Continental Warriors Yoo Ma

Everyone nodded in unison, in recognition of the major premise set by Youfu Ma.

"Now, let Mr. Ludwick speak out about the demands of the workers." Yofu Ma, as the "host", was going to try his best to guide the direction of the meeting and control the emotions of all parties.

"Let me remind you. Since the Duke is willing to come to meet the workers' representatives, it is enough to show his sincerity. Therefore, Mr. Ludwick, you'd better show your sincerity, and don't have 'the sky is high and the money is paid back'. mentality.”

Ludwick nodded solemnly, discussed with the vice-chairman Bassot in a low voice, and finally reached an agreement.

In the eyes of high-ranking nobles, a poor man like him is not qualified to discuss topics such as "politics" and "war".So Ludwick was ready to give up the demand for an "immediate truce between Burgundy and England".All they hope is to get through this cold winter and, if possible, to improve their lives.

After Ludwick spoke, Ma Youfu nodded and said, "Okay, Mr. Ludwick has already stated the workers' demands. They only want to maintain a basic survival. I think it shouldn't be difficult if everyone thinks of a way. meet this requirement.”

He looked at Jost: "Your Excellency Spiningen, you can tell the difficulties of the textile guild."

The fat businessman dressed in gold and silver had a scowling look on his face. It was hard to imagine that he was a cold-blooded capitalist with only money in his eyes.

He coughed dryly and said, "Everyone should know that because of the diplomatic upheaval caused by Burgundy's peace talks with France, we Burgundian merchants have suffered huge losses. With the uncertain future of the textile industry, it is difficult for us to maintain The scale of the existing factories has grown. If there is mass unemployment due to this, the textile guild will be powerless. However, skilled textile workers are also a valuable asset of the guild. If they can help them through the difficulties, many factory owners of the textile guild are willing to provide necessary assistance."

The sly businessman's attitude was very good, with a look of "I will listen to what the nobleman says".After all, the military power is in the hands of Philip III, and it is not good to be obedient.

However, in his remarks, there was no specific measure at all, and what he said was just empty talk.

The last speaker was Philip III.

He knew that if there was a weaver riot in Flanders, Brabant and the Netherlands were likely to be affected as well, throwing the entire Lowlands into turmoil.

Throughout the Duchy of Burgundy, most of the tax revenue comes from the lowlands.If there is a problem with the duke's purse, it will even shake the foundation of his rule.

At that time, let alone the Holy Roman Emperor, who had long coveted Hainault and other territories, and France, whose relationship is so good now, will probably come over and take a bite of the meat.

Anyway, the attack on Calais was just a battle of spirits because of "diplomatic insults". Philip III calmed down at this time, and he had already planned to retreat.It is better to push the boat with the flow and use it to appease the textile workers.

Chapter 140 Reaching an Agreement

"I can promise that no additional taxes will be added to the cities. Also, until April, the tax on firewood and on kippers will be exempted," said Philip III.

Of course he wouldn't tell the weavers of his plans to withdraw.Even Yost is not qualified to access this kind of military intelligence.

Throwing out the promise of "no tax increase" is already magnanimous for the Duke.

Ludwick and Bassot exchanged ear to ear, and then gave a reluctant salute to Philip III and said thanks.

Although they did not achieve the desired results, after mutual compromise, Philip III was reconciled with the workers' guild.

Next, there is the conflict between the factory owner and the workers.

Finding himself suddenly the center of attention, a few drops of oil sweat appeared on Yost's broad forehead.

He took out a handkerchief and wiped it, before saying with a look of grievance: "Everyone, especially the Duke and the Marquis, swear in the name of the Seven Saints, I am also very concerned about the plight of the weavers. However, the workshop The masters also have their own difficulties, and it is difficult for them to protect themselves..."

Youfu Ma has already seen that this guy is still adopting the strategy of selling tragically and evading the blame. Anyway, he just doesn't want to spend real money to resolve the conflict between labor and capital.

Philip III frowned, disgusting these greedy businessmen in his heart.But the merchants represented by Yost are the foundation of prosperity in the lowlands and cannot be easily touched.

He had to look at Youf Ma: "Marquis Lamanche, is there any way you can help Jost through this difficult time?"

"Of course there is," said Ma Youfu. "The textile merchants represented by Mr. Jost are only temporarily experiencing operational difficulties, but their foundations are not damaged. And my North France trading company happens to have a large amount of idle funds that can be used. As long as the Flemish merchants meet the conditions and join the North France Trading Company, I will immediately provide material assistance, transport food and other living materials from France through the Champagne trade route, and distribute them free of charge to the textile workers in difficulty."

Hearing this, even the representatives of the two textile workers who were naturally opposed to the aristocratic class had their eyes lit up and bowed to Yo-Fu Ma.

Philip III also showed joy and said: "This idea is very good! As long as you join the trading company of the Marquis of Lamanche, the businessmen in Flanders who are in trouble now can not only get immediate help to tide over the difficulties, but also have a broader perspective. development prospects, making the lowlands more prosperous.”

Unlike Philip III, who was half-understood in business, Jost immediately heard that the four most crucial words in Yoof Ma's suggestion were "meet the conditions".

Before, the reason why he did not agree to the shrewd dark elf girl to join the North France Trading Company was because the other party's conditions were unacceptable.

With the financial strength and influence of the Flemish merchants, after joining the North France Trading Company, they should occupy a dominant position, instead of being crushed by those champagne bumps!

But with the current situation, if he continues to shirk the blame, he just wants to get all the benefits, and he doesn't want to pay a small price, I'm afraid he won't be able to pass the test.

The workers would transfer their anger from Philip III to the weavers.If the riots are really triggered, the Duke may not only not protect them, but may even use them as scapegoats.

At that time, not only the mob's scythe, but also the long sword of the Duke's Guard will be cut off on the head.

Although the merchant class and the nobility are interdependent and mutually beneficial relationship.But when it comes time to endanger their own rule, the nobles will definitely kill these chickens that can lay golden eggs without hesitation.

After thinking about this, Jost finally nodded and said: "In principle, I agree with the proposal of the Marquis de Lamanche. After joining the North France Trading Company and receiving financial assistance, I promise to make up the wages for the workers immediately. And an extra month’s salary. And no layoffs.”

After he finished speaking, he took a breath and added: "Of course, although I am the president of the Textile Guild, I can't do it arbitrarily. This decision must be discussed with the members and unanimously agreed to be implemented."

Philip III immediately saw Jost's plan to delay his troops.He said in an unquestionable tone: "Jost, I will give you three days to persuade the Textile Guild to reach an agreement. You should stay in Longquan Palace and use the communication technique to contact other businessmen."

The fat businessman could only nod his head in agreement.

Only then did Philip III show a satisfied smile.He turned to the two representatives of the textile workers and said, "Okay, two. You have seen my sincerity in trying to help you through this difficult situation. I hope you will write a letter to Ghent immediately to appease the workers."

"No problem," Ludwick agreed.

However, Basot, who was inconspicuous beside him, raised a different opinion: "Lord Duke, will we wait for the three parties to sign a formal agreement before spreading this good news?"

"Mr. Bassot, you are worried that the Duke will kill the donkey - this is a Seris idiom, and the meaning is not difficult to understand." Youfu Ma said, "This is not necessary. As a middleman, I can guarantee. ."

Yoof Ma is a powerful aristocrat in a powerful neighboring country. In the eyes of the two textile workers representatives, his position is relatively neutral, and his words are more credible.

Although he was worried that after appeasing the angry workers, the bargaining chips would be reduced, but after speaking in a low voice, Bassot nodded.

"I swear in the honor of the Burgundy family that the verbal agreement reached today will definitely go through formal procedures and sign a written agreement in the presence of the Seven Saints." Philip III finished speaking and looked at Bassot, "So, you should Don't worry."

Bassot, like an old peasant, stretched the wrinkles on his face: "This is the best, noble duke."

The matter was finally resolved temporarily.In a good mood, Philip III called the housekeeper: "For Mr. Ludwick and Mr. Bassot, prepare two luxurious guest rooms. Be sure to treat them well, wine, food, hot springs, and beautiful girls, all are indispensable! "

Hearing the words of Philip III, the two representatives of weavers who had only suffered but not enjoyed happiness, immediately changed their expressions.

Ludvik showed a little embarrassment and restraint, but he couldn't hide the look of anticipation.

And Basot's eyes were shining, and the saliva was about to stay from the corner of his lips.

After the housekeeper led the two men from poor backgrounds away, Philip III immediately turned cold and said contemptuously, "Hmph, two lowly guys!"

Seeing the sudden change in his attitude, Yofu Ma asked, "Your Majesty, do you want to go back on your words?"

"Of course not. The promise I made officially will definitely be fulfilled. It's just that these pariahs think they can fight against the nobles by uniting themselves?" He smiled smugly, "Maybe it's not convenient for me to use force to defeat these pariahs now, but They can corrupt their leaders with a comfortable and luxurious life!"

Chapter 140 Two: The Fort Is Breached From Inside

Since ancient times, uprisings have been most easily disintegrated from within.It is a cheaper and more effective method to corrupt leaders from within with money and power than to use force to repress them.

The Florentine textile workers' uprising suffered a major defeat because the leaders were bought off by nobles and big businessmen.

What Philip III uses today is nothing more than the method used by the Italians back then.Although the routine is old, it does work.

After the two representatives of the textile workers felt the luxurious life of the upper class, Philip III made another promise, willing to give them a noble birth or a large sum of money.It is very likely that Ludwick and Bassot will betray the former class and join the Duke to help him eliminate the threat of the Textile Industry Guild.

Philip III may be willing to compromise with the workers, but he will never allow these lowly urban workers to become a threatening political force.

The "illegal organization" of the Textile Industry Association must be banned.

Youf Ma thought for a while, and then guessed the intention of Philip III.Although in modern thinking, he still has sympathy for the weavers, but he also knows that he can't do anything about it.

Is it necessary to promote some Marxist-Leninist theory and engage in revolution in this era when feudal forces are still strong and 99% of the people at the bottom are illiterate?

Building a castle on a cloud might be a little more practical.

"Then it will help you succeed." Youfu Ma said perfunctorily.He has done his best to bridge the differences between the two sides, as long as there is no major conflict.As for whether the two textile workers' representatives will be bought off, Ma Youfu doesn't care.

"Don't worry, Marquis de Lamanche, I will act cautiously to minimize the possibility of bloodshed." Philip III smiled when he saw what Yofu Ma was thinking.

Yofu Ma nodded.Before leaving, he finally reminded: "Lord Duke, I have a hunch that the guy named Bassot Racheltrun is not as simple as it looks, you better pay more attention."

Compared to Ludwick, who can be described as "great in appearance", Ludwick, who was born with the appearance of a leader, looks like a simple old peasant and Bassot, the vice president of the Textile Industry Association, is inconspicuous.There was nothing impressive about the meeting just now.

But Yoof Ma always felt that this guy was the one who needed the most attention.

Of course, this baseless reminder, Philip III did not take it to heart.

After the meeting, Yoof Ma continued to work on his own business, while perfecting the functions of the golem, while writing.It is a pity that Albert went to Ghent to look for someone after receiving news from his wife, and he lacked a loyal reader to provide advice.

On the other side, two bitter weavers live for the first time in luxurious rooms with magic lighting and high-end fireplaces, wear expensive fur coats every day, and enjoy all kinds of delicacies they have never heard of.Every night, while taking a hot spring bath, you can have in-depth and enthusiastic exchanges with the senior technicians hired by Philip III.

In such a happy day, let alone two weavers who have never seen the world, even those knights from good backgrounds, will also lose their bones in it.

As the leader of the weavers, Ludvik also retained a little bit of restraint. Although he was gradually sinking under the attack of sugar-coated cannonballs, he took some time every day to talk with Philip III, ask him about the implementation of his promise, and continue Fight for the benefit of the poor in the city of Ghent.

Basot, on the other hand, completely fell into the wine pond and meat forest.

After he stayed in the luxurious room, he never showed up again, and even the food was only delivered to the door by the servants.If it wasn't for the coquettish groans of women coming from the guest room continuously every day, I'm afraid people would think that this guy was already dead on the bed.

This continued for six days.

Philip III saw that the heat was almost over, so he approached Ludwick and promised him that he could make him and Basot a knight, and give each of them a rich village as a fief.

Of course, the condition is that the two must leave the Textile Industry Guild and hand over the list of the most radical and appealing members of the guild.

Ludwick was tempted.

Continuing to fight against the Duke, he sees no future, and in the end he must end up being executed in the square and beheaded in a different place.

Anyway, enough benefits have been won for the weavers, and now taking refuge with the Duke is not a betrayal of his former companions.

On the moral level, it is justified, and there are huge temptations of interests.After a moderate ideological struggle, Ludwick agreed to Philip III's suggestion, and clapped his chest to promise that he would go and persuade Bassot.

Then, Ludvik came to Bassot's residence.

Even knocked on the door several times, but there was no response.Ludwick felt that things were a bit strange, and hurriedly reported the matter to Philip III.

"Haha, I guess that old alfalfa farmer put too much effort on the girl's butt, and is now sleeping to the death." Philip III didn't take it seriously, and laughed and teased.

On the contrary, Pastor Milot, who was processing documents by his side, frowned slightly, remembering the reminder from the Seris before.

Given Ma's current weight, even an unfounded guess cannot be completely ignored.Pastor Milot said, "I'll take a look."

Coming to Basot's door again, Pastor Milot asked Ludvik to knock on the door again.

Still no response.

Pastor Milot reached out and pressed the door, closed his eyes, and carefully felt the magical changes in the environment.

After a while, his expression changed, and he shouted to the guard not far away, "Come here, break the door open!"

When the soldiers finally opened the door, Pastor Milot walked into the room and saw the scene inside. His expression changed suddenly, and he shouted: "Go and inform the Duke and issue a warrant for Basot!"

Five young and beautiful female corpses lay naked on the bed, showing some kind of evil and peculiar figure.On the floor, walls, and furniture, various words were smeared with blood.

Pastor Milot raised his hand and waved, and a white light shrouded the bodies of the prostitutes.Afterwards, he frowned and said, "These women have been dead for four days. It seems that the screams from the house were all illusions made by magic."

At this time, Ludvik also entered the house.

After seeing the scene inside, the tall man immediately sat down on the ground in fright, sweating coldly.