Chapter 384 The First Newspaper

After intensive preparations, the newly established Propaganda Department of the Bureau finally issued the first issue of Jinxia City's newspaper, "Shenjin Weekly".

As the name suggests, it is not only aimed at Jinxia, ​​but also at the entire Shenzhou.

However, due to conservative considerations for new things, its first print run was only 5,000 copies, which were shared and sold by three private bookstores and the official printing house of the Bureau, and each copy was sold for ten copper coins.

Wei Wushuang came to the nearest bookstore early in the morning, but found that he was not the first one - a lot of people had gathered in front of the store, and the discussion was quite lively.

It seems that everyone is quite concerned about the actions of the Bureau.

He was not wearing an official robe, so naturally no one recognized him. Relying on the broad physique given by the alchemist, Wei Wushuang easily squeezed into the crowd, but the scene in front of him surprised him.

Although it was lively, the newspapers on the table were neatly arranged, and no one took them. Faced with the price of ten coins, most people chose to wait and see, rather than directly pay for it.

Moreover, on a small wooden board beside the table, the full picture of the newspaper is posted.

Anyone who can read can read it for free.

"So this is a newspaper. I thought it was a book, but it's just two pieces of paper."

"It would be great if it was a book. I can decorate my store with it. I feel a bit of a loss to buy two pieces of paper for ten cents."

"Old Zhang, can you read? You want to decorate your store with books when you kill fish. Aren't you afraid of being laughed at by those scholars?" Someone half-jokingly said.

"What are you talking about! My son is in school. Who is not a scholar?" Old Zhang retorted with his neck stiff, "I can't read. Can't I let my son read to me?"

There was a burst of laughter at the scene.

"Hey, what exactly is the newspaper saying? Can anyone tell me?"

"It's about the recent battle. It turns out that the mastermind behind it is the Western Dynasty, whose name is... the Kingdom of Natatin."

"I see, but why did they come from such a long distance to attack Jinxia?"

"Because of the elves. Her Royal Highness has signed an alliance with the elves. If they fight the elves, it means they are bullying Her Highness. Of course, we can't just sit back and watch!"

"That's right! Although elves are monsters, after getting to know them more, I found that they are actually quite good... especially those energetic girls in the Machinery Bureau..."

As soon as these words came out, the scene suddenly became quiet, and everyone's eyes turned to the speaker.

"Well, I didn't really do anything, I just admired it!"

"But since the newspaper is talking about a battle, why is there a portrait of a girl hanging in the middle?" A bystander changed the subject, "And the appearance of this woman... I'm afraid she is also a monster?"

"This lady is not an ordinary monster. She is a dragon, a good omen! And she is also the biggest contributor to this battle!"

"Dragon?" Everyone was stunned.

"That's right," the introducer said loudly, "Why did the Western Fleet gallop across the sea without any rivals, and finally get caught in the Jinxia Shallow Sea? It was because Lord Long used magic to block the sea breeze, making it difficult for these warships to move! And in the final boarding battle, she led the way and shocked the enemies on many warships in one fell swoop. It can be said that she played a great role!"

"Oh————"

The crowd sighed.

"It's a pity that such a good girl has a pair of snake eyes, which is really daunting."

"Yes... In comparison, elves are easier to accept."

Crack.

Wei Wushuang seemed to hear the sound of the introducer gnashing his teeth.

He shook his head and shouted to the shop, "Boss, give me a newspaper!"

"Hey," the shopkeeper immediately came forward with his hands rubbing, "Do you need to wrap it for you?"

"No need, a ten-cent item, why do you need to be so formal."

"That's different, you are the first customer after the shop opened!"

Wei Wushuang was stunned, pulled the shopkeeper aside and whispered, "Is there really no one buying this newspaper?"

"Yes," the latter smiled bitterly, "It is said that cooperating with the Affairs Bureau is a sure-win business, it seems that I will be the first person to lose money."

Wei Wushuang felt a little uncomfortable. He knew that Xia Fan attached great importance to the Propaganda Department, and the current plans were implemented by the Prime Minister himself. If the first battle failed, not only would the Propaganda Department lose face, but he, as a member of the Affairs Bureau, would also feel frustrated.

It's a pity that he didn't know what to do about this matter.

After all, he was in charge of the Ministry of Grain, and he came here to buy newspapers because his father asked to see them.

Back to his own house, Wei Wushuang found an extra pair of leather boots at the entrance.

"Dad, I'm back."

"Oh, come and meet Mr. Zhuang," Wei Yan waved and motioned him to sit down at the table, "Do you remember this? The big businessman from Anshen City who took care of the grain shop business before."

"I remember." Wei Wushuang bowed politely, "Meet Mr. Zhuang."

"Oh, no need to do that, you are now a big official in Jinxia City, I should salute you." The latter said with a smile on his face.

Since he was appointed as the head of the grain department by Xia Fan, not only did his family's attitude towards him change 180 degrees, but even when guests visited, it was basically the same. However, the feeling of pride in his heart did not last long. Instead, he felt uncomfortable all over, and even less relaxed than when he was unknown before.

After some pleasantries, Wei Wushuang placed Shenjin Weekly on the table, "Dad, I brought back the newspaper you asked for. I have to go to the Secretariat later. Please forgive me for not being able to stay with you for a long time."

"Newspaper? What is that?" Mr. Zhuang asked curiously.

"Oh, Jinxia City has a new thing. I heard that with this thing, you can know the major events in the world without leaving home." Father Wei stroked his beard and smiled, "I was really curious, so I asked him to buy a copy. Come and take a look.”

"Really?" He curiously took the weekly newspaper and looked it up and down, "How much does this one cost?"

"Ten articles." Wei Wushuang replied.

"It's actually so cheap?"

Wei Wushuang was startled, and then retracted his hands that were about to hold him up, "Do you think it's...cheap?"

"Isn't it? Look at this paper. Not even a single ink mark can be seen through on the back. Ordinary rice paper can't do that." Mr. Zhuang looked at it carefully. "The size of each character is basically the same. It should be printed on an engraving board. Yes, the ink is rich in color and is undoubtedly of the highest quality... The person who made this must have put a lot of thought into it.”

"As expected of an expert in running a pawn shop, he can actually see so many tricks." Wei Yan clicked his tongue and said in surprise.

"This business relies on eyesight, so why not be sharp?" The other party smiled and shook his head, "But let me tell you, the most valuable thing about this newspaper is not the paper and ink, but the portrait!"