Lord of Winter: Beginning with Daily Intelligence - Chapter 666 - 384: Achievements of the Red Tide System (Part 4)

Chapter 666: Chapter 384: Achievements of the Red Tide System (Part 4)

Second, the tracks have expanded from seven to twenty-one, mostly within the Red Tide territory.

Third, the standard smelting sites have increased to six, with the output of the mineral belt nearly one and a half times higher than last year…”

After Mike stepped down, Desland, the head of the Trade Bureau, stepped forward immediately.

This gaunt middle-aged man spoke at a steady pace, but with a sharp tone: “The achievements of the Trade Bureau this year, trade routes were unified, and the system of post stations was formed.”

He presented the data: “The original seven major trade routes have now been expanded to twenty-one, all under the control of Red Tide. Taxes have been reduced by thirty percent, and the speed of goods circulation has reached nearly double of last year…”

Next, a woman wearing a white-gray cape stood up.

She is Cyril, the head of the Health Department, a medical apprentice brought by Louis from the Calvin Clan, now managing all medical lines in the Northern Territory.

“This year, the Health Department established nineteen fixed medical points and thirteen mobile medical convoys throughout the Northern Territory. Managed thirty-seven cases of epidemics without any spread…”

Listening to a whole round of reports, everyone could tell that this year was not about barely maintaining but was about a comprehensive and vigorous growth.

The framework of the Red Tide administration not only stood firm but began to spread outward with new branches and new extensions.

Overall, the first year was not just successful but exceeded expectations.

With this sentence landing, the hall suddenly became quiet as if even the air paused for a moment.

Everyone instinctively looked toward the main seat.

Louis slowly stood up, his movements unhurried, yet naturally drawing all the attention.

He didn’t display authority, just a slight smile, “Ladies and gentlemen, you have done very well.”

With one sentence, quite a few officials slightly relaxed their shoulders, but before they could take a breath, Louis continued:

“This year’s Red Tide administrative plan exceeded expectations. The market system ran smoothly, the ledgers were unified, the granaries were stabilized, the trade routes fully connected…”

Someone in the hall couldn’t help but straighten their chest.

Louis scanned the audience: “This year, we caught the falling sky of the Northern Territory. We ensured countless people had food to eat, work to do, roads to walk. We let them know that with the Red Tide, winter won’t starve them.”

On the tiered seating, many officials from post-disaster areas slightly lowered their sights; those scenes were all too clear to them:

Bony children trembling while holding bowls of hot porridge, miners silent the first time they tasted hot soup, Snowfield women crying speechless over the first mouthful of dry rations.

Louis’s voice wasn’t loud, but carried a certain strength: “Countless people in the Northern Territory survived because of your work. This is not a flattering remark but a fact.”

Someone’s Adam’s apple moved slightly.

“This is not just my achievement.” He paused, “It’s every one of you, that brought the Northern Territory up from the ruins.”

These mere dozens of words made more than one person in the hall have scorching eyes.

No one dared to speak, but that pride rushed upward from the ground.

Then Louis softened his tone: “But our task is far from over. The second year of Red Tide will be more difficult and larger.”

Everyone sat up straight, showing seriousness.

Louis raised his hand to point at the large map of the Northern Territory: “We need to turn these red lines into real vital arteries. To connect every road, every mineral line, every school, every warehouse into a single system.”

Then he shifted his tone: “As for dividends.”

The air in the hall visibly moved.

Louis’s smile deepened: “Every official has their share. This year’s profit distribution will be done according to the rules. Take what you can, it’s your due.”

Someone almost couldn’t resist looking up at him.

“As for the dividends for each territory, it’s the same.” Louis’s voice was calm, yet as steady as a nail, “Give what should be given, don’t be stingy.”

“The Red Tide administration doesn’t rely on force, but on making people realize that following us won’t let them suffer. Only this way, they won’t complain.

Next year we will continue to make Red Tide stronger, making the Northern Territory truly a complete whole.”

“Ladies and gentlemen.” Louis looked around, “Keep up the good work.”

No one shouted, nor did anyone bang the table in the hall.

But everyone simultaneously stood, bowed respectfully, their movements as synchronized as a giant banner unfolding in the wind.

They bowed to Louis not because of protocol, nor out of fear.

Most of the officials were mere civilians, refugees, miners, apprentices, and even sold slaves three years ago.

It was Louis who lifted them from under the old Nobility’s feet, letting them for the first time eat their fill, dress warmly, and sit here handling affairs.

And they followed Louis’s example, saving the starving, opening schools, establishing hospitals, lighting up the soup kitchens…

Of course, all this was because Louis gave them positions and opportunities.

So they saluted Lord Louis, for standing here today was Louis’s work that let them stand upright.