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Chapter 1291 - 1291 230 The Wind Rises_3

1291: Chapter 230, The Wind Rises_3 1291: Chapter 230, The Wind Rises_3 No matter whose example the Kingdom follows, some people’s interests will be seriously damaged.

Perhaps after the reforms are successful, they might find a way to compensate for this, but who knows?

According to past political experience, it’s always those who make concessions for the greater good who end up losing in the reforms.

The situation quickly became deadlocked, including within the reformists themselves, with very few willing to sacrifice their own interests for the reforms.

Many big shots among the reformists became conservative when it came to their own interests.

This can’t be done, that can’t be carried out.

Despite all the talk of initiating reforms, they met obstacles at every turn when it came to action.

Prince Peter, who was originally honored for his success, now found himself in an awkward situation.

Many nobles questioned the results of his survey, believing the information recorded was too one-sided.

Duke Grenavan, as the leader of the reformists, was equally troubled.

Despite identifying many issues that needed to be resolved through reforms, things became chaotic when it came to implementation.

One reform decree after another was issued, but the orders did not extend beyond the Capital.

Local nobles, with their high degree of autonomy, simply ignored the decrees from the Capital.

Including the nobles who supported the reforms, they only implemented the clauses that were in their favor.

Any clause that harmed their interests was conveniently overlooked.

“Your Majesty, we can’t keep dragging our feet!

Unless we take decisive measures, the decrees we issue will be nothing but waste paper at the local level.

If we delay for too long, the government’s dignity will be undermined, and it will be even harder to continue with the reforms!”

The words of Chancellor Duke Grenavan made Elton VIII very troubled.

On one hand, he wanted the reforms to succeed, but on the other hand, he did not want to offend the noble lords within the country too much.

“Chancellor, with so many reform bills to push forward, we might not have sufficient capacity.

It might be better to choose the ones that are most easily accepted by everyone and start promoting those first.”

Elton VIII said with a troubled expression.

It’s easier to cut from others, but it’s a different story when it comes to cutting from oneself.

As the largest noble in the country, The Royal Family was also a victim of the reforms.

There was no way around it, the reformists wanted too much.

When drafting the laws, they took the best elements from the political systems of three different kingdoms, attempting to copy them all.

For example: the military mobilization system of the Alpha Kingdom, the taxation system of the Frank Kingdom, and the foreign trade system of the Iberia Kingdom.

These systems were the most advanced of the time.

In theory, if copied, Avarat Kingdom could simultaneously possess the strengths of all three kingdoms, making its rise almost inevitable.

The trouble with the issue was that the deeper the reforms went, the more interest groups it touched upon.

“Your Majesty, if we are to carry out the reforms in phases, I suggest we start with the taxation system.

The traditional tax-farming system is too rigid and mechanical, causing a significant loss of tax revenue every year.

The Kingdom suffers greatly and the people below are in unbearable pain.

If the Kingdom could unify tax collection, it would not only greatly increase fiscal revenue, but we could also take the opportunity to eliminate those unreasonable and miscellaneous taxes.

Once the financial situation of the government improves, projects that have been suspended due to financial constraints can be restarted.

As long as the people see the results, their resistance to reform will definitely weaken significantly!”

The Chancellor’s words brought a glimmer of joy to Elton VIII’s expression.

Almost every dynasty’s decline began with a financial crisis.

Avarat Kingdom was no exception; despite doing nothing, the government was impoverishing itself to mend its fiscal walls.

This impact was comprehensive.

If the financial issues could be resolved, Avarat Kingdom would be revitalized.

Subsequent reforms could be supported financially by the government.

Long overdue military salaries and government official wages could all be resolved at once.

“Good, that’s what we’ll do!”

While the King spoke lightly, the Ministers below did not look too pleased.

Compared to reforms in other areas, the tax reform touched upon the interests of the largest groups.

In all of Avarat Kingdom, which group hadn’t benefited from the tax-farming system?

Starting off with such a significant reform was clearly a huge gamble.

Although they knew this, no one brought up the issue.

Because problems that are easily identified are not necessarily easily solved.

Starting off with such high stakes left even Duke Grenavan powerless.

Without freeing the government from financial difficulties, subsequent reforms simply could not proceed.

…

With the law abolishing the tax-farming system being issued, Avarat Kingdom officially embarked on the path of reform.

Hudson, thousands of miles away, could feel the winds of change.

However, his focus wasn’t on the reforms, but on the “return gifts” sent to him by the Avarat nobles.

The old-established Kingdom was different; the nobles, plagued by overpopulation, did not regard population as a problem at all.

By merely providing some Magic Potions, Hudson gained tens of thousands of Serfs in return.

And the other party still thought they had made a great deal, causing Hudson to feel somewhat embarrassed.

This complex emotion did not last long before it was interrupted by a visit from an old acquaintance from the July Club.

…

“Marshal, these are a token of our appreciation, please do accept them!”

Longxi said carefully.

The last time the two met was to purchase weapons and equipment.

Now, their respective statuses had greatly changed.

Looking at the dozen neatly arranged chests in front of him, Hudson re-evaluated what “a token of appreciation” meant.

This was no longer about doing business, but more akin to bribery, albeit somewhat crude.

Under normal circumstances, such straightforward, no-nonsense gifting was usually not accepted by the host.

“Let’s talk business first!

You’ve taken such trouble and risked your life to come here; surely it wasn’t just to bring me a gift, right?”

Hudson said with a half-smile.

Whether he could accept the gifts would depend on the outcome of the following conversation.

In this regard, he had a reputation for integrity; if a situation was beyond his help, he wouldn’t accept any gifts.

“Marshal, this is a matter of great importance.

Once I speak of it, I will be instantly subject to the backlash of the contract, with almost certain death, so I hope you can promise me something.

You can rest assured that the information I have to share is definitely worth the price!”

Having said that, Longxi looked at Hudson with anticipation.

“Betting directly with your life, you are indeed playing big.

Let’s hear it, what kind of assurance do you want from me?”

…