Why did Colin ask Vera to return to the Phoenix Palace first?
It was because he had a guilty conscience.
The reform proposal that he had just proposed would indeed greatly weaken the influence of the senators.
However, at the same time, it would also greatly damage the interests of the five major paladin families.
Just think about it. If any of the elders of the paladin family failed to be elected as a senator after the reform was implemented, how embarrassing would that be?
This would cause great damage to the prestige of the paladin family, and the interests of the paladin family would also not be guaranteed.
Therefore, Colin was worried that this proposal would cause Vera to oppose it. After all, Vera was about to become the Dukes Of The North, and it was inevitable that she would consider the issues from the perspective of the House of Saint Hilde.
Of course, Colin was confident that he could convince Vera. This was because, as far as the current situation was concerned, Sebas was an obstacle to the House of Saint Hilde, or more accurately, to Vera and Colin.
However, it was better to avoid unnecessary trouble. Furthermore, Colin didn't want to offend the other Holy Knight families because of this.
"Prime Minister, this proposal is a gift from me to you. My only request is that you do not mention my name when you bring it to the Imperial Conference."
"Oh? Are you sure? " Baron Heidegger's expression became even more interesting. "I am already 90% confident that this proposal will be passed. This is a great opportunity to change the political situation of the empire, and even change the history of the empire!
Viscount Angley, are you really willing to give such an opportunity to become famous to me? "
Colin said indifferently, "It's just a title. I don't care about it. 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 thoughts. However, he did not care.
This reform proposal was an excellent opportunity for him to weaken the influence of the senate.
Even without mentioning the personal grudge between him and the Senate, from the political standpoint of the prime minister of the Imperium, Baron Heidegger also hoped that the Senate would be less restrained.
As for offending the Holy Knight Family, Baron Heidegger didn't care at all. His power and status came from the Emperor, so it didn't matter what the four dukes thought of him.
Besides, Baron Heidegger was certain that His Majesty would definitely support this reform proposal. After all, the Senate was set up to limit the imperial power, and the emperor would probably want to abolish it completely.
"Your Excellency Viscounts, I admire your noble character and unquestionable integrity!
Since that's the case, I won't hold back. I will send this proposal to the Imperial Conference for discussion as soon as possible. I am sure His Majesty will be very interested in it.
However, I also feel a little uneasy about taking your wisdom for myself. If you have any needs, you can take this opportunity to ask, and I will do my best to help. "
Colin's eyes lit up, and he immediately said, "Prime Minister, you must know that the Northern Frontier has just experienced two upheavals. The people are dying and famine is raging. If the central government of the empire can provide some food, then I will be very grateful!"
Hearing this, Baron Heidegger frowned. After thinking for a moment, he shook his head and sighed, "Your Excellency Viscounts, I am afraid this request will be a little difficult to fulfill.
It's not that I don't want to help you. There is indeed some food in the imperial treasury, but His Majesty already has a use for this batch of food, so … "
Colin's heart skipped a beat, and he asked, "Are you going to give it to the Western Region?"
"Yes." Baron Heidegger nodded. Seeing that Colin was not worried, he explained, "Your Excellency Viscounts, with all due respect, the Western Region needs this batch of food more. The expeditionary army that crossed the Broken Sky Mountains is still fighting with the orcs. Without this batch of food support, I am afraid that there will be a big problem.
Although the Northern Frontier also has a food crisis, after all, the rebellion has been quelled. And I also know that you seem to be prepared. Although the food of the half-elf kingdom can't fully meet the needs of the Northern Frontier, it can also temporarily solve the urgent needs. "
Colin was silent.
He knew that the reason why the emperor chose to support the Western Region instead of the Northern Frontier might be because the Western Region was at war with the orcs, but more importantly, it was because of the Paladin, Duke Sangerian.
His existence made the Western Region more valuable to win over.
Perhaps in the eyes of the emperor, supporting Vera to the position of Duke and then giving Prince Harrison to Colin as a student was already the greatest degree of winning over.
"Well, I can understand your difficulties." Colin smiled, "But you also know that it takes a lot of money to buy food from the half-elves. The House of Saint Hilde is now in an extremely difficult financial situation. So, can the central government of the Empire exempt some of the taxes of the Northern Frontier?"
Baron Heidegger said hesitantly, "I can help you mention it at the Imperial Conference, but whether it will succeed or how much reduction we can get will depend on His Majesty."
"Thank you for your trouble!" Colin could not insist anymore, so he could only express his gratitude.
Baron Heidegger thought for a moment and suddenly suggested, "Your Excellency Viscounts, if you want to get more tax reduction, I have a way."
"Please say."
Baron Heidegger lowered his voice and said, "You can go to the Eastern Region."
Colin's heart moved, and he immediately understood what Baron Heidegger meant.
In fact, this was the real reason why Emperor Reinhardt wanted to win over the Northern Frontier.
The Eastern Region had completely turned to the Church and had long become a thorn in Emperor Reinhardt's side. If Colin could lead the army to cross the Nu Shui River and even capture the White Dew City, then the emperor would not hesitate to agree to any amount of support that the Northern Frontier needed.
But unfortunately, Colin did not want to become the sword in the emperor's hand.
What's more, with the current situation of the Northern Frontier, it was impossible for them to withstand another war. If they forced a war with the Eastern Region, then the Northern Frontier would really have a tragedy of starving people everywhere.
"I'll think about it." Colin said with an indifferent expression.
Baron Heidegger seemed to have seen through Colin's perfunctory intention, so he smiled and said, "In fact, you don't really need to start a war. As long as you act like you are going to enter the Eastern Region, then I can speak up for the Northern Frontier in the Imperial Council."
Colin rubbed his chin, and the name of a city suddenly appeared in his mind – Alfalfa City.
Perhaps, he could suddenly send troops to occupy Alfalfa City when the Eastern Region was unprepared.
Alfalfa City did not have any city guards, so he could take it by surprise without dispatching an army. But at the same time, the geographical location of the city was destined to be extremely sensitive, and it could easily lead to a confrontation between the two regions.
Colin could also use this to "show his loyalty" to the royal family and "get funding" at the same time.
"Okay, I will think about it." Colin said the same thing, but his expression was a lot more cautious.
Baron Heidegger also saw that Colin was not being perfunctory this time, so he smiled and did not say anything more.
Then the two chatted for a while, and Colin got up and said goodbye.
Baron Heidegger sent Colin to the door, and suddenly said with a smile, "Your Excellency Viscounts, you have really helped me a lot this time. As a personal thank you, I also want to give you a gift."
Colin's expression changed, and he said with a smile, "May I know what the gift is?"
Baron Heidegger said mysteriously, "When you return to the Northern Frontier, if you have time, you might as well take a detour and go to Winterspring Town. Maybe you will have an unexpected harvest."
Colin frowned, but seeing that the Prime Minister did not intend to elaborate, he did not ask any more questions. After casually agreeing, he left.
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