Chapter 202:
After exploring the hydraulic forging machine, Li Er visited several other types of industrial equipment. The day’s experiences filled Li Er with so much excitement that he could barely contain his enthusiasm. There was no reason to feel embarrassed about this.
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The most crucial role of industrial machinery was to transform the impossible into the achievable and enhance production efficiency to an astonishing level. The work accomplished by a hydraulic forging machine in one day equaled the labor of a blacksmith over a year, and a hydraulic textile machine could replace the work of hundreds of skilled weavers.
Li Er couldn’t resist dancing with excitement when he laid eyes on that massive steam-powered lathe. For Li Er, today’s outing was unquestionably an extraordinary journey.
Upon returning to the palace, he readily approved all the factories Su Li intended to establish. The land and labor were provided as needed. Li Er also understood that Su Li had displayed these devices to offer him a foundation and put his mind at ease. Given their prior experiences with the steel mill and salt production facility, it was evident that Su Li had no concerns about others learning from them. He subtly encouraged others to draw inspiration from the various factories in the princess’s estate.
As expected, subsequent events confirmed Li Er’s hypothesis. In just a few months, on the outskirts of Changan City, numerous workshops from the princess’s estate sprouted up rapidly. The presence of these factories resolved employment issues for many commoners.
For instance, the earlier Great Tang era craftsmen did not lead easy lives. One might wonder why there were so many skilled craftsmen throughout history, yet not as many groundbreaking inventions. Examining the rewards for patents during the Tang Dynasty provided insight. Craftsmen who invented something beneficial for the nation and its people, such as the plow, could receive a reward from the court, typically no more than five taels of silver. However, the time and resources required often exceeded this amount for creating something useful.
These craftsmen relied solely on their skills to make a living, lacking consistent property, their lives were typically spent performing odd jobs. They had little extra money or leisure time, so why would they engage in unrewarding endeavors? Wealthy aristocrats, with their comfortable lives and no pressing needs, certainly wouldn’t involve themselves in such activities that were often looked down upon.
Although the craftsmen possessed impeccable skills, they toiled without the aid of machinery. Engaged in labor-intensive work throughout the year, producing limited quantities, and earning meager incomes, their bodies would gradually wear out due to the demanding physical labor.
The introduction of machinery completely revolutionized the production methods of the entire Tang Dynasty. The various factories in the princess’s residence conducted extensive recruitment, attracting skilled craftsmen to join their workforce. Not only were the products produced quickly and of high quality, but the compensation from the princess’s residence was also fair. Consequently, all the skilled craftsmen and weavers in Changan and its vicinity were drawn to the princess’s residence.
After working there for a few months and experiencing the advantages of piece-rate wages, these individuals naturally spread the word. Over time, common people also became willing to send their children to the factories as apprentices.
It must be acknowledged that if the introduction of steel mills and salt refineries before was Su Li’s initial step in promoting the industrialization process of the Tang Dynasty, this large-scale construction of various factories was Su Li’s definitive action. The emergence of these factories had a profoundly disruptive impact on the established social structure of the Great Tang.
An agricultural civilization had historically dominated the lands of the Central Plains, and the traditional social structure, comprising scholars, peasants, artisans, and merchants, was deemed unchangeable. Those who engaged in manual labor were often considered inferior to those who cultivated the land, a belief deeply ingrained in history.
However, this perception had been completely shattered. The emergence of factories gradually transformed craftsmen into workers, revealing that even without inherited property, one could lead a comfortable life. Even landowners no longer complained about having extra income. In these times, every dynasty encouraged population growth as it was seen as a measure of national strength. However, for the common people, the state didn’t support the children they bore, which added to the financial burden of larger families.
The critical issue was that each household had limited land, and having too many children could strain their resources. Despite this, many people didn’t grasp this logic, and as long as they could have children, they continued to do so, leading to increased poverty.
The advent of factories offered a new path. Women in the household and children around ten years old could be sent to factories to work as weavers or apprentices, receiving a steady monthly wage regardless of weather conditions, significantly improving their quality of life.
Establishing factories by the princess’s residence brought substantial benefits to the common people. However, for the vested interests of the Tang Dynasty, such as the Five Aristocratic Families and the Seven Noble Clans, it was not a loss. Quite the opposite, they made substantial profits.
Su Li didn’t restrict the dissemination of factory technology or suppress imitators. Influential and aristocratic families understood this and didn’t pose significant obstacles. Sensible individuals sent representatives with gifts to explain their intentions, happily arranging for their people to learn factory skills. Even those less understanding or without access to the princess’s residence standards secretly imitated, not daring to be too conspicuous. In both cases, Su Li turned a blind eye and tacitly approved.
Various types of factories soon emerged across the Tang Dynasty, all thanks to these influential aristocratic families. Industrialized production allowed them to reap unprecedented returns, and combined with Su Li’s attitude, they developed a deep fondness for him.
In the eyes of the noble families, Su Li was like a deity of wealth. They followed his lead and enjoyed newfound prosperity. Importantly, the previous exploitative practices of these influential and aristocratic families became subject to strict standards established under the princess’s residence, partly out of respect for Su Li.
Although factory workers outside Changan earned slightly lower incomes, they were sufficient to meet their needs. The common people recognized who had brought about these changes, and Su Li was hailed as a symbol of prosperity in the Great Tang. Terms and phrases coined for him by the people remained popular and continued to grow over the years.
In summary, among the common people or the noble families, admiration for Su Li in the Great Tang was unparalleled. His reputation during his time was second to none.
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