Make the Subordinates Compete
The turmoil and upheavals of the Orc Empire had become a laughing stock in the Southeast Province. Although Hudson was concerned with current affairs, the succession of the Behemoth Clan royal family was clearly too far removed from his life.
Apart from the Orc Empire's sudden invasion of the south, no matter how outrageous the other news was, it couldn't affect Hudson's farming plans.
Even if one heir dies, there are still countless others to inherit the throne. Great Emperor Behemoth is a blessed man; although his sons have died one after another, he has many grandsons!
Prince Alex alone created more than 300 jobs for him. With the contributions of the other princes, even if it hasn't reached 400 yet, it's not far from that number.
Including great-grandsons and great-great-grandsons... the number could be several regiments. If he had lived several decades longer Behemoth Emperor, his direct descendants alone might have been enough to form an army, making him one of the monarchs with the most descendants on the Aslant Continent.
There is certainly no one in the human world who can compare to him. Even the Elves, Dwarves, Giants, Berserkers, and others with lower fertility rates are no match for him.
It is estimated that only those races that give birth to one litter at a time can Great Emperor Behemoth in terms of the number of offspring.
Fortunately, over 90% of them are strange races with varying combat strengths; otherwise, other races on the continent wouldn't be able to survive.
In fact, the Orc Empire originally only had a few dozen races. Later, due to various hybridizations, a bunch of messy races gradually appeared.
Even scholars specializing in race studies can't determine the exact number of races in the Orc Empire. After all, while eccentric individuals like Prince Alex, who are obsessed with creating races, are rare, they do occasionally emerge.
No matter how brilliant the experts and scholars are, their speed of researching new races cannot keep up with the speed at which they create races.
In contrast, the human world is much simpler. Even when interspecies interbreed, the resulting offspring are often half-elf, Beastfolk, or half-... The probability of creating a new race is not high.
Just thinking about it makes me feel... well, these extravagant and licentious things are not something a minor nobleman should be thinking about.
Looking at the inefficient pioneering team, Hudson secretly worried. At this rate, he estimated that even the Lord of Dawn wouldn't know when the Salam Mountain Range would be fully developed.
Moreover, beyond the mountains lies a vast swamp. Venturing deeper into the swamp, its exact destination is unclear, but Hudson speculates that the swamp might end at the sea.
The reason is very simple: Southeast Province is a coastal province, and the swampy area that separates it from neighboring countries is not surprising.
It was not included in the territory of either country, and apart from the unique local terrain, it was most likely because everyone was too busy.
The Alpha Kingdom has faced the threat of Beastfolk for many years. Putting aside the small-scale daily conflicts, the Orc Empire will inevitably launch a southward invasion in a decade or two, or even seventy or eighty years.
The scale of the war is completely illogical. Even a medium-sized invasion would severely weaken the Alpha Kingdom.
The Salam Mountain Range remain undeveloped largely due to war. After all, every population boom was followed by war, leaving no time to manage the overpopulation.
Wright County, where Hudson is located, was only developed more than 300 years ago, and has only been truly developed for a little over 100 years. Some of the younger villages may have been established only 20 or 30 years ago.
With limited resources, the smaller nobles would not abandon the plains to develop the hilly areas if given the choice.
They don't even want to touch the hills, let alone the swamps behind them. It's better to invest in developing the swamps than to exploit the potential of their own territory.
After all, not everyone is like Hudson, setting ambitious strategic goals for themselves from the outset. Most minor nobles struggle to develop clear plans and often simply follow the example of their neighbors.
As for the other side of the swamp, according to the map of the continent, it is the Blackstone Kingdom, with four large characters clearly marked on the boundary: "Black Forest Mountain Range".
Hudson didn't know the specifics. Anyway, it was marked on the mainland map, and supposedly there were even monsters lurking there. Surely it couldn't be just a small hill like the Salam Mountain Range, could it?
Judging from the size of the swamp, it's clear that it wasn't created by water accumulation from small mounds like the Salam Mountain Range.
We can't keep being so lazy. Even if there's no competition, we can't waste time like this. What if the Beastfolk really attack one day? Then we won't have time to farm anymore.
Looking at the group of village chiefs who had been summoned, gathered in twos and threes discussing, Hudson said irritably, "Why are you having such a good time chatting?"
Happy things shouldn't be enjoyed alone. Shouldn't your lord share in the joy too?
If you could progress this efficiently in clearing the land, I would be very happy!
The scene before them terrified the village chiefs. Despite holding official titles, they were, in reality, just ordinary people.
The only perk is an extra ten pounds of rations per month; other privileges haven't had time to develop yet because it's still early in the season.
Bureaucratic practices are something they can't learn even if they wanted to, as no one in the territory can teach them.
"I won't waste any more words. Starting today, each unit will be assigned a specific area to carry out independent land reclamation, with monthly evaluations."
The five best-performing guards will receive a 1-pound increase in meat rations and a 5-pound increase in grain rations per month for everyone. The top-performing guard will receive double the reward.
The five worst-performing brigade leaders must give me an explanation. If no reasonable explanation is provided, the brigade leader will be dismissed, and all members of their respective brigade will have their monthly rations reduced by 5 pounds.
Later, livestock and farm tools will be divided into units called "bao". I will not concern myself with the specific distribution within your organization.
I only care about the final result. Anyone who dares to hold me back during the land reclamation process, I'll break their legs first!
Hudson reprimanded him sternly.
The inefficiency of slacking off is simply too low; a way must be found to get the subordinates motivated. Otherwise, how can Lord Hudson achieve the aristocratic life he dreams of?
In theory, directly distributing production to individual households is the most effective way to boost productivity. Unfortunately, such unconventional and rule-breaking practices rarely end well.
As a legitimate nobleman, Hudson didn't want to be seen as an oddity.
If too many people dislike him and accuse him of failing to fulfill his lordly duties, they might take him to the Royal Capital and have the King revoke his noble lord status, which would be the end of his life.
Without a doubt, similar martyrs have already appeared. All sorts of bizarre things happen in the course of history.
Many things don't need to be discussed in terms of inherent superiority or inferiority, right or wrong. If everyone around you thinks you are wrong, then you must be wrong.
Don't try to argue your way out of this, because one person can never change the perceptions of a group of people. Perhaps one day in the future, this matter will be redefined more objectively, but you, who broke the rules, will certainly not see it.
Moreover, teamwork is essential during large-scale development. Let the others handle things; there's no need to drag yourself into the storm.
If you were to try and implement a system of family responsibility, the people would probably be the most resistant. Following the lord might not guarantee a good life, but it would certainly mean fewer troubles.
They lacked sufficient personal freedom, but from birth to death, they didn't need to worry about anything. Even in the event of famine, the lord would take care of everything, ensuring they wouldn't starve.
Unlike the Eastern dynasties of the past, the clans in this region are powerful and able to unite as a group to resist risks, thus providing a foundation for reforming the feudal system.
It's uncertain whether serfs who haven't formed clans could improve their lives if they went out to work independently; their ability to withstand risks is practically zero. Any disaster could take away everything they own.
The lord's decision was not to be changed, and the good mood of the village chiefs, who did not want to lose their legs, vanished instantly.
He originally thought that by becoming the village head and gaining the lord's trust, he could live a happy life and reach the pinnacle of his life.
As it turns out, there's no such thing as a free lunch. It's simply impossible to expect to get something for nothing.
No one dared to ignore Hudson's warning. When noblemen said they would break a leg, they really meant it; no one thought their own leg was more important than the reputation of a nobleman.
Seeing his subordinates looking worried, Hudson had no interest in offering them advice. It's precisely in times like these that a person is truly tested and refined.
Whether he is a talent or a fool will become clear once the land reclamation project begins.
If someone is incompetent, it's better to kick them out as soon as possible. In the startup phase, the destructive power of an incompetent person entering management is not insignificant.
There are at least 20,000 people in the territory. By slowly screening them, we can eventually find some potential talents suitable for cultivation.
In Maple Leaf Territory, Baron Katerley watched his neighbors enthusiastically clearing land, his mouth watering with envy.
We all started our business together, but while others' businesses are on a fast track to rapid development, ours is still running at a loss.
Baron Katerley now completely dismisses claims that "Southern Xinjiang is rich, full of gold, and you can reap a bumper harvest just by sowing some seeds."
The Southeast Province was indeed prosperous, and his own territory was indeed fertile land, but that did not mean he was rich.
To get rich, you must first develop your territory. Given the current state of development in Maple Leaf Territory, even maintaining a balance between income and expenditure is difficult.
"Uncle Holman, where are the slaves the family sent? How long until they arrive?"
"I asked with concern, "Baron Katerley asked.
Labor shortage has become the most critical factor restricting the development of Maple Leaf Territory. Unable to acquire enough livestock and serfs, he has no choice but to target Beastfolk slaves.
"Judging by the days, we should be almost in the territory of the Southeast Province by now. In ten days to half a month at most, we will be able to deliver it to the territory."
However, these Beastfolk slaves are not so easy to manage. Without some training, it's difficult to get them to obey.
Moreover, the slaves sent by the family this time came from dozens of races, and language communication alone was a major problem.
For ease of management, we must quickly identify the ethnic groups suitable for farming, and find a way to get rid of the rest!
"Knight Holman said menacingly."
As a knight fresh from the battlefield, decisiveness is the least of his worries. The conflict between humans and Beastfolk has long been irreconcilable.
Having a large number of Beastfolk slaves in one's territory is inherently a high-risk endeavor. Even if the lord isn't afraid of these creatures causing trouble, the serfs below cannot withstand such turmoil.
In the event of unrest, Maple Leaf Territory, which is already struggling financially, will become even worse off.
"Don't worry, Uncle Holman. The extra slaves won't go to waste. Just because we can't use them doesn't mean our neighbors can't either."
Beastfolk slaves are indeed mostly incredibly stupid; they can make a complete mess of even the simplest tasks. However, they are capable of performing purely physical labor that requires no brainpower.
Although doing this might seem like aiding the enemy, if we don't do it, others will.
Maple Leaf Territory has long been in deficit, and the other noble territories are in similar situations. In Laite and Huaidun counties, apart from the Mountain Territory is wealthy and powerful, almost all the territories are operating at a loss.
The local nobles are doing well; the autumn planting season is finally over. As long as they can get through these few months of food shortage, they should be able to maintain a balance.
If they can cut back on expenses, eliminate unnecessary social spending, and lower their daily standard of living, they should be able to turn a profit in a year or two at most.
But we are different. The army is the foundation that enabled us to move south and establish ourselves, but it is also a huge mountain weighing on our heads.
Without the kingdom's military subsidies, without smuggling business to do, and without targets to plunder, it is too much of a burden to support so many soldiers by relying solely on the territory's output.
But we can't afford not to maintain such a large army until the local nobles formally accept us.
If I can't develop the territory quickly, my savings won't last long. Even knowing that selling slaves to the Mountain Baron is a poisoned chalice laced with honey, I have no choice but to drink it.
Otherwise, if the treasury collapses before the territory fully resumes production, then everything will be over.
Baron Katerley couldn't help but sigh.
You don't know the hardships of being a lord until you're in charge. Before the war, Maple Leaf Territory was rich in resources and incredibly prosperous; but a war destroyed it all.
In fact, the cost of maintaining an army is completely different for a mature territory and a half-crippled territory, even though they are both.
A mature territory can be self-sufficient in food, cloth, meat, oil, and even repair its own weapons and equipment.
The main expenses for a lord to maintain an army are purchasing salt, updating and replacing weapons and equipment, and warhorses.
Serf soldiers do not need to be paid military pay. Even if they are elite troops composed of cultivators, the lord only needs to provide them with some subsidies in normal times.
Whether to use money or distribute grain, cloth, or meat products depends on the lord's mood, and the soldiers will not complain.
During the busy farming season, they work in the fields; during the off-season, they conduct military exercises. As long as there is no war, military spending can usually be kept at a low level.
Southern nobles preferred to train bodyguards composed of cultivators, primarily due to their environment. Generally, the country was peaceful, and any conflicts that did occur were mostly regional armed brawls.
The guard composed of cultivators clearly had the upper hand in daily brawls. Moreover, while they wanted to emulate the Northern Aristocrats in training an army, the lesser nobles lacked the necessary resources.
Routine brawls can only cultivate brave and fierce individuals, while ordinary soldiers cannot become elite without experiencing the battles on the battlefield.
Battles like the suppression of the Skull Society rebellion are rare occurrences in the Southeast Province, happening only once every few decades; whether or not one happens to be one depends entirely on luck.
Most of the time, Heretical Cult uprisings were suppressed by the lord himself with his guards, and very few of them managed to cause any real disturbance.
Although noble lords often dueled, they could not kill each other, and the intensity of their duels could only be considered as armed conflict, far from being a real war.
After meeting their daily military needs, most Southern Aristocrats preferred to spend their money on daily life, educating their descendants, and maintaining their social networks. If they had the resources, they would also have an emergency reserve fund.
Because of the difference in the level of investment in cultivation resources, even though they rarely go to the battlefield, the individual martial prowess of the noble children in the south is generally not inferior to that of the Northern Aristocrats. After all, practical combat ability can be compensated for by cultivation level.
Production in Maple Leaf Territory had not yet recovered, and it was in an awkward transitional phase from the Northern Aristocrats to the Southern Aristocrats, so Baron Katerley's life was naturally difficult.
In order to prevent the territory's finances from going bankrupt and to get through this period of hardship, he had to temporarily put aside his resentment.
"It's best if you think this way. In the world of nobles, there are no eternal enemies, only eternal interests."
Have you noticed that the military strength of the native nobles in the southeastern counties of Laite and Huaidun is constantly increasing, while the military strength of us Northern Aristocrats is constantly being weakened?
Taking Maple Leaf Territory as an example, of the three hundred private soldiers who went south with us, only two hundred and seventy-eight remain due to non-combat losses caused by previous battles and acclimatization issues, which is about one-fifteenth of our strength.
The other territories, though lacking detailed data, are likely not much better off. Some troublemakers may have suffered losses exceeding one-tenth of their original numbers.
For a short time, we can suppress the local nobles, but as time goes by, the strength of the two sides will gradually narrow.
If we don't manage our relationships with our neighbors well, our future will be very difficult, and we might even be ostracized.
Upon hearing Knight Holman's warning, Baron Katerley's expression grew even more grave. Although he had also noticed something was amiss, he hadn't realized the problem was so serious.
The rivalry between nobles is about securing a long-term future; temporary wins and losses mean nothing. Only the one who perseveres to the end is the true winner.
If you can't kill the other party with one blow, then it's best to avoid making them a mortal enemy if possible; and you should try your best to resolve grudges that can be resolved.
Sometimes turning enemies into friends is also a strategic victory.
I initially thought that selling slaves to my neighbor was just a way to make a quick buck and cover the financial deficit, but now it seems that it's not just about making a business deal, but also about starting a new chapter in our relationship.
Regardless of the choices made by other Northern Aristocrats, Maple Leaf Territory had no other option. Their neighbor was far too powerful; a direct confrontation offered no chance of victory, and continued hostility would only lead to their own downfall.
Even if there is a real grudge, it can be kept in mind for now, and settled later when the opportunity arises. If there is no opportunity, it can just be kept to oneself; Kateley is not without cunning and shrewdness.
"Uncle Holman, thank you for reminding me. I know what to do next."
If Hudson could sell us iron production materials for profit, why can't I sell slaves to these Southern Aristocrats for profit?
This deal is not only to be done, but to be made a fortune. We need to send people to find out which families are transporting slaves south; if they don't need that many, we should find a way to bring them over at a low price.
The Hudson are a prime example. The only way to make more money is to create a monopoly.
Winter has already arrived, making it impossible to venture deep into the Orc Empire to capture slaves in the short term. Even if things recover by spring, sending slaves over won't be possible until next summer.
This means that for the next six months, these slaves will be the only Beastfolk slaves.
Hopefully, the number of slaves transported by each family this time won't be too large, otherwise we won't be able to handle it all, and this business will become difficult!