Fangzhou Xier, starting with failing the art exam

[Gertrude's intelligence department and the guards worked in concert, creating an invisible net that covered Trinity and even the nine districts.]

However, we are still short-handed in terms of manpower, making it impossible to penetrate the network comprehensively.

[Everyone on this action list is a die-hard who had secret contacts with the former monarchy after the Deprivation Act and attempted to organize resistance.]

[The intelligence department and the guard force, in a joint operation, knock on the doors of manors and mansions under the cover of night, presenting you with an arrest warrant signed in your own handwriting.]

The people on the list were taken away, and their families were told that the Empire would give them a fair trial.

The core principle of the operation, which you have repeatedly emphasized, is: "To punish crimes, not to punish classes."

This effectively prevented the disorderly spread of panic and kept the crackdown firmly focused on the core insurgents.

[Following the scene of Yiling and Yin's wife dancing and drinking, an unprecedented public trial unfolds in Heroes' Square in Trinityl.]

The dock was filled with once-arrogant nobles, generals, and wealthy merchants.

The capital's largest radio station broadcast the entire event live, its sound reaching every corner of the empire.

Gertrude's evidence included: letters of collusion with Victoria's spies, evidence of hoarding food, and testimonies of embezzlement of military funds and disregard for human life...

The public's initial shock turned into overwhelming anger.

When the chief judge pronounced the death sentences on thirteen ringleaders, and ordered the rest to undergo lifelong labor reform and have all their illegal property confiscated, the entire square erupted in thunderous cheers.

Cheers echoed through countless cities, towns, and villages via broadcast.

The last vestige of the old regime's illusions was utterly crushed amidst the roars of the people.

The new emperor's iron fist and impartiality were, for the first time, so clearly imprinted in the hearts of every Letanian.

……

The day after the cleanup week ended, the cabinet held its first meeting.

Inside the Imperial Central Conference Hall.

Lacey sat in the main seat, while the others sat on either side.

The atmosphere is a bit depressing.

The effects of the recently concluded purification week and public trial have not yet dissipated.

The electors present all had some connection with the person being purged.

　The way they looked at Lacey was more awe than affection.

"Gentlemen, welcome to the first meeting of the Cabinet," Lacey said with a smile.

"The reason I've gathered you all here today is to discuss the future development direction of Letania."

Without uttering any unnecessary words, he simply nodded to Serafina beside him.

Serafina stood up and distributed thick stacks of documents to everyone.

The cover bears the striking boldface lettering: "Draft Provisional Charter of the Third Holy Leitanian Empire".

Mecklen curiously opened the document, but after reading only the first page, the smile on his face instantly froze.

Werner frowned, while Ziegler and the others turned pale, cold sweat trickling down their foreheads.

The only sounds in the meeting room were the rustling of papers turning and increasingly heavy breathing.

"Chapter One, Article One: Abolish all hereditary noble privileges; all citizens of Letania shall be equal before the law."

"Chapter Two, Article Three: All land within the Empire, including farmland, forest land, and mines, belongs to the State; the original landowners may receive a one-time compensation based on the assessment and have priority in contracting and managing the land."

"Chapter Three, Article One: The Empire implements six years of free compulsory education, and all school-age children must attend school."

"Chapter Three, Article Four: Establish a public medical security system covering the entire population..."

"Chapter 5, Article 1: Abolish all minting rights except for the National Bank of Letania, and issue a new unified currency—the Imperial Mark."

"..."

The electors present did not look calm.

Abolishing aristocratic privileges is tantamount to stripping them of the very foundation of their status.

The nationalization of land directly drained the core assets accumulated by their family over hundreds of years.

This is no longer reform; this is to completely uproot them!

"His Majesty!"

Ziegler Augustine finally couldn't hold back any longer and stood up abruptly.

"This...this is absurd!"

"The land is everyone's sacred private property, the cornerstone of Letania! What you are doing will shake the entire nation!"

Gabriel Alarand chimed in, "Yes, Your Majesty."

"If the land is nationalized, what will happen to our families?"

"Are all those manors and farms that have been passed down for hundreds of years going to be handed over?"

Alfred Utica didn't speak, but his deathly pale face spoke volumes about his stance.

The three of them exchanged glances, and they all saw the same thought in each other's eyes: We've been scammed!

The atmosphere in the conference room instantly plummeted to freezing point, Gertrude's cold gaze sweeping over the three panicked faces.

"Sit down, Lord Ziegler."

Although Lacey's tone was calm, the authority it conveyed made Ziegler's legs go weak, and he subconsciously sat back down.

“I understand your concerns.” Lacey’s gaze swept across the room.

"But you must understand one thing."

"What we have established is a completely new country that does not belong to any family or any class."

"It belongs to all the people of Letania."

He looked at Ziegler: “You say land is the foundation, that’s true, but it is the foundation of the nation, not a tool used by certain families to enslave tenants and reap without sowing.”

“It is clearly stated in the charter that the state will provide compensation, and you have priority in contracting.”

"As long as you manage your business diligently, the profits you make will far exceed the decadent life of those who live off rent."

“You should learn from Lord Mecklenburg and broaden your horizons.”

He then turned to Gabriel: "As for your family, if a family's glory depends on exploiting the blood and sweat of farmers, then such glory is not worth having."

"In the new era of Letania, we only respect those who create value through wisdom and labor!"

His words were devoid of any emotion, yet every word was piercing to the heart.

At this moment, Mecklen, who had been silent all along, suddenly let out a strange laugh.

Everyone immediately looked at him.

The newly appointed Minister of Economy was flipping through the annex to the charter with great interest, muttering to himself:

"...The state will establish large-scale agricultural groups to carry out unified planning and intensive production on state-owned land..."

"...Encourage the development of the agricultural product deep processing industry chain..."

"...All infrastructure projects will be open to all qualified companies through open bidding..."

He raised his head, looking at Lacey with a glint in his eyes: "Your Majesty, I have only one question."

What are the standards for land valuation and compensation? How is the contracting fee for priority contracting rights calculated?

"Also, who determines the qualifications of this 'qualified enterprise'?"

Ziegler and the others stared at Mecklen in disbelief.

They couldn't understand why this Kepranjana tycoon, upon seeing the land nationalization clause, didn't fly into a rage but instead seemed as excited as if he had discovered a new continent.

Lacey's lips curled up: "These specific details will be jointly formulated by the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Finance."

"Minister Mecklen, Minister Lenia, this is your most important task ahead."

Lenia nodded, remaining calm throughout.

For her, as long as a fair and efficient fiscal system can be established, it doesn't matter whose pocket the taxes are collected from.

"I understand."

Mecklen leaned back in his chair contentedly, even letting out a relaxed whistle.

"Your Majesty, I agree to this draft in principle."

"However, I hope there can be more... room for maneuver in the specific business terms."

His statement became the final straw that broke the psychological defenses of Ziegler and others.

Their biggest potential ally was the first to "betray" them.

As Warner watched all this, a long sigh escaped his lips.

He saw further than Ziegler and others.

He knew that Lacey had never intended to share power with them in the first place.

The so-called cabinet and ministers are merely tools for carrying out his will.

The old era of the Electors ended the moment Lacey was elected.

He stood up and bowed slightly to Lacey: "The Shi Tong region supports the draft charter."

The overall situation has been decided.

Ziegler, Gabriel, and Alfred sat slumped in their chairs, their faces ashen, unable to utter another word.

They knew that resistance was futile.

Outside the Twin Towers stood Taylor's army; inside the city, fervent citizens rallied to support the new emperor.

The private guards they have are barely enough to fill a gap in their teeth.

Not to mention, after the purge, it's questionable whether those soldiers will still listen to them.

"very good."

Lacey stood up and said, "Since no one objects, the Provisional Charter of the Third Holy Retania shall take effect immediately."

"The specific implementation details will be drafted by each department within one week and submitted to the Cabinet for review."

He looked around at everyone in the conference room, and finally his gaze fell on Ziegler and his two companions.

“I know that change is painful.”

"But the wheels of history only turn forward."

"You can choose to be crushed by it, or you can choose to jump on the vehicle and see a brand new world you've never seen before."

"End of the meeting."

After finishing her sentence, Lacey turned and left the meeting room.

……

In the hallway, Lacey suddenly spoke: "Lizelot."

Liselotte, who was following behind him, was startled.

What do you think of the new draft charter?

"How...how should I know! That's your business!"

Lacey shook her head in disappointment, then turned to the other one and asked, "Herlinmat?"

“It’s radical, but necessary,” Herlinmat analyzed calmly. “The privileges of the old nobility are the basis for their regional separatism.”

"Only by doing this can we completely deprive them of any chance to resist."

Lacey smiled after hearing this, without telling her whether it was right or wrong.

Helena Mat fell silent.

She had a vague idea of ​​what was the reason for their failure.

……

Holy Lytanian Empire: Chapter 88: The Old Era is Dead, and No One Weeps for It