King-Chapter 1106 - 165: Restarting Trade

The small incident had no impact on Hudson; as his status continuously elevated, he inevitably grew distant from his old friends and relatives.

Not to mention those with a looser connection, even his own siblings found it unnatural interacting with him.

Without significant matters at hand, his friends and old acquaintances basically wouldn’t disturb Hudson. For the comfort of everyone, Hudson wouldn’t actively engage either.

Even during weddings and funerals, sending a generous gift was sufficient. If he attended in person, not only would he steal the spotlight, but he would also cause unnecessary trouble for the hosts.

After all, the network of relationships in the Noble World is just like a spider web.

Relatives and friends also have their own circle; if one appeared too close, what would happen if their distant connections came seeking help in time of trouble?

It wasn’t only troublesome for Hudson, but his friends and relatives would feel the headache even more. Bringing people along to seek assistance was akin to exchanging favors with Hudson for others’ aid.

It was an utterly ill-matched exchange of values, a sure deficit. Yet, some were too close or owed past favors, leaving them no choice but to concede.

Maintaining a proper distance was beneficial for everyone.

Looking at the reported data, Hudson was very pleased. The increasing influx of people at New Moon Port indicated that the one-way flow pattern was about to change.

Only with rising traffic could commerce truly flourish. Despite many shops now open for business, which appeared thriving, they were practically a facade of prosperity that Hudson created.

All properties belonged to Lord Ha, exempt from rent and taxes, yet barely ten percent of the shops could break even.

It was fair to say that from the moment he opened for business each day, Hudson was in a loss-making position.

With no choice but to deceive enough merchants and travelers to pioneer the area, he had to take the lead himself, hoping to cultivate the market swiftly.

"Not bad, the money lost this month has decreased by thirty percent.

Continuing at this rate, in a few months, these shops could break even," Hudson noted.

Hearing Hudson’s words, Rudolf felt immensely embarrassed. As the new Minister of Commerce of Snow Moon Territory, all the ventures under his charge were losing money, leaving him without much confidence.

Not to mention the Ministry of Commerce held the monopoly on salt and iron—a goldmine, yet still capable of losses, a fact that could be laughable if spread.

"Duke, please rest assured. The port’s traffic is increasing quickly, and our Ministry of Commerce will definitely turn losses into profits soon.

The short-term deficit mainly stems from people not realizing that they can purchase all daily necessities at the port; most Noble Lords still bring a large amount of supplies with them.

The Ministry of Commerce is planning a national promotion. In a few more months, the nobility across the Kingdom will recognize New Moon Port’s abundant offerings.

For mid-small nobles organizing transport from domestic production sites, numerous troubles need addressing en route, making cost control challenging.

Our pricing remains very competitive. Once their current supplies are exhausted, surely some will opt to buy directly from the port.

The losses incurred this year, we can double and earn back next year. As long as we can monopolize the supply of materials needed for the Near East development, every initial investment is worthwhile!" Rudolf’s words left Hudson slightly startled; always the one to paint promising pictures for his subordinates, he hadn’t expected them to start doing the same.

The materials needed to develop the Near East region were no small affair. If truly monopolized, the profits involved would be staggering.

Not enough to fill the entire fiscal gap of Snow Moon Territory, but at least a third of the funding deficiency could be addressed.

"Ha ha..."

"Forget about monopolization. Our cost advantage is mainly relative to mid-small nobles.

The coastal Major Nobles who organize their own supply shipments incur costs nearly the same as ours, and even some of their material prices are lower.

Participating in this trade, making money is secondary. The most important aspect is to drive down material prices, lest the financial woes of mid-small nobles hinder territory development."

Hudson’s explanation commanded deep respect from everyone. Worthy of being the Kingdom’s Marshal, his priority was always the kingdom’s benefit.

Compared to the strategic importance of the Near East, the benefits brought by monopolization seemed trivial.

In essence, New Moon Port was a treasure trove that could continuously generate profits as long as the Near East strategy succeeded.

"Duke, you are truly far-sighted. Indeed, now is not the time to fuss over short-term gains. With the Orcs’ threat looming nearby, our urgent priority is to expedite the development of the Near East.

Recently, influenced by the increased traffic, quite a number of nobles and traders have come to inquire about purchasing shops and residences.

Selling these properties should be able to recuperate a considerable amount of funds. The challenge now is pricing; with the Orc threat, it’s hard to get a good price for real estate.

The Government Affairs Department is considering selling one third of the shops and residences in the city, projecting to recoup two hundred thousand Gold Coins. The remainder can gradually be sold off once the situation stabilizes..."

Before Jacob could finish, Hudson directly interrupted, "No need!

The funds required for territory development are astronomical, and two hundred thousand Gold Coins represent merely a month or two of our expenditures.

To sell real estate at a good price, certainty is a crucial factor. Everyone knows developing the Near East could bring huge profits, but no one can guarantee the Kingdom’s Near East strategy will definitely succeed.

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