Free Web NovelChapter 73: Moving On
North of Brambleford City.
Upon arriving at the steel workshop, Simon gathered the craftsmen to teach them the effective use of the hydraulic forging press.
[Knowledge transfer initiated...]
The steel workshop was entirely constructed from blue bricks. On one hand, this structure effectively prevented fires, and on the other, it was sturdy enough.
These blue bricks came from the brick kiln in the industrial district. Initially, Simon had aimed for red bricks, but he gradually realised that using red bricks in this era was somewhat wasteful, as blue bricks were sufficient.
This also helped reduce costs.
The material used for constructing various workshops was, of course, cement. Since the limestone quarry provided an ample supply of limestone, Simon began producing cement for the construction of the industrial district.
Moreover, within the industrial district, several main roads were paved with cement, making the area clean and facilitating transportation.
The emergence of these two building materials had long caught the attention of Brambleford’s merchants. However, Simon had no intention of making these technologies publicly available.
He believed that blue bricks were relatively easy to replicate. Merchants could likely figure out how to produce them just by seeing them, as the pottery and porcelain industries in the empire were quite advanced, making it impossible to keep such knowledge hidden.
Cement, however, was different. First, there was the need for limestone, and second, the specific firing process. Without either of these, cement could not be produced.
Although merchants discussed these materials, they showed little interest.
In their eyes, these materials held little value compared to products like perfume and soap, which could bring them tangible profits.
The concept of real estate development was non-existent here.
"The assembly line means that each person is responsible for producing only their assigned component. These components are then assembled at the end. Therefore, each production team will have access to the hydraulic forging press." Simon explained to the craftsmen in the steel workshop.
Traditionally, craftsmen were responsible for crafting an entire set of armour themselves. However, this method would be phased out in favour of industrial production.
Fjord and Bjorn nodded in understanding. They had never considered such a production method before, but as soon as Simon proposed it, they immediately recognized its advantages.
By having each group of craftsmen focus on their specific component, they could quickly become proficient in their tasks. Through repetition, their speed and efficiency would greatly improve.
After explaining the concept of the assembly line in the workshop, Simon called Fjord over and spoke. "You’re familiar with the craftsmen. Now that the forging press is ready, organize the craftsmen into groups today."
Fjord didn’t understand what had spurred Simon’s sudden enthusiasm. After neglecting the workshop for some time, Simon now seemed reinvigorated, personally overseeing every detail.
However, upon reflection, Fjord realised that he himself knew very little. He often admired the prince, as it seemed like Simon had an endless stream of ideas.
With Simon supervising on-site, Fjord didn’t dare to be careless. He divided the craftsmen in the steel workshop into ten groups based on their expertise, with each group responsible for a specific part of the production process. freёweɓnovel.com
Most of the craftsmen in the steel workshop were slaves, and each group was led by a skilled craftsman.
Skilled workers were now a problem for Simon, as this wasn’t something that could be solved simply by imparting knowledge.
Although the Machinery Department had been training these craftsmen, most were still at the apprentice level.
"Ah, troublesome. Where can we find more skilled craftsmen?" Simon muttered to himself.
Bjorn then said. "My Lord, the fastest way to acquire craftsmen is through war. In the past, the reavers plundered countless skilled craftsmen from our empire. Now, not only do their armour and weapons rival ours, but they’ve even started using fire tubes in sieges."
"The reavers learn quickly. Fire tubes have only been around in the empire for a few decades, yet they’ve already adopted them." Simon said with concern.
In this era, which corresponded to the 17th century, the empire’s firearms were still in their infancy. The fire tubes were the most primitive, firing stone projectiles with a range of only about a hundred meters. Even so, these fire tubes had a significant psychological impact during sieges.
Bjorn also frowned. "The northern reavers are growing stronger by the day, and their national power is gradually matching that of the empire. Even Tyre, which once submitted to the empire, now pays tribute to the reavers."
"Tyre." Simon sneered. This ’stick country’ had always been opportunistic. Even in modern times, they couldn’t change their nature.
Simon recalled that according to the Eldorian Empire’s historical records, when the empire was first established, Tyre had sent envoys to offer congratulations.
Now, they had switched allegiances.
"Leaving Tyre aside, let’s talk about Latin. When the Eldorian Empire was strong, Latin paid tribute to us every year, exchanging trivial gifts for vast amounts of gold and silver. But now, seeing the empire repeatedly humiliated by the reavers, Latin not only disregards our past relations but also shows disrespect, frequently raiding our coastal areas. Sigh."
In every era, some patriots lament the fate of their nation. Although Bjorn was a man of few words, he was deeply concerned about his country.
Having witnessed the suffering of the empire’s people at the hands of foreign invaders, he felt indignant.
Yet, the Eldorian Empire remained intoxicated in the dream of being the celestial empire, while the prosperity of the south lured officials into a life of luxury, making them oblivious to the looming crises.
Memories flooded Simon’s mind. In his recollection, his knowledge of Tyre and Latin was limited, but he was certain that these two nations had also changed due to the butterfly effect of history.
"Minister Bjorn, there’s no need to sigh. Empty talk is no substitute for action. Self-pity won’t change the current situation. When my army is strong and well-equipped, why should I fear the reavers and savages?" Simon said.
"My Lord is right. If I were like that, I’d be no different from those scholars who only talk about saving the nation." Bjorn replied.
Simon nodded. This was precisely his point. Truth lies within the range of cannons, that was his philosophy.
