King
Chapter 876 - 876 85 National Food Rationing System VS Military Spending Reform 7200 Votes for Monthly Ticket_3

876: Chapter 85: National Food Rationing System VS Military Spending Reform (7200 Votes for Monthly Ticket)_3 876: Chapter 85: National Food Rationing System VS Military Spending Reform (7200 Votes for Monthly Ticket)_3 Hudson proposed unflinchingly.

All proposals were in the interest of the Human Race and for the consideration of the nations in the Northern Continent; as for any deviations in understanding, that was not his problem.

Whether to help a host of exiled governments restore their countries was a matter for the future.

Only after winning this war would it be necessary to consider these complex issues.

If the Kingdom were to lose the war, everyone present would either meet the Lord of the Dawn or become an exiled government themselves.

“Your Marshal, taking in personnel from various countries will pose a stern test to our finances.

In light of this war, we have already cut spending as much as possible, but the finances of the Kingdom are still not optimistic.

In particular, we simply do not have the capacity to provide relief to the numerous refugees.

If we are to take them in, the only option is to distribute the task among the provinces and entrust everyone to help care for them.”

Marquis Delgado suggested with a forced resolve.

There was no choice; everyone had their image to uphold and could not just directly carve up the refugees.

They needed a fig leaf.

This fig leaf could only be provided by the Treasury.

There was no money in the government’s pockets, so entrusting the care of refugees to the local Nobles was not a problem at all.

Hypocritical it might be, but it was the game everyone played.

The only thing that irked Hudson was that Marquis Delgado addressed him instead of Caesar IV.

Recognizing the proposal meant that the decision was made by him, the Kingdom Marshal, not by King Caesar IV.

If any issues arose during implementation, the responsibility would fall on his shoulders, and it would have nothing to do with Caesar IV.

“Your Excellency the Marquis’s proposal is very realistic, so let the provinces share the burden of the refugees based on their actual circumstances.

However, they must act within their means and, while taking in refugees, still fulfill the obligations given by the Kingdom.

Considering the population increase and the ensuing food pressure, we must start implementing more effective policies from now on.

The work on expanding sources of income has already been arranged, and aside from timely enhancement of production, ocean fishing currently has the greatest potential.

The Lords of the coastal regions need to make an effort, for the burden of the Kingdom’s food supply now rests upon you.

Now we must discuss economizing.

Prior to this, the Kingdom has adopted some measures, but those are far from sufficient.

The crisis we face now is more severe than ever before, so the measures we must adopt also need to be more aggressive than ever before.

Simply stopping banquets and prohibiting the use of food grains for brewing alcohol is not enough; I propose that the Kingdom enacts a set of temporary laws.

The Government Affairs Department should draft a food rationing system according to the actual circumstances, establishing corresponding food ration standards for different statuses.

Your Majesty, this will require your leadership to ensure implementation!”

Hudson, after all, had his principles and did not resort to shifting the blame onto his superior.

Of course, Caesar IV had already willingly taken the biggest hit for him.

Compared to the troubles brought by the “Staff of Glory,” dividing up the refugees was child’s play.

It wasn’t just him reaping the benefits alone; it was a spoil shared by all, so at most, it would impact reputations if the matter escalated, but no real accountability would be pursued.

After all, the owner of the “Staff of Glory” was the Clergy, while the owners of the refugees were just a bunch of has-beens.

The former could provoke the Kingdom to tread carefully, but the latter could only clamor a few times and, if one’s skin was thick enough, could be completely ignored.

The minor political turbulence concerned no one; everyone’s attention was captivated by Hudson’s proposed food rationing system.

Similar operations had precedents in the Alpha Kingdom, only with different details.

In the past, there was organized leadership in conserving food, but it was not regulated by law, nor were there specific food ration standards.

Generally, it was the King and the Major Nobles leading by example in cutting expenses, such as having two meals a day instead of three.

At least that’s what was declared outwardly, while the actual execution relied entirely on self-discipline.

“No problem, I will start with the food rationing system myself!

The daily ration standard will be provisional: one pound of bread, one pound of meat, some condiments, and some vegetables and fruit.

You all take care of the rest, and set standards for yourselves, setting a good example for the citizens of the Kingdom, lest the Government Affairs Department has a hard time enforcing it.”

Caesar IV said in a seemingly generous manner.

Royal education since childhood wasn’t for nothing.

Caesar IV knew very well that after losing military speaking rights, to smoothly transition power back after the war, he, the King, had to find opportunities to make his presence felt.

Leading by example in conserving food, such a politically advantageous project that cost nothing, not only needed to be done but done well.

The single issue was that the King set his own standard so low, making it very awkward for everyone else!

In this world of stringent social hierarchy, subjects couldn’t outdo the King, so the standards had to be lowered even further.

Whether or not Caesar IV genuinely followed the standards in the royal court was unknown to the outside world.

But those who were often active outside had to comply with the standards most of the time; otherwise, they would lose the significance of leading by example.

Violating the law was a minor issue, but key to the matter was that failing to adhere to the standards, if it got out, would damage one’s reputation.

“Your Majesty, please consider increasing the quota a bit!

With such standards set by You, we who operate behind the lines will be fine, but it would be impossible to manage the rationing standards for the officers and soldiers at the front!”

Chancellor Newfoundland stepped forward to persuade.

Without considering the quality of food, the allocations set by Caesar IV were indeed modest.