Chapter 412 Campfire Dinner

  Hundreds of bonfires were raised by the Green Blood River, and the skinned cattle and sheep were slowly turning on the barbecue grill, exuding a tempting aroma.

  Tonight, almost all the citizens of Sunspear gathered by the river to celebrate that Duke Natalie Dayne became the new ruler of Dorne.

  In order to help Natalie build momentum and buy people's hearts by the way, Samwell specially asked the fleet to send a large amount of food.

  On the beach outside Sunspear City, thousands of long tables were piled with bread, vegetables, fruits, and freshly roasted beef and mutton, so that everyone who came to the celebration party could feast on their mouths.

   Even drinks are not limited.

   This is simply a great gift for the Dornish people who have just experienced a difficult famine.

   While eating delicious food, they kept praising the grace of Storm King Caesar and Duke Natalie.

  Samwell also invited several circus troupes to perform at the banquet, juggling, animal taming, singing and dancing... Tonight, the banks of the Green Blood River are filled with laughter and the aroma of wine and meat, just like a scene of thousands of people carnival.

  Because it is an open-air party, and in order to reflect the fun with the people, the nobles are dressed more casually, and the atmosphere is relaxed and lively.

Natalie was wearing a cool sleeveless skirt, revealing her white and flawless shoulders and well-proportioned arms. There was a silver ribbon tied around her waist. Her long brown hair was casually draped over her shoulders. She was wearing a pair of high-heeled sandals on her exquisite slender feet. Cute and lazy.

  A group of many nobles surrounded the new duchess, chatting cordially, but Natalie seemed uncomfortable.

  She hasn't adapted to the change in her identity yet.

   Fortunately, Samwell stood by her side, helping her deal with the Dorne nobles.

"You don't have to worry about food." Of course Samwell knew what these Dorne nobles were most concerned about, "The Reach will lift the food embargo on Dorne, and you will be able to buy cheap food soon. "

   "Your Majesty, what about the food price?"

   “It will be slightly higher than before.”

  These words immediately made the nobles of Dorne nervous, and many people asked in unison:

   "How much will it go up?"

   "Barley and wheat are expected to sell for three more copper coins per pound than before, and beans will cost five more copper coins per pound. As for meat and alcohol, the increase will be even more, but they are not essential after all, and you can buy according to your ability."

   This price fluctuation is actually not too big, and considering that winter is coming, such a price increase is actually very reasonable.

  But the Dorne nobles frowned when they heard the words, and hesitated to speak.

  After several years of war, Dorne is now full of holes, and some small families are even unable to make ends meet. At this time, the increase in food prices is a terrible news for them.

  Samwell took a panoramic view of everyone's faces, smiled slightly, and said:

   "Considering that everyone will have difficulties, I have a proposal for food exchange."

   "Trade-in offer?"

   "Yes, it is to exchange grapes for food." Sam Wells said, "In fact, Starfall City has signed such an agreement with Yingzui Island. You can ask Duke Natalie for the details."

   Seeing everyone's eyes focused on her, Natalie, who was still on a errand just now, was taken aback. Fortunately, she still heard Samwell's last words, and nodded quickly:

"Yes, we have implemented the exchange agreement for almost two years. Starfall City grows grapes, and then transports them to Yingzui Island in exchange for grain. Each pound of grapes can be exchanged for three pounds of oats, four pounds of wheat, or one pound of soybeans. You can change the brandy..."

  Everyone immediately realized that this trade-in agreement was very beneficial to them.

  Dorne's climate is not suitable for growing food, but more suitable for growing grapes that are resistant to cold and heat and require long-term sunlight.

   And more importantly, this replacement ratio is calculated based on the price of food before the price increase.

  So someone immediately asked: "If we sign this agreement, will the replacement ratio...will change?"

   "It won't change." Samwell affirmed, "If everyone is willing to sign such a replacement agreement, they won't be affected by the increase in food prices."

  As soon as this remark came out, some people were happy and others were sad.

   Those who grew grapes in their territories were naturally happy, and quickly said that they would sign the same exchange agreement.

   And those who did not grow grapes in their territories began to worry.

   This trade-in agreement is obviously very cost-effective, and with the advent of winter and the price of food continues to rise, the trade-in agreement becomes more and more attractive to the Lord of Dorne.

  These lords immediately made up their minds secretly, and asked the leaders to replant grapes after returning.

   There are also very few smart people who are aware of the hidden traps in this trade-in agreement.

  Once Dawn grows grapes on a large scale, its food production will inevitably drop significantly, and it will inevitably become more and more dependent on the food supply from the River Bend in the future.

  If one day the two lands turn against each other, and the Reach only needs to embargo food again, then a severe famine will break out in Dorne.

  Obviously, this seemingly beautiful exchange agreement hides a trap designed by Caesar to control Donne.

   But even knowing this, how could the Dorne nobles be willing to give up signing such an agreement.

   After all, as long as Dorne does not become an enemy of Caesar, this agreement is indeed beneficial to Dorne.

   For a long time, the relationship between Dorn and the other six countries has been relatively alienated. This is due to cultural customs and geographical factors, and it is difficult to eliminate in a short time.

  But if Dorne relies heavily on the Reach for agriculture, this estrangement and tendency to split may gradually disappear.

  After trying to understand this point, the Dorne nobles became more and more in awe of the young Storm King in front of them.

   "Your Majesty, I heard that you are gathering troops to attack King's Landing. Do we need Dorne to send troops to participate in this battle?"

   Samwell laughed and said:

   "I know that Dorne has been fighting for years, and I'm afraid you won't be able to send many troops. I can understand your difficulties, so you can send as many troops as you can in this war, and just do what you can."

  All the nobles breathed a sigh of relief, and quickly thanked Caesar for his kindness and praised him for his wisdom.

   "If you are still in trouble, it is difficult to get enough gold coins or grapes to buy food, and you are worried about famine in the territory, you can call those people who you can't afford to support, and I will make unified arrangements to take them to the storm." Sam Willdao,

   "I believe you have also heard that I am building an artificial river and urgently need manpower. Moreover, the Battle of King's Landing is about to break out, and I also need more people to deliver logistical support to the army.

  So, instead of letting them become an unstable factor in your territory, it is better to send them to the Stormlands. As long as I can work, I can guarantee that they will not starve to death. "

   "Your Majesty, you really helped us solve a big problem."

   "Your Majesty, you are so merciful!"

  The nobles of Dorne beamed with joy, and spoke their praises one after another.

  (end of this chapter)