From Slave To Queen (by Karyn Anderson) novel Chapter 465

Chapter 465

The next day, at the early court.

Dragon Incense burned in the bronze furnace of the Grand Sanctum, and smoke curled up.

The King sat upright on the throne, his eyes sweeping over the ministers below the steps.

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After the officials had performed the court ceremony, he cleared his throat, and his voice echoed through the palace. “My lords, I have two national policies to announce today.”

The ministers below the steps held their breath, and seeing the King’s serious expression, they all knew that something important must be happening.

“First, after consultation with Prince Xander, I have decided to immediately start the dredging project of the north–south canal. The Ministry of Works shall take the lead and the Ministry of Finance shall assist. Be sure to start construction after the autumn harvest.” As soon as the King finished speaking, there was a commotion in the hall.

The Minister of Finance rushed out first. “Your Majesty, please think twice! The national treasury is already empty, and a batch of silver has just been confiscated in the corruption case. If it is invested in the canal project again, I am afraid it will be difficult to support it!”

Immediately afterwards, several old ministers echoed.

Some said that the river channel has been silted up for a hundred years and is difficult to cure, and some worried that the migration of people would cause public resentment.

Some people hinted that Xander’s power was too strong and that he was interfering in the national economy and the people’s livelihood.

Xander stood at the head of the line in his court attire, his expression unchanged in the face of the crowd’s

attacks.

After the discussion subsided, he stepped forward and said loudly, “My lords, you only see the cost of the project, but not the long–term benefits.

“Once the canal is open, the cost of transporting grain from north to south can be reduced by 30%, and the timeliness of supplying the southern garrison can be doubled.

“The military pay and food consumption saved at that time will far exceed today’s investment.

“As for the people’s grievances, the court can compensate the relocated people according to the farmland, and allocate special funds to build new houses, which is a good opportunity to appease the people.”

His words were sonorous and powerful, and his eyes swept over the ministers who looked embarrassed. “If we shelve the great plan that benefits the country and the people because we are afraid of spending money and trouble, then we are really sorry for the King’s trust and the people.”

The King nodded in a timely manner. “Prince Xander is right. I have decided on the canal project. The Ministry of Finance will immediately draw up an appropriation plan, and the Ministry of Public Works will

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Chapter 465

come up with a survey charter within three days.”

:

Seeing the King’s firm attitude, the voices of opposition gradually subsided.

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But before everyone could recover, the King threw out a second blockbuster news. “Secondly, I have decided to open a border market in Acridon.

“Joint trade with the Thirteen Tribes should be jointly supervised by the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Rites, and tariffs should be collected to enrich the national treasury.”

As soon as these words were spoken, the court was in an uproar.

Grand Commandant Richard leaned on his crutches and stepped out abruptly, “Your Majesty, that’s not a good idea! The Thirteen Tribes are barbarians. Trading with them is simply demeaning our nation.

“And those tribes are fickle. I’m afraid they will use the mutual market to spy on military intelligence and endanger the frontier defense!”

“Lord Leonard, I am afraid you are wrong,” Xander immediately retorted.

“Although the Thirteen Tribes have a fierce folk customs, they are in urgent need of silk, tea, and ironware from us.

“We can obtain good horses and furs through mutual trade. Only when both sides get what they need can the border be stable.

“As for spying on military intelligence, we only need to strengthen the defense of the trade market and strictly check the people who come and go, so that we can prevent problems before they occur.”

He turned to the King and bowed, “I have investigated and found that smuggling has been rampant in the border passes in recent years. Many officials have been trading privately with the Thirteen Tribes to line their own pockets, and the court has not received a penny.

“Opening an officially run trade market can not only standardize trade, but also enrich the national treasury, and bring the smuggling officials to justice, which is a triple win.”

These words directly pointed to the smuggling interests of Richard and other families. Richard’s face flushed instantly. “You, you are slandering me! I have never been involved in smuggling!”

“We will see after investigating.” Xander’s tone was calm, but with unquestionable pressure.

“Your Majesty, please establish a special inspection team, led by the Censorate, to thoroughly investigate the border smuggling case.”

Seeing this, the King decided. “Approved, the matter of mutual trade will be led by Prince Xander, and the inspection team will be jointly responsible by the Minister of Personnel and the Deputy Censor–in–chief.

“If anyone dares to interfere with this matter, I will never spare him!”

The atmosphere in the hall dropped to freezing point, the ministers who supported the new policy looked happy, while those who opposed it were dejected.

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Chapter 465

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Richard looked at the young King on the throne and the calm Xander beside him, a chill surged in his heart.

These monarchs sang in harmony, clearly intending to use the new policy to eliminate dissidents and cut off their foundation.

When the court adjourned, the ministers discussed in twos and threes, some worried, some secretly rejoicing.

Richard was helped out of the hall by his confidants, looked at the gray sky, and gritted his teeth and said, “Prince Xander wants to cut off our livelihood. It’s not that easy!”

“Relay my orders and have the people of Acridon prepare. We must not allow the border market to open smoothly!”

The Xander Manor.

When Xander returned to the manor, Athena was sitting in the warm room checking accounts.

Seeing him enter, she got up to meet him, took his court dress, and handed it to the maid, “I can tell from your expression. It must have been a consuming time in the court.”

“Indeed.” Xander rubbed his forehead and sat down, picking up the cool tea on the table and drinking it all.

“The canal and trade market matters have been settled, but the selection of the person in charge of the Aeridon border market has not yet been decided.

“This position is crucial. They must have enough official authority to control the scene, and also understand border trade and people’s hearts.

“Otherwise, I’m afraid they won’t be able to suppress those habitual smugglers and tribal leaders of the Thirteen Tribes.”

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