Blackstone Code-Chapter 498: Win-Win

In the Federation, who can influence government decisions?

Ordinary citizens?

Well-known social activists?

Scholars and experts?

No. The real influencers are capitalists—big capitalists.

Lynch’s words sparked many assumptions, especially since he was still living in the provincial governor’s residence. Their relationship was clearly more than just friendship.

Just as people hoped Lynch would say more, a door opened. Everyone fell silent and returned to their seats.

The mayor stood at the doorway, nervous. Not long ago, he had been the police chief. Now, as mayor, he felt uncertain and tense.

He wasn’t sure if he could satisfy those above him. This new role was unfamiliar—he couldn’t command people like he did with a baton. In fact, he didn’t even have a baton.

Before entering, he straightened his clothes, making sure there were no wrinkles. He couldn’t wear a utility belt anymore, and his empty waist felt strange.

He took a deep breath and stepped into the meeting room, facing his first real test as mayor.

Upon entering, he caught sight of Lynch and briefly wanted to greet him. But Lynch’s earlier instructions rang in his mind: I’ll be there that day. Pretend you don’t see me and follow the speech I gave you, understood?

He remembered clearly, looked away from Lynch, and approached the podium. He’d always watched mayors from below this platform, but today he was the one standing here—a unique feeling.

The crowd that once felt imposing now seemed less intimidating.

“Ladies and gentlemen from around the world, dedicated to helping Nagaryll escape poverty and develop its economy and industry, good morning…”

“I’m very pleased to meet you all here today. This is my first time meeting you as mayor.”

“Some of you I already know, some may still find me unfamiliar. Let me introduce myself—I’m Avleon. You may call me by my full name or just Ave.”

Only recently did Lynch realize that in names like Asel and Avleon, the A wasn’t really a name but a particle reflecting class.

Ordinary and low-born people used this A particle in their names. The new mayor, formerly a police chief from a minor branch of a small clan, wasn’t truly part of the ruling class. That was why he ended up as a police chief—essentially a lackey.

So his name included the A particle, roughly meaning that guy or something similar.

In Nagaryll culture, class divisions were an unavoidable chasm, embedded even in people’s names.

Commoners and low-born were discriminated against from birth, marked by their names.

Nobles, rulers, and major clans did nothing to prove their status. Even without noble attire or mannerisms, their names alone commanded respect.

This was a twisted country—but they didn’t see it that way.

What he said next was familiar to Lynch, who had memorized it thoroughly and could speak without notes.

An old literary expert once told Lynch that writing was about arranging fixed words in various but regulated orders depending on context—a deceptively simple yet challenging craft, requiring careful study of every word.

The mayor’s speech mainly apologized for the recent unrest and expressed sympathy for victims and families—formalities any new mayor would make. He was adapting well and showing genuine emotion. 𝘙𝓪ɴ𝘰ꞖƐ𝒮

After the formalities, he moved to concrete measures.

“First, considering your efforts to come from all over the world to help Nagaryll develop, our government will offer encouragement and rewards. We plan to reduce business tax to seventeen percent!”

This policy instantly ignited enthusiasm. Nagaryll’s business tax had been a staggering forty-five percent, plus many surcharges—but the ruling class was exempt.

The heavy tax burden was imposed on those rising from the common class—successful merchants striving to succeed.

With limited resources, the ruling class used taxes as their strongest weapon to maintain privilege.

Many grassroots merchants and emerging capital markets were crushed by these taxes.

Now, the tax dropped to seventeen percent—about ten points lower than the Federation’s approximate thirty percent floating tax rate. This was a welcome surprise.

Seeing the crowd’s reactions, Avleon felt a strange satisfaction. These foreign dignitaries weren’t so intimidating after all. A single sentence could lift their spirits—or bring sorrow.

But when his gaze met Lynch’s, that uneasy feeling vanished instantly. He lowered his head humbly, like a loyal dog greeting its owner.

“Gentlemen, please remain quiet. Additionally, infrastructure investments and production within my jurisdiction will enjoy full tax exemption!”

“This is our way of thanking those who traveled great distances, braving unknown risks, to help us achieve prosperity.”

Lynch nodded slightly and led the applause, which the crowd warmly joined.

Infrastructure companies were fully exempt. Federation merchants had countless ways to prove their goods were for infrastructure.

Even if they couldn’t, they could set up infrastructure companies to buy their products cheaply and resell at market prices—there were always ways.

The Federation’s economic history was essentially a struggle between labor and capital, capital and government, money and taxes—intense but fascinating.

As the excitement waned, the new mayor cleared his throat and continued.

“Second, we will establish an Office for Foreign and Joint Ventures (including but not limited to government collaboration) to assist foreign enterprises in local establishment, documentation, and investment.”

“Enterprises meeting our standards will receive conveniences and subsidies.”

The mayor smiled faintly, “Though modest, these are our tokens of gratitude.”

The crowd applauded again, briefly but enthusiastically.

“Third, in light of the recent turmoil’s negative impact—especially on foreign investors—Magulana Province will implement a comprehensive gun ban and assign special police for investors’ safety.”

“Selective firearm permits will be issued to security companies to strengthen personal and property protection.”

“Please believe that we have always regarded you as our best partners, even as family. There is no hatred between us. More than anyone, I want you to invest here and make money here. At the same time, I want to emphasize one word: win-win!”

Win-win was the core theme Lynch set for this discussion. It wasn’t about fully siding with investors or completely betraying Nagaryll’s interests—that would go against Lynch’s vision.

Win-win is a great concept: investors want to profit, Nagaryll wants development. The more investors earn, the faster Nagaryll’s economy grows and industrializes. People can clearly see the city’s daily progress.

As their lives improve quickly, they might feel confused, sensing a gap between what they experience and what they expected. They will seek the truth—and eventually see it.

To help them realize this truth faster, a little artificial acceleration isn’t too much to ask.