Punishment 2

Translator: Cinder Translations

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Paul's words stirred a wave of concern among those present. If the lord's policies were fully implemented and proved effective, the gentry and landlords who had held sway over the villages for generations would almost be reduced to just a group of somewhat wealthy commoners, sharing the same status as the peasants they had always looked down upon.

Hansel Abbott, the head of the Agriculture Department, suddenly felt a heavy weight of pressure, as Paul's measures would have a nearly subversive impact on the rural areas, potentially causing a significant influence on the agricultural production he was responsible for. However, whether this influence would be beneficial or harmful, Hansel could not be certain—ordinary farmers might be happy and work harder in the fields, but the landlords who owned vast tracts of land would surely be displeased. What if they plotted in secret?

Yes, Paul spoke of a very promising future, but throughout history, many initiatives with good intentions ended tragically. After all, the previous order, no matter how bad, was still an order. With a bomb like Earl Grayman being thrown into the mix, the old order would undoubtedly be disrupted, but whether this would lead to a new order or continuous chaos was uncertain.

"Lord Grayman," Hansel raised his hand to signal he wanted to speak.

"Do you have anything to add?" Obviously, Earl Grayman did not wish to hear any opposing views.

Hansel cautiously proposed, "Given the magnitude of these reforms, shouldn't we first select a couple of villages to conduct a trial? Just in case… I mean, if the reforms negatively impact agricultural production, it could affect the livelihoods of the people."

"Oh, no! Hansel."

Paul waved his hand dismissively.

"While the reforms are substantial, they are mainly about laws and debts and do not involve altering the production structure. I can't imagine what negative impact it would have if everyone abides by the law. If there is an impact, it must be due to some people stirring trouble in secret."

Paul's brows furrowed, and his expression turned serious as he surveyed each person in the room with a scrutinizing gaze.

Finally, he turned to Hansel and said, "If we follow your suggestion and select one or two places for a pilot, hmm, that would simply give our potential enemies time to prepare. I can already imagine they would do everything possible to sabotage those experimental reform areas and loudly proclaim that the lord's reforms are nothing but a farce."

The lord's words carried an undeniable tone.

"So, we must launch a sudden storm-like raid to blindside them, absolutely not giving them any time to think or respond."

"Lord Grayman is absolutely right!" Cecil expressed his support for Paul.

"We must think positively. Those landlords, who are like miserly iron chickens, although they possess a lot of wealth, are few in number. No matter how extravagantly they squander, how much manufactured goods can they consume? The luxury items they spend their money on do not significantly stimulate the manufacturing industry. But if we follow Lord Grayman's plan to empower the vast majority of farmers—who represent the bulk of our current population—with money, allowing them to enter the market as consumers, this will greatly stimulate manufacturing. For example, salt, cloth, clothing, shoes, hats, and various metal products, all of which are essentials for ordinary households. Farmers in the past didn't want to buy things; they just lacked the means."

Paul nodded, "As I said at the beginning, if everything goes smoothly, the tax revenue from industry and commerce should be able to offset the initial administrative costs."

With the lord's resolve set, no one spoke against it anymore.

"Lord Grayman, regarding the handling of those involved in the rebellion, we have drafted a basic strategy."

Chief Judge Thomas attempted to steer the discussion back to the topic the group originally wished to address.

He pulled out a folded paper and handed it to Paul.

After receiving it, Paul unfolded the paper and quickly scanned it.

Under the gazes of everyone present, the change in Paul's expression became somewhat puzzling. Just moments ago, the lord had been fierce and venomous in speech, as if he wished to slice the landlords into pieces and eat them raw with soy sauce. However, after reading the document handed to him by the Chief Judge, the lord's face suddenly became calm.

After seeming to ponder for a second or two, the earl spoke.

"The handling of the conspirators is certainly necessary, and your suggestions are… reasonable. However, I believe the priority is to interrogate them, pry open the mouths of those still alive, and before lopping off their heads, see if we can extract more intelligence. For example, whether there are still accomplices lurking in the shadows, whether they are connected to any external forces, and so on. We must also identify who the ringleaders are, who the accomplices are, and whether anyone knew about this plot but kept silent."

After hearing the lord's words, the group, who had felt somewhat anxious, relaxed, and their furrowed brows smoothed out. The reason for their anxiety was that given the lord's usual character, everyone feared he might react negatively after reading the content of the paper, exclaiming, "Ah? Isn't that a bit too ruthless?" But now it seemed the earl did not oppose the contents.

At least, not at this moment.

"You are correct, Lord Grayman," said Ross Hayden, the head of Public Safety, "regarding the contents of this paper, we only wish for you to set a basic tone for the final judgment."

Paul asked him, "How long do you think it will take to clarify all aspects of this rebellion, including those things I just mentioned?"

Ross replied, "This rebellion involves a vast number of people with complex identities. Within our ranks, we have military, militia, police, and possibly even personnel from the telegraph station. Externally, we have local aristocrats led by Ferguson and the Walters, along with their servants and coerced villagers. Based on my and Cecil's estimates, interrogations could take a year and a half to two years."

"Will it really take that long?" Paul scratched his chin.

Finally, he said, "Alright, if you encounter any difficulties, feel free to tell me."

"Yes, Lord Grayman. Additionally…"

"What?"

Governor Fort said, "Until everything settles down, should we suspend accepting new recruits from Babor Village and the surrounding villages, and prohibit those people from participating in the administrative exam for the council?"

"That is a very prudent approach."

Paul fully agreed with this suggestion.

(End of the Chapter)

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