Chapter 1671: Chapter 94: Utter Defeat (Part 3)
Even if it were truly implemented, could the kingdom’s fiscal revenue really increase?
Do not use the future as an excuse; no one can predict events that have not occurred.
We are different from all other countries on the continent!
The kingdom’s population is significant, and its territory is vast, but that does not equate to a broad domestic market.
Presumably, everyone has conducted a census in their own jurisdiction and is clear about the kingdom’s demographic composition.
Commerce is not suitable for the kingdom; we only need to develop agriculture and the military to stand atop the continent.
Those fiscal revenue figures, they are all illusory data; only the knight’s spear in hand is real!
After the agricultural reforms are completed, the kingdom’s grain production capacity will greatly increase, and our comprehensive national strength will have significantly improved.
After three to five years of recovery, once enough grain is accumulated and sufficient armaments are produced, we will have the capital to march east again.
As long as the Orc Empire is wiped out and the Orc Prairie is annexed, we can replace the Frank Empire and become the number one power of the Human Race, or on the continent.
The development path is so clear, why cause turmoil?
The success of reforms could at most lead to some increase in government tax revenue, but it does not produce more grain, so it does not significantly strengthen the kingdom’s power!”
As soon as Duke Richard finished speaking, the atmosphere in the hall instantly became polarized.
The best weapon against reform was found, and members of the Conservative Faction were elated, while some governors who originally leaned towards the reformists changed their stances at that moment.
Who would want to continue sacrificing if the kingdom can reach the pinnacle of the continent without harming their interests?
The reformists nearby looked displeased.
They wanted to retort, but the words got stuck in their throats.
Seeing this, Hudson’s expression grew somber as well.
All other issues could be refuted, but this unique theory of “exclusive agricultural and military strategy” was difficult to dismantle.
“Emphasizing agriculture over commerce” is a common technique of feudal dynasties; for an agricultural country, as long as agriculture and military are developed well, other issues are minor. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ novelFɪre.net
At least for the strategy of defeating the Orc Empire, applying this theory is undoubtedly the least labor-intensive.
No matter what institutional reforms are enacted, they require a time cycle to accumulate. For the Alpha Kingdom’s size, even ten years may not suffice to complete internal reforms.
Strengthening the nation and annihilating the Orc Empire would extend the time frame even further.
This alone is intolerable for many nobles.
Glancing at everyone, Hudson realized the reformists’ basic support had collapsed.
The enthusiasm for reform among the emerging nobility had been quenched, Caesar IV’s stance had also wavered, and Governor Piers, whom he persuaded, had started to daydream.
In the blink of an eye, the local power supporting reforms was now just him.
The defection of powerful figures leaves the central government’s few voices to merely shout.
Of course, it’s more likely they would even lose the ability to shout.
Political struggle is cruel. Nobles like Hudson, who have real power, can escape unscathed, but other core members of the reformists are not so lucky.
Reform that touches on core interests creates too much resentment.
Since ancient times, few politicians who initiated reforms had good outcomes.
“Your Majesty, it’s getting late; should we adjourn today’s meeting here?”
Hudson decisively interrupted the proceedings of the meeting.
The reformists were utterly defeated today; if it continued, it would soon turn into political retribution by the Conservative Faction against the reformists.
Without the support of powerful figures, the reformists have no ability to resist.
In such a dire situation, Hudson is powerless to reverse it; all he can do now is delay this political reckoning.
Subsequently, many emerging nobles echoed him.
Selling out political allies for personal gain is dishonorable; Hudson’s intervention to extend the life of the reformists restored some of their reputations.
Everyone has worked hard; go rest for now, and we’ll find time to discuss later.”
Caesar IV said slowly.
Today’s meeting was so unexpected that it disrupted all his plans.
With the decline of the reformists inevitable, the court will soon undergo a major reshuffle. Even as King, he cannot reverse the tide.
Previously, to amplify the reformist momentum, he had pushed the high-ranking Six Ministers toward the reformists, and now the backlash ends with them being wiped out.
It seems he decisively cut ties with the reformists to escape the impact of reform failure, but in reality, he, as king, is also a major political loser.
Not only is the monarch’s authority severely damaged, losing so much power at once, but his subsequent control over the court will inevitably decrease.