Whether or not one can understand the emperor's profound ideas and goals does not affect people's ability to adapt and live a better life within the gradually changing framework.
Li Dan, Sun Weida, and many other businessmen were the same: on the one hand, they adapted to the changes, and on the other hand, they continued to make money and profit within the scope permitted by the rules.
In reality, neither the Maritime Merchants Association nor the Yangtze River Chamber of Commerce lost money in the process of transporting grain and supplies as required by the imperial court. They simply made less money compared to porcelain, silk, tea, cotton, and other products.
But from another perspective, they received more of the in-demand export materials than before. For example, most of the fine products produced by the imperial court's weaving and porcelain workshops were given to these two companies.
This can also be seen as the emperor's reward to them, as they are doing things for the country and the people, so their work is not in vain. This does not include the share of high-profit commodities such as glass mirrors, perfumes, and soaps.
There was a noisy sound outside the window. The wooden building where the two were was near the port. Looking from a high vantage point, they could see the busy scene in the port.
Sun Weida stared at it for a long time, then smiled and pointed, saying, "Cranes are also being installed at ports along the Yangtze River, making loading and unloading faster and more efficient."
Cranes developed and improved by the Academy of Sciences are becoming increasingly popular in the transportation sector. Composed of movable pulleys and sheaves, these cranes come in various sizes and save significant manpower while improving efficiency.
Li Dan stood beside Sun Weida and said with a smile, "Please take a closer look, President Sun. In addition to the crane, we also have custom-made containers, made according to the size of the ship, making loading quick and easy."
Fixed containers are equivalent to the containers of later generations. They are different in size and material, but have the same properties. In addition to sea transportation, land transportation by horse-drawn carriages has been promoted even faster.
Merchants were naturally the most receptive to new modes of transportation. Starting with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, they discovered the convenience of standard horse-drawn carriages and cargo compartments, as well as the benefits of professional and segmented transportation.
For example, in the past, trading goods involved a complete journey from the starting point to the end point. The journey involved considerable expense and was arduous, with food and rations for both the person and the horse.
Now, the warehouses and inns built on the post stations could lay the foundation for segmented transportation. The Chinese Chamber of Commerce, in particular, was the first to accept the emperor's errand and build relay stations along the land.
In this way, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce was able to implement segmented transportation based on province, and only undertake inter-provincial transportation. When the truck arrived at the exchange point, it would either change horses or swap the cargo box with another vehicle before continuing its journey.
This mode of transportation at least reduces the fatigue of long-distance travel and the cost of food and accommodation. In addition to transporting their own goods, they can also undertake business for other companies, which is another source of income.
In fact, segmented transportation has long existed in canal transportation, and it is not difficult to switch to land transportation.
Once the iron track was laid, transportation would be faster and more convenient. As for the practical application of steam locomotives, the emperor estimated it would take at least ten years.
Even so, the changes were huge and visible everywhere. The four-wheeled carriage, steel axles, standard freight cars, lifting machinery, etc. were all major advances.
The improvement in efficiency means a reduction in manpower and an increase in manpower. The current problem is not the employment rate; it is not difficult to seize the vast land; the difficulty lies in filling it with people and developing it as quickly as possible.
Anyone with a discerning eye could see that after the Liao Dynasty was pacified, the Ming Dynasty's development accelerated dramatically. In the emperor's words, it had entered the fast lane.
Although the disaster is spreading and expanding, the emperor has the confidence to overcome it, and it will not affect his strong promotion of various construction projects in the Ming Dynasty.
Sun Weida nodded repeatedly and praised, "This fixed container is really quick and convenient. After I go back, I will also modify the river boat."
"President Sun, if you have any promising craftsmen, you can borrow them from me," Li Dan said generously with a laugh. "They are all very skilled and do their work quickly and well."
"Thank you, Brother Li." After expressing his gratitude, Sun Weida paused and then asked tentatively, "I'm not very familiar with overseas countries. I wonder what the development prospects of Borneo are like. Brother Li, could you explain a little bit?"
Li Dan glanced at Sun Weida with a smile and said, "I'm not very clear about the development prospects of Borneo."
Seeing Sun Weida's slightly disappointed expression, Li Dan bowed to the north and continued, "But Your Majesty values it very much, so I will naturally do my best to develop it."
Wansui values you so much?! Sun Weida’s eyes lit up.
Sun Weida had heard some rumors about the Maritime Chamber of Commerce's expansion into Borneo, but he was not clear about the details.
But he is also a man of ideas and courage. Although the Yangtze River Shipping is controlled by the Chamber of Commerce, he feels that the potential for development is not great and is not satisfied with it.
Li Dan gestured for Sun Weida to sit down, then drank some tea and introduced him to the general situation of Borneo.
In fact, Li Dan did not fully understand the emperor's attention and support for Borneo. He believed that it was the emperor's obsession with expanding the territory, which was just one of the emperor's goals.
The indigenous power in Borneo was weak, and the Dutch had just established a base in Batavia, Java, and had no time to expand outward.
They took the lead in gaining a foothold in Borneo and, with the help of the General Chamber of Maritime Commerce, did not station regular troops, but continuously sent personnel to expand their strength and solidify their foundation as a base for attacking Batavia.
When the news of the war with the Dutch in the waters of Macau came, Li Dan could almost guess the emperor's other intention.
But no one would have thought that the emperor was determined to gain Borneo, not just for the purpose of expanding territory and attacking the Dutch.
You may know about the cinchona tree, but do you know about the rubber tree? The climatic conditions in Borneo are fertile soil for the growth of these two strategic plants.
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