In the Name of Empress-Chapter 464 - 314: Blank Check
This Civil Code is a patchwork monster crafted by Roland, based on the Napoleonic Code, with the addition of legal philosophies from people like Carlo and Desmonds.
It possesses progressive aspects without being too radical to implement; overall, it is a comprehensive body of law.
Alina understood its significance; after flipping through a few pages, her eyes lit up.
She found traces of her father’s code compilation in this Civil Code, as well as ideas frequently mentioned by Desmonds recently, and some discussions she had with Roland.
Even...
Some provisions enacted during Marco’s rule.
Alina couldn’t tolerate this; her voice trembled slightly as she bit her lip and asked, "You even included laws made by the rebel Marco?"
"Even if they are enemies, as long as there are merits, I am willing to learn," Roland responded frankly.
Alina was silent for a moment, took a deep breath, and said slowly, "Alright, I’ll follow your lead."
She had called him, so she naturally had to trust him completely.
Although there was some discomfort in her heart, she decisively recognized Roland’s idea.
A phrase her father once told her flashed through her mind: don’t deny the virtues of the enemy because of differing standpoints, otherwise hatred will blind you.
If Marco was truly useless, how could he have caused her father to lose everything, and wield absolute power in the talent-rich Jin Yuan Kingdom to establish a dictatorship?
Denying Marco would mean denying all efforts in defeating him.
Her fingernails dug deeply into her palm, blood seeping through Alina’s fingers, her breathing somewhat erratic.
Though she kept persuading herself to accept it, as soon as she recalled the tragic death of her father, she felt indescribable pain.
She thought quietly that if her father had encountered Roland as an assistant back then, it would have been so much better.
This code is incredibly detailed, encompassing everything from how to define "Jin Yuan People" to various civil and property rights legal interpretations and relevant provisions.
Alina naturally couldn’t read it all; she merely skimmed through, and it was already dawn.
Closing the book and putting the code away, Alina hesitated for a moment but decided to be candid with Roland.
"Roland, I admit this law is meaningful, but this should be considered post-war. Our immediate priority now is to build a strong army."
"It’s not that I don’t trust Saintess Christine, but there are some matters you’ll need to take charge of."
Roland nodded with a smile, "I haven’t been idle, you know."
He raised the heavy code and said softly, "Do you think I’ve been idly drafting this law out of boredom or a desire to seize control?"
Alina was at a loss for words.
Of course, she wouldn’t think that, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that Roland was somewhat off-task.
In short, although drafting laws is important, its priority pales compared to forming an army to fight the Rurik People.
She did not directly oppose but the confusion in her eyes did not disappear.
"This is the additional cost of recruiting soldiers when the populace is weary of war, and also a promise to those about to die in battle."
Roland put the code down, speaking in a deep voice, "In the past decade, too much blood of the Jin Yuan People has been spilled. Tens of thousands died overthrowing the old royalty, tens of thousands establishing a new order, and nearly a million perished due to Marco’s turmoil and the civil war to overthrow him."
"These are not cold, hard numbers but living people. They died, leaving behind grieving families and war-weary friends and relatives."
"Have you ever thought about what justification we have for recruiting soldiers?"
Alina answered without hesitation, "To defend our homeland."
Roland shook his head slowly, "Ordinary people wouldn’t think like that. They would only feel that Jin Yuan Kingdom belongs to the noble lords and officials, not to them."
"Especially after Marco’s devastation, the people’s trust in the government has almost disappeared. Your father certainly overthrew the Old Empire, but it also brought about Marco’s misrule and the civil war. Don’t expect this debt of gratitude to bind them for a lifetime."
"If the life post-imperial rule isn’t better than before, what was the meaning of overthrowing the Emperor?"
Alina was at a loss for words.
She was somewhat at her wit’s end.
She knew Roland wasn’t wrong; although overthrowing the Empire and emancipating the shackles was indeed a great achievement for the country, it doesn’t mean resting on laurels for life.
If you want the people to enthusiastically join the army and show support, dry slogans definitely won’t work; there must be tangible benefits.
This code, which stipulates people’s rights, represents the interests of everyone.
If you believe this code aligns with your interests, then stand up and defend it.
An incredibly simple truth.
This is also why Roland made more concessions in the code.
Seeing Alina hesitating to speak, Roland said calmly, "Alina, have you ever thought about a way out in the future, about the continuity of your family?"
"Ah?" Alina didn’t expect Roland’s thoughts to jump so vividly, momentarily stunned.
Her mind raced, beginning to ponder the deeper meaning of Roland’s words.
She didn’t assume Roland was preparing for retirement and future family matters, as few would retreat at the height of success.
Future retreat? Family continuity?
Could it be...
A bold idea flashed across her mind, casting a blush over her healthy face.
But wait, he already has Empress Sylph, what exactly is he thinking?
Alina had great confidence in her feminine charm until she met Sylph.
No comparison, completely incomparable.
How could she ever imagine Roland would choose her, unless he and Sylph faced a crisis in their relationship.
Thinking of how Roland suddenly appeared at Mont Blanc, racing with her against the avalanche with reckless abandon, agreeing so readily to help her govern the kingdom, her heart began to pound violently.
