Realm of Power

Putau coastal town, La Arup

The spring sunshine is particularly beautiful, like slender lines falling on the tranquil sea, embroidered with a light golden light as the waves rise and fall.

The cold winter has passed, and more and more merchant ships are docked at the port. The renovated port has doubled in size. The bases of the original lighthouse and bell tower were demolished, and they were expanded along the concave edges to create a regular commercial wharf. The berths form a graceful arc, expanding from eight to fifty-four.

There are also people on the dock, including excited businessmen who are looking forward to the future, porters in port uniforms pushing transport cranes, and wearing caravan uniforms and marked clothes from all parties. The colorful things make people feel a little helpless. Those who adapt belong to those coachmen who take a nap outside the port cargo terminal.

There were so many cargoes recently that the coachmen were busy all night long. The port patrols, dressed in black light armor and holding long guns in their hands, stood listlessly on the main road of the port. These port patrol soldiers were from Phuntao locals. After half a month of hasty training, it was put into use. Each team of ten people was similar in nature to the militia. It was mainly responsible for The security of the port, guarding the goods stored in the port, and catching thefts, the salary of 15 silver coins per month is not low in the Putao area that has just experienced war and economic collapse, but the number of patrols in the port is obviously not that high. According to the standard, a team usually has six to eight people. Sometimes there are too many carriages, and two teams have to be sent to maintain them.

It is really due to the rapid development and lack of manpower. The total population in the coastal area of ​​​​Putao is only 60,000. The number of young and strong laborers that can be recruited is only 20,000 to 30,000, and the entire Pantao coastal business zone is 150 miles away. The number of civilian docks reported by the Falcon Admiralty reached one hundred and ten.

This is an extremely excellent seaport area. In order to completely expand the commercial routes of China-Europe Barro, the Falcon Empire invested 3 million gold coins in the early stage of construction. From the original capital of Lisbon to overseas island chains, various chambers of commerce privately competed. Very powerful too,

As the largest economic strategic entity supported by the empire, the Business Alliance did not enter this lush area under Fatty's instructions this time. The Puntau area has opened up the commercial routes between China and Europe, but new trade routes require people to open up, develop, and even fight for them.

The country's war has ended, but this commercial war has just begun, and the means of commercial expansion have just begun. Either light, or dark, or even dirty and bloody, in order to obtain more benefits, businessmen will show their 200% ambition and means. Bribing officials, attacking competitors, plundering and misappropriating resources from other commercial areas, this is a commercial war that is not a real war, and it is also the need for imperial influence to penetrate into Central Europe and Pakistan.

Fatty has never been a gentleman. It's just that this guy is very despicable, and he knows very well about capital. From the moment it came to this world, every pore of its blood was flowing with black blood. It let go of the shackles of commerce in the Puntao area, allowing the smuggling trade to develop at an unusually rapid speed, and finally formed a The impact of the China-Europe Barrow business circle,

The premature intervention of commercial oligarchs such as business alliances that enforce family law is not conducive to the development of smuggling trade in new areas.

As a business control body controlled by the empire, the Business Alliance should have a more important task to do, that is, to fully develop the economy of the southwest region. Fatty asked the top management of the Business Alliance to start from low-end business competition to mainland business. center expansion transfer

"If the merchants in the Putao area are soldiers with swords in their hands who are about to attack the enemy and fight, then the Business Alliance should turn the Southwest District into a base camp equipped with these imperial soldiers! They are fighting for the empire and are our soldiers!"

This sentence appeared in Fatty's second approval report for the Business Alliance's application to enter the general system. It was extremely carefully recorded by the archivist of the Business Alliance in the spring notebook of the third year of the Empire's landing on the Europa Continent. It also became a number for later generations. For hundreds of years, it has been the motto and source of motivation that has inspired countless imperial merchants to move forward courageously.

Because businessmen believe that in the eyes of the first-generation monarchs of the empire, who are known as the imperial gods of war, their status is the same as those legendary generals who opened up territories and expanded their territories and achieved countless brilliant achievements. They also flashed in the early days of the empire and made countless Historians sigh with emotion, forging ahead, yet dazzling the sky in troubled times

The fat man rode into La Arup, where the local magistrate was already waiting

Looking over, the fat man frowned slightly at the recruitment notices posted everywhere on the street in front of him. The magistrate of La Arup who came to greet him quickly explained with a pale expression, "My lord, there is really no way around this. For To save costs, the empire's chambers of commerce will focus on recruiting people locally. , but there are only so few people in the local area, which is obviously not enough. Even if the chamber of commerce also hires women and children, you can still see overwhelming notices recruiting workers at the port and in the corners of the city. When the spring breeze blows, they make a rustling sound. You can tear off several pieces at once, so we don’t get tired of it!”

"The labor gap is so big, why not recruit from other areas in Pantao?"

The fat man turned around and asked the local magistrate behind him. He had expected the labor shortage in Pu Tao, but he didn't expect it to turn into such a mess. However, judging from the notice, 12 silver coins a month was not a very low wage, which at least proved to the Chamber of Commerce. It does not suppress workers’ wages excessively.

"The same applies to other regions. There are even people from other regions who want to recruit people from us! I have driven them away!"

The local magistrate Rocardi nervously took out his handkerchief and wiped the sweat on his head. He was a middle-aged man with a relatively honest appearance, wearing a gray and blue dress and riding an ordinary gray horse. He envied him. From time to time, his eyes drifted to the handsome and eye-catching horse under the fat man's crotch.

An expensive strategic material like military horses is not something that an ordinary small local official can raise. However, as a nobleman, liking famous horses is a hobby, just like watching the extremely luxurious carriages of high-ranking nobles. It is really difficult to control.

He didn't know who the fat man was, and the order he received only said that a senior officer from the empire was coming to inspect. He and his five followers waited at the intersection all morning. The sun was a little bright, so I took a sip from the water bottle and was muttering about what kind of person was coming.

The entire row of black cavalry that appeared in the distance frightened the local official who was fully prepared mentally.

These black cavalry were wearing combat armor, with ferocious and murderous curved swords slung around their waists, and fluttering red cloaks tied behind them. The earth was like muffled thunder heading east, red clouds and fierce winds accompanied by a flying black line rolled up smoke and dust, rushing directly towards me.

"Mom!"

Rocardi almost fell to the ground in fear,

"Papa"

The group of war horses suddenly came to a pleasing emergency stop 20 meters in front of him, and then neatly separated to both sides. A fat man wearing a general's armor slowly rode out. She looked him up and down and said slowly, "Your Excellency, are you the local Sheriff Rocardi?"

"I don't dare, the young one is Luo Cadi!" Luo Cadi responded with his hands on the ground and a pale face.

"I'm sorry, you guys are ignorant, you must have scared the adults! Please lead the way. Let's go into the city!" The fat man raised his hand, and Luo Kadi quickly stood up and patted the dust on his body. He felt that this A senior imperial officer himself is not the arrogant and domineering person he seems to be, at least not the kind of person who gives people a serious look.

Next to him was a woman wearing a dark green hood and a white gauze covering her face. I can't see her face clearly, but my graceful figure, even a robe can't cover up her heart-stirring peerless elegance.

"She must be on vacation with her lover!"

Luo Kadi led the way, hesitatingly guessing in his heart that he was the local magistrate here during the Putau Principality period, and later assisted the Congolese people in their management, and did not do anything too excessive. Occasionally, he would also assist some common people who could not afford to pay taxes. He has a pretty good reputation in the local area for tricking people into escaping. He thought that his position as a magistrate would be lost after changing his master, but he did not expect that the Falcon Empire that took over did not send a new magistrate, but appointed him to continue his job. The empire is grateful, and there are a large number of Putao local officials like him. The empire's tolerant policy has invisibly gained the loyalty of these Putao officials!

"Such a gap should gradually ease after the arrival of new immigrants!" The fat man looked left and right and said to himself,

The Putao area was far away from the empire's mainland and southwest region. The empire controlled the coastal areas and also took over the management of these areas. Except for some people who had huge criticism in some areas, most local officials did not move. First, these people were familiar with the local conditions. Being able to work immediately, secondly, it shows the empire's respect for the Putao area and reduces the resistance of the local Putao people to the empire's takeover. The third is that someone has deliberately developed Putao into a smuggling base, so naturally they would not think of letting them My subordinates came to take a trip into this muddy water.

In this kind of environment where people do everything they can, even if the old man Duo Ze, who has the most steadfast stance, is thrown in, he may be a little unable to handle it. Instead of doing this, it is better to let the Pu Tao people take care of themselves and fatten them up. , after a period of time, if you arrest a group of people, kill a group of people, and confiscate all the property, in addition to making a windfall, you can also get the support of more Putou people in the shortest time. Ordinary people often only see punishment for corruption. However, few people think about the true thoughts of those monarchs who suddenly become wise.

"New immigrants?'

Magistrate Rocardi was surprised when he heard this. He was pleasantly surprised by what the senior imperial officer said. There shouldn't be any lies! But yes, I didn’t feel it before, but now it has become more and more obvious. Luo Kadi shook his head. The population in the coastal area of ​​​​Putao is too small. It is a typical sparsely populated area. Gangnon people are not interested in coastal areas. The suppression has made this place a population disaster area. If more people can be added, who can say that La Arup will not develop into a "big city" like Lisbon in a few years?

Rocardi also had his own ambitions. His face showed a hint of joy, but he didn't know that in the eyes of this amiable senior officer, he was entering the ranks of "fattening".

"Are there any people from Strand Sea Kingdom among the ships that have recently docked?" The fat man stopped his horse at a fork in the road and started to get to the point.

"Yes, just three days ago, a Strand maritime fleet docked at the port!" Rocardi was surprised for a moment. He didn't expect the fat man to ask this, and quickly answered, "I heard they are here to welcome the bride." , caused a little chaos! "

"What do you mean by causing a little confusion?" The fat man blinked,

"This time the Stranders had six large merchant ships. There were also two warships full of sailors, with a total of almost 200 people. They relied on force to forcibly book accommodation in most of the port area and drove many of them away. The sailors almost caused turmoil in the entire port area! "

Luo Kadi shook his head and smiled bitterly. "But there is no way, everyone dares to be angry but dare not speak out. The other party is a Strander, and few merchants in this sea dare to provoke a Strander." ! Everyone knows the naval strength of the Strand people, but they are the best in the entire Central and European countries! If you offend them, there is no need to run away at sea."

"Really? Do we need to be afraid of the Stranders in the waters of our empire? This joke is not funny!" The fat man held the reins of the war horse tightly. His eyes narrowed slightly, with cold light shining in his eyes. His tone suddenly became terrifyingly calm, and the air suddenly became depressing.

"No, sir, don't get me wrong. I definitely didn't mean that!" Luo Cadi's face turned miserable, his head shaking like a rattle. He was a little carried away just now, and only then did he realize that what was in front of him was not a common set. people. It was a senior officer of the Falcon Empire, and his body was trembling with fear.

"Did they forcefully book the accommodation area at the port?" The fat man rolled his eyes. He originally wanted to test the attitude of the Strand people, but since they were so arrogant, this was a good opportunity.

"Yes...!" Rocardi replied with a trembling voice.

"That's easy to handle. No matter what price they offer, I'll offer twice the price! I'll take over the entire port and tell the Strand people that there's no place for them here. Let them get out!" Fatty Riding on the horse, he snorted with his nose flaring, raised his whip, and spoke in a cold and decisive tone!

"There, there, since the adults want to use it, I will tell them to get out immediately!" Rocardi nodded and bowed, his face full of flattery, and there were beads of sweat rolling on his forehead. He could feel the black cavalry behind the fat man, full of The murderous gaze rolled over his body, and it felt like a knife cutting into his body,

Who doesn't know that the Falcon Empire's naval fleet has even stabbed the powerful Gang Fei Kyoto, and he even said that the Strand people are the first in the navy? Isn't he looking for death? It is said that the soldiers of the Falcon Empire are all fanatical militants, killing people and beheading them as a matter of routine. Who knows if this seemingly ordinary fat man in front of him could be a murderous lunatic! Maybe if he raises his eyebrows, he will be chopped into mincemeat by the men behind him who are looking at him with such ferocious looks that they are about to punch holes in his body!

"Come here, go and clear out all the Stranders in the accommodation area immediately!" Rocardi said urgently to the followers behind him.

"Sir, those Stranders are armed! And there are 200 of them!" The attendant looked at him with a depressed look. "The total number of patrols in the entire port is less than 100, and there are still no The fighting militia, the strength of Strand's sailors are... Very famous, these warriors who live on the sea all year round are not only physically strong, but also good at fighting. Even pirates will shy away when they meet them, because the pirates also know that whoever offends the Sea Kingdom of Strand will be attacked by the Sea Kingdom's fleet. They dare not go into the sea when they are being chased."

"This..." Luo Cadi's face showed a troubled look. He was riding a tiger and it was hard to get off. He couldn't afford to offend the other side.

"Firas! You take a hundred cavalrymen and kill any resisters without mercy." The fat man shouted with a cold face. Behind him, a slender Guards Cavalry Captain with a ferocious scar on his face came out in response. and followed the attendant with a hundred horsemen,

The fat man followed Roccadi into a mansion that had been prepared near the port area. The environment was good. In fact, the fat man did not expect that there was such a good place in such a small place. It had an exquisite and gorgeous iron gate and a whole row of rows of it inside. evergreen pines along the road, a trumpet boy's A small fountain with clear water. A long circular path leads to a three-story white villa. It is small and unique. Especially the cross loft in the backyard is eye-catching. Behind the loft is the vast sky. This villa is actually located in The scenery on the cliff by the sea is charming!

"This was the house of the administrator of Gangfei. After the people of Gangfei evacuated, this place has been empty! It has always been the public property of the empire! You can see the sea in the distance from here." Rocardi introduced respectfully, "My lord, you are tired from the long journey. , just rest here first, and it won’t be too late to move there after the port area is cleared!

"The sunrise on the sea in La'alup is known as the lover's embrace, and it is very famous along the coast of Puntau!" Luo Kadi paused, and his eyes paused on the woman next to the fat man, seeming to indicate something. After saying that, he bent down and left respectfully.

After Rocardi left, Turrit Colleen who was next to him finally couldn't help but pull down his hood, glanced curiously at the fat man who was standing in front of the window looking at the sea view, and asked with a slight frown, "Your Majesty, are you What is this going to do? Reserve the accommodation area and drive away the Stranders. What about my second sister’s wedding ceremony? Do you want her to hold it on a ship? Although I have never had a good relationship with her, this is a family after all. It’s such a big deal, isn’t this a bit too much!”

"Why are you in a hurry? We can reserve the accommodation area and the Strand people will find it themselves. The initiative is in our hands and we can save a lot of trouble!"

The fat man smiled and turned back from the window. "Since we are going to negotiate, we must let the Strant people know that they can't do whatever they want in the Empire! This is a national interest, not a personal grudge!" (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets on Qidian. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please go to m. to read.)