Chapter 118: He Hits Differently
Governor’s Mansion.
Baldwin was reviewing reports submitted from various cities.
The Redwyck family’s militia had been annihilated, and the next day, at the eastern market of Brambleford, all participants in the incident were publicly executed. The crowd that gathered to witness the event was so large that the execution ground was completely packed. People came to see this extraordinary event firsthand.
Having been oppressed by the nobility for many years, the common folk now saw the downfall of the noble clans. When Bertram was brought to the execution ground, countless people threw stones and rotten vegetables at him, a clear reflection of the deep resentment the people held against the oppression they had endured.
However, while Simon was now recuperating from his injuries, Baldwin found no time to rest. On one hand, he had to deal with the problem of the noble families’ dependents, and on the other, there was the matter of the Oxford Academy.
After assigning these two tasks to him, Simon seemed to have washed his hands of the matter, leaving Baldwin to handle everything while he went off to compete with Medical Officer Oscar in medical skills.
Looking at the pile of official documents on his desk, Baldwin couldn’t help but feel a headache coming on. The prince could be so serious at times, yet at other times, he seemed completely unserious.
"Chief Secretary, here is the registration list for the Oxford Academy."
A fair-skinned, tall young man walked in. The young man wore a green official robe, a stark contrast to Baldwin’s purple one. In the Eldorian Empire, the colour of an official’s robe indicated their rank. Officials of the third rank and above wore purple robes; those of the fourth and fifth ranks wore vermilion; those of the sixth and seventh ranks wore green; and those of the eighth and ninth ranks wore blue.
Additionally, the ornaments on their belts were made of emerald, gold, silver, or copper, further distinguishing their ranks.
Baldwin glanced at the young man and smiled, asking. "Aiden, it’s been a month since you arrived in Brambleford. How do you find it?"
The young man, named Aiden Smith, was from Eldora. Baldwin had noticed his talent back when he was in Eldora.
After Brambleford needed a large number of talented individuals to fill official positions, Baldwin had written to Eldora, and a month ago, Aiden arrived in Brambleford. Baldwin appointed him as a mid-level official of Brambleford.
"Brambleford is indeed different from other places, and Prince Simon is also unlike other princes," Aiden said after a moment of thought.
Baldwin seemed intent on testing Aiden, so he asked. "What exactly is different? Tell me."
"Since ancient times, the foundation of a nation has always been agriculture. Although His Highness also values agricultural production, he seems to place even greater emphasis on the profits of commerce. While commercial profits can bring sudden wealth, they are like rootless duckweed. If war breaks out and supplies run short, trade routes will be cut off, and the people of the domain will ultimately rely on grain to survive." Aiden explained.
"Moreover, merchants chase profits, much like how the reavers follow water and grass. Wherever the profit lies, the merchants will go, never staying in one place for long. They lack a sense of responsibility toward their nation and people. Some even bribe officials for personal gain, harming the country and its people. While merchants are not yet a significant force and can be suppressed, if they grow too powerful in the future, their harm could rival that of the noble clans." Aiden added calmly.
Baldwin looked surprised, his eyes filled with delight as he gazed at Aiden.
"Your views are quite similar to His Highness’s," Baldwin said.
"His Highness said the same thing?" Aiden asked in surprise.
Baldwin nodded. "His Highness said that agriculture is the foundation of the nation, commerce is the foundation of wealth, and industry is the foundation of strength. None of the three can be neglected. While merchants do chase profits, as long as the state controls the businesses that are vital to the nation’s survival, they won’t be able to cause trouble."
Aiden said. "Since His Highness has such foresight, I need not worry."
Baldwin laughed heartily. "Aiden, having you travel thousands of miles to Brambleford only to appoint you as a mid-official of Brambleford, isn’t that too demeaning for you?"
Aiden bowed and clasped his hands. "How could I dare to complain? I was merely waiting at home for an official position. Now that I have a post and can serve His Highness, I am already satisfied."
"Good. Your ability to remain calm in the face of honour or disgrace is one of the reasons I value you. I have been serving as the Governor of Brambleford concurrently, and your position is meant to assist the Governor in handling administrative affairs. When the time comes, and you are capable, I will recommend you to His Highness to be appointed as the Governor."
Aiden’s expression remained unchanged, showing no trace of excitement. He spoke. "If I were to become the Governor of Brambleford based solely on your recommendation, how many officials in Brambleford would truly respect me? I only wish to prove myself through my abilities."
Baldwin’s smile grew wider. "I know your temperament, but even a talented individual needs a discerning patron. How about this: I currently have a task that I cannot handle alone, and I have never been fond of the business of confiscating properties and exterminating families. I will leave the problem of the remaining noble clans to you. This will also give His Highness a chance to see your capabilities."
"Chief Secretary, this matter is of great importance. I..." Aiden hesitated.
"If it were a trivial matter, I wouldn’t have assigned it to you," Baldwin said seriously. "Consider it part of your official duties. You must complete it!"
Seeing Baldwin’s firm expression, Aiden had no choice but to nod in agreement.
After discussing this matter, the two turned their attention to the Oxford Academy. Both of them had anticipated the rush of scholars from the six cities to apply for the political history category.
"It’s a pity that His Highness’s efforts are being misunderstood. Isn’t the purpose of studying to pass the imperial exams and achieve success?" Baldwin’s thoughts were no different from those of the scholars.
Aiden remained silent. After arriving in Brambleford, he had carefully observed the local customs and thoroughly investigated Prince Simon’s various unusual decrees. In the end, he concluded that even he found it hard to believe.
That is, Prince Simon did not believe that the purpose of studying was solely to become an official. Since ancient times, the hierarchy of scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants has placed scholars at the top. A single step into officialdom could elevate one above ten thousand others.
Moreover, Prince Simon seemed to hold religious teachings in low regard, as there was not a single religious scholar among his subordinates.
Instead, he established his own academy to select officials, a truly unique approach.
"This Prince’s way of doing things is different from that of ordinary people. If he were like everyone else, he wouldn’t be the Prince of Brambleford, and the six cities would still be in the hands of the noble clans." Aiden said with a faint smile.
Baldwin was momentarily stunned, then chuckled wryly.
Aiden was right. If the prince had followed the old ways, Brambleford would not have undergone such changes.
Times create heroes, and perhaps this prince was an eccentric genius.
At that moment, in the medical hall, Simon, who was discussing medical techniques with Medical Officer Oscar, sneezed.
Medical Officer Oscar joked. "My Lord, is someone speaking ill of you behind your back?"
"Perhaps it’s Baldwin. He’s always been sharp-tongued. Whenever I see him, I feel like avoiding him." Simon said.
Medical Officer Oscar, nearing seventy, had a keen eye for people. He spoke. "Baldwin may be quick-tempered, but the common folk in the city have a good impression of him. However, the new minister in the Brambleford government office also seems quite capable."
