Chapter 212 The Master of the Principality
"Mr. Colin!"
At Baron Gus's manor, Luo Yan, who was drinking tea, had just sent away the resentful Baroness, and the owner of the manor rushed over in a hurry.
"What happened again, Mr. Gus." Although he roughly guessed the whole story, Luo Yan still asked.
As expected.
As the face full of surprise burst into the tea room, the noisy voice also rushed in.
“Good news, great news! Your company’s stock price has risen again, hahaha! And it has doubled 20 times in one day! My servant sent me a letter, saying that the citizens of Thunder City have gone crazy, and they have bought each share at a price of 2 0 gold coins! Holy Sith, this is too crazy, you can’t make those pieces of paper more expensive than diamonds!”
Looking at Baron Gus’s exaggerated expression and body language, Luo Yan couldn’t help but smile and put down the teacup in his hand.
"I don't really care about that kind of thing... However, I'm glad that I can bring you a good mood today."
"Haha, I'm really in a good mood now!" Baron Gus's face was flushed with excitement and his breathing was rapid, as if he had run a long lap.
The servant next to him looked at him nervously, fearing that the master would faint before he could catch his breath.
Luo Yan looked at the baron in front of him with a smile, as if he was watching a funny comedy. At the same time, the power of his faith also grew silently in the flattery of unstinting praise.
Surprising.
This guy who has neglected training and has not even awakened his extraordinary power has a soul level of silver!
What a waste.
At this moment, a majestic voice suddenly came from outside the door.
"Baron Gus, tell me what good thing makes you so happy, and it will make me happy too."
It was Archduke Edward who came in from the door.
The servants in the tearoom immediately saluted the distinguished monarch, including Baron Gus, who was in high spirits. He quickly restrained his wanton smile and gave a respectful aristocratic salute.
"Your Majesty, it is the stock of Colin Mining Company! The price per share has now risen to 20 gold coins! You may not know what this means. To put it simply, there is now a company in Thunder City, and its value is 2 billion gold coins!"
"Two billion gold coins?! Did you get the unit wrong?"
Looking at His Majesty's eyes widening, Baron Gus's face was filled with a confident smile, and he said with confidence.
"Your Majesty, I can swear to Saint Sith! Every word I say is true! If you don't believe it, you will know after you take a look when you go to Thunder City."
Edward looked at Colin who was sitting not far away for verification, hoping to get a more reliable answer from the latter.
Noticing the Grand Duke's gaze, Luo Yan smiled lightly and said calmly.
"Baron Gus doesn't quite understand the concept of market capitalization, but that's roughly what it means. At present, Colin Mining Company has only publicly issued one-tenth of its shares, equivalent to 10 million shares, and the current recognized value of these shares is 200 million gold coins. As for the remaining shares, they have not been issued into publicly traded tickets... After all, the funds raised so far are enough for us to do a lot of things, and we don't need more for the time being."
"That's right! Mr. Colin made it clear!" Baron Gus nodded quickly, with a bright smile on his face.
Edward was at a loss for a long time, and then asked immediately.
"Then who owns these stocks?"
Luo Yan said with a smile.
"One third is in the hands of the citizens of Thunder City, and another third is in the major banks in the port area of Thunder City. The rest was bought by businessmen from other places. Their origins are diverse, some are nobles of the Kingdom of Lane, and some from other cities along the Whirlpool Sea."
"What about the gold? Who has the gold?" Edward hurriedly asked the question he was most concerned about.
After all, that is 200 million gold coins!
Equivalent to 2,000 tons of gold!
Let alone the treasury of the Principality of Campbell, even the treasury of the Kingdom of Lane does not have so much money!
Looking at his anxious look, Luo Yan said with a smile.
"Of course at the bank of Thunder City."
Hearing this, Edward finally breathed a sigh of relief, at least there was no big ship to transport the gold to other places.
Otherwise, the wealth accumulated by the Principality of Campbell over the past hundred years will be robbed overnight.
But think about it.
Even if he sincerely thinks that the ordinary citizens of Thunder City are a bunch of idiots, at least Mr. Andes, who works for him, is a smart man and will never let anyone cheat them out of real money with a few pieces of paper.
Looking at Edward who instantly felt relieved, Luo Yan picked up the teacup and took a sip.
Most of these feudal lords think about problems in a straightforward way, which is nothing more than two dots and a line of land and gold.
Edward is actually smarter than them. He has realized the importance of industry, but he still has not jumped out of his own limitations and does not have an accurate concept of finance.
But this is not his fault.
No matter how smart a person is, it is impossible for him to imagine something he has never seen before. All he can rely on is intuition.
That stiff smile softened at a speed visible to the naked eye, just like the snow gradually melting in the silver pine forest.
Having restored the dignity and elegance of a noble, Edward walked to sit opposite Luo Yan and spoke with eager eyes.
"Mr. Colin, what do you plan to do with raising so much money? I didn't mean to inquire about your privacy, just out of curiosity. If it's inconvenient for you, please just pretend I didn't ask."
"He is the master of this country anyway, and he can find out by sending someone to the bank later.
Luo Yan naturally could not miss the thoughts written on his face, and said with a faint smile.
“Most of it will be used to develop colonies on the Kao continent. I will use this money to purchase some industrial products and transport them to the New World to exchange them for resources there, such as textiles and steel tools that are in urgent need locally. In addition, this money will also be used for local prospecting and mining to further expand the production of resources, especially the search for high-value diamond mines. Not only that. , I will also place an order with the shipyard of the Principality of Campbell to build the largest ocean-going trade fleet in the Whirlpool Sea, open a route from the northeast coast of the Whirlpool Sea to the New World, and expand the trade volume between the two parties."
Although he was bragging, Luo Yan did not lie. He really planned to do this, and had even begun to arrange people to do it.
The citizens of Thunder City will soon see the relevant news in the "Thunder City Daily". He just picked out these nice words in advance, and it happened that these words were what Archduke Edward loved to hear most.
Even not only Archduke Edward, but also Baron Gus, who was standing aside, felt very excited after hearing this.
Textiles and steel tools!
Although there are no iron ores in his territory, there is a lot of land, whether it is cultivated land or uncultivated land!
If part of the land is converted into pasture to produce wool, it will definitely make more money than farming!
While Baron Gus was thinking about it, Archduke Edward was also thinking about a similar idea.
It's just that his layout is much larger than that of the Baron. What he sees is not just the wool industry, but the ocean outside Thunder City.
After listening to the grand blueprint that Mr. Colin showed in front of him, his eyes were full of eager light and he was full of excitement.
"...That's great! The wood of the Kingdom of Lane is the best in the entire Ossian continent! Not only that, we also have the most advanced power machinery factory, and even the Imperial Royal Shipyard has to place orders with us."
“This is exactly what I like,” Luo Yan continued calmly with a smile on his face, “To be honest, when I first came to Thunder City, I was shocked by the industrial heritage here, and this is what makes me most regretful.”
"What a pity?" Edward was stunned for a moment, and said subconsciously, "Is there anything that makes you dissatisfied?"
"You misunderstood, I am not dissatisfied, I just feel sorry for you."
Luo Yan shook his head slightly, looked at the puzzled Archduke Edward, and said in a voice with a hint of melancholy.
"You have the most advanced power machinery factories, as well as abundant natural resources. According to my understanding, the flames of industry first started burning on your land. However, during my years of studying in Xuebang, I have only heard that Although I have known the reputation of the Royal Shipyard of the Empire, I have never heard of the name of the Thunder City Shipyard until I set foot on the land of the Kingdom of Lane."
This is not his regret, but it is indeed the regret in the heart of Grand Duke Edward.
The latter was silent for a long time, then sighed and said.
"There is nothing we can do about it. After all, the northeastern coast of the Whirlpool Sea is too far away from the New World. Our share of the empire's ocean trade is limited. And imperial nobles like you are definitely more willing to invest in the empire's ports. We are only friends to you after all."
Luo Yan shook his head and continued.
"I don't think this is the core reason. The nobles of the empire are not averse to investing in friendly countries. We are all servants serving Saint Sith, and we should not distinguish between each other."
Edward asked curiously.
"Oh? Then why do you think it is because of it?"
Luo Yan smiled and said.
"According to my humble opinion during my study tour, I found that most of the territories where people are forced to rely on the land to survive are struggling to survive, and often a large piece of land can only support one or two wealthy classes. On the contrary, those city-states that are not attached to the land mostly live a good life, and often the whole street is full of rich people wearing brocade silk."
Edward thought for a long time and said.
"This situation does exist, but I think it is too far-fetched to associate the reasons for people's poverty with land."
"Your Majesty, you misunderstood. I'm not saying that the reason why people are poor is because of the land," Luo Yan shook his head slightly and continued, "What I want to say is that the same person, if he is a subsistence farmer, may only produce enough for his own food and clothing throughout the year, and then waste the rest of his time in the tavern, listening to adventurers bragging. But if he is a citizen of Thunder City, the value he produces can not only satisfy his own food and clothing, but also support one-third of professional soldiers."
"If we can liberate the farmers in the fields from their mediocre lives and drive them from the farmland to factories on the outskirts of the city, you can imagine what a terrifying power this is. They will be as cheap as subsistence farmers, but only consume products that are barely enough for food and clothing, and then produce huge amounts of wealth for your principality."
“The craftsmen of the empire will not be your opponent at all, not even the poor people in the colonies. After all, since they are willing to go to sea by ship, it shows that they still have a little pursuit of life. It is difficult for us to persuade them to give up the butter on the bread for the glory of the Colin family. But those tenant farmers, I bet most of them don’t even know what butter is, because the empire’s tenant farmers are the same. They will become an invincible army. The army, led by those factory owners, will sweep the entire empire's market for you! "
"I believe that by then, you will not complain that the empire takes up too much of the ocean trade, but will thank the emperor's wise decision for bringing you a God-given opportunity. After all, we use the same currency and are in the same market, which means we have no defense against you, and you can siphon the wealth of the entire Whirlpool Sea to your heart's content."
"As long as you are willing to take the lead in making a small change."
Looking at the blueprint slowly unfolding in front of him, Edward held his breath involuntarily.
If someone else had told him the same thing, he probably wouldn't have taken it to heart, but after all, this was Mr. Colin, whose name he had admired for a long time.
Even for the sake of 200 million gold coins, he had to carefully consider the weight of these words.
That may be true.
At least it’s worth listening to.
"So Mr. Colin...what specific changes are you talking about? We can't possibly drive those people into the city."
"That's too rude," Luo Yan shook his head and said with a smile, "We have more elegant methods. For example... you can amend the land tax law and change the clause that the nominal owner pays the tax to the actual user paying the tax."
Edward shook his head and said.
"These are meaningless, those tenant farmers have no money at all in their pockets, and in the end it is the nobles who bear the burden."
Although he sincerely despises those mud-legged people, it does not mean that he does not understand them.
On the contrary, he not only understood them, he even understood them accurately to the few coins in their pockets.
Luo Yan had already guessed what he would say, so he continued with a smile.
"So this small change won't cause anyone to object, right? Because it won't make any difference to the nobles who actually use the land."
Edward showed an interesting look.
If the people are the users of the land, then we need to allow the nobles to voluntarily waive this obligation. For example, the nobles can sell the actual use rights of the land while retaining their titles, and the laws of the principality will ensure that the rights and interests of the actual users are not infringed upon by the owners."
When he heard this sentence, Edward fell into deep thought.
If the previous law is only innocuous, then this law has begun to touch the soul of the Principality of Campbell.
In most countries in Osland, land is tied to titles.
The reason why the citizens of Thunder City can own their own properties is actually just borrowing land from the royal family.
It is precisely for this reason that this city has the position of governor, whose status is equivalent to the steward of the royal family.
In these lands, although the authority of the royal family is unlimited, it is still too far away from ordinary people. For example, Edward himself, even if he was short of money, he would reach out to the Andes family. It was impossible for him to send tax collectors to knock on the door door by door.
But nobles are different. Their titles have unlimited power legally. It is impossible for the royal family to set up an additional property right that overrides the unlimited power.
If he does this, he will definitely end up in a mess.
Those nobles would not hesitate to sell the land to wealthy businessmen like the Andes family, and then take back the original promise in the name of Saint Sith, or add various unreasonable terms to blackmail the wealthy people.
In the end, the only one who loses his majesty is himself.
But of course it is impossible for Edward to say that.
After thinking for a moment, he tapped his index finger on the table and said cryptically.
"This will affect the interests of the nobles."
Luo Yan nodded slightly, acknowledging his concerns, but put forward a different opinion.
"Generally speaking, yes, but not for the Principality of Campbell. For example, an outstanding nobleman like Baron Gus can see the benefits of money, and his vision is not limited to land. The most important thing is that the accumulation of hundreds of years in Thunder City and the foundation of the royal family's operation on this land have given him the conditions to no longer rely on Land. "
h "What we have to do is to give them a chance to relieve themselves from their traditional obligations while retaining their honor."
h In the traditional feudal system, the nobles have the obligation to provide livelihood security for the peasants, which is not inconsistent with their exploitation. Just like if humans want to eat meat, they have the obligation to support sheep.
The disintegration of this ancient contract is the first step he has to take.
The sheep in the Principality of Campbell will turn into a man-eating animal.
Unexpectedly, Mr. Colin actually praised himself in front of the Grand Duke. Baron Gus, who had been confused at first, suddenly showed an expression of joy on his face, as if he understood.
Edward did not understand at first, but after pondering for a moment, a hint of understanding gradually appeared in his eyes.
That’s it.
Even the discerning rural aristocrats know what the real benefits are. How could businessmen like the Andes family who have been doing business for generations not know?
Archduke Edward’s sister wanted to build a refugee camp outside Thunder City, but they were faced with difficulties due to land issues, let alone the fact that they did not have an army.
They are not stupid, they are even very smart. They naturally know that the majesty of the royal family may not be effective after going to the countryside, so they will not rent the land in the hands of the nobles at all. Moreover, the land cannot make money.
There are only two types of people who will rent.
One type is a fool who dreams of returning to the countryside to live a pastoral life, and the other type is a businessman raised by the nobles themselves.
The former is not a pity to die, while the latter is a matter for the nobles themselves.
In this way, no one's interests will be harmed at all. Instead, the feudal obligations of the nobles will be liberated from the land, allowing them to more actively occupy the unclaimed land in the name of their titles and drive out the yeoman farmers living on it.
After a brief period of chaos, a new order will be formed on the land of the Principality of Campbell.
And Thunder City will enjoy unlimited prosperity!
The most important thing is that the land there belongs to the royal family!
Edward felt that his palms were slightly hot, and even sweated nervously.
Just right!
He was worried that he would not be able to find a chance to weaken the disobedient nobles under his command, but this knife was handed to him!
Saint Sis is up there!
This honorable Mr. Colin even considered the honor of the nobles that troubled him the most!
Separating the right to own and the right to use is simply a genius method!
He even couldn't help but think that it was Saint Sis who saw his piety, so he sent this distinguished gentleman in front of him to punish those greedy guys.
"I roughly understand what you mean... As long as the nobles of the Principality of Campbell can share the dividends of change, they will actively cooperate with us in pushing their tenant farmers to the city?"
Looking at the enlightened Archduke Edward, Luo Yan nodded with a smile.
"That's right."
He likes to chat with smart people, and this is why he is not willing to talk to Baron Gus too much.
That guy’s mouth is full of gold coins, and he can’t see what’s behind the gold coins.
But it is the easiest to bribe such people.
Just like when he bribed this guy, he just stared into his eyes and patted his shoulder.
Edward coughed and motioned to the servant next to him to hand over a towel and wipe the sweat from his forehead.
After struggling in his heart for a long time, he looked at Luo Yan and said calmly.
“I wonder if the empire does this too?”
Luo Yan laughed when he heard this.
"Your Majesty, the empire is so big that even this land is named after it. Even the land under my feet is part of the empire... Where in the empire are you referring to specifically? I don't know the old continent, but in the Principality of Colin, we do this." When saying this, Luo Yan took a sip of tea and moistened his throat.
He actually didn’t know what the Principality of Colin was like, and he had never been there.
But it is hell there, and the Grand Duke far away on the northeastern coast of the Whirlpool Sea must have never been there...
Moreover, he bets that the humans there are worse off, after all, it is the country of vampires.
Just as he expected, Grand Duke Edward was finally moved...even though His Majesty the Grand Duke hid it very well.
He waved his hands and pinched his eyebrows, making a tired look.
… This kind of thing is too big a span for us, I have to discuss it with my staff.”
Looking at the looming Archduke Edward, Luo Yan smiled and nodded.
"Of course, my suggestion is the same, we are just drinking tea and chatting today. If you change your mind because of my own opinion, I will feel uneasy."
After a pause, he continued.
"You are the master of this principality, and I am just your guest."
That is what he said, but Luo Yan could even guess who he planned to discuss with, and it was nothing more than the person who gave the diamond to his crown.
And that guy had been bribed by him a long time ago.