Chapter 318 Worry
The press conference is still going on lively.
Different from the lively atmosphere in the square, the lord's office in the castle was very quiet. Holding a cup of coffee, Paul stood motionless in front of the window facing the square, watching various scenes at the press conference with satisfaction.
A gentle voice sounded from behind: "Why don't you go to the venue to see it in person? The things displayed inside are all your creativity, right?"
Ladi Seti Paul's so-called "your creativity" made Paul feel ashamed. He turned around and whispered: "Uh... let's forget it."
Paul was not used to crowded places and would feel uncomfortable after going there. Yes, especially after everyone knows that the exhibits are designed by him, a bunch of strangers will definitely focus on him and rush over to ask questions. Oh my gosh! That scene is terrifying to think about.
As the leader of a territory and commander of the army, Paul had to appear in public on many occasions, such as public trials of pirates and commendations after victory in wars. But when it is not necessary, he will avoid it if he can.
The consultant lady saw what Paul was thinking and couldn't help but feel helpless. What is this called? The count himself said it. Oh, by the way, it’s called “social phobia.”
She changed the subject, "Actually, I have a question in my mind that I want to ask you."
Paul was very surprised: "What question?"
Ladi walked to the table in the corner of the room, picked up a drawing and said, "According to Director Burns, the things on this have actually been realized, right?"
The drawing in the hands of the female consultant has drawings on it. Looking at the design drawing of a certain machine, it can be clearly seen that this is also a spinning machine. Unlike the Jenny spinning machine being displayed at the press conference, it is driven by force.
The Arkwright Spinning Machine, another major invention on the eve of the Industrial Revolution, is faster than the Jenny Spinning Machine and does not require manpower.
Paul nodded to La Di and confirmed: "Yes, the prototype has been manufactured, and the experimental results are very good."
The female consultant expressed her doubts: "Then why don't you How about launching this more efficient machine? ”
"Well, that's a good question." Paul said: "I thought so at the beginning. Since there is something better, why can't we do it in one step?"
"But the salt people a few months ago The riots reminded me that rushing to promote new technologies may have unintended consequences."
"Salt people riot?" Ladi thought for a moment and understood what Paul was worried about.
“Are you worried that high-efficiency spinning will affect the income of those who make a living by traditional spinning skills?”
The female consultant knew that it was with the support of Paul’s new technology that , salt merchants invested in the construction of a large number of salt drying fields. The price of salt on the market has dropped, but it has also cut off the livelihood of those who have made a living by boiling salt for generations.
"You're right, that's what I'm worried about." Paul replied: "With the price of Ackley...well, with the cost of a water-powered spinning machine, I estimate that only a few factory owners or wealthy family workshops can afford it. Yes, after they buy new machines, they will quickly eliminate those who are still using spinning wheels, destroy a large number of people's jobs, and even... cause another riot. I don't want the weapons of Arda soldiers. Then stained with the blood of their fellow citizens."
"So, I first launched the relatively low-cost Jenny spinning machine, so that as many people as possible can afford it, and strive to reduce some social tragedies."
Paul's worries are not unreasonable. Similar cases have occurred many times in British history.
The appearance of the spinning jenny caused panic among a large number of hand spinners at that time. They rushed into the home of the inventor Hargreaves and destroyed his machine.
After Arkwright manufactured the water-powered spinning machine, it also caused panic among the locals, so his factory was smashed to pieces.
Weaver John Kaye invented the flying shuttle, which was adopted by many factories. He then fled to France amid the rebuke of textile workers, and finally died in poverty in a foreign country. Crompton, who later built a more advanced spinning machine, the mule, also had a bad end.
But were the workers who smashed the machines wrong? The right to survival is the most basic right of human beings.
The industrial revolution is also a revolution, but nothing with the word "revolution" is tender. Although the results of the revolution have benefited most people, its process is cold, cruel and irresistible. Regardless of the kind-hearted people or the extremely evil people, as long as they fail to keep up with the times, they will be ruthlessly swallowed by the revolution.
Recalling the tragedies described in the book, Paul shuddered. When I was still a spectator of history, I just sighed at these things. But when I became the main driver of this process, I seemed to feel that there was a huge burden on my shoulders.
He shook his head: "No, even if it is a Jenny spinning machine, there needs to be a buffer period. Ladi, I want to change my plan."
The female consultant looked at Paul with her beautiful eyes, "What do you want? , Sir Earl? "
"The reason for suspending the sale of the Jenny Spinning Machine is that some technical defects have been discovered temporarily, which will seriously affect the service life of the machine. However, the shuttle loom is still available as planned. Promotion."
"What is the purpose of this?"
"I have asked people to do a survey. Most of the people spinning here are retail workers, while the weavers are relatively concentrated in some large workshops. Those workshops have the ability to purchase flying shuttle looms for technological upgrades, but the yarn output cannot be increased, which will inevitably lead to a shortage of yarn and increase the price of yarn. Those spinning households will make a small profit. After a few years, they have some savings and we will launch spinning machines. Then it will be up to them whether they are willing to buy it. , that’s all I can do.”
The female consultant didn't say anything. She stared at Paul, seeming to be thinking about this plan.
Paul touched his chin in embarrassment: “I don’t know much about economics, and I don’t know if the above reasoning is correct, so I just want to be slower and safer.”
He has no external competitive pressure, so it is always good to have more room for error.
"Some people may criticize me for being indecisive, but I don't care. Compared with avoiding possible tragedies, those criticisms are nothing."
After hearing Paul's words, Ladi suddenly smiled, Since she was usually stern, Paul was a little surprised.
Well, she looks so pretty when she smiles... No, she looks better.
The female consultant bowed slightly, then looked at Paul again, her eyes sparkling.
"Master Graiman, I support your decision."
The expression and eyes of the consultant made Paul blush a little, and he lowered his voice uneasily and said: "La Di , you can call me by my name in private, just like... just like... just like friends."
Ladi: "Yes, Lord Grayman"
Paul: "..."
...
While Paul and La Di were talking, the press conference in the square entered the next stage. This time it was a display of agricultural machinery, a threshing machine. , mowers, root cutters, and mills made the manor owners everywhere wide-eyed. These landowners loudly praised, discussed, and asked, bringing the press conference to a new climax.
(End of this chapter)