Chapter 674: Chapter 54: Selanweir’s Cultivation and One of the Ten Treasures of Sulande Province: Earth Vein Compass_2

"The compass can point to four directions, respectively representing the Breath of Harvest, where the Wind of Jilun magic power gathers, bringing great harvest to fertile farmlands and vast pastures, significantly enhancing the territory’s agricultural output."

"Forging Fire Resonance allows the winds of metal and fierce flame to penetrate ore veins, boosting the magic power in metal refinement, increasing metal content within ores, and significantly enhancing smelting efficiency, resulting in sturdier and more exquisite equipment."

"Condensation Cycle harmonizes and gathers, greatly increasing the territory’s water resources and slightly enhancing the magic power in water, providing comprehensive improvements to sectors such as fisheries, irrigation, quenching, and pharmaceuticals, even significantly increasing fertility rates within the territory."

"Finally, Rocky Stable State solidifies the territory’s earth wind, making buildings much sturdier with enhanced resistance to earthquakes, corrosion, wars, and more, while greatly reducing construction costs, maintenance costs, and construction time."

The Breath of Harvest, Forging Fire Resonance, Condensation Cycle, and Rocky Stable State clearly correspond to the four sectors of territorial productivity: agriculture, heavy industry, light industry, and construction."

Even from the simple introduction, it’s clear how immensely impactful each aspect is, either generating enormous revenue for the territory or reducing significant fiscal expenditure."

For example, if Rocky Stable State reduces costs by twenty percent and shortens the construction period by twenty percent, then amidst the current large-scale investment and construction backdrop, it’s effortless for Su Li to save thousands in fiscal expenditure."

Moreover, these four directions can be adjusted once per quarter, allowing transformation based on the needs and focus of the Hesse Territory."

It must be said, this capability is indeed exceedingly powerful, no wonder it’s among the top 10 treasures in the entire Grand Prince of Sulande’s territory. No wonder the team of guards includes a Divine Chosen Knight from the Eternal Light Knight Order."

And Philis, in a situation of just stabilizing her position, has sent her family’s most important treasure to Su Li to support the development of Hesse Territory."

How could Su Li not be moved? He immediately asked, "What is the greatest challenge and predicament Philis is currently facing? Is there anything that needs our assistance?"

Bertrand didn’t conceal anything: "The greatest challenge facing the Prince now is in terms of finances. Because she hasn’t fully taken over the family’s territory, insufficient taxes are being collected. Recently having experienced an invasion by the Green Skin, Sulande Province has shifted entirely into a state of military warfare, resulting in a large-sized army while the territory’s foundations have been completely destroyed. The financial situation cannot maintain such a large-scale army."

"The Prince is discussing with the family’s ministers whether or not to downsize the military. However, the Prince is clearly unwilling to drastically cut the military upon just ascending the throne. You know, doing such a thing means offending many officers and soldiers and isn’t conducive to garnering support to stabilize her reign."

Truly, the first challenge any Lord faces after assuming governance is the financial issue!

No intrigue, no prodigious talent can bypass the fundamental financial problem and fantasize in vain.

This world is both idealistic and materialistic! People’s hearts are this realistic: provide them with jobs, pay salaries and allowances, and they support you. If you lack money and still intend to cut their positions and dismiss them from the army, they inevitably won’t genuinely stand by you."

Philis has just entered Sulande Province, in control and influencing only areas like Avalon Palace, and at most, Ivy City."

Whether her decrees will be acknowledged beyond Ivy City remains a question."

The sudden battle death of the previous Female Prince left behind vast territories eyed by many wolves. Although Philis inherited the position of Grand Prince of Sulande Province, those nobles will surely propose other bloodlines of the female Prince with legitimate inheritance rights to seize these territories, ripping off a piece of fat from above."

And this is merely internal human strife; the external invasion has burned fertile arable fields and vast pastures, certainly impacting Sulande Province’s fiscal revenue."

It’s fair to say that the scarcer the resources, the more nobles will exploit the opportunity to encroach on those blank territories that have lost their ruling families, to acquire more money and grain, and reduce population losses within their territories."

If, at this time, Philis can receive substantial financial support from the Golden Crown, it would indeed stabilize her position and procure a certain advantage in the forthcoming political struggle."

Su Li thus solemnly said to Bertrand, "I’ll try my best to help relieve Philis’s financial issues. You go ahead and rest. Tomorrow’s auction, we’ll find ways to increase revenue. If all goes well, we will provide Philis with no less than 50,000 gold crowns in support."

50,000 gold crowns; this is also the maximum sum Su Li can offer after meeting Hesse Territory’s basic needs."

This is still contingent on the successful sale of the Rare Level short knife, Poisonous Plague Fang."

50,000 gold crowns is an enormous wealth for Hesse Territory, yet for the vast Sulande Province, it can only be regarded as a drop in the bucket."