If this was Earth, technology that was too advanced would only become a tool for capital, a plaything for political battles, and a weapon for power struggles.
However, this was the Prandal, and Tang En had a golden thigh to rely on.
Therefore, he could develop technology that was far beyond the current era without any scruples.
From magical home appliances to the current magical mobile phones, the birth of every product was enough to become a symbol of an era, and now, they were continuously appearing.
The citizens of the Irus Empire were even beginning to get used to the surprises brought by the Datang Chamber of Commerce. All kinds of products that were beyond their imagination were introduced, bringing about earth-shattering changes to the people's living habits. In just a little over a year, the people of the Irus Empire could no longer imagine how they lived a year ago.
To give a simple example, the installation of water plants and pipes made it much easier for people to use water. Whether it was the cold winter or the hot summer, people could use clean and clear water without going out, and they no longer had to go to the river or the well to get water. If they were to return to their previous lives, people would definitely not be used to it.
In agriculture, the birth of the magical combine harvester greatly reduced the pressure on farmers to harvest wheat. The magical cultivator made it easier to plough and plant seeds, and the magical sprinkler made it easier to irrigate the fields …
If the magical machines used in agriculture were too expensive for ordinary people to afford, then the magical furniture used in homes was cheap and good. Basically, families in the Irus Empire could buy it without any pressure.
In homes, the magical water heater allowed people to use hot water at any time, the magical refrigerator allowed people to preserve perishable food for a long time, the popular magical washing machine greatly reduced the pressure on housewives and maids, and the magical vacuum cleaner revolutionized the way to clean …
All kinds of products completely changed the way people lived and brought great convenience to people. It was not just one or two people who praised the Datang Chamber of Commerce's products, and people deeply loved the Datang Chamber of Commerce that brought about endless possibilities.
However, until now, there were only three technologies that could truly be said to have completely changed the Prandal.
The first was the magic engine technology. It was the core of all magic machines. Without it, there would be no magic machines.
The second was the magic array stamping technology. It was the foundation of mass production of magical furniture. Without this technology, it would be impossible to mass produce magical furniture. It would only become a luxury item for a small number of people.
The third was the miniature magic array replication technology. This technology had unlimited potential. It was the core technology of the magical mobile phone and the core technology for the production of all kinds of large-scale, high-precision magical products in the future.
The magical cell phone was the one that was going to be promoted to everyone and let everyone experience the revolutionary technological advancement.
With a magical phone, it was possible to contact the entire world. All the users of Prandal would be closely connected through a small magical phone. From then on, parting would no longer be eternal. Reunions would become commonplace. People would be more willing to communicate with others and make more friends …
The collision of countless ideas would always bring about miracles, and this miracle was what Tang En was pursuing.
In order to achieve his goal, Tang En was willing to do whatever it took (except for internal friction). That was why he deliberately destroyed Ellington -Kathos and tied up Testero with a high construction debt. Not only did he obtain a large amount of unmined mineral resources, but he also obtained the opportunity to infiltrate Ellington -Kathos. The impact of what Testero saw and heard after coming to Ellington, as well as Tina's brainwashing, all these methods were stacked together to produce the current effect.
The Ryan Empire was willing to take the initiative to join Tang En's team.
This was, of course, a good thing. In fact, even if the Ryan Empire did not join for the time being, it would not last long. At most, it would be completely swallowed up by the Datang Chamber of Commerce in three to five years. Economic soft invasion was very difficult to resist, especially when Tang En came from a world that liked to play financial wars. He was not a master in this field, but he was experienced and knowledgeable. He knew how to use the cards in his hands to the best effect, and that was enough.
"The production of magic-powered mobile phones can be further expanded, but we don't have enough manpower."
Fiona brought up the issue again. Ellington had been facing a labor shortage for a long time. The introduction of intercity public transportation had brought a steady increase in the number of foreigners to Ellington. However, with a wave of expansion of production, those people were absorbed by the factories that sprouted up from the ground in the blink of an eye. It was not enough at all.
"I have an idea."
Fiona whispered. "Why don't we capture some kobold slaves, lizardmen slaves, or forest fairies to do those simple, repetitive labor?"
Using these low-level creatures as labor was a common method used by many mine owners. Kobold slaves and lizardmen slaves were very common cheap labor (forest fairies were not included; they were often lazy and held parties, so the cost of hiring them was higher. See Chapter 600). Because they generally had low intelligence, they were a strong threat to civilians, and would take the initiative to attack travelers who were alone. Therefore, they were defined as a harmful species. Moreover, they were very fertile and often gave birth in batches. They were not afraid of being used as consumables.
Tang En thought for a while and shook his head, giving up on this tempting idea.
"Why?"
Fiona was very puzzled. She thought this was a good way to solve the labor shortage.
"This is indeed a good way to solve the labor shortage, and it can also greatly reduce the cost. If I were an entrepreneur who chased after profits, I would definitely choose this method. Unfortunately, I'm not."
Tang En smiled, put down the teacup and said, "I'm a king, or to be more precise, I'm a person who will lead this country, and even the whole of Prandal, back to glory. Don't laugh, I'm serious."
Fiona said coquettishly, "Yes, I'm not laughing."
"You're obviously laughing … Well, forget it."
Tang En bent his finger and flicked her forehead, causing the beauty to roll her eyes. He smiled and said, "As a king, the first task is to make the country rich and strong, and the meaning of wealth and strength is to make the wallets of the people under my rule fat. How should I do this? Of course, it's achieved by creating jobs and increasing salaries. "
If it was an ordinary royal family, they could only achieve the adjustment of the country's industrial structure by adjusting tax rates to support industries. Of course, it was more likely that they would turn a blind eye and just collect taxes. However, Tang En was different. His foundation was based on Ellington, or more precisely, the Datang Chamber of Commerce here in Ellington.
The Datang Chamber of Commerce had a strong ability to make money. The hot-selling products brought it a unique competitiveness. No one could compete with it in the market, so the profits it created were extremely terrifying.
With profits and income, capitalists would keep it in their pockets to enjoy their lives, or continue to expand their investments to increase their income. Tang En was, of course, not a qualified capitalist, because the first thing he thought about was how to release the income in his hands in a reasonable way and give it back to the society, gradually reducing the huge gap between the rich and the poor.
Only when the average income of the residents increased would they have more spending power and a greater desire to work. Only then would they be able to create more value and allow the society to develop faster.
"Expanding production is the time to increase jobs and increase opportunities for wealth distribution. Our jobs have attracted countless people to gather here. If we use your method at this time and let the kobolds, lizardmen, or forest elves work in these jobs and replace the jobs that originally belonged to them, what do you think the consequences will be?"
Fiona thought for a moment, then pursed her lips and said, "They'll think that we've decided to reduce the cost of employment and no longer need human employees. Ellington's population growth will stagnate. At the same time, because of this, it will have a certain impact on the workers we hire in the future. "
"That's right."
Tang En smiled and nodded. "Hiring the kobolds and lizardmen is a choice to reduce costs and pursue profits. Although we didn't have that intention, we'll give those people a hint. It's like drinking poison to quench thirst. We'll solve the labor problem in a short time, but we'll lose the possibility of long-term development."
"Understood. So, we'll continue to recruit workers and provide jobs. When we don't have enough people, we'll postpone the expansion of production."
Fiona tilted her head and looked at Tang En. "Let me tell you first. If we postpone the expansion of production, we'll have to wait until the end of the year to fully satisfy your plan to popularize the magical phones. Before that, we can only satisfy the nobles at most."
Tang En thought for a moment and nodded. "It's enough to satisfy the nobles' consumer market before the end of the year. It won't affect us much if we wait until next year."
Fiona raised her eyebrows. "Why?"
"Because civilians have no thoughts, especially those who have not received education."
Tang En explained, "They will instinctively chase after and imitate the lives of the nobles. If the nobles each have a magical mobile phone, when the time comes for the cheap magical mobile phones to be introduced to the market, even if they don't know what this thing is for them, as long as their financial conditions permit, they will definitely choose to buy one out of their yearning for the life of the nobles.
"After they buy it, they'll think about how to use it and what it can be used for. As long as they discover and accept the magical phones, my goal will be achieved."
Fiona sighed. "Your way of thinking is always different, but now I can vaguely understand your thoughts … This doesn't seem good."
Tang En couldn't help but laugh. "Why not?"
"This means that my thinking has been affected by you."
Fiona stared at Tang En's face and said faintly, "It also means that I can't leave you."
Being stared at by Fiona's resentful eyes, Tang En's heart skipped a beat and his mouth went dry. Just as he was about to speak, there was a clear knock on the door. Then, a person pushed the door open and entered, throwing herself into his arms.
Tang En and Fiona were instantly stunned.
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