White Gloves
He immediately grasped the multiple profound implications and long-term benefits: it would allow exceptional talents to be placed in the most suitable positions, achieving "making the best use of everyone's talents"; and it would also strengthen internal and external ideological guidance and cultural development through the new organization.
In times of chaos, this is crucial for consolidating rule and attracting population; it also appeases meritorious officials and their families, demonstrating the Lord's benevolence, thus achieving multiple benefits.
He nodded emphatically, his tone full of approval and execution. "Sir, your consideration is thorough; this arrangement is excellent! It will not only maximize Tommy's strengths but also open up a completely new and crucial governance path for Carnford."
"I will immediately get to work on it, and draft the organizational structure, staffing, initial budget, and specific functional regulations for the ' Cultural Propaganda Department ' as soon as possible, so that the framework can be firmly established. I will also begin to look for and train other suitable candidates. As for Tommy, I will personally talk to him to properly arrange the handover and onboarding."
"Very good," Karl nodded in satisfaction, then remembered another policy that needed to be implemented, "There's one more thing, regarding labor allocation, which you need to clearly enforce."
"The first batch of design drawings and construction plans for the Tunbao will be issued soon, which will create a large number of jobs, including construction workers, earthmoving workers, timber processors, stone quarry workers, warehouse keepers, logistics and catering staff, and even shop assistants and peddlers needed for the small markets planned within the Tunbao."
He instructed sternly, "These positions must be clearly stipulated to be given priority to newly arrived migrants who do not yet have land or a stable industrial base, especially those families with children who have nothing to their name."
He explained the rationale behind it, "This way, these newcomers can quickly earn money through their own labor, buy food and clothing, support their families, and thus settle down rapidly, developing an initial sense of belonging and dependence on Carnford."
"This is key to stabilizing the new population and preventing them from causing further unrest or leaving due to lack of livelihood. As for the older residents who have already been allocated land and have basic agricultural production as their foundation, they already have a means to make a living."
"We can encourage them to use their off-season to develop sideline businesses such as family farming, weaving, and handicrafts to increase their income, or encourage them to cultivate their land more intensively to increase yields."
"We cannot allow them to take up all the new non-agricultural jobs. We must leave enough opportunities and upward mobility for newcomers. This is a long-term plan that concerns whether the territory can be harmoniously integrated and whether new and old residents can coexist healthily."
Edgar, as the Chief of the Interior, quickly grasped the profound intentions behind this policy—to promote integration, stabilize the new population, and stimulate vitality.
This was indeed a clever and necessary measure; however, he immediately recognized the potential practical resistance that might be encountered in its implementation, and he cautiously offered the following reminder:
"Your Excellency's plan is aimed at the long-term development and overall stability of Carnford. It benefits the new citizens and will be a great achievement for generations to come. I fully understand its importance. However... once this order is issued, I'm afraid it will cause dissatisfaction and criticism from some of the earliest followers who have already settled here."
"They will feel that they were the first to suffer and shed blood and sweat to support you, but now that there are good jobs available, they have to give them to 'outsiders' first. It's inevitable that they will feel resentful and think it's unfair."
Karl's eyes turned calm, even somewhat cold; he had anticipated this. "There may be complaints, but the work must be carried out. This is for the overall, long-term development of Carnford and the stability of the overall situation."
"To appease the sentiments of long-time residents, other methods can be used, such as providing appropriate preferential treatment in areas like tax reductions, educational opportunities for their children, and recognition and awards. However, this fundamental principle of employment cannot be shaken."
He changed the subject, lowering his voice to a level of political caution. "However, Edgar, I cannot issue this explicit administrative order in the name of the Lord."
Edgar instantly grasped the unspoken meaning behind Karl's words.
This policy, which is clearly biased and protective, is bound to offend some vested interests and spark discussion and discontent.
In the early stages of establishing a territory and when people's hearts still need to be united, Karl, as the supreme leader, needs to maintain a relatively detached, fair, and united image. He should not directly stand on the side of "favoring" the newcomers and bear the resentment and negative emotions that may arise.
He needs someone to share the "pressure" of implementing this policy, or rather, to bear the potential "bad reputation" that might result.
"I understand, sir." Edgar nodded steadily, a look of understanding and unwavering responsibility flashing in his eyes.
Having followed Karl for a long time, he knew that in many cases, the role of steward was to share the Lord's burdens and handle those necessary but not very honorable, and even potentially controversial, specific matters.
His tone was calm yet firm. "I will, in my capacity as the Chief Administrator of Internal Affairs, issue specific administrative orders in accordance with the needs of the territory's development plan and labor market management, and will be responsible for explaining and supervising the construction command centers and workshop managers of each Tunbao."
"I, as the 'executor,' will handle and bear all the discussions, doubts, and even temporary pressures. You only need to maintain a grasp of the overall direction from a higher level."
He was prepared to act as a policy "buffer" and "firewall," redirecting any potential direct discontent towards the Lord towards himself, the "bureaucrat" in charge of the specific tasks.
This was his duty, and also his loyalty.
Karl looked intently at Edgar, the old man who had followed him since family days and was now the backbone of Carnford administration.
He reached out and patted Edgar's slightly thin but ramrod straight shoulder.
There were no excessive words of thanks, no insincere pleasantries; everything was conveyed in the heavy pats and the exchanged glances.
That was the entrustment and trust that the ruler placed in his most trusted ministers, and it was also the ministers' unreserved support and commitment to their ruler.
"Go do it," Karl said finally, his tone returning to calm.
He turned and strode away from the gradually quieting conference room with steady and firm steps, leaving the administrative matters to be handled and the courageous decisions to the trustworthy Edgar.
Edgar stood there, watching Karl's increasingly tall and composed figure as he walked away, a complex mix of emotions welling up inside him—a sense of relief mixed with a barely perceptible melancholy.
He muttered to himself, "Young Master Karl... he's really changed a lot. He's becoming more and more decisive, and more and more adept at weighing options and making choices... He's really becoming more and more like His Majesty the Duke."