Emperor Jian Kang hasn't felt this way about talent in a very long time. Though he has spent time to often find and meet people of talent, few have been as young and impressive as the young man. The way he threw off his father's hand to accept the royal challenge was a move of guts and confidence.

He was destined for greatness.

"Very well. You have done well and I must commend you. Next, the letter on which you deliver the message to me to. This is not silk, nor is it cloth or bamboo. What did you write it on?" Emperor Jian Kang said as he once again waved the fateful letter that will change the Zhang clan's fate.

"Your Majesty, your servant has been making these using a combination of bamboo, rags and other materials. I have taken to calling the material, paper. It can be easily written on. With your permission, I will ask my servant to get the item along with ink and brush for you to write upon." Zhang Chao replied and with a nod to Hou Ning, the servant stumbled on his way out and an Imperial soldier reached out to stabilize him as the servant quickly moved to the warehouse and gathered a box that the young master had set aside, which contained stacks of paper and writing material, namely a brush and an inkstone along with an ink pad.

As he returned, Emperor Jian Kang was no fool and noticed the box. Did this young man, Zhang Chao, foresee all of this?

The Emperor ran his hand along the paper when it was opened and noted how smooth it was and he gestured for Sima Lin to touch it as well.

"His Majesty, your servant is certain that this is first of it's kind." Sima Lin noted as he began grinding the inkstone against the ink pad for the Emperor. After a few moments of silence, Zhang Chao, Zhang Qin and Zhang Tie who were all on their knees had different emotions. Zhang Qin was proud of her son though at the same time, worried that he was overconfident. Zhang Tie was fearing for his whole family's life and the uncertainty of what the Emperor was doing made him afraid for his family as he eyed apprehensively, the swords of the Imperial Guards. Zhang Chao however, felt that this was his moment.

As the Emperor dipped his brush into the ink and started writing, his eyes lit up as the ink dried up almost instantly as it sank into the paper. After a few moments, he held it up, eyeing how thin it indeed was and lightweight. It did not seem to tear easily as well.

"Zhang Chao, only you know of the technique?" Emperor Jian Kang asked and the young man answered loudly, "Yes, Your Majesty. I have been making these at night."

The Emperor pondered for a few moments before speaking.

"We recognize your great contribution and your talents. If you were to continue making paper for us, the Imperial Dynasty was begin making use of it immediately. However, we will need it in significant numbers. We will help fund your manufacturing for a certain period of time until you are self-sufficient. However, you will need to pay an Imperial tax for any sale aside from the Imperial family."

"Additionally, should you agree, you will be made a Standard class, Rank 4, Upper grade official and you will be given compensation as such, yearly, to the equivalent of 220 bushels a year."

Zhang Qin and Zhang Tie looked at each other upon the Emperor saying that. This effectively meant that Zhang Chao was only four grades away from being the upper echelon of society, making him part of the elites.

Zhang Chao thanked the Emperor by kowtowing, his heart seizing with joy. With the Imperial backing, he can finally get into expanding the Zhang clan's influence and stability as well as their arresting wealth.

"Sima Lin, work with Zhang Chao to see that things are done. I will go sightseeing. Zhang Tie, you will be my guide." Emperor Jian Kang said as he stood up and immediately, Zhang Tie got to his feet. However, as he left, Emperor Jian Kang turned to look at the kneeling silhouette of Zhang Chao before leaving.

"The new waves always push the old ones forward... Huh..." Emperor Jian Kang mused to himself.