Chapter 0004: Making Money
When Chris arrived at the workshop, Stride had already taken Desai to tour the fascinating machinery
As a soul from modern industrial civilization, he is certainly aware of the immense power of industrial civilization and understands what kind of progress these seemingly uncomplicated machines represent.
Hello, sir. Are you interested in purchasing these chairs? Their price is not expensive, only 25 silver coins each. Stride was not in the mood to discuss craftsmanship with the young man before him, as he knew exactly how these items were produced
The air was filled with the fragrance of wet paint, and for the first time, Stride felt that the scent was refreshing.
However, even he has never seen a business that can earn 10 gold coins in just a short while—one must know that not far away, the apprentices in the workshop are still continuously producing such chairs
This family has a resounding ancestral motto that echoes across the continent: "The Longtait family engages only in business, not in banditry." From its inception, this family has been a purely commercial family, never overstepping the rules it has established for itself
"We are going to Duning, as I have heard that there are inexpensive furniture items for sale here, so we came to take a look..." Just as Stride stood up for the third time to touch those seemingly exquisite pieces of furniture, a voice sounded behind him
Please come this way!" Slightly turning to the side, Stride made way with half of his body, gesturing to lead the way, and spoke with utmost respect.
I understand," Chris replied, "You are absolutely right; this technology can be applied to any complex task—it can replace many machines, such as those outdated looms.
He pointed to the machine beside him and exclaimed, "This trip has truly been worthwhile; I have discovered something remarkable here"
A young man with golden curly hair appears quite delicate, and from the side, he looks just like a little girl
As long as this batch of chairs is delivered to Arlant and presented to a certain noble to curry favor with the royal family, one should at least be able to obtain a baron title
Selling such a cheap chair for an exorbitant price of 25 silver coins, he himself felt a bit guilty about his conscience
A few days later, when the price of chairs drops to a point where there is little profit to be made, the city of Selis will sell those woodworking machines—at that time, people will naturally understand the greatness of the city of Selis
The problem is that there are simply too many identical chairs here—so many that it is dazzling to the eyes
Desail returned a standard noble greeting, and without any hesitation, he took a step forward, passing by Stride and walking towards the small door on the other side of the storeroom
This is truly a great invention, it is simply amazing. Desail raised his head and praised Stride beside him with a face full of surprise
Then he saw a tall, well-proportioned man with strikingly handsome features and black hair, accompanied by a middle-aged man with long hair who walked in.
I am wondering whether this model is universally applicable, applicable... applicable to... other, other work contexts. " Desai smiled awkwardly and then explained: "I am not stuttering, but... please understand, it is very difficult to describe the changes your technology has brought to production.
As the one in charge of the revenues of the city of Selis, he has certainly seen more money; when paying the taxes to the Arant Empire, he watched helplessly as 300 gold coins were transported away by cart
He put down the quill with some dissatisfaction, rubbed his somewhat stiff neck, and asked, "I hope you will interrupt me if there is something truly urgent, Deans."
They pursue what they desire with formidable financial power and terms that the other party cannot refuse, and it has never been heard that they have ever extorted anything from anyone. The essence of depth does exist at times, especially when those who possess it cherish it deeply.
Just thinking about it makes me a bit excited. It feels as if I have already taken the position of the baron, and the merchant stands even straighter than before.
Strid is not at all concerned that Deisel will steal the mechanical design here: on one hand, merely observing the external structure does not necessarily allow one to fully comprehend the complex internal components; on the other hand, there is the great history of the Longtait family
"Indeed," said Desail, nodding his head. "I never expected to see such interesting things in the city of Selis! Can you take me to see them?"
"Isn't this kind of chair very expensive?" He turned his head to the side, looking at Stride, whose smile was even more pronounced, and asked with a slight tremor in his voice
Throughout the morning, approximately 10 merchants arrived at the carpenter's workshop warehouse to purchase such chairs from Stride
It is indeed an extraordinary thing Chris nodded with a smile, showing no sign of humility at all
10 gold coins filled an entire cloth bag, and it was quite heavy when lifted. Stride watched as the coins were placed into the money box by the guards he had brought, and the smile on his face became even more exaggerated.
Chris, of course, would not be arrogant and immediately returned the greeting: "The city of Selis welcomes your arrival, Mr. Desail."
I apologize for the intrusion, it is truly regrettable. "Desailly greeted with a smile, saying: 'In fact, I was merely passing through Celis City today, but I stumbled upon something interesting, so I made a spontaneous decision to come here and take a look.'
In this world, the concept of mass-produced chairs does not exist; in fact, it is more difficult to purchase an identical chair than to buy a different one. Therefore, many nobles, in order to display their wealth, prefer to use chairs that are essentially the same.
Happiness came too suddenly, leaving Stride with a sense of unreality. After preparing for more than ten days, he even sat in the carpentry workshop, waiting for the first merchant to come and purchase tables and chairs.
Desai Er, much like Liu Laolao entering the Grand View Garden, carefully observed the actions of the apprentices operating the machinery, and even tried it himself, resulting in the scrapping of a piece of wood
Deans's expression was grave as he reported: "My lord, I do not know whether it is our good fortune or our misfortune... In any case, the members of the Longtait family wish to see you"
The Longtaitet family is one of the largest business families in the realm of mortals, managing a wide array of enterprises. It can be said that they are among the wealthiest and oldest families.
For Stride, who was eager to turn wood into gold, this sound was nothing short of celestial music
"Of course..." Stride turned to a guard beside him and instructed, "Go summon the lord of the city."
"What is the Longtai family?" Chris naturally had no idea about this suddenly emerged family and asked with a puzzled expression, "Is it something impressive?"
This is not a person repeatedly doing the same work. I know such a master carpenter; he cannot create the same curvature so... so naturally. The young man raised his head, his face filled with a desire for knowledge: "To say it is natural is not entirely accurate... because this thing seems to lack any artistic inspiration. They... they are beautiful, but I cannot think of any adjectives to describe this feeling.
The income of 70 gold coins made Stride seriously consider Chris's question: with so much money, how should it be spent?
Hmm? Stride looked at the young man, curiously examining him. The young man was dressed in a noble's short shirt, with a short sword hanging at his waist
Excuse me... may I ask if these chairs are all processed using a certain "method"?" A young man, without raising his head, asked as he touched the smooth lines on the leg of the chair.
During his introduction, he even employed many honorifics, which made Chris realize the formidable nature of this family: "This family is extremely large, controlling the businesses of metal smelting, grain, and other valuable commodities, and even the minting of coins for certain countries is in their hands"
Chris, who was diligently drawing the component blueprints, was once again interrupted in his thoughts by Deans, who had come to deliver a message
"Not expensive, approximately 25 silver coins for one," Stride said this price, feeling his heart racing.
You must be Lord Chris of the city, it is a pleasure to meet you. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Desai from the Longtait family, the third son of the family. Desai showed no sign of disdain and politely initiated the greeting
I know, I have heard. 25 silver coins... The young man smiled and removed his hand from the chair: "My name is Desail! Longtait Desail..."
He turned around, a smile that seemed to dance on his face, rubbing his hands together as he asked: "Yes, there is a newly developed chair here! It is beautifully designed and affordably priced! Would you like to take a look?"
He is well aware of the production cost of this type of chair, including the wages of apprentice workers. It takes approximately 45 copper coins to produce one chair
100 identical chairs? By the gods, am I seeing this correctly?" The merchant took two steps forward, reaching out his hand to touch the neatly arranged chairs, but he carefully halted his impulse midway.
That's great! I want 40 chairs like this..." The other party happily extended their hand, gently stroking the smoothly contoured chair leg. The unprecedented standard curve made the merchant's blood surge.
Of course, he also knows that such prices will soon cease to exist, as a vast number of chairs will flood the market. Perhaps in a few days, he will only be able to sell such chairs for 10 silver coins.
In less than ten days, such chairs will be found everywhere in the castle of Seris, in the blacksmith's shop, in the barracks... At that time, there will even be people standing on such chairs to saw wood or forge iron
It is something that must be seen, the merchant nodded, and then his gaze fell upon the chair behind Stride, unable to move away from it.
The smile on his face gradually faded, and Stride fell silent for a few seconds before speaking: "You... are from the Longtait family..."
Oh! This is interesting. Chris finally felt that he had not wasted his time this time, nodded, and said: "Let's go! We shall meet the distinguished guest of the Longtait family!"