r18novel Page 31
Page 31
These two positions might be prestigious in other places, but if they were appointed by Wenceslaus IV...
Everyone knows that Wenceslaus IV's treasury contained no wealth, only bills.
Radji remained silent. He was completely unable to understand Mojiang's thoughts and even doubted whether these things should be given to His Majesty.
Seeing Radji's appearance, Mojiang sat up straight. He knew that if he didn't persuade this close advisor, it would be difficult to establish a connection with the drunken king on his own.
"Alright, my dear Lord Radji, let me analyze the current situation for you."
Before Radji could answer, Mojiang continued, “His Majesty’s popularity… well, everyone just needs to understand what that means. Saying it out loud would be somewhat disrespectful to His Majesty.”
"In short, after His Majesty's various miraculous actions, his popularity rating has become extremely poor. The electors of the Holy Roman Empire did not even offer verbal support when the King of Hungary invaded."
"Merchants dare not do business with the court. As for the other nobles, can you tell me how many nobles remain loyal to His Majesty now that the King of Hungary has invaded?"
Radji's fingers tapped unconsciously on the oak tabletop, producing a dull "tap-tap" sound.
On the parchment, the still-wet ink of the report detailed yesterday's miraculous victory: the Cuman commander Markwat was killed, more than three hundred enemy corpses were scattered along the road to Skarlitz and in the woods, and the captured warhorses, weapons, and armor were enough to arm a small elite force.
However, Radji's face showed no joy of victory, only a lingering solemnity and apprehension.
He looked up and his gaze fell on the young man opposite him, who was wearing an odd shirt and sitting casually but exuding an invisible sense of oppression.
Mojiang.
This mysterious fellow, who claims to be an alchemist and merchant, has no known origins or past; the only certainty is that he is an extraordinary individual.
It is also a monster with terrifying combat power.
"Governor of the royal domain? Governor of the palace?"
Radji's voice was bitter as he tried to regain the dignity of the castle count, "Lord Mojang, your request..."
The words were not finished, and the meaning was not clearly expressed.
But Mo Jiang understood.
As the king's attendant, he still needed to salvage some non-existent dignity for Wenceslaus IV, at least ensuring that the position of court governor was not easily promised.
Even Radji himself knew that this was just a fig leaf.
“Lord Radji,” he said, a slight smile playing on his lips, “what do you think His Majesty lacks most right now?”
Was he a loyal knight? Or a battle-hardened soldier? No, neither.
He leaned forward slightly, looking directly at Radji: "He's short of money!"
What he lacked was the gold coins that would allow him to continue hosting lavish banquets, enjoying fine wines, and keeping mistresses in Prague Castle!
He lacked magnificent clothes that could showcase his royal majesty and nobility!
He lacked an anesthetic to temporarily forget this mess!
Mo Jiang pointed to the few inconspicuous wooden boxes on the ground, "And I can give him these, a continuous supply."
“Spices, wine, and fabric.” Mo Jiang kicked the box containing purple fabric at his feet. “Look at this noble purple. My purple fabric will allow him to walk the streets of Prague and tell everyone.”
His throne was not as precarious as it appeared. This was something those nobles, who only offered empty words of loyalty or feigned compliance, could not provide.
Radji fell silent. Mojiang's words were cold and cruel, yet undeniably true.
These goods, especially the purple cloth symbolizing power and spices more valuable than gold, were like rain after a long drought for the pleasure-seeking king, the last fig leaf to maintain his crumbling dignity.
Wenceslaus IV needed these to maintain the dignity of the royal family.
Only these things can make the nobles aware that the royal family has a background they don't know about, and make them a little more obedient.
At least for now, it's unlikely that neutral nobles will immediately join Sigismund's side.
“I need an identity, a sufficient identity and status.” Mo Jiang’s voice carried an undeniable calmness, “An identity that allows me to legally and on a large scale mobilize resources to share His Majesty’s burdens.”
At this point, Mo Jiang finally revealed his true colors; what he sought was fame, a legitimate fame.
With Wenceslaus IV's endorsement, his actions in the region were legitimate, and he would not suffer setbacks before his position was secure.
Radji understood the subtext: what Mojang wanted was not empty fame, but real power, a passport to royal authority.
With this identity, Mojang could consolidate resources in the name of the king to counter Sigismund's economic blockade and military threats, while also acquiring unimaginable wealth and influence for himself.
Mo Jiang smiled, but his smile was quite amusing, like watching a tiger approach a rabbit without its own conscious will.
"It's good that the Palace Governor can directly manage the Palace's procurement and contribute to His Majesty's banquets, but for me, the position of Governor of the Royal Territories offers even greater possibilities."
55. Who was the richest person in the Middle Ages? (9/10)
Radji neither agreed nor disagreed, but instead turned to ask another question, "What are your suggestions next?"
As Skaritz's highest-ranking officer, this should have been a question asked of him by others, but considering the goods in Mojang and his military strength, Radji felt it necessary to consult the other party's opinion.
After all, anyone could see that the reason Skarlitz hadn't been burned to the ground wasn't because of Radji's soldiers, but because of Mojiang.
They decimated the Cuman army, killed the cavalry commander, and five men routed more than eight hundred men.
This is the fundamental reason why Skaritz is still intact.
“Expand the army. Skaritz’s defenses are too rudimentary. Sigismund has lost face so badly and lost a cavalry commander. He will definitely not let this go.”
Don't forget, he still owes money to the Cumans.
Even before arriving, Mo Jiang had already formulated a plan: "Recruit refugees and bankrupt farmers to form a standing army belonging to Skaritz, or rather, to His Majesty's directly controlled territory."
"Not enough money."
Radji immediately pointed out the most crucial point: "It takes a lot of money to build an army."
Soldiers are off-the-job workers; not only can they not produce goods, but they also consume far more resources than others.
After all, farmers can still work in the fields if they are only half full, but try feeding soldiers only half full.
The last person who dared to do this was Yin Xiyue.
Mo Jiang pushed the wooden box next to him with his foot. "I told you, I can provide these things in a continuous stream."
Mojiang was very clear about the economic environment of the Middle Ages; farmers and small merchants with a little money were all poor.
He never intended to make money off poor people.
If you're going to make money, make money from the rich.
Who was the richest person in the Middle Ages?
Nobles, bishops, and kings—these are the clients of Mojiang.
"Selling it to other nobles, to bishops of the church, or even to Sigismund—I don't need to teach you these things, do I?"
Mo Jiang stretched and continued, "If there's nothing else, it would be best to deliver the goods to His Majesty in the next few days. Also, remember to ask me for a position and find a few trustworthy merchants to sell our goods."
Radji's eyes widened immediately, not for any other reason than that he understood the meaning behind Mo Jiang's words.
Mojang had no intention of contacting Wenceslaus IV, nor did he intend to appear before him; all goods were to be transshipped through Radji.
Why was Radji able to enjoy the trust of Wenceslaus IV?
Because he was able to make money for His Majesty the King, and also took on a bad reputation.
This is also why Radji is wary of Mojang, because Mojang's niche overlaps with his own under Wenceslaus IV, and Mojang even provides more and better things and wealth. As a close advisor to the king, what he fears most is someone who can replace him.
Now, Mojang has stated that all the goods will be transferred by Radji, and that Radji will also find merchants to sell them, thus showing Radji through concrete actions that he has no intention of competing with him for the position.
In fact, Mojang looked down on Wenceslaus IV at all. He was afraid that if he were to come into contact with such a drunken king, he might offend him with a single word and be beaten to death on the spot.
Therefore, he needed someone to deal with Wenceslaus IV, and under this premise, he was even willing to relinquish some benefits.
Upon understanding this, Radji immediately beamed with joy. Even the shrewd and calculating Earl of the Castle could not remain calm in the face of such immense wealth.
Because whether it's given to His Majesty the King or sold through merchants, he can always get a share.
"Will it still be settled in gold this time?"
"That's right, gold settlement, and it would be best to settle the payment for the sugar and salt first."
Resisting the Cumans, maintaining the existence of Skalitz, recruiting refugees, and even secretly supporting Wenceslaus IV with supplies—all these actions were aimed at stabilizing the trade routes that had already been opened.
To put it more bluntly, it's all about making money.
Research in alchemy requires money. Higher-level potions require a lot of materials and trial and error, and he also needs to stockpile potions to carry with him.
The cultivation of the Nine Yang Divine Skill also requires money. Although the Nine Yang Divine Skill has no obvious bottlenecks after completing the Great Cycle of Qi Circulation, it only requires continuous accumulation of internal energy to open up the meridians and acupoints.
However, if one wants to achieve great success, one must either endure the torment of burning heat throughout the body, receive guidance from a renowned teacher or help from friends, open up all the hundreds of acupoints throughout the body, and break through dozens of mysterious barriers throughout the body.
Alternatively, one can find a miraculous encounter like the Qiankun Yiqi Bag, breaking through dozens of barriers on their own.
The former is basically out of the question, while the latter is not entirely unavoidable.
But that requires a materials science lab and a corresponding research team, which will cost a lot of money.
Mojang and Radji talked for a long time in the castle, discussing many things.
How should Skarlitz be fortified? How many men should be recruited? And how can the loyalty of the soldiers be guaranteed?
At first, Radji was able to keep up with Mojiang's train of thought, but as the conversation deepened, he found that he could no longer keep up with Mojiang's ideas.
"Forget it, leave these things to me. You should focus on how to sell the goods and get paid for them."
Mojang directly seized all military power, to which Radji had little objection.
Mojang provided goods through him to consolidate and enhance his position in Wenceslaus IV's eyes, while he was required to reciprocate by helping Mojang secure military power in Skalitz and the position of governor of the royal domain.
The position that Mojang requested seemed high-ranking and powerful, but in Wenceslaus IV's nearly paralyzed administrative system, especially around Skaritz, far from Prague, the actual amount of power he could wield depended entirely on the ability and force of the person in charge.
Not to mention, most importantly, all the expenses during this period were borne by Mo Jiang alone.
In a sense, Radji acted as the liaison, Wenceslaus IV gave up a nominal position, and Mejan gained a status and position endorsed by His Majesty the King.
Everyone got what they wanted, making it a win-win-win situation.
“And another thing.” Mo Jiang suddenly remembered something and looked seriously into Radji’s eyes. “Your Excellency Radji, Skalitz needs trade routes, and I need to turn it into a more prosperous city than Rattay.”
So, could you please give up some of your old hobbies?
"No problem, there won't be any more attacks on merchants in the vicinity, and we will also send soldiers to protect them."
With his identity changed, Radji immediately abandoned his previous practice of robbing merchants, since small merchants were only worth a few cents.
Selling your goods through merchants can earn you more Grossen than ten silver mines!
After saying this, Radji went to arrange for people to safely deliver the items to Wenceslaus IV.
During this period, the two did not sign any contract. All the profit sharing was only agreed upon verbally, and some sensitive topics were not even agreed upon.
But Radji knew he wouldn't renege on his debt.
Sigismund's cavalry commander's head was still hanging at the village entrance; his castle and guards combined couldn't stop eight hundred soldiers.
Naturally, this was no match for the enraged Mo Jiang.
56. How many times more will the ruler of the nation win? Countless times! (Ten chapters achieved!)
Before the morning mist had even cleared in Skarlitz, Radji's entourage, carrying tributes that were enough to shake the Prague court, had already set off into the distance.
Mo Jiang stood by the wooden fence at the entrance of the village, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the rough wood, his gaze sweeping over the head of the Kuman commander hanging on the gate.
A severed head is a declaration, but also a bargaining chip.
“Henry,” Mo Jiang said without turning around, his voice hoarse with the peculiarity of post-war, “take men and take that bald man down, put him in a box, sprinkle him with spices, and chase after him to deliver him to Lord Raddy, saying that this is the second gift for His Majesty Wenceslav.”
The first item was fine wine, cloth, and rare spices from Radji's carriage, while this bloody spoils of war were the martial arts skills His Majesty the King desperately needed.
The boy responded and left, while Mo Jiang turned and walked towards the wooden house, pushed open the inconspicuous wooden door, and disappeared into the medieval village.
……
In a modern warehouse.
Back in the familiar surroundings of Mojiang, his eyes were filled with weariness.
From running from Wudang Mountain to Kunlun Mountain to cultivate the Nine Yang Divine Skill and fighting against the Kuman people, a series of events kept Mo Jiang from getting a proper rest.
Although chamomile decoction can promote deep sleep and ensure physical fatigue is eliminated, mental and psychological fatigue is not so easy to get rid of.
Now that things are temporarily resolved, and Skaritz is not expected to encounter any major problems in the short term, he will return directly to the modern world.
It was already late at night, and Mo Jiang lay down on his cot, but this time he did not continue taking the [chrysanthemum decoction] to fall asleep.