Three Kingdoms: My Strategy Simulator

"Those craftsmen were clamoring to go to work when it snowed, and I sent people to barely dissuade them."

At this point, Zhuge Liang's serious expression couldn't help but show a hint of smile.

"However, according to the report from the clerk, even during the period of hiding from the snow, many craftsmen were spontaneously processing various objects in the house. With this momentum, the academy will be able to ensure completion before the beginning of next spring."

Pang Tong, who was in charge of grilling the skewers, asked in confusion, "Why? Did they promise some benefits after the work is completed?"

"Yes, teacher, we also implement the wage standards for craftsmen in Yangzhou in Yuzhou." Zhuge Liang replied.

"Is that why?"

Pang Tong, who came from a famous family in Jingzhou, was puzzled. "Even if the wages were high, those craftsmen wouldn't rush to work on their own initiative, right?"

Zhuge Liang speculated.

"It is said that due to the aristocratic families in Yuzhou, most of the craftsmen in Yuzhou were used as slaves by the aristocratic families. In addition, Yuan Shu did not care about the craftsmen, so the craftsmen working in Yuzhou often could not even guarantee food and clothing."

"Now that the teacher has given me a high salary and treated me well, I feel grateful and that's why I'm so active."

Li Ji tapped the table lightly and then spoke.

"It's one thing to be well-treated, which will naturally make the Yuzhou craftsmen grateful, but more importantly, it makes them feel valued and gives them hope."

"In this way, the craftsmen in Yuzhou will naturally work hard, both to repay the attention and to strive for the seemingly unlikely treatment and rewards."

After Zhuge Liang thought about it for a moment, he immediately understood.

If we say that the craftsmen in Yuzhou before were undoubtedly like a stagnant pool of water, they were needed everywhere, but their status was not high, and the government and the aristocratic families had never paid attention to them.

Officials and wealthy families in many places often withheld wages or simply refused to pay them, which meant that the craftsmen in Yuzhou might not have to go without a living, but they also saw no hope.

However, after many years of practice in Wujun, Li Ji had already perfected various systems to support and motivate craftsmen.

Craftsmen are a major factor driving changes in productivity.

Due to the insufficient number of craftsmen in Yangzhou before, the craftsmen focused their energy on improving sea vessels, papermaking and printing, and various farming tools.

The result undoubtedly surprised Li Ji.

With Li Ji's full support and occasional advice and guidance, this group of Yangzhou craftsmen has burst into astonishing creativity and has now preliminarily completed the test of state-level sea vessels.

I believe that in the near future, state-level sea vessels will be able to actually start launching and sailing.

It should be noted that this sea vessel, which Li Ji defined as a "state-level" ship, has data on paper that is equivalent to Zheng He's treasure ship in the Ming Dynasty.

This giant ship, which is nearly 150 meters long and 60 meters wide, is enough to meet the needs of long-distance voyages in the ocean. There is no need to sail as close to the coastline as possible to ensure navigation safety as before.

Even though not much attention was paid to seagoing ships from the end of the Han Dynasty to the Ming Dynasty, in less than ten years, they caught up with the thousand-year-old development of seagoing ships. In Li Ji's view, this was undoubtedly a miracle created by the concerted efforts of the craftsmen.

Moreover, Li Ji knew that he wanted to realize the blueprint he had drawn for the Han Dynasty, and the craftsmen were the top priority. Naturally, he also intended to win the hearts of craftsmen all over the world and work together to promote the innovation and development of various equipment. The construction of the academy in Yu and Xu states this time was not only related to Li Ji's many strategies, but also a process for Li Ji to win the trust of the craftsmen in Yu and Xu states, win the hearts of the craftsmen, and stimulate their creativity and passion.

Li Ji knew that it was an unrealistic luxury to ask craftsmen to use abacus to make big mushrooms from scratch in this era, but he must make sure that the value of the craftsmen as a group is thoroughly valued and respected by the Han Dynasty during his administration.

In this regard, Li Ji undoubtedly saw that Zhuge Liang was far superior.

Zhuge Liang was also quite interested in all kinds of strange skills and tricks, but it was obviously impossible for him to understand the importance of craftsmen as clearly as Li Ji.

Then, Li Ji stretched out his hands to warm them by the stove and spoke.

"Liang'er, when the snow stops, you should go and reward the craftsmen in person and take care of them. Bring them plenty of wine, food, and charcoal to ensure they have enough food and clothing. Let them know how much the government values ​​them now."

Sima Yi listened and was a little puzzled. He felt that Li Ji attached too much importance to craftsmen.

Even though Zhuge Liang was now Li Ji's aide, and had power without fame, he undoubtedly represented Li Ji. Zhuge Liang's personal trip was undoubtedly a sign of great importance.

Therefore, Sima Yi could not help but say, "Teacher, isn't this a bit too much? Receiving high salaries without any merit may make the craftsmen lazy."

Li Ji waved his hand, indicating that the matter was settled and did not continue the discussion.

In fact, if Li Ji could go there in person, he would have intended to go there in person.

However, Li Ji’s status is too high now, and his every word and action is watched by countless people with ulterior motives.

Not to mention inspecting the topography of each county like he did when he first arrived in Wujun, even a word Li Ji said unintentionally when he walked out of the door would be interpreted back and forth over and over again.

If Li Ji went there in person, it might cause panic among the Yuzhou families, who might think that Li Ji was intentionally using the excuse of valuing craftsmen to further suppress and deal with the Yuzhou families.

After all, given the arrogance of the wealthy and powerful families, it was normal for them to order the craftsmen around, shout at them, or even injure or kill a few craftsmen due to various dissatisfactions.

At this time, Pang Tong had roasted the three skewers of mutton in his hand, picked out the tenderest and largest one and gave it to Li Ji as if offering a treasure, and then he and Zhuge Liang each got one.

This made Sima Yi unable to help but give Pang Tong a speechless look. He totally didn't understand why this ugly guy behaved like this in front of his teacher. Was he afraid of displeasing his teacher?
Immediately, Sima Yi stopped his leisurely tea sipping and simply took four skewers of mutton from the raw meat rack nearby and started roasting them.

Li Ji saw the small conflict between Zhuge Liang and the other two, but did not say anything.

If the personal relationship between these three people is too good, Li Ji would be a little worried. He would just regard any minor conflicts as the fun of getting along between fellow apprentices.

However, after Li Ji finished eating the skewers grilled by Pang Tong, he also took four skewers and grilled them together with Sima Yi, and then asked.

"Yier, what's the situation in Yanzhou?"

"Lü Bu has already captured important towns in Yanzhou and has taken control of the capitals of various counties and kingdoms as well as large cities," Sima Yi replied.

"As expected."

Li Ji sighed. (End of this chapter)