Year End 2

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

"Lord, this year we have consolidated a total cultivated area of thirteen thousand hectares, including ten thousand hectares from Alden and three thousand hectares from Byerldine. Next year, we plan to accelerate our progress and continue to integrate the remaining sixty thousand hectares from both areas over the next two to three years."

In the castle hall, Minister of Agriculture Hansel was reporting on his achievements.

The so-called integrated farmland refers to consolidating scattered small plots of farmland owned by local gentry and landlords into large contiguous areas through exchanges and transfers, managed by a single entity.

Alternatively, it involves connecting small plots owned by peasant farmers, which are then collectively managed and supervised by newly established agricultural cooperatives. This includes raising funds from households for public purposes.

Through this approach, large farms are established, motivating landlords to invest in large-scale water management, road construction, and bridge building on their extensive farmlands without fear of losing out or benefiting neighbors unfairly.

"So slow?"

Paul slammed the table; he had thought it could be completed in half a year, but now it seemed it would take several more years.

Clearly, Lord Grayman was quite dissatisfied with the Agricultural Department's progress.

"Uh... Lord Grayman, please let me explain..." Hansel said awkwardly.

"This work is not easy! Whether landlords or farmers, everyone fears losing even the slightest advantage during land exchanges. They are all focused on how to gain an advantage. There are intrigues between landlords, fights among farmers, and even large-scale brawls between entire villages. These are things we frequently encounter."

"And we are short-handed, only able to carry out land exchanges village by village. I hope next year we can be allocated more administrative officials."

Paul frowned, "How can these people lack such foresight? It's just a few square meters, why fuss over so little?"

"Haha, Lord, it's not just about a few square meters; even losing a few inches feels like a matter of life and death to them. Moreover, the quality of cultivated land varies greatly across different regions, which makes it extremely difficult to measure."

"Very well, just put in more effort, strive to finish it for me next year!"

Hansel wiped his sweat with a handkerchief.

"We will do our best."

Paul then asked, "How's the promotion of new farming techniques going?"

"That's going quite smoothly. Agricultural cooperatives across various towns have already introduced crop rotation systems, and landlords have responded positively, planning to start trials next year. However, the peasant farmers are not so enthusiastic, as they have limited land and need to grow crops for their own sustenance."

"We won't force those small holders. Once food production increases, they will have the confidence to try."

"Yes, Lord."

Hansel continued his report, "With the promotion of harvesters, everyone has surplus labor to open up new farmland. We estimate that the cultivated area will increase by about one-sixth next year, including Alden and Byerldine."

Paul nodded in satisfaction, "That's good news, but the new farmland must also adhere to the large farm model."

"Naturally, Lord, we will strictly monitor that."

...

After the most concerning agricultural matters were reported, Paul continued to listen to matters concerning commerce, finance, immigration, and military affairs.

Overall, the situation left him satisfied.

Since a series of measures to support commerce were introduced, a total of twenty-three various factories have been established in Alden and Byerldine, producing canned goods, paper, porcelain, and salt, among other items.

Now, products from both regions have begun to be marketed in the northwest territories, and even a small quantity has been sold near Crystal Glare.

Paul believed that once the southern trade routes were fully open, trade growth would accelerate even more rapidly. Moreover, without layers of tariffs, the profits gained would be even greater.

With profits rising, more merchants would be attracted to invest in establishing factories.

Thanks to the establishment of various private factories and the sale of various new types of goods, this year the government's tax revenue reached twenty-three thousand silver coins, while the Grayman family's industrial income reached twenty-five thousand silver coins, totaling nearly fifty thousand silver coins.

After deducting various expenditures, there was still a surplus of ten thousand silver coins.

"Spend it all! Spend it all! Next year, I hope the surplus will not exceed two thousand silver coins!" Paul waved his hands, leaving the officials of the administration stunned.

"Only when money flows can it be considered wealth; otherwise, it's just a pile of metal lying around gathering dust!"

"I suddenly had an idea. How about next year we invest more money in education? Talent is scarce in the territory, so investing in education is always beneficial."

This idea received positive responses, especially from Miss D'Arshi, the female advisor, who was particularly concerned about the Weis Academy.

Regarding immigration, the administration has so far received a total of 1,563 refugees, most of whom are strong young men and women in their prime. Those who are too old or too young generally cannot endure the journey to the northwest bay.

These people have mostly been settled in various newly opened factories.

"There will be more refugees arriving tomorrow," Hansel informed everyone.

"Now the news of Earl of Alden's recruitment of immigrants has spread far and wide. Refugees will automatically gather here. Apart from the southern rebellion areas, people in the northeastern regions ravaged by orcs will also come to us."

After the officials of the administration finished reporting, the military led by Schroeder began to report on military matters.

The size of the army hasn't expanded much, but there has been significant progress in weaponry.

On the land army side, with the successful development of flintlock rifles, small-scale production has begun, and the first battalion of the army has been tasked with equipment testing.

As for the navy, it has been the biggest spender of military funds. This year, the navy has taken on three new types of sail warships, and according to Austin's 666 plan, another three are currently under tight construction.

However, the naval commander is still dissatisfied with this batch of ships. In order to equip them as quickly as possible, many of the woods were not properly seasoned, which means this batch of sail warships is destined to have a relatively short service life.

Therefore, he proposed that the construction of the next batch of warships must strictly follow the standard procedures, ensuring that the wood is properly seasoned to create a batch of qualified warships.

"Austin, my next plan is to develop civilian merchant ships to facilitate merchants doing business to the south. But you know, the shipyard's capacity is limited," Paul's statement left the naval commander extremely frustrated.

(End of the Chapter)