Metternich's Reform
Lucas immediately stared at Pagani in agitation. "Why? Have you been frightened out of your wits by the Secret Police, or have those corrupt officials bought you off?
"Have you forgotten? We all swore to save Austria, to fight with our lives for freedom for everyone!
"Yes, people are being arrested everywhere now, and our printing press has been sealed, but the more it is a time like this, the more we must fight bravely.
"If even we shrink back, Austria will have no hope left!"
Pagani lowered his head and muttered, "No. There's no one who needs us to save them anymore."
"What are you talking about? You've seen so many Serfs who labor every day until sunset, yet can't even eat their fill of black bread..."
"They are no longer Serfs." Pagani cut him off. "You know His Majesty the Emperor has already allowed them to redeem and purchase the land that belongs to them, and now they only need to perform Corvée three days a week. Once they finish paying the redemption money, they won't have to do any Corvée at all.
"Oh, the decree also stipulates that landlords can no longer execute or buy and sell Serfs. Go to the countryside and look for yourself. The Serfs are overjoyed. No one still wants to oppose the Emperor."
Lucas froze at his words. "No, but..."
Pagani did not give him a chance to speak. "Do you know why Baron Imperator didn't come?"
"Why?"
"The local Tariff between Vienna and Bohemia has been lowered to 12%. It's said it will be lowered to 5% within five years. At the same time, the Guild monopoly system will also be completely abolished within three years. Now anyone can open a workshop without needing permission from a Guild."
Lucas