Civilization: Beyond Two Worlds

It was afternoon, and the fragrance of wheat was faintly wafting from the far port.

At dozens of distribution points across the city, hundreds of thousands of people lined up to receive free wheat.

The granules are golden and full, without any gritty impurities, and exude a mesmerizing fragrance.

Only in the granaries of lords and nobles can such good food be found.

Men support their parents, women hold their children, family by family.

They have learned to line up.

Even the number of persecutors responsible for maintaining order is far less than last time, and the citizens are still orderly, without the slightest noise and noise, neither anxious nor pushing.

There are still smart people who have tried to get it multiple times. All of them were recognized on the spot, deprived of their identity certificates, and punished with whipping. They also recovered the food they distributed and threw them on the streets as an example.

They were greeted by the disdainful and contemptuous eyes of others.

The so-called coexistence of grace and power.

Trust was cemented again.

The so-called trust is the easiest to consolidate when it is shaken. Many people present complained to Kant because of the soaring food prices and the lack of food during these ten days. For five days, the careful thoughts and doubts that once appeared in their hearts have long since vanished. They even have a compensatory mentality. They must resolutely draw a clear line with themselves who have doubted and shaken, and the best way is to double down on them. Praise and boast of His Royal Highness Kant.

In this kind of psychological change, some kind of deep impression will gradually be branded.

Your Highness Kant is merciful.

His Royal Highness Kant was cruel.

Your Highness Kant...just.

Orderly, everyone with a smile on their faces and hope in their eyes.

This is the Far Harbor today.

…a part of.

"It's over, it's over, it's over, it's over!"

Some people laugh and some cry.

While the civilians were happily collecting food, after an unbearable noon of hunger and fear, the gated and heavily guarded City Hall finally opened.

In the auditorium of justice, one by one, the despairing nobles walked out quickly.

In stark contrast to the previous high-spirited, elegant and arrogant, each of them staggered on their feet, panicked like lost dogs, lowered their heads and covered their faces, and ran with all their feet.

The tulip area where the rich and powerful gathered was now shrouded in a haze of fear.

There are no more singing in the pleasantly scented gardens, all salons, afternoon teas and dance parties have ended, the young and beautiful young ladies hid in the boudoir, the ladies have hastily pushed off all their schedules, and the suave son The buddies also all went back home, and all the family members were trembling and afraid to come out, including the maids and chores.

Because the head of the family... the head of every family is venting the anger of thunder.

and endless fear.

In the house of the Hawes family, the contemporary owner, Earl Hawes, roared loudly in the quaint study. He was in his prime, with shiny black hair and elegant monocles. He was a famous gentleman in the Far Harbor. His family He controls one-third of the sugar business in Far Harbor, and has more than a dozen farms in Bibo Province. Of course, he also got involved in this economic war.

And now, since he came back from the city hall an hour ago, he has been roaring, roaring.

The collar was completely torn, revealing his red chest. At this moment, Earl Hawes had no manners at all, and his eyes were red, like a beast.

He cursed frantically, cursed himself, cursed the shameless Han Zezheng, cursed the faint-hearted Governor Norman, cursed the incompetent elves, cursed the **** dragon.

But among the objects of cursing, one person was always ignored, intentionally or not.

But that doesn't mean there's no anger in the heart.

It's just that fear outweighs anger.

Earl Hawes, who was walking back and forth, holding his head and screaming, suddenly caught a glimpse of the bookshelf, and a kind of anger suddenly erupted, why is it always Aurora!

—He grabbed the Aurora china on the bookshelf and reached out to throw it.

But the next moment, Lord Earl shuddered, and the muscles in his hands that were about to be released were re-tightened at a speed and pattern like a conditioned reflex. Carefully, like holding a baby, I put it firmly back on the shelf.

Then he roared again: "Asshole! Asshole! Asshole! Why is there such a thing!"

There were six or seven people standing in the room who bowed their heads and did not dare to breathe.

These people are hozens.

From the moment they saw Kant put out the grain, the industry leaders of the Hawes family knew that something was wrong. The grain transactions that were still hot in the last second were all stopped, and even those who paid the deposit turned their heads and left. To the untouchables, the miracle of food falling from the sky is a miracle of the **** of harvest, but to them, it is a trumpet of destruction.

They waited at the manor for a long time before they waited for the master who was released, but the always shrewd and wise master did not reassure them. Instead, he was like a mortal, furious, roaring, and beating.

These horses were motionless, their eyes fixed on their toes, and they listened to the roar of the owner.

But there was an inexplicable... contempt in his heart.

You are just like that...their hearts are full of joy.

Even if they also privately paid money to participate in the booming food business, even if they knew that they would suffer heavy losses this time, they would not be as bad as the family owner. Besides, many of their losses had already been passed on to the Chamber of Commerce.

As for the rest... none of their business.

But it's a pity, this huge family business, this luxurious building, there are still flowers like jade...

The door was quietly pushed open.

The fragrant wind blows, and the graceful lady leans into her body. She is about thirty years old, plump and tender, her skin is well maintained, she wears a noble bun, and her whole body is full of extravagance. Only the most noble lady can have it. Such style - it means a total absence of labor, and a lot of time every day for maintenance.

As soon as she came in, the chilling study suddenly warmed up, as if a touch of meat was wafting into it, and the few horses who bowed their heads quickly glanced at the sister-in-law, then hurriedly bowed their heads, and some people were still sneaking glances.

Earl Hawes glanced at his wife and sighed: "Annie, you first..."

"My dear, I just got back...from Mrs York's salon," the lady whispered. "I heard something happened...Mr York didn't even say hello to us when he came back."

The annoyed earl wanted to be angry, but he glanced at his wife, full of anger that had nowhere to relax, he let out a sullen face, and slowly exhaled: "Yeah, it's over, Annie, it's over."

He sat back in the chair feebly, looked at his wife, and gave a bitter smile.

"I'm sorry, Annie, I should have listened to you..."

The count buried his face in his hands and shrugged his shoulders feebly.

Mrs. Anne motioned for the people in the room to leave. After they left, she stepped forward, pressed her husband's shoulder, and said softly, "What happened?"

Hawes's body was shaking uncontrollably.

It was a strong shame and fear, and even if his wife comforted him softly, he couldn't contain this instinct.

He spoke intermittently about what happened in the Auditorium of Justice today.

Han Zezheng led his troops into the sacred hall of nobles, revoke the appointment of the governor on the spot, and promulgated Kant's temporary decree.

Then these nobles were regulated and controlled. Like prisoners, they were brought one by one in front of the strange magic tools. In front of the dark eyes, they held signs, took photos of the front and side, and recorded their identities. Then swear to that eye.

He swears to the sun **** Sulla that he will never leave the Far Harbor until his suspicions are cleared, and until the Far Harbor Provisional Government lifts the ban, otherwise he will voluntarily give up all honor, title and dignity, and voluntarily accept all punishments, punishments and torture. , no complaints.

They were also coerced into adding a sentence to their oath.

"Like the former nobles who tried to incite the commoners and betray His Royal Highness Kant during the Far Harbor riot."

This is the ultimate humiliation.

Because the reason for this was that they were dissatisfied with the way Kant dealt with those who betrayed them, so they launched this economic war, trying to demonstrate and show strength to Kant.

But now he is being held in his own nest and forced to say such things.

-Prefer not to say? It's ok.

Then, as a criminal suspect suspected of manipulating prices and maiming civilians, he will be thrown into prison, waiting for investigation and judgment - as to whether your family will be without a leader, and whether the family business will be demolished in this food crisis. Fall, will the wife and property be occupied by the side branches and brothers...

Then it's none of our business.

The iron-boned nobles of the Far Harbor have all obeyed.

After all this was done, they were released home.

The Earl of Hawes did not think this was mercy.

This is cruel banter.

"He wants to see us struggling..."

Speaking of which, Hawes was already shaking like a sieve of chaff.

Supervising commodity trading, suspending all lending and levying taxes... It was like a sharp arrow piercing the key points with precision, and he seemed to be able to see the cruel smiles of the Aurora people.

"He is taking revenge and punishing us..."

The profit from speculation is so great that the nobles with limited cash, of course, used their property and business as collateral to borrow money. , and once it was shot, it was earth-shattering and extremely ruthless.

The wheat waves pouring down from the sky are like a forbidden spell.

Economic ban.

In the most domineering, vicious and brutal way, all market confidence was shattered with one blow.

"The grain trade has all stopped... No one will buy it anymore..." Hawes trembled, "because Kant announced that he would give free grain for five days..."

"Civilians won't buy it because there are free..."

"The merchants won't buy it anymore. They are frightened by that wheat mountain... Kant can move one, maybe ten or a hundred... No one dares to gamble..."

Hawes turned his head, his eyes were red, and he looked at his wife: "The most vicious thing is that he gave a period of five days. After five days, he will continue to sell grain at the price of five copper coins per pound. This price , is one-seventh of today's grain price, and the stable grain price before the war in Far Harbor..."

Annie's expression changed, and she pondered: "Five copper coins per pound... There may be more."

"There's no drama..." Hawes said sadly, "Kant has already taken this matter into account... If we nobles are united, united, and not selfish, then we can indeed fight a price war, but he stayed for five days. , he gave us five days..."

The Earl wailed: "No matter how strong the alliance is, it will fall apart within five days, because everyone wants to pay less, and wants to minimize losses..."

When he said this, he closed his eyes in despair: "Annie, I really regret not listening to you..."

As the food price spree swept through, his wife gave him a clear warning.

Anne said that His Royal Highness Kant would never compromise or make concessions because of this, and the attack from the nobles would even arouse his greater anger, causing him to fight back and punish him at any cost.

— He still remembered clearly what his wife said that day.

"It's not because of self-esteem... I have heard rumors about His Royal Highness Kant, and I have also paid attention to what he did in Far Harbor. He is undoubtedly kind. This kind of kindness is not hypocritical or powerless, but is based on firmness. On top of will and strength, whether it's the Valentine's speech that has been quoted countless times, or the meticulousness and thoughtfulness in distributing food to the civilians of Far Harbor...

"And his kindness is equal, it is like a god, and he loves every living being."

"So, what will be the consequences of the nobles pushing up the price of food? The commoners will not be able to eat enough, and even die of starvation, even if this is the only thing... His Royal Highness Kant will not hesitate to punish those involved in this matter in any way. Everyone... must be like this..."

Annie said so.

But even now, the Earl of Hawes has not been able to understand why the people, who are as humble as weeds, are favored and favored by Kant - why are they so hostile to us? We are far stronger than them, and can provide far greater help, loyalty and contribution than them? Why?

Do not understand, still do not understand.

But the results speak for themselves.

The wife's opinion is correct.

But at the time... he didn't care.

"How to do how to do…"

He murmured, "It's over, it's over..."

In order to make a fortune, he used the sugar business and family property as collateral, and borrowed a lot of money. Even if it was a high-interest usury loan, he did not frown at all - because the price of food rose faster, he bought it sooner. , you can earn a little more, why not?

And now, all the food that was hoarded is in his hands.

Kant first released food for free, and then forcibly locked the price of food at five copper coins and one pound after five days. This move completely shattered the current deformed food market. It is conceivable that within these five days, the price of food will usher in An avalanche-style crash and panic selling will instantly push food prices to unimaginably low prices.

And his loan was borrowed when the price of food was extremely high...

to pay back.

Because it is a short-term directional loan.

Interest is high.

to pay back.

Otherwise, the mortgaged property will be...

From the beginning to the end, Earl Hawes never thought of the idea of ​​"delinquent".

Not that he was honest and trustworthy.

Instead, it was Long Island who lent him the money.

- What a free soul would have the idea of ​​reneging on a debt with the dragon!

"-clam down."

Hawes, who was on the verge of collapse, suddenly felt a pain in his shoulder.

Looking up, his wife looked at him with an unprecedented serious look.

He never imagined that those little hands that had never held anything heavier than a teacup could have such strength.

"Honey, calm down, things have happened, what we have to do now is to minimize the losses, keep the family business, at least, keep us, keep me and you, and the daughters..."

Hawes thought of his girls, and his heart ached: "But..."

"There's nothing wrong with it, it's our responsibility as parents."

Annie's beautiful and round face held a solemn expression: "First of all, we must make maximum use of our current assets, that is, the grain we have acquired and hoarded. Now the grain price in Far Harbor will surely usher in a major collapse, even if it is sold at any cost. , it can't be sold..."

"The same is true for the entire Bibo province. The trend of food price collapse will definitely spread from the far port to other places."

"But other places are different!"

"Other areas of Goethe! Even overseas! After all, the harvest in the mainland is very good this year, and there is no shortage of food. The soaring food prices are inherently unreasonable. The reason for the extremely high food prices in Bibohang Province is entirely due to External factors are closed and unique, that is to say, the price of food in other areas will still maintain the original scale... We will sell food to those places!"

"We're going to ship out the grain and sell it before anyone else can figure it out!"

"In this way, we can maximize the recovery of funds!"

Hawes blinked.

He looked at his wife in disbelief, as if he knew her for the first time.

After marrying her home, this beautiful wife is a lady in peace, spending a lot of time on maintenance, watching plays, socializing with other ladies, and educating children. This life, and he also gave his wife such a life, as if right and proper.

Occasionally, his wife chatted with him about business matters, and he laughed and changed the subject after listening to a few words. The hostess didn't have to understand this, otherwise he would have a man do something.

but now…

His wife's words were like a flash of lightning, illuminating his heart.

Frightened and panicked, he suddenly woke up at this moment.

"Yes!" he shouted, "to cut losses!"

"Come on!"

The people in charge of the Chamber of Commerce who were waiting outside rushed in.

Grain is out of warehouse, vehicles are mobilized, captain and sailor are contacted, and the ship is ready to be loaded.

Then formulate a plan, identify buyers, and transport the grain out of the Far Port and Bibo Province as quickly as possible.

Everything was arranged in an orderly manner.

After the younger brothers left, Hawes breathed a sigh of relief, and then showed a little smile - he felt much more relaxed, and turned to praise his wife, but he saw that Annie's expression was still serious.

"…Thank you Annie," he said. "What more can we do?"

"No... It's better to say that the real thing to do has just begun."

The count said blankly, "What?"

Annie looked out the window. In the sky, there were still dragons circling. They were the main force in the attack and suppression earlier today.

The lady said softly: "Dear, I just thought of something - you said, without Kant's permission, will Longdao enter Bibo Province without permission, borrow money, and make a lot of money?"

Hawes didn't understand at first, but then his pupils contracted violently.

The Earl took two steps back, with anger, fear, distortion and hatred on his face. He seemed to understand that all this was a game, and it was Kant's trap - this evil Aurora!

"It is very difficult for us to repay the debt of the dragons... The dragons have a way to squeeze all our wealth, especially with Kant's promise or even encouragement."

Annie whispered: "Unless..."

Hawes seemed to see a light in the darkness.

"Unless what?"

His voice had become hoarse.

"Unless we make some kind of choice and... sacrifice."

The beautiful woman replied softly, she bit her lip and her face paled: "You, me, even... children... everyone in the Hawes family is obliged to make sacrifices."

The count instantly understood what his wife meant.

He showed a twisted look of rage. He was not surprised by this kind of thing. Because the nobles have been at the top all the year round and have enjoyed too much fun that ordinary people can't imagine, the threshold of pleasure has been extremely high. In order to pursue more happiness, there will always be more Fresh gameplay.

In shopping malls, like battlefields, things like bankruptcy, wars, and disasters will always happen. Once prominent families have fallen, once noble and beautiful people have lost their shelter, and they have even been actively pushed out by former shelterers in exchange for bargaining chips. ... almost all nobles could not resist this temptation.

Earl Hawes also enjoyed it many times.

Those once beautiful and noble ladies had their husbands even above their own titles and status, those young and beautiful girls who used to call themselves uncles sweetly, but now sing under them with tears in their eyes. The unparalleled excitement and joy made him deeply immersed in it and had endless aftertastes.

But it's my turn...

"I will never allow it!"

He said sharply: "We sell the food outside! Collect some of the funds! Then sell some of the property, use the proceeds from the sugar business as a guarantee, and ask the Dragon Clan to relax the deadline! I will pay off this debt! Even if I am bankrupt, even if Disgraceful, I will never let you and your children use your own..."

The next moment, the door was knocked violently, and then the stewards who had gone out to work hurriedly returned and shouted: “Sir! It was also blocked by the Survey Corps, the freight station and the wharf were clearly instructed, and His Highness Kant’s order, before this matter is over, is not allowed to transport a grain of food outside!”

Hawes's mouth opened slightly, and the second half of the rhetoric was completely speechless.

His body swayed, he staggered back a few steps, and hit the bookshelf behind him.

In the violent vibration, the Aurora porcelain placed on the bookshelf fell to the ground during the shaking, smashed and shattered...

￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥

PS1: I’ve written a lot today, I’ve written seven or eight thousand words, but the rest are incomplete, I can’t write any more, go to bed first… This chapter is six thousand words, good night.

PS2: And I just found out that I pressed the paste once more when I changed the text. There are two or three hundred words repeated, which have been changed. I will send a few hundred words for free tomorrow, and that’s it.