Chapter 452: Population Recovery Plan

Facing the questioning gazes of the nobles, Henwell sighs deeply. “Sigh… the main reason is population.”

Seeing that they still don’t understand, Henwell continues to explain. “Vorry has waged war year after year in its transformation. In less than a century, Vorry has participated in seven continent-wide wars and thirteen wars between nations. On top of that, there have been over thirty regional conflicts, and countless internal disputes within the kingdom.”

“I once investigated more than a dozen towns. Over the years, their populations have consistently declined. Take Cloud Tree City, for example. Fifty years ago, counting the surrounding villages, it had over 600,000 people. Now? At best, it has fewer than 400,000. In fifty years, it’s lost a third of its population, mostly young and able-bodied.”

“If we don’t do something soon, the kingdom’s population will fall below a dangerous threshold.”

“You may think I’m overambitious, but ambition needs a large population to support it. You all know Peace Haven is the biggest serf purchasing area in the region. Five years ago, serfs cost only two gold coins each for a healthy, qualified one. Now? Even fifteen gold coins can barely buy many serfs.”

“You probably noticed Peace Haven doesn’t actually lack people, so why do I keep buying more?”

Peace Haven doesn’t lack people, Henwell’s words sound like nonsense.

But to others, the population density in Peace Haven is indeed somewhat excessive.

Henwell wears a worried expression. “Because I know my purchases raise the value of those serfs. Their lives improve, they survive more easily, and have a chance to reproduce, increasing Vorry’s population.”

Henwell speaks earnestly. “Everyone here is a policymaker for the kingdom. We command thousands, even tens of thousands of people who rely on us. Since they call us noble lords, we should take responsibility!”

“My investment in irrigation aims to produce more grain, so we can feed more people.”

“From birth to adulthood takes over ten years, consuming more resources. Their value far exceeds that of a mere serf. If we treat them only as serfs or profit-making commodities, it’s a despicable waste.”

“We have a ten-year development window. This isn’t just to build an army, it’s a chance to restore our population. If we miss it, in ten years the kingdom will face catastrophe.”

Jonathan retorts, “Henwell, you’re just exaggerating to cause alarm!”

Henwell looks at him with a hint of pity. “No wonder His Majesty doesn’t think highly of you. Don’t you have even a shred of political sense? No matter how brilliantly we handle the marriage alliance war, we’ve already made the Billie Kingdom our enemy.”

“And for the war of transformation, Vorry has always been the spearhead attacking Ika. The Ika Kingdom wishes we’d just drop dead on the spot.”

“As for the northern Kosen Kingdom, they’ve always wanted a warm place to live. They don’t dare attack Ika, but do you think they won’t dare attack us?”

“Ten years! Ten years from now! If we don’t restore enough strength, how do you think neighboring countries will approach us?  Everyone agrees our army is large and capable. But without enough backup population, we simply can’t withstand the attrition of prolonged war.  When the half-grown kids, the elderly, the sick, and the weak are forced to the front lines, that’s when the kingdom teeters on the brink of collapse.”

Jonathan wants to argue back but doesn’t know where to start.

More importantly, several dukes are already showing serious consideration.

Duke Obiken speaks up, “Henwell, go on. We’re listening.”

Henwell takes a sip of wine. “I propose we immediately launch a population recovery plan, starting with our own territories. First, reduce taxes to ease the burden on the people. “

”Most importantly, ensure there’s enough grain, plenty of affordable grain. At the same time, we should grant some serfs their freedom, allow them to join the kingdom as commoners, so they can settle down and reproduce.”

Henwell pauses and scans the room. “I know serfs are your property. You might be willing to give them up, but convincing your nobles to do the same is basically like taking their money.“

”That’s where my irrigation demonstration zone comes in. I provide the funds, technology, and management. You provide the labor, that is, the serfs. We split the profits from the demonstration zone fifty-fifty, which should make up for your losses from freeing those serfs.”

Descartes raises an eyebrow. “Henwell, earlier you said all the output would go to us.”

Henwell shoots him a look. “Sure, but the serfs’ ownership remains with me.”

Ronald, heir to the Duke of the North, chimes in, “Henwell, we can do this ourselves. Why are you so fixated on setting up this so-called demonstration zone?”

Henwell points a finger. “First, a demonstration zone means it has to set an example, a standardized model for all agricultural workers on your lands.”

“Second, I’m the expert here. You’re all amateurs with limited investment. You can clearly see Peace Haven’s grain output. Without my production, the kingdom would face a great famine after the transformation.”

“Third, and most importantly, your people don’t treat serfs like human beings. They simply won’t do this right.”

Duke Quinns retorts, “I think we can manage just fine. Even before you, we sustained our populations.”

Henwell rolls his eyes. “That was then. Soon, neighboring countries will embargo our grain. They know we can’t be allowed to grow our population. “

”I get that you’re worried I’m trying to infiltrate your lands, but honestly, all that sneaking around is more trouble than it’s worth. I might as well bring an army and take it by force.”

“Do as you wish. I’m in no rush. When the kingdom’s truly desperate, plenty will come to my side. If I join any faction, I’ll become a grand duke. You all know that as well as I do.”

Seeing Henwell ready to give up, the others quickly try to persuade him.

Reyes asks, “So the serfs we provide, are they valued at market price for the partnership?”

Henwell rolls his eyes again. “Old duke, why so stingy? Always trying to squeeze me dry! If it were fifteen gold, I’d just buy them outright and not bother cooperating with you!”