Rise of a Lonely City: From Exiled Prince to Ruler of the Nine Provinces

"The rise of the poor to power" reshaped the political structure of Hanyuan, and Xiao Chen's gaze never left the underlying driving force behind all these changes—technology.

He knew that the rise of Hanyuan depended not only on military conquest and institutional reform, but also on continuous technological innovation and the ability to transform such innovation into tangible productivity and combat power.

However, in the past, the transmission of skills often relied on oral transmission from master to apprentice, and sometimes even "passed down to sons but not daughters," making them extremely easy to lose.

In order to keep their jobs, craftsmen often cherished their tools and even deliberately destroyed advanced tools.

This closed and conservative atmosphere severely hindered the diffusion and progress of technology.

In order to break this deadlock and fully unleash the ingenuity of the craftsmen, Xiao Chen promulgated the "Workshop Patent Law," which was unprecedented in the history of Hanyuan and even in this era.

I. Establish the concept of "patent" to protect intellectual property.

The "Workshop Patent Ordinance" states clearly at the outset: "Within the territory of Hanyuan, regardless of whether one is an official or a commoner, regardless of one's background, anyone who makes an invention or technological improvement that benefits the national economy, people's livelihood, military strength, and the enrichment of the people may apply for a patent."

The law defines the scope of patents in detail, including: new machinery, improved processes, unique formulas, tool molds, and even... new construction methods and planting techniques.

According to the law, patent applicants must submit their applications to the Patent Office under the National Institute of Geography (NIG), along with detailed drawings, descriptions, samples, or demonstrations. After the NIG experts assess and confirm the novelty, utility, and inventiveness of the application, a patent certificate will be granted.

Patent holders enjoy exclusive rights to manufacture, sell, and use the technology for five to ten years. During this period, no one else may imitate or use the technology without permission; violators will face hefty fines, confiscation of illegal gains, and even imprisonment.

Patent holders can produce the patents themselves or transfer or license them to others in exchange for "patent fees".

II. The Patent Office was established, and an application boom ensued.

On the very first day that the Patent Office was officially established in Zhenbei New Town, it was bustling with visitors.

The hall was packed with artisans, workshop owners, and even ordinary farmers and soldiers who had already heard the news.

They held all sorts of inventions in their hands: improved plowshares, labor-saving spinning wheels, new threshing machines, sharper knives, and even a new pickling recipe and an herbal ointment for treating frostbite.

"Sir, this is the 'foot-operated threshing machine' that I came up with. One person can thresh the wheat of ten acres a day, which is ten times faster than using a flail!" An old farmer with a dark complexion nervously demonstrated the wooden model.

"Sir, this is my improved bellows. I added two valves, and the airflow is twice as strong as before, and it saves a lot of effort!" A blacksmith's apprentice excitedly introduced.

"Sir, this is my family's ancestral formula for 'hemostatic powder,' which is more effective than those on the market. I want to apply for a patent and open a pharmacy."

Officials at the Patent Office and craftsmen borrowed from the Imperial Academy of Natural Sciences were extremely busy, reviewing, testing, and recording each invention. For valuable inventions, a "patent certificate" bearing the seal of the Prince of Jingbei was issued on the spot, along with a certain amount of silver or grain.

For inventions that are not yet perfect but have potential, guidance is provided to help them improve.

In just one month, the Patent Office received over a thousand patent applications and approved more than three hundred.

The artisans who obtained the patent were overjoyed, not only because they had received official recognition and protection, but also because they saw the hope of making a fortune.

Third, patent dividends stimulate a wave of innovation.

The promulgation of the patent law was like throwing a boulder into a calm lake, stirring up a huge wave of innovation.

"Zhang's Blacksmith Shop" obtained a patent for "improved horseshoes". These horseshoes are not only more wear-resistant, but also easier to install and less likely to fall off.

When the news spread, horse traders, cavalrymen, and post stations from all over came to place orders.

Zhang's blacksmith shop operated day and night, yet still couldn't meet the demand. They had no choice but to license their patent to five other blacksmith shops, charging a "patent fee" of one coin per pair of horseshoes, making a fortune every day.

Zhang the blacksmith rose from an unknown craftsman to become a well-known wealthy man in Zhenbei Town.

"Li Carpenter's Workshop" obtained a patent for "four-wheeled heavy carriage chassis".

This chassis employs a unique shock absorption and steering structure, allowing for greater load capacity and more stable driving.

Not only were they purchased in large quantities by the Industrial Construction Company for military supplies transportation, but they were also snapped up by major merchant caravans.

With the money he earned, Li the carpenter expanded his workshop, hired more craftsmen, and even began to try to manufacture more complex "bearings".

A young medical officer at the "Huimin Pharmacy" improved the "variolation method" and applied for a patent.

The new method was safer and had a higher success rate. The Hanyuan government immediately purchased the drugs and promoted them throughout the region, effectively curbing the spread of smallpox.

This medical officer not only received a substantial reward, but was also hired by the Imperial Academy as a specially appointed researcher in the "Medical Department".

Even the Gewu Institute itself has become a major holder of patents.

Under Xiao Chen's guidance and encouraged by "patent dividends," the artisans and students of the Gewu Academy are highly enthusiastic about innovation.

"Hydraulic sawing machine", "improved spinning machine", "standard gear set", "refractory brick formula", "simple thermometer"... one new technology after another went from the laboratory of the Institute of Physics to the workshop, transformed into productivity, and even directly equipped the army.

Fourth, patent protection forms a technological barrier.

Patent laws not only encourage internal innovation, but have also become a powerful tool for Hanyuan to protect its technology and compete with other countries.

In the past, Han Yuan's new technologies were easily smuggled out of the country by unscrupulous merchants and sold to Northern Yan, the grasslands, and even the Yong King.

Today, these core technologies are classified as "top secret patents" and are under strict protection. Any attempt to steal or smuggle these technologies will face annihilation if discovered.

Night Owl and the customs service have intensified surveillance of the border and workshops, cracking down on technological espionage.

At the same time, Han Yuan began selectively exporting its patented technologies to its allies.

Instead of giving it away for free, they charge exorbitant fees through "patent licensing" and require the other party to abide by strict confidentiality clauses, even restricting the sales scope of their products.

This not only generated huge profits but also brought the technological development of its allies under the control of the Cold Abyss.

V. Technological Explosion and Industrial Takeoff.

Stimulated by patent laws, Hanyuan's industrial technology entered an unprecedented period of explosive growth.

The workshop was no longer filled with the monotonous sounds of hammering, but with the roar of various new machines.

The craftsmen were no longer content with following the established procedures; instead, they racked their brains to figure out how to improve tools, increase efficiency, and reduce costs.

New inventions and technologies emerged like mushrooms after rain.

Production efficiency has increased significantly, product quality has been continuously improved, and costs have continued to decline.

The salt, iron, cloth, tools, and even luxury goods of Hanyuan have an overwhelming competitive advantage in the market.

Wherever the caravan went, Han Yuan's goods were sold, and wealth poured in like a tide.

The more profound impact was that the status of craftsmen was elevated to an unprecedented level.

A craftsman with a patent is more respected than an ordinary gentryman.

Learning a craft and making inventions have become a new trend among young people in Hanyuan.

The admission requirements for the Gewu Academy are even higher than those for the Hanyuan Academy.

The whole society has developed a positive atmosphere of "valuing technology, respecting craftsmen, and encouraging innovation".

Xiao Chen stood on the testing ground of the Institute of Physics, watching a "hydraulic forging hammer" that had just been patented and was being tested. Each strike produced a dull yet powerful roar, easily forging the red-hot iron block into shape. A gratified smile appeared on his face.

"Patents protect intelligence, unleash potential, and create the future."

He said to the blacksmith Ou and the students of the Academy of Sciences beside him, "We must make Hanyuan a sacred place that craftsmen all over the world yearn for, and a cradle of new technologies. One day, the technology of Hanyuan will change the world."

The workshop's patents not only provided a powerful engine for Hanyuan's industrial revolution, but also deeply engraved the word "innovation" into the soul of Hanyuan.