Hindering the March of Progress

Berlin Energy Power Company.

Ernst returned to Berlin. After all, the military academy could still operate without him; he had reviewed and participated in editing the textbooks himself. As long as the teachers followed the curriculum, there wouldn't be any major issues.

As for the Berlin Energy Power Company, he needed to see things for himself. Ernst had received news that the four-stroke engine had achieved a significant breakthrough, and the first prototype had been built.

It was now waiting in the laboratory for Ernst's approval. The object before him, slightly large and crude in its construction, was the world's first four-stroke engine.

"Start it up and let's see!" Ernst ordered his subordinates.

After the staff added gasoline, they took a crank from the workbench. Taking a deep breath and planting their feet firmly, they began to turn the crank with some effort. As the flywheel spun, it picked up speed.

"Vroom, vroom..."

A large plume of black smoke billowed from the chimney. With the reciprocating motion of the piston, the massive flywheel began to turn, driven by the shaft and gears.

The entire room was filled with deafening noise, but to Ernst, it sounded incredibly melodious.

Lenoir and his young assistant, Benz, also wore satisfied smiles. This was undoubtedly a groundbreaking invention that would change mechanical power and be recorded in history.

After leaving the laboratory, Ernst spoke with the technical staff. "I'm very pleased with your success. This is a great invention that will change history. Your bonuses this month will be doubled, and once we begin mass production, all staff will share twenty percent of the technical profits based on their contributions."

After offering what he considered a generous concession, Ernst continued, "I am very satisfied with this prototype, but this initial machine is still too bulky. You need to improve it further, do your best to correct the precision of the core components, and reduce its size to adapt it for use in smaller machinery."

This was preparation for seizing the automobile market in the future. The steam engines and internal combustion engines currently on the market were mostly used in large machinery for factories and ships, so the size requirements were not as stringent.

"No problem, boss," Lenoir said confidently. Ever since Ernst had found him, with ample funding and facilities, many ideas that were previously impossible could now be realized.

Moreover, that young man named Benz was also excellent. Although he had just graduated, his abilities were outstanding. He often came up with different ideas to complement Lenoir's shortcomings and possessed strong practical skills.

Furthermore, most of the other employees in the company had received a good education, and they could understand and implement Lenoir's ideas effectively.

As the general manager of Berlin Power Company, Lenoir was more interested in research. However, with assistance from people Ernst had transferred from the Hohenzollern Bank to handle the company's specific affairs, Lenoir could dedicate more time to research and development.

Under the influence of these factors, Lenoir was confident in accelerating the work progress.

"As for product production, you don't need to rush. I plan to implement it in about seventy years," Ernst continued.

"Boss, isn't that a bit late? I think if we just refine a few details, this engine could dominate the market right now," Lenoir asked, puzzled.

Ernst knew that the sooner production began, the sooner profits would come. However, the four-stroke engine had too great an impact on history. Historically, Otto wouldn't introduce the first four-stroke engine until 1876, and it was only 1865 now.

As a transmigrator, Ernst's greatest advantage was his knowledge of historical development. If history changed too drastically, his advantage would be lost.

The four-stroke engine was directly related to numerous industries, starting with automobiles. What if it caused history to become unrecognizable by appearing too early? Although Ernst had already altered history, it seemed that the course of history had not been significantly affected by him so far. Therefore, Ernst intended to maintain the historical trajectory.

Even with this four-stroke engine, Ernst planned for its debut in five years, which was still six years earlier than in history.

So, Ernst had to be cautious. If history truly changed, it would be better to delay it by a few years. However, Ernst's hidden intentions would naturally not be revealed to others. He said, "Mr. Lenoir, this is actually the company's strategy. Our market research found that although the four-stroke engine improves efficiency, the steam engines and two-stroke engines currently on the market are perfectly adequate."

Ernst continued, "I am very optimistic about the future of the four-stroke engine, so I want to maximize profits and lay the groundwork for related industries. Therefore, I don't want such a great invention to be released prematurely."

To appease his employees, Ernst added, "Don't worry, we already hold the patent, so no one can take it away. The market share we deserve will still be ours in the future. We are only temporarily delaying this machine's impact on the market to better position ourselves for the future."

Lenoir and the others "understood" Ernst's thinking – playing the long game for bigger rewards. However, they cautiously asked, "Boss, what if someone else invents the four-stroke engine as well?"

Ernst replied, "Don't worry. Even if someone develops it, our product will be more refined and advanced. Plus, with the patent as an insurance policy, there will be no competitors in the market."

To completely reassure everyone, Ernst put on a serious expression and said, "Actually, the biggest reason we are delaying the release of the four-stroke engine is to develop products that can change the world even more. I've always had an idea to change people's modes of transportation with something very small yet much more powerful."

Ernst continued, "The emergence of the four-stroke engine is such an opportunity. In the future, we can install these engines on horse-drawn carriages. Since the power source is gasoline, let's tentatively call it an 'automobile'! Think about it, the appearance of the automobile would undoubtedly be another epoch-making invention."

"Of course, I'm only telling you this. Today's discussion will be subject to a non-disclosure agreement, as it concerns the company's future development strategy. You must all keep this strictly confidential," Ernst emphasized.

On July 13, 1865, the world's first four-stroke engine was invented. This information was later declassified in the archives of the Hohenzollern Conglomerate, leading some in later generations to claim that Ernst hindered the progress of the era.

If the four-stroke engine had appeared on the market earlier, it would have undoubtedly changed the times, and the technological explosion of the Second Industrial Revolution would have been even more intense.

Some sensationalist media in later generations even published headlines like: "Shocking! This Man is the Biggest Mastermind Preventing Humanity from Reaching Mars and Entering the Interstellar Age Prematurely..."

Of course, these were all matters of the future, and Ernst would not hear these fierce criticisms.