https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-324-Governor-Lanchi-Serving-the-People/12584471/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-326-The-Conclusion-of-Cardinal-Lanchi-s-Visit-to-the-Snowfield-Province/12584478/
Chapter 325: Lanchi and the Imperial Capital Prison's School Collaboration Project
Chapter 325: Lanchi and the Imperial Capital Prison's School Collaboration Project
"We must apprehend the criminals of the Ghost Party and effectively train them to become negative-cost labor," Lanchi said, gently lifting a finger to point towards the distant snowy mountains as he instructed the lords. "Then, we will implement this mechanism to increase the productivity of our city-state. We will also issue bounties based on the value of the prisoners, enticing powerful adventurers and mercenaries in our province and others to join as bounty hunters and compete to deliver justice."
Lanchi continued, his finger still pointed in the distance: "Human desires are like rolling stones down a mountain; once they start, they cannot be stopped. Tangible benefits are always more effective than anything else. From the beginning, I believed that your competition for interests was unnecessary."
It could have been a mutually beneficial endeavor, yet they refused to budge, stubbornly locking horns with each other.
Lanchi couldn't quite understand their mindset.
"..."
The others lowered their heads, remaining silent, afraid that the goddess might be watching them.
Compared to the governor's words, their previous rivalry seemed more human.
This person would be considered a war criminal in a time of war.
But they dared not speak their minds.
And after overcoming their moral qualms...
It did seem like a worthwhile endeavor.
Both the lords and the local people had long suffered at the hands of the Ghost Party.
Moreover... if it could be successfully implemented, without considering the humanitarian aspect, the profits might indeed be substantial!
"Then, what about the legal and operational risks?"
The lords inquired, concerned.
They had no control over an excessive number of prisoners, and the cost of housing them was extremely high—these were the most troublesome core issues.
"There are no legal risks as long as we draft the documents reasonably," Lanchi assured them. "Even if the Lower House intends to veto this 'prisoner labor rental' proposal by amending the legislation, the Upper House has the power to delay its passage. And during this time gap, I have a way to make this plan more comprehensively accepted."
The lords nodded thoughtfully upon hearing Lanchi's words.
Regardless of the attitude of the Lower House, the nobles of the Upper House, even those in the south, would most likely approve of this "prisoner labor rental" proposal.
And once they saw it successfully implemented in the north, they would probably be eager to introduce it in the south as well!
"As for operational risks, that's simple. I've had a plan for a long time. We can sell... no, transfer high-ranking criminals to the imperial capital. Our school has actually been cooperating with the Hellrom Underground Prison in the imperial capital, and next month, I've invited Warden Bakus to visit our school for talks. If this is successful, perhaps the imperial capital's prison can also undergo a productivity reform."
Lanchi's original intention was that, since he couldn't actually kill the students, he decided to adapt to the culture of the Protoss Empire by sending obstinate students to prison for reform and education instead of immediate execution.
Although the transfer of Bakus, the most powerful figure in the prison, from the outskirts of the imperial capital to the school in the southern market could theoretically increase the risk of a prison break on that day, no one in their right mind would attempt such a foolish endeavor.
Lanchi would never tolerate any imperial citizen engaging in such lawless behavior.
"..."
The lords listened intently, their eyes sparkling with excitement as they exchanged glances.
If they could directly send powerful prisoners to the imperial capital and quickly turn them into cash, it would not only solve their worries but also provide a significant new source of income!
The Ghost Party now seemed even more valuable than magic mines!
As if something within them had been completely unlocked, they felt no more psychological burden and were eager to accomplish this great feat.
"Lord Logan McCarthy, you will surely become the greatest politician of the Protoss Empire in a century, and your glorious achievements as governor of the Snowy Province will soon add to your renown in Hellrom of the Imperial Capital."
The nobles bowed respectfully, their admiration for Lanchi overwhelming.
Though history's judgment of Logan McCarthy's character would be difficult to ascertain in the future, there was no doubt that the members of the Ghost Party who had endured this disaster would come to loathe him deeply.
But for now, he was undoubtedly the leader who had rescued the people of the Snowy Province from their plight!
Lanchi shook his head slightly, as if feeling that the lords had some misunderstanding about him.
"I've never been a politician," he said. "If I had to describe myself, I'd say I'm more like an administrator or a businessman. I don't want war, and I don't want to see people being deceived. As long as we can boost the economy and bring happiness to the people, that's enough."
Lanchi explained simply, "But it's true that Cloris mentioned that a Helrom Broadcasting Corporation talk show wanted to invite me for an interview next month. Now that I'm the governor, the host will have to address me with a different title during the show."
He smiled at the thought.
The Helrom Broadcasting Corporation, founded in 1723 and headquartered in the heart of the imperial capital, Helrom, was the largest news media organization in the Protoss Empire.
Although it was a publicly funded media outlet that received financial support from the empire, its management was independently overseen by a regulatory committee separate from the Postal Administration and the Upper and Lower Houses. Its independence and autonomy were further guaranteed by the Protoss Royal Charter.
On the bustling streets of Helrom, it was common to see giant screens displaying programs belonging to the Helrom Broadcasting Corporation.
"Meow meow meow?!"
Cat Boss meowed a few times, lifting his neck from Lanchi's grasp.
Receiving an invitation for a special interview program from the Helrom Broadcasting Corporation was an achievement in itself. It was rare to receive such treatment unless the editor-in-chief, producer, and committee unanimously recognized the newsworthiness of the interviewee.
Cat Boss couldn't even begin to imagine Hyperion seeing Lanchi, dressed in a sleek suit, calmly being interviewed by a host on a giant screen illuminating the bustling streets of Helrom!
Over a month ago, he had vaguely recalled Hubbell's request to keep an eye on this guy's work ethic...
Now, it seemed that the situation had completely spiraled out of his control...
Meow, I'm guilty!
"Miss Cloris Bernhard, the Duchess?"
The other lords exclaimed in surprise.
"Yes, she's one of our school's most outstanding students," Lanchi nodded slightly.
Hearing this, the lords couldn't help but marvel inwardly. Governor Lanchi truly moved in influential circles, even having connections with the Bernhard Duke's family.
Whether it was Morrothian Bernhard, the holder of the [Original Stone Tablet-Undead], or Cloris Bernhard, the Duchess, they were all high and mighty figures at the very center of power in the empire, far beyond the reach of these nobles.
Following Governor Lanchi would undoubtedly lead to a bright future.
"... "
Lanchi observed the subtle reactions of the lords and was surprised to find that this simple statement had only increased their reverence for him.
Even though they had seen him interacting daily with the Duchess back in the Southern Continent of the Kingdom of Herton, their respect for him hadn't increased by a fraction. Lanchi had even begun to feel that Hyperion's status as a noble had been revoked.
Upon reflection, he concluded that the Northern Continent's reaction was more in line with his expectations.
When people learned that he was acquainted with a duchess, this was the appropriate response.
People should show more respect to those associated with dukedoms.
Lanchi's trip to the Northern Continent had provided him with valuable work experience and insights, and he believed that these lessons would also prove useful back on the Southern Continent.
(End of Chapter)
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