Chapter 210 - 140: Dividing Land, Granting Titles and Collecting Taxes_2
"Ladies and gentlemen, do you still wish to hear me continue?!" Maximus shouted, and the crowd quickly calmed down: yes, the Twenty Peerage System! The leader had only begun explaining a few ranks, and it already sounded so promising—how much better would the higher ranks be!
Under the gaze of the expectant crowd, Maximus cleared his throat and, unhurriedly, said, "Reserve Tribe Members, Ordinary Tribe Members, Second-class Tribe Members, and First-class Tribesman will be the lowest four ranks in the Nix Tribe hierarchy, and their primary rewards will be land.
However, it’s different for Knights. Knights have already entered the noble class of the tribe. Tribe members who become Knights should command respect among the ordinary populace, who must greet them courteously on seeing them. When vacancies arise in various departments and the army, they will be given priority consideration.
In local regions, if our tribe develops rapidly and has many villages, Knights can be prioritized to serve as village chiefs. Even if they are not village chiefs, the chiefs must still respect them when implementing policies, and must consult them on significant matters...
Above Knights are Barons, Viscounts, Earls, Marquises, and Dukes, forming a hierarchy of five noble titles. Each rank is divided into three classes, such as Third-class Baron, Second-class Baron, and First-class Baron... In total, there are fifteen levels, each enjoying different tribal privileges. The most important privilege is the entitlement to revenues from estates.
What is estate revenue? For instance, a Third-class Baron may annually enjoy the revenues of one household estate. This means that beyond their own yearly farming income, they may also receive an income equivalent to the average yearly farming earnings of a tribal household. This could be grain or converted into money, both of which are provided directly by the tribe, and tax-free.
In addition, tribe members holding noble titles may be granted varying amounts of land by the tribe. They can access rare items unavailable to ordinary tribesmen; possess the privilege to meet officials directly—without interference from guards—and discuss political affairs with me; and hold important tribal positions, which are reserved for those with high-ranking noble titles...
Moreover, noble titles can be inherited by descendants. Children of high-ranked nobles may enjoy tribal privileges from birth and be groomed early for official roles."
The more Maximus spoke, the more enthusiastic the crowd grew. In the past, they hated nobles because they were the oppressed side. But now, when the opportunity arose to gain immense wealth, wield immense power, and benefit their descendants, no one could resist—no one could remain indifferent.