Chapter 176: Build High Walls, Accumulate Grain, Slowly Become King?
Chapter 176: Build High Walls, Accumulate Grain, Slowly Become King?
In the Hilsdon District,Hastur Dedicated two days to inspect the projects and companies he was interested in, mainly to understand the character of the people in charge.
If the person in charge was incompetent, no matter how good the project was, it would be difficult to succeed. If they were greedy, he estimated they would embezzle as much money as he invested.
Hastar had zero tolerance for such corruption and embezzlement.
Thus, out of the six projects and eight companies he inspected, only two projects and two companies remained, mainly focused on industrial research.
To ensure his legal standing in the future,Hastur Brought in a shrewd and capable lawyer from his firm to handle the signing of a series of investment agreements.
He also took this opportunity to indulge in his lawyerly habits once more.
After all this work,Hasturfinally had time to accept Greck's invitation.
During the two daysHasturwas busy in Hilsdon District, Greck had been wanting to invite him out for a meal, and now he finally had the time.
In a private room of a Feneport-style restaurant,Hasturand Greck enjoyed fine dining while discussing business matters.
Greck was eager to impart some business wisdom to Hastar, sharing numerous business cases and secrets, as well as some of the unwritten rules of the business world.
Hastar listened quietly; this was an area where he was not skilled, and Greck's presence helped him fill this gap.
"Greck, I see a brighter future in the grain industry, what do you think?"
Hastar, having gained a favor, intentionally steered Greck's attention towards the grain industry.
Greck frowned slightly, "Now, during the reform period, noble lands are not valuable. With the repeal of the Grain Laws, grain prices are generally low and weak, with no chance of recovery in the short term. It's not a good investment direction."
"Exactly because noble lands are currently undervalued, it's a great opportunity for us to acquire land. If a large-scale war breaks out in the future, won't grain prices rise significantly?"
Greck was pleased thatHasturhad his own ideas and insights, but he still disagreed with Hastar's judgment.
"Some time ago, before the Grain Laws were implemented, our Nigan family had already sold off quite a bit of land. My father and uncle would not agree to our family going back to the old ways of land. Industry and banking are the focus of our future layout."
"You're right about one thing; it is indeed the best time to acquire land. But you haven't considered one thing: owning a lot of land means you need to hire a large number of farmers to manage it."
"The wages in factories are generally two to three times that of farmers. Most farmers who can work hard will choose to work in factories if possible. To retain people, you'll need to pay more."
"There might indeed be wars in the future, and grain prices will inevitably rise, but the future is too far away and unpredictable. The capital wasted in the meantime might exceed your potential future profits."
Greck paused for a moment, then smiled, "Another point, even if grain prices soar in the future, our earnings from industry and banking will still far exceed agriculture."
"So, no matter how you look at it, buying land to grow grain is not the best choice for our Nigan family."
Hastar listened silently, admitting that Greck made sense; the returns from industry and banking were far greater than agriculture.
It was the inevitability of progress.
But there was something Greck didn't know.
The future of the great war among nations was not far off, and the financial industry was like rootless duckweed in troubled times, not as solid as a bag of grain.
The end times were only a decade or so away, and industrial development was extremely limited at present.
And most importantly, the Nigan family indeed did not need much grain, but he did.
There's a saying: Build high walls, accumulate grain, and slowly become king.
The upcoming great war among nations, along with the involvement of various outer gods and ancient powers, would surely make the future world chaotic.
For Hastar, having enough grain was the real foundation for survival in troubled times.
When war brought famine, a mouthful of grain could make people risk their lives for him.
Hastar nodded, not trying to persuade Greck further, but said, "Greck, you're right, but I still need to purchase a large amount of land, preferably in South Wilshire."
Greck thought for a moment, then smiled, "I remember your Campbell family's territory is in South Wilshire, right?"
"Yes, if possible, I would like to redeem the land originally belonging to our Campbell family and also acquire the lands of other nobles nearby,"Hasturdid not hide this fact.
"Well, now is indeed a good time, and you do need a lot of territory. I can help you with this."
Greck, facing Hastar's slightly bright eyes, explained with a smile.
Many nobles are on the verge of bankruptcy, and they have long wanted to sell their land, but basically no nobles would take over at this time unless they offer a very low price.
The Nigan family, at the top of the nobility, has a lot of information about other nobles, including those in South Wilshire.
HelpingHasturfind sellers and lower the price was not difficult for Greck.
Hastar sighed, "Greck, it's my luck to know you."
"Ah, what a pity, Hastar, why are you a boy?" Greck feigned regret with a sigh.
"Indeed, it's a pity, Greck, why aren't you a girl?"
Hastar threw the topic back, then picked up a piece of fragrant beef with his fork and knife.
"Hastar, you really don't like to be at a disadvantage."
"Greck, I've always thought you were more generous than me, so I'll trouble you again."
"…"
Greck shook his head with a smile and began to enjoy the meal.
After dinner and discussing serious matters, Greck curiously asked, "I heard from Hibert that Earl Hall asked Audrey to invite you to their house?"
"Yes, tomorrow evening."
"Hastar, do you think this will be the start of your good fortune or the beginning of your misfortune?"
"I think Earl Hall won't make things difficult for me, a junior. After all, he's always been a noble with manners."
Greck smiled, "That's hard to say. Besides being a noble with manners, he's also a father deeply in love with his daughter."
"Greck, have you misunderstood something?"
"Hastar, do you really think there's a misunderstanding here?"
"…"
Hastar found it difficult to answer this question, his brow furrowed slightly, then relaxed again.
It must be a misunderstanding by Earl Holber; he and Audrey were just normal friends.
Or maybe Greck misunderstood; Earl Holber's invitation was just a simple meal, after all, as parents, they always want to see what kind of person their daughter's friends are.
…
Sunday evening at six o'clock.
Hastar, with the eager anticipation of Butler Neil, boarded the carriage to Earl Holber's house.
On the carriage,Hasturremembered Butler Neil's encouraging gaze and proud expression, as if Neil was proud that his pig would finally root in someone else's cabbage.
This feeling was too strong.
Hastar tried to explain that there was nothing between him and Audrey, but Butler Neil just listened with a smile, taking his explanation as a shy gesture.
"Why does everyone have to guess about romantic feelings? Can't people be more straightforward? Can't I just be ordinary friends with Audrey?"
Hastar sighed and stopped thinking about these troublesome issues.
Instead, he thought about how to please Earl Hall later, or rather, how to win him over.
Hastar closed his eyes slightly, recalling the information about Earl Hall that Greck had given him earlier.
Like what Earl Hall liked, what topics he was good at discussing, which abilities he valued most in the younger generation, and what to be careful of when interacting with him.
The more he thought about it, the more awkwardHasturfelt.
It was like the feeling of a son-in-law visiting his father-in-law!
Hastar's mood became even more complicated.
The carriage rattled on, arriving outside Earl Holber's villa.
Hastar got off the carriage, and the person who came out to greet him was Earl Holber's eldest son, Hibert.
After a friendly greeting, Hibert whispered a reminder, "Earl Hall is not in a good mood tonight, so be careful."
"…Really?"
"You're visiting our house for the first time; shouldn't you leave a good impression on the elders?"
Hastar immediately understood that Hibert had also misunderstood.
He could only say, "I'll be careful, and I believe Earl Hall is a noble with manners."
Hibert patted Hastar's shoulder, "If you feel overwhelmed, you can seek help from Lady Holber."
"…"
Hastar opened his mouth, wanting to explain himself.
He was just here as an ordinary guest; did everyone have to be so imaginative?
But in the end, he didn't explain; no matter how much he explained to Hibert, he would only take it as an excuse for shyness.
Hastar remained silent, following Hibert along the winding path through the fountain area to the front of a huge, luxurious house with its doors wide open.
"Don't be so heavy-hearted, relax a bit. Our Earl Hall doesn't like a young man who's too restrained."
Faced with Hibert's careful reminders,Hastur Could only respond with a polite yet awkward smile.
"You don't need to be so tense; just relax. Our Earl Hall doesn't like young men who are too uptight."
With Hibert's thoughtful advice,Hasturhad no choice but to face him with a smile that was both courteous and slightly embarrassed.
He couldn't very well say that his silence on the way was because he didn't want to talk, could he?
(End of Chapter)
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