Chapter 6, Taking Over the Workshop

Li Xian thought to himself, what a solid foundation, what a large pie. However, it seems that these individuals are also quite unruly; each one, despite engaging in a "lowly profession," possesses a strong sense of pride. Hmm, to subdue these people, I must demonstrate some skills first!

There are ! hanging on the walls of the forge workshop, and there are quite a few !

Thinking of this, Li Xian first directed his attention to Song Gang, "Senior Song, I dare to ask a few questions. What are the factors that determine the quality of ironware?"

Li Xian also began to learn about formations and other knowledge from Tang Rong, and to learn jade carving techniques from Sun Ming

Indeed, I must offer some guidance! Li Xian stood up without hesitation, stating, "I have observed your looms, and they are all operated by individuals. Why do you not enlarge the looms, allowing specialists to handle the silk reeling and spinning? Separate the laborious actions of the treadles and assign them to able-bodied men?"

That is impossible. Unless one uses celestial magic. However, a celestial being would never resort to using celestial magic for such base endeavors. He Lin was already somewhat irritated

"Alright, I will give it a try," Song Gang said, and without hesitation, he left.

Indeed, Xiaoxian, each of us here is among the most outstanding in Wuyang City, so you need not doubt our abilities. Aunt He Lin also expressed some dissatisfaction.

Extremely willing! Tang Rong smiled happily. Just look at Li Ming now; he has undoubtedly made many people envious. To be able to be a master before the young master fully matures is quite a great advantage.

Indeed, just one hour later, Song Gang burst through the door, holding some unpolished sword and knife blanks in his hands

Li Xian smiled and turned to the carpenter Liu Bin, "Senior Liu, the loom was made by you, right?"

What Li Xian needs to do now is two things. One of them is to continue developing the jade lamp workshop; the jade lamp workshop has now officially been renamed as the colorful lantern workshop

Song Gang was the first to become impatient, "What does it matter whether one is skilled or not? My greatest skill is blacksmithing. In the entire Wuyang City, I dare say I rank among the top three. Even the royal craftsmen may not be stronger than I am"

Li Xian opened his eyes and looked around, "Esteemed seniors, I may not know much, but I have seen quite a lot. The future development of the workshop depends on everyone's efforts. What I can offer are just a few ideas. I hereby announce the selection of elites from various workshops to establish a research center, specifically responsible for improving tools, production efficiency, products, and so on. Furthermore, all workshops will be reorganized in accordance with the model of the colored lantern workshop, and a profit-sharing mechanism will be established. However, let me make it clear: anyone who dares to be lazy should not blame me for being ruthless. I, Li Xian, am not someone who has never killed before!"

Yes, Li Xian has killed people; the Li Xian of this world has indeed killed.

The second matter is the reorganization of the entire Li family workshop. The success of the colored lantern workshop has made the other workshops envious.

Li Xian smiled confidently and said, "Let us wait a moment until Senior Song Gang returns before we continue."

In no time, the newly established Brilliant Stars Trading Company became a bustling marketplace

If quality is not taken into account, a maximum of 120 bolts of linen can be woven

The one responsible for managing the business is Li Youwei; as for Li Xian, he has fully taken over the entire workshop. In terms of business, Li Xian only needs to offer a few words of advice, and Li Youwei can perform exceptionally well—this ability makes even Li Xian admire him. He is indeed worthy of having been the one in charge of the Li family's workshop, although his cultivation aptitude is not very good.

Hmph, minor issues, the purity of the iron, quenching temperature, number of forging cycles, and uniformity of forging, these are the four most important factors

Li Xian can be said to have made a remarkable impression. The next day, a business named "Brilliant Stars" and - Picture - Book appeared, with a shop decoration that was quite unique! The floor-to-ceiling glass windows, dazzling colorful lights, and spacious, bright, and elegantly noble decor; however, the merchandise consisted of only a dozen or so items, giving it a somewhat empty feeling.

Is there a way for Aunt He to produce twelve thousand pieces of cloth in one day

Li Xian received everyone with composure. Upon seeing the anxious gazes of the crowd, he became even more composed. "Esteemed seniors, please do not be anxious. Since I, Li Xian, have taken over this workshop, I will certainly consider everyone's needs. However, my abilities are limited, and many matters must be approached step by step. For now, I would like to understand the areas of expertise of each esteemed senior."

Li Xian suddenly smiled, "Senior, I have reviewed the materials and steps you use for steelmaking. I would like to offer two methods for your consideration. The first method involves producing a large quantity of molten iron, then beginning to stir until no bubbles emerge and brown steam appears. The second method is to add a small amount of quicklime."

Young master, what you say is simple, but if making such a loom is too expensive, it is also prone to problems. Young master, please do not suggest using magic to solve this, as only the royal decree and certain fabrics for ceremonial use are woven by magic, and the output is very low, along with the books.

Under the control of Li Xian, the Li family workshop was officially renamed "Brilliant Stars" workshop, with Li Xian responsible for production and Li Youwei in charge of sales. After several days of turmoil, all structural forms were finalized, and the workshop began to undergo significant changes; among them, Li Xian specifically proposed a universal and simplified numerical and calculation method for Earth, providing countless conveniences for the research of formations

Senior Tang Rong, I wish to systematically learn about formations and the methods of crafting magical tools. Although I am merely at the Qi Refining stage, I believe this does not hinder my ability to gain an early understanding of formations and even more advanced talismans.

Yes. How may I assist you, young master? Liu Bin's tone carried a hint of subtle mockery. Clearly, Li Xian's gestures and instructions were quite displeasing to these "experts".

However, these more than ten items have sparked a scramble. These items are not priced expensively, with the cheapest costing only a few taels of silver and the most expensive not exceeding one hundred taels. The problem is that there are simply too many people wanting to purchase them. For many nobles, such decorative items are certainly in abundance.

Why don't you give it a try, senior

Song Gang from the forging workshop, Liu Bin from the woodworking workshop, Tang Rong, a mid-level cultivator from the ritual tool workshop, and Aunt He Lin from the textile workshop were all blocked at the door of Li Xian's room. Sun Ming proudly received his former "colleagues".

Li Xian sat back down and began to close his eyes to rest; however, he couldn't help but reflect on the fact that this world possesses magic and cultivation, which makes many things simpler. For instance, cutting jade, crafting some basic tools, and general smelting and forging.

Good, do you have any proud works, senior?

Indeed, indeed. Tang, along with Liu Bin, also agrees.

"Add quicklime?" Song Gang laughed heartily, "Are we going to bleach it as well? Haha..."

Everyone saw that even the most arrogant Song Gang had softened, and the way they looked at Li Xian finally changed a bit

Then Li Xian looked at the others and asked, "Aunt He, how many bolts of cloth can be produced in the textile workshop in one day?"

Everyone nodded in agreement, and even Tang Rong, who was in the Foundation Establishment stage, had to nod. Although being in the Foundation Establishment stage is considered a minor expert, it is still far inferior compared to the Li family.

After seeing Li Xian with his eyes closed in meditation, Song Gang felt a bit embarrassed and chuckled foolishly a few times. Finally, he honestly placed the iron ingot on the table in front of Li Xian and awkwardly spoke, "Young Master’s method is truly remarkable, really remarkable; last time, with the help of Tang Rong's artifact workshop, we were able to achieve the current standard. That time, it was to forge weapons for our own Qi Refining period guards."