Sword of Dawn

Page 217

They finally saw the ruler of the southern border with their own eyes.

He was sitting behind a large desk, holding a pen in his hand, a huge floor-to-ceiling window was behind him, through which sunlight poured into the room, falling on the shoulders of the founding Duke, like a pale golden cloak.

He was even taller than Cord had imagined.

"My lord duke," after a brief moment of astonishment, the big businessman hastened to give his son a hand, and saluted respectfully, "We are extremely honored—your brilliance shines on this land."

Chapter 0513

Ke De, a big businessman in the Carroll area, his family has been in business for generations. When he was young, he used to go out alone. He is well-known in the northern part of the southern border. He has a keen eye, dares to act but is cautious. A standard businessman who abides by the spirit of the contract. His family business covers fur, spices and pharmaceuticals. Because of his wide range of friends, he has channels in the Holy Spirit Plain and the Eastern Territory.

Pal is the eldest son of Cord - if there is no accident, this young man with business talent will inherit his father's business.

Gawain looked at the big businessman Carroll in front of him, and matched it with the information in his mind—this was the first time he had seen Cod in person, but he was still quite confused about the businessman's information. I understand, and the other party has two things that impress him:

The first thing was the reorganization of the Carroll Business Association. After the end of the Southern Unification War, the Government Affairs Department took over the Carroll area. The original loose alliance of local merchants was reorganized and put under the management of the Government Affairs Department. The businessman was this Mr. Codd, and he also actively promoted the rectification of the commercial order in the entire region afterwards, thus entering the sight of the local consul and gaining a place in the government affairs hall.

The second one was earlier - after the rise of Cecil's alchemy potion, cheap industrial potions quickly covered the entire southern border, and almost all merchants involved in the potion business were affected, and Kodd's family was no exception. When people fled or changed careers or took refuge in Earl Horsman, this Mr. Codd made an astonishing move: he abandoned all the family's finished medicine business without hesitation, and then started herbal medicine raw materials and alchemy medicine The wholesale business became one of Cecil's earliest raw material suppliers and alchemy potion wholesalers...

A good businessman.

"Sit down, there is no need to be formal," Gao Wen chose to meet the businessman and his son in the study, and naturally he would not show a superior attitude, "Betty——prepare refreshments and bring them to the study."

There were tables and chairs for guests in the study room. Cod and Paar calmed down their nervousness, and sat down as gracefully as possible - being able to sit face to face with nobles of such a level, this kind of thing was very difficult for them who were born as civilians. It is almost an unimaginable adventure for a businessman. Even with Codd's mind, it is difficult to calm down, but this big businessman still has not lost his basic judgment - he noticed that this is a study room, which is undoubtedly a good sign .

The living room is the most common place to receive guests, but the study room is more secretive. What can be discussed in the study room is often not available in the living room.

There is a big deal today.

Gawain observed the reactions of Corder and Pal, and smiled slightly: "Don't be nervous, what we're going to talk about today is your professional field - Padraic recommended you to me. Mr. Corder, as far as I know, Your trade routes are extensive."

"It's all about making a living," Cord carefully considered every word, "it's nothing in front of you."

"There is no need to be modest, the value of merchants is very important to the Principality——Mr. Codd, I heard that you even have business in the East?"

Cord's heart skipped a beat, and he didn't know how to answer for a moment, and the back of his neck was slowly sweating.

The eastern border and the kingdom's army are at war... Although the southern border was not involved in this civil war, the merchants with extensive trade routes were more or less affected.

In addition to his business in the southern border, Codd also has a large market in the Holy Spirit Plain. At the same time, he also has some contacts with merchants in the eastern border.

Due to the change in the situation in the Rock Fortress, the current trade route to the Holy Spirit Plain is slightly blocked. In order to avoid losses, many businessmen who do business with the Holy Spirit Plain are thinking of other ways out, and Ke De has also strengthened his connection with the Eastern Territory— —Through the land corridor in the Glen area as a transit, he has recently sent several large shipments there, most of which are potions...

He did not violate Cecil's laws, all taxes were paid, and all goods were registered, but the Duke suddenly asked this at this moment... Should the answer be yes, or no?

Gawain Cecil was the founding Duke of Ansu, so who did he support in this civil war?From the perspective of legitimacy, he may support the Royal Army... But to be honest, who is [-]% orthodox on both sides of the current civil war...

Countless thoughts flashed through Kord's mind, and massive interests were weighed one after another, but he had to answer, so after hesitating for just two seconds, he still spoke: "...There are indeed some channels, but Due to the impact of the civil war, the channel is not very smooth..."

"For me, the East Territory and the Kingdom Army are the same," Gao Wen said unhurriedly, "It's just a fight between the juniors."

Ke De's face straightened: "But the channel has been much smoother recently."

"That's good," Gao Wen nodded in satisfaction, "The Principality needs your business."

Cord controlled the changes in his expression well, but he still couldn't help breathing.

Big!pregnancy!meaning! !

Bigger business than he imagined! !

The big businessman's face was almost glowing: "I am willing to serve you - this is the highest honor of our entire family!!"

Gao Wen nodded in satisfaction again, and then said: "Then, you should know about this business..."

Cord listened carefully, not daring to leave a word.

Just as he expected - the Duke wants to do business with the East Territory and sell the potion to the East Territory.

It's a bigger deal than it's publicized, but it can't be done with too much fanfare, so it needs an agent.

Cord and his family will be the agents, to carry out the Duke's will, to manage the flowing gold coins.

The terms offered by the duke are quite generous - although from now on the family will no longer enjoy all the profits from the potion business in the east, but will need to hand over more than half of the profits to the duke, but this part of the "loss" and the upcoming profits It's nothing in comparison.

With the Duke's support, how many times will the family's pharmaceutical business in the Eastland be expanded?ten times?twenty times?

Only more than that!

Codd knew what kind of business it was to be an agent of the nobility. As a commoner, he knew that many people like himself would fight for such an opportunity even if they lost most of their wealth: this is a way to get into the upper class and gain The road of bloodline honor.

Good surrogates can secure a real title for posterity, and they are willing to pay dearly for the possibility.

Although the nobles in the southern border no longer have much real power, only honorary titles and limited hereditary treatment are left, but on the other hand, the Duke does not need him to pay a huge price, and he can even earn a lot—— It doesn't get any better than this.

After explaining most of the things clearly, Gawain looked into Cord's eyes: "So, did you understand?"

"Yes, my lord duke, I completely understand," Cod nodded quickly, then he pulled his bow tie and asked cautiously while calming down, "but I don't understand...why did you specifically choose I?"

"You are capable and smart," Gawain leaned back in his chair, "Besides, I didn't specifically select you—Padrak recommended twelve candidates, and I just selected them from the twelve alternatives." Hit you."

Cord blinked, with a hint of comprehension on his face, then he stood up and bowed his head deeply: "I understand—Cord Baldwin, I swear in the name of the family that I will be loyal and never betray my father and mother." Your oath."

"You will," Gawain nodded with a smile, and took out a stack of documents, "then let's sign the agreement—afterwards Padraic will contact you to make all preparations for your next business. As for How to start a business in the Eastern Territory...there should be no need for others to help you."

Cord took the stack of documents solemnly, and carefully read it twice from top to bottom—the agreement drawn up by the Duke was more formal than he had imagined, and it was even more formal than the contracts signed between many businessmen. He was much more professional, and he couldn't see anything that could be questioned.

So he signed his name on it—with a final stroke he let out a long breath.

The young man named Pal just watched quietly from the sidelines. He kept his father's teachings in mind, and never said a word or missed a word on such occasions.

After the contract was established, Cord's heart was completely relieved, and then he looked at Gao Wen cautiously, with a trace of hesitation on his face.

At this time, Gao Wen was ready to return to his previous job, but he noticed the big businessman's reaction, so he asked, "Mr. Cod, what's the problem?"

"Your Excellency—I have a very presumptuous question...or several questions, I hope you don't find it offensive," Codby carefully considered his words just now, and he continued after obtaining Gawain's permission , "When we came, we saw a new type of vehicle on display in the square... That incredible magical car is very impressive. I would like to ask... Is it for sale to civilians? If you want to buy it, what are the requirements?"

Seeing the expectant face of this big businessman, Gao Wen couldn't help laughing: "Of course it's for sale. Just like mining machines, magic vehicles can also be bought and sold. Of course, it will be very expensive in the early days, just like the earliest mines. The machine is the same, but for a wealthy businessman like you who needs it, that is an affordable price. In addition, because this is a brand new thing, the factory production line is still being adjusted, and some follow-up management systems have not yet been made public. You probably You need to wait for a while before you can buy it. As for the conditions... First, you must go through training and master its control methods, and second, you must abide by the matching traffic laws, because it is faster and more powerful than cattle and horses. means of transportation, we must ensure its safety during use.”

"Oh, I completely understand this." Cod nodded repeatedly, "I have seen mining machines before, and I can imagine how powerful a vehicle powered by a magic energy engine would be. If this kind of thing runs on the road, you can't be careful. "

Gao Wen was very happy to see that someone realized the function of a new thing so soon after it was born, and actively wanted to touch and use it. He saw that Codd still had something to say, so he encouraged him: "What else do you want to say?" Say it, go ahead—I'm not a harsh person, and you needn't be nervous."

"Thank you for your understanding, I still have a question," Kodd said while organizing the language, "About the Magic Web broadcast...the Carroll area has not yet installed broadcasting devices, but there are more northerly Rock City and further south The Kant area has..."

Gawain sighed slightly after listening to Codd's words.

What the businessman said was true. Compared with newspapers, the current coverage of the magic network broadcasting device is indeed quite limited. This is because the production capacity of magic network terminals is limiting its laying. Install them where necessary. Rock City is a front-line fortress, and Kant City is a new industrial city. These two places are naturally included, and the development of the Carroll area... can only be postponed.

"The magic net terminal is limited, so it can't cover the Carroll area in time, but you can rest assured that Cecil will not abandon any piece of land and the people there. Install terminals in secondary towns within."

Hearing Gao Wen's explanation, Kodd first expressed his gratitude, and then said: "Then if the Carroll Chamber of Commerce is willing to provide funds...we will pay for the purchase of machines, laying of relay towers, and maintenance, and we can give priority to it." Install? I just have a small request..."

Gao Wen was slightly taken aback, and then showed a look of scrutiny: "What request?"

Cod cleared his throat, and began to describe his thoughts: "That's right, on the way here, I inquired about a lot of things related to the magic network radio, and I thought of a... thing, which is somewhat similar to the 'program' on the magic network, But the content is different, I want to use it to introduce the special products of the Carroll area and the business projects of our business association..."

The expression on Gao Wen's face didn't change, but he was already startled in his heart. He listened to Kord's words, but his eyes couldn't help falling on the unfinished plan.

Codd has already entered the state, his tension finally subsided, and his speech became more fluent: "People say that Carroll has no specialties, but we actually have a good cheese over there, which is paired with local ocher yellow Wine is simply delicious, but not many foreigners know about it, and it is difficult to sell. This time I heard that I will come to Cecil City, and several of my friends pulled me to discuss it for a long time. A small space was rented in the 'newspaper' to introduce this special product, but no one knew how to do it. We studied all the laws published by the Government Affairs Office and found no provisions prohibiting this, so I decided to come here Try your luck, but after seeing the magic web broadcast, I think it is better than the newspaper..."

Gao Wen couldn't help interrupting the other party: "You still want to advertise in the newspaper?!"

"Advertising?" Cod was stunned for a moment. This was a word he had never heard before, but Gao Wen used the root word-making method, which was a combination of the two roots of "widely disseminated" and "informed", so he slightly After a short reaction, I understood the meaning, "Ah, so you have already imagined this thing?"

"...No, you guys created this." Gawain frowned and waved his hands, "Keep talking, Mr. Codd, keep talking, all your thoughts, all your thoughts, speak out."

"Yes. I think Magic Web Broadcasting is a better thing. You see, it is more impressive. The pictures of the event can also directly display the products, and it can spread faster than newspapers—but if it can also be broadcast in newspapers It would be even better if the 'advertisement' was placed in the newspaper, because the newspaper has a wider distribution..."

Cord seemed more courageous after receiving Gawain's encouragement, he said with excitement, so that Pal beside him was dumbfounded: This young man has not seen his father so excited for many years.

"Actually, we have also considered whether to spend our own money to buy a printing machine and print things for publicity, but the government affairs department told us that this is illegal...

"There are many businessmen in Carroll who are buying machines and want to build textile factories and brick and tile factories. The government affairs department approved our request, but it is difficult for us to recruit people, and the things we make are not easy to sell. ...We produce in strict accordance with the requirements of the Government Affairs Department, but it is too difficult to publicize things...

Gao Wen listened to the big businessman's narration one by one, and when the other party finally finished speaking, he exhaled softly.

"Your Excellency," Cord seemed to realize that he was a little too bold just now, with an uneasy expression on his face, "I'm just thinking boldly, you can..."

"These ideas are very interesting," Gawain interrupted, "and very valuable."

Ke De showed an overjoyed look: "Then... do you agree?"

"I think it's feasible—of course, this requires strict planning and supporting institutional constraints," Gao Wen nodded. "Can you imagine what will happen if businessmen are allowed to publish their own advertisements on newspapers and radio?"

Ke De frowned and thought about it, and said while thinking: "Things will be easier to sell, and many people will know about the special products from far away..."

As he spoke, he hesitated a little, but continued: "...Someone may also fabricate an overly exaggerated description, or even completely false information...If the situation gets out of control, people will no longer even believe newspapers and radio programs something on..."

Gao Wen nodded secretly - this is indeed a smart man and a qualified businessman.

He was thinking of false advertising before advertising was actually born—though it didn't look like he was going to use it.

"As you said, Mr. Codd, this new thing needs to be treated with caution," Gao Wen said, "Before letting it go, we must formulate stricter rules to prevent people from cheating and defrauding the audience. , we need to set up a review system and a punishment system, and on the other hand, we also need to set up a management system for the people in charge of review in the Government Affairs Department to prevent them from using their power for personal gain and using the review qualification as a tool for profit..."

Strict institutional constraints—Cord unconsciously thought of the soldiers in front of the outpost who didn't accept a single penny.

Although he didn't know what methods the Duke used to restrain the soldiers, presumably the strict system and discipline played an important role in it.

The big businessman bowed his head in front of Gao Wen, convinced: "Governing a piece of land is more complicated than I imagined, and I take everything for granted."

"Governing a piece of land is really complicated, but I'm even more fortunate that there are hard-working and thinking people like you on this piece of land. Every question you raise is making this piece of land more progressive," Gao Wen stood up , He left the desk, came to Cod, and offered to extend his hand, "Mr. Cod, thank you for your contribution to Cecil. I will remember your needs, please go back and wait for the good news. "

The big businessman left with his son in fear, while Gao Wen stood quietly in the study for a while, then turned back and sat down at the desk.

He looked at the plan he had drafted, looked at the semi-finished clauses on it, and after thinking for a while, he raised his hand and brushed across the paper.

An unfinished page was instantly reduced to ashes.

Then Gao Wen stretched his hand to the blank manuscript paper next to him, ready to rewrite the plan, but before that, Amber's voice came from the empty window sill: "Oh, write it for nothing."

Gao Wen threw a ball of paper over without looking back. Hearing the exclamation of "Oh my god" coming from outside the window, he picked up the pen again, took out a special notebook from under the desk, opened it, and wrote a few words in Chinese characters on it. sentence:

Anzu 736, 8th Brumaire, a new lesson.

The people don't need you to teach them.

Don't make this mistake again.

Chapter 0514 Return to the Imperial Capital

The huge sun rising in the early morning shines on the vast wilderness of the Aldernan Great Plains. The heat brought by the sun makes the air flow. The thick fog that is common in this season presents a wonderful swirling scene with the air flow, and gradually It became thinner——in the gradually opening fog, three black carriages driven by puppet slaves were running over the newly built road and heading towards the imperial capital.

The three cars are all common shapes in Typhon. The design of two horses driving side by side and the extended and spacious compartment allow this classic car to carry more passengers and cargo, and it is also popular among wealthy travelers. The blue eyes depicted on the carriage carriages and the symbols surrounding the runes remind travelers that these three carriages are the private property of a certain great magician.

Three black carriages drove from west to east, wrapped in the cold wind and mist of the early winter season, the bottom of the carriage exuded a faint light blue light, and the light spread to the entire carriage, forming a thin shield that could cover the entire car. Shield, this thin layer of shield blocks the cold air from the outside, keeping the cabin warm and comfortable.

Mary carefully opened the cover on one side of the carriage to look at the scenery outside—a slightly desolate wilderness receding on both sides of the road, and the hazy winter mist in the distance. She looked for a long time, but There are hardly many pedestrians and vehicles to be seen, and only occasional freight carriages with some official emblems can be seen rushing past: in this cold season that has already entered winter, even Typhon does not have many civilians who have the leeway to do whatever they want Going out, on such a wide road, most of the time there are only three carriages driving in my sight.

A trace of uneasiness welled up in the young female apprentice's heart, but there was also a trace of expectation.

She finally left the dark, gloomy, and terrifying mage tower, and also left the countryside. She was going to the legendary imperial capital to see another world.

Although she didn't get rid of her mentor, an inexplicable sense of excitement was always accompanied. She didn't know what she was expecting, but she felt... It seemed that her life was about to change.

"There's not much to see on the road this season."

The instructor's slightly gloomy and hoarse voice suddenly came from behind, and Mary was taken aback. She couldn't help shivering slightly, quickly closed the window panel, and sat back in her seat.

The old mage Daniel was sitting in the middle of the carriage. He was still wearing the big and thick black robe, like a lifeless sculpture. Two other apprentices sat cautiously in the corner of the carriage, looking down at their hands. "Algebra".

Mary quickly glanced at her mentor, and she didn't see any anger on the old mage's face, so she felt at ease.

What I felt a while ago was not an illusion, the instructor's temper really improved a lot.

Although he still has a gloomy temperament, is still a bit harsh, and still studies those creepy taboo knowledge, but this old mage has not fallen into madness for a long time, and has not punished apprentices at will for a long time.

These improvements did not allow Mary and the other apprentices to relax completely, nor did they allow everyone to be bold enough to get close to their mentor, but at least now Mary dared to ask her mentor some questions: "Teacher, how long will we stay in the imperial capital?"

The old mage seemed to be in a better mood today than ever before. He glanced at Mary and said casually, "Don't think about unnecessary things—just follow me honestly."

Mary quickly lowered her head: "Yes... yes."

"Correct your submissiveness," the old mage looked at Mary, "it's okay in front of me, don't always tremble like this in front of others—raise your head, you are a mage, your mentor is a great magician, you are in the imperial capital It also has an identity."

Mary was taken aback for a moment, then replied, "Yes."

"You should also pay attention," the old mage raised his voice slightly, and said to the other two apprentices in the carriage, "don't look like a countryman—but don't be unscrupulous either. Be reserved, don't cause trouble for me, and don't allow anyone to bully you."

The apprentices froze for a moment, then nodded quickly.

The tutor is actually teaching everyone the principles of life in the imperial capital——Mary thought in amazement.

The old mage stopped talking after confessing a few words. He took out a copper mirror from his arms and looked at it silently.