In the Name of Empress-Chapter 269 - 188: I Want to Focus My Main Efforts on Teaching
This is also good, saves him the trouble of finding ways to cover up.
From now on, he can openly bring out various ancient texts, claiming they’re archaeological discoveries.
As for where the dig was, of course, no one would be foolish enough to ask him directly.
Seeing the ecstatic expression of the Minister of Industry, Roland knew it wouldn’t be long before he had a new badge.
Just after sending off the Minister of Industry, the sweaty Minister of Agriculture walked in.
"Lord Governor, I’ve observed that this year’s climate conditions are very unusual, and the reports of pests are significantly more than in previous years. How should we respond?"
"Please call me Principal here. This is the ’Wheat Pest Control Manual’, an ancient text discovered through archaeology. The unfamiliar remedies are lost to time, but there are some methods you can try."
Roland said calmly, "This year, the central-western plains of the Rodinia Continent will definitely see a significant reduction in agricultural output, we need to prepare in advance. Do you know of any quality grain-producing zones?"
"If the central-western Rodinia Continent has problems, then we can only import grain from the Wallachia Kingdom or even the distant South Continent. Those places are known large granaries with low grain prices. Actually, the Vladimir Empire is also a grain-producing country, but buying grain from them is not easy."
Right now, prices are indeed low, but once all countries face a grain shortage, they’ll soar.
Roland lightly tapped his finger on the table, gestured silently after a moment for the Minister of Agriculture to leave.
Buying grain is no small matter.
Small volume purchases are naturally no problem, large quantities could easily raise alarms.
What’s the intention behind stockpiling grain?
With Roland’s notorious reputation, others will likely think he’s preparing for war.
It’s quite the wrongful accusation; he truly has no intention to start a war this year.
At least, no intention for a large-scale war.
Unless provoked or there’s profit to gain.
Roland pondered for a moment, then sent a secretary to find someone.
Before long, the mysterious Imperial Family-appointed merchant Stanley appeared.
Roland summoning him was no surprise; what startled him was the reason for the call.
He originally thought Roland wanted to know the progress of the [Hunting Plan], yet was surprised when Roland opened the conversation by discussing grain imports.
In this era, international grain trade is quite scarce.
Transportation costs are too high, and grain easily suffers losses en route.
Various highway bandits are a secondary concern; the main issue is the extremely high toll fees from feudal lords at checkpoints.
Stanley pondered for a moment and raised objections, "Lord Governor, importing one ton of grain from Wallachia costs over three times the local grain prices, and it’s even more expensive from Nubia and other countries. Only importing from a few neighboring countries can reduce costs."
"We cannot import from neighboring countries nor let them know how much grain we’re importing."
Roland pondered for a moment and softly said, "Let’s go with sea transport; costs are lower by sea."
Since Roland said so, Stanley naturally had no objections.
He took his position correctly; he never asked questions he shouldn’t nor spoke unnecessarily.
Previously, he only raised opinions from the perspective of trade costs.
Given Roland’s insistence, there must be a reason, so Stanley certainly wouldn’t be stubborn.
Adapting is a basic quality for a merchant.
He pondered for a moment and suddenly came up with a bright idea.
"We can commission Samaritan merchants for procurement. Based on my understanding of them, these parasitic worms would definitely manipulate things, providing just another reason to deal with them."
Stanley snorted disdainfully, his tone full of contempt, "These greedy fools will only realize how plump they are when they’re on the roasting rack."
Seeing the flames of hatred flickering in Stanley’s eyes, Roland knew he had found the right person to handle this matter.
He was just somewhat worried that Stanley’s judgment might be clouded by hatred and promptly reminded:
"I know you want to catch them all at once, but don’t rush it. Wait until they lower their guard before taking action."
"I understand." Stanley nodded, his expression gradually becoming calm.
Having calmed down, he quickly formulated an action plan.
He knows exactly with which merchants to sign contracts and from where to import grain.
He also suggested a quite cunning plan.
"I suggest His Majesty Sylph sign contracts with them under the Imperial Family’s name. Since it’s royal trade, those fools won’t miss any chance to make profits."
"Infringing on the Emperor’s interests is a crime punishable by death; they won’t escape. Moreover, we only need to pay a small deposit, which can save funds."
Roland’s eyes lit up.
What defines professionalism; this is professionalism.
Stanley is not only very familiar with international trade but also knows Samaritan merchants thoroughly, how to set traps and closing nets are all within his calculation.
After receiving Roland’s approval, Stanley quickly departed.
His eyes flickered with anger, his nails digging into his clenched palm, almost drawing blood.
He indeed has a personal vendetta to settle, which is why he suggested commissioning Samaritans for grain purchasing.
The hunt is about to begin; he won’t need to endure for much longer.
After handling affairs of state, Roland checked the schedule; he had to accompany Sif for a lesson with new recruits at the Military Academy in the afternoon.
The lesson’s content primarily revolved around patriotism education.
Military moves are preceded by political ones; it’s essential.
This batch of elite short-term trainees are future candidates for junior officers and sergeants; they come from different countries and ethnic groups, must indoctrinate them thoroughly from the start.
Let them know for whom they are fighting.
He won’t shout slogans like "Seek promotions and wealth elsewhere."
This is 1792.
He’ll also make sure the trainees know they’re in the right place if they’re seeking promotions and wealth.
