Lord: The inheritance right is taken away at the beginning

Chapter 202: Recruiting People

Although purchasing slaves is the quickest and most convenient way to expand a territory's population, it still costs money. At the price of about 1,500 gold coins for one thousand slaves, even if Roning spent all his savings, he could only buy four or five thousand slaves. This number is far from the 30,000 required for the [Prosperous Population] achievement.

Apart from buying slaves, there are other ways to increase population. For example, by implementing certain policies, Roning could attract outsiders to settle in Wubei Territory. Such policies might include leasing fertile land at preferential rates, granting tax exemptions for a set period to reduce migrants' financial burdens, and ensuring personal and property safety for newcomers.

Roning planned to discuss and finalize these policies with Wilson and others in the coming months, but before formalizing them, he could make some preliminary arrangements.

"I want to use preferential policies to attract outsiders to join Wubei Territory, but I need someone to help me promote this," Roning said. "As the manager of the Viper Slave Exchange in Muma City, you must be very familiar with the Wushan Territory and other nearby areas."

"I want you," he continued, addressing Anthony, "to help me spread the word about Wubei Territory in these places and attract free people to settle here."

Anthony was taken aback. He hadn't expected Roning to discuss such a matter with him.

"My lord, although free people can move as they please, nobles in various areas often restrict their movement to retain labor and tax sources," Anthony explained with a troubled expression. "I can help promote it, but if other nobles dislike these efforts, I may not be able to proceed."

Roning nodded. He understood that scenario. Take Swamp Town, for example—if another noble tried to lure away his subjects, he would expel that person immediately. Yet, exceptions existed: some pioneering knights' territories or bankrupt baronies might allow their people to leave in exchange for certain benefits. Also, in large cities facing overpopulation and food pressure, nobles might tacitly permit some subjects to relocate.

It all depended on skillful publicity and negotiation.

"Anthony, how well are you treated at the Viper Slave Exchange?" Roning asked suddenly.

The slave manager hesitated before looking around. The exchange's guards weren't present, and everyone nearby belonged to Wubei. He whispered, "Pardon me, sir. My daily salary is 20 copper coins, and for every ten slaves sold, I receive a bonus of 3 silver coins."

Roning raised his eyebrows, surprised to learn there was a commission system. "I won't ask you to help me for free," he said. "Just like your superiors at the exchange, I'll reward you with three silver coins for every ten free people you bring to Wubei Territory."

Roning smiled. "Compared to the slave trade, bringing in free people is easier. I don't need them trained or guaranteed loyal. Of course, I have conditions: elderly who can't work are allowed, but they must come with a healthy labor force."

Anthony was intrigued. Initially, he had planned to help Roning out of goodwill. Now, with the promise of rewards, he was even more eager. It might be easier and more profitable to bring in free people than to sell slaves. After all, large-scale slave orders like Roning's previous purchases were rare.

"Sir, do I need to go through the slave exchange for this?" Anthony asked cautiously.

"As I said, this agreement is between you and me," Roning replied. "Whether you tell your superiors is up to you. If they're unhappy and expel you, you can come work for me. Your daily salary will remain the same, and I'll grant you ten acres of land."

Anthony's eyes lit up. This assurance meant he had nothing to lose. Even if he lost his current job, joining Roning could be equally good or better.

He stood up eagerly. "Sir, I'm honored to serve you in this matter!"

"Haha, let's cooperate happily!" Roning said, shaking Anthony's hand warmly. They drafted a simple agreement confirming their collaboration.

Anthony didn't plan to leave the Viper Slave Exchange yet. He would wait until he earned a commission from Roning's project. Besides, his current position allowed him to handle Roning's task as a side job, effectively earning two incomes at once.

Roning arranged for Anthony to stay overnight in Swamp Town. That evening, he gathered Wilson, Serin, and others to finalize the policies for attracting a foreign population.

Currently, Wubei Territory's land tax policy is as follows:

Landowners pay 30% of their harvest as tax to the lord.Serfs who rent land pay 50%.Free tenants who rent land pay 40%.

To attract newcomers, Roning proposed a new system:

Every free person who settles in Wubei Territory would receive five mu of land. For migrating families, every individual, regardless of age, would get five mu.

During the first year, they'd pay only 10% of their harvest as tax. For the next four years, only 20%. After five years, the rate would settle at 35% for free tenants—lower than the original 40%. Roning still wanted to maintain caution and not drastically lower taxes immediately.

Although Roning himself felt these taxes were still high, to Anthony, Wilson, and the others, this was considered generous. In most territories, taxes are even heavier, with some lords pushing their peasants to starvation.

According to Anthony, just announcing such policies would attract many free people.

For Roning, it was a win-win. Wubei Territory was vast and not short on land—only people. Once more people came, everything would become easier.

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