Warhammer: Starting with Industrial Revolution

Ronin and Milley walked through the middle-level factories, where large numbers of workers were busy at work, completely unaware of their visitors.

This was a habit that Luo Ning instilled in the workers in the early stages of the reform: everyone didn't need to care about anything else, they just needed to do their job well, and those who did well would naturally receive the rewards they deserved.

Millein looked at the workers inside the factory, unable to hide his shock.

This wasn't her first time entering a factory in an industrial city, but apart from those factories near Holy Terra, most of them used outdated single-person work systems, let alone on remote planets like this.

While not extremely sophisticated, it is a complete and mature standardized production line, no different from the regular military factories in the core world of the empire.

The key point is that the workers' enthusiasm is incredibly high, and you can hardly see any workers slacking off.

Even the foreman's main job was not to scold the workers, but to focus on checking the quality of their products.

Milain casually picked up a bullet from the finished product box, her fingertips tracing the neatly packaged cartridge case, a stark contrast to the crooked and defective products she remembered from factories on remote planets.

"Lord Luo Ning, it seems I have indeed underestimated you," she said slowly.

Luo Ning simply smiled slightly. He didn't intend to reveal everything, as some secrets are better kept to themselves.

They continued walking and soon reached the lower level of the hive, where the sights shocked Milleyin even more.

In everyone's perception, the lower level of the city, which should have been a lawless land and a hell on earth, was not exactly orderly, but it had long lost the stench, decay, and despairing scene of cannibalism that it once was.

Even the person who looks the most tattered still has a light in their eyes.

Many of the other people were dressed in uniform clothing, which, although not decorated, was clean and tidy.

Not far away, light industrial plants were in operation, with a large number of people coming and going, and trucks constantly transporting mountains of goods and raw materials to various places.

On the other side, the upper layer of garbage, which should have been dirty, messy, and piled up like a mountain, was also surrounded by a fence, and people were working on it in an orderly manner.

It is evident that the sorting operation is extremely professional, capable of accurately screening out recyclable metals, parts, and usable materials from waste materials. There are even specialized factories that decompose and recycle materials.

Everywhere looked thriving and prosperous; you couldn't tell that this was the lower level of the nest capital.

Milley couldn't help but think: No wonder Ronin was able to place such a large order. This is not a dilapidated industrial city at all; it is simply a treasure trove on the edge of the star field.

"Not long ago, the people of Shimochao District held a protest. They also wanted to work in exchange for food. Thanks to the Governor's efforts, the factories you see in front of you were finally built in Shimochao District."

Luo Ning explained with a smile that all of this was the result of his hard work over a long period of time, and he was very proud that he had changed the city little by little.

That backward slave society is completely incompatible with this technologically advanced worldview; it only needs a little adjustment to bring about tremendous change.

Of course, all of this required a great deal of effort from Luo Ning.

All those sleepless nights were worth it.

"If you do this, someone will definitely be watching you."

But looking at everything before him, a shadow fell over Millein's face.

Under Ronin's guidance, Milley learned the reason why Ronin possessed wealth that was completely disproportionate to him.

This nest city possesses a level of prosperity far exceeding that of any other marginal planet of its kind.

As a wandering merchant, she knew all too well what the empire's internal affairs were like.

The empire doesn't care how chaotic or dilapidated a planet is, as long as you pay your tithes on time, no one will care even if all the lower classes die.

However, if a planet unites its people, its production capacity increases dramatically, and its people's hearts are united, it will immediately arouse the empire's vigilance and be regarded as a sign of rebellion.

The entire human empire is an incredibly complex and intricate organization. No one can remain unaffected. Regardless of your actions, good or bad, the empire's sword could fall at any moment.

But at that moment, Luo Ning laughed, his expression showing a hint of nonchalance and fearlessness.

He heard everything Milley thought clearly, and he understood the crises hidden behind the prosperity a thousand times better than Milley.

"But we had no choice; otherwise, I would have died long ago."

Luo Ning spoke slowly, feeling as if it had been a short time since he transmigrated to this world, yet it also felt as if it had been so long that he needed to recall it carefully.

"When the imperial tithe tax collectors arrive here, based on our previous production capacity, we simply won't be able to pay the taxes in full and will be burned alive on the spot in front of the governor's mansion."

"The Xiachao District has a large population, and they are already overwhelmed, living on the edge of death every day. Gangs and cults are rampant, and riots could break out at any time."

"Although the defense forces can easily suppress this mob, what will be the cost? The population of the Lower Nest District is an important source of income for the mines. Even if we make them pay the price here, how will we deal with the problems at the mines? If there are problems at the mines, it will directly affect the factory's production. As a result, we will be burned to death again due to insufficient production capacity and tax arrears."

Luo Ning spoke sincerely, a hint of helplessness and self-encouragement in his smile.

He certainly knew what kind of people could survive longer in the empire, but he had no choice.

From the very first second he came into this world, he was already under the pressure of the gears of fate. Even if he were a second slower, his fate might be to die without a burial place.

Before setting off, Luo Ning thought this trip would be another battle of wits with Milley, and he had even thought of countless excuses in his mind.

But when Milley finally saw everything in the hive, she was both shocked and worried.

Of course, the biggest concern was the stability of their cooperation, but Luo Ning didn't care about that.

He knew that sometimes, sincerity was the key to victory.

He looked at Milley and smiled.

"So we've been walking on the edge of swords for a long time. Fortunately, I have some connections with the Sector Inquisitors, so there shouldn't be too much danger for the time being. As for what will happen in the future, we'll talk about that later. After all, in this chaotic universe, we don't even know if we'll live to see tomorrow."

Listening to Luo Ning's words, Milain couldn't help but feel sorry for the man beside her. Although she wasn't the kind of woman who was blinded by love, this time, for some reason, she couldn't control her feelings at all.

"Luoning, have you ever thought about resigning from your position and joining my fleet? With your abilities, you would be better able to utilize your talents as a traveling merchant."

Ronin was somewhat surprised by Milley's invitation, but he shook his head and declined.

He could certainly see into Millein's heart that she said those things not entirely because of their one night of passion.

More than anything, it was her inner affirmation of Luo Ning's talent; by joining them, Luo Ning would at least no longer have to live a precarious existence.

"I'm sorry, but our Governor has been very kind to me, and I cannot betray him," he replied politely.

Faced with Ronin's refusal, Milley laughed heartily, as if she had already guessed Ronin's answer. "Don't talk to me about gratitude for his patronage. Your governor has long been sidelined by you, his assistant. Do you think I can't see that? He's not the kind of person who can achieve great things."

Luo Ning gave an awkward smile; this woman's sense of smell was indeed terrifying.

Fortunately, she posed no threat to me.

Instead of answering, he smiled and said slowly, "Let's talk about cooperation. As you can see, our Nest has great potential."