abcnovels
Chapter 192
Chapter 192
Chapter 192
The steel factory at the Princess’s Manor surpassed everyone’s expectations. The influx of abundant, affordable, high-quality steel into the market resulted in the direct outcome of reorganizing the steel production sector. The most immediate result was a sharp decline in steel prices in Changan, which led to numerous steel foundries going out of business. Even many blacksmiths who depended on ironwork lost their means of livelihood.
Su Li didn’t fret over the industry reshuffling that caused the closure of steel factories and workshops. This was because, in ancient times, only prestigious and influential families had the qualifications and capabilities to establish steel factories. As for the blacksmiths who lost their jobs due to the availability of cheap steel, Su Li readily accepted them. These were skilled professionals.
Everyone realized that the reorganization of the steel industry impacted not only prestigious and influential families but also Li Er. Salt and iron were vital resources for the nation. Li Er’s family controlled most of the Tang Dynasty’s annual steel production of five thousand tons, making them the largest player in the industry. Thus, as the foremost practitioner in the industry, Li Er undoubtedly suffered the most from the impact and losses. This was the result of technological innovation, change, and disruption.
Of course, they wouldn’t just sit back and be defeated, whether prestigious and influential families or common people. They would quickly embrace the availability of cheap steel through various means and attempt to learn how to replicate it. Su Li didn’t bother counting how many people in the Princess’s Manor’s steel factory were adopting the attitude of learning through imitation, but there were certainly quite a few.
As the steel industry underwent reorganization, new-style steel factories similar to the Princess’s Manor were again being established. Although their quality and costs were lower than those of the Princess’s Manor’s steel factory, they could at least survive under this quality decline.
Meanwhile, Su Che, with his exceptionally keen innate perception, though only three years old, had already understood the intricacies of the situation. Despite his young age, Su Che was extremely assertive. In his eyes, everything stemmed from his father, Su Li. To him, those who stole the technology were no different from thieves.
“For us, how much steel can we produce?” Su Li tousled young Su Che’s head.
“Steel is a critical national resource. If we want to enter a new era, the current steel production is insufficient,” Su Li shook his head. Ten thousand tons of steel might sound like a lot, but modern nations produce over a billion tons of steel annually. What could ten thousand tons of steel achieve?
“Then let’s expand our factory larger and larger!” Su Che exclaimed loudly.
“In any case… we mustn’t make it easy for others!” Su Li shook his head.
“And what about the salt factory? The steam engine? The shipyard?” Su Li inquired with a smile. Over the past three years, Su Li acquired many system blueprints. These were enough to revolutionize the productivity of the Tang Dynasty. Su Li had the manpower and resources required for this endeavor. He could prolong his lifespan, even though he didn’t know how long he would live.
In truth, Su Li was destined to witness the Tang Dynasty entering a new era during his lifetime. Even reaching the technological level of the modern era wasn’t an unrealistic dream. Su Li was eager to drive the advancement of the era, guiding the Tang Dynasty into a new age and allowing its people to enjoy blessings beyond the Ninth Heaven.
As for the advantages of establishing factories, they were quite insignificant. With Su Li’s current strength, rivaling a nation single-handedly, these things held little significance for him. Moreover, the current Su Li could be described as being as affluent as a nation.
Li Er’s apprehension was sincere, just as his generosity was. For Su Li, money was simply a number, and power was well within his reach. Comparatively, young Su Che’s assertiveness seemed to lack some perspective.
“Expand everything to the maximum!” Su Che asserted matter-of-factly.
“Do I have enough energy for that?” Su Li playfully poked Su Che’s head.
In truth, the dissemination of technology from the steel factory was, to a certain extent, intentionally allowed by Su Li. After all, human desires never truly disappeared, and the profits from various new technologies and industries were enticing enough to make most people fearless. Rather than engaging in constant battles of wits and expending energy, it was better to deliberately allow the technology to spread quickly.
Su Li didn’t possess the energy to establish a monopolistic steel factory that covered the entire Tang Dynasty. True change could only come when technology became widespread. Su Li’s intention wasn’t to permit the imitation of technology to flow freely but to serve as a warning to those willing to exploit the people at any cost.
“Besides… do you want me to be so busy that I’m rarely home? If that’s the case, you might only see me a few times a year,” Su Li smiled and shook his head. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.
Little Su Che understood this principle and eventually nodded. “Well, forget it then… let’s give them an advantage!” Su Che grumbled.
“That’s acceptable… having more steel factories is beneficial. It’s preferable to offer various options so that the people can reap the benefits,” Su Li said with a smile. In fact, for most ordinary people, the time to profit was during rapid industrial development. For instance, during the Yellow-Blue Takeout War, Su Li, as an average citizen, could enjoy a hearty lunch for only five yuan, and wages for industry workers soared.
“These things… the most crucial aspect is to avoid monopolizing the market. So, it’s sufficient for our family to take the lead,” Su Li said with a smile. “If we can benefit the people and help them earn money, that’s fine. But if they harm others, I’ll ensure they relinquish everything they’ve gained,” Su Li chuckled. After all, he was the outsider king of the Tang Dynasty, the military commander who conquered the northwest, and a person with unmatched personal strength.
“Furthermore…” Su Li glanced at Changle, paused for a moment, and then continued, “My lady might as well inform His Majesty and request that he send people to the Princess’s Steel Factory to learn.”
“Huh?” Changle looked at Su Li in surprise. She wasn’t aware that Li Er had suffered the most in this reshuffling of the steel industry. A significant amount of steel was now in Su Li’s hands, and he controlled the new technology.
Li Er clenched his teeth and didn’t utter anything despite suffering substantial losses. He didn’t seek the technology from Su Li and absorbed all the losses himself. Even when Su Li intentionally allowed technology to leak out, Li Er remained inactive.
He was excessively straightforward, so much so that Su Li wasn’t accustomed to it. He was so honest that he didn’t resemble the old Li Er who used to bug Su Li for sweet potatoes and potatoes.
Because of this, the divide between them became more pronounced. Li Er didn’t want to or dare to offend Su Li. He absorbed the losses himself and wouldn’t seize the opportunity even if it were handed to him on a silver platter.
“If you don’t go, His Majesty probably won’t be able to sleep at night,” Su Li said and burst into laughter. Li Er was indeed a clever person, much more discerning than most.