Chapter 362 Predicament

By the pier, more than a dozen sailboats lined up. The tops of the masts and the interlaced hemp ropes had been wrapped in white silver lines by snowflakes. Refugees came out of the cabins and flocked to the open space in front of the pier.

This was not the first time that Border Town had received refugees from all over Graycastle, and the whole process seemed orderly. Four iron railings divide the crowd into two slender columns, which can not only control the flow of people, but also avoid trampling. On both sides of the railings are patrolling policemen holding short sticks. Anyone who pushes or tries to climb over the railings will be hit with a stick. Naturally, there are punishments and rewards—in order to appease the people who have gone through hardships to get here, refugees who pass through the railing passage will be given a bowl of steaming gruel. In any case, filling the stomach first can effectively reduce the panic and discomfort of refugees in unfamiliar territories.

This time, in addition to the police, First Army and city hall officials, Nightingale and Sylvie also participated in the inspection, in order to find out the drug addicts Timothy planted in the crowd. Under the scrutiny of the magic eyes, there is nowhere to hide whether it is pills or snow powder.

"Thank you for everything you've done for the Western Territory," Roland looked away, and said to Margaery beside him, "If it wasn't for your fleet, these people might have spent the cold winter in the slums of other cities."

"It's rare for His Highness to ask me for help in such an urgent tone. Naturally, I will do my best," she smiled. "However, many crew members are unwilling to sail in heavy snow, so they can only gather thirteen ships."

"It's better than none at all," Roland exhaled. Ever since he learned that there were still a large number of refugees stranded in Silver Light City, Chishui City, and Liuye Town, he sent a request for help to the Margaery Chamber of Commerce, hoping that the other party could recruit a fleet to help him transport the refugees.

Although the number of thirteen boats is a little less, two more trips can always transport people back—according to a sailboat with a hundred people, it takes two weeks to go back and forth, and it takes almost 3,000 stranded people. Go for a month and a half. The Golden Dragon carried by the First Army squad could not last until then, so food and cold-resistant clothing had to be carried on the return trip. Roland didn't want refugees to board the ship with hopes, but they couldn't reach their destination in the end.

Thanks to Lightning, Margaery finally set the transportation fee at twice the normal price. If you were any other businessman, you would definitely think this is a stupid business—the shipping cost alone is more than the value of the goods themselves. On average, the shipping cost of one golden dragon per two people can buy several strong men at the current market price. Strong quality slaves. Margaery also raised questions with him, but Roland still insisted on taking this group of people back to the Western Territory.

From the moment they set foot on the sailboat with the envoys, they were regarded as the citizens of the western region, and it was their responsibility to provide them with shelter. Moreover, in Roland's eyes, the value of these refugees is far beyond that of slaves. After education, training and re-employment, the wealth they create in their new positions will be immeasurable.

...

Back in the castle's living room, Roland ordered the kitchen to serve Margaery a thick soup to keep out the cold, "Drink this, and your hands and feet will be much warmer."

"Thank you for your kindness." The businesswoman scooped up a spoon and sniffed it. "There seems to be liquor in it?"

"Indeed," he said with a smile, "besides that, there are peppercorns and honey, and the base is chicken soup." High wine is an excellent drink to drive out the cold at any time, and it also makes the taste even better when heated with chicken soup. More mellow, coupled with seasonings that cover up its pungent taste, the whole bowl of soup is delicious and slightly spicy, and it can be easily eaten by people who don't drink often.

After slowly drinking the thick soup, Margaret let out a long breath, "It's really good. Every time I come to your place, I am full of expectations. I don't know what novelty you will come up with. Unfortunately, I don't think I can do it next year. Frequent visits to your territory."

"Are you referring to trading opportunities?" Roland keenly grasped the meaning of her words.

The businesswoman nodded, "Tifeco has issued an order prohibiting the trading of saltpeter. Now not only the capital, but also the saltpeter in Silver Light City and Chishui City are not allowed to be sold outside. Except for low-cost supply to the Alchemy Association, only It can be sold to the nobles in the city."

Roland frowned.

"And according to what I heard from the city hall, he seems to be planning to completely blockade the western region. I'm afraid not only saltpeter, but even merchants will be blocked on the front line of Chishui City. At that time, it will not only be Border Town, but also Longsong Fortress and Liuye Town. It will also be affected. Although many nobles have expressed their opposition, Timothy will not take back the order." She shook her head helplessly and said, "In the coming year, not only will I not be able to transport saltpeter and ore ingots here, but I will Even the steam engine trade may have to be suspended."

It seems that I have pushed him into a hurry, otherwise he would not have brought out such a decree that is also harmful to the royal family. Roland couldn't help thinking that rashly interfering in the trade actions of other territories without completing the centralization of power would probably provoke Aroused the rebellious psychology of the lords and nobles. Even if Timothy sent his own troops to guard the land and rivers, it would be easy for the local lord to get rid of them from behind - as long as he enforced this policy for a year or so.

But trade is the Achilles' heel of Border Town, let alone a year... even half a year is absolutely not allowed. Saltpeter is the raw material for large-scale acid production, and its importance is irreplaceable before the artificial synthesis of ammonia is solved. Once the supply is stopped, the 152mm artillery will become a display, and the replacement of the new repeater will be delayed a lot.

But more terrible than weapons is the trade of steam engines—there are not many golden dragons left in the city hall vault, part of the money earned is used for infrastructure construction, increasing jobs, and part of it is distributed to townspeople as salaries. Then it is recycled through food, convenience goods and housing transactions to form a cycle. This economic model needs to continuously inject gold dragons into the market, at least equal to the wealth created by the citizens.

Today, Border Town is still in a state of primitive accumulation and has not issued credit currency. Once the trade income from steam engines is lost, the finances will easily fall into a dry situation where salaries cannot be paid, and the economy will collapse in an all-round way.

In any case, interruption of funds is an absolutely unacceptable situation.

"This situation won't last long," Roland spread his hands, "I believe you will be able to visit this western town again soon... No, by then, you should see a brand new city."

Margaery was slightly surprised, "You plan to build a city here?"

"Just after the end of the month of demons," he laughed, "In addition, I plan to open a commercial route directly connected to the fjords, not through Haifeng County or Clearwater Port, but directly from the west to the fjord islands .I wonder if you are interested in participating?"

.