"And then?"
Looking at Chen Heng, Olivia's expression was serious as she spoke.
She had long since realized the importance of north-south trade.
But before that, she was more aware of the huge profits that were hidden within.
Only after hearing Chen Heng's explanation did she realize just how important this trade route was to the northern rulers who had fallen into dire straits.
"Following this, the dukedom will give rewards and support to the rulers who have made great contributions in the war."
Chen Heng continued, "In the past, when the northern rulers fought in the north, most of the rulers did not care, believing that it was the northern rulers' own business.
"However, in actuality, if it wasn't for the northern rulers defending against the pressure from the desert, the entire kingdom would have to face immense pressure, and the nobles would not have it so easy."
Princess Olivia silently nodded.
Indeed, in the past, apart from a few people, no one cared about the northern rulers' situation.
Everyone felt that defending against the Outlanders from the desert was something that they should do.
This was because it did not concern them, and it was also because according to the customs of this era, one's territory's matters belonged to oneself.
Rulers had full control over their territory, so they naturally had the responsibility to protect it.
"Under normal circumstances, that would naturally be the case."
Chen Heng continued, "However, the situation in the north is not normal.
"Resisting the pressure from the desert is not an easy task for the lords of the north."
"If things continue to develop like this, the situation will not be good."
"What will happen?"
Olivia asked subconsciously.
"War is something that requires investment. If the northern rulers are unable to benefit from the war and are unable to receive support from the kingdom, there will only be two outcomes," Chen Heng said softly.
Chen Heng said softly, "Under the continuous losses, the northern rulers will either collapse, and the kingdom will lose its northern barrier, or the northern rulers will have to find another way out.
There was a price to pay for war.
Food, weapons, equipment, and even manpower were all part of the cost.
When the gains from a war could not make up for the losses, losses could not be avoided.
When the rulers suffered losses because of this, they would only have two choices.
They could either choose to die amidst the endless losses, or find another way out.
"When that time comes, most of the lords in the north will find another way out."
Chen Heng sighed as he said softly, "What path will they choose?"
"What could it be?"
Olivia followed Chen Heng's train of thought and fell into deep thought.
When the lords of the north could no longer bear the losses and chose to find another way out, what would they choose?
The answer was obvious.
"They will abandon their territories and bring their armies south."
Chen Heng said softly, "Since we cannot make up for our losses with the Outlanders, we can only steal from other places."
"When that time comes, the northern rulers will definitely head south and fight with the other rulers."
"At that time, it will be a storm."
Olivia could not help but shiver.
A group of northern rulers who could not bear the losses and had no choice but to head south would be a devastating outcome for the Kutu Principality.
This was especially so when they found that the southern rulers and the Kutu Principality's army were much easier to deal with than the Outlanders in the desert.
Even though the northern rulers were quite poor, because they faced constant battles, their battle power was definitely the strongest.
Moreover, when that time came, they would have no other way out. As such, the power they could unleash would definitely be shocking.
When that time came, no matter what the outcome was, the entire Kutu Principality would face a massive storm.
Without the northern rulers blocking them, the Outlanders in the desert would definitely take this opportunity to set out, putting the Kutu Principality under great pressure.
Thinking about this, Olivia could not help but tremble.
"As such, even if it is to avoid this outcome, the kingdom must support the northern rulers and have them hold on."
Chen Heng said softly as he looked at Olivia.
"But can the royal family directly support them?"
Olivia continued to ask in a serious tone.
"Of course not."
Chen Heng shook his head and said, "Supporting the northern rulers will definitely cost us greatly.
"If the royal family completely supports these costs, it will cause the royal family to gradually weaken, creating opportunities for the other rulers.
As such, we need to have the other rulers help as well.
"But how should we do this?"
Olivia asked in a serious manner, a look of anticipation on her face.
Unknowingly, she had completely immersed herself in this conversation.
Chen Heng's words seemed to have broadened her horizons, allowing her to look at things from a perspective that she had never looked at before.
This was something that she had never felt before.
As such, her mood had gone from being casual to becoming serious, and now, she was filled with anticipation and seriousness.
"Under normal circumstances, it would naturally be impossible."
Chen Heng continued to speak as he looked at Olivia, "However, there is one exception.
"That is, the opportunity to obtain territory."
"We can tell them to lead their army to the northern side. As long as they have the ability to take root in the desert and defend that region, we will recognize them as the rulers of that region and give them the opportunity to become true nobles.
"So that's possible …"
Olivia paused for a moment before coming to a realization.
That was right.
Nobles greatly valued their family's strength. Under normal circumstances, they would not be willing to waste any of their family's wealth to support the northern rulers.
However, territory was an exception.
In this world, no matter who it was, everyone greatly desired their own territory.
If they had the opportunity to obtain territory and become true nobles, even if they had to pay a price, many people would be tempted.
This was especially so for those who did not have the opportunity to inherit territory or become nobles.
In order to obtain territory, they had to personally lead people into the desert to fight against the Outlanders and take their territory.
These actions would indirectly reduce the pressure on the northern lords, reducing the pressure they had to face.
The entire process did not require much money or effort.
All the kingdom had to pay was the acknowledgement of these lords.
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