When the Saintess Arrives, No King Exist-Chapter 780 - 735: The 9th Gold Pound

As soon as Horn finished speaking, Duterte had already stood up, holding onto the carved armrest of his cushioned seat.

"His Majesty Saint Sun's proposal is certainly quite bold!" He caressed the silver Meigedi scales emblem on his chest, "However, regarding the specific operations, please allow your most loyal servant to raise a few small questions."

"Of course, I'm here today to provide everyone with assurance. Feel free to bring up any questions for discussion." Horn maintained his gentle smile.

"For instance..." Duterte coughed, and a shadow happened to cover the "Saint Sun's Smile" on the wall, "You're aware, secret dealings among merchants are traditional due to fear of oppression from the powerful... of course, I mean the nobles.

This custom is really tough for us to change, Your Majesty."

"Yes, Your Majesty, overly strict regulations will hinder business."

"We are professionals and can manage ourselves."

Many of the senior partners around nodded in agreement. They were previously governed by nobles, so now that they've turned masters, should they continue to be regulated?

"Shouldn't they be regulated?" Before Horn could even speak, Catherine interjected, "Why don't you ask yourselves, are you really that clean?"

"I..."

A senior partner was just about to speak when Catherine cut him off: "Do you think you're so clean? Do I need to recite everything you've done in front of everyone here?"

The senior partner instantly shrunk back: "I didn't mean that, someone, add water."

Seeing their momentum being overshadowed by Catherine, Duterte quickly picked up the pace: "Many people harbor resentment towards the rich, and implementing such real-name systems is undoubtedly like creating a checklist for bandits to kidnap based on it."

"Real-name registration doesn't mean complete public disclosure to everyone, besides, it's not like before.

Before independence, you had to hide your earnings; after independence, do you still need to hide them? Then what was the point of independence?" Horn shrugged, "The guild workshops you register will be kept in the City Hall archives, accessible only to those with the proper clearance.

And unlike before when dependency was on trust and personal connections, this real-name ownership is based on law.

You're all aware, today's courts won't be swayed easily by a few noble words, do you think judges cannot deliver fair judgments?"

"No, no, no." Naturally, Duterte wouldn't give Horn leverage on such politically correct matters of right and wrong, "What I'm saying is that judges, of course, will judge fairly, but there are always clerks or other employees... You know, many nobles aren't actually of poor character, it's mainly the subordinates who implement things poorly..."

Even Horn couldn't respond to this because he himself cannot guarantee the moral standards of judges, as exceptions always exist.

Even if he used Cheka to monitor, he couldn't ensure the foundation's flawless operation, only being able to manually adjust repeatedly and conduct periodic purgings.

"That's why I want to establish the Saint Father's Association within Meigedi Commerce Association, without counterbalancing the corrupt and the junior officials, you'll always be coerced."

"But with both financial real-name registration and the Saint Father's Association, don't you think it requires too many people, which inversely increases the likelihood of corruption?"

"Financial real-name registration is a national policy!" Unable to remain silent any longer, Melson slammed the table and rose, "It's greatly beneficial to the nation above and to the citizens below, why can't such a monumental boon be implemented?"

"To the citizens below, or to you below, Melson?"

"If you're good at making money, then just keep making money, why mix yourself into finance and stocks? If you've taken what wasn't right, you have to give it back."

"We've suffered so much at Meigedi Commerce Association, and it's just been a few days, yet someone wants to take the fruits of our labor again?"

"Are you saying His Majesty Saint Sun is taking those fruits? How bold of you!"

"I'm saying you, Melson, are taking everyone's fruits!"

As Melson stepped in, the argument poured down like a torrential rain.

Old Eddie watched the tea leaves floating in his teacup, the fermented leaves trembling in the red-orange water.

When he lifted his head, he met eyes with Horn, who was twirling a hard resin fountain pen between his fingers, fluttering like a butterfly.

Duterte, though the instigator, didn't partake in the quarrel, instead, he slowly sat down.

While sipping tea, his eyes peered out through the gap between the teacup lid and rim.

In his impression, there should have been 12 supporting him, yet in the chaotic uproar, the sides seemed evenly matched in volume.

Of course, Horn's presence contributed, but in his scenario planning, even with Horn present, double the gap shouldn't have led to an evenly matched volume.

Figures like Old Eddie and Brandon, who had promised their support earlier, were now leisurely sipping coffee.

Even Lady Margaret remained silent, clutching her pearl bag, seemingly unwilling to engage in such crude arguments.

This group of senior partners, after all, originated from the nouveau riche, and upon encountering a power like Horn's presence, they couldn't find their voice.

The argument couldn't continue any longer.

Amidst heated debate and discussion, Duterte, whether intentionally or not, placed the bone china teacup heavily on the table.

As the crowd's attention gathered, he suddenly raised his voice: "Since there's such a significant disagreement, why not follow the guild's tradition and decide with a vote under the witness of the Holy Father!"