It was a taboo for those in power to constantly change their stance.
A change in the position of a superior would cause a change in the position of a subordinate to be very passive. It might seem like there wasn't much of a difference, but a subordinate's ability to resist risks was not as good as a superior's. Once a superior quickly changed his position while a subordinate did not change his position quickly, it would easily cause hidden dangers and losses.
A few days ago, Governor Seder had hinted to everyone to fight Lynch to the death, telling them not to be afraid because he would be the backing of these merchants. Now, there was news from the Empire that they wanted him to open up a way for Lynch to get the project and learn the secrets of the Federation's newest generator.
Could he do that?
Ignoring other factors, he could. It was just a matter of saying a few words, but in reality, he couldn't do it. If he did, people would find it hard to trust him in the future, and he would lose his dignity.
A ruler who couldn't do what he said would not be trusted and relied on by people. If he lost those who supported him, he would have nothing left. Not to mention, this actually involved a kind of competition.
In fact, sometimes in an environment where there was obvious competition, those in power were more like a flag that could not be shaken.
Apart from this problem, if the Federation succeeded in their first project and defeated the Gevra Merchant Guild in the face of unfavorable circumstances, it would encourage the Federation's capitalists to be arrogant. It would also be a huge blow to the Gevra merchants.
Once the Amelia region entered "Federation mode", it would bring a lot of trouble to the Gevra's rule.
Even if Governor Seder and the ministers of the Empire didn't want to admit it, they had to admit that the Federation's system was more attractive than the Gevra's.
Freedom, equality, these seemingly beautiful words were so beautiful that the beautiful people almost completely believed in them.
Governor Seder's face was very serious. He was thinking of a countermeasure. First of all, it was impossible for him to give up resistance. As long as he was governor, he would not let the Federation cause trouble here.
Second, he didn't think this was real news. It was just a bargaining chip, a smokescreen. When it came time to cash in, they could find an excuse to say it was impossible.
Just as he was thinking, he suddenly remembered that his phone was ringing, and his hand trembled.
In the past, he had never felt this way until he became the governor of Amelia Province. When he wasn't mentally prepared, the ringing of his phone would cause his heart to race and his hands to shake.
It was all because of those damned anti-government organizations. They brought one bad news after another. For a period of time, the Governor could not control his anger and fear when he heard the phone ringing!
He watched the phone ring twice before he picked it up.
The call was from the Emperor, and the purpose of his call was self-evident. "We need this technology."
"It can save us hundreds of millions of dollars. It can also solve the power shortage problem in some areas. We need it!"
After a moment of silence, Governor Seder said, "But this shouldn't be built on the basis of sacrificing the interests of the Empire."
"Sacrifice the interests of the Empire?"
"Who sacrificed themselves? How?"
"Why didn't I know that by using the Federation's technology, we were sacrificing the Empire's interests?"
There was a hint of anger in the Emperor's series of questions. It seemed to him that Governor Seidel did not understand the situation.
He was aware of Governor Seidel's previous thoughts and actions. He did not express his opinion, but he also felt that it was not a problem.
From a political perspective, it was indeed necessary to prevent the Federation's freedom and equality from spreading in the Empire's territory. In a country with a monarchy and a strict social class system, what freedom and equality was there to cause trouble?
But the situation was different now, was it not?
This was a real benefit. The more developed a country was, the more advanced it was in the use of electricity.
No one knew if a new energy source would appear in the future, but at least in the next twenty years, electricity would become a clear trend.
"I have to consider the stability of this area. After all, the locals are not the Guevara People. The Federation's methods are too provocative. If we can't suppress Lynch and the rest of the Federation now, they will soon replicate what they did in Najalil."
"You didn't choose me to be the governor for a vacation. If we can't suppress the Federation and let them incite the locals to oppose us, we will have to continue intensifying the conflict."
If the locals wanted freedom and showed their desire for it, they would be left with nothing but suppression and slaughter. This was not something Governor Seidel wanted to see, so he had to prevent this from happening from the beginning.
Governor Seidel spoke in a serious tone. Lynch and the Najalil Development Company were no secret what they did in Najalil.
Amelia was more complicated than Najalil. At the very least, the people of Najalil did not side with the Federation in the beginning, but what happened in the end?
They still became puppets of the Federation and were manipulated by the Federation to deal with the royal family, attack the palace, and even create a Congress party to kill the king!
Yes, in the eyes of Governor Seidel and many others, the Congress party that invaded the palace and killed the king and his wife was an organization supported by the Federation. They used the hands of these people to kill the troublesome king and avoid some problems.
Under the influence of the Federation, for freedom and equality, the people of Najalil even dared to kill their king!
The local people of Amelia hated the invaders, Gevra. Their attitude towards Gevra could be seen from the emergence of resistance groups. These people were more easily manipulated by hatred.
Only by making them feel hopeless and resigned to their fate would they gradually submit to the rule of the Empire.
As long as they saw a glimmer of hope, they would go out of control.
If Lynch won this semi-open competition, it meant that some of the Empire's rules and systems could no longer suppress him. This was very dangerous!
If a lion could not show its dominance over the grasslands from time to time, even wild dogs would bark at the lion.
"This is the most important part of the Empire's strategy. Compared to some patented technology that we are not sure about, I need you to stand on my side, Your Majesty.
We can spend more money every year to burn, but we can't do without Amelia!
As for what you want, I don't think it's a problem … "
"We can talk about importing directly. There's no need to let Lynch succeed. The capitalists of the Federation are different from the people we know. They will do anything for money!"
"They can control votes and elections for profit. Naturally, they will remove some things that are within their principles for enough money!"
"As long as we give them a big enough order, there's nothing they can't sell!"
Governor Seidel persuaded the Emperor. The Emperor hesitated for a moment before he said, "Maybe I should listen to you. Amelia is your territory. I'm just giving you my opinion."
"You won't be disappointed, Your Majesty!"
"I hope so."
After hanging up, Governor Seidel pursed his lips and looked at his son sitting not far away. "I need you to make a trip to the Federation. We can't just defend against Lynch's attack and not counterattack."
"Contact the company that owns the technology and tell them that if they are willing to cooperate with us, all the thermal power units in the Amelia region will be purchased from their company."
"Also, I don't remember where I heard it from, but Lynch's ass is not very clean. Maybe you can give him some trouble?"
Governor Seidel's son nodded. "I know what to do. I'll get someone to book the tickets right away …"
"Then … I'll be going now?"
The young man stood up, ready to leave at any time if Governor Seidel did not give him further instructions.
Governor Seidel nodded. After watching the young man leave, he made another call. Not long after, the president of the local Chamber of Commerce came to the study.
"Governor Seidel …" The president of the Chamber of Commerce, who had once wanted to make things difficult for Lynch, did not have the imposing manner of a president at all. Instead, he had a slightly flattering smile on his face, which ruined his domineering air of a rich man.
He was holding a small box in his hand. He placed the box on the table and pushed it inside. "Just a little something. I hope you like it!"
It was a custom for nobles to accept gifts from commoners. In the past, even commoners themselves were the property of the nobles. Sometimes, it was difficult to distinguish between gifts and bribes.
Governor Seidel opened the lid of the box. Inside was an item made of gold. Judging from its color, its purity was not very high, which meant that it was not very valuable.
However, whether this item was valuable or not had nothing to do with its purity. This was a cultural relic, an antique.
Governor Seidel nodded noncommittally and closed the lid again. He then turned his gaze to the president of the Chamber of Commerce. "Have you been feeling the pressure these past two days?"
The news that Governor Seidel knew, these merchants knew as well. They all had the support of various nobles behind them. In a magical country like Gevra, it was difficult for merchants to grow without the support of nobles.
The president of the Chamber of Commerce laughed dryly and nodded. "Yes, sir. A little."
He had just offended Lynch. If the governor wanted to change his stance, it was not a big deal for the governor. However, it would be troublesome for the president of the Chamber of Commerce.
Not only would he lose his dignity and reputation, but he might also be ridiculed and even robbed of everything he had. A disgraced person like him should not occupy a high position.
The pressure he was under was not just huge.
It was huge, very huge!