Except for slaves, anyone and any activity in Black Pine Ridge must pay taxes to Luo De.
If Luo De wished, even breathing could be taxed.
"But in that case, would merchants still be willing to come to Black Pine Ridge?" Durant asked worriedly.
"Then collect ten years' worth of taxes in advance."
Luo De smiled, fully embracing the role of a lord,
"If they hand over their resources and don't come to do business, I don't care."
Merchants are profit-driven, and Luo De didn't believe that merchants who paid taxes in advance would give up the opportunity to do business in Black Pine Ridge.
Even so, Luo De was not concerned.
At worst, he'd personally form a trading team.
The memories of his illegitimate son's past and the experiences of the past seven years made Luo De deeply understand that in this world, not being ruthless would lead to being devoured.
Especially in the Northern Wasteland, without any foundation, he must use some means.
Those unrelated trading teams were temporarily a source of resources.
Luo De felt no moral burden.
In an era filled with bloody exploitation, holding onto past life's moral standards?
Then everyone in this era would be headed for the gallows, including His Majesty the Emperor.
"I understand, Lord Baron, I will now go and investigate the guard situation of the Golden Sand Trading Team."
Durant wasn't foolish and understood why Luo De had hired an extra guard team.
What his lord referred to as "tax collection" was essentially robbery; Durant already anticipated the outcome if the other side refused.
However, Durant thought it was normal. Without a basic wealth foundation, imposing heavy taxes in one's territory was the fastest way to rise, and how much was collected was up to the lord.
Therefore, Durant had to prepare in advance.
After bowing and taking his leave from the blacksmith shop, Durant left, while Luo De put on clothes and packed his things to leave as well.
At that moment, the blacksmith stopped Luo De, mustering his courage to say, "Honorable sir, you damaged my plate armor and need to compensate."
"Compensate?"
Luo De replied in surprise, "You took a perfectly good plate armor to test?"
"Of course, it was a finished product, could sell for three gold coins..."
Before the blacksmith could finish, Luo De raised his hand to interrupt him.
"I asked you to bring plate armor for testing; who told you to bring a perfectly good plate for testing?"
Luo De's gaze turned cold, and he asked in a harsh tone, "Are you trying to extort a noble with unsold goods?"
Luo De wasn't exaggerating; plate armor is heavy and thick, and most people can't wear it, plus it's expensive.
The blacksmith was stunned.
Indeed, Luo De hadn't told him to bring a perfectly good plate armor for testing.
Mainly because, who would have thought that Luo De, a rookie, could forge a heavy sword that would cut a plate armor in two?
"I, but..."
The blacksmith looked troubled.
Extortion is a severe crime, carrying at least the penalty of flogging.
But the plate armor cost him heavily, and without it, he couldn't afford next year's store rent and taxes.
"I'm not giving you money, but I can offer you an opportunity."
Seeing the blacksmith's expression, Luo De spoke more gently, "My Black Pine Ridge is in need of blacksmiths. If you are willing to go, you can be exempted from five years of taxes and can even consider learning forging knowledge and get a wife."
Luo De's skill abilities couldn't be taught, but the forging knowledge acquired from the system could be passed to others.
Luo De didn't know the exact situation of Black Pine Ridge, but he wouldn't mind having more blacksmiths.
"I..."
The blacksmith was very hesitant.
He knew the situation of the Northern Wasteland, but five years of tax exemption and forging knowledge were both tempting.
"You have one night to consider, if you're willing to come with me, come to the tavern to find me."
Luo De didn't bother with the blacksmith, turned around, and returned to the tavern.