Adjusting wages
"Setting up factories is still necessary. Although we can buy directly from here and take it over, it still reduces the number of jobs available for people to make a living."
Fang Weiyan looked at the list and began preparing some work.
"However, when it comes to setting up a factory, the first thing that comes to mind is various production lines. But these production lines require electricity, and to do that, you need a very sophisticated infrastructure."
"Let's bring some basic equipment over first."
Fang Weiyan thought about it and decided that the lathes and other equipment on the production line could be temporarily abandoned.
One issue is the need for complete supporting facilities, which is not something that can be easily arranged. Another issue is that Fang Weiyan feels it's necessary to keep a low profile for now.
If the Emperor Kaide finds out about this grand undertaking, who knows what he might think?
In addition, Fang Weiyan was somewhat worried about the factions in Yanhuai City that he hadn't yet figured out, fearing they might be plotting something.
Especially today, someone actually brought the Dragon King's child into the city and started killing. If it weren't for the fact that he happened to have some spirit medicine given to Emperor Kaide, and that someone happened to report it to the authorities.
This matter is unlikely to be resolved amicably today.
That said, Fang Weiyan koi fish played a part in turning the situation around today.
Thinking about what had happened today, Fang Weiyan shook his head again and began to plan what would happen next.
If the factory doesn't need these machines, then for now, let's use something like a spinning top.
Additionally, some paper mills or similar factories could be built to allow some workers to familiarize themselves with these simple machines.
When we start introducing larger machines later, it will be easy to get started.
However, by then, we'll still need to buy some generators.
Leaving aside hydropower, wind power alone requires large wind turbine units costing several million dollars, and a power grid also needs to be established.
This is still quite difficult for Fang Weiyan right now, so it's best to put it aside for the time being.
Let's start with the basics.
In addition, we should order some primers for the children of Jiangling Commandery to learn from; these foundational skills need to be cultivated now.
They can become my right and left hands in the future.
If possible, instill a sense of loyalty in these children to prevent them from betraying him in the future.
After recording most of the events, Fang Weiyan returned to Jiangling Commandery.
Jiangling Commandery.
After Fang Weiyan returned, he summoned the carpenters and handed them the blueprints he had brought, instructing them to manufacture the machines depicted on them.
Fang Weiyan could have simply found a way to buy it from Earth.
But after thinking about it, it wouldn't be difficult for carpenters to make this.
Upon seeing the blueprints, the carpenters, without needing Fang Weiyan to say anything more, immediately agreed to work on them, indicating that they could make them.
Seeing this, Fang Weiyan waved his hand and told them to do it.
Then, Fang Weiyan summoned several junior clerks who were in charge of accounting.
Fang Weiyan wanted to increase the income of the people.
Based on the previous salary, the average daily amount was 1.5 catties of grain, and one tael of silver could buy 200 catties of refined rice.
If you calculate it this way, even if people work for a whole year, their annual income wouldn't be more than two taels of silver.
If we increase people's income, they will have more money and will want to spend it. This demand will stimulate the economy.
Then the produced goods can be sold.
The factory needs people because it has needs.
This is a virtuous cycle.
"My lord, by how much of a salary increase would you like?"
The junior officials who came over exchanged glances, seemingly taken aback for a moment, before suppressing their joy.
If the higher-ups intend to raise salaries, then shouldn't these lower-ranking officials also receive a slight raise?
Upon hearing this, Fang Weiyan pondered for a moment and asked, "How many people are currently on the payroll and receiving salaries?"
"My lord, does that include your subordinates?"
Upon hearing this, the minor official took out a booklet he carried with him, which was filled with names.
They used this name to distribute salaries.
"Yes, include them all."
Fang Weiyan nodded.
There were a total of 18,932 people.
Upon hearing this, the minor official immediately replied.
Upon hearing this, Fang Weiyan immediately began to calculate, "It's nearly 19,000."
He wanted to devise a plan that could increase people's income without making it unaffordable for him.
If we calculate based on 19,000 people, and each person consumes 10 jin of grain per day, then the monthly consumption would be approximately 5.7 million jin of grain.
The cost of buying rice was over ten million.
Wow, if the grain allowance is increased to ten catties per person, that'll cost over ten million a month?
At that price, Fang Weiyan would have to go straight to the casino and come back.
"No, we can distribute some grain and pay for the rest with silver. Having 130,000 taels of silver on hand is just right for spending."
Fang Weiyan did the math: one tael of silver could buy two hundred catties of grain, and in thirty days, a commoner could earn three hundred catties of grain.
That means you can earn a little over one or two taels a month.
If you calculate it that way, then this number is too high.
Fang Weiyan frowned. His men only earned 8 taels of silver and 1,600 catties of grain a year.
The fact that these people are now being given such high salaries inevitably leads to some controversy.
Ten catties of grain a day is not enough; three catties of grain a day would amount to 90 catties a month and 1080 catties a year, which is significantly less than what he had under his command.
So, 3 jin of grain is feasible.
Thinking of this, Fang Weiyan raised his head and said, "We'll calculate it as 3 jin of grain, with those who contribute more labor receiving 3 jin and 1 liang, and the farmers receiving 2 jin and 9 liang."
Upon hearing this, the minor official immediately began making changes, his face now beaming with joy.
For minor officials like them, who used to receive 1.2 jin of grain per day, this has now been increased to 2.5 jin of grain.
Anyone who receives a raise will inevitably feel some joy.
"Alright, go ahead."
Fang Weiyan saw that the clerk had finished making the changes, he waved for them to leave.
This current income is temporary. Once the infrastructure is improved and factories are operational, people's incomes will continue to increase.
When that time comes, Fang Weiyan can simply increase the salaries of the yamen runners.
After finishing these tasks, Fang Weiyan summoned the other craftsmen, mainly to discuss with them how Pingjiang City should be developed in the future.
Last time, Fang Weiyan only offered some minor suggestions, but he can't do that now. Fang Weiyan needs to pay attention to everything.