As soon as Rostislav spoke, the whole hall immediately became noisy. The dignitaries expressed their disapproval and were in disbelief that Rostislav actually abolished their privileges.
Rostislav's response was simple. He just ordered the soldiers to bang their weapons and shields again. Under such a bright force, everyone was forced to quiet down.
"The prince of the land behind the forest is me now, not my ancestors. I am the one who rules here."
Rostislav asserted his authority, and his words were full of meaning that could not be rejected.
"I have seen the scene of the city. Haven't you ever thought that if the oppression of the old city continues like this, sooner or later the contradictions will explode? Then the flames will mercilessly devour everything, whether it is wealth or what you hold on to.
All privileges will cease to exist?”
The prince's words silenced the people who were noisy just now. They knew that what the prince said was right. This was the main problem Rostov was currently facing. But they knew that they knew, but if they had to cut their own flesh, that would be another time.
thing.
This is why it is clear that Rostov's ruling class knows what the problem is, but they have not solved it and still hope that the prince will help them suppress the old city.
In their expectation, the prince would help them suppress the old city and maintain their privileges, which was the best outcome. But now it seems that this young man from Kiev has no intention of being used as a gun for them.
Fortunately, the prince did not intend to abolish their privileges, but only made some concessions to the farmers, which was within their tolerance.
"Since no one has raised any further opinions, this matter is over."
Seeing that the powerful man could not say anything to refute, Rostislav signaled the Melia blacksmith to leave. The blacksmith's face was full of gratitude. This was the first time that Mr. Ross had assumed power for them.
For Rostislav, he cannot simply win over the nobles according to the traditional path. He must establish authority among the people and make farmers and citizens who do not know what a prince is aware of his existence as a ruler. Naturally, he cannot be driven by the powerful.
Simply serve their interests.
Rostov is in such trouble simply because the New City—to be precise, this group of powerful people—is unwilling to give even a tiny bit of profit to the Old City, so Rostislav will "help" them cut the flesh.
"Next visitor."
With Bolei's words, the matter was settled, and its impact will leave traces on this land for a long time to come.
Next, the people Rostislav met were basically people with less high authority, basically ordinary businessmen and nobles.
Most of their requests were for funding or aid, and Rostislav would provide various kinds of help to suitable ones after considering the situation, but for those who just came to simply defraud money, the prince would drive them away without hesitation.
Among these people, Rostislav was the most willing to support the castle lords of Rostov.
In Ross, these powerful people in the countryside and wilderness are not considered aristocrats in the eyes of the business elite. After all, they believe that real estate is inferior to commerce, and those who manage real estate are not considered superior people. This is also a common concept in Ross.
But the prince knew very well that they were the future of Rus. These castle owners were an important cornerstone in promoting the change from commercial Rus to agricultural Rus. They were the future and an important way for the princes' power to penetrate into the unexplored countryside.
These nobles often need the help of manpower and funds. After all, farming requires people and building cities requires money. For this, Rostislav can solve part of the financial problems for them, but for people, they can only find a way by themselves.
Yes, manpower is tight.
Many powerful people are puzzled by the real estate owners Rostislav invested in. Under today's concept, the output obtained from investing in land cannot be compared with business, so why invest in land?
But the princes all did this, and the money was not spent on them, so they didn't say anything.
"It seems that our new prince is very independent and knows what he should do. If this is the case, then obey him as soon as possible, Sasha."
Old Sarnia stroked his beard and said to his son Sasha Sarniaovich. In front of him, Rostislav was listening to a businessman's petition.
"Why father? That man pushed us down directly. And if we want to surrender, then why did you take the lead in putting pressure on the prince just now?"
Sasha and Sania who spoke looked very similar to each other, but he was thirty years younger. However, compared to his stable and low-key father, he had gold and silver jewelry everywhere on his body, as if he was afraid that someone would not know the wealth of their family.
generally.
"It's just a small test, why are you still so impatient? If you don't test to judge the quality of our new prince, how can I judge how to deal with him?"
Sania's words were filled with disgust and hatred for her son. Even though he is so old, he still dresses like a nouveau riche every day, does things without thinking, and is always so eager.
"But...but...after all, it was that person who drove us out of the castle, and he also abolished our privileges, allowing the untouchables in the old city to find other people to trade with."
Faced with his father's accusations, Sasha did not choose to obey. Instead, he mustered up the courage to refute his father, who had led the family for decades. His words successfully made Sania close her eyes in pain, unwilling to see this horrible thing again.
son.
"This is why I am the head of the family and you are not. Let God hope that I live a few more years. Under your leadership, the family will be finished sooner or later."
Throwing these words to his son, Sanya turned his attention back to the hall. His stupid son never realized that the family became the invisible leader of Rostov only because of the absence of Prince Rurik. Now the prince is here,
Moreover, this prince also brought powerful force, so everyone including the Kurkantha family was actually cowed.
As for infringing on privileges, well, if the prince doesn't come, he will do it sooner or later. If he doesn't give the old city some sweetness, it will be a matter of time before he resists. Then everyone will lose money.
It's a pity that the short-sighted powerful people are not willing to give up their current interests in exchange for a long-term future. Sania's several secret attempts failed. After all, he was promoted by everyone to make money for everyone. If he wants to damage everyone's privilege of making money, then
Naturally everyone is against him.
And now, the prince, who had not been in Northeastern Rus for half a year, had accomplished this matter.
This made Sania determined to serve the prince honestly. This young man was powerful and had a quick mind, so why didn't he join him?