Knight Lord: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 266 Phyllis's Divine Martial Coup and Su Li's Year-End Meeting
Probably every monarch, when his finances hit rock bottom, would inevitably ask himself: Where did all the wealth that once piled up like a mountain of wealth go, with such a vast territory and so many taxes?

Su Li was no exception. His current impression of wealth was still the war reparations given to him by the Green Dragon, which amounted to tens of thousands of gold crowns. Even after paying off the loan and investing, he would still have 20,000 or 30,000 left!
However, by the end of the year, the territory will have to rely on issuing territory bonds and investing for development.

However, this kind of borrowing and investment is a relatively normal state. The loan interest rate provided by merchants to the territory is only 4.3%, which is completely different from the crazy interest rate of the war loan.

The main reason is that the businessmen can also see that the territory is now thriving, and with a demigod in charge, there is no need to worry about any danger.

Moreover, this is a two-year loan, which means that Su Li basically does not need to worry about repayment before being assessed as a pioneering territory.

The territory also has a five-year territory bond with an interest rate of only 6.5%.

However, it still attracted enthusiastic purchases from wealthy businessmen, large landowners and knight families.

Don't look down on interest rates of 4.3% and 6.5%. These are returns that many investments may not even be able to obtain.

For a halfling family of dozens of people, or a small businessman with 1000 gold crowns, keeping the assets at home will just sit idle. Lending them to Lord Hesse can bring in 43 or 65 gold crowns a year, which is very considerable!

Being able to earn 100 gold crowns in two years is a huge fortune that many ordinary people can't even dream of.

To put it bluntly, the interest alone is enough for a halfling family to buy dozens of slaves, including one or two novice nuns, to help them guide the development and prosperity of the farm.

There is even a five-year return, and they can buy an elite knight and more than 10 apprentice knights with the interest alone to form a caravan.

Of course, this is how the world is. If you covet other people's high interest, others will set their sights on your huge principal.

The reason why the Hesse Provincial Government dared to issue so many bonds was because it wanted to use the capital to invest in and develop various industries in the territory.

Investment and development, these two words are closely related.

Don’t ask why some industries that make people rich quickly appear in other people’s cities but not in your own city.

Because when these industries were young, others really invested real money to develop and support them.

What does it take to develop a poor, backward pioneering territory? Isn't it just a massive initial investment? Only with investment can there be returns.

However, Su Li was self-aware. Although the territory's wealth was stretched thin, not all of it was invested by the Provincial Council.

A considerable portion of it was squandered by him.

No one really thinks he is a wise and benevolent ruler, right?

In fact, he is just an average person and has nothing to do with being a peerless genius or a wise ruler.

His only few advantages are probably... being diligent?

Although he likes to lie low, he is also quite concerned about farming. It is mainly because he has the genes in his bones to like business and enjoy the joy of lying down and collecting money, and the joy of continuous wealth.

Another characteristic of a wise ruler is self-awareness! Since ancient times, the East has advocated the doctrine of the mean, a principle of inaction and rule. Ministers have always believed that excessive intelligence is a major flaw in a ruler. For example, intelligence is valued in a ruler; however, excessive intelligence leads to self-assertion, rendering the wisdom of the ministers useless.

Yang Guang is a typical example of this, where his cleverness backfired.

Su Li knew very well that he was just an ordinary man. In terms of stabilizing the country, comforting the people, providing food and supplies, he was not as good as Oliver. In terms of commanding an elite army, winning every battle and taking every city, he was not as good as Orstein.

Therefore, he was willing to delegate power and handed over all specific matters to his ministers. He was only in charge of sacrifices and military power.

But apart from these two advantages, he had all the typical faults of those monarchs. Frugality had basically nothing to do with him. The fact that he could drink a cup of fruit tea would consume the entire annual income of several farmers shows that he cared a lot about enjoyment.

On the other hand, he was also very extravagant in spending money. Just like Li Longji rewarded Yang Yuhuan, many of the gold coins in the treasury were given away by him.

Just after Phyllis gained the support of the Knights of Eternal Light as the heir to the Elector, Su Li urgently dispatched the Pegasus Knight Fastrick with a team of Swan Knights to deliver 10000 gold crowns to her!

His support for Phyllis was undeniable. He absolutely could not tolerate Phyllis taking office without anyone or money. So, in addition to giving her 60 elite knights, he also gave her 10000 gold crowns as operating funds.

Perhaps after Phyllis completely inherited the title of Grand Prince Surander, this 10000 gold crown was insignificant, but at the critical moment of her early struggle, this 10000 gold crown was enough to help her win over a large number of people and inspire key morale.

Especially if she wanted to launch a mutiny and march straight into the Avilan Palace, after scattering the 10000 gold crowns, the soldiers would really swing their swords and wipe out the obstacles in front of them.

As the second heir, Phyllis's sense of righteousness was too great an advantage. If she launched a mutiny, many of the Avilan Palace's defenders would be unable to mount a fierce resistance.

Because compared to other dukes and nobles, Phyllis's entry into the Avilan Palace was the most legitimate thing.

Sometimes a coup is far less complicated than most people imagine. The longer the conspiracy lasts, the more likely it is to fail. On the contrary, a small number of elite troops, advancing directly and controlling key locations, are more likely to succeed.

As long as you have political legitimacy and a small number of loyal and elite troops, you can change a prosperous dynasty!
The famous and powerful coup d'état involved only more than 500 elite imperial guards, who directly stormed the palace gate, ending the rule of a generation of empresses and smoothly passing the throne to the legal heir.

Even if the Xuanwu Gate coup took place and power was seized from the founding emperor, there were only about 2000 people.

Although Li Shimin is often criticized for his illegitimate position, in fact, he was the most legitimate successor to the throne among all the Taizong emperors - he succeeded to the throne as the crown prince. It's just that his position as crown prince was not so legitimate.

Phyllis's current situation is exactly the same as that of the coup plotters during the Shenwu Coup and the Xuanwu Gate Coup. She has the legitimacy to succeed to the throne. As long as the elite knights who support her can act decisively and march straight into the Avilan Palace, they can create a preconceived fact.

The other dukes could only accept the situation. They had already killed too many of the princess's bloodline. Under the combined pressure of the Imperial Parliament and the Church of Verena, the White Terror had to end. Allowing them to continue their unchecked slaughter of the heir to the Elector was arguably not in the best interests of the Empire's top brass.

Especially since Phyllis had already entered the Averan Palace, and she was dragged out of the palace under heavy guard and sent to the guillotine... the emperor of the empire would be furious. What about the majesty of the elector? In this situation, the other dukes would probably not dare to risk the wrath of the world.

A key reason they supported the princess's descendants inheriting the title was that they did not want the Electorate of Scotland to be abolished. After the war, Scotland was coveted by many other Electors. The dukes had to uphold the minimum honor of the Electorate of Scotland; if the great tree fell, the interests of the dukes below them would also suffer.

So after Su Li assigned Fastrick to give Phyllis a 10000 gold crown, he also encouraged her to act decisively. Young people, after all, should be ignorant of the immensity of the world! They should have their own vigor and vitality, and not be like other decadent nobles who can only plot in dark rooms.

If these 10000 gold crowns are considered a serious matter for Su Lihua.

The 3000 gold crowns awarded to Ailiriya were exactly the same as the ones Li Longji awarded to Yang Yuhuan.

He was so obsessed with Alyria that he gave her a gift of a 3000 gold crown.

Of course, in a sense, the wealth in the vault area was originally his own private treasury. After all, who wouldn't spend some money on the woman they love? These 3000 gold crowns, Su Li could just buy stockings for Alyria.

After all, Alyria has really been wearing various stockings made of Queen Anarrek's giant spider silk these days for Su Li to play with.

No man would be stingy when it comes to buying sexy stockings for women!

However, with such a large amount of money being spent, it's no surprise that the territory's finances are stretched. In the Pre-Witch Month, the last month of the Imperial calendar year, Oliver had summoned the territorial ministers a few days in advance, a rare gathering in the meeting room of Bauhinia Manor.

Today is everyone’s year-end summary and also a new outlook for next year.

The empire did not have a Spring Festival, but it did have rituals to celebrate the birth of all things in spring.

After the Pre-Witch Month ends, it is the Witch Month, New Moon, and Plough Month. These three months belong to spring.

Then the months of Redma, Summer and Pre-Secret belong to the summer season.

The farming and harvesting during these months will determine the development of a territory in the new year.

The Spring Festival does not fall on any day in these months, but on the first day of the new year. There are only less than ten days left, and it is time for the territory to prepare for this day early.

The meeting hall at Bauhinia Manor was now magnificent. The morning light filtered through the tall stone pillars, casting a brilliant golden glow across the entrance, making it appear particularly sacred and bright. The exterior walls were constructed of crimson sandstone, intricately carved with heraldry and symbols of the Sun Goddess's faith. Whenever a breeze blew, the flags hanging above the doorway swayed gently, creating a rustling sound.

The moment one entered the conference hall, a sense of overwhelming grandeur washed over them. Tall stone pillars supported the dome, each carved with prayers from the teachings of the Sun Goddess. Countless banners hung between the pillars, hued in crimson and gold, their edges embroidered with intricate patterns. The banners featured the family crest—a blooming bauhinia flower, its petals inlaid with dazzling gemstones, gleaming in the sunlight.

On this solemn occasion, the conference hall was densely packed with fully armed golden knights. Each knight wore shining vibranium rune armor, and his helmet was decorated with feathers and emblems.

Su Li walked through the gate, escorted by the high-ranking chief attendant and a large number of attendants and ministers. The morning light shone through the tall stone pillars, casting a bright golden light on the entrance of the conference hall, illuminating his scarlet robe and the dazzling bauhinia badge on his chest. This light seemed to be the guidance of destiny, illuminating his way forward.

The moment he stepped into the conference hall, the densely packed knights around him stood in unison, quickly raised their right fists, and pounded them hard on their chests. This majestic and magnificent salute was full of rhythm, and the sound of metal armor colliding was deep and loud, echoing in the hall.

Then all the ministers in the conference hall stood up at the same time to greet him, bowing respectfully and saying, "Greetings, Lord. May the glory of the Fiery Sun Goddess shine upon you forever."

Su Li walked to his main seat, then smiled faintly, waved his hand, and said, "No need to be so formal, everyone please take a seat."

"Unknowingly, we have arrived in this remote place, and a year has passed since we started our journey. Looking back on this year, under the glorious guidance of the Goddess of the Fiery Sun, we have made remarkable progress in the development of the border territory."

"In agriculture, we have overcame numerous difficulties, opened up more than 100,000 mu of farmland, built many farms and villages, significantly increased the number of agricultural equipment, and filled warehouses with harvested grain. Our reputation as the granary of the border region has taken shape."

"Initially, we had only a few dozen households. Over the past year, we've recruited refugees, recruited bandits, and accepted immigrants from the north. Our population has increased significantly, and we now have nearly a thousand registered households."

"Militarily, our Hessen army, under siege by a powerful enemy, relied on the protection of the Fiery Sun Goddess and the heroic fighting of our warriors to ultimately achieve a decisive victory. This glorious victory brought peace and prosperity to the territory, not only consolidating the territory's security but also adding glory to the Fiery Sun Goddess."

"In short, under the gods' blessing, the territory has ushered in a bountiful harvest and prosperity. Now that it's the end of the year, it's time to make a detailed report and summary. This concerns everyone's achievements and year-end bonuses."

Year-end bonuses are an important source of income in this world. Even the lowest-level armed attendant, whose monthly income is only 20 silver coins, can still earn an annual salary of 3 gold coins, relying on the generous year-end bonuses.

Although the finances of the Hesse Territory are stretched, Su Li has reserved a considerable year-end incentive for everyone!

He has always been generous in this regard.

He spends money lavishly, and his target is never just women.

After each war, the rewards and incentives he gave to his soldiers were incomparably generous!

Take Orstein as an example. He received the equivalent of 32 months' salary from Su Li this year.

What a concept! For someone with a monthly salary of 1 yuan, the total annual salary reaches 30 yuan.

It is precisely because of this generosity that all the knights in the territory are so devoted to Su Li!
That's why Su Li had the confidence to play the war song and offer sacrifices to heaven and ancestors.

When they first entered the territory, the knights were not so convinced of Su Li, and some even dared to gossip and mock Su Li behind his back for sleeping with a peasant girl.

But now, if anyone dares to slander Su Li in public, those knights and armed servants who fanatically support him will take action and smash the person to pieces without Su Li saying a word.

But the key point is that the salary for these 32 months is only the basic annual salary, and various miscellaneous rewards, incentives, benefits and allowances are not included.

It can be said that any soldier who followed Su Li to open up the border and survived has accumulated considerable wealth. Basically, they have purchased large amounts of land in the Hesse Territory and built their own family manors, ranches and farms.

The rapid development of the territory is closely related to the investment of these knights.

After Su Li finished his summary, he looked at Fandral and said, "My Minister of Agriculture, the development of the territory and farming are the top priorities. You will start the report."

Farming is what Su Li cares most about, as it concerns the foundation of the territory.

It’s not that he has any small peasant mentality, but the food security of the territory is indeed the top priority.

Given the remote location of Hesse, if the territory cannot achieve self-sufficiency in food, a large number of people will inevitably starve to death.

After all, the shortage of other materials can be transported by caravans, but the shortage of tens of millions or hundreds of millions of kilograms of food is really helpless.

As a member of the Hessian Archbishops, Fandral is also responsible for the development of the Church of Dawn in the territory.

He gave priority to reporting on the church situation before reporting on agricultural output.

You have to know that there are many churches in the Episcopal Conference, and he must strive and perform. If he does not leave a good impression on the Provincial Council and the ministers, the investment in the territory will be divided up by other churches.

The territory allocated a total of 2000 gold crowns to the bishops' conference this year, of which approximately 800 gold crowns were used to build monasteries, altars, temples and other infrastructure for various churches.

The 300 gold crowns were used to support the missionaries' missionary work and spread the gospel to various places. For example, they supported the nuns of the Dawn Church to visit villages and farms, teach farmers and herders how to farm and herd properly, and treat livestock diseases.

Basically, every church would strive for this kind of funding. The members of the Church of the Blazing Sun Goddess would use their days off to enlighten their followers, explain tactics, and train the Hessen Territory militia. The Church of the Healing Goddess would send priests and medical staff to provide free medical treatment to city residents and teach them about hygiene.

These will be divided proportionally, and each church will get about the same amount.

However, a large amount of funds remain to be used for staff expansion in various churches! This depends on how each church implements its own measures.

The provincial government only allocates so much money. If one church gets a little more, another church will inevitably get less.

This grant is not divided equally, but is allocated according to the current role of each church in the territory.

For example, the Dawn Church, an indispensable aid to the current farming in the territory, received a full half of the funds, which they used to purchase church nuns from slave traders and recruit monks from other orders in the city to come to the Black Forest Territory and serve the Bauhinia Family.

(End of this chapter)