Chapter 318 Worry
The press conference is still in full swing.
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 Setia'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 the commander-in-chief 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 a 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 hand of the female consultant shows the design of some kind of 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, was faster than the Spinning Jenny and did not require manpower.
Paul nodded to La Di and confirmed: "Yes, the prototype has been produced, and the experimental results are very good."
The female consultant expressed her doubts: "Then why don't you introduce this more efficient machine?"
"Well, that's a good question." Paul said: "I thought the same way at the beginning. Since there is something better, why can't we do it in one step?"
“But the Salt Riots a few months ago reminded me that rushing to promote new technologies can have unintended consequences.”
"Salt people riot?" La Di 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 plants. The price of salt on the market has dropped, but it has also cut off the income of those who have made a living by boiling salt for generations. A way out.
"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 to buy it. I strive to reduce some social tragedies."
Paul's worries are not unreasonable. Similar cases have occurred many times in British history.
The emergence 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 invented the water-powered spinning machine, it also caused panic among the locals, and 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.
Paul shuddered as he recalled the tragedies described in the book. When I was still a spectator of history, I could only sigh 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 a spinning Jenny needs a buffer period. Ladi, I want to change my plan."
The female consultant looked at Paul with her beautiful eyes, "What do you want, Lord Count?"
"The sale of the Jenny Spinning Machine is suspended. The reason is that some technical defects have been discovered temporarily, which will seriously affect the service life of the machine. However, the shuttle loom will still be promoted to the outside world according to the original plan."
"What's the purpose of doing this?"
"I have asked someone to do a survey. Most of the spinning here is done by individual households, while weaving is relatively concentrated in some large workshops. Those workshops have the ability to purchase shuttle looms for technical upgrades. The shuttle weaves very quickly, but the output of yarn cannot be increased, which will definitely lead to a shortage of supply, and will inevitably increase the price of yarn, which will also allow those spinners to make a small fortune. After a few years, when they have a certain amount of savings, we will launch spinning machines, and then they will have the ability to buy them. As for whether they are willing, it depends on themselves, and I can only do this much."
The female consultant did not speak. She stared at Paul, as if thinking about this plan.
Paul touched his chin embarrassedly: "I don't know much about economics, and I don't know whether the above reasoning is correct or not. I just want to go slower and safer."
No mistakes in one song, one post, one content, one book, one bar!
He has no external competitive pressure, so it is always good to have a larger margin of error.
"Maybe someone will criticize me for being indecisive, but I don't care. Compared to avoiding possible tragedies, those criticisms are nothing."
After hearing what Paul said, Ladi suddenly smiled. Paul was a little surprised because she was usually serious.
Well, she looks really good when she smiles... No, she looks even better.
The female consultant bowed slightly, then looked at Paul again, her eyes sparkling.
"Lord Graman, I support your decision."
Paul blushed at the consultant's expression and eyes. He lowered his voice and said uneasily: "Lady, you can call me by my name in private from now on, just like... just like... just like friends."
Lady: "Yes, Lord Graman."
Paul: "..."
...
Just as Paul and Lady were talking, the press conference in the square entered the next stage. This time it was a display of agricultural machinery. Threshers, hay cutters, root cutters, and mills made the owners of the manors from all over the country stare with wide eyes. These landlords praised, discussed, and asked loudly, bringing the press conference to a new climax.