Chess Mage of Faerûn

Chapter 537 Cleaning Giant
As for others imitating it in the future...

If you prejudge tricycles as farm tools, which nobleman would be willing to lower himself to ride one?

To equip their own people?
Is it possible? If he really wanted to give it up, Zhang Yuan would have nothing to say.

However, the new vehicles cannot be distributed directly like this. Firstly, there is the issue of maintenance and repair, and secondly, there is the matter of fair rewards and punishments.

Overly favoring others and excessively displaying one's generosity and kindness is not the way to govern. While taking care of everything and giving plenty of benefits may earn gratitude in the short term, what about afterwards?

The idea of ​​a farm implement rental station had already come to Zhang Yuan's mind, but the most urgent task was to build the actual equipment first.

Given that the Keen craftsmen are currently focused on the power armor development project, the task was naturally handed over to the dwarven blacksmiths, who, with their appetites piqued, were overjoyed and patted their chests in assurance.

They are highly skilled and have accumulated relevant experience. Now they even have the construction drawings. If they can't build it, then in addition to their nickname "wine barrels," they can also be called "rice barrels."

The mage, having just shown off a little, waved away the dust and carefully drew the plan of the tricycle onto a parchment scroll, handing it to Storm. He then spent some time discussing and agreeing on the manufacturing process, cost, and scale with Storm, and before they knew it, it was afternoon.

In the northern winter, the days always seem short. Before dusk fell, Zhang Yuan hurried toward his last destination.

only…

"Oh! Master, you've come to see me!"

Before even reaching their destination, the monk saw his three sea siren sisters leading several female apprentices out of the soap workshop, seemingly about to finish work and go home.

Syl's eyesight was excellent; she spotted the lord approaching them from afar and immediately skipped over happily.

"It's been a while since I hugged you. Sigh, you've lost weight again."

Opening his arms, the monk embraced Xier, who was returning to her nest like a swallow, and whispered many gentle words in her ear.

Ignoring the chatter of their female companions and the occasional glances they stole, the two of them, after confiding their longing, also chatted about some trivial matters concerning the soap shop.

Considering the potential allure of the sirens' beautiful faces to the young men, the soap workshop was staffed entirely by young girls, making it a veritable little matriarchal society.

Although the girls from farming families didn't possess the inner beauty and elegance that some might have, and couldn't be compared to the former in terms of looks, they were nonetheless more lively and energetic. Their playful antics were quite endearing. In addition, the sea monsters themselves were of extraordinary origin, and they soon became a close-knit group. The atmosphere in the soap shop was less structured and more harmonious than in other places.

Of course, unlike her two younger sisters who are carefree, Xier, as the older sister, knows what's important. She may joke around sometimes, but if any of the girls dare to delay production or study, the eldest sister can be quite stern and authoritative.

Although right now, Syl looks like a soft girl snuggling in her master's arms, don't forget that she used to be a local tyrant on Sword Coast, a tiger-like figure.

The kitten that the Giant in Teamfight Tactics pets is like a tiger to an ordinary person.

"Hey, I heard the tasks at the blacksmith's shop have become much easier, so why are we getting more and more tasks?"

While seemingly complaining, Sir was actually taking credit. As the White Tower Merchant Guild's trade has grown to its current state, everyone has discovered that the soap, which was initially the most inconspicuous and had the lowest profit margin, is actually the most resilient product.

Half a year has passed, and the blue ocean market that once belonged to watches and bicycles has turned red, with all kinds of big players entering the market. Although there is still room for profit, it is no longer the one-sided market where you can make money lying down.

Thanks to the presence of Zhang Yuan, a prescient time traveler, the White Pagoda Chamber of Commerce decided to adjust and transform its business model from the very beginning, pursuing a high-end strategy. Subsequent market feedback proved the success of this decision. Relying on its first-mover advantage and the continuous introduction of new styles, functions, and unique architecture, the White Pagoda Clock Surface maintained its premium advantage over later competitors, becoming a distinctive brand.

Other competitors also considered innovating, but they went down the wrong path from the very beginning.

There are all sorts of watches, from those with built-in stealth detection to those with shield functions, and even those that can launch magic missiles.

It seems they're using their watches as amulets.

However, this design went astray from the start. It was fine without comparison, but once it was confronted with avant-garde concepts from another world, it was a complete disaster.

All those fancy features combined don't even come close to the luminous and calendar functions of the White Tower watch.

By the time competitors finally realized what was happening and rushed to imitate them, it was already too late.

Only those who take the lead can set the trend and control the direction; the rest can only follow in their footsteps and imitate others.

However, focusing on the high-end market inevitably results in a limited customer base. Besides, how can a leek that has already been harvested once grow back to maturity so quickly?

Ultimately, this is reflected in the revenue data as high interest rates and relatively low total turnover.

The same principle applies to bicycles. Despite the introduction of mountain bikes and derailleurs, they still cannot resist the trends of the overall market environment, and their profitability is far from ideal.

Having anticipated this, Zhang Yuan was in no hurry and treated it as a way to cultivate the market brand.

To harvest chives, you need not only a sharp sickle, but also plump chives and a healthy body.

The White Pagoda Merchants Association, which got the first taste of success, was already the object of envy. If they really went all out and didn't care about manners, someone might come and teach them a lesson.

Right now, they're only taking precautions because of their powerful backers, so they dare to do some underhanded things. When it comes to getting serious, they won't be foolish enough to confront a powerful mage lord head-on, but taking down your affiliated merchant guild won't be difficult.

As for the subsequent impact, it's simply a matter of weighing the costs and benefits. Can a mere Highcliff Lord really turn the entire Waterdeep City upside down?

Given all these concerns, even the flamboyant Master Zhang temporarily held back, thinking, "There's plenty of time, let's see how things go!"
In contrast, soaps, which weren't particularly eye-catching or impressive when they first appeared on the market, have steadily grown and become stronger, quietly filling and occupying the mid-range market for bath products.

They didn't even feel much resistance, and there wasn't a single one they could fight. If they were really arrogant, they could make a bar of soap into the shape of a stamp and engrave two words: Invincible!

The problem is that this product's positioning really hit the sweet spot for the middle-class elites in Ferren.

High-end potions, like refreshing medicines, are something even ordinary nobles and wealthy merchants wouldn't dare use frequently; as for low-end ones…

Hey, you see that Wudong River? It's so wide and long. Why don't you grab a handful of leaves from the bank, jump in, and scrub them a couple of times?

At most, they are some plants with similar properties to soapberry, and their effects are better than nothing.

In this situation, the sudden appearance of a high-quality, inexpensive product with immediate effects is bound to be very attractive to this group.

Thank you to SiDa, B4464, ShuJiWuMing2, Alukard, and YunSeYe for your monthly ticket support!
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(End of this chapter)