Mystery Detective of the Steam World

Chapter 162 Fighting for beauty
Li Wei had to admit that this steam machinery exposition was indeed eye-opening and quite interesting.

The entire venue was mainly attended by representatives from various countries on the continent, with the Empire naturally occupying the most central and important position.

The styles of steam machinery also vary considerably from country to country.

As the birthplace of the steam engine and the difference engine, the Empire has always upheld the principle that "steam orthodoxy resides in the Empire," emphasizing advancement, elegance, and nobility.

Simply put, the Empire absolutely cannot lag behind other countries in steam engine and difference engine technology, and it is even intolerable for other countries to catch up with it.

The Empire's strength was indeed formidable, but aside from steam-powered mechs and airships, what Levi valued most was this innovation of the Difference Engine!
Of course, Li Wei didn't understand binary or decimal systems, but at this exhibition, a revolutionary technology of the difference engine did catch his attention.

That is, the brand-new differential engine interface uses visual display technology!
Although the interface was extremely rudimentary, Li Wei knew how remarkable it was. The previous differential machine input program felt like DOS, where you had to manually input commands to operate it. Now, this visual interface completely changed the programmatic input method to a more intuitive and visual one, which was no less significant than the revolution from DOS to Windows!
In a web novel, Li Wei would have gone up to the other party and discussed things properly, aiming to grow bigger and stronger, and strive to become a giant in the world.

Unfortunately, the empire wasn't stupid; they guarded this thing extremely closely, with heavily armed guards protecting it. Li Wei knew he wouldn't get his hands on anything new, so he gave up on the idea.

He was, after all, a detective, and had no intention of pursuing a career in business…

As for the second good thing, that is... a radio station!
That's right. Although Li Wei didn't know how the Empire did it, they really did manage to create radio stations and radios!
Li Wei was overjoyed by this. After all, radios were a relatively modern gadget. He didn't understand things like difference engines or steam-powered mechs, but when it came to the benefits of information, Li Wei believed he knew more about them than anyone else in this era.

“Miss Olivia, I suggest you include this in this purchase as well.”

Li Wei walked up to Olivia and whispered something to her.

"This? Why?"

Olivia was clearly somewhat surprised.

"Is this just a box that makes sounds?"

"This thing is not that simple."

Li Wei shook his head.

"I'm not afraid to tell you, this will become a more popular and widespread medium for information dissemination than newspapers. And aren't you going to promote agricultural mechanization in the Delicat region? Then this will be an indispensable helper for you."

"it?"

"Yes."

Li Wei nodded, staring at Olivia.

“You said it yourself, it’s just a box that makes sounds, which means people will come and listen to it.”

"Hmm... so?"

“Not everyone reads newspapers, Miss Olivia.”

Levi looked at Olivia and whispered to her what he had said.

“You should know that if you want to implement agricultural mechanization, the most difficult thing is dealing with the farmers. Many of them are illiterate, so even if you publish an explanation in the newspaper, they won't understand it, let alone read it. But radio is different. It can be broadcast anytime, anywhere, and anyone can hear its content without spending a penny. And with the help of radio stations, you can completely explain the reforms you want to carry out to the people of the entire Delicat region.”

"Now that you mention it..."

Upon hearing this, Olivia quickly began to think. She wasn't stupid, but unlike Levi, who lived in the information age, Olivia, as a person of this era, didn't yet have an understanding of just how powerful information and intelligence truly were.

But after hearing what Li Wei said, Olivia quickly realized the benefits of this thing.

"But radios are expensive; most families simply can't afford them."

Olivia also looked at the prices for radio stations and radios. Radios in this era were not like those in Levi's time, which were made in a portable way. This one was almost the size of a washing machine.

As for the price... well, it's like a newly invented VR gaming headset; most people wouldn't buy it just to play with when they have nothing better to do.

I don't have that kind of spare money.

“That’s right. So my suggestion is that all expenses be borne by your Baskerville family. You can invest in building the radio station yourselves, and then buy the radios yourselves and set them up in taverns all over Delicatus—after all, taverns are where people gather most often after work, and where information flows the fastest.”

"But does that mean radio stations are completely losing money and making no profit at all?"

"That certainly seems to be the case on the surface."

Li Wei understood what Olivia meant.

“But what’s free is the most expensive, Miss Olivia.”

"…………………"

"think carefully."

Li Wei looked at Olivia and smiled slightly.

"Those farmers, after a hard day's work, their only pastime is to go to the tavern for a drink, chat, boast, and kill time."

"………………………"

"Then one day, something new appears in the tavern. It doesn't cost you any extra money, but it tells you what happened in the Delicat area that day, plays beautiful music, and even tells some interesting stories. Wouldn't you like it?"

"…………………"

"And once people get used to it and adapt, they will accept everything it reports. At that point, if one day news comes that the Baskerville family is carrying out agricultural mechanization reforms in the Delicat region..."

"Will they agree?"

“That’s not some kind of brainwashing machine, Miss Olivia.”

Li Wei chuckled. "But at least they'll know for sure what it is, not just hearsay, but authoritative information from official broadcasts… By the way, it's very expensive. So…"

"so?"

"This also ensures that those brutes wouldn't dare to smash them to vent their anger, otherwise they'd go to jail."

"indeed so."

Upon hearing this, Olivia smiled.

“I think I understand what you mean, Mr. Levi… but according to you, this broadcast doesn’t seem to be for my exclusive use?”

"Of course not, Miss Olivia."

Li Wei shook his head.

"You can use it that way, but I suggest you don't. People have a rebellious streak, and I don't think you'd want someone nagging you all day long. You could start multiple programs on the radio to attract listeners' attention..."

"Audience? That's an interesting word."

Olivia's eyes lit up.

"It seems you have a good idea about this? Mr. Levi, if I am indeed going to purchase this equipment, could you please offer some advice?"

"Of course, I'm honored."

After this little incident, the two continued to look at steam-powered machines from other countries. It must be said that, apart from the Empire, other countries' steam-powered machines also had some ingenious ideas.

For example, the steam machinery of the Franciscan Republic was primarily ornate; they even went so far as to carve intricate patterns onto every sheet of iron. To be honest, it was undeniably beautiful and ornate, but as for its strength… Levi felt it was hard to say.

You've made a piece of iron look like it's carved; I'm afraid it would be smashed to pieces with a single hammer blow.
However, what Li Wei found most interesting was the location of the Francis Republic exhibition hall—it was right across from the Kingdom of Krant, and it was hard to say that this wasn't intentional on the part of the Empire.

The reason is quite simple. While the Empire and the Francis Republic are at odds, the Empire is not the only country with a grudge against the Francis Republic. In fact, just a few years ago, the Francis Republic—then the Kingdom of Francis—went to war with the Kingdom of Krant. Francis declared war on Krant and was soundly defeated. In turn, Krant directly invaded the capital.

Even the coronation ceremony of the current King of Cronth was held in Francis's palace, which can only be described as a great disgrace.

The defeat in this war directly led to the overthrow of the Franciscan royal family and nobility, who were all executed. The newly formed Franciscan Republic did not relinquish its hatred for the Kingdom of Crant. Furthermore, due to the defeat, Francis was forced to cede two territories to Crant.

Of course, the empire was overjoyed.

I've heard that your Francis Palace is quite nice; even the King of Cronth was crowned there.

This has been included in the Francis Joke Encyclopedia of the Empire.

In contrast to Francis's ornate and extravagant style, the steam-powered machinery of the Kingdom of Krant exhibits a completely different level of precision and durability. Although it cannot compare to the Empire in general, the Kingdom of Krant has demonstrated a level of sophistication that is no less than that of the Empire in some minor inventions.

This made Li Wei mutter to himself, but... he was just a detective, so he couldn't say anything else but mutter to himself.

The next two major country booths belonged to the Western European Empire and the Sascha Federation, respectively.

The Western Empire of Europe is located in the northwest of the continent, a purely harsh and sparsely populated land. Perhaps because of this, their machinery follows a crude, heavy-duty, and powerful approach, abandoning precision, advancement, and elegance. The primary requirement is a robust and primitive machine capable of operating freely even in sub-zero temperatures. Even if parts break, replacement is convenient and straightforward; anyone with a modicum of intelligence can use it.

Putting everything else aside, in terms of sheer size alone, the steam engines of the Western European Empire were the largest.

As for efficiency and such... well, nobody really thinks highly of this bulky, crude, and unremarkable original design.

Even the people of the Western Empire of Europe seemed listless. Li Wei inquired about it and found out that there was an undercurrent of unrest within the Western Empire as well. After all, the changes brought about by the steam industrial revolution were all-encompassing, and no country could escape them. Naturally, this would lead to all sorts of social problems.

The empire has transitioned smoothly, and Francis has essentially changed dynasties. The Western European Empire is not much better off. Due to their trade dispute with the Kingdom of Krant, a riot recently broke out within the Western European Empire. The royal family has taken measures to suppress the riot, but the effect has been limited.

If this continues, the Western European royal family might end up like Francis, joining him on the guillotine.

The Sasha League was also an anomaly, consisting of one king, two states, and three governments. Nominally, the Sasha League was ruled by one king, but in reality, they were two states with independent internal affairs. However, each of these states relinquished its national sovereignty, entrusting its finances, foreign affairs, and defense to the central government.

Given how strange this thing was, it's no surprise that it was unlikely to be able to develop steam machinery with the same national resources as the Empire or the Kingdom of Krant.

In fact, compared to the other countries, the Sasha Alliance did not have any special achievements in steam machinery technology... It was one of the more backward countries among these continental nations, and what they brought out were things that others had already used up or things that had no future development prospects, so there were the fewest people in front of their booth.

However, among all these national booths, the one that Li Wei admired the most was the booth of Iris—not because their steam industry was particularly strong or impressive, but because…Iris's cuisine.

That's right, Ellis turned its machinery industry exhibition into a food exhibition, displaying machines related to food production, such as brewing machines, juicers, and brand-new toasters... Just walking over and smelling the food made my mouth water, and I felt like I could eat three bowls of rice in one go.

Li Wei couldn't resist and ordered a set of fully mechanical kitchen utensils. At least they looked quite convenient and practical, and it would be nice to bring them back for Eileen to try.

Anyway, I have money, so I'm not afraid of this.

"I never expected Mr. Li Wei to like this?"

Olivia wasn't particularly interested in kitchenware, so she was quite surprised to see that Levi had actually placed an order.

"Good kitchen utensils can make food taste better, and there are some things I really like."

What Li Wei likes most is that the kitchenware set exhibited by Ellis actually includes a refrigerator!

Refrigerator! Refrigerator!

Juice, soda water, ice—it's incredibly refreshing!
Of course, refrigerators in this era can't compare to those in Li Wei's time, but being able to freeze food and drinks is enough for Li Wei!

Unfortunately, Ellis hasn't invented an ice cream machine yet, otherwise Levi would be even more obsessed.

(End of this chapter)