Warhammer: Starting with Industrial Revolution

Hive worlds like Vatos VII have mature underlying food production logic.

The hive city is home to numerous algae farms, synthetic food factories, and corpse starch refineries, but unfortunately, these factories can only supply about one-third of the hive city's population.

The main food imports came from the Imperial government's allocation from the agricultural world.

However, with Luo Ning's reforms in the city and the improvement of workers' welfare, the most crucial point is that the number of deaths in both factories and mines has decreased dramatically due to Luo Ning's reforms.

The most direct impact was that the raw materials for corpse starch were significantly reduced, while the population that needed to eat increased several times over.

Looking at the deficits marked on the report, Ronin and Governor Karl couldn't help but stare at each other in disbelief.

It has been so hard to gradually bring this nest city to prosperity, but if food supplies become insufficient, the poor people will probably start to riot again, and the worst case scenario is that all the previous efforts will be in vain.

After all, the core of Luo Ning's reforms was ensuring everyone had enough to eat; if that couldn't be guaranteed...

Governor Karl couldn't help but shudder. "Ronin, you'd better think of something quickly! We can't let them rebel again!"

Seeing his panicked expression, Luo Ning patted him on the shoulder instead.

"Sir, calm down. We are no longer who we used to be. We are now rolling in wealth."

Upon hearing Ronin's words, Governor Karl jumped up instantly and said in a panic:

"You'd better watch out, Luo Ning. I've been wanting to tell you this for a while now. Don't end up being accused of plotting a rebellion."

Luo Ning smiled, then casually opened the data panel next to him. "Our reform of the Xiachao District this time is not a joke. All workers are clearly recorded. Next, we just need to follow the procedures."

"You do it, this kind of thing isn't for me." Although he understood what Ronin was saying, Governor Karl still shook his head like a rattle drum, but in the end, Ronin still pushed him in front of the Thinkers' array in the Governor's Mansion.

"How can this be done without you!" Luo Ning said, while ordering the communications officer to connect to the sector headquarters.

After a while, a stiff-faced man appeared on the screen, looking furious.

"Karl! What mess have you made now? Haven't you paid your tithes yet? The Imperial tax collectors aren't coming for long, and I'm swamped. Two more planets have rebelled. Don't tell me your planet has rebelled too and needs reinforcements!"

Upon hearing the other party's words, Governor Karl froze on the spot. He stammered, "No rebellion! The... the... the tithe... the amount should be fine, the problem is..."

His voice grew softer and softer, while the man on the other side of the screen grew increasingly grim.

Seeing this, Ronin pushed Karl aside and stood in front of the monitor himself.

"Your Excellency Mason, it's been a long time. Governor Karl seems to be unwell, so let me report to you."

Sector Governor Mason squinted at him. "Ronin? I remember you. You look very different from before."

"It is my great honor that Lord Mason still remembers me," Ronin said respectfully, bowing. "How has Lord Mason been lately?"

"Stop talking nonsense. As long as you don't cause me any trouble, I'll be fine. What mess have you gotten yourself into this time?" He rudely interrupted the conversation, clearly very impatient.

Luo Ning wasn't angry. After all, he was in power, and he naturally found planets like theirs, which not only had no achievements but also dragged the country down, annoying.

"That's right, Lord Mason. In order to better serve the Empire and increase the planet's production capacity, Governor Karl plans to increase the tax rate by an additional 10% while making up for the overdue tithes."

Hearing Ronin's words, Sector Governor Mason's eyes sharpened even more. "An increase of 10%?"

"Yes, sir," Ronin said with a smile, his expression still neither humble nor arrogant. "Governor Karl has implemented a brand-new work system, which has also mobilized the enthusiasm of the people in the Lower Nest. Under Governor Karl's wise guidance, the number of workers in the entire Nest has reached a new peak, and under Governor Karl's personal leadership, gangs and cults have been almost wiped out. The entire Nest is developing rapidly in a positive direction."

As Mason listened to Ronin's report on the screen, he nodded, but finally revealed a mocking smile.

"Besides his talent for bribery, what other abilities does that good-for-nothing Karl have? I think there's someone else truly leading the entire hive."

Ronin bowed respectfully. "Lord Karl has many more shining qualities, which we may discover in the not-too-distant future."

"Bullshit," Mason waved his hand, but he clearly didn't intend to waste any more words on this matter. "So what? It is indeed a good thing that you have been able to pay the arrears in tithes. Your heads should be safe, and your voluntary increase in tithes is also a great achievement. I will report it truthfully."

His expression finally relaxed slightly. "So, what are your demands this time?"

"Our planet needs more food, Lord Mason."

Luo Ning explained without hesitation, after all, their food reserves were almost depleted.

"While the Governor's reforms to the factories and the acceptance of refugees from the Lower Nest area have significantly increased production capacity, the number of people who need to eat, and who need to be well-fed, has also increased."

As he spoke, he sent over the already organized information.

As Mason looked at the information sent by Ronin, he gradually frowned.

"A 10% increase in the tithe, but a 50% increase in food rations? Aren't you asking for too much?"

"Please understand, Lord Mason. After the Governor took in the refugees of the Lower Nest District, he also arranged new jobs for them. In the near future, our Nest District will have new products to supply. You can check the attachment to the document I just sent you."

"Nest City is producing other products without authorization? Ronin, aren't you afraid of losing your head?" Mason said as he opened the attachment.

Meanwhile, Ronin replied, "Your Excellency Mason, as you can see, we produce only light industrial products. The Empire's supply of weapons and ammunition is timely and plentiful, but it often delays the delivery of clothing, backpacks, and the like because the profit margins are too low. Factories run by nobles are unwilling to take on this job. From today until the foreseeable future, our planet's production capacity will meet the needs of the entire star sector."

Ronin's words struck a nerve with Mason, and a hint of appreciation appeared on his usually furrowed brow.

"I understand your demands. I will report them. As for your new business, I need you to send me a detailed report within 24 hours. Understand, Luo Ning?"

"Yes, sir." Luo Ning bowed respectfully, but at the same time, the other party had already cut off the communication.

Only then did Governor Karl, who was standing nearby, finally dare to breathe loudly, his eyes wide as he stared at Ronin.

"Luo Ning, you must be crazy. How can you remain calm in the face of that serial killer? Your brain must have broken down two months ago."

"Maybe, it really is crazy," Luo Ning replied, shaking his head and sighing.

Two months have passed since I arrived in this world, and there is only one month left before the Imperial Tax Collector arrives.

According to calculations, the factory's current output is not only enough to make up for the arrears in tithes, but also has a large surplus.

However, this delicate balance is difficult to maintain. Time is running out, and if any problem arises and production is affected, the imperial tax collectors will not show leniency just because the tithes they have paid are almost gone.