Chapter 199: Year End 2


    Lord, this year we have integrated a total of 13,000 hectares of arablend, including 10,000 hectares in Alda and 3,000 hectares in Baylding. Next year, we n to elerate the process and aim to integrate the remaining 60,000 hectares in both areas within two to three years.


    In the castles great hall, the Minister of Agriculture, Hansel, was reporting his departments achievements.


    The so-called integration of arablend involves consolidating small, scattered plots owned by local gentry andndlords intorger, more manageable farms, operated by a single entity.


    Alternatively, small plots owned by tenant farmers arebined and managed intensively by newly established agricultural associations. These associations also gather funds from households for public affairs, such as building infrastructure.


    By creatingrge farms,ndlords are encouraged to invest in significant irrigation and infrastructure projects, without the fear of benefiting their neighbors at their expense.


    Is it that slow?


    Paul mmed the table, surprised that what he thought would take half a year would actually take several more years.


    Clearly, the lord was not pleased with the progress of the Agriculture Department.


    Uh Lord Grayman, please let me exin


    Hansel, looking embarrassed, began to exin the difficulties to Paul.


    The work is challenging! Bothndlords and farmers fear being shortchanged duringnd exchanges, yet they all try to gain an advantage. We often encounterndlords scheming against each other, farmers fighting, and evenrge-scale brawls between entire viges.


    And were short-staffed. We can only handlend exchanges one vige at a time. We hope to get more administrative officers next year.


    Paul, frustrated, eximed, Why cant these people see the bigger picture? Its just a matter of a few meters more or less, isnt it?


    Hoho, Lord, even a few inches less feels like a life-and-death matter to them. Besides, the varying quality ofnd across regions adds significant challenges to the valuation process.


    Alright then, just step up your efforts and try to finish by next year!


    Hansel mopped his brow with a handkerchief.


    Well do our best


    Paul then asked, How is the promotion of new farming techniques going?


    Thats going quite well. Agricultural associations across regions have introduced crop rotation to the viges and towns. Landlords have responded positively and n to start experimenting next year. However, tenant farmers arent as enthusiastic since they have smaller plots and need to grow food crops to feed their families.


    No need to force these smallholders. Once food production increases and they can afford to buy food from the market, theyll naturally be more willing to experiment.


    Yes, Lord.


    Hansel continued, Thanks to the widespread adoption of the harvester, theres now surplusbor avable for developing new arablend. Next year, we estimate an increase of about one-sixth in arablend area, including both Alda and Baylding.


    Paul nodded in satisfaction, Thats good. But make sure the new farnds also follow therge farm model.


    Of course, Lord, well strictly monitor that.


    After the crucial agricultural reports were concluded, Paul proceeded to hear updates onmerce, finance, immigration, and military matters.


    Overall, the situation was satisfactory to him.


    Since the implementation of variousmercial support measures, a total of twenty-three factories had been established in Alda and Baylding, producing canned goods, paper, porcin, and salt.


    These products from both regions had begun to prate markets in the northwestern territories and had even reached areas near Crystal Shine. Paul believed that once the southern trade routes were fully opened, trade would grow even faster, and without heavy tariffs, profits would be significantly higher.


    Increased profits would attract more investors to build factories.


    Thanks to the establishment of various private factories and the sale of new types of goods, this year the Administration Councils tax revenue reached 23,000 silver coins, while the Grayman familys ie reached 25,000 silver coins, totaling nearly 50,000 silver coins.


    After deducting various expenses, there was still a surplus of 10,000 silver coins.


    Spend it! Spend it all! Next year, I want the surplus to be no more than 2,000 silver coins!


    Pauls statement, advocating for the cirction of money as wealth rather than hoarding it, left everyone from the Administration Council speechless.


    I just had an idea. Next year, lets invest more in education. Theres a severeck of talent in our territory, and investing in education is always beneficial.


    This idea was met with approval, especially from Miss Dias, the female advisor, who was particrly concerned about Weiss Academy.


    Regarding immigration, the Administration Council had so far epted 1,563 refugees, mostly strong young men and women. The very old or very young rarely survived the journey to Northwest Bay.


    Most of these people were ced in the newly opened factories.


    More refugees will arrive tomorrow, Hansel informed everyone.


    The news of Aldas open policy for immigrants has spread far and wide, attracting refugees to us. Besides those from the southern rebellion areas, people affected by orc raids in the northeast are alsoing here.


    After the Administration Councilpleted their reports, the military, led by Schroeder, began reporting on military matters.


    The size of the army hadnt expanded much, but there had been significant progress in weaponry and equipment.


    For the army, with the sessful development of flintlock rifles, small-scale production had begun, and the First Battalion was tasked with testing the equipment.


    The navy, meanwhile, was a major spender of the military budget. This year, the navy took delivery of three new sailing warships. ording to Austins 666 n, three more were being constructed.


    However, the navalmander was not satisfied with these ships. Due to the rush to equip them, many of the wood materials werent adequately dried, shortening the lifespan of these warships.


    He proposed that the next batch of ships must be built ording to standard procedures, with wood properly dried, to ensure quality warships.


    Austin, my next n is to develop civilian merchant ships for traders heading south. But as you know, the shipyards capacity is limited.


    Pauls remark left the navalmander extremely frustrated.


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