Kingdombuilding: All My Inventions Are Novelty

The newspaper was passed around among the crowd.

Simon explained. "What you hold in your hands is a newspaper. The role of a newspaper delivery boy is to deliver these newspapers to various towns and counties and read them aloud to the people. This task is simple but also very important. After reading the newspaper, you will also be responsible for gathering the grievances of the people and reporting them back to Brambleford."

The scholars nodded in agreement. At this moment, Harry spoke up. "Your Highness, isn’t the role of a newspaper delivery boy somewhat similar to that of a censor?"

"Indeed, it is somewhat similar to a censor. However, the grievances you report will be published in the newspaper, and the officials will then respond with solutions, which will also be published. This way, the voices of the people can be heard by everyone, from top to bottom." Simon said, giving Harry an appreciative look.

The scholars were astonished. Prince Simon’s deep concern for the hardships of the common people left them deeply moved.

Some of the scholars said. "Your Highness is diligent in governance and cares for the people. We should do our part to assist you."

"Yes, I am willing to take on this role as a newspaper delivery boy."

"Exactly, there’s no shame in this. Studying the classics is ultimately for the sake of the people."

"..."

The scholars in the command headquarters were filled with enthusiasm. Baldwin and Simon exchanged satisfied glances. In truth, both the common people and these scholars had a sense of fairness in their hearts.

In the past, they might have been more cautious, but now, with the prince’s various reforms, they had seen the results firsthand.

However, not all the scholars were enthusiastic. Some remained silent, seemingly uninterested in the role of a newspaper delivery boy.

A few even showed signs of impatience, as if they were waiting for something else.

Simon noticed their expressions and sneered inwardly. He knew these people were aiming for the Chief Secretary position in the military. But the more they desired it, the less likely he was to give it to them.

These individuals were indifferent to the plight of the common people and would not sympathize with soldiers who came from humble backgrounds. Even if they joined the military, they would act like arrogant officials. Simon had no use for such people.

Throughout history, those who won the hearts of the people ruled the world. Every one of Simon’s reforms was aimed at winning over the people. Bringing these individuals into his ranks would only undermine his efforts.

Moreover, these impatient scholars were all well-fed and well-dressed, clearly coming from wealthy families, whether large or small.

After a moment of contemplation, Simon said. "Those who wish to apply for the role of newspaper delivery boy, please stay. The rest may leave."

"Leave? Your Highness, the notice clearly stated that there are also positions for Chief Secretaries." One scholar protested.

Baldwin snorted coldly. "What His Highness says goes. When did it become your place to make a scene here? Out!"

The scholar’s face turned pale. He flicked his sleeve in anger and stormed out, followed by several others.

After a while, looking at the hundred or so people remaining in the hall, Simon finally said. "Congratulations, all of you. You may now choose between the roles of Chief Secretary or newspaper delivery boy. However, for the Chief Secretary position, you must pass Chief Secretary Baldwin’s examination. As for the newspaper delivery boys, you can register now and start reporting daily. The pay is one cap of silver per month."

The scholars were stunned, then overjoyed. Many secretly congratulated themselves for not leaving.

"Next, I will examine each of you. Those who pass will be assigned to the Oxford Academy as students for a period of time. After passing the exams, you may enter the military." Baldwin said.

The scholars immediately lined up, waiting to be tested.

At this moment, Harry quietly stepped forward and said to Simon. "Your Highness, this commoner is too old and will not apply for the Chief Secretary position. However, Your Highness’s words just now have deeply moved me."

"An old steed in the stable still yearns to gallop a thousand miles. There’s no need for you to belittle yourself." Simon said.

Harry replied. "Your Highness, this commoner has been taking the imperial exams since the age of fifteen and has achieved nothing to this day. Comparing me to a renowned scholar is too generous. I know my limitations and will be content as a newspaper delivery boy."

"In that case, I won’t force you. As the saying goes, a melon won’t be sweet if it’s twisted off the vine." Simon said. Harry was indeed too old, and without genuine interest, he wouldn’t be able to fulfil the role of Chief Secretary.

However, in Simon’s view, Harry’s age and experience as a scholar made him well-suited for the newspaper office he was about to establish.

After a pause, Simon said. "If you’re willing, could you write about what you observe among the people? If it’s good, it could be published in the newspaper."

"Of course." Harry said.

Simon nodded. He wasn’t entirely sure of Harry’s abilities, so he wanted to test him.

In truth, Simon didn’t place much stock in those selected through the imperial exams. In any era, there were always those with unconventional talents.

With the positions of Chief Secretary and newspaper delivery boy settled, Simon accelerated the establishment of the newspaper office, paper-making workshop, and printing workshop.

As soon as the buildings in the industrial district were completed, he assigned craftsmen to begin production.

He also selected a location for the newspaper office, temporarily placing it within the Oxford Academy.

Just as Simon was settling into his seat in the command headquarters, a commotion erupted outside. Lancelot walked in, laughing heartily. As he entered, he said. "My Lord, I heard the steel workshop has produced a lot of armour. Could I take a look?"

"Hmph, Bjorn told you, didn’t he? That man can’t keep his mouth shut." Simon said.

Lancelot chuckled. "My Lord, you can’t blame him. I cornered him and scared him a bit, and that’s when he spilt the beans."

"I figured as much. Fine, since you’re here, let’s go take a look." Simon said, also feeling a sense of anticipation.

Since the steel workshop had expanded and had sufficient manpower, the production of plate armour had begun. Moreover, it was being produced on a large-scale using assembly-line methods. A daily output of one hundred sets of plate armour was guaranteed.

Of course, given the backward production conditions, there were still limitations.

When they arrived at the steel workshop, they saw rows of assembled plate armour, gleaming with a silvery-white sheen.

From the helmets to the breastplates, arm guards, and leg guards, each set formed a complete human figure.

This was the advantage of plate armour, it was not only flexible but also provided comprehensive protection, leaving almost no weak points. Combined with the high-quality steel produced by the steel workshop and the repeated hammering of the forging process, the quality of the plate armour was excellent.

"My Lord, this one must be mine, right?" Lancelot pointed to a particularly large set of plate armour.

The successfully forged plate armour stood like rows of terracotta warriors. Simon followed Lancelot’s finger and saw a set of plate armour that was both larger in size and thicker than the others.

"That’s right, this one is for Captain Lancelot," Bjorn said with a smile.

The cold metallic sheen of the plate armour caught Lancelot’s eye. He gazed at it as if it were a lover and strode over. "My Lord, may I try it on?"

Simon nodded and instructed the craftsmen to help Lancelot put on the plate armour. After all, this was Lancelot’s first-time encountering plate armour.