Chapter 492: Chapter 492 - 306: The Art of Negotiation

As the special envoys continuously traveled between the various small noble territories, the expansion of Red Tide Territory was advancing at an undeniable pace.The reason lies in the fact that most Lords of these lands feel little attachment to the soil beneath their feet; given enough temptation, they are ready to let go, for example, in exchange for land more suitable for their own development.Moreover, these small Nobility understand well that without the support and trade from Red Tide Territory, their territories would have long been devoured by war and famine.Before the arrival of Red Tide, even without war, they endured the dilemma of food shortages, relying on outside assistance to survive.If not for the Northern Territory Expansion Order forbidding Pioneer Lords from leaving the Northern Territory arbitrarily.These people would rather sell their land and return to the South to continue living as their own playboys.Being a distressed Lord of the North, ah, for us southern young masters, there's nothing but eating and drinking.And now, Lord Louis of Red Tide Territory has given them a new opportunity.The supply of food, money, and materials has revived them from their previous poverty.The commerce of goods has restored their sense of nobility, allowing them to enjoy the luxurious life they once lost.Every cart of wine sent from Red Tide Territory is a hope for their continued extravagance.So when Red Tide Territory proposed the land exchange, many small nobles agreed without hesitation.Looking at the land in their hands, they feel little reluctance.Who wouldn't want to seize such an opportunity for a more secure future?However, not everyone can complete the transaction in one go.There is a small portion of Nobility, possessing inexplicable obsessions.This land is a symbol of their family's glory and the testament of generations' sweat and struggle.Whether it's a windswept plain or the busy figures in the fields, these elements are deeply engraved in their lives, nearly becoming a part they cannot separate from.No matter how tempting the current offer is.The exchange plan from Red Tide Territory, offering food, money, resources, and future guarantees, still cannot sway their persistence toward this land.Hence, these Noble Lords, Louis did not force the exchange.Instead, he proposed a new scheme with a cooperative attitude: jointly developing the land, building a future together."We are not merely exchanging this piece of land," the envoy from Red Tide said gently, "We can cooperate, cultivate land, establish workshops, and achieve mutual benefits.Red Tide Territory is willing to provide materials and technical support while we share all the benefits of this land, just requiring you to cede some power to Red Tide Territory."This proposal is almost the only way these nobles can accept.Although they cannot part with this land, faced with the promises from Red Tide Territory and harsh realities, they realize they have no other choice.If they persist in their own territory, their family influence will gradually weaken, and they might not be able to survive.After a long period of consideration, these nobles finally agreed to Red Tide Territory's proposal."We are willing to cooperate and explore the future together."