Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World

Chapter 270:

“He’s not dead, is he?”

Paul looked at Baden, who had collapsed to the ground foaming at the mouth, and asked.

After a careful examination, a guard replied, “My lord, he’s not dead, just fainted.”

“Drag him out; don’t leave him here to be an eyesore.”

“Yes!”

Paul narrowed his eyes, reflecting on the recent events.

Punishing Baden was a test to see how this representative figure among the local gentry would react to his lordly authority.

The outcome was surprisingly good. The local strongman fainted straight away, which, in Paul’s view, indicated that Baden knew he couldn’t resist the punishment from the lord.

A year ago, the situation was different: pirates invaded, killing the old lord, and then local thugs roamed freely, blocking roads, and limiting the lord’s orders to the vicinity of Lakeheart Town.

Paul mused that if he had punished a major landowner like Baden back then, Baden would certainly not have reacted this way and might even have bargained with him.

Crushing the pirates in the Northwest Bay, demonstrating strong financial power through industrial and commercial development, daring to confront the powerful Kent family, and the famed battle at Fort Bidou had once again restored the lord’s authority in Alda Countdom.

This compelled the gentry, who had traditionally held rural power, to take orders from the lord seriously.

Landowners and tax contractors like Baden, who were practically lords on their own lands, handled almost all of the lord’s duties like corvée and military service before Paul established agricultural associations and conscription stations.

Baden’s reaction gave Paul further thoughts – to completely abolish the tax contractor system in his jurisdiction. He had long harbored this idea, even wanting to implement it at last year’s annual meeting, but was dissuaded by his steward, Ford.

…

“You must act calmly, making such a decision now is inappropriate!”

When Paul brought up the idea again at the meeting, Ford once again advised caution.

“Why? Baden is a prominent landowner in Alda, and he has submitted. Who else would dare to defy my orders?”

“It’s because you only punished Baden.”

Ford stroked his beard and analyzed slowly, “As the saying goes, a tall tree catches the wind. With Baden’s wealth, many envy him in the shadows. His downfall due to his crimes will only bring joy and even schadenfreude to others. But if you issue an edict to abolish all tax contractors, that would affect their collective interests. They might act desperately. In this sensitive time of war with the Kent family, we should avoid internal strife in Alda, or else it will give our external enemies an opportunity.”

Paul was unconvinced: “Now that I have a strong army, would they dare to rebel? I think a single battalion would be enough to deter them.”

The chief of staff, Schroeder, coughed, “Uh… Lord Grayman, regarding this matter… If I may speak frankly, I think our current army is not very reliable…”

“What do you mean, Schroeder? You’ve seen how excellent our trained army is.”

Paul looked straight at the chief of staff. The Alda army was his greatest pride. Aside from a minor setback against pirates when it was first established, it had never disappointed him. Schroeder’s comment was like pouring cold water on him.

“Lord, I’m not referring to their combat ability.”

The chief of staff spoke cautiously, “Lord Grayman, as per your directive, the knowledge a candidate possesses is a crucial factor in the selection and promotion of officers in the Alda army. In our ranks… Those from true civilian backgrounds hardly knew how to write their own names before enlisting. They only began basic literacy education after joining the army. This has resulted in most of our officers being from landowner or gentry families. As you know, children from wealthy families generally have an educational advantage over those from poorer ones.”

“So?” Paul understood Schroeder’s point, feeling another cold splash of reality.

Schroeder looked at him: “The stronger the family ties, the more intense the family loyalty. I think it’s hard to ensure the loyalty of these junior officers in matters like abolishing the tax contractor system. In the worst-case scenario… they might make irrational decisions under their families’ influence.”

“Also, I must remind you that your proposed plan to abolish slavery falls into the same category and should not be rushed.”

Paul felt dejected. Schroeder was right, and he was reminded of a saying from his previous life, “Unity of purpose ensures success.” Even if the officers wouldn’t directly oppose him due to their oaths, would they still fight for him as before when facing the enemy? Could such an army still be invincible?

“Is there no other way?” Paul was frustrated. Since ascending to his position, he felt constrained in every endeavor, always having to consider various factors. In fact, since his transmigration, he hadn’t accomplished any significant societal changes, which was a blow to his prestige as a transmigrator.

“Please wait until the proportion of officers from civilian backgrounds reaches a certain level before you start your reforms. This proportion… I suggest no less than three-fifths. But this will take time, considering the need to maintain the army’s combat effectiveness. For now, we still have to rely on officers from wealthy families, and the formal education at Grayman Military Academy has just begun.”

“I hope you’ll gradually increase the proportion of students from civilian backgrounds in the academy.”

“Yes, Lord, I will pay attention to this in the future. But I must also say that it’s not appropriate to have all positions filled by children from poor families. As a lord, you must maintain a balance.”

“I understand that.”

Next, Paul consulted with the two on the next course of action. According to the established plan, the army was to distract the Kent family, while the navy would open a ‘second front’ by sailing up the Weiss River. However, a recent riot had disrupted these plans.

Both Ford and Schroeder advised focusing on internal stability, as no one could predict if another riot might occur.

The final decision was for the two battalions commanded by Bryce to continue occupying the newly conquered territories. The army and navy, both in Alda and Baylding, would be dispersed and stationed in various locations, ready to suppress any unrest at a moment’s notice.

A more efficient communication system was desperately needed. Relying on fast horses and birds for urgent messages was neither timely nor reliable, and it was detrimental to his control over the two counties.

Paul recalled his long-shelved project, the ‘Flag Signal Station’ plan.

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