Persuasion

Translator: Cinder Translations

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In February of 1994, the lords of Alden, Byerldine, Portley, Lanaka, and Manda gathered once again in Alden Town. Shortly after, a joint declaration from the five lords spread across the region—the Northwest Customs Union was established.

According to the declaration, the purpose of the Union was twofold: firstly, to promote trade development between the member territories; secondly, to counter external goods to protect the nascent manufacturing industry in the Northwest region.

The lords pledged to gradually reduce and ultimately eliminate tolls between their territories and to implement the same tax policies towards outsiders. The tariffs collected would serve as public funds for the Union and be distributed reasonably.

Once the declaration was issued, it quickly stirred up a huge uproar in the Northwest of the Aldor Kingdom.

This declaration contained not just the establishment of the Northwest Customs Union, but also included:

The abolition of the prevalent tax collector system, whereby all taxes would henceforth be paid directly to the respective lords; Knights, gentry, and other estate owners were prohibited from restricting the personal freedom of the peasants (including serfs) on their land, allowing peasants to migrate freely between villages and towns; The prohibition of private punishment, with all cases, big or small, to be handled by judicial officials appointed by the respective lords.

The prevailing thought among the local gentry was one of outrage—this was unreasonable and inhumane.

Setting aside the Customs Union, which had been a long-discussed issue, the other three items in the declaration were simply unacceptable.

Abolishing the tax collector system? For centuries, our families have served the lords diligently. Isn't it our taxes that sustain the lords' lavish lifestyles? Who else goes door-to-door collecting taxes but us? Who else bears the brunt of the commoners' resentment on behalf of the lords but us?

After all this hardship, what's wrong with keeping a little money as a reward? Isn't that just fair?

Prohibiting restrictions on peasants' freedom of movement? Do the lords not realize that their own positions are maintained by preventing the commoners from uniting and supporting each other? Besides, if all the peasants go to the cities to work, who will farm the land? Wouldn't we all be left starving?

Banning the death penalty? Without the power to punish commoners, what right do lords have to call themselves lords? Won't the Northwest descend into chaos immediately?

In short, some shook their heads, others stomped their feet, and everyone unanimously regarded this as an oppressive policy.

As Paul had anticipated, it didn't take long for someone to come and counsel him.

"Is that all you two wanted to say? Please, sit down," Paul said with a smile, instructing a servant to bring over some seats.

"Thank you, my lord," the two men said with a bow before carefully taking their seats.

These two individuals, one named Ferguson and the other Eldo, had just delivered a long lecture on moral principles in front of Paul.

Ferguson was a "knight" who had previously served the Grayman family and had even accompanied Paul in pirate campaigns, so he was seen as someone with merit. However, after Paul improved the military and its regulations, Ferguson felt out of place in the new army and returned to his rural estate to live idly.

As for Eldo, while he was an estate owner, his estate was technically under the Grayman family's name. Eldo's family merely "managed" it, having gained favor with the previous lord generations ago. The lord had granted his ancestor half ownership of the estate, which meant they only had to pay a certain percentage of the harvest to the lord each year, while the rest belonged to Eldo's family. In Alden, there were quite a few such landlords; the land was nominally owned by the lord, but in reality, it was controlled by these lord's servants.

In summary, one was a family knight, and the other a family servant—both were closely associated with the Grayman family.

"Lord, please do not be swayed by the slander of the petty people. Such actions will severely damage the loyalty of the subjects," Ferguson continued to persuade, his expression earnest, not at all insincere.

"Yes, yes, what Sir Ferguson says makes sense. Such harsh treatment of the subjects will lead to discontent," Eldo chimed in, appearing less agreeable than Ferguson, with his not-so-appealing looks, always echoing Ferguson's sentiments.

It seemed these two were chosen by the landlords to persuade me, he thought to himself.

From his intuition, it appeared that Ferguson wasn't entirely motivated by self-interest; more so, he was upholding the ethics and morals of the old era. On the other hand, Eldo seemed more concerned about personal gain, as he always seemed timid and reluctant to meet Paul's gaze.

But who could read a person's heart? It was all uncertain.

"I will seriously consider your opinions and discuss them in detail with the other lords," Paul replied, making an effort to appear attentive after listening to their grievances.

Ferguson and Eldo looked pleased, as it seemed the young lord was open to their suggestions.

Paul arranged for a meal and drinks to entertain the two men, and after they were well-fed and content, he sent them on their way.

A week later, the five lords gathered again in Alden Town. After some discussion, they hastily dispersed.

Soon after, each lord announced the suspension of some of the measures in the previous declaration.

Taking Alden and Byerldine as examples:

- The tax collector system would remain unchanged.

- The freedom of movement for peasants was temporarily suspended, but those with family members serving in the military would not be restricted from relocating.

- Private punishments would still be permitted, but if a family had someone serving in the military, the case must be handed over to the lord's court for trial.

However, the establishment of the Customs Union was retained by the five lords.

As a result, most people let out a sigh of relief.

In the estate of the great gentry, Walter, the landlords gathered once more.

Old Walter spoke with a dark expression, "This is a strategy; the Earl is using a retreat as an advance. We must find a way to disrupt the Customs Union."

"How rude; mind your tone and your station," Ferguson immediately objected. "To abolish the newly released decree entirely would be a blow to the Earl's reputation. Making such concessions is not easy, and we must show understanding towards Lord Grayman. Moreover, this matter also involves the other four Earls and the Duke of the Northwest; how can we go against the will of five lords?"

"Yes, yes, after all, we are his subjects. There's no reason to pressure the lord so much," Biden and Eldo chimed in, supporting Ferguson, clearly satisfied with the Earl's compromise.

"Humph! I fear that if the Earl takes one step back today, he will take two steps forward tomorrow. Remember my words; by the time everything you hold is taken from you, you won't even know how to be grateful."

Old Walter drank deeply from his cup, his eyes gleaming with a mysterious light.

"This…"

"Isn't that so…"

The people present exchanged glances in confusion.

(End of the Chapter)

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