Chapter 806: Chapter 353: The Anti-Corn Law and Coal Mine Explosion Case (Part 3)

In simple terms, it was a series of tariff barriers and import restrictions designed to protect the interests of Stilan’s domestic farmers and landlords.

The law stipulated that when the domestic grain price in Stilan was below a certain market price, the import of foreign grain was prohibited. When the price rose above that threshold, high tariffs were imposed on imports.

The practice of artificially maintaining high grain prices through such Grain Laws was not uncommon in the reality Wu Chang lived in.

Several island nations neighboring Xia Country were well-versed in this, with the soaring rice prices in Sakura Island and the exorbitant prices of fruits and vegetables in Stick Island being the results of similar manipulations.

This practice ensured the income of landlords but led to an increase in the cost of living for the people.

In the real world, people might endure it, but during the steam engine era, when Stilan was in a stage of explosive industrial development, it became one of the main points of social conflict.

For the lower-class citizens, high grain prices meant increased living costs, directly affecting their basic needs.

The high living costs caused by high grain prices forced factories to raise wages, increasing labor costs for factories.

At the same time, the high grain tariffs imposed by the Grain Laws would lead other countries to retaliate with tariffs on Stilan’s industrial products.

This directly sparked a conflict between the old noble landlords and the new noble industrial bourgeoisie.

Prime Minister Ron, supporting the repeal of the Grain Laws, touched the old nobles’ interests, which would undoubtedly earn their resentment.

Raventon added here:

"In the Conservative Party that Prime Minister Ron belongs to, most are old nobles who own land."

"As the leader of the Conservative Party, yet supporting the repeal of the Grain Laws, Prime Minister Ron is called ’the betrayer of the land’ within the party. You know, traitors are always more hated than enemies."

Wu Chang nodded. Betrayers are always despised in any civilization.

He asked, "What is the second thing Prime Minister Ron is doing?"

Raventon raised his cane, pointing to the documents on the desk that Prime Minister Ron was examining before his death, which were related to the workers’ movement.

"Just ten days ago, an explosion occurred at the Pine Tree Coal Mine in the outskirts of Grimland, killing over 400 workers."

"This incident shocked the entire nation, leading to a wave of worker strikes and violent conflicts in many cities."

"Because the situation was so serious, Prime Minister Ron had to personally get involved in the investigation of the case and promised to improve the working conditions of coal miners."

Wu Chang recalled what Raventon had said, murmuring:

"The repeal of the Grain Laws and the coal mine explosion case."

Raventon nodded and asked, "Prime Minister Ron’s death is likely related to these two matters. Which one are you planning to start with?"

Wu Chang thought for a moment and said:

"The repeal of the Grain Laws caused too much uproar, and although the conflict is more intense, from what you said, the repeal of the Grain Laws has overwhelming support among the people. The old nobles are hesitant and nearly ready to compromise, so it’s unlikely they’d resort to such extreme measures."

"I think there might be something fishy with the coal mine explosion case."

Raventon said, "A wise choice. If that’s the case, let’s prepare during the day tomorrow and head to the Pine Tree Coal Mine at night to see what secrets are hidden there."

"Rest well tonight and try not to act in the middle of the night."

Wu Chang asked, "Why?"

Raventon said, "Grimland has been unstable recently, and besides the Peaceful Sect stirring, there’s also a serial killer active at night."

"He specifically targets the Transcendents, and in the past month, over six have been killed. The Grimland Police Hall has yet to find the real culprit."

Wu Chang was unconcerned, "If he’s specifically targeting Transcendents, if he comes for me, I think you’re the one who should be worried about him."

Raventon was silent for a moment, then said, "I think so too."

Having determined their next goal, the two, unable to find more clues at the crime scene, decided to leave the Prime Minister’s Residence first.

"Should I give you two a lift back to the hotel first..." Before Raventon could finish, he saw a Holy Awakening Sect carriage parked not far from the Prime Minister’s Residence.

That carriage was one that could only be used by the Church’s senior clergy. At this time and place, who was sitting inside was self-evident.

He shrugged and said, "Looks like you have a new driver waiting for you."

Wu Chang glanced at Raventon and said teasingly, "Aren’t you going to join for a ride?"

Raventon shook his head, "I’m not going."

"Coward, no wonder you’re almost forty and still single," Wu Chang muttered softly.

Raventon pretended not to hear, pressing down his hat and walking toward a rental carriage.

Wu Chang led Erin to the carriage, and inside, sure enough, was Julie.

Julie took a quick look at the departing rental carriage and then turned to ask:

"How are you getting along?"

Wu Chang said, "Not bad, quite an interesting guy, a good person."

Julie laughed and said, "Yeah, he’s not bad."

Wu Chang and Julie, amid laughter, handed Raventon two "good person" cards.

Julie said, "He must have used some excuse like being an assistant to bring you two into the Prime Minister’s Residence. For now, your presence needs to be kept hidden, and I hope you can tolerate it for a while."

Wu Chang, with an odd expression, said, "From your description, I sound like a clandestine lover, or rather, a masked vigilante."

Feeling Erin’s scrutinizing gaze, he immediately corrected himself.

"I wonder when Queen Olivia plans to officially recognize me as this vigilante."

Julie said:

"At this point, if the Queen suddenly announces the restoration of the Secret Magic Knight Order, some might see it as an attempt to expand power following the Prime Minister’s death."

"Unless there is a legitimate reason for restoring the Secret Magic Knight Order, or some significant achievements have been made."

"You remember the Queen’s commission, right? As long as you can uncover the mastermind behind a Grimland anomaly, the Queen will proceed to announce your existence."

Wu Chang nodded, "I will do it as soon as possible."

"However..." Julie changed the subject, saying:

"Although your identity as the Secret Magic Knight Order Leader can’t be disclosed for now, it doesn’t affect you receiving the treatment you deserve."