Chapter 212: How about you beat me up?
The Lord has suspended trade in the Noldor Forest.
He personally went to the market which had not yet been completed and told everyone that this was a chance for the Noldor to see the sincerity of mankind and that real large-scale transactions would have to wait until the road was completed.
He also said that they must find a way to resolve Aldarian's hostility towards humans, otherwise no one would dare to send in large quantities of goods, and the goods of the Noldor could not be taken out.
The Noldor and the merchants all agreed that transportation and safety issues did seem to be the biggest problems.
In fact, neither of these two things is the most important - as long as the trading market is built in White Deer Castle, these two problems will not exist at all.
But the problem is that if the market is built in Bailubao, it would be equivalent to a commercial building.
If we wait for the Noldor to come over, it will be difficult to achieve the Lord's ultimate goal.
Although the difference is only eighty miles, the concepts are completely different - one is in the home of humans, and the other is in the home of the Noldor.
This is the difference between active and passive.
The Noldor must feel convenient and safe, and be allowed to enjoy the ease of passively accepting convenience, so that the Lord's ultimate intention can be achieved.
Therefore, the Lord stopped the transaction, actually just wanted to solve the problem of the Noldor having no money first.
First, we must allow the Nodo to have the first sum of money to spend, and make it comfortable for them to spend, so as to fundamentally promote sustained consumption.
Thinking about the silver coins in the warehouse in the territory, the lord decided to run a regular business while building the road.
"Sir, I still don't quite understand the banking business you are talking about..."
Leslie looked embarrassed. She was from Buckley and knew Buckley's bank, but she didn't understand Leon's intentions.
"It's very simple. You just tell those merchants to deposit their money in the bank, and the bank will provide them with a 10% dividend every year. In addition, the bank's main business is mortgage loans. All the loans previously provided to merchants will be transferred to the bank, and the interest rate of 1% per week will be reduced to 2% per month. Deposits can be deposited and withdrawn at any time with a bank passbook, and large transactions can also be settled directly in the bank - this way they don't have to carry a large amount of dinars around, which will be safer."
Li Ang briefly explained the most basic business logic.
"That sounds good, but doesn't that mean we need a lot of people who can do accounting? And...if they only deposit money and don't take out loans, won't they lose money?"
Leslie frowned. She realized that if she wanted to do this kind of business, she would need a lot of people who were good at accounting.
And...what if I get fleeced?
"Every Noldor elf is educated and knows how to do accounting. I hope that those merchants only deposit money and don't take out loans. There are many people who take out loans... You should do two things first: First, tell those merchants that I want to open a bank and raise a lot of funds. The original shares are on a first-come, first-served basis. Second, build two largest stores and the strongest warehouses in the center of White Hart Castle and Noldor Forest Market respectively - build as big as you can."
The Lord stood on the hill of White Hart Castle and pointed: "The bank on the White Hart Castle side is built there."
He was referring to the only open space in White Hart Keep, which was right next to the newly built camp of the Noldor Rangers. Further up was the main castle, which was indeed quite safe.
"Have you heard? Lord Leon is going to build a bank in Bailubao..."
"I just heard about this. It's called the Eastern Bank. They said they want to raise funds. Do you plan to invest?"
"Of course I have to invest in the business started by Lord Leon. I'm just afraid that he won't appreciate my small amount of dinars..."
"I heard that if you deposit dinars directly into the bank, you can earn 10% interest every year. Does Lord Leon have too much money?"
"Will you not get robbed if you deposit your money there?"
"What are you thinking... Those Noldor Rangers will guard the bank, who dares to rob it? Besides... It's better to rob the Noldor girl than to rob the dinar..."
"The price of Noldor girls is not as high as before... I just came from Changhe Town, and there are no slave hunters in the tavern there. It is said that even Cliff Rock Bay is not buying much..."
"You can see so many elf girls in White Hart Castle every day. After seeing them so many times, they are no longer so rare..."
"Yes, just like the spices of the Bacchus Empire. They were more expensive than gold a few years ago. Since the establishment of Changhe Express, the price has dropped tenfold. Fortunately, I am not in the spice business."
"But I'm still jealous...it's really beautiful!"
"Didn't Lord Leon say that as long as the elf girls are willing, it's okay to make friends with them. They are also very kind... I think you can give it a try..."
"Come on, even though he's usually very kind, we can't afford to offend him. If he gets angry, he'll shoot you with an arrow..."
"If they like me, I would rather be shot by an arrow..."
From White Hart Castle to McFlurry Territory, merchants were discussing the lord's new business.
But the topic always quickly turns to the Noldor girl...
In fact, banks are nothing new in this world, especially for Buckley. The first thing the Buckley Business Alliance did after its establishment was to open the earliest bank.
Most of the merchants in the continent of Pendor have also heard of it.
However, merchants in the continent of Pendor have rarely seen such a thing as getting high interest by depositing money in the bank - Barkley's bank is a property custody bank, and people who deposit money have to pay a small custody fee to the bank.
But your Lordship, this bank not only bears the risk of keeping dinars for others, but also pays interest to those who deposit money?
This is a new thing. Many people even think that the lord has too much money and is planning to squander it...
But no matter what, the lord's appeal is still very strong. When he says he wants to raise funds, these businessmen are the ones who respond the fastest.
The key point is that this investment is completely risk-free - regardless of whether the business itself makes a profit or a loss in the initial investment, the lord will deposit the money into their account and calculate interest on it, just as if it were a one-year term.
In other words, as long as you deposit money in the bank, it is considered an investment, and you will not only get interest, but also dividends in the future if you make a profit!
When needed, as long as you give up the interest and dividend rights, you can even withdraw the principal at any time!
Where can I find such risk-free investment?
"Sir, is this really appropriate? Although this can absorb a large amount of dinars, if not enough people borrow money, we will go bankrupt in a year..."
Leslie was quite anxious. She felt that the Lord's method of using deposits as financing was a bit hasty.
"Don't worry, we will officially open on October 1st. On that day, you will know how many people will apply for loans..."
Li Ang seemed full of confidence.
There is still half a month until October 1st, so he still has plenty of time to prepare.
…
On September 17th, the king's messenger arrived at White Hart Castle to convey the call of duty.
The messenger said that King Ulric would come to Changhe Town in person to inspect in a few days, and hoped that Baron Leon would go to Changhe Town to greet him.
The envoy's face was full of flattery. He felt that His Majesty the King was going to personally confer an imperial title on Le Ang - it was obvious that Baron Le Ang had made great contributions in the north, and he was either going to be promoted to a higher rank or have his territory expanded. In any case, it would be a good idea to flatter him more.
This was not a surprise. Since Ulrik did not ask Leon to report to Sarleon City, he would most likely come to Changhe Town on his own. After all, the King's Seal had not been found yet, so he had no choice but to come in person.
So Leon set off easily, and brought his own Noldor Ranger Guard with him.
The Noldor Ranger was brought along on purpose because he wanted to let the king know that he had a good relationship with the Noldor elves.
After arriving at Changhe Town, the lord discovered that Godric was rarely staying in the lord's hall - he usually stayed in the inner castle, and it was obvious that he was waiting for Leon.
"What do you think he'll do?"
Godric asked casually as he sat in the lord's seat with his legs crossed and flipping through a book.
"If we do nothing, he will probably impose a high tax and give me an impossible task... so I brought the Noldor Rangers with me."
Li Ang came over and sat directly on the table: "I guess after he sees the Noldor Ranger, he will stop making things difficult for me and will probably ban me to Changhe Town. He will definitely want me to stay away from White Hart Castle..."
"So how are you going to deal with it? I can't do what you did in White Hart Castle..."
Godric put down the book with a feeling of reluctance - he had already turned the last page.
"Don't worry, he won't let you go back to White Hart Castle. As long as he sees these Noldor Rangers, he won't feel at ease with either of us in White Hart Castle - especially when the strength of his direct troops has been greatly damaged. According to his way of thinking, the biggest possibility is to swap everyone's positions..."
Li Ang shook his head and smiled.
"You mean to say that he will let Brennus's people take over White Hart Castle, exchange my fiefdom for your territory, and then let you take charge of the eastern military affairs? This way everyone seems to be rewarded, but it will make us fight among ourselves..."
Godric understood what Leon meant.
"Yeah, so our relationship can't be too good... Otherwise, how about you publicly beat me up in Changhe Town tomorrow?"
Li Ang spread his hands: "Don't worry, I won't fight back..."
"Hiss... is there such a good thing?"
Godric threw the book in his hand into Leon's arms, with a sly smile on his face: "I wanted to beat you up anyway. Look at what kind of books you read all day long? You've corrupted my daughter!"
Li Ang turned over and got off the table, shaking his head repeatedly: "Don't you like reading this book? Amy hasn't read it... Hey, I guarantee she really hasn't read it! Don't hit me in the face tomorrow, the wound on my forehead hasn't healed yet..."
…
The next day, King Ulric arrived at Changhe Town.
In fact, the king came with a small entourage, and his entourage consisted of less than two hundred people - for a king, this was indeed a very simple trip.
However, Changhe Town made it very grand, with lights and decorations everywhere, and even organized a group of civilians to stand on both sides of the street holding flowers to welcome the guests. The only thing missing was for everyone to shout "Warmly welcome Your Majesty to come and inspect."
But Ulrich was clearly in no mood to have fun with the people. He didn't even open the window and drove the carriage straight into the city. He didn't get off until he reached the Lord's Hall of White Hart Castle.
Ulrich now seems to have recovered his health. He even refused the help of his servants when getting out of the car. He seemed to have regained the majestic demeanor of a king.
He seemed to have recovered from the illness that lasted for more than half a year, but no one knew what price he paid.
Accompanying Ulrich was Lord Malbert, son of Duke Brunus.
This lord is still the acting administrator of Changhe Town, and it is his duty to accompany the king.
"What's going on with these...?"
The king saw several handsome men in hoods standing outside the lord's hall - Le Ang was stroking his chest and saluting, while those handsome men were standing behind Le Ang and did not bow to the king. They just lowered their heads slightly when the king got out of the car.
Ulric knew what he was talking about, and those handsome guys were obviously Noldor elves.
"Those are Leon's guards, mercenaries recruited from the Noldor Forest."
The one who answered was Godric, who was the highest-ranking noble here, so of course he had to be responsible for the main reception.
"Noldor mercenary? Humph... He has quite a wide range of social connections..."
Ulrich muttered expressionlessly, glanced at Leon, then waved to Leon, indicating that Leon should follow him into the lord's hall.
Since they are private mercenaries brought in by the nobles from abroad, they have nothing to do with the king. Of course, there is no need to perform any great ceremony to the king. Just being polite will be enough.
"Heh, that bastard has more than just extensive social connections... they're simply overwhelming..."
Godric was quite indignant.
Ulrich looked at Godric in surprise: "What do you mean?"
"Hehe... Look at the two behind him..."
Seeing that Leon had come over, Godric said in a low voice.
Ulric saw two beautiful Noldor girls, one mature and graceful, the other young and beautiful...
That's Wendatil and Wendylf.
It seems like he really has a wide range of friends. Ulrich is actually a little envious...
Leon approached the king with a smile on his face, bowed again, then glanced at Godric who was behind the king on the right, and planned to bypass him without saying a word...
"Slut..."
Godric muttered again.
"Lord Godric, that's enough! I haven't done anything wrong..."
Leon seemed to finally be unable to bear it anymore and looked at Godric with dissatisfaction.
"You didn't do anything wrong? Where's the money I deserve? Give it back to me! You spent money to find Noldor beauties and hire Noldor guards. That was our combined money! But you didn't give me my share! And you're still pretending like nothing happened? Boy, if you don't pay me back, Amy won't let you take back Eagle Claw Castle!"
Godric was acting very irritable and looked very angry.
I guess he thinks his acting skills aren't particularly good, so he has to keep yelling to make up for the micro-expressions on his face...
"You are slandering me! I will give you what you deserve, but don't even think about occupying my Eagle Claw Castle!"
Li Ang's veins bulged and his eyes were fierce. He looked even angrier than Godric - this was the facial management of an Oscar winner.
All the onlookers looked incredulous, and Lord Malbert also opened his mouth wide with surprise on his face.
"You guys... this... isn't good?"
Lord Malbert had never expected that during his absence from Changhe Town, the two of them would actually fall out? They even quarreled in front of the king?
Ulric turned around and looked at Godric, then glanced at Leon on the other side. Seeing that both of them looked like they wanted to eat each other, he raised his eyebrows and asked the guard beside him, "What's wrong with them?"
The guard beside him was the messenger who had arrived at Bailu Castle in advance to deliver the message.
"Your Majesty, I heard that they were in business together, and Baron Leon probably misappropriated the funds shared by the two to hire the Noldor elves before Lord Godric's consent, and he did make great contributions in Eagle Claw Castle. But Lord Godric suffered losses because of this, so that Changhe Town was occupied by the rebels... So Lord Godric let Miss Amy occupy Eagle Claw Castle and refused to leave, hoping to force Baron Leon to pay back the money; and Baron Leon let the Noldor elves he hired move into White Hart Castle, hoping to force Baron Godric to give in... Anyway, they quarreled whenever they met these two days... Oh! What's going on!"
As the guard was speaking, he saw a sudden commotion at the scene.
Godric actually attacked Leon!
The beating was so fierce that a heavy punch hit Li Ang's nose bridge. Blood spurted out of his nose and his face was covered with red.
"Let me go! If I don't beat him to death today, he won't know what it means to respect the elders!"
"Humph! You think I'm afraid of you! You actually hit me in the face?!"
The scene was in chaos, and the king's entourage and several officials from the House of Lords had to separate the two men. Several guards held their arms tightly for fear that they would break out into another fight.
This was happening in front of the king, and it was really not decent for two lords to be fighting with each other.
"Are you planning to duel in front of me?"
Ulrich glared at the two of them.
Leon and Godric glared at each other, then turned their heads away at the same time: "Humph!"
"That's enough, your Majesty is here... this is so rude!"
Officials from the House of Lords and Lord Malbert worked together to smooth things over.
"I'm sorry, Your Majesty, I get angry when I see him..."
Godric began to admit his mistakes and said that he was impulsive.
Li Ang also broke free from the hands of several guards, straightened his collar, and wiped the blood from his nose with a grimace.
"Don't want to duel? Then get in here!"
Ulrich turned and walked into the lord's hall.
"Godric, Leon...sit down...Malbert, you sit down too."
After entering the Lord's Hall, Ulrich rarely asked the three of them to sit at the round table, and he also sat at the head seat of the round table. It seemed that he wanted to communicate with everyone in a relatively equal way.
Godric and Leon each picked a spot that was the farthest away from each other...
Malbert looked at it, then sighed and sat between the two of them.
"I came here to issue a decree of conferring a title... I didn't expect your relationship to become like this! It seems that you need to renegotiate your territory..."
After everyone was seated, Ulrich got straight to the point and started talking, even using the word "discuss".
"Your Majesty, you can just give the order directly... My sword will only be pointed at the enemy."
Leon's attitude was quite respectful, but he kept glancing at Godric from the side, and there was something sarcastic in his words.
After saying that, he rubbed his nose again. The blood had stopped coming out, but the tip of his nose and cheeks were obviously swollen, and it was obvious that he had really been beaten.
"I am not like someone who doesn't distinguish between public and private matters. Your Majesty, just give me your orders..."
Godric also expressed his opinion, which was also a bit sarcastic.
