King
Chapter 1164 - 1164 184 Productivity Upgrade_2

1164: Chapter 184: Productivity Upgrade_2 1164: Chapter 184: Productivity Upgrade_2 “Walls have ears,” this principle applies even on a ship.

No one can guarantee that none of their subordinates are tempted by wealth and might turn around to report them.

Reporting tax evasion in New Moon Port could directly share fifty percent of the evaded taxes, and the Manor House also provides lifelong safety protection.

The crime of slandering Master Hudson behind his back isn’t explicitly stated by the Manor House, but common sense dictates that once exposed, it’s bound to be a significant issue.

Even if Hudson doesn’t mind, his subordinates definitely won’t let them off the hook.

Being targeted by the people from Snow Moon Territory in the Near East Region is really a question of how one will die.

“Casarosa, are you suggesting we wait for those few families to take the lead?”

Erikon asked uncertainly.

When it comes to resisting taxes, those without a strong backing must not lead the charge, and even getting involved is dangerous.

“You really are a fool!

The authority to tax is granted by the Divine Spirit.

Whoever dares to challenge this is challenging the entire Noble system.

Don’t forget, the taxes we pay in the north are much higher than those of Snow Moon Territory.

Damaging Snow Moon Territory’s pot is also damaging the pot of every Fief Lord in the Kingdom!

Who would dare to set such a precedent?

Even if someone stirs trouble, they will only do so in secret.

Whoever crosses the line openly will die!

With this effort, it’s better to explore new trade routes, looking for ways to avoid the influence of Snow Moon Territory.”

Casarosa said, rubbing his forehead.

He was truly tired.

Casarosa couldn’t understand why his brilliant uncle could father such a foolish son.

In every other aspect, he was fine, whether in business or social interactions, everything could be properly arranged, but when it comes to political issues, his brain just malfunctions.

The current situation is very clear, Master Hudson has just issued a decree, and the bureaucrats of Snow Moon Territory are eager to perform.

Whoever steps forward now is bound to meet a bad end.

Regardless of the backing, they all share a common identity now—”Slave Traders”.

Although the Nobles like purchasing slaves, this does not affect the disdain for Slave Traders.

In terms of status, they are even lower than common merchants.

Stepping out with this identity is going to be an experience of contempt.

If caught, the families behind them would definitely not acknowledge them—losing face is too much!

In short, they cannot get involved in open trouble-making activities.

They can only seek means in the dark to minimize losses.

Rather than hope the Slave Traders’ resistance can be effective, it is more sensible to hope for the protest of the Nobles from the Near East Region—this would carry more weight.

But this is even less realistic, as the Nobles of the Near East Region have their lifelines in the hands of Master Hudson.

How the five major families in the north plotted against the smaller and medium Nobles back then, Hudson can now likewise plot against them.

Cooperate well, and everyone remains friends.

Rebel, and accidents on the battlefield will happen sooner or later.

…

With the tax decree issued, the work of the privateering squad in the territory suddenly became busy.

Slave Traders dare not resist taxes openly, but their tax evasion and fraud in the dark are manifold.

For instance: arranging empty ships to enter the port to purchase supplies in advance while the slave ships stay offshore.

Or: using the cover of night to pass through undeveloped no man’s land, avoiding the tax department’s surveillance.

Even using Magic Potions to disguise slaves as Humans, attempting to deceive the authorities.

…

Their tax evasion methods are endless.

There is nothing they can’t do if they can’t think of it.

However, although taxing is difficult, the actual slave trade has begun to shrink.

The cheap Orc Slaves, formerly profitable through volume, are now increasingly frowned upon by Slave Traders.

Affected by the tax, the prices of Orc Slaves in the Near East Region have skyrocketed by thirty percent, shearing the wool right off the sheep.

With the cost-effectiveness reduced, a drop in transactions is inevitable.

Fortunately, they already have enough slaves in their hands, and the shortage of labor is not as severe as before.

Currently, everyone is mainly focusing on animal husbandry.

Some Nobles who came earlier are nearing the end of their Castle constructions and won’t need as much labor later on; some regions have even seen second-hand slaves being resold.

Under pressure to push slave taxation, Hudson had thought a slaughter was inevitable, but in the end, things concluded without much ado.

But on second thought, it’s normal.

Slave Traders blinded by interest cannot see the situation clearly, but that does not mean their people cannot see clearly.

Having a high proportion of Orc Slaves would seriously affect the defense security of the Near East Region.

With the situation in the Orc Empire changing, Hudson’s early preventive measures have the full support of the Kingdom’s higher-ups.

The Major Nobles all accepted the reality; unless someone finds their head burdensome, they’re too timid to make a fatal mistake.

Without chaos, Hudson redirected his attention back to Near East defense.

Even though the specifics of what’s happening inside the Orc Empire remain unknown, the cooling of the civil war is an undisputed fact.

Despite Hudson’s intelligence department furtively instigating conflicts, the two major camps have opted for restraint.

Yet under these peculiar changes, the Alliance of Seven Clans in secret contact with the Kingdom is showing exceptional enthusiasm, inviting the Kingdom’s Great Army to intervene multiple times.

Whether they seek to pressure the Four Royal Families or have set a trap waiting for the Kingdom’s Great Army to fall into it, no one can be sure.

If there’s uncertainty, better not get involved—this has always been Hudson’s style.

Whether it’s a trap or a pitfall, it’s best avoided.