The press conference continued amidst lively activities.
In contrast to the bustling atmosphere in the square, the lord’s office inside the castle was very quiet. Paul stood motionless, holding a cup of coffee in front of the window facing the square, watching the scenes at the press conference with satisfaction.
A gentle voice arose from behind: “Why don’t you go to the venue in person? Isn’t everything being displayed there your creation?”
Ladi Sertia’s reference to “your creation” made Paul somewhat embarrassed. He turned around and whispered, “Uh… better not.”
Paul was not comfortable in crowded places; he would feel uneasy. Especially when people knew that the displayed items were his designs, a bunch of strangers would surely focus their attention on him and rush over with all sorts of questions. Oh, the thought alone was terrifying.
As the lord of a territory and a military commander, Paul had to make public appearances on several occasions, such as the public trials of pirates or post-war commendation ceremonies. But when it was not necessary, he preferred to avoid it.
The advisor, seeing what Paul was thinking, sighed, remembering something the count had mentioned. Oh yes, it was called “social phobia.”
She changed the subject, “Actually, I have a question I’d like to ask you.”
Ladi walked to a table in the corner of the room and picked up a drawing, saying, “According to Director Burns, this thing here has already been realized, hasn’t it?”
The drawing in the advisor’s hand depicted a design of some machine, clearly another spinning machine, different from the Jenny spinning machine being showcased at the press conference. This one was powered by water.
The Arkwright spinning machine, another major invention on the eve of the Industrial Revolution, was faster than the Jenny spinning machine and did not require human labor.
Paul nodded in confirmation to Ladi, “Yes, the prototype has been made, and the experimental results are very good.”
The advisor expressed her doubt: “Then why don’t you introduce this more efficient machine?”
“Hmm, that’s a good question,” Paul said. “Initially, I thought the same. If there’s something better, why not achieve it in one step?”
“But the salt miner riots a few months ago reminded me that hastily promoting new technology could lead to unexpected consequences.”
“Salt miner riots?” Ladi understood what Paul was worried about after a brief thought.
“You’re worried that the highly efficient spinning machines will affect the income of those who rely on traditional spinning techniques?”
The advisor knew that it was with Paul’s new technology that the salt merchants had invested in building a large number of salt pans, lowering the market price of salt but also cutting off the livelihood of generations of salt boilers.
“You’re right, I’m worried about that,” Paul answered. “Given the cost of constructing an Arkwright… uh, water-powered spinning machine, I guess only a few factory owners or wealthy family workshops could afford it. If they buy the new machines, it will quickly phase out those still using spinning wheels, smashing the livelihoods of many, and possibly… triggering another riot. I don’t want Alda soldiers’ weapons to be stained with the blood of their fellow countrymen again.”
“So, I decided to first introduce the relatively cheaper Jenny spinning machine to make it affordable for more people. I’m trying to minimize social tragedies.”
Paul’s concern was not unfounded, with similar cases having occurred many times in British history.
After the Jenny spinning machine was introduced, it caused panic among the numerous hand spinners of the time, who broke into inventor Hargreaves’ home and destroyed his machines.
When Arkwright created the water-powered spinning machine, it also sparked local panic, leading to the smashing of his factory.
Weaver John Kay’s invention of the flying shuttle was adopted by many factories, and he fled to France amidst the curses of textile workers, dying destitute in exile.
Similarly, Crompton, who later made the more advanced mule spinning machine, didn’t fare well either.
But were those workers who destroyed the machines wrong? The right to survival is the most basic human right.
The Industrial Revolution, too, was a revolution. Any event crowned with the word ‘revolution’ is never warm and gentle. Although the outcome of the revolution benefited most people, its process was cold, cruel, and irresistible. Whether one was kind-hearted or wicked, if they couldn’t keep up with the times, they would be mercilessly devoured by the revolution.
Recalling the various tragedies described in the books, Paul shuddered. When he was just a spectator of history, he only sighed at these events. But now, as a main driver of this process, he felt as if he was carrying a heavy burden on his shoulders.
Shaking his head, he said, “No, even the Jenny spinning machine needs a buffer period. Ladi, I think I want to change the plan.”
The advisor looked at Paul with bright eyes, “What do you intend to do, Count?”
“Delay the sale of the Jenny spinning machine. The reason? Let’s say we’ve discovered some technical flaws that severely affect the machine’s lifespan. But we’ll still promote the flying shuttle loom as originally planned.”
“I’ve had people investigate. Here, spinning is mostly done by individuals, while weaving is more concentrated in larger workshops. Those workshops can afford to buy the flying shuttle loom for technological upgrades. The loom weaves fast, but if yarn production can’t keep up, it will lead to a supply shortage, inevitably raising the price of yarn. This could also give those spinners a small windfall. After a few years, when they have some savings, we’ll introduce the spinning machine. Whether they choose to buy it then is up to them; that’s all I can do.”
The advisor was silent, contemplating the plan.
Paul, a bit embarrassed, touched his chin, “I don’t know much about economics, and I’m not sure if my reasoning is correct. I just thought it’d be better to be slower and more cautious.”
With no external competitive pressure, allowing more room for error was always good.
“Some might criticize me for indecisiveness, but I don’t care. Compared to avoiding potential tragedies, those criticisms are insignificant.”
Hearing Paul’s words, Ladi suddenly smiled. Paul, surprised by her usually serious demeanor, found himself admiring her smile.
Hmm, she looks even more beautiful when she smiles.
Ladi bowed slightly, then looked back at Paul, her eyes sparkling.
“Lord Grayman, I support your decision.”
Her expression and gaze made Paul blush slightly. He lowered his voice awkwardly, “Ladi, in private, you can call me by my name, like… like… like friends do.”
Ladi: “Yes, Lord Grayman.”
Meanwhile, as Paul and Ladi conversed, the press conference on the square entered its next phase, showcasing agricultural machinery. Threshers, grass cutters, root cutters, and mills amazed the landowners from various regions. Their loud praises, discussions, and inquiries took the conference to a new climax.
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