Chapter 54: Gradual Progress
TL: Etude
Lord Grayman, I would advise you to be cautious, Hansel said while examining the Outline for Agricultural Development in his hands.
Paul had written an outline of his agricultural plans and asked Baron Hansel to review it. He wanted to demonstrate that his goal of doubling food production was not just empty talk. However, the barons response was unexpected.
Is there anything amiss?
Well, the earlier parts are excellent! Large farms, new machinery, breeding high-quality crops, and this crop rotation system, all these ideas are brilliant. If they are as effective as you claim, you will certainly make a significant mark in history. Solving the ancient problem of food shortage could even warrant sainthood from the Church.
Hansels eyes shone with excitement. He had been somewhat doubtful about Graymans lofty claims, but now, looking at the outline, he was almost certain of its success.
Paul, puzzled, asked, Then why urge caution?
Baron Hansel flipped to the last page again, Here, you talk about liberating serfs. Without these slaves, who will work the fields? I know the new machinery you mention will save a lot of labor, but wouldnt it be better to add these to the existing workforce?
With patience, Paul explained, Ive mentioned this before, Hansel! He addressed the baron by his first name.
I dont plan to just focus on agriculture. Ill also develop mining, iron smelting, and other industries. How can I afford to have so much labor tied up in the fields?
I understand your ambitions are great. Actually my concern is about something else. Hansel decided to offer some advice to the young and impulsive Count, his business partner, to prevent any potential fallout.
You know, I spent some time recently in your neighboring territory of Baylding. During my stay, I heard quite a lot about the previous lord. Would you be interested in hearing about it?
Baylding? Paul was momentarily taken aback. The current lord of Baylding, Malron Ganard, wasnt much older than him. The Ganard family was one of the few families in the northwestern region with good relations with the Grayman family. Malron was a childhood friend of Pauls.
During the recent pirate unrest, the Ford steward had sent a plea for help to Baylding, but Malron replied that he was unable to assist as his troops had been requisitioned by a royal emissary.
A few years ago, Malrons father, Lord Ganard, fell seriously ill. After recovering, he seemed like a changed man, no longer recognizing anyone. The two families gradually lost contact, and not long after, Lord Ganard tragically drowned. Paul had accompanied his father to pay respects.
That was the last time he saw his childhood companion. Still young, Malron inherited his fathers title and then withdrew from public life, reportedly focusing on learning how to be a good lord under the guidance of his vassals.
Go ahead, tell me! Paul was curious why Hansel brought this up.
They say that after his illness, Lord Ganards personality changed dramatically. He even began to distance himself from his own son and engaged in a series of bizarre actions.
Paul knew about the personality change but hadnt paid much attention to the other details. He asked, What kind of bizarre actions?
Lord Ganard started by advocating for equality, proclaiming that all men are born free. This aligned well with the Churchs views, and the Northern Bishop even considered bestowing an honorary title on him. But then he turned against the Church, claiming there were no gods in this world and denouncing the priests as charlatans.
This this is too bold. Paul himself harbored such thoughts but hadnt dared to voice them yet.
Before the Church could react, he took even more outrageous steps. He not only stripped the local nobility of their privileges, declaring that nobles and commoners were equal under the law, but he also forced slave owners to convert their slaves into paid employees.
Pauls eyebrows raised; his uncle, Lord Ganard, certainly knew how to stir things up.
Seeing Pauls reaction, Hansel continued, After that, Lord Ganard declared that everyone in his territory would have a piece of land sufficient to sustain themselves. He took control of all the land under his rule and redistributed it equally among every household, regardless of whether they were his vassals, nobles, or commoners.
Paul was speechless; this was a striking parallel to the historical figure Wang Mang from another world. He asked apprehensively, Then what happened?
Hansel shrugged, He died. Its said that he fell overboard while fishing and drowned. After that, his territory returned to how it used to be.
Conspiracy, coup, regicide a series of ominous terms flooded Pauls mind.
Seeing Pauls startled expression, Baron Hansel smiled, Lord Grayman, I am not against the liberation of serfs. Many, including myself, detest the slavery system. Apart from those who became slaves due to debt or war, most slaves are born into it because one or both of their parents were slaves, and they can never escape that stigma.
I appreciate a society with orderly class structures, but a system that completely blocks upward mobility is utterly unreasonable.
Hansel, somewhat passionately, continued, A fair and just society is one where the capable rise and the incapable fall.
Realizing he had gotten carried away, Hansel paused, regaining his usual composed demeanor, In short, Lord Grayman, I suggest your reforms should be gradual, giving people time to adapt, and you should also have solid support for yourself.
Paul nodded, clearly shaken by the story of his neighboring lord.
Youre right, Hansel. I accept your advice. And thank you. The pirate eradication had indeed made him somewhat complacent, and he had forgotten the nature of the world he was in.
Baron Hansels expression remained unchanged: Im honored to be of help. I hope to continue our collaboration for a long time, Count. Take care of yourself. By the way, I plan to return to the south in a few days to start the talent recruitment plan we discussed. What do you think?
Paul was delighted, Youre ready? I cant wait.
Theres not much to prepare. Since youve started working on increasing food production, I cant just sit idle. Actually, I can leave tomorrow. But I heard your friend Queller Foster is returning to the south in a few days. I would like to travel with him. The Foster family is influential in Horn Bay, and forming ties with them should be beneficial for us.
Paul clapped his hands, Thats exactly what I was thinking. Ive already talked to him and asked him to recruit craftsmen for Alda. Moreover, I plan to start overseas trade with the Horn Bay Alliance.
Hansels appreciation for the young lord grew. He suddenly had an idea, Since releasing the serfs will take time, we can alleviate the labor shortage in another way. The south has many refugees due to wars, and both the kingdoms government and local lords are troubled by them. Do you have the confidence and capability to accommodate them?
Paul was overjoyed, Yes, yes, bring them all to me.
This partnership was indeed turning out to be a wise choice.
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