Chapter 98: First Step of the Industrial Revolution

Not long after, they arrived at the makeshift textile workshop.

Inside the workshop, dozens of spinning machines ran at high speed, emitting a noisy, harsh sound, like a tense movement.

The textile workers wore focused expressions, eyes fixed on the machines in their hands, hands flying back and forth on the equipment, trying to increase production speed, yet the output of cloth remained limited, unable to meet people's demand.

Liu Ju walked slowly into the workshop, gazing closely at the operation of each spinning machine.

He could clearly feel that although the workers were skilled in operation, due to limitations in the spinning machine's structure, each spinning action was relatively cumbersome, consuming much time and effort.

He crouched down, closely observing the parts of the spinning machine, his fingers lightly touching the wooden gears and axles, feeling their texture, listening to their rhythm of operation.

Suddenly, he keenly noticed that a certain part of one spinning machine seemed slightly loose, causing the machine to hesitate slightly when running.

Liu Ju gestured for the workers to stop the machine, then stepped forward himself to inspect it.

"This part is not tightly connected, which will affect overall efficiency."

"Besides, I think the design of this spinning machine still has great room for improvement," he said while checking.

Li Yan patiently explained beside him, "Your Majesty, these spinning machines are the best we can currently find, and the workers are already doing their utmost. However, faced with such enormous demand for clothing, they are still far from enough."

Liu Ju did not respond immediately, his eyes fixed on the spinning machine, his mind constantly pondering.

The knowledge of advanced spinning technology he had encountered in modern times surged like a tide in his mind.

He tried to combine this knowledge with the spinning machine before him, seeking ways to increase production efficiency.

"If we could increase the number of spindles on the spinning machine and simplify the operating procedure, perhaps we could improve efficiency."

Liu Ju muttered to himself, excitement flashing in his eyes.

Liu Xijun and Li Yan looked at Liu Ju; although they didn't fully understand what he said, they sensed a glimmer of hope from his expression.

"Your Majesty, have you thought of a solution?" Li Yan asked, full of anticipation, her eyes glistening like water.

At that moment, Liu Ju envisioned the spinning machine before him and the bustling scene of hundreds of workers, and suddenly a grand picture arose in his mind.

He seemed to see, by the banks of the Yellow River, a massive textile factory rising up, towering into the clouds.

Inside the factory, thousands of spinning machines were neatly arranged, stretching as far as the eye could see, like a forest of steel.

The workers operating the spinning machines wore uniform work clothes, busily and skillfully at their stations, their movements agile and orderly.

White cotton fluff fluttered between the machines, light as winter snowflakes, eventually forming rolls of high-quality, brightly colored cloth.

"It's the Spinning Jenny, exactly that!"

"The thing that had been echoing deep in his mind all along is it—it is the key to resolving this crisis and also the key to launching the Industrial Revolution!"

Liu Ju suppressed his excitement, nodded slightly, and said, "I have some ideas, but I still need further research and trial. Summon all the artisans of the Ministry of Works; I want to discuss with them plans to improve the spinning machine."

Soon, a group of artisans hurried to the textile workshop. Liu Ju explained his ideas in detail, then, in accordance with the image in his memory, had Li Yan draw a simple sketch.

After looking at it, the artisans' eyes showed surprise and admiration.

"Your Majesty's idea is truly bold and novel; although implementing it may encounter some difficulties, it is not impossible," said an elderly artisan.

Liu Ju encouraged, "Don't have reservations; just give it a try. The people urgently need clothing now, so we must seize every moment. No matter what difficulties arise, we must hold firm to our convictions and overcome them."

Under Liu Ju's leadership, the artisans began to engage in heated discussion and research around the spinning machine.

They quickly set up a temporary workbench in the workshop, began drafting drawings, and meticulously designed every detail.

They tried replacing parts, making various modifications and tests on the spinning machine, leaving no opportunity to improve efficiency unexplored.

Liu Ju and Li Yan also personally participated, discussing technical problems with the artisans and offering their own views and suggestions.

Throughout the process, Liu Ju continually recalled the details of modern spinning technology, explaining those complex mechanical principles to the artisans in plain language.

The artisans, relying on their superb skills and rich experience, attentively listened to Liu Ju's explanations, gradually turning his ideas into practical operation.

After seven days, thanks to everyone's joint effort, a prototype of the improved spinning machine gradually took shape before their eyes.

"Your Majesty, will this really work?"

Li Yan asked somewhat anxiously, her face showing tension, but the hands that understood the female workers trembled, revealing her inner excitement.

Liu Ju looked at the spinning machine that embodied everyone's effort and said firmly, "We'll know if we try."

"Can I try?"

Li Yan volunteered eagerly, her pretty face tense as she looked at Liu Ju, her eyes full of anticipation.

"Good!" Liu Ju nodded.

Upon hearing that, Li Yan carefully took her seat at the workstation; her movements went from clumsy to skilled. As she operated, the spinning machine sprang into swift action, her handling grew smoother, and the output speed of cloth noticeably increased.

Seeing this, everyone cheered excitedly.

"Success! Your Majesty, it really succeeded!"

Li Yan said excitedly, tears glistening in her eyes, her voice echoing in the workshop.

Liu Ju watched the spinning machine run swiftly; the great weight in his heart finally settled.

His face showed a relieved smile as he said, "Immediately, according to this standard, mass-produce the new spinning machines. As soon as possible, produce enough clothing for the people."

His voice brimmed with joy and determination; in this race against time, they had finally secured the crucial victory.

"I have decided—let this spinning machine be called the Yellow River Spinning Machine!"

Liu Ju then spoke again, excitedly.

"Yellow River Spinning Machine!" the crowd responded in unison, their voices loud.

"Good." Liu Ju looked satisfied at everyone.

"Your Majesty, you are wise!"

The people were encouraged, full of vigor.

Not long after, batch after batch of brand-new Yellow River Spinning Machines were produced and quickly put into the tense production.

The once somewhat empty workshop now filled with neatly arranged spinning machines, running at high speed, their humming sounds intertwining like a hopeful melody, urging people to move forward.

The textile workers stood guard day and night, skillfully operating these marvelous machines, their faces beaming with pride and joy.

Roll after roll of fresh cloth poured continuously from the machines, filling the workshop's warehouse like a treasure trove of wealth awaiting distribution.

As the Yellow River textile mill ran at full tilt, the disaster‑area residents soon had enough clothing; when the first batch of brand‑new garments was handed to the victims, the whole disaster area erupted.

The elderly trembled as they took the clothes with both hands, their eyes filled with grateful tears, and they kept murmuring.

"Your Majesty truly is our great benefactor, sending us clothes so quickly that we no longer have to suffer the cold."

The children excitedly put on their new clothes and played happily on the open ground of the temporary resettlement point, their rosy little faces beaming with happy smiles.

The women who had once frowned from lack of clothing and food now showed long‑absent smiles; they examined each other's new clothes, their eyes glimmering with hope for life, and their gratitude toward Liu Ju overflowed.

"If it weren't for Your Majesty, we really wouldn't know how to get through this winter."

A middle‑aged woman pulled her child close, tears hot in her eyes as she said, 'This clothing is warm and lovely; Your Majesty has always held us common folk in your heart!'

"Yes, Your Majesty not only saved our lives but also thought of keeping us warm and fed; we will surely repay your kindness."

Beside him, an uncle also chimed in, his eyes full of resolve.

The appearance of the textile mill finally let the disaster‑area populace don new clothes, sweeping away the gloom of the past.

This is not merely a simple piece of clothing; it lets people feel warmth and hope, and fills them with confidence for the future.