Chapter 955

Ren's words were like earth-shattering.

The reaction of the holy soul wizards was very fierce, and the first reaction was to refuse, especially the few dukes who already owned the territory, thinking that they would never give up the territory.

Territory is the foundation of strength!

Building floating cities, high towers and colleges, cultivating students, magic experiments and research, weapons and equipment, purchasing alchemy materials, forming extraordinary legions under his command, personnel remuneration and equipment procurement, maintenance, etc., everything costs money, and it is big money.

Where did the money come from? Territory of course!

If he didn't have a territory, wouldn't he be a dignified holy soul wizard, like a soul hunter, hunting demon souls everywhere and selling them for money? Hunting demon souls is time-consuming and labor-intensive. It is not like ordinary people imagine that killing a few holy-level demon souls can make a fortune.

The value of holy rank demon souls is high, but there is no market and buyers are scarce.

And it's very dangerous, even the holy soul wizard can't guarantee that he won't capsize in the gutter, there are too many unknown things in this world.

The ones that can really make money are the legendary demon souls. The price is high and the demand is high, but it will take too much time and energy. It may be possible to maintain the expenses by hunting demon souls, but it is too hard, and it will also damage the noble status of the holy soul wizard.

How can it be easier to collect taxes from the territory?

Not to mention, owning a territory can justifiably form a private armed force, and if it is well managed, it can use the territory as a platform to exert greater influence.

Territories can also bestow noble titles, buy people's hearts, and cultivate a group of loyal vassals.

In short, the benefits of the territory are too many!

Territories are as important to holy soul wizards as the Kingdom of God is to gods.

Only those who are naturally indifferent to fame and wealth, are not interested in cultivating power, think they can't manage the territory well, and don't want to waste energy, will give up the duke title and territory, such as Master Oroin, Prophet Medifer and Master Huo Huai.

However, after hearing what Ren said later, the expressions of these people also changed.

They gave up the territory at the beginning, not only because of their own character, but also because of other reasons, but after all, they felt a little helpless. Giving up the territory was tantamount to giving up the construction of the floating city.

The territory is optional, but who doesn't want a floating city?

Floating Void City doesn't need many people to maintain it, as long as you are alone is enough, and you can come and go freely, you can hide in any plane you want. Not only will it not drag you down, but it will make you invincible and go further on the road of magic!

If you don't have to worry about managing your territory, you can own a floating city...

Thirty million gold shields!

The eyes of the holy soul wizards who had neither territory nor floating city lit up, and they made no secret of their enthusiasm for this proposal.

Prophet Medifer was the first to break the silence, "Thirty million gold shields are too few."

He really wanted the Floating Void City, but he really didn't have much talent in terms of management and management, and he was tired of these trivial matters, so he had to give up his duke title and territory.

The words of the Prophet were accepted.

Dean Sabra said softly: "Ren, you also know that the core of Iola alone needs 50 million gold shields, and the shell of the floating city needs at least 80 million gold shields, and it is normal to reach 100 million 30 million gold shields are really not enough."

The other holy soul wizards were slightly startled when they heard the words, not because of the well-known words, but because of the speaker.

Dean Sabra!

He has the title of duke and territory. According to what he said, is he willing to give up the territory if the subsidy is increased?

"Sabra, you have to think clearly." The Duke of Silver Star kindly reminded, "The money that the territory can earn for you is more than 100 million gold shields."

"But how many years will it take?" Sabra smiled lightly, and said very seriously: "I just want to focus on managing Bluewaters College and be my dean. I really don't have much energy to run the duchy. possible loss."

If it wasn't for the Floating Void City, he didn't want the territory at all.

Both Master Oroin and the Prophet Medifer had the same idea. Ren has been observing the holy soul wizards and found that there are two more people who hold the same position.

A master Huo Huai, this is not surprising, he has been reclusive for many years.

The other person turned out to be Ma Youfu!

This is very strange.

In addition, the teacher and Oxilia who had similar ideas originally owned the territory, but Magna, the Duke of Purple Flame, who gave up the territory after the floating city was built, and eight of the fifteen members of the Supreme Council were against the territory. Not interested.

Eight holy soul wizards and archmages who share the same ideas are enough to form a majority.

Ren suddenly knew what was going on.

He judged the situation and immediately asked, "Dean Sabra, how much do you think the subsidy should be increased to?"

It is a temptation to propose 30 million gold shields, but there is actually a lot of room for bargaining.

"I can't tell."

Dean Sabra looked at the others, hesitant to speak.

Both Ou Luoyin and Huo Huai were embarrassed to speak, Oxilia didn't want to speak, Ma Youfu wanted to speak, but because he had just entered the Supreme Council and lacked qualifications, and because of Duke Greyhawk's obvious opposition, he didn't dare to speak up after all.

Anse Wodos had an idea in his mind, but he had communicated with Rennes, and this time it was handed over to Rennes to take the lead.

Ren looked at Medifer, "Your Excellency the Prophet?"

"One hundred million gold shields!"

Medifer hardened his heart, and said bluntly: "Since compensation is required, it should be done in one step, so that we don't have to find ways to raise money."

Everyone's eyelids twitched.

Including Tim Kennan and Kelstone, the Holy Spirit wizards were all stimulated by this huge wealth. The Duke of Silver Star and the Queen of Storms, the two sisters, are breathing heavily and their eyes are red. Although they are reluctant to take the territory, if they can get the 100 million gold shield immediately, it is not impossible to consider.

"No!" Ren refused without thinking, shaking his head and said, "The empire's treasury cannot support such a large expenditure."

For some reason, the holy soul wizards breathed a sigh of relief.

Of course I was a little disappointed.

Medifer frowned, and said unwillingly: "I remember that last year, the empire's annual revenue exceeded 7 billion gold shields. How could it not be able to support it? And it's not a one-off payment, but it should be paid equally over the next twenty years. Is it difficult?"

Ren smiled helplessly.

This prophet really doesn't understand the economic operation of a country at all.

The consul has to hold an annual report in the Imperial Council and the Supreme Council every year. The financial situation of the empire is the top priority. Didn't Medifer listen carefully?

"Your Excellency the Prophet," he could only patiently explain, "the empire has a lot of revenue, because the industrial development is increasing every year, but the empire spends more. Last year, the annual income was 7 billion gold shields, but the expenditure reached 8.2 billion gold shields. The annual deficit is 1.2 billion."

Medifer clicked his tongue, "Why did you spend so much money?"

"The main reason is that I promote industrialization and education for all in the empire. I need to invest more than two billion gold shields every year, and I will increase it year by year. This is all to develop the national strength of the empire, and it will be effective in the future." Renn didn't say much. , now is not a refresher on the annual report, "I will send a financial report to the Prophet for his review later."

"Okay." Medifer's old face blushed, and he could hear Ryan implying that he hadn't listened to the report, "I'll take it seriously this time."

Wren said no more about financial difficulties.

Even if the treasury can get it, he is not willing to give it.

In the future, the entire empire will be mine, and the national treasury will be my own treasury. Why should I give you so much of my money?

"100 million gold shields is really too high." Master Oroin finally said, "It's hot to hold such a large amount of money, and I don't know how many people of the empire will be scolded behind my back."

"How appropriate is the meaning of the master?" Ren asked.

"Too much won't work, too little and it's far from enough, so let's make a compromise." Ou Luoyin obviously thought about it for a long time, "Fifty million gold shields."

Just enough to make an Iola Core.

After solving the core of the Floating Void City, the shell and the rune circle are not so difficult, and the materials can be collected slowly. No matter how poor the Holy Soul Wizard is, he is not poor and empty, and he always has some family background.

"Can."

Ren agreed without much thought, and added: "However, the 50 million gold shields will be divided into five installments, and 10 million gold shields will be paid every ten years."

This can spread the expenditure over the next forty years, and the treasury can bear it.

In fact, as long as there is a little manipulation, such as issuing national bonds, the money can be paid off within a few years, and it will not cause much pressure on the empire's financial expenditure.

But Ryan didn't want to pay the money so quickly.

There are many variables in the next forty years. If you delay the time, maybe the money will not be given.

Prophet Medifer, Master Huo Huai, and Dean Sabra all nodded slightly, especially Dean Sabra, who couldn't hide his excitement.

Blueworth Academy has a certain amount of accumulation. When he participated in the auction of the floating city before, he was able to take out 40 million gold shields and 10 million alchemy materials. The treasury subsidized 50 million gold shields, which is enough to build a floating city!

The construction of the Floating Void City originally took more than 30 years, and it was divided into multiple payments, which did not affect it at all.

"Then it will be set at 50 million gold shields." Ren sorted out his thoughts and said loudly: "I will let the Ministry of Finance set up a 'Supreme Council Special Funding Group' to be responsible for your allocation. Members of the Supreme Council will no longer receive Territory, only the title of false duke..."

"Wait."

This time it was Ren's turn to be interrupted.

Kelstone watched coldly for a long time, seeing that he led a major reform of the Supreme Council. Although it had no effect on him, through this incident, Rennes gained a very high prestige and attracted many holy soul wizards.

The most important thing is that Ren himself does not have to pay any price.

Ren already owns the territory, and the so-called "Supreme Council Special Fund" comes from the empire, so he doesn't need to give a copper liso.

Even if the general situation is gone, it is unlikely to prevent the passage of this resolution, and Kelstone is unwilling to see Renn so proud.

He said in a deep voice: "Consul, I agree with your proposal in principle. However, as the initiator of the proposal, you are the last holy soul wizard to get the dukedom. Isn't it a little difficult to convince the public? It's hard not to Make people think of your motives."

This guy finally jumped out.

Ren narrowed his eyes, "Do you think I initiated this proposal in order to suppress my opponent?"

"You said it yourself." Kelstone spread his hands, "If the people of the empire want to think so, I can't help it."

"hehe……"

Ren sneered, stared at Kelstone for a few seconds, but didn't speak.

The holy soul wizards couldn't help but doubt whether he had been hit by Kelstone. Before this thought settled down, Ren suddenly said, "If you don't raise any objections, I have to announce something."

"I am the initiator of the proposal for the feudal reform of the Supreme Council, so I naturally have to set an example."

"Everyone."

Ren looked at the crowd and said seriously: "I am willing to give up the Dukedom of Osian, return the territory to the empire, and reset the province of Osian. I only retain the title of Duke of the Golden Emblem, and give up the special fund of 50 million gold shields. "

"In addition, I plan to formally incorporate the Sain Plateau into the empire before the end of my term, divide it into three or four provinces, appoint the governor of the province, and then submit it to the Supreme Council for voting."

As soon as these words came out, the holy soul wizards were all moved.

Not only do you give up your territory, you don't even want money.

The Sain Plateau is currently only part of the empire in name, but it is actually Rennes' personal territory. Although the population is small and the land is sparsely populated, no one knows that there are many mines on the plateau, and their value is immeasurable.

Ryan expressed his position in a few words lightly, and the lost wealth is in "100 million".

"Are you crazy?"

The Duke of Silver Star cried out in shock, which she couldn't understand at all.

The Queen of Storms stared at Ren, bit her lips subconsciously, and felt that Ren was the stupidest but most courageous man in the world at the moment.

Ou Luoyin, Huo Huai, Medifer and the great sage were all amazed.

The Duke of Purple Flame also cast an incredulous look at Ren; the Duke of Black Robe remained expressionless, completely unable to see what he was thinking.

Ma Youfu's eyes were full of admiration.

There were still a few holy soul wizards who believed Kelstone's words and suspected Ren's selfish motives, but now they are completely convinced.

If this is not for the sake of the development of the empire, then what purpose can Ren have?

Ryan is the greatest Archon ever!

Kelstone was also stunned, which was completely unexpected.

Equal transposition to oneself, that is to give up "Urga City" and the entire northern prairie, which is absolutely impossible. He seemed to know Ren for the first time, looked at him carefully for a long time, then nodded heavily at Ren to show respect, and had nothing more to say.

Tim Kennan let out a sigh.

The holy soul wizards and archmages were greatly shocked, regardless of their positions, they respected Renn.

Only Anse Woldas had a calm face.

He couldn't stop smiling wryly in his heart. The benefits that Ren gave up now will come back to him in the future, and he will get more!

Ren and the teacher are separated by five people, and they can't see each other's expressions, but he can guess what the teacher is thinking at this time. In order to avoid long nights and dreams, he hastily said: "The voting is now, everyone, please raise your hand if you agree with my proposal." .”

After speaking, he himself raised his right hand high.

Oxilia raised her hand together.

She is the big winner of the reform of the Supreme Council. Not only can she get 50 million gold shields, Rennes also promised a star destroyer.

Dean Sabra raised his hand for the third time, without hesitation, and immediately stated: "I am willing to give up the duchy, retain only the title of Duke of Blue Oak, and apply for special funds from the empire."

Master Oroin, Prophet Medifer, and Master Huo Huai followed suit and raised their hands.

"I agree."

Magna, the Duke of Purple Flame, raised her hand, and her voice came out from the hood: "Consul, I already own the floating city, but Isrek is no longer my territory. Can I apply for this special fund?"

"Of course." Ren replied.

Magna nodded and did not speak again, but everyone could feel her joy.

Who would not be happy to get 50 million gold shields for nothing?

Then the person who raised his hand was sitting next to the Duke of Purple Flame, the Duke of Black Robe Tuzlei, and he said softly: "I give up my claim to the Death Forest, and I will ask the Empire for this money."

Everyone's expressions were a little weird.

Almost everyone has forgotten that the Duke of Black Robe also has a territory, but his territory is the Forest of Death, which does not belong to the empire at all, and cannot be managed. Giving up a worthless territory in exchange for 50 million gold shields is a bloody profit.

Ren immediately agreed.

The Black-robed Duke is the avatar of Master Ogulev, not to mention 50 million, even if he asks for 100 million gold shields, he will send them to him.

Master Ogulev will definitely not be short of money, but he has stated his position and has already stated his position.

The attraction of fifty million gold shields is great!

Tim Kenan looked at Master Huo Huai who raised his hand, feeling a little complicated. He didn't expect this old wizard who had lived in seclusion for many years to raise his hand regardless of the balance faction's position. Fortunately, Ma Youfu has also entered the Supreme Council, and the Balance Faction will not be left with only a bare-handed commander, making himself look embarrassed...

Then, he saw a slender hand raised at the end of the long bronze table.

"Ma Youfu!"

Tim Kenan couldn't help but let out a soft drink.

Ma Youfu's eyes flickered for a moment, and he wanted to put his hand down subconsciously, but he immediately raised it firmly again, and he wanted to exercise his right as an archmage.

At first, he also objected to Wren's proposal.

But after thinking about it, I found that this is very beneficial to me personally.

The original plan was to choose the "Suranye" province to the west of the Duke of Longpis as the territory, and then merge it into the forces of the Floating City of Flanaiss, and hand it over to the people under the teacher to manage and manage it. Territory invests time and energy.

The profits from the territory naturally belonged to the Flanis, and he could not share much profit, and the construction of the floating city was nowhere in sight.

Now in exchange for special funds, the 50 million gold shields belong to him!

With a smile on his face, Ryan could see Ma Youfu's thoughts at a glance. The other holy soul wizards also recollected it, and were ready to see Duke Gray Eagle's joke.

Tim Kennan's face darkened, and he finally said nothing.

After Ma Youfu raised his hand, the number of votes in favor reached nine. The resolution has been passed, but the voting process has not yet been completed.

The great sage Congerald glanced at Anse Wodos, who was opposite him, and felt a little strange that this old friend hadn't raised his hand for so long, but he still raised his hand and said:

"I agree."

The great sage seemed to have made a major decision, announcing: "I will also give up Sunset City, and follow Ren's example. I don't want 50 million gold shields. Anyway, this money is not bad, and it can save some expenses for the empire. That's fine too."

Congerald is a founding member of the Supreme Council, and his qualifications are second only to Master Ogulev.

He also holds duke titles and lands.

It's just that people usually call him the "Great Sage" and never use the title of "Duke of Huangyan". His territory is Sunset City.

Everyone was stunned, and Kelstone couldn't help saying: "Great Sage, please think twice."

If the great sage gave up the territory, and the black-robed duke also gave up in front, then he would be the only one left in the Nether faction to own the territory.

This is extremely detrimental to the Nether faction.

Congerald shook his head resolutely, without any intention of changing his mind. He is not short of money, even without the dukedom, he still holds the "Imperial Alchemy Association", which is one of the richest forces in the empire, so there is no need to worry about the alchemist's ability to make money.

Ren was very surprised by the actions of the great sage, and he hadn't expected it at all before.

While admiring him, he also felt a little ashamed.

My proposal this time is selfish, and the real purpose is to "reduce the vassal". I didn't expect the great sage to really believe it and make such a big sacrifice.

In the future, when the great sage knows his ambition, how will he feel?

Will he regret it?

Or do you want to fight yourself to the end in a fit of anger?

Ren felt ashamed in his heart, but he had no choice but to shoot. At this moment, the great sage could not be aware of the clues, so he could only say righteously: "Thank you, the great sage, for setting an example for the development of the empire. The whole empire will never forget the great sage." contributors."

"I'm just learning from you." Congerald smiled lightly, making no secret of his appreciation for Ryan.

"hehe……"

Anse Wodos suddenly laughed, and only Ren could hear the schadenfreude in the laughter.

He said: "I agree. But I'm not as rich as you, Congerald. Wezeland needs these 50 million gold shields."

Wezeland's debt crisis is well understood by everyone present.

Therefore, it is no surprise to support Anse Wodoss. He is Ren's teacher and the leader of the Modus faction. It would be strange if he opposed the proposal. It was already a little strange that Anse Wodas raised his hand so late, and it also put pressure on the remaining two Modus members.

The Duke of Silver Star and Queen of Storms, they haven't raised their hands yet.

Although it does not affect the final result of the resolution, the vote is not just an individual vote, but also the position of the faction.

The Duke of Silver Star showed embarrassment.

If it was a few years ago, when she didn't have a floating city, she would definitely be inclined to agree, but now she already has a floating city. Although she owes a lot of debt to Ella Silan, the territory is now on the right track, and the debt will sooner or later Pay it off and provide a steady stream of income in the future.

Moreover, the Duchy of Longshande is the foundation of the Silvery family. Except for her being a duke, all the vassals below are her descendants.

What should these vassals do if they give up their territory?

Some vassals also entered the Imperial Parliament by virtue of their noble titles and territories. If they lost their territories, could they continue to be members of the Imperial Council?

"Ren." The Duke of Silver Star asked hesitantly: "If I give up the Dukedom of Longshande, what will happen to the Earl of Winterting Lake in Viola?"

Other holy soul wizards are also very concerned about this issue.

Renn had a plan for a long time ago, and immediately replied: "The territory of the sealed nobles will be returned to the empire, and the mayor will be appointed as the mayor in place, or transferred to the chief executive of the same level, and the qualifications of the imperial councilor will be retained for two terms. After the expiration of the two terms, you are still It has the priority to nominate parliamentary seats and retains them for a hundred years."

The seat of the Imperial Councilor is very important. It is not only the main bargaining chip for factions to win people's hearts, but also the best way to exert influence on the Imperial Parliament.

Wren promises a hundred years of nominating power, largely without changing the factional dynamics of parliament.

The Holy Soul Wizards were all satisfied with this answer.

The Duke of Silver Star nodded slightly, thought for a long time, finally raised his hand slowly, and said: "I agree. But I will not give up the Dukedom of Longshande. Sorry, Ren, I have to think about those hundreds of descendants, Sylvie The Rui family cannot lose their territory."

"I understand, ma'am."

Ren had already guessed her choice.

Seeing that he was not angry, the Duke of Silver Star secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

The Storm Queen immediately continued: "The Principality of Hohaven is a subsidiary state of the empire, not a duchy. I am the Queen of Hohaven, not the Duke of the Empire. This proposal has nothing to do with me, but I will vote for you. "

After she finished speaking, she raised her hand.

Ren nodded: "Thanks to Her Majesty the Queen for her support."

His gaze swept across the two sides of the long bronze table. Of the fifteen members of the Supreme Council, only Tim Kenan and Kelstone did not raise their hands.

If you don't raise your hand, you are against it.

Although these two negative votes are useless and have no effect on the voting results, not raising their hands is their last stubbornness. The two looked at the thirteen hands raised in front of them and looked at each other. They both felt tremendous pressure. This scene seemed to herald the future structure of the Supreme Council.

Of the three major factions of the Supreme Council, except for two faction leaders, everyone else has stood in the Modu faction's camp at this moment.

The so-called "Big Three" seem ridiculous.

There is no Big Three in the Supreme Council, only Ren can cover the sky with his hands!

Ren stood up, and under the gazes of the holy soul wizards and archmages, he said with a majestic expression: "I announce that the resolution is passed!"