In the Name of Empress-Chapter 466 - 314: Blank Check_3

"It’s simple. Even after exempting agricultural taxes, we still need a large amount of grain, but our funds have other uses. So, we need to buy a lot of grain, but also save costs."

Roland took out paper and pen and started calculating.

"If we buy grain entirely at market price with cash, we’ll go bankrupt before Sofia even attacks. Issuing empty checks isn’t an option either, as it would be like giving farmers IOUs for their grain."

"If we do that, the farmers won’t hate the tax collectors, they’ll hate us."

Despite the worries, Roland’s humorous words made Alina laugh out loud.

Since her father’s death, it had been a long time since she laughed so heartily, not even when she executed the rebel Marco and reclaimed power. 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Perhaps it was Roland’s presence that made her feel secure, or maybe her long-suppressed emotions needed release; once she started laughing, she couldn’t stop.

Laughter is contagious, and although he didn’t know why Alina suddenly laughed, her laughter was so beautiful that Roland couldn’t help but laugh along.

He remembered when he first met Alina, the gallant captain, and it seemed like returning to the past, though one can never truly go back, nor can those three years be regained.

Before they knew it, they had crossed the threshold of twenty and were heading towards thirty. If their parents were still around, they would most likely be urging marriage and children.

Thankfully, they were both orphans.

With that thought, Roland’s smile gradually froze, and his expression became a bit unnatural.

After a moment of silence, Roland cleared his throat and continued to introduce the hybrid acquisition scheme.

His plan was simple: grain purchases were divided into three schemes.

The first was full cash payment, at a price lower than the market but not too low.

The farmers might be somewhat reluctant, but the grace of Alina exempting agricultural taxes would lessen that small loss.

The second was partial cash and partial bond payment, at market price with a low-interest rate on the bonds.

The third was full bond payment, at a price slightly above market, with a higher bond interest rate than the second option.

From the farmers’ viewpoint, the first scheme was a certain loss, but only a small one, which those seeking stability would choose.

The second scheme offered a small profit, provided Jin Yuan Kingdom won future wars.

The third scheme promised the most profit, but if Jin Yuan Kingdom lost, they lost everything, as no new government would repay the bonds of a defeated old one.

After hearing Roland’s introduction, Alina pondered for a long time, then sighed softly, "I bet most people will choose the first scheme. Seems we’ll need to prepare significant funds, hoping our already tight treasury can support our extravagance."

"Many will opt for the third scheme."

Roland said with a smile, "Even setting aside the benefit of tax exemption, the third scheme is the best choice."

"The first scheme is a pure loss, and an immediate one. The second seems stable but actually bears the same risk as the third with much less return. The third has the highest risk but the greatest reward."

Alina was slightly stunned but quickly understood Roland’s point.

Though she understood, she couldn’t help but shake her head, "Roland, I get what you mean, but can the farmers understand?"

"That’s where we come in."

Roland laid out several pages on the table.

"Skits, comic dialogues, fast-paced storytelling—what are these?" Alina’s eyes were a bit confused.

"You can think of them as rural versions of minstrel performances."

Roland pointed to the scripts for various art performances and said with a smile, "As long as we promote performances in rural areas nationwide, I believe the farmers will make the right choice."

Alina stared blankly at these scripts, frowning and shaking her head, "The language of these scripts is so vulgar; I cannot recognize them as a part of art."

This is the standard arrogance of old nobility of Jin Yuan.

According to hometown traditions, stubborn old nobles like Alina would be paraded through the streets with placards.

Fortunately, the times here haven’t progressed so fast as to be as exaggerated.

Given Alina’s upbringing, her lack of understanding was quite reasonable.

Roland naturally wouldn’t argue with her about the difference between Xidai’s white snow and countryside folks.

He offered no explanation, simply stood firm and unwavering.

"Please trust me."

This sentence ended the argument.

In the discussion stage, Alina could express any opinion, but in the decision-making stage, she supported Roland’s decisions unconditionally, even if they seemed outrageous.

This was Roland’s insistence and a condition for helping her.

After ending the discussion, Alina, who hadn’t slept all night, was beginning to feel a bit weary. She stood up to say goodbye to Roland.

Accompanying Roland to the doorway of the sleeping quarters, exchanging a few pleasantries before they both went on their way, Alina suddenly paused and casually asked, "Roland, have you felt homesick these days?"

Roland’s steps halted.

Of course, saying he didn’t miss home would be a lie, but saying he did might imply Alina hadn’t been a good host.

Roland shrugged, giving a high EQ response.

"Work is very busy, I have a lot to do; I’ll think about it when I have time."

After saying this, Roland left without looking back, unwilling to continue on the topic, feeling a chill down his spine.

Watching his rapidly departing back, a slight upward curve touched Alina’s lips.

Maybe she wasn’t just guessing—perhaps there indeed was some issue back in Roland’s home.

She disdained breaking up families, but if the other’s family self-destructed, she couldn’t be blamed for taking advantage.

Nightly massages and lap pillow service had to be arranged.

No other intentions; she simply couldn’t bear seeing Roland too tired.

Alina hurried into the office, noticing Madam Yilian waiting to present sorted intelligence reports.

After quickly skimming through the insignificant recent intelligence and casually burning the documents, Alina called the outgoing intelligence minister to stop.

"Madam Yilian, keep an eye on the frequency of letter exchanges between Roland and Empress Sylph lately. Remember, this isn’t surveillance, just concern."