Chapter 315： to worry about

The press conference is still in full swing.

Unlike the warm atmosphere on 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 the 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 yourself? The things displayed inside are all your ideas?"

Ladi Setia's so-called "your creativity" made Paul feel ashamed for a while, he turned around and said in a low voice, "Uh... let's forget it."

Paul is not used to crowded places, and he will feel uncomfortable after going there. Yes, especially after everyone knows that the exhibits are from his design, a bunch of strangers will definitely focus on him and rush to ask questions. Oh my God! That scene is scary just thinking about it.

As the Lord of the One and the commander-in-chief of the army, Paul had to appear in public on many occasions, such as the public trial meeting against pirates, such as the commendation meeting after the victory of the war. But when it is not necessary, he avoids it when he can.

Seeing what Paul was thinking, the consultant lady couldn't help but feel a little helpless. What is it called? The count himself said it. Oh yes, it's called "social phobia".

She changed the subject, "Actually, I have a question in my mind and I want to ask you."

Paul was very surprised: "What question?"

Ladi walked to the table in a corner of the room, picked up a blueprint and said, "According to Director Burns, the above has actually been realized, right?"

The blueprint in the hands of the female consultant showed the design of some kind of machine. It was obvious that this was also a spinning machine. Unlike the Jenny spinning machine being displayed at the press conference, it was driven by force.

The Arkwright spinning machine, another major invention on the eve of the industrial revolution, is faster than the spinning jenny and does not require manpower.

Paul nodded to Ladi for confirmation: "Yes, the prototype has been manufactured, and the experimental results are very good."

The female consultant expressed the question in her heart: "Then why don't you launch this more efficient machine?"

"Well, that's a good question." Paul said, "I thought so too at first, since there are better things, why can't we do it in one step?"

"But the salt riots a few months ago reminded me that rushing to roll out new technologies can have unintended consequences."

"Salt people riot?" Ladi thought for a while, and understood what Paul was worried about.

"Are you concerned that the opportunity for efficient spinning will affect the income of those who earn a living from traditional spinning techniques?"

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 farms. The price of salt on the market has dropped, but it has also cut off the livelihood of those who have been cooking salt for generations. way of life.

"You're right, that's exactly what I'm worried about." Paul replied, "At the price of Ackley... er, at the price of a water-powered spinning machine, I guess only a few factory owners or wealthy family workshops can buy it." For one thing, after they buy new machines, they will quickly weed out those who are still using the spinning wheel, destroy the jobs of a large number of people, and even... cause another riot. I don’t want the weapons of the soldiers of Arda to be contaminated again. on the blood of their fellow countrymen."

"So, I first launched the spinning jenny with a relatively low cost, so that as many people as possible can afford it. I tried to reduce some social tragedies."

Paul's worry is not unreasonable. Similar cases have happened many times in British history.

The appearance of the spinning jenny caused panic among a large number of hand spinners at the time. They rushed into the home of the inventor Hargreaves and destroyed his machine.

After Arkwright manufactured the hydraulic spinning machine, it also caused panic among the local people, so his factory was smashed to pieces.

The weaver John Kay invented the flying shuttle, which was adopted by many factories, and then fled to France amid the scolding of the textile workers, and finally died in poverty.

Crompton, who later produced a more advanced spinning machine, the mule, also did not have a good end.

But were the workers who smashed the machines wrong? The right to life is the most basic human right.

The industrial revolution is also a revolution, but nothing with the word "revolution" is affectionate. Although the result of the revolution has benefited most people, its process is cold, cruel and irresistible. No matter the kind-hearted people or the vicious ones, as long as they can't keep up with the times, they will be ruthlessly swallowed by the revolution.

Recalling the tragedies described in the book, Paul shivered. When I was a spectator of history, I just sighed about these things, but when I became the main driver of this process, I felt as if I had a huge burden on my shoulders.

He shook his head: "No, even the spinning jenny needs a buffer period. Ladi, I want to change the plan."

The female advisor looked at Paul with her beautiful eyes, "What do you want, my lord count?"

"The sale of the spinning jenny machine is suspended. The reason is that some technical defects are found temporarily, which will seriously affect the service life of the machine. However, the shuttle loom will be promoted to the outside world according to the original plan."

"What is the reason for this?"

"I had someone do a survey. Most of the yarn spinners here are retail investors, while the weaving is relatively concentrated in some large workshops. Those workshops have the ability to purchase shuttle looms for technological upgrades. The speed of shuttle looms is very fast. However, if the production of yarn cannot be increased, it will definitely lead to a shortage of supply, which will inevitably increase the price of yarn, which will also make those spinning households a small fortune. After a few years, They have a certain amount of savings, and when we launch the spinning machine, they will have the strength to buy it. As for whether they are willing, it depends on their own, and I can only do so.”

The female advisor did not speak, 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 whether the above reasoning is correct or not, so I just want to slow down and be safe."

He has no external competitive pressure, and it is always good to have more room for error.

"Some people may criticize me for being indecisive, but I don't care. Those criticisms are nothing compared to avoiding possible tragedies."

After hearing Paul's words, Ladi suddenly smiled, because she was usually serious, Paul was a little surprised.

Well, it's so pretty when you smile... no, it's even better.

The female consultant bowed slightly, then looked at Paul again, her eyes sparkling.

"Master Grayman, I support your decision."

The expression and eyes of the consultant lady made Paul blush a little. He lowered his voice uneasily and said, "Lady, you can call me by my name in private from now on, just like... like... like among friends."

Ladi: "Yes, Lord Graeman."

Paul: "..."

…

While Paul and Ladi were talking, the press conference on the square entered the next stage. This time, it was the display of agricultural machines. Threshers, hay cutters, root cutters, and mills made the manor owners all over the place stare. Eyes, these landlords praised, commented and asked loudly, bringing the press conference to a new climax.