Chapter 123: The Great Bell Tower

The Great Clock Tower, stretching one hundred thirty-four blocks in length and seventy-seven blocks in height, was constructed primarily from wood and stone bricks, with minimal use of iron, gold, and redstone internally.

It was clear that upon completion, it would become the landmark building of the Block Kingdom.

The design blueprint had been provided by that mysterious pillar of light, as a reward for the Block Kingdom reaching a population of over one thousand citizens who identified with its consciousness.

The kingdom's construction team only needed to follow the steps outlined in this “Wonder Blueprint” to build it. Once completed, the Great Clock Tower would grant the kingdom a crafting recipe for the clock and a powerful buff that accelerated crop growth within its territory by 20%.

As Master Fu had said, a 20% increase in crop growth speed meant the kingdom’s agriculture could achieve “eight harvests in one week,” signaling a great leap forward in agricultural productivity.

“Your Majesty! A wonder to revitalize the nation!” Old Duan spoke up.

“Just as Master Fu said, the benefits of building this far outweigh the costs. I believe it should be completed as soon as possible...”

Block people were born architects; many constructions that seemed extraordinarily difficult to other creatures were simple for them. Old Duan had examined the design blueprint of the Great Clock Tower, and the construction materials were all within the kingdom’s capacity.

Only the redstone mechanism in the clock at the top was somewhat complex, but that could be entrusted to the researchers in the Science Department.

“Your Majesty, the Great Clock Tower is very important! Building it will deepen the Block Kingdom’s understanding of redstone!”

Fang Zhi focused solely on whether the Science Department could study the redstone clock within the tower.

“Moreover, the Great Clock Tower is very tall. Besides telling time, it can serve as a lookout tower and a place for leisure and entertainment. The benefits are immense!” Old Fu added.

“Your Majesty, a wonder to revitalize the nation!”

“Yes, indeed! A wonder to revitalize the nation!”

Senior officials in the conference room echoed the sentiment. The more buildings that provided positive buffs, the better.

“Agreed!”

Benefiting from the free gift from the pillar of light, Mo Fangyuan expressed his approval.

A true wonder equals national revitalization.

A false wonder equals resource depletion.

The conclusion: build more wonders!

“Your Majesty, the kingdom’s ‘Lighting Project’ is still underway. The Construction Department’s main focus remains on replacing torches with lamps. We lack manpower and energy to take on such time-consuming and laborious wonders.”

The newly appointed Construction Minister raised his concerns.

“Minister Fang, rest assured. According to statistics from the Civil Affairs and Industrial Administration Departments, a significant number of new immigrants are currently unemployed. They can be assigned to the construction teams.”

Unemployed block people were referred to as free citizens, but to avoid division and conflict between free citizens and villagers, Mo Fangyuan had ordered the abolition of these two terms, requiring all citizens to identify simply as block people, minimizing social gaps.

The Industrial Administration Minister presented a report to the Construction Minister, speaking calmly.

“According to statistics, there are thirty-seven people without an occupation. You may select anyone from them to join the construction team...”

“No need to say more, I want them all!”

Given the current state of the Block Kingdom, no ruler would refuse additional labor.

“Then let’s settle this matter here. Fang Qiqi, your construction team has a heavy task. You must handle the challenges properly... I’m giving you three months to complete the final stages of the Great Clock Tower Project, the Lighting Project, and the School Project. All departments will cooperate with you. Don’t disappoint me!”

Mo Fangyuan knocked on the table, addressing the twin-tailed girl on the other side of the long conference table.

“Yes, Your Majesty! We guarantee to complete the tasks perfectly!”

Construction Minister Fang Qiqi responded.

“Very well, how are the recent work statuses of the other departments?”

The meeting had been called urgently, mainly to coordinate arrangements for the sudden task of the Great Clock Tower wonder. But since everyone was gathered, they decided to address other matters simultaneously to avoid another meeting.

“Your Majesty, the Agriculture Department is progressing smoothly. The number of reclaimed plots is increasing daily. Potato production remains stable at two large crates per day, wheat at one large crate, and other crops... will see significant improvement once the Great Clock Tower is completed.”

The Agriculture Minister reported, presenting a data sheet.

“Educational reform continues. We have completed the formulation of vocational textbooks and program designs... We will keep striving...”

Old Duan adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses.

Their most complex project was the development and revision of the mathematics curriculum. Just one system of linear equations nearly drove the staff to madness.

Mo Fangyuan himself had been overwhelmed by this, which explained his lifelong struggle with math. He felt powerless to improve it.

“Old Duan, don’t overwork yourself on this. Reform is a long-term plan; one must avoid rushing, lest it backfires.”

Mo Fangyuan expressed support and care for the noble cause of education and gave a speech on its future development, reminding educators that education is a century-long endeavor requiring careful and patient work. The entire team felt encouraged and highly affirmed the kingdom’s educational reforms.

“The iron golem technology has hit a bottleneck. We are working hard to find breakthroughs and believe we will discover solutions...”

The path ahead was long and arduous; technological research was also a prolonged process. Mo Fangyuan extended his sympathy to the Research Department.

“Your Majesty, the number of monsters spawning within the kingdom’s territory has increased dramatically. The Night Watchers’ workload is overwhelming, and they are struggling...”

After half a week of adjustment, the National Security Minister, Ali, reluctantly accepted the harsh reality of monthly injuries.

“Hmm... Your Majesty, I believe the Night Watchers need more warriors to defend the kingdom’s expanding borders...”

With the population surpassing one thousand, the nightly monster spawns soared.

Thirty Night Watchers could barely protect the outskirts; more combat units were needed.

“The kingdom currently faces a shortage of combat professionals and cannot spare more personnel for the National Security Department. However, we can provide iron golems...”

Mo Fangyuan asked Fang Zhi to discuss this with Ali.

“The experimental second-generation iron golems from the Iron Golem Factory are being produced at an accelerated pace. Soon, new second-generation iron golems will be assembled to support the National Security Department.”

“If necessary, we can provide over ten but fewer than twenty iron golems to assist the Night Watchers...”

Fang Zhi explained, combining the factory’s current production capacity and the stability of the second-generation models.

“Then, Old Fang, the iron golem production is in your hands...”