I Became A Black Merchant In Another World-Chapter 329: One Ghost, Labor Standards Act (7)

In school, democracy is often taught as a lofty and grand concept.

They say that the pioneers of democracy were people who sacrificed their lives for the dream of “everyone being respected and living a dignified life.”

Well, that statement isn’t entirely wrong.

However, Abraham Lincoln, who actually abolished slavery, did so because it was in his best interest to free African Americans from slavery, not out of sheer altruism.

And the bourgeoisie who led the French Revolution didn’t do it out of sympathy for the poor commoners—they rose up because they were sick of the nobility’s wealth and privileges, and took advantage of the famine to spark the revolution.

That doesn’t mean the value of democracy itself is diminished.

But ultimately, democracy exists not for the ideals it champions, but because those in power saw it as more beneficial to their own interests when they weighed the pros and cons with autocracy.

Duke Visconti’s advocacy for workers’ rights is simply because it aligns more with his interests now.

‘It’s a great opportunity to bury the Sforza Duke.’

Duke Visconti continued his remarks.

"I don’t see the recent riot as simply an issue in the Sforza Duchy and other territories. I believe this could easily happen in my own territory as well."

"Seeing the misfortune of an opponent and considering your own situation first—now that’s a model for the Empire’s nobility."

"Such praise is too much, Your Majesty."

I found it deeply satisfying to watch the downfall of Duke Sforza, who had previously tried to target me with tax investigations and forced me to pay tithes and penances.

Although there were no special effects like CGI or live-action battles...

This scene, at this moment, is a million times more thrilling than any Hollywood blockbuster.

The only regret I have is that we’re in the Empire’s parliament, so I can’t enjoy popcorn and cola.

If I could just have a beer, that would be even better.

I know it’s unreasonable to want more, but a drink with some snacks sounds really tempting right now.

"The serfs work six days a week, about eight hours a day. In the winter, there is no farming, so they only work half the time and get to rest comfortably. Meanwhile, workers in the factories work six days a week, and often over 13 hours a day, Your Majesty."

"Even the most diligent officials in the Ministry of Commerce and the Treasury work no more than 11 hours a day. How can anyone subject workers to such abuse?"

"That’s not all, Your Majesty. While they are paid one and a half silver coins a month, the factory owners exploit them very cleverly."

By the way, I didn’t tell the Emperor that I had set up this entire operation behind the scenes.

No matter how much I support Duke Visconti, I didn’t want to risk overplaying my hand with the Emperor.

If I, being seen as a scheming noble, suddenly attempted to cover up Sforza’s blunders, what would the Emperor think?

He’d probably think I’m underestimating him.

So, I only passed my plans to Duke Visconti.

From the Emperor’s perspective, as long as things go well for the Empire, he won’t be disappointed if the Imperial power grows stronger.

"I see, so how exactly are they exploiting the workers?"

"The workers, being outsiders, are treated as outcasts in the city and struggle to rent homes. The factory owners take advantage of this by forcing them into dormitories that are worse than animal pens. Then, they charge them one and a half silver coins and forty copper coins in rent every month."

"Is that true?"

"From what I’ve investigated, the workers are provided with two meals a day, but the quality is much worse than the porridge Your Majesty had last time. It’s so bad that it’s worse than animal feed. And the supervisors, while not using whips, treat the workers with clubs as though they were animals."

Even in our country, up until the 1990s, it wasn’t uncommon for workplace abuse to happen.

When a boss came back home after being scolded by his wife, he would take out his frustration by scolding and even beating the employees, especially the juniors and newcomers.

In medieval fantasy Tuscany, this kind of physical punishment isn’t surprising...

‘But exploiting workers while giving them poor pay and food? That’s crossing a line.’

This was an atrocious act.

"If they’re forced to live in such terrible conditions, exploited with no hope, they had no choice but to resist in order to survive. Even though their actions went too far, perhaps we should show mercy, Your Majesty?"

The Emperor couldn’t refuse Duke Visconti’s proposal.

The reason the Emperor’s power had grown so much stronger than before was precisely because he had embraced even the serfs.

Abandoning workers, who are even more socially marginalized than serfs, would be inconsistent with his policies, undermining his power base.

‘This is why the old guard, even though they know it’s their fault, refuse to change anything.’

"Mercy is one thing, but do you have a specific plan?"

"There's no need to raise their wages further. However, the factory or company owners should provide decent meals and facilities in their dormitories so that workers can live like humans. The rent they charge should also be limited."

"So, you’re saying the workers must at least be allowed to live like human beings?"

"Yes, that’s right. They are Your Majesty’s people too."

If you are reading this translation anywhere other than Novelight.net or SilkRoadTL, it has been stolen.

In modern society, people tend to have children only when they ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ are financially stable enough to provide for them.

But this is a medieval fantasy world.

As long as my wife and I don’t starve to death, we will somehow get married and start a family.

By having children, new laborers are provided, and consumption grows, fueling economic growth.

"Workers are also citizens of the Empire, and it’s truly a pity that they have no basic protections unlike serfs. Therefore, I suggest that we establish laws to ensure they at least receive some basic protection, as Duke Visconti proposed."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Then, the workers acted out of desperation to survive, and the factory owners exploited the Empire’s people. It seems only right to show them mercy."

The mention of mercy turned Duke Sforza’s face as white as a sheet.

The fact that the rioters—no, the workers who led the protest—would receive mercy meant that it was implicitly acknowledging that Sforza and his faction failed to manage the people of their own territory.

This was essentially branding them as ineffective nobles.

"No, Your Majesty. Even though the rioters were living in difficult circumstances, this was still an outright rebellion. According to Imperial law, they must be punished severely..."

"I will not accept that."

The Emperor immediately cut off Duke Sforza’s words and continued speaking.

"I will pardon those who did not harm anyone or destroy property outside their own factory. They acted only out of necessity to survive; how could we punish them?"

"Your Majesty, please listen to me..."

"But my mercy is only for this time. If such riots happen again, despite the laws that will now be enacted to ensure the workers’ basic survival, then I will punish them severely according to the law."

This riot—no, this extreme protest—was the workers’ desperate attempt to survive.

It can be seen as a last-ditch effort for survival.

After observing the workers' conditions, I sensed that if things had continued as they were for another ten years, communism might have emerged.

Therefore, although their methods were extreme, I think there’s plenty of room for forgiveness.

I was in danger of dying, so how could I worry about anyone else?

"And Duke Sforza."

Duke Sforza, his face full of tension, looked at the Emperor.

"I am very disappointed in you, Duke. Your ancestors, especially the first Duke Sforza, were greatly trusted by His Majesty, and were given vast territories. But the way you’ve handled things now is truly regrettable."

"I apologize."

A Duke, unless they openly commit treason, is unlikely to lose their land or title.

A baron is akin to a hereditary parliamentarian, and a Duke is like a hereditary prime minister.

Actually, the Toscana Empire has two families with the Duke title.

Could they be compared to the hereditary left and right ministers?

But, if I were to remove Duke Sforza’s title from this one incident, it would be nearly impossible.

"One must know how to manage their household before they can govern a nation. For the time being, it would be best for you to focus on managing your territories and leave politics alone."

"I apologize, Your Majesty."

"And Count Karara, Baron Quisano, Baron Bosina, and Baron Ancona."

At the Emperor’s call, the four of them stood up immediately.

"You have mismanaged the factories you hold in your family name to such a degree that a riot occurred. How could you have handled your territories like this?"

"I apologize, please grant us another chance..."

"You will lose your titles."

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Without the overwhelming support of the serfs and the huge financial contributions from the merchant class, even the Emperor would not have been able to strip these noble families of their titles.

They were likely spared with the promise of severe consequences.

‘It seems they think they can handle this.’

"As of now, I revoke the rights of Count Karara, and Barons Quisano, Bosina, and Ancona to attend the Imperial Parliament, and they are hereby forbidden from calling themselves nobles. All assets, excluding personal or family property, will be seized by the state."

This kind of action could only be taken in a country with absolute royal authority.

Despite these harsh measures, the Emperor stood with great confidence.

"This concludes the session."