Farming with Entries: From Lord to Emperor Chapter 8 - 4: Behead First, Then Make Them My Dogs

Matt’s feet lost support and flailed helplessly in the air. His struggles were futile, and eventually, his head drooped lifelessly.

"Gather the body; it counts as one head tax for the Imperial People."

"Yes, Lord Baron."

Durant responded quietly.

Luo De stood up and loudly proclaid:

"I am Luo De Tulip, the Baron Lord of Black Pine Ridge, your ruler!"

"From today, the land beneath your feet and the sky above you are all mine!"

"The plants on the ground, the beasts in the mountains, the fish and shrimp in the rivers, the birds in the sky—all are mine!"

There was no exaggeration in Luo De’s words.

This is the rule of the world—nobles own everything.

Even free citizens have no land, relying only on leases for rights to use it, without ownership.

"Your private farming, fishing, and hunting have violated the laws of the Lord and should be hanged like Matt!"

"However, in light of your ignorance, I will not pursue your past mistakes, but only punish your indulgent mayor, Matt."

Luo De’s resonant voice echoed like thunder in the night sky, making everyone’s ears buzz,

"I am rciful; you may still live in your houses."

"But you must hand over sixty percent of your property and grain as tax to make ands for your previous wrongs!"

For a mont, the scene fell silent again; the sound of flas burning was particularly piercing.

"But like this... we will starve to death..."

"We have no surplus food left, Sir!"

"Why should you take our property?"

"Sixty percent? That’s more than half!"

...

As soon as one person spoke, others chid in.

The scene beca chaotic like a flock of crows, with everyone complaining and resisting Luo De’s orders; so even made outrageous calls to drive out the Lord.

Only the rich farrs who already paid taxes kept their heads down and stayed silent.

Luo De had anticipated this scene and calmly waved his hand.

These people hadn’t paid taxes for years and had accumulated so wealth.

Clang!

All of Luo De’s soldiers simultaneously drew their swords, the harsh tallic sound precisely cutting off all the noise.

Gang Le raised a huge axe and leapt forward,

"Anyone who dares to interrupt the Lord’s speech again will have their neck chopped off!"

Clearly, sharp blades and robust figures were more persuasive than noble titles.

The scene instantly beca silent, with so townspeople not even daring to breathe loudly, fearing a close encounter between their necks and a sharp blade.

"I won’t restrain you; if you cannot accept this, leave here."

Once the quiet was restored, Luo De spoke again, "But you are not allowed to take anything with you, including the clothing on your back. All of that is my property!"

"Otherwise, you will be sentenced to death for stealing noble property, just like Mayor Matt!"

"Also, let remind you, the entire Northern Wasteland has been divided among various nobles. Other lords will not be more rciful than I am. The only place left to flee is the Icefield Mountain Range."

Luo De’s reminder plunged the townsfolk into despair, and those who originally wanted to escape felt a crushing sense of hopelessness.

The Icefield Mountain Range is located in the far north of the Northern Territory, where perennial glaciers and snow make it uninhabitable for humans.

Having said all he needed to say, Luo De didn’t care about the townspeople’s reactions,

"That’s enough for tonight. Leave the town’s militia behind; everyone else can go."

The townspeople, still dazed by the upheaval, were ushered away by the guards, leaving only a couple dozen strong n outside the courtyard.

"You have always guarded my land, protected my property, and are different from the others."

Luo De smiled faintly, his voice gentle,

"You only need to hand over thirty percent of your property, and you don’t have to contribute grain if you don’t have enough."

At these words, the despondent n imdiately brightened with surprise!

Nobody expected such a good turn of events, and they quickly knelt in thanks,

"You are the wisest lord! Thank you for your generosity!"

Comparisons between people are most feared, yet also most favored.

Though losing thirty percent of their property was painful, it was a boon compared to other townsfolk’s sixty percent.

"Rise."

Luo De gestured with his hand and instructed, "Tonight my guards will stand vigil with you, keeping watch not only for robbers and beasts outside the town but also to prevent anyone from escaping with property."

"Don’t worry, Lord. Whoever tries to escape, we will catch and bring to you!"

The militia, having just received benefits, readily assured him.

"Hmm, I’m counting on you; don’t let down."

Luo De nodded and, finishing his words, turned away to leave, going back to the wooden hut to rest.

As for the rest, it was all left to Durant to handle.

When he arranged everything, and the night guards left with the militia, Gang Le took the initiative to approach.

"Is this lord really just a bastard child?"

"Do not discuss the lord in private." Durant dismissed Gang Le’s question.

Without taking offense, Gang Le shrugged, shouldered his axe, and whistled as he returned to the side house.

Only Durant remained standing in front of the bonfire, quietly contemplating as he watched the flas.

Was Luo De really just a bastard child?

First, he killed the mayor to intimidate, then won over the rich farrs, suppressed the common folk, and in turn, bribed the ard militia.

Decisive, ruthless, cautious, and thoroughly thought out.

In just one night, he overthrew Frost Leaf Town.

A well-educated noble scion could hardly do better, could they?