New Slaves
As for the more than three hundred Broomflower slaves who came from Winters Harbor with the remnants of Thorsten, Karl dealt with them in a completely different way.
They are, after all, of the same race, and most of them are victims of abduction by the Sauron; they deserve better resettlement and treatment.
Karl ordered that these people be temporarily housed in the outer city of the castle, which was originally the place where the pioneer slaves who followed Karl to Carnford first lived, and was later converted into a residence for the wounded.
This area, located right next to the inner city wall, consists of dozens of semi-subterranean stone houses that have been reinforced and repaired multiple times. Although simple, they are far more sturdy, dry, and safe than the temporary semi-subterranean houses built for the Sauron at the foot of the mountain.
In fact, given Morr's aesthetic sense and the standard planning for castle construction, this "shantytown" right next to the inner wall should have been demolished long ago to maintain the cleanliness of the castle area and the openness of the defensive view.
However, Karl valued practicality, and these buildings continued to be used, so they were never demolished. Morr had no choice but to tolerate the existence of these "illegal buildings."
In retrospect, this decision has once again proven to be wise, proving useful at a crucial moment.
When these slaves from Winters Harbor were led into these low, semi-subterranean houses with sturdy stone walls and thick wooden roofs, many could hardly believe their eyes, and some were even moved to tears.
What did they live in while they were in Winters Harbor?
It was a drafty thatched hut, a dilapidated wooden house on the verge of collapse, or even a corner cleared from the ruins that could barely provide shelter.
I have never seen such a well-organized, sturdy dwelling that can truly shelter me from the wind and rain.
Although it's still communal living and the conditions aren't great, it's already an unimaginable "luxury house" for them!
Their food rations were also Black Rye Porridge, but the standards were slightly different.
Each able-bodied man received two bowls, while each woman and child received one bowl.
This simple task was enough to fill their stomachs and restore their strength.
The timely addition of this workforce is undoubtedly a godsend for Carnford, greatly alleviating their urgent need for manpower.
Karl immediately made adjustments, freeing some of the original Carnford residents and soldiers who had been involved in the autumn harvest to reinvest in the more urgent task of building the city walls.
The heavy responsibility of the autumn harvest was mainly entrusted to these newly arrived Broomflower slaves, who were eager to prove their worth and obtain food.
Karl hoped they could immediately begin production and create value.
Therefore, on the very night of their arrival, after a simple dinner, Steward Edgar summoned all the new slaves to an open space in the outer city.
Edgar stood on a simple wooden platform, looking down at the group of people below, their faces pale and their eyes filled with both unease and a hint of anticipation. He spoke in a clear and steady voice:
"Gentlemen! Welcome to Carnford. I am Edgar, the Lord's butler."
"I know you come from Winters Harbor and have endured hardship. Carnford is willing to offer you shelter, ensure your safety, and provide you with basic food and shelter."
The people in the audience listened quietly, their eyes focused; they knew there was no such thing as a free lunch.
Edgar then changed the subject. "However, the shelter and food in Carnford are not without cost. Territories have their rules, and survival has its laws. You are newcomers with no land and no property. Therefore, the 'tax' you need to pay is your labor!"
Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement, indicating their understanding and acceptance.
It is only natural to earn a living through labor; they just didn't know how much work this Lord would require them to do.
Edgar continued, "The requirement is simple! It's harvest time, and the territory desperately needs manpower. Starting tomorrow, everyone who can work must go to the fields to harvest!"
"Each person must harvest at least one hundred pounds of rye or peas every day! This is the 'tax' you need to pay for your survival every day! As long as you complete this amount, you will continue to receive food and shelter."
"One hundred jin?" A low gasp and murmur arose from the crowd below the stage, but it quickly turned into surprise and disbelief!
This request... is too low! Too lenient!
Elsewhere, whether they were working for former Lord or enslaved by the Sauron, their daily workload started at least two hundred pounds.
If you don't finish, you'll be beaten, starved, or even subjected to more severe punishments! And here, all you need is 100 pounds? It's unbelievable!
Edgar observed their reactions, a barely perceptible smile appearing on his face.
He raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet, and then offered an even more enticing condition:
"Moreover, the Lord stipulates that those who work harder will be rewarded more! For every ten catties of grain harvested beyond the daily quota of one hundred catties, you can exchange it for an extra bowl of Black Rye Porridge! In other words, the more you work and the stronger you are, the more you and your family can eat! You can even save up a little surplus!"
These words instantly stirred up excitement among everyone.
"What? The more you work, the more food you get?"
"Ten pounds for a bowl of porridge! Is that true?"
"Oh my god! This... this is wonderful!"
The crowd erupted in cheers! An unprecedented light and energy shone in everyone's eyes!
This means that as long as they are willing to work hard, they will never have to worry about going hungry again! They can even provide better food for their families and children!
This kind of direct, visible incentive is more effective at motivating people than any empty promise!
Edgar pressed his advantage, making his most impactful promise, "Not only that! If any of you perform exceptionally well and make significant contributions to the development of the territory, after evaluation, the Lord will grant you a ' Letter of Pardon ' and restore your status as a ' Freemen '!"
"From this day forward, you will no longer be slaves, but will become official subjects of Carnford, enjoying the same rights and obligations as other subjects!"
"Freemen?"
A pardon?! Restoration of freedom?
"This... how is this possible?"
This news was like a bolt from the blue, leaving everyone stunned and almost unable to believe their ears!
Regaining their freedom? That was something they wouldn't even dare to dream of!
Seeing their shocked and doubtful expressions, Edgar said confidently, "Don't doubt it! Look at where you live now! And look at those neat stone houses down the mountain!"
"Many of those living there were just like you, among the first group of pioneering slaves who came here with the Lord!"
"It was precisely because of their hard work and loyalty to the territory that the benevolent Lord Karl von Schmidt had already signed a pardon, restoring them all to their status Freemen!"
"Now, they own their own homes, cultivate their own land, build their own families, and some are even serving in the military! This is all real! The opportunity is in your own hands!"
Real-life examples are more powerful than any preaching.
The newly arrived slaves recalled the simple yet sturdy houses they had seen down the mountain, and the busy yet composed citizens they had met when they entered the city. Their doubts vanished instantly, replaced by immense excitement, gratitude, and a strong sense of longing!
"Long live the Lord!"
"Thank you, sir!"
"We will definitely work hard! We will never let you down!"
A heartfelt cheer and expression of gratitude erupted from the crowd.
Many people were moved to tears, knelt down, and kowtowed in gratitude towards the castle.
They originally thought they were lucky to survive and have food to eat, but they never expected to see hope of regaining their freedom!
Edgar watched this scene with satisfaction.
He knew that the Lord's incentive policies had successfully ignited the hope and enthusiasm of these newcomers.
Tomorrow, a group of tireless harvesters will emerge from this golden wheat field.
The autumn harvest in Carnford, and its future development, will undoubtedly be greatly accelerated by this new force full of gratitude and hope.