Winter Lord: Starting with Daily Intelligence

Chapter 306 The Art of Negotiation

As special envoys traveled back and forth between various minor noble territories, the expansion of the Red Tide Territory was progressing at a pace that could not be ignored.

The reason for this is that most lords of territories do not have a deep emotional attachment to the land they stand on. They can easily give it up if they are offered enough incentives, such as a territory that is more suitable for their own development.

Moreover, these minor nobles all knew that if it weren't for the support and trade from the Red Tide Territory, their small territories would have long been swallowed up by war and famine.

Before the Red Tide Territory appeared, even without war, they had to endure food shortages and rely on outside aid to survive.

Today, the Red Tide Territory is like a lighthouse, radiating a reassuring light and protecting them from external pressures and harassment.

Especially for those pioneering nobles who had only been in the North for less than two years, territory was more of a burden than a necessity.

In fact, if it weren't for the Northern Expansion Order explicitly prohibiting it, the expansion lords would not be allowed to leave the North at will.

These people would rather sell their territory and return to the south to continue being their spoiled brats.

What's the point of being a miserable lord in the North? We Southern princes do nothing but eat and drink, nothing else.

Now, Lord Louis of the Red Tide Territory has given them a new opportunity.

The supply of food, money, and supplies has helped them recover from their previous poverty.

The trade of goods allowed them to regain their dignity as nobles and enjoy the aristocratic life they had lost.

Every truckload of wine delivered by the Red Tide Territory represented their hope for continued extravagance.

Therefore, when the Red Tide Territory proposed exchanging territories, many minor nobles agreed without hesitation.

Looking at the land in their hands, they felt no reluctance to part with it.

Who wouldn't want to seize such an opportunity to secure a more stable future?
However, not everyone can complete a transaction in one go.

There was also a small number of nobles who harbored unspeakable obsessions.

This land is a symbol of their family's glory and a testament to the sweat and struggle of countless generations.

Whether it's the wind-swept, sun-baked wilderness or the busy figures in the fields, this place is deeply etched into their lives, becoming an inseparable part of them.

Even if the conditions before them are so tempting.

The exchange proposal put forward by the Red Tide Territory, offering food, money, resources, and guarantees for the future, still could not shake their attachment to this land.

Therefore, Louis did not insist on exchanging these noble lords.

Instead, they proposed a new solution in a cooperative manner: jointly developing the territory and working together to build the future.

“We are not simply exchanging this land,” the Red Tide envoy said gently. “We can cooperate to cultivate the land, establish workshops, and achieve mutual benefit.”

The Red Tide Territory is willing to provide you with material and technical support, and we will share all the profits from this land. All you need to do is relinquish some power to the Red Tide Territory.

This proposal was practically the only acceptable option for these nobles.

Although they found it hard to part with this land, they also understood that they had no choice in the face of the promises made by the Red Tide Territory and the harsh reality.

If they continue to cling to the territories under their own name, their family power will gradually weaken, and they may even be unable to survive.

After much deliberation, the nobles finally agreed to the Red Tide Territory's proposal.

“We are willing to cooperate and create a future together.” One of the lords nodded, his voice carrying a hint of determination.

Even though they were filled with bitterness, they were willing to put aside their past glories and embrace new opportunities for the sake of their family's future.

The Red Tide Territory's attitude toward subsequent cooperation also softened the minds of these nobles.

They no longer cling to the old ways of this land, but strive for common prosperity in the future.

Apart from a small number of nobles who upheld their ancestral honor, most lords only cared about their immediate interests.

Moreover, they knew that the conditions offered by the Red Tide Territory were already very generous.

However, seeing the envoys from the Red Tide Territory extend olive branches, many minor noble lords became greedy, believing that they held bargaining chips and could raise their demands even higher.

Thinking to himself, "This is a real goldmine; how can I let such a rare opportunity slip away?"

These people are not unaware of the importance of the Red Tide Territory's protection to them.

“Add another three thousand gold coins as an extra reward in exchange,” a lord said smugly, raising his eyebrows.

"Or perhaps another two years' worth of food rations?" another lord greedily added.

Some lords even made more outrageous demands, asking for tax reductions in the Red Tide Territory or even more land in exchange.

They were confident of these proposals, believing that the Red Tide Territory's envoy would surely compromise for a piece of land.

After all, they have already given such "generous" land, so they shouldn't be left without any return.

But the envoys from the Red Tide Territory seemed to have anticipated this negotiating tactic.

They calmly dealt with every unreasonable demand, but made no compromises whatsoever.

Under the relentless pressure from these greedy nobles, an envoy from the Crimson Tide Territory coldly said, "Since that's the case, let's not waste any more time."

He then left the banquet hall, leaving the lord who had been asked to make a request looking bewildered.

At that time, many lords thought this was a negotiation tactic used by the Red Tide Territory.

Regardless, they are confident that they will ultimately reap more benefits and will not give up this opportunity.

However, in the following month, they discovered unusual changes.

Those aid goods and supplies that were once delivered on time from the Red Tide Territory have now been nowhere to be seen.

Some lords couldn't sit still any longer and immediately sent letters of inquiry to the Red Tide Territory.

However, the Red Tide Territory did not offer much explanation, only stating: "Currently, supplies are scarce, and approval must be obtained in accordance with regulations."

However, they did not provide the specific date or the order of their queue.

As the days went by, more and more lords began to realize that they might be being deliberately ignored by the Red Tide Territory.

"Is this how the Red Tide Territory operates? They're barbarians," they muttered to themselves, feeling uneasy.

Those nobles who once thought they could gain more benefits from the Red Tide Territory gradually realized that they had reached a dead end.

Red Tide Territory's patience has reached its limit; any attempt to be greedy in trading will ultimately come at a price.

As time went on, the initial firm stance of many nobles against giving up their territories gradually became more complicated.

Some of the once arrogant lords are now beginning to show signs of helplessness and anger.

Although they were dissatisfied, they gradually realized that they could not refuse the Red Tide Territory's proposal.

A few months later, almost all the lords took the initiative to request to exchange territories with the Red Tide Territory.

But to their surprise, the conditions in the Red Tide Territory were much lower than the original version!

This infuriated them, and they questioned the negotiators about why they had done this.

The envoy shrugged, saying nonchalantly, "There will be even less next time."

Since their territories were so poor they could barely make ends meet, some lords had no choice but to accept the situation.

Others, however, tried to continue negotiating, hoping to secure better or even the original terms.

But as negotiations progressed, they eventually discovered that the initial offer from the Red Tide Territory was the highest possible price, and each subsequent offer only lowered it further. These insatiable nobles had long since lost their arrogance and even deeply regretted not agreeing to the territorial exchange from the outset.

The despicable market monopoly deprived them of any chance to resist.

But what can they do?
This world has never been about fairness and dignity; it's a naked dog-eat-dog world.

Moreover, the North today is far from being an ordinary place.

After the insect plague and the barbarian wars, the entire power structure collapsed and was rebuilt.

Aside from Duke Edmund, the only one who could truly ensure someone's survival was this young lord of the Red Tide Territory.

Complaints? Even the complaint window no longer exists.

Louis was the host of the Imperial Northern Reconstruction Conference, not to mention the Overseer who had long since fled the North and whose whereabouts remain unknown.

Even with the capital city itself in a state of political chaos, this little incident in the north couldn't cause a ripple at all.

In this snowy land of the southeast, the only place where they could eat their fill and survive was the Red Tide Territory.

The only power capable of controlling resources, managing the market, and deciding who lives and who dies is the Red Tide Territory.

So they bowed their heads.

Even knowing they were at a disadvantage, they could only grit their teeth and agree to the significantly reduced terms of exchange.

"At least... we can get something back, so we won't end up with nothing." That's how they comforted themselves.

In this way, like an invisible giant hand, the Crimson Tide Territory steadily took over piece after piece of land from the hands of those old nobles and pioneering lords.

The included areas are not only those border hills that appear to be "resource-poor" or those woodlands and valleys that seem "dispensable".

What truly matters are those territories that possess unique resources or are situated at strategic passageways or transportation hubs.

The secluded vine slope is just the beginning.

There's also Fuhe Ferry, Hanzhi Valley, Hongtu Ridge...

Every piece of land quietly circled in red on Louis's map has now rightfully changed hands.

With these contracts in hand, 80% of the target territories have already been acquired.

But there are always a few places where there is neither exchange nor cooperation, and no matter how generous the offer, they will never budge.

There's definitely something fishy going on!
This is no ordinary lord; we must strike hard!

For example, in the Red Tide Territory's ever-advancing expansion plans, there is one corner that remains excessively quiet.

The territory of Viscount Zakaria.

He was the only nobleman who didn't show the slightest sign of compromise from beginning to end, refusing to exchange or discuss cooperation.

Even the special envoy sent by the Red Tide was turned away and not even given a cup of hot water.

why?
Of course, it's not that he's so stubborn that he doesn't know his own limitations.

In fact, Viscount Zakaria has been having an extremely difficult time these past few days.

The first thing he does every morning when he wakes up is to stand on his tall tower and look south, silently praying, "Please, please, no more people will come...please, please, no more."

Because he knew very well that once the Red Tide people actually set foot on this land, there would be no question of exchanging land or not.

His own body will probably be hung at the city gate and become a dried specimen.

The reason is simple: he was not an ordinary nobleman.

He is a descendant of the "Old Snow Country," and was once still connected to the Snow Oath People who have been eradicated.

Even with his imperial noble status, his underground hall still enshrines the remnant statue of the ancient god of the Cold Abyss.

Every year, they offer a living sacrifice in exchange for protection that will ensure they survive the harsh winter winds.

As for where those people who were sacrificed came from?

Just grab a few from your territory, that's all.

So when the Red Tide Territory proposed the "land exchange cooperation" plan and sent a special envoy, Zakaria was terrified.

Once the Red Tide is brought in, they'll be able to see through everything.

"If I get caught... then I'm finished, really finished."

So he made a seemingly tough but actually panicked decision: to close the city gates and refuse all Red Tide visitors.

Even if it offends the Lord of the Crimson Tide, we cannot let them in!
…………

The morning sunlight streamed through the high windows, illuminating a huge map of the southeastern North, its surface densely covered with markings.

The vast majority of the land has been marked with deep red, symbolizing the ever-expanding territory of the red tide.

Those were territories that were being swallowed up, integrated, and exchanged, spreading around the main city like a tide.

However, there are a few places that seem out of place.

The small black stamp, forlornly embedded amidst the blood, resembles a rotting tumor.

“As of yesterday, the ninth batch of special envoys had completed their report.” Bradley said, looking down at the files.

"Eighty percent of the territories have completed the annexation agreement, with only three territories remaining unreached."

He pointed to a hilly area near the edge of the map, a particularly conspicuous black mark.

"For example, Viscount Zakaria's territory still refuses entry to the Red Tide envoy. His subordinates are still unable to ascertain his intentions."

For a moment, the entire conference hall fell into a brief silence.

The negotiating officers exchanged glances, a hint of unease in their eyes.

“He’s suspicious.” It was a middle-aged intelligence officer who spoke up. “He clearly has a secret he’s hiding, and we have to use special methods.”

"Reason for sending troops?" A young official frowned. "Without evidence, sending troops rashly... might cause controversy."

However, the young man sitting in the main seat spoke up unhurriedly the next moment.

“No reason?” Louis raised his eyes, his tone eerily calm. “Open their doors first. If there really is no crime…”

He paused briefly, then smiled and said, "...Then let's find a suitable one to install."

As soon as those words were spoken, the entire conference hall seemed to instantly grow several degrees colder.

No one spoke anymore.

For a viscount, finding a “suitable charge” is never a problem.

What they didn't know was that Louis had already learned about Viscount Zakaria's worship of the evil god through the daily intelligence system.

"The Broken Edge Knights have a branch currently stationed at Red Rock Pass, and can dispatch a hundred elite knights to reach the Zakaria border within a day," Lambert reminded them.

“Let Reggie lead the team,” Louis said softly, as if assigning a trivial matter.

(End of this chapter)