Chapter 123 Battle for the throne
Xu Yi and Marquis Jole’s discussion lasted for an entire half hour before ending.
In this large banquet hall that was filled with people, of course it was impossible for them to have an in-depth talk. But through this conversation, Xu Yi had demonstrated his attitude to Marquis Jole.
It was that the Frestech Chamber of Commerce didn’t have plans to go against the Falcao Chamber of Commerce because strictly speaking, there were no conflicts in the areas they operated in. Rather, there were many places where they could cooperate. 𝗯𝐞𝐝𝗻𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥.𝐜𝗼𝐦
For example, like in Banta City. The Falcao Chamber of Commerce’s relationship with the Frestech Chamber of Commerce had turned cold since they stole an iron mine from them, but after both sides worked with each other several times, although chairman Morgan wasn’t friends with Xu Yi, their relationship had basically returned to normal.
As for an important person like Marquis Jole, the chairman of a small company like Xu Yi was naturally not something that could compete with him. For him, the Falcao Chamber of Commerce and the Jole Family’s benefits were his highest priority.
As for the large benefits that would come from mining non-ferrous metals that Xu Yi had mentioned, this was equal to giving the Falcao Chamber of Commerce a brand new path.
The Jole Family had controlled the iron mines in the Lampuri Kingdom since it had been founded. Although they had depended on this to earn a large income, they were limited by this and didn’t have any major breakthroughs.
One day the iron in the kingdom would be mined cleaned and when that time comes, what would the Jole Family do?
Now Xu Yi was willing to mine the non-ferrous metal in the kingdom with the Falcao Chamber of Commerce and confirmed that he would buy large amounts of non-ferrous metals from them, this was equal to giving the Falcao Chamber of Commerce a new source of revenue.
Not to mention the Jole Family having a good view of Xu Yi, even if he hated Xu Yi himself, for the benefit of the Jole Family, he would choose to accept the olive branch that Xu Yi presented and would cooperate with him initially.
As for the matter of the army headquarter order, Xu Yi told him that using pig iron was limited. After iron is smelted into steel, it had all kinds of special characteristics that had much more value. So the old style of using blacksmiths was already over and he advised the Jole Family to give up this venture.Visit website our Listnovel.com
As for what changes they would take after giving this up?
Xu Yi proposed that they could create a steel mill together, specially producing the materials needed to make the army headquarter’s equipment.
Like this, the Jole Family could maintain a close relationship with the army headquarters, while also successfully transitioning to what Xu Yi described as “modern military enterprises”.
It had to be said, even though Marquis Jole was forty seven, his thoughts weren’t as stubborn as normal middle aged men. Rather he easily understood many of the concepts that Xu Yi put forth and accepted part of them.
The conversation was very smooth for both sides, so when Xu Yi and Marquis Jole separated, Marquis Jole took the initiative to ask Xu Yi to be a guest at the Jole Manor.
Xu Yi remembered the scene with Vincent and he revealed a smile before agreeing.
After sending off Marquis Jole, Xu Yi’s eyes turned and saw that some people were staring at him.
He looked in another direction, looking over towards Duke Stagg who was surrounded by a group of people.
Seeing Xu Yi look over, Duke Stagg revealed a smile before turning away, clearly showing his rejection.
Xu Yi gave a shrug. Even if Duke Stagg took the initiative to come talk to him, it didn’t mean that he was willing to talk to him.
Right now Xu Yi was no longer an idiot who knew nothing about the Lampuri Kingdom political landscape like last year. With scattered bits of information from many people, as well as the information that he gathered, he was much more clear on the situation. Xu Yi was very clear that the Lampuri Kingdom’s battle for the throne had reached a peak.
The king’s eldest son, prince Eric should be first in line for succession based on tradition and he was the candidate that many people wanted to become the next king.
However, prince Eric wasn’t that competent. He never showed an ability for governance and his personality was bad, so the king had always been disappointed in him.
Compared to him, although her highness Seveni was the king’s youngest daughter and was a girl, she had shown a great talent for governing since she was young and she was beloved by many nobles and ministers.
The current battle for the throne was centralized around these two.
His highness Eric had the advantage of being the firstborn, while having the support of many great nobles.
But her highness Seveni had the advantage of being outstanding and having a good reputation, receiving the support of many nobles and most of the people of the kingdom.
Adding in the traditions left on the Sines Continent from the elves, there was prejudice against her highness, so Seveni had more of a voice than Eric did.
The reason why Baron Belil who had replaced Viscount Leslie had treated Xu Yi so strangely was because the Stagg Family had openly expressed their support for his highness Eric during this year, so the Stagg Family naturally had to drawn a line with Xu Yi who was close to her highness Seveni.
If it was said that Xu Yi wanted to climb the large tree of the Stagg Family before through Viscount Leslie, the current him couldn’t do a thing and it was basically impossible for him to be close to the Stagg Family.
In everyone’s opinion, Xu Yi and the Frestech Chamber of Commerce had already joined her highness’ side a long time ago.
So although Duke Stagg was a bit interested in Xu Yi, he definitely couldn’t take the initiative to see him and it was impossible for Xu Yi to come find him.
After organizing the relationships in his mind, Xu Yi couldn’t help giving a sigh.
Although he knew that it was impossible for business to avoid politics, he still thought that being involved in politics was quite the troublesome matter.
“Hey, chairman Xu, why are you sighing? Could it be because you aren’t happy about your conversation with Marquis Jole?” There was a familiar voice that came from beside him.
Xu Yi turned and saw Anklo carrying a cup of red wine. He shook his head with a smile, “No, I was just feeling a bit emotional after thinking about a few things. Mister Anklo, I’m actually very curious, why are you at this banquet?”
Anklo clinked his glass against Xu Yi’s with a smile and after taking a large sip, he said, “Actually I wasn’t planning on coming, but after hearing that chairman Xu would also be coming, I asked our duchy’s envoys to bring me along. My goal for coming was meeting chairman Xu.”
“Oh?” Xu Yi was a bit surprised, “You need to spend all that effort in meeting me? Didn’t Hannas tell me where I lived? If you want to see me, why didn’t you come looking for me?”
“I went, but you weren’t there. The housekeeper told me that chairman Xu is always busy and rarely stays at the residence, so I was afraid that I couldn’t find you, so I came to this banquet. Look, didn’t I successfully find you?”
Xu Yi laughed, “Alright, mister Anklo, since you’ve put in this much effort to find me, you must have something important to discuss with me, right? Is it related to what we discussed last time?”
“That’s right.” When it came to business, Anklo’s face became serious, “Chairman Xu, I want to ask you, have you considered what we discussed last time? If you agree to it, I hope that you can schedule a trip to our Stantine Duchy as soon as possible.”
Xu Yi said in a thoughtful voice, “Although I have already confirmed that his majesty doesn’t have any objections to us selling agricultural magic machines to the Rudson Kingdom and going to build a factory in your Stantine Duchy before the banquet, this matter is not small, so I hope that you can give me some time to consider.”
Anklo shook his head, “Although I also want to give you some time to consider, chairman Xi, our Stantine Duchy’s situation is rather special. Other than winter each year, the weather of the other seasons aren’t stable. If you come for an inspection after winter, you might be affected by the weather, so even if you do decide to invest, it will greatly influence you. Like this, it might delay this matter by an entire year and the citizens of our Stantine Duchy can’t wait that long.”
Seeing Anklo’s heavy expression, Xu Yi couldn’t help asking, “Mister Anklo, there is something I don’t understand. Why are you so certain that our Frestech Chamber of Commerce can help your Stantine Duchy? Why don’t you sell the mines to other companies? I think that as long as there are benefits, any company would be willing to invest in your duchy, right?”
“No, the other companies are different. We have tried this before, but those other companies were all scared off.” Anklo said.
Xu Yi didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, “Then why are you certain that I won’t be scared off?”
“I’ve already said it, your Frestech Chamber of Commerce is different from other companies. Actually when I inspected Banta City a while ago, I saw the changes that your Frestech Chamber of Commerce had on Banta City and the surrounding cities. I feel that if your Frestech Chamber of Commerce can come to our Stantine Duchy, perhaps it could change our current situation.” Anklo honestly said.
Xu Yi couldn’t help shaking his head, “I have to say, you really think highly of our Frestech Chamber of Commerce.”
“Accurately speaking, I don’t think highly of your Frestech Chamber of Commerce, rather I think highly of you.” Anklo looked at Xu Yi with eyes filled with expectation, “Chairman Xi, I once again invite you on behalf of Duke Stantine, I hope that you can take a trip to our Stantine Duchy.”
Seeing the sincerity on Anklo’s face, Xu Yi considered a bit before finally giving a slow nod.
“Alright, after I return to Banta City, I’ll be taking a trip to the Black Rice Wasteland and I’ll come take a look at your Stantine Duchy if I have time.”
“Is that a promise?”
“It’s a promise.”
Chapter 124 Special economic zone
When the banquet was half over, Xu Yi was led by a servant of the palace to a secret room to have a private meeting with the king.
Compared to the first time, after the king saw Xu Yi, the smile on his face became much brighter and sincere.
Just like he had said about Xu Yi in the banquet, for the Lampuri Kingdom’s increase in crops this year, the biggest contributor was the Frestech Chamber of Commerce’s agricultural magic machines. But the biggest hero was of course Xu Yi who had invented the agricultural magic machines.
For the Lampuri Kingdom or for any country on the Sines Continent, being able to solve the food and shelter problems of their people was the number one priority.
The Lampuri Kingdom had problems dealing with this before, but now there was the help of the agricultural magic machines, they had solved this problem almost perfectly in just a single year.
Even according to the stats of the agricultural department, if they continued promoting the agricultural magic machines and allowed every piece of land in the kingdom to use them, the Lampuri Kingdom might not just be able to satisfy their own needs, they might even be able to sell excess grain to other countries!
After the king learned of this good news, how could he not reveal a sincere and bright smile to Xu Yi?
“The agricultural department wants to export grains?” Xu Yi was a bit surprised, “Your majesty, forgive me for saying this, but I feel that we need to reconsider this?”
“Oh? What needs to be reconsidered?” The king looked at Xu Yi with an interested gaze.
“First, the reason why our kingdom could have this rich harvest, other than having the help of the agricultural magic machines and opening much more farmland, the other important reason was that there weren’t any natural disasters that decreased crop yields. But this is something that has to be considered. If I’m not wrong, the turmoil ten years ago was caused by famine…..”
Xu Yi didn’t keep speaking.
The famine of the Lampuri Kingdom ten years ago was a taboo for everyone in the kingdom, they were unwilling to easily bring it up.
And in front of a king who had taken his throne in this famine, it had a deeper impression on him than other people.
The king didn’t seem to mind as he said with a nod, “Un, this is indeed something to consider. But the agricultural department has already considered this, so what else do you need to consider?”
“What else…...The agricultural department is saying that not only is this year’s grain yield enough to satisfy the people’s needs and is even enough to export, but I feel that is based on the previous grain needs of the kingdom. Actually from what I’ve observed in Banta City and the surrounding cities, there are many families, especially those normal peasant families who can’t fill their stomachs. I think that…..the agricultural department might have underestimated people’s need for food.”
“You mean that because people couldn’t eat their fill, now that they have much more food compared to before to eat, they will eat more? It might raise the need for food compared to before by several times?” The king asked.
“It’s just that meaning.”
Seeing Xu Yi nod, the king suddenly broke out in laughter.
“Ha, ha, I can understand this idea. Back during the famine, I even went hungry for several days. When there was enough food to eat, I let myself go and gained several pounds. Look…..” The king patted his round stomach and said in a voice of self ridicule, “This was the weight gained several years ago and I still haven’t lost it.”
Xu Yi couldn’t help smiling, thinking that the king was rather charming.
The king patted the armrest of his chair and gave a nod as he said with a voice of praise, “Not bad, I wanted to call you in to praise you alone and planned on asking if you needed any rewards, but I never thought that by talking to you, I’ve found that you have quite the insight on how to govern the kingdom. Not bad, not bad…..I’ve heard Count Sean report that you are currently working on the Banta City renovation plan, right?”
Xu Yi was stunned, but he quickly nodded and replied, “Yes. Count Sean gave responsibility of this project to me, but the work has just started, so there isn’t anything to show for it right now.
“To let Count Sean have the idea of renovating Banta City, that is already considered a large achievement.” The king said with a faint smile, “Xu Yi, I have to say, since Banta City had your Frestech Chamber of Commerce, it has had too many changes compared to before. At least, it’s become much richer compared to before, right? Otherwise, how could it undergo this renovation?”
Xu Yi couldn’t help revealing a smile, “The Lord Count always complains to me about this. I won’t hide it from you, right now the City Lord’s Manor owes our company several hundred thousand gold coins.”
“Let him keep owing you.” The king waved his hand with an uncaring expression, “Actually even I want to owe your company several hundred thousand or even several million.”
Xu Yi was surprised, “Your highness, our company hasn’t developed to that point yet……”
The king revealed a faint smile, “No need to be nervous, of course I’m just joking. I just found that Banta City has some pretty good changes and I can’t help thinking how good it would be if those changes could occur all over our Lampuri Kingdom.”
Seeing the emotional look on the king’s face, Xu Yi’s heart was suddenly moved.
“Your majesty, it’s not realistic to make the kingdom like Banta City in a short period of time. But how about you first consider to turn an area of the kingdom into a prosperous and lively area?”
“First choose an area to make lively?” The king knit his brows, “What does this mean? How can it be done?”
“Actually, it’s very simple, just make a special economic zone…..”
###
After leaving the royal palace, Xu YI rode his horse carriage back to his residence. As soon as the horse carriage began moving, he suddenly couldn’t help breaking out in laughter.
There was no other way, as long as he thought of what he just discussed with the king, he really wanted to laugh.
In a half slavery half feudal society, to discuss the matter of a special economic area with the king of an kingdom really was somewhat funny.
But the king had very seriously listened to what Xu Yi said.
After hearing Xu Yi’s idea of building a special economic zone near Banta City, the king had actually agreed with it for now after thinking about it.
He even analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of building this special economic zone with Xu Yi.
The advantage was that they could gather manpower and policies to allow Banta City and the surrounding cities to develop faster.
Even without the help of kingdom policies right now, because there was the Frestech Chamber of Commerce, this area was more prosperous compared to before and could be considered a spontaneous special economic zone.
If they had the help of kingdom policies, this development would go even faster.
The downside was that this could create dissatisfaction in other parts of the kingdom, especially in the territories of the other great nobles.
Based on what was the special economic zone to be placed near Banta City and why wasn’t it placed anywhere else?
What specialty did Banta City have over other places?
Xu Yi really wanted to say that Banta City’s greatest advantage was that it had the Frestech Chamber of Commerce, but of course he couldn’t say this because this definitely wouldn’t convince anyone.
So he carefully proposed this to the king, only giving him the idea of a special economic zone. He didn’t have the king tell everyone that this special economic zone would be placed near Banta City.
To put it bluntly, Xu Yi wanted the king to look after the development of the area around Banta City. He wanted him to make certain policies that would facilitate the development of Banta City and the surrounding area.
The king said that this suggestion would benefit everyone and he would seriously consider it.
So when Xu Yi met the king a second time, the results made him very satisfied.
But when he left, the king suddenly patted his shoulder and said a few words that made him vigilant.
The king had said, “Very good, I’m much more assured that Seveni has a helper like you.”
These words really had deep meaning.
When the carriage stopped at the entrance of the residence, Xu Yi couldn’t help continuing to ponder what the real meaning behind the king’s words were.
Seeing Still that came out, he could only forget about it and put those words in his heart, as he revealed a smile.
“Aleri is awake.” Still said.
“Oh? Then I’ll go take a look.”
Xu Yi and Still quickly went to Aleri’s room.
When they came in, they heard a weak voice protesting from inside the room.
“Bel….Bella, don’t…..If people see this…..it won’t seem good.”
Bella’s very easily recognizable loud voice sounded.
“Humph, what’s not good? I am just taking care of a sick person. Come, open your mouth, don’t be hesitant like a little girl. Ah…..”
They heard the sound of a spoon touching a bowl and Xu Yi stopped. He pointed at the room and looked at Still with a questioning gaze.
Still revealed an ambiguous smile and raised a finger to tell him to be silent. Then the two of them approached the door and tentatively poked their heads in.
The situation inside was like what Xu Yi thought. Aleri was leaning back on his pillow with Bella sitting beside him. There was a bowl of black liquid that was unknown if it was medicine or soup, but Bella was currently feeding it spoonful by spoonful into Aleri’s mouth.
Aleri’s face was red as he opened his mouth to take the spoon. Xu Yi suddenly gave a soft cough and walked in, pretending to be surprised as he loudly said, “Bella, didn’t you say you loved me yesterday? Could it be that your heart has changed in just a single day?”
Bella’s hand trembled and almost dropped the spoon.
Seeing Still and Xu Yi walking in, the two of them looked very embarrassed.