Chapter 82: The Newspaper
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“Paper? That’s right. With this printing technology, we’ll also need paper. I believe Your Highness already has a plan in mind.”
Compared to lathes and hydraulic hammers, printing and paper-making were relatively simpler. Xiao Ming said, “What you see here is prepared for the paper-making and printing workshops.”
As he spoke, Xiao Ming led Pang Yukun to see the pulp beaters and pressure screens used for paper-making. With these tools, the efficiency of the paper-making workshop would be greatly improved.
Next, Xiao Ming took Pang Yukun to a pre-arranged printing plate.
Pang Yukun stood in front of the plate and examined it, exclaiming in surprise, “Your Highness, this contains the land reclamation decree and the conscription order, as well as recent events in Qingzhou. Are you planning to print this into a booklet?”
“No, this is a newspaper,” Xiao Ming said with a smile.
What followed was an important task: propaganda. The purpose of propaganda was to spread his own glorious and righteous image while conveying various policies to the people.
At the same time, it would allow the people to stay informed about current events, making them aware of the efforts their feudal lord was making on their behalf. This would strengthen their support for him.
In Xiao Ming’s view, controlling public opinion was crucial in any era. If he didn’t seize control of the narrative, others would, and enemies could exploit this to spread chaos in what should be a peaceful and prosperous society.
Once newspapers were widely distributed in his fief, he could promptly debunk rumors and guide public opinion.
“Please enlighten me, Your Highness,” Pang Yukun said humbly, as did everyone else in Qingzhou when speaking to Xiao Ming.