King
Chapter 658 - 658 164 Ending_3

658: Chapter 164, Ending_3 658: Chapter 164, Ending_3 The situation on the plains is changing rapidly.

The emergence of three major kingdoms and four grand duchies came completely out of our expectations, and we cannot continue in this deadlock.

Get the report from Earl Hudson’s last time, make some minor modifications to it, and implement it as soon as possible!”

said Caesar III with a sigh.

It seems like Hudson can’t withstand the pressure, but in reality, it is the King himself who can’t bear the weight.

This is the key characteristic of a joint-stock nation.

When the shareholders, with more than half of the shares, align their stances, they hold the decision-making power, and the King, as the major shareholder, has no choice but to compromise.

The changing landscape on plain merely accelerates the time of compromise.

Essentially, the royal power is at a disadvantage in the struggle against the local lords.

Such situations also occur frequently on the Continent of Aslante.

There are Kings whose words carry weight, but they are in the minority.

One could forcefully withstand the pressure and go according to their own wills.

Theoretically, it is possible, but the aftermath might be serious.

Once or twice may not pose a big issue, but if it happens frequently, the subordinates may become restless and want a new King.

A wise monarch will compromise at the right time.

After all, political games are always a long-term matter.

If political goals are not achieved this time, there will be another chance.

There’s no need to fight over a temporary victory and end up, antagonizing the Noble Consortium.

Basically, the King and the nobles belong to the same interest group.

They might conflict due to the distribution of benefits within the group, but more often than not, they unite to maintain the political system.

“Your Majesty, the deadline for the settlement of the first batch of bonds’ interest is approaching.

Should we follow Moxi Duchy’s example and levy a debt repayment tax?” Marquis Delgado suggested reluctantly.

As the Minister of Finance, he hadn’t had a good day since the outbreak of war.

Seeing the receding hairline on his head, it seemed that another bald man would soon be added to the court of Alpha Kingdom.

“No need to think about it.

They’re going to develop new territories and need money.

It’s unlikely to get money from them at this time!

Just gather some funds first to settle the interest.

Once we get through these few months, and the tax money arrives, we can fill in the gap.”

Caesar III decisively vetoed.

He was all too familiar with the conduct of the nobles.

During wartime, everyone was pained to contribute money.

In this time of peace, continuing to bleed them would undoubtedly lead to a fallout.

Of course, the key reason is that the minor nobles below are genuinely out of money now.

The war taxes levied during wartime have overwhelmed them.

Many minor nobles are drowning in the debt.

If the levies continue, the major nobility might not be affected, but the lowest, the minor nobility, will go bankrupt collectively.

For the King, the numerous middle and minor Nobles below are an essential component to check the major Nobles and balance the domestic situation.

If minor nobles continually go bankrupt, it will inevitably spur a new round of land consolidation.

The ultimate result will be: minor nobles gradually eliminated, major nobles becoming increasingly powerful, and eventually, turning the royal power into a figurehead.

Similar negative examples have also appeared on the Continent of Aslante.

Even now, there are countries in the era of oligarchy controlled by a few major nobles.