Chapter 567: New and Old Systems

According to the agreement at the noble assembly two years ago, once the capital of the Telixiya Kingdom was captured, the issue of the Auduin Kingdom's royal succession could be discussed; now is the time.

Therefore, when Count Yiben brought up this issue, everyone shifted their attention to this matter.

No one would ignore Luoning's opinion.

Setting aside the strength of himself and his subordinates, the Star Kingdom occupies nearly three-fifths of the Aoerlante Continent.

Although it was previously agreed that whoever conquered a territory would temporarily manage it, to be distributed only after the King of the Auduin Kingdom was determined.

Yet, Luoning incorporated Dragon City and even most of the Telixiya Kingdom's land into the territory of the Star Kingdom, and no one dared to say a word about it.

Facing this question, Luoning did not answer immediately, but discussions broke out in the hall.

"According to the previous agreement, whoever has the best military achievements, prestige, and ability shall inherit the throne. It seems that His Majesty Luoning is number one in these three aspects, so it is more appropriate for his wife, Princess Blanche, to serve as the Queen of the Auduin Kingdom."

The one who put forward this argument was a noble who had followed Luoning in battle for the past two years; they had actually already made up their minds that if possible, they hoped to join the Star Kingdom.

They had witnessed the development of the Wubei Territory and Wushan Territory over the past two years with their own eyes; some barons in small places had followed along to engage in railways, construction, and the technology known as "Steam Power," and were doing quite well for themselves.

Following Luoning early might even allow them to reap a wave of dividends.

As for the nobles from other areas, they basically held the same thoughts.

The central-eastern front, for which Yiben was responsible, faced the Black Thorn Principality, and its final rate of advance was slower than Luoning's front, so it truly could not compare.

Although Duke Valjisi was not present this time, his son Paladelu attended the ceremony.

Regarding this point of view, he directly expressed his agreement.

"Princess Blanche can indeed inherit the throne, but in this way, there would be two countries on the Aoerlante Continent, and their monarchs would be husband and wife..."

He smiled and said: "I think it would be better for everyone to directly elect His Majesty Luoning as the co-lord of the Aoerlante Continent and rename the Star Kingdom to the Star Empire, how about that?"

"I think that's fine!"

"We are all vassals of the Auduin Family; wouldn't this be a betrayal?"

"This is not a betrayal, this is a legacy! In any case, Prince Luolan has half the bloodline of the Auduin in his veins!"

The discussions in the hall became increasingly intense; the nobles expressed their own opinions, some agreeing with Paladelu's proposal, while others worried that this would destroy the ruling tradition of the Auduin Family.

However, Luoning remained calm; he needed to carry out his own ideas.

After the discussion had gone on for Along time, he took the scepter from Tangmu's hand and tapped the ground lightly, and the arguing immediately quieted down.

"I have heard everyone's opinions. Blanche told me her thoughts long ago; in fact, whether she inherits the throne or not is not important to her, and as for me..."

Everyone listened to Luoning's meaning.

Luoning looked at the successor of the Gistana Duchy.

"I actually quite agree with the opinion of Marquis Paladelu; letting all the nobles on the Aoerlante Continent concentrate under the Star Empire is more conducive to concentrating strength to deal with future crises."

The New Moon Continent was already known to everyone, and the existence of Sage Tier alien races and Demon Gods there were also known to everyone; this was something Lulansi and the others had deliberately spread.

Of course, Paladelu's proposal was also something they had already discussed.

"I heard someone mention 'betrayal,' but someone else is also right; Luolan has half the bloodline of the Auduin, and that will not change. I also promise here that in thirty years, I will pass the throne to the son of me and Blanche."

Luoning had been somewhat interested in Lulansi's proposal of an "Empire" before, but he maintained a non-compulsory attitude toward whether it could be successfully implemented entirely by Lulansi.

However, just after being proclaimed King, in addition to the King title, there was also the "Great Emperor" tier for the achievement of being Famous Throughout the World.

Since that was the case, he would follow the current topic and state his own attitude.

Lulansi was slightly surprised; he had not expected Luoning to actually state his position.

He immediately stood up, bowed, and then solemnly said: "The Wushan Territory is willing to follow His Majesty Luoning, follow all your instructions, and everything is at His Majesty's disposal!"

Although everyone knew that Lulansi and Luoning were in cahoots, the effect of someone taking the lead was very good, and soon others responded.

For example, Baron Dani who followed in the conquests, as well as Minister Landeer of the Ministry of Rites, Vice Minister Fasulei, Albert and Lude of the Ministry of Revenue, Asenuo of the Ministry of Personnel, Buluoer of the Ministry of War, and so on.

These were the people who had reaped the dividends from following Luoning.

Especially those from the Six Ministries like the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Rites; they had traveled back and forth to the Wubei Territory over the past two years and had witnessed the development of the Wubei Territory and Wushan Territory.

The application of technologies such as Steam Power, railways, and Blast Furnace Iron Smelting had already made them realize that a new era was coming.

However, there were still many who were very hesitant; they were not sure if, after following, Luoning would reduce their power in the same way he had enfeoffed Ruidar and the others.

These people could not help but look at Yiben, who frowned slightly; although he was a bit uneasy, he still raised his own doubts.

"Your Majesty Luoning, I also quite agree with your proposal."

He bowed slightly, then changed the subject: "It's just that I don't know if we, after joining the Empire, have to give up our own territories, or if you have new arrangements for us?"

Luoning smiled slightly and said: "Traditional nobles need to offer loyalty to the King and provide military service and other obligations; the nobles of the Star Kingdom are the same, but they are also different."

He explained: "Traditional nobles need to be self-reliant and obtain income by managing their own territories. As for the nobles of the Star Kingdom, the granted territories are their private property; although they need to pay me a ten percent tax, I need to pay them remuneration."

Luoning raised his hand and pointed at Kalada, "Take Governor Kalada of Screaming Island for example; the Meteor Tier base salary is 420 gold coins per month, plus a 100 gold coin subsidy per month for being a governor of a large city, totaling 520 gold coins per month, plus a six-month bonus at the end of the year and other benefits, the annual income is nearly ten thousand."

Hiss~

Many nobles secretly marveled.

A new noble with no background, owning only ten thousand or so acres of farmland, yet having an annual income exceeding that of many viscounts, and this did not even include the income from farmland and other aspects; how could this be?

Luoning continued: "If anyone likes this system, you can submit an application to me, and I will agree. Not only will I retain your titles, but I will also appoint you as governors of your respective original territories."

"The salary for the governor position depends on the scale of the city's population; 50 gold coins per month for below a large city."

After saying this, many people began to calculate, and some even asked about the base remuneration corresponding to Silver Knights and Golden Knights.

To them, the noble status remained unchanged, the power was limited but the income increased significantly, and the trouble of managing the territory was exempted; this seemed not bad?

However, Yiben frowned; he was determined to establish his own Grand Duke, so he would certainly not be moved by this bit of profit.

In fact, many great nobles would not be moved, because their income was far higher than these gold coins.

At this time, Luoning's voice sounded again.

"Of course, this is not mandatory. Those nobles who have concerns about this new system can also join the Star Empire; you will still follow the old system, and at the same time, you can apply to me at any time to switch to the new system."

"However, I have one other requirement..."

Hearing this, the mood of Yiben and the others immediately eased a lot; by comparison, this plan was more suitable for them.

Yiben could not help but praise: "Your Majesty's new and old dual system proposals are indeed very thoughtfully considered! In this way, I think most nobles will be eager to work with you to build an unprecedented prosperous empire!"

Luoning laughed and said: "Many thanks for the praise, Earl Yiben. Your contributions to the Auduin Kingdom are plain for all to see; there should be a place for your Grand Duchy under the empire!"

"Besides Yiben, the other nobles have fought for years, shedding blood and sacrificing their lives for the Auduin Kingdom, and they should also receive rewards just like Earl Yiben!"

Luoning knew Yiben's wish; he had known it since they met at the manor in Golden Feather City.

The latter could not help but curl the corners of his mouth upon hearing this. This was the first time Luoning had explicitly stated his position, and since that was the case, he had no other reservations.

"I wonder what the requirement is that Your Majesty speaks of?" he could not help but ask.

Luoning stroked the gemstone on his scepter.

Although he allowed nobles who followed the old system to exist, he was not prepared to do nothing.

The things these nobles did in their respective territories were fine while he was present, but if he were to leave the Aoerlante Continent with Ruidar and the others for Along time in the future, once these nobles grew strong, they might hinder the implementation of the Kingdom's policies.

Luolan did not have a golden finger; his cultivation speed could not possibly be as fast as Luoning's.

"Everyone must have some understanding of my past. Back then, in order to support his grandson—that is, my younger brother Buleidun—to obtain the right of succession to the title of Marquis of Wushan Territory, Earl Aosen specifically used some underhanded means to frame me, and I even experienced several assassination attempts, nearly losing my life."

Lulansi nodded and said: "Such things did indeed happen, and it is thanks to Luoning's good luck and toughness that he was able to remain safe."

The crowd nodded; they had all studied Luoning's past and were very clear about this matter.

It was just that they were very curious about what this matter had to do with Luoning's requirement.

Luoning continued: "So I sometimes wonder, if after my grandfather and father die and I inherit the title of Marquis, Buleidun also has the right to inherit the territory, would my situation be a little better?"

He was only using this experience to introduce the policy he wanted to implement.

"Therefore, I believe that after any noble dies, their territory should no longer be inherited solely by their eldest son; other sons should also have the right to joint inheritance!"

Luoning said: "Of course, the eldest son will receive a larger share. As for how the other sons distribute it, the noble can submit a distribution plan to me while they are alive, to be implemented upon my approval. If a noble dies unexpectedly without having submitted a distribution plan in advance, the Kingdom will distribute it according to the actual situation."

This...

All the nobles revealed expressions of deep thought.

Many of them were very capable, and although this proposal of Luoning's had never appeared before, they could grasp the key to it with just a little thought.

Once this system was implemented, after a few generations, the nobles' territories would be divided into many small pieces.

Although they were all family, how could they always be of one mind?

The nobles could avoid this situation by only having one son, but if that son died, the entire territory would become ownerless land and might be reclaimed by the Kingdom.

Those nobles who saw through it a bit could not help but frown, feeling both surprised and troubled by Luoning's "requirement" in their hearts.

They did not understand why the other party was so young, yet the policy he proposed was so shrewd.

The most critical thing was that, fearing Luoning's strength, influence, and prestige, they dared not disagree.

Seeing everyone whispering and discussing, Luoning did not rush to urge them; he had enough time anyway.

"For nobles who implement this policy, the Kingdom will provide them with compensation in terms of honor, political status, and economy."

As he said this, Luoning stood up from the throne.

"Everyone can consider and discuss this. This matter will be handled by Texas of the Ministry of Justice; the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of Personnel, and all the nobles can participate in the discussion to formulate a legal system that meets the needs of all parties."

Luoning left the hall, and a fierce sound of discussion immediately erupted in the hall.

He could not help but smile; these nobles would basically all agree.

These nobles would basically all agree.

Firstly, after implementing this policy, the Kingdom provided compensation in political, economic, and other aspects;

Secondly, there were also competitions and contradictions among the nobles; they could not resist the new system and would inevitably try to find ways to obtain more benefits under the new system;

Finally, and most importantly, facing the pressure brought by Luoning, they did not have enough power to resist. (End of chapter)