novelnext Chapter 123: Showdown
Chapter 123: Showdown
When Ronin returned to the Governor's Palace's office dome, the ravaged Caron II awaited a radical overhaul.
Even before the embers of war had dissipated, the lifeline of this mining planet was already inextricably linked to the interests of hereditary nobles, a complex web of problems that had accumulated over millennia.
Thanks to the Sector Tribunal's iron fist, and especially Dani's discreet help, the stubborn core of Viscount Walker's faction has been completely purged, and the blood of the traitors has stained the square in front of the Governor's Mansion.
However, the mines, factories, and low-level laborers remained in the hands of the remaining nobles.
Luo Ning did not choose the brutal method of ruthless confiscation. Force was the basis for negotiation, not an excuse for slaughter. Extermination would only drive the remaining nobles to desperation, plunging the already damaged planet into further turmoil.
Luo Ning immediately posted notices throughout Chaodu, announcing plans to establish the "Kalon No. 2 Mining Joint Chamber of Commerce".
This was an olive branch he extended, and also the best solution for consolidating power and appeasing the people.
Sure enough, at the appointed time the next day, the banquet hall of the governor's mansion was brightly lit, and all the remaining nobles of Chaodu, large and small, had arrived. Beneath their fine clothes and finery, however, lay unconcealed fear and unease.
They witnessed firsthand the downfall of Walker's party and knew that this newly appointed de facto ruler held considerable military power and was ruthless and decisive.
Now that they are all gathered here, everyone suspects that this is the final purge of the aristocratic class.
The entire room fell silent; everyone was on edge, and the atmosphere was extremely oppressive.
As the lights in the entire banquet hall went out, Luo Ning slowly walked onto the stage, and a beam of light shone on him.
All eyes were naturally drawn to it, filled with fear, suspicion, and resentment.
"My lords, I am Luo Ning. I believe many of you know me. I also know that many of you do not have a good impression of me, and some even harbor resentment towards me. I am fully aware of all of this."
No one responded; only soft whispers spread quietly from the audience.
But all of this was within Luo Ning's plan, and no one would have any goodwill toward an outsider who wanted to seize their power and property.
"I'm sure you've all seen the notice."
With a wave of his hand, Luo Ning unfurled a massive holographic projection in the void, revealing the distribution map of the Nest City's mineral veins and the real-life scene of the dilapidated factory.
"The Mining Association was not established to deprive you of your rights, but to save this dying planet and to seek longer-lasting and more stable interests for all of us."
The audience was deathly silent; no one responded.
Ronin's tone suddenly turned serious: "You may have heard of my industrial innovations implemented on Vatos VII. Today, I will bring those rules to Caron II."
The holographic projection refreshes, revealing a set of cold, hard data:
"Your system of slave overseers, which you have used for thousands of years, has long since come to an end. I believe that every adult shares the same helplessness. No matter how strictly you order the overseers to supervise, or how much you increase the severity of punishment, the output of the mines does not increase at all. In fact, the riots and deaths of the slaves have an extremely negative impact on the output, causing your profits to shrink day by day."
"The plan implemented by the Governor's Office is to completely change the current living conditions of the workers, and instead of using punishment as a driving force, increase work rewards to improve their work enthusiasm."
As Luo Ning spoke, the holographic projection in front of him kept changing the images. Du Wanmiqiong cooperated with him very well; almost wherever Luo Ning spoke, the corresponding image would play.
"According to data from Watos VII, after the reforms, workers' loyalty increased by 50% and their work efficiency by 70%, while the probability of discontent leading to protests or even rebellion decreased by 90%."
The audience was stunned by the data presented to them.
People whispered among themselves; some were amazed, some thought Luo Ning was talking nonsense, while most remained in a wait-and-see attitude.
Seeing that his words had successfully piqued the interest of most people, Luo Ning continued:
"But my reforms, in essence, are not intended to seize the rights of you nobles, nor do I intend to encroach upon your private property. On the contrary, our interests will be intertwined, and our planet will prosper even more with your cooperation, making our wealth far surpass what it once was—a wealth that even the core world can only look on with envy!"
Luo Ning spoke with great enthusiasm, subtly activating his power and influencing the emotions of everyone present.
"The Governor's Office will establish four major functional systems, including mining coordination, factory scheduling, labor placement, and planetary trade. It will have full control over all mines, factories, and manpower across the planet, unifying their allocation and innovating production."
"As for the expenses incurred, such as the workers' living quarters, food subsidies, and medical assistance, you will not need to spend a single penny; all costs will be borne by the Governor's Office. Of course, if any of you here are willing to contribute generously, I, Luo Ning, will repay even the smallest kindness tenfold. I, Luo Ning, will never let any friend down!"
The intangible influence of Slaanesh's power is quietly spreading. The nobles' initial resistance and wariness are slowly dissipating, replaced by attraction and weighing of their options.
Luo Ning wasn't foolish enough to wait for them to calm down before making a rational decision; he continued to throw out heavyweight offers:
"Reform is not about stripping away power, but about achieving win-win results. I sincerely invite you all to participate in the construction of the Nest City. Your century-long accumulation of experience, connections, and vision are the most valuable assets on this planet."
"Those who fully cooperate with the reform and hand over their property will be given 5% of the property's net profit as a permanent dividend each year, based on their contributions."
He changed the subject, his face becoming serious and earnest, and slowly said:
"But clear rewards and punishments are the ironclad rule of the empire and the sole principle of the Chamber of Commerce. All decrees, orders, rewards and punishments are ultimately decided by the Governor's Office. No one may arbitrarily impose criminal laws, mistreat laborers, or enrich themselves."
"Of course, if someone doesn't want to participate, Ronin won't force them, but in the future, the Nest will no longer provide assistance to nobles who do not cooperate with the reforms, only providing basic rations."
Upon hearing Luo Ning's words, the nobles below instantly erupted into chaos, but amidst the confusion, there was a greater sense of astonishment: they hadn't expected that this new ruler not only had the means, but also didn't intend to exterminate them, and even thought of making money with them!
"Lord Ronin! I am Lucius von Beaumont, and I am willing to fully cooperate with the reforms and join the Mining Association!"
A young nobleman was the first to stand up, breaking the commotion.
With the first one taking the lead, the other nobles followed suit, vying to introduce themselves, afraid of missing out on this sure-fire opportunity.
Seeing the enthusiastic crowd before him, Luo Ning's polite smile faded, replaced by a deep sense of certainty.
The old order of Calon II has collapsed.
And his new era is about to begin.