When Changsun Wuji heard Li Shimin mention the plan of expedition to Goguryeo, his expression became solemn.
He knew very well that this war was of vital importance to the destiny of the Tang Dynasty, and any negligence could lead to unpredictable consequences.
However, the gleaming new armor before him filled him with confidence for the coming war.
But consider the chain reaction that may be caused by large-scale equipment of this new type of armor.
Zhang Sun Wuji couldn't help but ask, "Your Majesty, how should the deployment of the new armor be carried out?
Should we continue to allow individual military households to purchase them, or should we have a centralized system of supplies from the imperial court?"
In the early Tang Dynasty, the Tang Dynasty implemented the military system, where farmers became soldiers during wartime and continued to farm on peacetime.
Soldiers were treated well, but they had to provide their own weapons, armor and even rations.
The armor is stored in the Zhechoufu during non-wartime and is only collected during wartime or training.
This means that most military households have purchased armor for themselves.
Although the quality of these armors varies, it is still a considerable investment for them.
If they were asked to replace their armor now, it would undoubtedly bring them huge economic pressure and even cause dissatisfaction.
Li Shimin suddenly realized that although 50,000 sets of new armor had been produced, no one had ever asked him for money.
It’s as if producing these armors is free, but... is this possible?
Li Shimin couldn't help but turn his gaze to the "little princess" and asked with some curiosity:
"Little beast, how much does such a fine set of armor cost?"
The "little princess" smiled confidently and proudly, "The cost of making these armors is mainly iron ore, coal and labor.
As long as we ensure a stable supply of these three resources, other additional costs can be almost negligible."
"What? So cheap?!" Li Shimin and Zhangsun Wuji exclaimed at the same time.
He looked at the "little princess" in disbelief, trying to find any trace of a joke on her face.
The Little Princess nodded seriously, "It's indeed cheap, but it's definitely not cheap.
In the Tang Dynasty, this was the only company that could produce this kind of armor.
Therefore, whether the price is 20 or 30 strings of cash or 50 or 60 strings of cash per pair, it is reasonable.
And there is one biggest cost – the technology cost.”
"Technical cost?" Li Shimin repeated doubtfully.
"Yes," the little princess explained, "the production of new armor involves many sophisticated techniques and unique designs.
It cannot be mastered overnight, but is perfected through long-term research and development and practice.
So the technology itself comes with a significant cost.”
He went on to say, “And then, look at this huge steam iron plant behind me.
With the current industrial strength of the Tang Dynasty, it would be difficult to build such a factory from scratch, even if the national treasury spent decades of money.
The "little princess" looked at Li Shimin and Zhangsun Wuji with a deep gaze, "Now, do you still think this armor is cheap?"
Li Shimin and Zhangsun Wuji exchanged glances and were deeply shocked.
As ancient people, their understanding of technology was mostly limited to traditional secret recipes and family-inherited craftsmanship.
However, the little divine beast actually said that even if the Tang Dynasty spent all its treasury money for decades, it might not be able to build this steam steel plant.
This statement was simply unbelievable to them and beyond their understanding.
Li Shimin and Zhangsun Wuji looked at each other, their faces full of confusion and puzzlement.
Seeing their confused expressions, the "little princess" smiled softly, "You don't understand why this technology is so expensive, right?"
Li Shimin and Zhangsun Wuji nodded, indicating that it was indeed the case.
The "little princess" began to explain patiently: "The reason why the cost of this technology is so high is because it involves countless scientific research and innovation.
Take this steam ironworks, for example; it wasn’t built by simply piling up some bricks and iron blocks.”
He pointed to the towering chimneys and complex machinery in the factory and continued, "Do you see these huge machines and complex pipes?
They are all carefully designed and manufactured, and each component has its unique function and precise process requirements.
These machines efficiently transform iron ore through coal-fired flames into high-quality steel, which is the key to crafting new armor."
"But it's not easy to make these machines." The "little princess" changed the subject and said seriously,
“First, we need high-precision processing equipment to ensure that every component can be manufactured accurately.
Secondly, we also need professional technicians to operate the equipment... All of this requires a lot of manpower, material and financial resources."
"In addition," the little princess added, "the operation of a steam steel plant is inseparable from advanced thermodynamics and mechanics principles.
We need to understand how to effectively use the heat from coal to generate steam.
How to use steam to drive mechanical operations, and how to properly arrange pipes and valves to ensure the safety and efficiency of the entire system.
This knowledge has been mastered through long-term research and practice by countless scientists and engineers.
They are also a significant component of technology costs..."
"In our 'fairyland', the research and development of steam engines alone is a journey full of challenges and exploration.
From the initial theoretical conception, to the subsequent experimental verification, and then to the final practical application, every step has condensed the efforts and wisdom of countless people.
Not to mention, the technical difficulty of combining steam engines with steel production to create such a complex factory is unimaginable..."
"This..." Li Shimin was puzzled. "In the immortal world, can't these artifacts be conjured up by immortals with a wave of their hands?"
The Little Princess was delighted when she heard this, “Even immortals need to follow the laws and rules of nature.
This steam steel plant, and the manufacture of new armor.
All of this has been achieved through rigorous scientific research and technological innovation, based on the principles of nature."
"But wasn't this steel plant created by you by consuming merits with a wave of your hand?" Li Shimin continued to ask.
"What do you mean by change?" The "little princess" shook her head slightly. "That's not a change, that's a purchase!"
"You can think of merit as a currency. The reason I was able to buy this factory is because it already existed in the immortal world."
“It’s just that it exists in another form in the higher-dimensional fairyland.
When I exchanged merit for it, this factory was 'mapped' to the world where Datang is located."
After listening to this, Li Shimin showed a thoughtful expression on his face, "So, if our Tang Dynasty wants to achieve extraordinary achievements like the immortal world..."
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