Chapter 1673: Chapter 95: Trepidation (Part 2)
He quietly defected past them, but his heart still felt uneasy. How could they not at least give a heads up or ask for his opinion first!
“Marshal…”
Before Count Albert could finish speaking, Hudson interrupted, “Let’s not bring up the past anymore.
From now on, there are no reformists in the Kingdom. This is a decision we all made together, and we must take responsibility for it!”
Disappointment is inevitable.
Even though Hudson never believed that the reformists could succeed from the start, he still felt a bit saddened by the true failure of the reforms.
A world ruled by nobles is essentially a family empire.
Making decisions based on self-interest inevitably results in shortsightedness.
Missing this best opportunity means that future reforms will be even more challenging.
In the short term, whether or not reforms are carried out does not greatly impact the Kingdom. But once the timeline extends, the consequences can be severe.
Lamenting has no meaning; unless the dire hour comes, the vested interest groups will not harm their own interests.
In fact, even if the reformists achieved a great victory, no one could guarantee the success of the reforms.
No matter how good the policies are, they still need to be implemented and executed.
The officials responsible for execution come from the Noble Consortium, with countless internal ties that are impossible to sever.
The extent to which results can be achieved depends entirely on the integrity of the bureaucrats.
“Marshal, the reformists…”
Halfway through, Count Albert swallowed his words back.
In the court meeting, they had already betrayed the reformists, mentioning it again now seemed too pretentious.
Hudson’s position was very clear—he didn’t want to stir up trouble.
Calling off the meeting in advance to give the reformists time to maneuver was just out of collegiality.
Without Hudson taking the lead, the voices of the emerging nobility governors would have limited impact on the Kingdom Government’s decision-making.
Consequently, it was unfortunate for the offsprings many families had planted within the reformists’ ranks.
“No eggs remain unbroken under a toppled nest.”
Standing in the wrong camp inevitably comes with a price.
Even defecting at the last moment, these youths caught in the whirlwind still had to pay politically.
…
The political defeat of the reformists in the Alpha Kingdom quickly spread its influence, first affecting the Five Nations Alliance.
With the Alpha Kingdom as a trendsetter suddenly halting reforms, it was a significant blow to reformist forces in all countries.
However, the current situation is unavoidable; they had been preparing too much to simply give up due to external influences.
After all, each country has different circumstances.
The Alpha Kingdom faces no foreign threats, but the other four do.
Facing the major foe, the Alliance of Different Races, everyone had no choice but to find ways to increase their own strength, the motivation to initiate reforms still existed.
Especially for the Three Kingdoms in the Central Continent, they are comparable to the Alpha Kingdom in both population and economy. Theoretically, as long as reforms succeed, they can catch up.
A minor turmoil in public opinion only slightly dampened morale, but everyone continued to push for reform.
While the entire continent was in the throes of reform, the Orcs, isolated in a corner, were at a crossroads.
In comparison to the past, another race joined decision-making.
Thanks to continuous lobbying and strong capabilities, the Dark Elf Clan successfully infiltrated the Orc Empire.
As for the Hellhounds, who also invaded the prairie, their fate was much worse.
After suffering a beating, they too wished to join the Orc Empire family, but the prior bloodshed in wars left no room for reconciliation.
Except for a small number of Hellhounds who became mounts, the rest all ended up as magical materials for the Shamans.
At their first high-level meeting in the Orc Empire, the Dark Elf Queen received a warm welcome.
Their burning gazes seemed eager to… right then and there.
“Ahem!”
With a cough to remind the orcs, the Bearman Emperor said with displeasure:
“Now that everyone’s here, let’s start today’s meeting!”
Such a disgrace to the Orcs!
It’s just a female elf, and yet they’re so enthusiastic, as if they’ve never seen one.
Despite the disdain, the Bearman Emperor couldn’t help but glance a few more times.
In terms of aesthetics, the appearance and aura of elves wield great impact on most races.
Compared to pure elves, the most distinct feature of dark elves is their allure, and it’s a charm tinged with a natural vibe.
Even Orcs can’t resist this double innate charm inherited from elves and succubi.
“Let me first report on the changes in the international situation, listen carefully.
The war against the Earth Core race invasion by the two major camps has basically come to an end.
Except for the Elf Race, everyone is now stirring up a wave of political reform internally.
You all know this already, even some races within the Empire have joined this wave of reform.
Everything is to enhance strength, and any decision based on this principle is sound.
Each race’s internal affairs should be dealt with independently.
Today, I’ve gathered you all mainly because we received a crucial message concerning the Empire’s survival not long ago.
Our neighbor, the Alpha Kingdom, experienced intense political strife, and the reformists failed, now halting their domestic reforms.
If this were all, it would be good news for the Empire.
But intelligence sent back from our embedded spies reveals something more: the Alpha people chose to stop reforms mainly to invade the Empire!
Now the nobles in Alpha Kingdom are focusing on three things: farming, forging armor, and training troops.
The worst part is, benefiting from agricultural reforms, the enemy’s grain output has substantially increased.
According to official statistics from the Alpha Kingdom, their average yield per acre has increased by 50 pounds, which is nearly a third more than three years ago.”
As soon as the Hawkman King’s words fell, all the orcs’ faces turned grim.
In the Feudal Era, the strategic significance of grain production was extraordinary. Increased grain production means stronger national power.
Especially as this grain falls into the Alpha Kingdom’s hands, more grain means more troops.
Using a little brainpower, it’s easy to guess that once there is sufficient grain stockpiled, ample arms forged, and enough elite trained, the enemy will certainly trigger a war.
“Isn’t it too exaggerated to increase grain production by a third?
Previously received information only indicated that the total grain output of the Alpha people increased by ten percent!
Considering their increased territorial area, it’s normal for some growth in grain capacity.
But such a large sudden increase now feels terrifying!
The Elephantman King couldn’t help but voice his doubts.
If grain capacity had truly increased greatly, that means all soldiers in the Alpha Kingdom, nobles’ private armies, and reserve included, would have enough to eat.
No doubt, even the stingiest Noble Lord would not starve his soldiers if conditions allowed.
It’s a lesson learned from the bloody experiences of countless predecessors.
Based on the Alpha people’s methods, if there is a grain surplus, the number of elite troops will surely rise sharply.
They couldn’t even take on the enemy before, and with growth in enemy strength, it’ll become even harder to manage.
“Elephantman King, I too hope this information is false, but we’ve had it repeatedly verified.
Since the Empire’s defeat, we’ve heightened intelligence collection on the enemy, such semi-public information cannot be erroneous!”
The Hawkman Emperor’s reply quashed the last hopes of the orcs.
The enemy is sharpening their weapons while internal feuds over grazing lands continue; at this rate, doom is certain.
“Hawkman Emperor, is the Alpha Kingdom truly that formidable?”
The Dark Elf Queen asked with a frown.
Having just joined the Orc Empire family, her days of peace were short-lived and now the enemy was approaching again.
They had already suffered once in the Cursed Land, and she certainly didn’t want a repeat.
If these Empire leaders had no confidence, the future of the Orc Empire seemed bleak.
“Queen, while the Alpha Kingdom’s military is formidable, they aren’t much stronger than our elite; the key is they have the continent’s foremost general.
A single Hudson poses a threat greater than a million troops!
Before Hudson rose, the Empire had been suppressing the Alpha Kingdom, beating them harshly for three hundred years.
But since Hudson began leading campaigns, the Empire has declined. Facing him means certain defeat in battles.
Surviving with your life is a fortune; the records of those battles are utterly unimpressive.
Because of this man, the Empire cumulatively lost millions of soldiers!
….