Lord of Winter: Beginning with Daily Intelligence-Chapter 632 - 370: White Bear Knight

The fleet from Dawn Port has set sail, with white sails gradually disappearing into the sea fog under the morning light.

Louis did not stay at the port to celebrate. That was merely the beginning of a long voyage, with the destination being Red Tide City, the brain of the Northern Territory.

So the carriage went southward, and he returned to his familiar desk, facing a mountain of documents and orders, starting a new round of administrative work.

Bradley pushed open the door, holding a heavy ledger, and bowed slightly, saying, "Sir, this is this year’s harvest report."

Louis looked up without speaking, signaling him to continue.

"This year is also a bountiful harvest," Bradley opened the first page, "Total production is about 340,000 tons. Although the growth rate has slowed, the granaries remain full."

He paused and sighed lightly.

"There are three reasons: greenhouses and steam storage continue to be effective, but the added production sees diminishing returns. New land in the border areas is affected by cold waves and pests, so yields did not meet expectations. And there was a delay due to frost fog during the closing phase."

Louis remained silent for a moment, his gaze falling on Mai Lang Territory on the map, the heartland of Red Tide’s grain.

"So," he spoke faintly, "growth this year has stopped at a steady point."

In fact, Louis could understand, as there is only so much land, and miracles of doubling cannot happen every year.

Growth in food production has reached its limit, a combination of divine will and human effort.

"Yes, Sir." Bradley closed the ledger, "However, the reserve line remains secure. The three-year granary target for the Northern Territory has been met, but..."

"But we cannot allocate as loosely as in previous years." Louis interjected calmly, "The Empire’s chaos is not over yet. Our grain remains the most important asset in the Northern Territory."

Bradley nodded slightly: "My suggestion is to maintain Red Tide’s reserve unchanged in plan, but to differentiate more finely in quotas and prices.

For allied territories, continue to supply at low prices or with subsidies, for those not allied... slightly higher, not enough to anger them but enough to make them envious."

Louis smiled, a hint of sarcasm in it: "There’s no need to worry about the nobility not involved in the Red Tide system, since they have chosen their side, we have no need to be polite with them.

Grains supplied to them should only be slightly cheaper than those from the South, with no further favors granted.

If a non-Red Tide lord wants lower prices, that’s just a dream. Outside the system, there are no favors; loyalty is the cheapest currency."

Bradley listened, a smile flickering in his eyes: "I understand, Sir, it should indeed be so."

Then Louis said nothing more, possibly deep in thought, and the hall was silent, only the crackling of firewood in the fireplace breaking it.

After a moment, Louis looked up, breaking the silence: "Starting next year, we need to push Red Tide’s grain production technology and governance systems into those territories that have already joined the system."

Bradley’s expression changed slightly, with a hint of hesitation he said: "Sir, Red Tide’s technology and systems are valuable... aren’t they too precious to be shared lightly?"

Louis looked out at the gray-white sky, calmly saying: "I judge that in the coming years, the Empire may fall into great turmoil.

To survive in chaotic times, we need special means to gather strength quickly. As long as we hold the core technology in our hands, no matter how fast they learn, they won’t grasp the essence."

Bradley pondered for a moment, finally nodding: "Understood, Sir."

The two then spread out new parchment, drafting a rough promotion plan for next year’s spring cultivation on the table.

"Before this winter, we must complete the signing of files and contracts," Louis succinctly listed several key points, "The stewardship council must firmly control the main authority over seeds and greenhouse materials.

From early spring to late summer, proceed with stage-by-stage trials, planting, replication, and evaluation. Each stage must have a performance ranking with clear rewards and penalties."

Bradley took notes on the side, softly adding: "And what about the grain storage in each territory? Should we standardize it as well?"

"Absolutely." Louis nodded, "Every signing territory should at least build a standard granary, and connectivity between grain routes must be ensured."

He paused for a moment, then wrote a new line on the paper: "Law and inspection must go hand in hand. Inspectors must not be bribed by the nobility or serve too long; if such signs appear, they should be replaced immediately."

Bradley looked up, with a hint of determination between his brows: "What if the nobility delays or colludes to resist?"

"Cut off supplies and audit them." Louis’s tone was calm, "If they play tricks, let them ponder the meaning of loyalty amid hunger."

"Of course, this is just a framework," Louis closed his pen, "The details still need to be filled in and executed by you."

Bradley collected the draft, responding solemnly: "Sure, Sir."

As he turned to leave, Louis suddenly called: "Bradley."

The old steward paused, turning slightly.

"Take care of yourself." Louis’s tone carried a trace of genuine warmth, "In the days ahead, there are many places where you’ll still be needed."

Bradley was slightly taken aback, then showed a heartfelt smile: "I will, Sir."

......

At the street corner, a vendor set up a copper stove, with the smell of roasting meat and sweet wine mingling.

Children from common families gathered around a candy cart, watching the syrup flow like golden threads under the winter night lights.

On the other side, nobles emerged from the theater, brushing snow from their cloak edges, passing by workers and apprentices without any barrier.

Further away, an old artisan played the accordion in front of his stand, with a few soldiers holding hot wine jars, clapping in rhythm and laughing.

In the lit shop windows along the street, a seamstress was showing customers the latest style of Red Tide coats, reportedly designed by Lady Emily herself.