out.

In some places, Chen Jingke felt that it was already perfect, and there might be flaws if he cut it again, but he did not hesitate to cut it down, and even peeled off pieces of debris.

At the end, he both admired the other party's craftsmanship and felt sad.Is it normal for a craftsman with such a high skill to even support his family in this era?

Mei Laoshi didn't stop for a moment, and it took less than an hour to finish the engraving with more than [-] characters.

But not all blind people can see it, which is a huge burden on his body.The moment the carving knife was put down, his hands began to tremble violently, and a look of pain appeared on his face.

He seemed afraid of being seen, and quickly hid his hands behind his back.

Chen Jingke knew why he did this, he just wanted to show his worth and keep his current salary.

So he pretended he didn't see anything, patted the other person's shoulder heavily, and said, "That's right, this workmanship is the best I've ever seen, and it's worthy of the new house and clothes I gave you."

Sure enough, Mei Laoshi showed a relieved expression on his face, and said modestly: "Crop style, as long as real people like it."

Chen Jingke picked up the engraving block, stroked the words on this side with his hands, and was surprised to find that it was extremely smooth and free of imaginary burrs.

This craftsmanship is indeed worthy of being a master craftsman who has never made a mistake in ten years.

"How long does it take to carve a board like this if it's an ordinary woodworker?"

Mei honestly said proudly: "It takes at least two hours for an ordinary carpenter to carve such a clean board."

Chen Jingke nodded and said: "In the future, you can slow down a bit. Your hands are the biggest treasures. If you hurt them, you will have nothing to eat."

The expression on Mei Laoshi's face immediately became terrified, trying to explain something.

Chen Jingke waved his hand to stop him and said, "Your hands are the most useful to me. I gave you clothes for the house because of these hands. Protect them, and then do the job I entrusted to you well, so that it will last for a long time."

Then he said to the others: "You are the same. Only by protecting your body can you work for me for a long time. When your body breaks down, you will lose everything."

Hearing this, the craftsmen not only didn't feel insulted, but became very excited one by one, and looked at him with gratitude and respect.

The printing is behind, and Chen Jingke does not need to intervene.

The craftsmen held blank paper and engraving blocks, discussed in a circle, and quickly made up their minds.

To adjust the ink, use a brush to evenly brush the ink on the engraving, carefully put the white paper on it, and then use another clean brush to brush it lightly.

Everyone cheered when it was unveiled.

Tian Dachun came to Chen Jingke with the paper in his hands and said, "Look, real man, is it done?"

Chen Jingke took the paper, and saw that the handwriting on it was extremely clear, and there were no extra ink spots around it. Those who succeeded could not be more successful.

After all, it is a major invention, and he was also very excited, saying: "It's done, it's perfect."

Tian Dachun took a deep breath and said: "That's good, that's good."

The other craftsmen were also very happy, which meant that their houses and new clothes and such were all kept.

However, looking carefully at Chen Jingke, he still found a problem. The paper was a little crooked, and the ink stains were different.

Apparently, it was caused by not placing the paper in a straight line, and by using a brush to apply force unevenly.

This couldn't help him, so he ordered the craftsmen to make a cover just enough to cover the engraving block, put the paper in the cover and then fasten the engraving block,

With a cover to correct the orientation, the paper will not be crooked, even the steps of manual alignment are saved, and the printing speed will increase linearly.

The brush for brushing ink has also been changed, replacing it with a roller like the one used to brush putty for decoration in the previous life, with several layers of burlap wrapped around the outside.Just roll it once on the engraving block when it is full of ink, the speed is faster and the ink is more evenly dyed.

After laying the paper, roll it again with a clean roller to evenly apply force and evenly dye the ink.

This really solved the problem.

There are no technical problems, and the rest will be solved easily.Chen Jingke took out the "Taomen Tulu Zhenjing" and asked the craftsmen to make woodblocks and print them in unlimited quantities.

"The more the better, if you need any materials, you can ask Zhang Kutou for them."

　I don't know why these two days, my mind is messed up and I can't calm down.I also have an outline, and the plot is also in my mind, but I just can't sit still in front of the computer.

　　I don't even know what I'm writing in these two chapters.

　　I went to the park to sit for a day during the day, and my condition recovered a little.

　　The next chapter enters the official plot.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)