industrial lord

Chapter 824 Fireside Chat
When snowflakes fell on Wessenburg again, Frederick made headlines once more.

"The premiere of 'Fireside Chats' will be held at 1 PM on January 26th! Grand Duke Wessen will deliver a speech! Live on the radio!"

This news was published in all the newspapers.

As James walked out of the telegraph office, a feeling suddenly came to him: were Grand Duke Wesson's repeated speeches an attempt to boost the telegraph office's spending?
Soon, the order from above reached James's wool and yarn shop.

The order was simple: transcribe the speech and send it back.

As James threw the translated code into the fireplace, he wondered if the higher-ups had taken a cut from the telegraph office.
January 26th, 6:50 PM.

Outside the window, the snow was falling even harder.

In the reception room of the Grand Duke of Wessen's mansion, the fireplace was burning brightly, and the pine firewood crackled and popped in the flames, releasing the scent of pine resin.

Two high-backed chairs were placed in front of the fireplace, separated by a small round table with a crystal glass of honey water on it.

The broadcasting station's equipment is ready, with one in use and one on standby, to ensure everything runs smoothly.

All bystanders have been cleared out, leaving only those involved in tonight's program.

The presenter, Erika, sat in her chair and took deep breaths, trying to calm her racing heart, but to little avail.

Across from her, Frederick laughed and said, "What's there to be nervous about? I've never seen you afraid when you secretly rode Dawn out for fun."

Erica instinctively shrank her neck and said, "My parents broke more than a dozen clothes hangers that time."

Her father started as a coachman in Frederick and is now a chauffeur; he is also reportedly planning to learn to fly.

Erica has worked at the radio station for two years because of her pleasant voice and clear pronunciation.

But today's program was different from the usual script readings, and the other person was still Grand Duke Wessen, so it would be a lie to say she wasn't nervous.

Frederick said, "One important reason your leaders asked you to host this program is that you and I have known each other for many years and we don't feel pressured when we talk."

"Today's program is the same; just think of it as playing Truth or Dare."

Erica nodded, calming down somewhat.

Seven chimes came from the wall, and the countdown on the radio ended; it was exactly seven o'clock.

James sat at his desk, with a radio beside him, and three pens prepared on the table for replacement.

"Good evening, listeners of the Duchy of Wessen," Erica's voice came through the radio, warm and clear. "Welcome to the first episode of 'Fireside Chats'."

"I am the host, Erika."

"Tonight, we are very honored to have with us Archduke Frederick von Weisen."

James started writing down everything the host said, even the crackling of firewood in the background.

“It is my honor.” Frederick’s voice echoed across the duchy via radio waves. “Governing a country is not just about issuing orders, but also about listening and talking.”

"The fireplace is great—warm, relaxing, and perfect for speaking the truth."

Erica asked, "So, what would you like to talk about with everyone tonight?"

James's attention immediately focused.

“Regarding food…” Frederick said.

James's hand flew across the paper, the pen tip gliding across the surface, leaving behind neat and precise handwriting.

He was rigorously trained and could record an hour's worth of conversations simultaneously without missing a single one.

But at this moment, beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

It wasn't because of physical strength, but because of the content.

“…Food security.” Frederick’s voice came from the radio on the table.

James paused, pen in hand. His superiors had discussed recent work priorities with him, and now this was exactly what he expected.

“What is food security?” Erica asked. “Is it about the hygiene and safety of food?”

The radio first crackled with the sound of firewood, followed by Frederick's calm narration: "What we mean by food security today is that everyone, at all times, has access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food through material, social and economic means to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life."

James's colleagues in front of the radio, like him, immediately became excited.

“It has four pillars,” Frederick’s voice was as steady as a rock. “First, sufficient supply. Food needs sufficient production, sufficient reserves, and sufficient sources of imports.”

"Second, access to food is guaranteed. People need to have sufficient economic means to buy or obtain food."

"Third, make effective use of resources. Achieve good nutrition and health through diet, hygiene, and healthcare."

"Fourth, stability and sustainability. Even in the face of shocks, such as droughts, conflicts, and economic crises, the above three points can be guaranteed in the long term."

People in front of the radio, preparing for this year's government employee exam, began frantically grabbing paper and pens.

"Why is food security so important?" Erica asked, echoing the sentiments of millions of listeners.

There was a few seconds of silence on the radio, then Frederick's voice rang out again, lower and more solemn than before: "Because it is the foundation of survival."

James gripped the pen tightly.

“It is the most fundamental material condition for the survival and development of human society,” Frederick said. “Without food, civilization can collapse within a month.”

“It is also the cornerstone of stability,” Frederick said slowly, each word striking the hearts of his listeners, “directly related to national stability, social harmony, and the well-being of the people.”

The pen tip scratched softly in front of the radio, like a silkworm eating leaves.

“It is also a strategic vital point,” Frederick continued, “and an important pillar of national sovereignty and economic security.”

Many listeners immediately felt a tightness in their chests, wondering if Grand Duke Wessen was giving some kind of hint.

Some people wondered if someone had choked the Duchy of Wessen on food supplies, so much so that they had to make a public fuss about it.
However, the broadcast took a sudden turn, veerging in a direction no one expected.

“Cherish food, practice the ‘Clean Plate Campaign,’ and reduce food waste,” Frederick said. “It may seem like a small thing, but it’s a big deal for the country because it involves millions of people.”

Everyone who was interested was baffled. What on earth was this "Clean Plate Campaign"?

Fortunately, Erica asked for them, and Frederick answered carefully.

As the unveiling drew to a close, Frederick's voice softened, like an elder's admonition: "Friends, food security sounds grand, but it is actually connected to the dinner table of each and every one of us."

"Simply put, it means that we can always get enough nutritious food at a cheap price, and eat well and healthily..."

James was copying down the notes, his mind already somewhat distracted.

He was analyzing tone, pauses, and stress.

Political speeches are not just about content, but also about performance.

What's the main point of Frederick's performance tonight?

"The 'Clean Plate Campaign' is not just a slogan; it is a direct practice to strengthen the food security defense line at the individual level. It means to cherish every bit of hard work from the field to the table."

"Respecting the inherent value of food is also about cultivating a vision for the future..."

The broadcast ended with thanks, Erica gave a closing remark, and music began to play—a new composition by the Duchy's composer—which was played on a phonograph and transmitted far and wide via radio waves.

After shaking hands with the radio station staff, Frederick went to his study, sat on the sofa without turning on the lights, and quietly thought.

The door opened and closed repeatedly, leaving behind a steaming cup of caramel milk tea on the table.

Frederick picked up the cup and drank slowly.

He was thinking to himself, "I've already gone this far, I wonder which fish will take the bait."

(End of this chapter)