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

The reform of commercial taxation was like a gentle spring breeze, instantly revitalizing the market in Hanyuan, and the streams of wealth began to converge into a river.

Meanwhile, in another part of Zhenbei City, a systemic reform concerning wisdom and creativity is quietly unfolding.

This is not only a respect for the craftsmanship, but also a powerful boost that Xiao Chen is injecting into the long-term development of Hanyuan.

On this day, a huge notice was posted outside the Gewu Academy, attracting countless craftsmen, merchants and ordinary people to watch.

The official seal in vermilion was particularly eye-catching on the notice, and the title read in bold: "Patent Order of Hanyuan Workshop".

"Within the territory of Hanyuan, regardless of official rank or social status, anyone who makes an invention or technological improvement that benefits the national economy, people's livelihood, military strength, or the enrichment of the people may apply for a patent. After being appraised by the Institute of Natural Sciences, the workshop will be granted a patent certificate, enjoying the exclusive right to manufacture and sell the product for five to ten years, protected by the government, and others may not imitate it..."

The crowd erupted in chaos.

"Patent? What does that mean?"

"It means... whoever creates something new first, the government will only allow them to make it; no one else can copy it!"

"Such a good thing? Wouldn't that mean we'd strike it rich?"

"Look, the first one will be awarded today!"

Just as everyone was discussing this, the gates of the Gewu Academy slowly opened.

Accompanied by Han Lie, Ou the blacksmith, and others, Xiao Chen came out personally.

He didn't climb onto the platform, but stood directly in front of the crowd, his gaze sweeping over the faces filled with curiosity and longing.

"Fellow villagers, fellow craftsmen!"

Xiao Chen's voice was loud and clear, reaching everyone's ears without needing an amplification: "I am here today not to collect taxes, nor to recruit soldiers, but solely to establish rules and protect talent!"

"Throughout history, craftsmen have toiled and invented, only to have their work easily imitated, their efforts wasted, and sometimes even leading to the destruction of their families. From this day forward, in Hanyuan, craftsmanship is wealth, and talent is merit! I swear in the name of the Prince of Jingbei that I will protect all those with true talent and learning, and reward all those with innovative abilities!"

"Now, issue the first 'Workshop Patent Certificate' to Hanyuan!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a middle-aged man in his forties with a dark complexion and calloused hands walked forward somewhat hesitantly, guided by two students from the School of Physics.

His name was Li Laosi. He was originally an apprentice at a blacksmith shop in Zhenbeicheng, but later he opened his own small workshop.

"This humble subject...this humble subject, Li Laosi, pays his respects to Your Highness!" Li Laosi's voice trembled with nervousness.

"No need for formalities." Xiao Chen personally helped him up, looking at the object he was holding in his hands—a modified bellows.

"Li Laosi, tell me about your invention," Xiao Chen encouraged.

"Yes...yes."

Li Laosi took a deep breath, raised the bellows, and said, "Your Highness, esteemed gentlemen, this is a double-action bellows that I've devised. Ordinary bellows only produce air once when pushed or pulled, and the airflow is unstable. I've added two valves and an air bladder to this bellows, so it produces airflow whether pushed or pulled, with twice the airflow of the old bellows, and it requires less effort!"

As he spoke, he demonstrated it on the spot.

Sure enough, as he easily pushed and pulled, a strong and steady airflow came out of the nozzle, blowing the dust on the ground into the air.

"good!"

The blacksmith couldn't help but exclaim in delight, "The wind is strong and steady, which is extremely beneficial for iron smelting and forging!"

Xiao Chen nodded and looked at the appraisal report from the Institute of Natural Sciences: "According to the actual tests conducted by the Institute of Natural Sciences, this double-action bellows doubles the airflow compared to the old bellows, saves 30% of manpower, and has a simple structure that is easy to manufacture. It is indeed a beneficial invention."

"Li Laosi!"

Xiao Chen declared loudly, "I, Xiao Chen, in the name of the Prince of Jingbei, grant your request. I bestow upon you a patent certificate for your workshop, authorizing you to exclusively manufacture and sell this 'Double-Action Bellows' for ten years. Within these ten years, any imitation by others will be investigated and prosecuted by the authorities!"

After saying that, Xiao Chen personally handed a piece of hard paper with large gold characters and the seal of the Prince of Jingbei and the official seal of the Gewu Academy to Li Laosi.

The letter not only included a drawing of the bellows, but also detailed the scope and duration of the patent.

Li Laosi held that thin piece of paper, yet it felt as heavy as a thousand pounds.

He knelt down with a thud, tears streaming down his face: "Thank you, Your Highness! Thank you for your kindness! I... I will certainly do my best and live up to Your Highness's great favor!"

"stand up."

Xiao Chen helped him up again and said to everyone, "With this certificate, Li Laosi can apply to the government for an interest-free loan to expand his workshop; he can also have priority in purchasing government-supplied iron materials; the government's Industrial Construction Department will purchase his bellows to equip various workshops. If anyone wants to learn this skill from him, they must obtain his permission and pay a patent fee."

"Whoosh—" The crowd erupted in cheers.

A piece of paper has such great magic!

Not only can you make money exclusively, but you also receive government support, and others who want to learn from you even have to pay you! This is simply... an instant path to success!

"Your Highness, I also have a new type of loom..."

"Your Highness, I have improved the brewing method..."

"Your Highness..."

In an instant, countless craftsmen, farmers, and even ordinary people rushed forward, chattering about their ingenious ideas.

The officials at the Gewu Institute immediately sprang into action, setting up temporary registration points to record applications and collect samples.

Looking at the bustling scene, Xiao Chen smiled with satisfaction.

"Your Highness," Han Lie whispered from the side, "once this decree is issued, I'm afraid it will be difficult to completely eradicate counterfeiting."

"It's alright."

Xiao Chen said calmly, "Everything is difficult at the beginning. As long as the government has a clear attitude and enforces the law strictly, rules will naturally be established over time. Today it's Li Laosi, tomorrow it will be Zhang Laosi and Wang Laosi. As long as the craftsmen see hope and benefits, they will rack their brains to create. This is the foundation of Hanyuan's strength."

"Your Highness is truly insightful," Han Lie exclaimed sincerely.

Sure enough, the effect of the patent order was immediate.

With that patent certificate, Li Laosi not only obtained a loan from the government, but also received a large order from the Ministry of Works for 500 bellows.

He immediately hired ten craftsmen and expanded the workshop.

To prevent technology leaks, he proactively applied to the Gewu Academy for confidentiality guidance and entrusted the manufacturing of core components to his most trusted apprentice.

Meanwhile, other craftsmen, stimulated by the "Li Laosi effect," have seen their enthusiasm for innovation soar to unprecedented heights.

Someone improved the blades of the waterwheel, increasing its efficiency by 20%.

Someone invented a new type of oil press that yields a higher oil output;

Someone improved the formula for tanning leather, making the leather softer and more durable;

One old farmer even figured out a new composting method and applied for a patent...

There are long queues every day at the entrance of the Patent Office of the Gewu Institute.

While some of these applications were outlandish or even absurd, many more were practical inventions that sparkled with ingenuity.

Xiao Chen specifically ordered the establishment of a patent exhibition hall within the Gewu Academy, where patented invention models and drawings would be publicly displayed for people to observe, learn from, and be inspired.

At the same time, a patent bounty list was established, funded by the government and businesses, to offer rewards for solving specific technical problems, such as "a more efficient spinning machine", "a sharper steel knife", and "a more labor-saving water-lifting tool".

The word "patent" is like a spark that ignites the creative fire in the hearts of the craftsmen of Hanyuan.

They no longer worried that their apprentices would starve to death, nor were they afraid of being copied. Instead, they competed to study and innovate.

In just a few months, new tools, new processes, and new products have emerged one after another in Hanyuan's workshop.

Production efficiency is constantly improving, product quality is constantly being upgraded, and costs are constantly decreasing.

"Your Highness," the blacksmith reported excitedly, "since the patent decree was implemented, the craftsmen have been working with even more enthusiasm and have come up with more ideas. Another craftsman has proposed an improvement to our water-powered forging hammer, which could increase efficiency by another 30%!"

"good!"

Xiao Chen nodded. "Send out the order: for any major invention, in addition to patents, bestow titles, land, and houses upon them. I want the world to know that in Hanyuan, even craftsmen can be ennobled and appointed to high positions!"

The initial implementation of patents not only protected the interests of artisans but also unleashed enormous productivity.

The Cold Abyss is rapidly transforming from a place of manufacture into a place of creation.

This intangible wealth of wisdom will become Han Yuan's sharpest weapon in his future struggle to dominate the world.