Early in the morning, after exercising, André sat in a very spacious hall.
Surrounded by servants and officials of the viscounty, André concentrated while reading a parchment that detailed the state of the territory.
The previous year there had been a mild famine, which led to a decrease in population. The economic situation was also poor due to the lack of agricultural production. Tax revenue from the previous year had decreased by 30%, causing an adverse effect on the economy of the lord's mansion, which had to be supplemented with money from the treasury.
André took a blank parchment and began writing something that left many in the meeting room puzzled.
"That will be all for now. Mario, pass on my order: all agricultural lords, landowners, and peasant farmers are to be summoned to the lord's mansion in three days."
"Yes, my lord."
Mario was the head butler of the Solomon family and now André's personal secretary.
Placing the parchment he had written in front of everyone, André suddenly said:
"This is my first decree as lord, which I will make public in three days when all those I have summoned gather."
"As the people closest to me, for now I will explain what it is about." André paused and then continued.
"To solve the agricultural problem plaguing the region, I came up with this new method of agricultural production that consists of four short cycles: cereals, oilseeds, vegetables, and tubers. They will rotate throughout the year, and we will be able to keep the food warehouses always full." André declared himself the author of this cultivation method without even blushing a little.
"Another method I came up with is the unified management of the cultivated fields. This will increase production efficiency. Everyone, read the parchment I just wrote about how I will implement it."
Everyone in the room passed by one by one and read the parchment. Some looked solemnly at their young lord, while others frowned deeply.
André observed the face of each and every one of them and drew certain conclusions about whether the loyalty of some lords was with him or with their own interests.
There were certain exchanges of glances in the room that did not escape André's eye. It should be known that the knowledge he inherited from his previous life was not only technology, but also the wisdom and experiences of many of the greatest minds.
"Well, that is all, gentlemen," André said, standing up and leaving the hall toward the dining room for lunch.
When he arrived at the dining room, André saw that he was the last to arrive. He apologized and proceeded with the meal.
"How did it go, my grandson? Can you do it?" Lucrecia asked, noticing André's furrowed brow as he ate.
"It's fine, Grandmother, it's simple," André smiled. "I'm thinking about a reform of the agricultural system. I was just considering that there shouldn't be too much opposition."
"Don't worry, you have our unconditional support, so have confidence."
"Alright, Grandmother." André nodded with a big smile, while Amanda looked very worried about her son.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye. André was standing on the balcony of his room watching the many guests arriving from all parts of the viscounty.
In the afternoon, everyone was gathered in the largest hall of the castle, smiling and chatting with their acquaintances while waiting for the lord's arrival.
The great door of the hall opened, drawing the attention of all the guests. André, followed by the butler Mario and a few of his advisors, walked to the most central part of the hall.
"Gentlemen, I am very pleased to see you all here."
Immediately there was strong applause and a series of praises from some of those present.
Raising his hand slightly, André managed to silence the hall once more.
"I know very well that many of you are waiting for what I am going to say, so I will get straight to the central topic."
Everyone raised their ears so as not to miss any detail. Then André cleared his throat and began to speak.
"Due to the low agricultural production of the previous year, the region's economy suffered a strong blow and there was even a significant population decline. So I devised a solution, and at this moment I will make it known, as well as the regulations that will come into effect from this moment on."
Some nobles suddenly felt a bad premonition. Then André continued:
"From this moment on, the cultivation cycles will be divided into four, which will be detailed shortly."
André cleared his throat and said:
"The short cycles will be the following: cereals, oilseeds, tubers, and vegetables. These will rotate throughout the year and will thus greatly improve agricultural production."
"My lord, forgive my lack of respect. Allow me to ask you where you obtained this cultivation method. This old man has lived sixty years and has never heard of anything like it," spoke Baron Creus, one of the most prestigious vassals in the viscounty.
"Naturally, I invented this method myself. Don't worry, it has been tested and I assure you it works correctly. Mario can testify that it is a miraculous method," André said, looking at Mario, who was surprised and quickly nodded.
"Yes, I can say that the harvest will at least double with this method," Mario spoke, surprising everyone present. It could be said that Mario had a great reputation among these nobles.
"Furthermore, to increase production efficiency, I have decreed the centralization of the cultivated lands around Solomon City."
Everyone was startled, and many did not have a good expression when they heard this.
"All the lands around Solomon City that nobles and landowners have under lease will be returned to me. You may choose another area within the territory of the viscounty to cultivate according to the leased land."
"My lord, I believe you should think about this again," Baron Creus wanted to speak, but was interrupted by André.
"It has already been decided. Soon an administration official will visit you to proceed with the relocation."
After saying that, André left followed by his retinue, leaving everyone with sour faces. Some were worried, while others had cold eyes as they watched André's departure.
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¿Continuamos con el **Capítulo 5**?