With a permanent population of more than 27,000 people, the church has long been unable to meet the needs of the faithful, especially on Sundays, when the faithful from all villages travel to Pinghu by horse-drawn carriage to receive the blessing of the Holy Light. In addition to the morning prayer and the evening prayer, we had to hold two additional light dispersions. However, some believers from other villages who received a baptism of light were not enough, they stayed in the square, wanting to participate in the next dispersion, often arguing with other believers, blocking traffic and causing chaos. ”

"With the support of Viscount Randall, I built two more churches, one in the East and one in the West, where two prayers of the Light were held every day, each time more than 7,000 people ......"

In the prayer hall of the church in Pinghu Town, Father David quietly glanced at the Pope, who was reading the scroll of the archive, and said thoughtfully: "For the time being, we can satisfy the believers in Randall's territory." ”

Clement was stunned and continued to read the scroll in his hand. Tournans, dressed in an episcopal robe, sat on the left hand of the Pope, without saying a word, with a solemn and deep expression. He kept in mind Clement's teaching: in formal settings, listen more, say less, and do not express oneself easily, in order to be like a qualified archbishop.

"What do you mean for the time being?" Bishop Pero sighed inwardly, and had to take over the topic of his henchmen. Tournans glanced at him faintly, as if to say: I knew you would not be able to help it.

Father David said respectfully: "The population of Randall is growing rapidly, according to the Randall family's plan, within five years, the permanent population of Pinghu Town will exceed 60,000, and within ten years, more than 100,000. Therefore, I think it is necessary to build a cathedral in Pinghu Town. After a pause, he added: "Viscount Randall is very enthusiastic about the construction of the cathedral in Pinghu Town, and is willing to bear the entire cost of the construction of the above-ground part of the cathedral, and has also invited Lord Anthony to help design the cathedral...... His Excellency Anthony is one of the most sought-after architects of the moment, and his masterpiece Silvermoon Manor, with its large number of spires, expresses a strong emotion of mystery, mourning and sublimity, which is very suitable for church architecture. ”

According to the agreement between the Lord of Light and the first Pope, he will transform the power of faith of more than 7,000 people into the holy power pool for the middle and high level clergy to invoke, and if the number of prayers is less than this, this law cannot be activated.

In the beginning, however, this was not the primary method of gathering the power of the Church.

In the era of the city-states, humans occupied the rich northern territories, with hundreds of thousands of people in each city and millions of people in each. Even if the pastor was so tired that he vomited blood, it was impossible for him to conduct a prayer service for so many people. The church built majestic cathedrals in the center of the city, and each cathedral was a large prayer circle. With the cathedral as the center, every believer within 300 square kilometers, no matter what they are doing, as long as they pray, their faith will be transformed into holy power by the magic circle.

The prayer ceremonies conducted by the priest himself were mainly for the villages and towns attached to the city-state.

The large prayer circle was built underground, requiring a large amount of mythril and white crystal, which was very expensive. Luckily, every city-state had a wizard's tower, and the clergy demolished the tower to obtain enough materials to build the city-state's cathedral. In those days, each city-state had a large prayer circle.

Today, the fertile northern wilderness has been reduced to a gladiatorial arena for orc monsters, the ancient city-states are in ruins, and the last large prayer circle left in the church is the Cathedral of Divine Radiance in the capital of the El King.

With today's population density, there is no need for the church to build large prayer circles. Clergy now mainly build medium-sized prayer circles, automatically collecting the power of faith in a 200 square kilometer area, and occasionally building small circles, affecting a 100 square kilometer area.

Even for medium-sized circles, the cost is quite staggering. If you convert the precious materials required for a medium-sized circle into money, you will need at least 600,000 gold soles, and this is only the cost of building the circle, not including the construction cost of the church itself.

With the current human and material resources of the Church, the establishment of the cathedral must be extremely deliberate. According to the regulations, the permanent population of the city is not less than 100,000, and the resident priest is eligible to apply for the construction of the cathedral.

Once the cathedral was established, it marked a full-fledged parish.

The cathedral was to be staffed with at least 60 junior paladins, 5 junior priests, two combat priests, and four mid-rank paladins. Of course, there were often vacancies in the cathedral's staffing, but as long as someone came to follow orders, the priest stationed there did not have to be confined to the town, busy presiding over prayers, mixing potions, and treating the wounded every day. They will get rid of trivial affairs, have enough time to study, strive to improve their own level of knowledge, go deep into the lower villages and towns, consolidate the faith of the people, and collect scattered holy power. These are all closely related to the promotion of pastors.

For the lord, there is a cathedral under his rule, and the church will strive to maintain the legitimacy of his family, and as long as there is no problem with the family bloodline, the senate of the kingdom cannot act rashly, and his political foundation will become very solid. At the same time, the clergy of the cathedral tried their best to cooperate with the lord's army to defend against or eliminate the monsters for the safety of the diocese. The lord will also be able to use the network of the church to keep abreast of the dynamics of other families, as well as new technologies.

In short, the cathedral means a complete upgrade of the territory.

Ant-Man is Randall's biggest threat, and when the Ant-Tide invades the Centaur Hills again, the clergy of the Church appear on the walls of the Southern Fortress, which not only boosts the morale of Randall's mercenaries and militia, but also stabilizes the rear. Viscount Randall certainly wanted a cathedral in Pinghu Town.

According to the principle of reciprocity, the presiding priest of the cathedral must be a priest of the fourth degree. Miller, as a god, has no room for promotion. The third-level priest Davy could replace Miller and be promoted to the fourth level, becoming the presiding priest of the Randall Collar Cathedral. With Viscount Randall's potential, as long as David sits firmly in the position of presiding priest, the tide will rise in the future, and it will be easier to be promoted to a high-ranking priest.

Bishop Perrault is about to abandon the diocese of the Duchy of Nimes and concentrate on the management of the Centaur Hills. He began to promote his henchmen and exclude dissidents. On the other hand, the more cathedrals there are in the Centaur Hills, the more missionary priests, battle priests, and paladins Perot will have at his disposal. After all, the church's resources are limited, and he needs to queue up to apply for the prayer circle, and he doesn't fight for it at this time, and he doesn't know how long it will be later.

Speaking of which, Perot is also in the papal line, but Clement's eyes are not just a horse hill, and the rapid competition for the resources of the diocese now will inevitably arouse the vigilance of the Knights of Radiance and the Ivory Holy Castle, leading to an early split in the College of Cardinals. Clement had a long-term perspective, and he intended to lead the church in a way that was nothing compared to one moment or another.

Putting down the scroll in his hand, Clement asked gently, "David, soap is your invention?"

"Thank you Lord for your guidance. David drew a triangle on his forehead to his chest symbolizing the Holy Mountain of Light, and said reservedly: "The Borui people use the pancreas and fragrant glands of the lizard, and add white kidney bean powder and milk to make bath ointment. I borrowed their method of washing the dirty blood of the pig's pancreas, grinding it into a paste, and then adding molten pig fat, spiny kidney bean ash, a small amount of jaggery, stirring well, pressing it into cubes, and after natural drying, it became pancreatic soap, but Viscount Randall insisted on calling it soap or soap......"

David said with a hint of humor: "Soap is the addition of precious spices to soap. Soap and soap were very popular in the market of Yeliu City, and Viscount Randall decided to expand the cultivation scale of prickly kidney beans to 180,000 acres, and the lords of the Centaur Hills were also preparing to open up terraces to grow thorny kidney beans. ”

"To obtain the mutant plants of the prickly kidney bean, it takes planting scale and cultivation time, and with the more than 700,000 acres of thorny kidney bean fields of the Wellington family, we are afraid that it is difficult to see the prickly kidney bean become food. Now, the large-scale introduction of spiny kidney beans in the Centaur Hills has solved a big problem, although most of them have to feed pigs with spiny kidney beans...... At the very least, the lord won't question us anymore why the El Sect refuses to grow prickly kidney beans?" Clement smiled and asked Perro, "Now that the prickly kidney beans can be used to raise pigs and make soap, what are the plans of the Wellington family?"

Perot shook his head and said, "In any case, raising pigs is not as cost-effective as raising cattle and sheep. Moreover, the central and south-central part of the Gambis is the Blinor Plain, and all the land that can be cultivated has been reclaimed. If the Auguste family didn't grow prickly kidney beans, the Kite Castle would still bring surplus population to the south-central, and it would be impossible for the Duke of Wellington to raise pigs with prickly kidney beans...... The established strategy of the Wellington family remained unchanged, directing the surplus population into the hills, reducing the kidney bean fields to 300,000 acres, and using the extra 400,000 acres of arable land to retain the family knights. ”

"After all, they need farmland to prepare for the expansion of the Southern Continent, canonizing knights, training vassals and soldiers, and storing grain and leather. The Kite Castle supported the Duke of Wellington's plans for war, and Bishop Thane had no reason to stop them. ”

Bishop Perro paused and continued: "I will take over the cultivation of prickly kidney beans, and the York family is stepping up to open up terraces, and it is expected that the scale of cultivation of prickly kidney beans will reach one million acres. In addition, I was contacted by Bishop Dawson, who seemed to be preparing to promote terraces, prickly kidney beans, and pig farming in the centaur hills of the Kingdom of Dord. ”

"Wild boar family pig ...... The House of York deserves its name. Clement was in a happy mood and couldn't help but tease. The crowd couldn't help but laugh, and the Pope praised David: "Without soap, the York family would not have agreed to plant spiny kidney beans so easily." You're doing a great job. ”

David was secretly overjoyed to hear the Pope say: "In ten years, a town of pioneer lords with a population of more than 100,000 people, if you don't see it with your own eyes, I will only lie to you." Now, I'm convinced of that. However, the rules are the rules, and if Pinghu Town wants to build a cathedral, you can only apply to the Holy See when the population reaches 100,000. ”

Pastor David was stunned for a moment, and thought: "No, the Holy See said that it would reward Viscount Randall, how could His Majesty refuse my proposal?"

He looked at Bishop Perro, but did not get any hints, and muttered a little unwillingly: "The church is the landmark building of the town, if the cathedral of Pinghu Town cannot be implemented as soon as possible, I am afraid it will affect the urban planning of Viscount Randall......"

"Planning?" Clement became intrigued by the new term, asking, "What does that mean?"

David perked up and explained: "When the time is ripe, the general pioneer lord will canonize a piece of territory to the vassal knight, let him form his own escort team, recruit farmers, build village farms, open up arable land, and raise cattle, sheep and horses. Unlike the average Pioneer Lord, Viscount Randall has a holistic, long-term view of the development of his territory, specific to towns, villages, workshops, farmlands, pastures, forests, populations, and armies, and when and what scale must be reached. Randall has a five-year, a 10-year, and a 20-year plan......"

"Wait. Clement interrupted David, who was gushing, and asked, "What does Randall's 20-year plan look like?"

"Your Majesty, what are you asking?"

Clement thought for a moment and said, "Randall's master plan. ”

"Yes. David bowed slightly, raised his head and said, "In 20 years, 4,000 square kilometers of Randall's territory will be opened up into pastures, cultivated land, terraces and regenerated forests, and the remaining 5,000 square kilometers of territory will remain in its natural state for the time being. One city, seven towns, fourteen villages, and 42 farms were built in the territory, with a total population of not less than 400,000 and no more than 500,000, and 6 mercenary corps were formed, totaling more than 24,000 people. ”

Clement's eyes flashed, and after a moment of silence, he smiled: "What a big ambition...... How did Viscount Randall make this happen?"

"I don't think he can do it. Tournans couldn't help but interject: "Can he still care how many children people have?"

A lord who even has to take care of the people going to the toilet, I'm afraid that he will really care about the people's childbirth...... Clement thought to himself.

Sure enough, Bishop Perro coughed dryly and said, "Victor and I discussed population control...... I basically agree with him and am working on a report on it. Of course, he currently encourages the people to have children, and a woman from a hired family can get a ewe for giving birth to a third child in Randall, and a monetary reward for giving birth to a fourth child, but if she gives birth to a fifth child, her husband will be punished. Victor believes that women should not be reduced to men's reproductive tools, which will increase the risk of difficult births for women, and with the number of pastors, it is difficult for the church to ensure the safety of pregnant women and young children. In fact, Victor attached great importance to medical care and hygiene, and he made it mandatory for his employees to use soap in their homes, even giving it as wages...... I must admit that this has really reduced the workload of pastors. So, I asked the pastor to reassure the believers that they would accept soap as part of their wages. ”

"We have taught believers to stay away from spoiled food and sewage and to pay attention to cleanliness and hygiene, but the results have been ineffective. The people of Randall's Lordship are able to maintain good hygiene, which is a good example of the cooperation between the lord and the priest. Clementa nodded, and then admonished, "Present to me Viscount Randall's views on population control as soon as possible." ”

"As you wish. ”

"David, continue to answer the question you just asked. ”

"Yes. Davidle thought for a moment and replied, "Viscount Randall first sets a long-term goal, and then breaks down the long-term goal into medium-term goals and short-term goals. Medium-term goals are given to Mrs. Lilia, and short-term goals are assigned to subordinates, for example, how many terraces must be opened in a year, how many prickly kidney beans must be planted, etc., and if you encounter difficulties, you can seek help from Mrs. Lilia, and if you fail to meet the deadline, George will be held accountable. ”

Clement pondered for a moment and gave an evaluation, "The meticulous horror is also breathtaking. "What about the cathedral and the city plan?"

David hurriedly replied: "The cathedral is the center of the city, and Viscount Randall intends to design Pinghu City around the cathedral, including sewers, city roads, residential areas, commercial areas, handicraft areas, city squares, city farms, gardens, and aqueducts....... And the architectural style should also match the cathedral. ”

"The Viscount's town plan is fascinating and detailed. Clement smiled and said, "He must have drawn the drawings, right?"

"Yes. David said dejectedly. There are planning drawings, and it is not necessary to build the cathedral first.

"David, what do you know about Randall?" asked Clement lightly.

David adjusted his mentality and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, I think that the core idea of Viscount Randall's development of the territory is to transform useless resources into useful resources, and unfavorable factors into beneficial factors. ”

"Inedible acorns, sweet potato leaves, and worms are fed to pigs and turned into pork; aged prickly kidney beans are dried and ground to make soap; weeds and shrubs on the hills, of little value, are terraced and planted with fruit trees, oilwood, kidney beans, rye, and wolf's tail; fish are raised in streams and reservoirs; and wheat straw is used to make paper." ”

"It's the same with people. Randall is about to implement a three-year rotation system, with a planting-to-harvest ratio of 1:7, and the families can rent 30 acres of wheat fields, 30 acres of potatoes and 30 acres of fallow land, and retain 30% of the harvest after the 11th tax. Sweet potatoes do not need to be carefully cared for, two strong laborers can take care of 30 acres of wheat fields and 30 acres of sweet potatoes. With an average yield of 420 pounds per mu, the family can harvest 3,400 pounds of new wheat and 3,500 pounds of potatoes every year. ”

In this way, the rest of the family members can choose to work or participate in militia training, gradually becoming good craftsmen, craftsmen and mercenary soldiers. ”

Viscount Randall was also planning to lease the terraces to hired families, so that their children would also have the opportunity to learn the trade and be trained in the militia. The exact methodology is still being discussed, but the implementation is scheduled for two years from now. However, children of working families are temporarily not entitled to attend school......"

Clement's eyes lit up, and he ordered, "Let's talk about admission." ”

David nodded and said, "Pinghu Town has opened a school, mainly for the children of the lord's family, enrolling 80 people every year, specializing in learning writing and arithmetic, and all expenses will be borne by the lord. Those who have completed three years of study and have excellent grades can serve as deacons. Places for admission require a recommendation. ”

"School? is something new...... One after another, Viscount Randall's ideas were woven into a large net that swept all the homeless people in...... What a rare aristocrat. Clement said to herself.

Bishop Pero shook his head and smiled: "Victor can't help it, Sylvia is worried that the children of the nobles will affect the decision-making of the Randall family, and he is not allowed to recruit knights and scholars." ”

Clement nodded noncommittally. David gritted his teeth and said, "Your Majesty, I don't think Miller is up to the post of Randall's presiding priest. ”

"The vassals of ordinary realms used the exiles to secretly collect the resources of the commons, and then let the freemen traders sell them, so as to evade the eleventh tax. Most lords symbolically received some commons for worship, and turned a blind eye to the actions of their vassals. The presiding priest receives little access to the resources of the commons. The situation in Randall's territory is completely different, all the resources of the village commons are turned into useful goods by Lord Victor, sisal into canvas, and trees into carriages...... And then there's the pig industry......" David took a breath and continued: "Randall currently has more than 70,000 domestic pigs, which are slaughtered in ten months, divided into five batches, and one batch is slaughtered every three months. This means that the eleventh tax received by Randall cannot be collected once a year, and the collection of the eleventh tax will become very complicated when considering the transaction tax received by Randall. ”

"This year's Windy Season, we are about to levy an eleventh tax on the Centaur Hills. With Father Miller's abilities, he simply couldn't handle Randall's special situation. ”

"Eleventh Tax ......"

Clement shook his head and sighed: "The vassals are also believers in the Supreme Lord, but when it is time to pay the eleventh tax, they gnash their teeth at us, and beg us when they are sick and injured...... I heard that Lord Nelson's son was born in Miller's care?"

Bishop Pero said, "Almost all of the newborns of the Randall family vassals are baptized by Miller. ”

Clement turned to Davy and asked, "How many times are you going to collect the eleventh tax once a year, how many times are you going to collect it at Randall?" Or do you dare to point at Viscount Randall's nose and scold like Miller?"

"This ......," Pastor David was speechless.

"The eleventh tax must be collected, the more you collect, the better!" Clement laughed: "You can't rely on Miller, you can't rely on you, Miller needs an assistant, you need a shield, understand?"

David took a deep breath and said convincingly, "Your Majesty, I understand." ”

At this moment, a paladin walked into the hall, saluted the Pope, presented a parchment scroll, and said respectfully: "Your Majesty, the result of that case has come out, and it was Viscount Randall himself who decided!"

Clement took the scroll and commanded, "Go down, all of you." ”

David and the paladin bowed and retreated, and when they left the prayer hall, Tournans asked impatiently, "How was it decided?"

Clement smiled slightly and said, "It doesn't matter how you judge, the important thing is that Sylvia thinks the same as me, and this is the best result." ”