Lord of Winter: Beginning with Daily Intelligence - Chapter 465 - 293: Make the Northern Territory Great Again_2

Chapter 465: Chapter 293: Make the Northern Territory Great Again_2

They had long known that Red Tide Territory’s grain supply was adequate, as it was one of the few regions in the Northern Territory untouched by disaster, but they didn’t expect Louis to be so generous in offering such a large portion of stored grain all at once.

Eight thousand tons was no insignificant amount.

The wealthiest of the old vassals in the Northern Territory now had barely over a thousand tons in their warehouses, with some territories having completely empty storerooms.

After Louis explained the grain allocation plan, fearing misunderstanding, he added, “These eight thousand tons comprise two-thirds of Red Tide Territory’s current grain reserves.”

His tone carried a hint of resignation, as if he were truly struggling to take out his last reserves.

Of course, he knew better than anyone present that this so-called “concession” of eight thousand tons was just the tip of the iceberg.

The foundation of Red Tide’s grain abundance lay with Mai Lang Territory.

That miraculous large field, during last year’s autumn harvest, had nearly covered two years’ worth of grain for Red Tide Territory.

Moreover, to maintain internal conservation awareness in Red Tide, he had ordered early on the promotion of “The Grain-Saving Order” and “Ban on Luxurious Food,” so there was basically more than enough.

By releasing a bit now, he could win hearts, stabilize the situation, and exchange for power.

Most crucially, it wouldn’t harm the roots at all.

Yet the other Lords did not object to Louis’s words.

The Northern People understood well that this land was historically difficult to cultivate, with a harsh climate and barren soil, and any change in the weather could lead to crop failure.

After the disaster, the land became even more devastated, so even when Louis claimed “this is two-thirds of the stored grain,” no one doubted him.

“I am not seeking credit,” Louis added a sentence, “I just want everyone to understand we are all doing our utmost.”

He squeezed out a tear, resembling a young man truly gritting his teeth for the Northern Territory, seemingly caught in a difficult situation.

But those truly sitting on the chessboard of power had minds surging.

They knew this was crying poor and setting a price.

This young Lord, using limited stored grain, was crafting an impression of extreme concession, winning hearts while suppressing doubts.

Even the old foxes of the nobility, who saw through his intentions, remained silent.

Because he played his hand perfectly.

Currently, the Northern Territory is most in need of grain, and he held the key.

Whether they liked it or not, they had to offer loyalty or compromise to acquire even a seed of hope.

One old noble of the Northern Territory was the first to applaud, speaking in a deep voice, “In such times, His Highness Louis is still willing to open his wallet, truly the fortune of the Northern Territory.”

Then more applause followed.

In fact, before the meeting, Louis had already secretly coordinated with several key nobles on the grain allocation plan and power promises.

They knew they would receive preferential treatment on the “grain line,” and today’s applause was just part of the script.

The room was filled with praise, and the situation instantly reversed.

Even Duke Edmund nodded slowly, his gaze softened, clearly he bet on the right person.

With this demonstration of public sentiment, the subsequent meeting went smoothly.

Although the council members harbored individual thoughts, the overall situation was set; no one wanted to be seen as the one disrupting order.

The following topics, though numerous, were swiftly advanced:

Regarding post-war resource allocation, each vassal is allotted resources based on the extent of disaster impact and contributions to military efforts.

Frost Halberd City’s physician group jointly establishes the Northern Territory’s post-disaster health affairs bureau, responsible for epidemic control and refugee management.

Red Tide Territory is willing to open its borders first, setting up seven settlement points, prioritizing refugee absorption.

…

Louis’s performance throughout the reconstruction meeting was nearly flawless.

He neither acted arrogantly nor hesitantly.

Whenever military or political matters were involved, he backed them with detailed data, wielded calm and meticulous analyses, secretly securing benefits for his faction.

“I suggest prioritizing the distribution of spring agricultural materials to the seventeen old vassal territories with a high post-disaster return rate, the first batch of seeds and iron farming tools can be allocated by Frost Halberd.”

“Regarding the epidemic issue, we’ve consulted with Frost Halberd City’s physicians and recommend establishing quarantine zones on the outskirts of ruins and setting up three temporary medical camps.”

…

Every sentence was impeccable. Every proposal allowed the nobles to retain their face while quietly transferring real power to his hands.

What’s more, he never showed any hint of arrogance, maintaining a consistently calm tone.

He was like a proper mediator, not a dictatorial authority.

Even the nobles who had received his promises astutely voiced support and guided public opinion towards him.

Any potential doubts or oppositions were dissolved within Louis’s rhetoric.

Though he lacked the title of Governor and had not even been formally appointed to any Northern Territory official position.

Yet at this moment, everyone in the meeting room understood: this meeting was led by him.

And the Northern Territory’s next direction would be decided by him.

Even the usually picky finance representative Kafei’er had to write in the records: “Young, steady, and capable of governance.”

Sitting quietly at the head seat, Duke Edmund observed everything, his gaze full of satisfaction.

He didn’t need to point anything out because, at this moment, in everyone’s heart, that young man, with a composed presence, had become the de facto “successor of the Northern Territory.”

As the meeting neared its end, the fire in the fireplace had gradually settled, and the night in Frost Halberd City grew deeper.

By some point, all gazes had gathered on the young Lord of Red Tide.

Louis slowly stood up, looking around.

He still wore a gentle smile, his demeanor steady, seemingly unaware of the invisible flow of power that had already drifted to his feet in this hall.

“I… am still young,” he began, his voice low, yet exceptionally clear in the silence, “There’s much I need guidance on from you, elders and gentlemen.”

A single humble remark made some of the older nobles nod in praise, while others sneered, seeing him as disingenuous.

“But since the meeting is hosted by me today,” Louis ignored them and continued, “let me summarize, proposing three directions, as a preliminary tone for our Northern reconstruction.”

Louis extended one finger: “First, protect the territory. Although the Northern Territory is far from the Imperial Capital, this land is not abandoned. No matter what the Empire’s future holds, we mustn’t be chaotic ourselves. It’s every Lord’s duty to guard the territory and people.”

Many nodded instinctively.

“Second, livelihood.” Louis paused, his tone softened: “With spring sowing approaching, we’re lacking seeds and farming tools, there are too many refugees, and epidemics have started to spread… If these issues aren’t resolved, survival becomes problematic, let alone reconstruction?

I suggest immediately drafting plans in each territory, proportionately applying for disaster relief resources, all distribution will be jointly reviewed by the reconstruction meeting.”

Some whispered, but there were no objections, for most Lords were struggling even to protect their territories, much less qualify to question?

“Third, unity.” Louis’s tone suddenly softened, yet it carried more weight than the previous two points.

“Currently, the Northern Territory is complex under unstable Empire resources and unpredictable Royal future… My only request is for you all to cooperate with meeting dispatches, temporarily submitting to unified coordination, preventing a divided collapse.”

Upon these words, expressions varied among the audience; Louis was clearly planning to consolidate power, yet no objections arose.

Louis raised his glass, surveying every noble, general, and envoy present; the humble eyes of a young noble now held the responsibility of an inheritor.

He slowly said, “The Northern Territory is our shared Northern Territory.”

His voice, though low, resonated in the meeting hall for a long time.

“Now it’s on the brink of collapse, yet you and I still stand. From today onward, battle flags will sweep through the ruins, plows will tread over scorched earth, oaths will pierce through the winds and snow.”

He raised his glass high, his gaze sincere and intense: “Let us, together, make the Northern Territory great again.”

As the words dropped, for a moment, there was silence around.

In the next second, applause erupted, layer upon layer.

Some were truly moved, others swept by the momentum, but all silently acknowledged one fact:

This young Lord of Red Tide had already ascended to the true power core of the Northern Territory.

Duke Edmund also gently raised his glass, watching him, as if seeing off the new captain leading the Northern Territory’s course.