When Rostislav spoke, the entire hall immediately became noisy, with the nobles expressing their disbelief and rejection, unable to accept that Rostislav would abolish their privileges.
Rostislav's response was simple: he merely ordered his personal guards to once again strike their weapons and shields, and under such blatant military deterrence, everyone was forced to quiet down.
"Now, the Prince of Behind-the-Forest Land is me, not my ancestors. I rule here."
Rostislav proclaimed his authority, his words filled with an unyielding tone.
"I have seen the state of the city. Haven't you considered that if the oppression of the Old City continues like this, the conflict will eventually explode? At that time, flames will mercilessly devour everything, and neither your wealth nor the privileges you cling to will exist?"
The Prince's words silenced the noisy crowd. They knew that what the Prince said was true, and this was the most significant problem Rostov currently faced. However, knowing it was one thing, but having to make sacrifices themselves was another.
This was why the ruling class of Rostov knew exactly where the problem lay, yet they never resolved it, instead hoping the Prince would help them suppress the Old City.
In their expectations, the Prince would help them suppress the Old City and maintain their privileges, which would be the best outcome. But now it seemed this young man from Kiev had no intention of being their pawn.
Fortunately, this Prince did not intend to abolish all their privileges, only making some concessions to the farmers, which was still within their tolerance.
"Since no one has any further opinions, this matter is concluded."
Seeing that the nobles had no rebuttal, Rostislav gestured for the Meria blacksmith to leave. The blacksmith's face was full of gratitude; it was the first time a Rus' master had championed their rights.
For Rostislav, he could not simply win over the nobles by traditional means. He had to establish authority among the common people, making the farmers and citizens, who did not know what a Prince was, aware of his existence as a ruler. Therefore, he could not be manipulated by the powerful or simply serve their interests.
Rostov had become what it was now simply because the New City—or more precisely, this group of powerful nobles—was unwilling to share even a tiny bit of profit with the Old City. So, Rostislav had to "help" them make sacrifices.
"Next audience."
With Poleye's words, the matter was settled, and its impact would leave a mark on this land for a long time to come.
Next, Rostislav primarily met with those who were not as high-ranking or powerful, mostly ordinary merchants and nobles.
Their requests were often for funding or relief. For suitable cases, Rostislav would provide various assistance after considering the circumstances, but for those who were merely trying to swindle money, the Prince would unhesitatingly send them away.
Among these individuals, Rostislav was most willing to fund the chieftains of Rostov.
In Rus', these influential figures in the rural wilderness were not considered nobles by the commercial elite, as they believed that land ownership was inferior to commerce, and those who managed land were not considered high-class people—this was a common belief in Rus'.
But the Prince knew clearly that they were the future of Rus'. These chieftains were crucial cornerstones for the transition from commercial Rus' to agricultural Rus'; they were the future and an important way for the Prince's power to penetrate into the previously unexplored rural areas.
These nobles often needed help with manpower and funds. After all, farming required people, and building fortresses required money. Rostislav could solve part of their financial problems, but for people, they had to figure it out themselves, as he was also short on manpower.
Many powerful nobles were puzzled by Rostislav's investment in these landowners. Under current beliefs, the output from investing in land could not compare to commerce, so why invest in land?
But the Prince did it anyway, and it wasn't their money, so they didn't say anything.
"It seems our New King is very opinionated and knows what he's doing. In that case, let's submit sooner, Sasha."
Old Sanya stroked his beard and said to his son, Sasha Sanyavich. In front of him, Rostislav was listening to a merchant's petition.
"Why, Father? That man directly countered us, and if we are to back down, then why did you lead the pressure on the Prince just now?"
Sasha, who spoke, resembled Sanya by eighty percent, only thirty years younger. However, compared to his steady and low-key father, he was adorned with gold and silver jewelry everywhere, as if afraid that someone wouldn't know the wealth of their family.
"Just a small test. Why are you still so impatient? If I don't test and judge the true nature of our New King, how can I determine how to deal with him?"
Sanya's words were filled with disdain and disappointment towards his son. He was such a grown man yet dressed like a nouveau riche every day, acting without thinking, always so eager.
"But... but... after all, that person drove us out of the castle, and he even abolished our privileges, allowing the commoners of the Old City to trade with others."
Facing his father's accusation, Sasha did not choose to obey but bravely refuted his father, who had led the family for decades. His words successfully made Sanya close his eyes in pain, unwilling to look at this son who made him feel miserable.
"This is why I am the head of the family and you are not. May God grant me a few more years to live; under your leadership, the family will eventually be ruined."
Having thrown these words at his son, Sanya turned his gaze back to the hall. His foolish son never realized that the family became the invisible leader of Rostov only because of the absence of the Rurik Prince. Now the Prince had arrived, and this Prince also brought powerful military force, so everyone, including the Kul'kant Family, had actually backed down.
As for infringing upon privileges, humph, if this Prince hadn't come, he would have done it himself sooner or later. If they didn't give the Old City some sweetness, resistance would be inevitable, and then if the pot was broken, no one would make money.
It was a pity that the short-sighted nobles were unwilling to give up current profits for a long-term future. Sanya's several secret attempts failed. After all, he was chosen by everyone to lead them in making money, and if he wanted to harm their privilege to make money, everyone would naturally oppose him.
And now, this Prince, who had been in Northeast Rus' for less than half a year, had accomplished this.
This made Sanya determined to faithfully serve the Prince. This young man was powerful and quick-witted, so why shouldn't he pledge allegiance?