Granting domestic tax-free rights to the Li Ang flag actually means that industries using the Li Ang flag do not have to pay taxes anywhere under the direct jurisdiction of Ulrich.
In other words, on the territory directly under the jurisdiction of Ulrich such as Lion City and Long River Town, branches and stores are not required to pay taxes. As long as Griffin flag is plugged in Li Ang, the tax officer is not qualified to supervise it.
This is of course a very valuable privilege, and it is indeed beneficial to both Li Ang and King Ulrich. There is nothing wrong with saying it is compensation.
The king himself is in urgent need of funds, and it is not easy to raise a large amount of cash for a while. If he can get one hundred thousand dinars from Li Ang, it can solve Ulrich's urgent need.
What is the concept of one hundred thousand dinars - a duke like Alma owns a territory like Lion Lake City. If we only look at the tax revenue of the territory, it is only about one hundred thousand dinars a year.
Lion Lake City The entire county in the territory has a combined population of 100,000, and almost every capita provides the Duke with One Dinar.
Of course, this only refers to the territorial taxes that can go into the Duke's pocket, and does not take into account his other private properties.
Although it seems that the per capita tax amount of One Dinar contributed to the Duke is quite low, the actual situation is that the per capita tax amount of Lion Territory civilians needs to pay more than ten dinars per year, which is already more than half of the per capita annual income.
Because the duke also has to pay taxes to the country, and the ones who collect taxes directly from the common people are not big nobles like the duke, but the tax collectors under the duke, Knight's Territory.
The actual tax amount of most Knight's Territory accounts for more than half of residents' income. After all, knights have to support themselves and their followers, and they also have to pay taxes to their superior lords.
One hundred thousand dinars per year is actually not much. If you really want to calculate it carefully, it is just the price of purchasing hundreds of thousands of sets of high-quality weapons and equipment.
If you are buying horses, two hundred war horses or more than three hundred draft horses, you will have to spend one hundred thousand dinars.
So don't think that big men like the Duke are rich. Although they have a large territory and strong power, their corresponding expenses are also huge. They really can't come up with a lot of cash anytime and anywhere.
The king is not rich either. Although King Ulrich has recently continued to expand his direct jurisdiction, Long River Town has just been nominally taken under the direct jurisdiction. There is no profit yet and he can only rely on Lion City.
The territory under Lion City is quite wealthy. As the capital, there are nearly 400,000 people living in the surrounding areas, and the territory's annual income can reach more than 300,000 dinars - this refers to the king's private income, not the country's fiscal revenue.
After all, Lionheart Kingdom currently has a population of only two million, and residents of the king's direct territories account for 20% of them. This is actually a quite large proportion.
Of course, it cannot be compared with the Kingdom of Pendor period...
Before Kingdom of Pendor encountered Red Death, the population of the metropolitan area exceeded one million.
The sharp population decline was mainly caused by the Red Death and wars that lasted for more than a hundred years. Before the Red Death occurred, the total population of the Pande Continent was almost 24 million, but now, the total population of the entire continent may only be about 10 million.
So Emperor Marius of the Bacchus Empire will enact the policy of hard labor if you don't get married, just to increase the population.
The income of the king's direct territory is the king's private property, which is used for the expenses of the palace and his own territory, and also includes supporting some private troops-such as the royal guards and other retinue troops.
One hundred thousand dinars is one-third of the king's own annual income, which is also a lot of money for the king.
The king's private property is different from the country's fiscal revenue.
The state's fiscal revenue is of course more than the king's private revenue. It is maintained by taxes paid by the nobles, that is, taxes received from other noble territories. Most of the time, they are apportioned annually in the form of tasks according to the size of the territory.
This money is under the control of the Kingdom's Finance Minister and is used according to the annual budget. It is public funds and the King has no right to use it at will.
For example, expenditures for important border defense military areas such as Seven Forks Fortress are used for disaster relief, road construction, maintaining infrastructure in various parts of the kingdom, or for subsidizing border lords, building infrastructure, or for war, etc.
Lion Knight Order As a national knighthood, it can also receive some subsidies from the national finance.
Of course, Lion Knight Order's main source of income is the tour fees handed in by Lion Knight, but this is far from enough for expenses. King Ulrich himself will also pay some private subsidies to ensure Lion Knight Order's loyalty to him.
The national finances are never enough, let alone satisfy the king's selfishness. Instead, from time to time, the king needs to use his private property to fill some gaps.
Since he had to spend money everywhere, the king was actually more short of money than the average noble.
Ulrich knows that Li Ang's business scale is quite large. If Li Ang's caravans can be fully tax-free on his territory, then Wheat Fragrance Company's industry will definitely grow rapidly, which can actually quickly boost the overall economy in the jurisdiction.
Although Li Ang's property is tax-free, it actually has greater benefits for the king's own territory - after commercial revitalization, various transactions will increase. If Wheat Fragrance Company operates more business in the king's direct territory, other businessmen will also come and go frequently.
The king can receive more business taxes from other merchants.
Rulers use tax-free policies to attract investment. This method has been used since ancient times and is actually quite reasonable.
With the business scale of Li Ang, the price of one hundred thousand dinars in exchange for tax-free rights, or to buy out all future business taxes in the king's direct territory, seems very reasonable.
Based on the current situation, the total commercial tax paid by Wheat Fragrance Company's branches and agents to local lords in half a year has exceeded 50,000 dinars. Although White Deer Fortress and Wheat Fragrance Territory do not collect taxes, branches opened in other lords' territories are required to pay commercial taxes, and the amount of tax is different in each place.
But those branches were located in other cities and villages, and commercial taxes were paid to local lords and could not enter the king's pocket.
Of course, the commercial taxes paid in Lion City and Long River Town belong to the king. The total amount of these commercial taxes is nearly 20,000 dinars, and it is increasing month by month.
After careful calculation, it is indeed a good deal to invest 100,000 dinars in one time and then be tax-free for life.
Ulrich made a good calculation, Li Ang is really tempting.
For others, this deal may just mean paying taxes for three to five years at once and then being tax-free for a lifetime.
But it's different for Li Ang. This can be considered as the king giving the lord a hugely profitable industry...
After all, the king doesn't quite understand what kind of businessman Li Ang is...
Wheat Fragrance International is a group company.
If you join Wheat Fragrance Group, you can be completely tax-free in the jurisdictions of Lion City and Long River Town...
Li Ang can even point to the map, separate out various industries, and directly sell the operating qualifications of Wheat Fragrance Group's subordinate branches in the duty-free zone, and sell them on an annual basis!
Just collecting operating expenses and deposits every year can make you rich as a country...
When Griffin banner can represent the privilege of tax exemption, Li Ang can bring most of the businessmen in the country under its banner!
In comparison, one hundred thousand dinars is nothing...
However, even though he was secretly happy, Li Ang still showed a dissatisfied expression...
"Your Majesty, this is a transaction, not compensation. Of course I am willing to make a fair transaction, but before that, I am more concerned about how to restore my reputation."
The lord looked very serious.
Ulrich was silent for a while.
What Li Ang said makes sense. The king caught people and put them back. Although Li Ang was not harmed, it did damage the reputation of a noble like Li Ang. After all, it meant that the king was suspicious of him.
"I will find a way to help you raise 100,000 dinars. But I hope you can give me the power to use the golden coat of arms - that is to say, in addition to being exempted from commercial taxes in your direct territory, I can also freely develop territories and fight against rebellion. This way it can be shown that you do not regard me as a traitor, but as a rebel, so that my reputation can be restored."
Li Ang paid back the deal.
In the Lionheart Kingdom, the golden coat of arms represents the same privileges as members of the royal family.
This is a reasonable counter-offer, as the privilege of using the golden coat of arms will only be granted to trustworthy and close lords, and it will indeed eliminate the influence of Ulrich's suspicion of treason.
The lord has always been fair when it comes to transactions.
Ulrich claimed that Li Ang's flag was granted "privileges that can only be obtained by royal estates", so Li Ang simply counter-offered it as "the same privileges as members of the royal family"...
There is of course a huge difference between the two logics.
However, if you ask for a high price and pay it back, the business is negotiated...
The golden coat of arms is not just tax-free, it represents the power to freely rebel - the ability to independently launch attacks on hostile forces, and directly occupy territories captured independently.
Of course, you can only attack hostile forces or rebels, you cannot provoke disputes at will, and you cannot declare war on behalf of the country.
However, it is rare to have the authority to freely revolt and occupy the territory that you have conquered alone. Currently, no nobles in the entire kingdom have this authority.
Only more than a hundred years ago, when Alfred was still Duke of Lionheart, did he get this privilege.
At that time, he changed his coat of arms to a pure golden lion.
Therefore, after he established Lionheart Kingdom, the pure golden coat of arms was given this special meaning.
Ulrich naturally knows what the golden coat of arms means.
"You want to be given the freedom to crusade to prove your loyalty? This is indeed a reasonable request. But crusade against rebellion... Where is there any rebellion now?"
Ulrich hesitated for a moment and shook his head.
"Isn't Renier a traitor? Isn't Eldred a traitor? I just want to contribute to the country. If there are traitors again, I will take the initiative to attack them. The territory I captured belongs to me. That's all I want."
Li Ang certainly didn't give up. He also explained that he was thinking about the country and clearly stated that he did have selfish motives, but this kind of selfishness was also deserved.
"But do you have the ability to fight against rebellion?"
King Ulrich took a deep look at Li Ang.
"Didn't I kill two of them... you saw one of them with your own eyes."
Li Ang spread his hands.
"... Okay, deal, I hope you won't die in the hands of the traitors. But you have to deliver 100,000 dinars to me within a month..."
Ulrich nodded in agreement, but there was a clear gloom in his eyes.
He really needs money.
After all, he is the king. He can grant authority now and can take it back in the future. Ulrich is not too worried about this little baron Li Ang.
Half a day later, Ulrich asked Grand Scholar Igor to issue an announcement in King's Square of Lion City, allowing Li Ang to make the heraldic pattern into pure gold.
This color is indeed dyed with real gold and is worth one hundred thousand dinars.
Grand Scholar Igor read out the king's authorization in front of the officials of Noble Council expressionlessly, and then hung the authorization letter on Noble Council's bulletin wall.
After making this announcement, Igor turned around and entered the old Noble Council tower, which was the king's private residence, but Philina no longer lives in the garden.
"Your Highness, Li Ang has been released, and His Majesty the King has even protected his property. You may have to wait patiently..."
On the top floor of the old Noble Council tower, Igor stood respectfully behind a young man with a gloomy face.
This young man is Alanric, the only son of King Ulrich, Prince of the Lionheart Kingdom.
This Prince is only in his twenties, but he looks lifeless, pale, and seems to be in poor health.
"Igor, this is not the result I want, you know..."
Alanric stood at the window on the top floor, looking down at the busy crowd below the city, and said lightly.
"Your Highness, who would have thought that Bacchus Empire would attack White Deer Fortress at this time? Originally, I had convinced His Majesty the King that Li Ang would indeed be declared a traitor as you wished. But under the current circumstances, His Majesty the King cannot ignore the safety of the border..."
Igor looked at Alanric's thin back and lowered his head.
"No, it is precisely this situation that is the best situation... Igor, if Li Ang dies at this time in Lion City, what will the nobles think?"
Alanric turned around and rubbed the arm that was holding the window edge.
It seemed like just this kind of movement could make his arms sore.
"Now Bacchus Empire is attacking White Deer Fortress, Li Ang. If Lion City dies at this time, the nobles will lose confidence in the king, Your Highness. For a You want to seize the vassal's property for your own selfish purposes... If you fail to do so, you will kill someone, regardless of the safety of the kingdom... In this case, at least half of the nobles will no longer obey your father's orders, and Lion Territory will inevitably start a civil war."
Igor raised his head and glanced at Alanric's arm, his eyes were very complicated.
There were several clear blue-purple blood spots on Alanric's arms, which were exactly the same as those on King Ulrich's body.
"Since you know, then find a way to kill him. Didn't you just help my father hire some adventurers, that 'Griffin Sword' adventure group... If you let that adventure group kill him, you can blame my father for this matter."
Alanric pinched his arms and gave incredible instructions in an understatement.
"Your Highness, if you do this, those nobles may indeed oppose the king, but they may not support you!"
Igor raised his head in shock. He did not expect that Prince would suddenly give such an order.
"Igor, my uncle... Duke Brennus of Cliff Bay will support me; Duke Alma has a grudge against Li Ang, and I helped him a few days ago If the king kills Li Ang, then Philina and Godric will also support me... The great lords of all factions, plus you, this is enough..."
Alanric twisted his wrist and walked to an easel.
There is a lifelike oil painting on the shelf, which depicts a seven or eight-year-old boy riding a horse with the help of the king.
That boy is Alanric.
But the young man in the painting looks much more energetic than he does now as an adult.
"Your Highness, your father's time is short, you don't have to be so anxious. His Majesty the King Let him go just to get a bigger property from him in the future..."
Igor seems to want to persuade.
"Ha, but those more properties have nothing to do with me, Igor... You should know why my father went to find Noldo maidens."
Alanric stared at the oil painting, his voice as deep as coming from hell.
"It is said that the Noldo blood vein will not be infected with many diseases... Your Majesty does this for the future of the kingdom."
Igor did not raise his head and his voice was low.
"The future of the kingdom? Ha! But what does that have to do with me?... I've already contracted the disease! I have no future at all!"
Alanric had a look of madness on his face, looked at his arms, and clenched his hands into fists.
Igor sighed deeply and stopped talking.
"Igor, my uncle...
You know, I have no future and I'm experiencing symptoms now... I can't wait!
But he went to Noldo maidens not for treatment, nor for me! But he wanted to give me another brother!
Hum... haha... I heard what Three Prophets said to him in the secret room! He doesn't want me, who is destined to be sick, to inherit the throne! He wants to give birth to another healthy heir!"
Igor, What about me? What about me?!
I just want to get the throne I deserve!
Maybe I will die in ten years, but I am the heir to the kingdom! I cannot be locked in a tower all my life and remain nameless!
You know, only I can give you everything you want, and you will become a Grand Duke!
You know, I will do better than my father... He can find a Noldor noble girl to continue his healthy bloodline, and so can I. The future of the Lion will still be better!
Kill Li Ang and let the king be charged with murdering the nobles. The nobles will definitely put me on the throne!"
Alanric gradually lost control, and even had a sinister look in his eyes.
Igor looked up at Alanric and smiled bitterly, "My child, this will cause chaos in the kingdom!"
"So what? Uncle, I don't have that much time to wait. If I don't do something, I'm afraid I will die in front of my father! I don't believe those three witches! I don't want to live forever, I just want to get what I deserve!"
Alanric's voice became more and more excited, but his expression became more and more lonely.
"Oh... I understand... I will make arrangements right away. He will always be under my surveillance."
Igor frowned deeply and exited the room.
Alanric turned around again and looked at the palace opposite from the window at the highest point of Lion City.
"Father, maybe you are doing it for the future of the family, but this is not fair... not fair."
He whispered towards the dome of the palace.