Chapter 30: Major Reform (1)
Chapter 30: Major Reform (1)
When Marcus suddenly proposed they work together, Vitruvius looked at him with confusion and tilted his head.
“What kind of work are you talking about? Ah, do you mean you want to offer me a job?”
“No, it’s more than just a job. I want you to join me.”
“Excuse me?”
“I will provide you with an environment where you can fully utilize your talents and skills. You’ll have the freedom to pursue any research you want. The only condition is that you must share your findings with me and keep any details of my projects confidential.”
Vitruvius pondered Marcus's proposal, looking serious. Marcus added a few more details.
“This is a mutually beneficial arrangement. I gain a skilled technician, and you get the chance to conduct your research without financial worries for the rest of your life. Plus, you’ll be handsomely paid for your work. In other words, I want you to become my exclusive technician.”
Vitruvius was not just any architect but a highly skilled technician. He was proficient not only in architecture but also in military equipment, clocks, astronomy, civil engineering tools, and canals.
Marcus secretly hoped Vitruvius would accept the offer.
“If he refuses, I’ll have to spend more money to get him. I hope he says yes.”
Vitruvius hesitated for a moment before speaking cautiously.
“It’s every technician’s dream to research without financial constraints, but this seems too good to be true. Why are you making such an offer to me? May I ask why?”
“I highly value your talent. Consider it an investment. While there are many skilled technicians, it would cost much more time and money to hire them.”
“I see. But you only just met me today. How can you be so sure of my talent?”
“Tsk tsk, do you think I rely solely on my own observations? I conducted a thorough investigation before approaching you.”
Vitruvius felt increasingly tempted by Marcus's confident persuasion. He was moved by the recognition of his talent and the offer of such favorable terms.
“Are you really saying I can conduct any research I wish?”
“Absolutely. Just submit a proposal for any research you want to undertake, and I’ll approve it. Also, it would be beneficial if you could work on some projects I assign. All of this will be formalized in a contract, so you can trust me.”
“Can you also help me obtain the books I need?”
“Certainly. If you need a book, I’ll find it for you immediately. If you need someone, I’ll bring them to you as well.”
Books were very expensive at this time, often scrolls on costly papyrus. They weren’t readily available to anyone unless they were wealthy.
Vitruvius realized this was a rare opportunity and decided to accept Marcus’s offer.
He bowed politely and responded, “I accept your offer, sir. I may have shortcomings, but I will do my best to meet your expectations.”
“Good. You won’t regret this. First, I’ll arrange a space for you to conduct your research comfortably. This area is too crowded for you to work properly. I’ll send someone to help you move.”
“Yes, thank you very much.”
“Oh, and one more thing.”
Marcus seemed to remember something important and continued quickly.
“Can you recommend any skilled technicians you know? I’m looking for talented individuals, especially in ironwork or those who can develop products for women, such as jewelry or cosmetics.”
“Don’t you already have many craftsmen?”
“There are plenty who can make things, but I need someone who can advance these skills to the next level.”
Technicians often had connections with other experts in their field. Marcus wanted to leverage Vitruvius’s connections to find the best talent.
“Do you have any specific expertise in mind?”
“First, I urgently need someone for ironwork, but any field is fine. Also, if possible, someone who can develop products for women, like jewelry or cosmetics.”
“There’s a skilled ironworker named Cletus and a jeweler named Sergius.”
“Great. Can you introduce them to me? The more skilled technicians, the better.”
Marcus nodded in satisfaction. He then turned to Danae, who was standing behind him.
“Learn a lot from Sergius when he arrives. I’ve mentioned before that I plan to entrust this business to you later. Start developing your expertise in high-end jewelry and cosmetics now.”
“Yes, I will do my best.”
Danae’s face showed determination as if she was committing to the task.
Marcus smiled and patted her shoulder.
“Don’t overdo it, just work hard.”
Having accomplished his goals, Marcus left Subura in good spirits. He instructed Septimus to set up a suitable workspace for the technicians and then proceeded to his next destination.
To achieve results, the foundation must first be well-prepared. Marcus’s major operation to establish the business had just begun.
The place Marcus headed to next was his mansion. He returned home and immediately sought out Crassus.
Crassus, busy with work, greeted his son as soon as he heard Marcus had arrived.
“Oh, what brings you here? You said you’d be busy for a while.”
“Yes, I’m here for business. I need to discuss something with you.”
“If it’s a request, I’m all ears. What do you need?”
Crassus anticipated accepting whatever Marcus would propose, ready for anything his son might say.
Marcus spoke without hesitation.
“I need full authority to train and supervise the staff of the business.”
“Even though you’re already doing most of the work, do you need more authority?”
“Yes. I plan to overhaul the basic structure of the business, and I need your clear permission to implement these changes.”
“I’m not quite sure what you mean by changing the structure.”
“In simple terms, I want to update everything from our numbering system to how we record accounting books. I’ll introduce a much more efficient and advanced method. It might be challenging at first, but its value will become apparent.”
Marcus intended to introduce Arabic numerals and basic accounting knowledge to the business. These numerals, though common today, were revolutionary in the past, greatly enhancing mathematical convenience.
He planned to apply these changes only to his business for now, as it was too early to implement them throughout Rome.
Marcus’s knowledge in management and economics from his previous life enabled him to teach advanced concepts, though he would only introduce basic accounting principles and cost accounting.
Crassus listened to Marcus’s explanation and made a decision more quickly than expected.
“Have you ever been wrong about anything you’ve done so far? I believe you even if you say you can make wheat from air.”
Considering modern agricultural advancements, that wasn’t entirely far-fetched, but Marcus simply bowed his head in thanks.
“Thank you. I’ll deliver results as soon as possible.”
“Good. I trust you, but I need to see results within three years. After that, you’ll have full autonomy.”
“Three years is too long. I’ll show you results within one year.”
Crassus smiled at Marcus’s confident response.
Given that Crassus would be less involved in the business once his term as praetor began, Marcus would effectively lead the business. Crassus felt reassured rather than anxious.
Marcus immediately started training staff, who adapted quickly to the new Arabic numerals. The improved accounting methods were well received, with staff expressing their enthusiasm for the new system.
The efficiency of the new system proved as effective as Marcus had predicted. He also signed contracts with all the technicians Vitruvius recommended, provided them with workspaces and living arrangements, and assigned research topics.
He gave Cletus a crucial task: “I don’t care how much time or money it takes, but make a larger furnace and a new type of bellows that can blow stronger air into it.”
Marcus knew that the core idea was essential for technological development. Skilled technicians like Cletus could refine it once the concept was established.
Vitruvius, who specialized in military equipment, agreed to create a prototype within a month.
Everything was progressing smoothly for Marcus.
But the year 70 BC, when Pompey and Crassus began their terms, brought a significant shock to Rome.
On his first day as praetor, Pompey made a startling announcement.
“We must restore the rights of the oppressed people. The rights of the people come from the law of the assembly. I will revive the Hortensian Law that guarantees the legislative power of the assembly!”
The announcement caused an uproar in both the assembly and the senate.
Thus began the tumultuous year of 70 BC, with history twisting and turning with great turbulence.