Standing at the window of the commander's office, Todd gazed at the sixteen corpses hanging from the trees on the snow-covered hills, remaining silent for a long time.
A knock on the door interrupted his train of thought.
After receiving permission, Huggins entered the room, looked at the figure standing by the window, and whispered, "Your Majesty, we have made progress on the list you asked me to investigate."
Todd turned around, sat down in the armchair, and closed his eyes: "Read it."
Huggins took out the papers from his pocket and read out the names one by one: Master Terence, Ulysses, Dion, Elijah... Todd had heard of some of them, but had never heard of others.
It took Huggins a full five minutes to read through the long list, then he lowered his hands and fell silent.
Todd opened his eyes and asked, "What have these people been doing lately?"
After thinking for a moment, Huggins said, "Most of these students or scholars come from Taylor Academy. They have recently formed a 'Jade Society' and often gather to discuss academics and current affairs..."
Seeing that the head of the Kingdom's Security Bureau was hesitant to speak, Todd said again, "Just say what you have to say, there's no need to beat around the bush."
“Yes, Your Majesty! What these people are discussing, in my view, is contrary to doctrine, even defying the divine! They question the words in the Bible, and some have even suggested that the Kingdom of Muxi should abandon the Father and embrace the truth.” As Harkins spoke, he noticed that Todd remained unmoved and said somewhat anxiously, “Your Majesty, I know that you have prejudices against the Church and hold a permissive or even indulgent attitude towards the truth, but it is not wise for the Kingdom of Muxi and the Knights to rely on the Father’s ‘protection’ and allow blasphemers who use the banner of ‘truth’ to act recklessly.”
Todd raised his hand to stop Huggins's advice and slowly said, "I understand the scholars' mentality. Having experienced the 'Cataclysm of Truth,' they no longer believe in royal power and religion, and hope to control their own destiny. This demand to participate in legislation and the judiciary is a test of their desire for power. Although I do not intend to back down, the development of the Kingdom of Muxi really cannot do without them. If you don't believe me, think about what these people have accomplished recently?"
"Achievements?" Huggins was taken aback, then thought for a moment before saying, "Many of them hold dual roles as teachers and researchers at the Twilight Academy. Last month, they proposed a formula for the quantitative and quantitative conversion of 'alien microorganisms,' thereby updating the ability evaluation standards for alien warriors in the army and greatly simplifying the manufacturing process of 'inheritors.' They also improved the firing slots and arrow holes of crossbows, making the accuracy and loading speed of sniper crossbows much faster..."
Todd sighed as Huggins recounted the achievements of these scholars.
Regardless of the dynasty or the kingdom, for monarchs of feudal states, besides usurpers, the most troublesome figures were intellectuals.
In an era of "divine right of kings," knowledge has always been a double-edged sword for monarchical power. Used well, it can improve people's livelihoods and strengthen the military; used poorly, it can hinder rule and even incite revolution.
Throughout history, in both Europe and Asia, the struggle between the scientific and the metaphysical schools has never ceased. The debate over whether to emphasize democratic consciousness or state power has always been at the heart of political disputes.
Take the Kingdom of Muxi today as an example. The constitutionalists, whose backbone is scholars, demand the enactment of laws and the acquisition of status to ensure their own safety. This demand is not wrong, but their actions are out of step with the times and circumstances. Todd uses the prestige of the Holy Son and the power of the Knights to implement military dictatorship. This behavior seems problematic, but it is the only option in the current environment.
From Todd's perspective, he could not allow scholars to take power, nor would he relinquish any of his authority. The brutal struggles and conflicts of the other world forced him to become a dictator; however, he also had to rely on the scholars' strength to develop the technology and culture of the Kingdom of Muxi.
This created a rather contradictory situation: Todd needed to leverage the power of knowledge while simultaneously upholding religious authority. How to shift the focus of scholars from the struggle for power to technological research and development was a problem he, as king, had to carefully consider.
Having no clue what to do, Todd could only instruct Huggins to closely monitor the scholars' movements and restrict their inappropriate words and actions, especially those that denied doctrine and called for democracy.
Just as Todd was about to sit down after watching Harkins close the door and leave, another guard knocked and reported, "Your Majesty, Lord Joe requests an audience with you."
After Todd agreed, the old monk with a receding hairline walked in carrying a stack of papers.
Seeing the king's astonished expression, Brother Joe didn't give him a chance to speak and went straight to the point: "Your Majesty, we must talk about the kingdom's financial problems."
"Financial issues?" Todd asked with a puzzled look. "I've read your financial report. The Kingdom of Muxi's revenue this year far exceeds its expenditures. What could be the problem?"
Brother Joe pulled out a piece of paper, pointed to the data on it, and said, “Your Majesty, the vast majority of the kingdom’s revenue this year comes from plunder and conquest. Revenue from taxes and minerals is very little, while expenditures on experimental equipment, construction projects, military expansion, and food imports are increasing day by day. If this continues, without new sources of revenue, the treasury will be empty again by this time next year.”
Todd's eyes widened as he snatched the paper, examined it closely, and hurriedly asked, "Didn't we conquer the North Stone Mine? The revenue from the silver ore should be enough to support the kingdom's development!"
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