Suleiman took in everyone's reactions. He stepped forward and helped Bryn to his feet, but that wasn't enough.
"My laws must be made public!" Suleiman raised his voice, making his words sound even more powerful and authoritative.
"I order you: when you return to the Military Towns under your charge, erect a huge wooden board in the busiest place, such as the central gathering square."
"I want it big enough and sturdy enough. I'll call it the Public Notice Board."
Suleiman's gaze swept across their faces.
"From today onward, every decree I, Suleiman, issue will be just like the three I've announced."
"Every tax we collect in the future: how much it is and when it's collected."
"Every call for labor: who must serve, how many people, and when."
"Every reward I give: what was awarded and why."
"Every punishment I impose: what the penalty was and why."
"All of it, clear as day, every word carved onto this Public Notice Board!"
"Whenever a law is issued, someone must read it aloud to everyone in front of the board."
Suleiman's voice suddenly rose, exploding in their ears like a clap of thunder.
"In my lands, there is only one law! My law!"
"No noble or official may govern as they please! No punishments handed down behind closed doors!"
"Every town square must have a board like this. Tax details, officials' appointments and transfers, criminals' punishments and pardons—remember! You are merely the executors of my authority! The power is mine!"
Everyone fell silent. This final order was more revolutionary than everything that had come before combined.
It was a unique form of governance, a complete reconstruction of the system. The power of nobles and officials was curtailed, and everything was to be conducted according to written laws. Officials lost the right