Why did Ke Lin let Vera go back to Phoenix Palace first
Because, he has a guilty conscience.
The Senate reform proposal he put forward just now will indeed greatly weaken the influence of the consul.
But at the same time, it will also greatly damage the interests of the five great paladin families.
Think about it, how embarrassing it would be if any elder of the paladin family failed to be elected as the consul after the reform was implemented.
This would cause great damage to the prestige of the paladin family, and the family's interests in the Senate would also not be guaranteed.
Therefore, Colin was worried that this proposal would arouse Vera's opposition. After all, Vera was about to become the Duke of the North, so it was inevitable that she would consider the issue from the standpoint of the St. Hilde family.
Of course, Colin is sure of persuading Vera, because as far as the current situation is concerned, Sebastian, the consul, is very important to the St. Hilde family, or more precisely, to Vera and Colin. It's a hindrance rather than a help.
It's just that one more thing is worse than one less thing, and Colin doesn't want to offend the other paladin families because of this.
"Prime Minister, this proposal is a gift from me. The only request is that you don't mention my name when you bring it to the imperial meeting."
"Oh? Are you sure?" Baron Heidegger's face became even more interesting, "I'm already 90% sure that this proposal will be passed. This is an excellent opportunity to change the political situation of the empire, and even change history!
Viscount Angelet, are you willing to give me such a chance to become famous? "
Ke Lin said calmly: "It's just a false name, I don't care. As long as the political situation of the empire can be improved, then I will be satisfied."
Baron Heidegger smiled thoughtfully, as if he had seen through Colin's little thoughts, but he didn't care.
For him, this reform proposal is an excellent opportunity to weaken the influence of the Senate.
Even without mentioning his personal grievances with the Senate, from the political standpoint of the Prime Minister of the Empire, Baron Heidegger also hopes to be less constrained by the Senate.
As for offending the paladin family, Baron Heidegger didn't care much. His power and status came from the emperor. It didn't really matter what the four dukes thought of him.
Moreover, Baron Heidegger is sure that His Majesty the Emperor will definitely support this reform proposal. After all, the Senate was originally established to limit the imperial power, and the Emperor may wish to abolish it completely.
"Your Excellency, Viscount, I admire your integrity!
That being the case, then I will not be polite. I will send this reform proposal to the Imperial Council for discussion as soon as possible, and His Majesty the Emperor must be very interested in it.
However, I also feel a little uneasy about taking your wisdom for myself. If you need anything, please take this opportunity to ask, and I will do my best to help. "
Ke Lin's eyes lit up, and he immediately said: "Master Prime Minister, you must also know that the northern border has just experienced two turmoil, people's livelihood is dying, and famine is raging. If the central government of the empire can provide some food, then I will be very grateful!"
Baron Heidegger frowned when he heard the words, and after thinking for a moment, he shook his head and sighed: "Your Excellency, Viscount, this request may be difficult.
It's not that I don't want to help you, there is indeed some food in the imperial treasury, but His Majesty has already used this batch of food, so... "
Ke Lin's heart moved, and he asked, "Could it be that you are planning to give it to the Western Territory?"
"Yes." Baron Heidegger nodded. Seeing Colin's uneasy expression, he explained, "Your Excellency, Viscount, with all due respect, the western region needs this batch of food even more. The expeditionary force that crossed the Tianduan Mountains is still fighting fiercely with the orcs." , without this batch of food support, I am afraid there will be big problems.
Although there is also a food crisis in the northern border, the rebellion is over after all, and I also know that you seem to have been prepared. Although the food of the half-elf kingdom cannot fully meet the needs of the northern border, it can temporarily relieve the urgent need. "
Colin was silent.
He knew that the emperor chose to support the western region instead of the northern region. Perhaps the war with the orcs in the western region was a factor, but more importantly, it was because of the paladin Duke St. Grian.
His existence made the western border more attractive.
Perhaps in the eyes of the emperor, helping Vera to the position of duke, and then sending Prince Harrison to Colin as a student, is already the greatest degree of win-win.
"Well, I can understand your embarrassment." Colin smiled, "However, you also know that it takes a lot of money to buy food from the half-elves. The current financial situation of the St. Hilde family is extremely difficult. Therefore, the empire Can the central government exempt part of the taxes in the northern border?"
Baron Heidegger hesitated and said: "I can help you mention it at the imperial meeting, but whether it can be successful or how much reduction can be obtained depends on His Majesty's will."
"Thank you for your trouble!" Ke Lin couldn't force it anymore, he could only express his gratitude.
Baron Heidegger thought for a while, and suddenly suggested: "Your Excellency, Viscount, if you want to get more tax relief, I have a way."
"Please tell me."
Baron Heidegger lowered his voice and said, "You can enter the East."
With a move in his heart, Colin immediately understood what Baron Heidegger meant.
In fact, this was the real reason why Emperor Reinhardt wooed the Northern Territory.
The eastern region has completely fallen to the church, which has long been a thorn in the side of Emperor Reinhardt. If Ke Lin can lead his army across the Nushui River and even capture Bailu City, the emperor will agree without hesitation to how much support the northern region needs. .
But unfortunately, Ke Lin didn't want to be the murderous knife in the hands of the emperor.
What's more, with the current situation in the northern border, it is impossible to withstand another big war. If a war is forced to start with the eastern border, I am afraid that there will be a human tragedy in the northern border where people are starving and dying.
"I will consider it." Colin said lightly.
Baron Heidegger seemed to see Colin's perfunctory intentions, so he said with a smile: "Actually, you don't have to really start a big war, as long as you make a gesture of marching into the East, then I can help the North at the imperial meeting." speak."
Colin rubbed his chin, and the name of a city suddenly appeared in his mind - Clover City.
Perhaps, without any precautions in the east, troops can be suddenly sent to occupy Clover City.
There is no city defense army in Clover City, and it can be taken by surprise without sending out a large army. But at the same time, the city's geographical location is doomed to be extremely sensitive, and it is easy to cause a confrontation between the two borders.
Colin can also use this to "show loyalty" to the royal family, and "solicit funding" by the way.
"Okay, I'll think about it." Colin said the same thing, but his expression was much more serious.
Baron Heidegger also saw that Colin was not being perfunctory this time, so he smiled and said no more.
Then the two chatted for a while, and Colin got up to leave.
Baron Heidegger sent Colin to the door, and suddenly said with a smile: "Your Excellency, Viscount, you really helped me a lot this time. As a personal thank you, I would also like to send you a gift."
Ke Lin's expression changed, and he smiled and said, "I don't know what gift it is?"
Baron Heidegger said mysteriously: "When you return to the north, if you have time, you might as well take a short detour and go to Winter Springs for a walk, maybe you will gain something unexpected."
Ke Lin frowned, but seeing that the Prime Minister had no intention of elaborating, he didn't ask any further questions, and after he answered casually, he left.
(end of this chapter)