Chapter 774 (1/2)

In the Duchy of Thunder, the movement of civilians choosing their surnames was first started in Keane Hill. After the newly-appointed baron, Louis Keane, took over the scepter of power from his mother, Anna Keane, the first decree he issued was to fully implement the movement of civilians choosing their surnames.

Undoubtedly, this was something that Anna had deliberately left to her son’s benefit. Given her level of prestige, she would have been able to follow in the Republic of Northwest’s stead and start this movement right at the beginning. However, she had put it off for more than a year. During this period, she repeatedly dropped hints on several occasions, but ultimately, the movement was never really implemented. She only allowed enough progress to sate the citizen’s appetite.

In the end, she left this matter to her son, who was thus able to win the favor and support of the citizens as soon as he took office.

In fact, this was something Crick had taught her. Previously, when Crick saw that his end was near, he crammed a whole lot of information into her. He taught her all the methods he knew about statecraft and intrigues. He taught his sister every piece of knowledge he had and even wrote a textbook of materials specifically for her.

Now, the book was naturally passed on to Louis. While Anna had practically taught Louis everything that was found in that book, its value was still of utmost importance. Earlier on, Crick passed this book to Anna. Now Anna had passed this book to Louis. This made it seem like a secret inheritance of the Keane family.

While the citizens were cheering over the order issued for them to choose their surnames, Louis was reading in the study of the lord’s mansion.

The book that he was reading was the Guide to the Keane Family Politics that Crick had left behind.

Though he had heard and learned most of the things found in this book from his mother, he always felt something different when he read the words handwritten by his uncle.

This was just like how the line, “You need to study hard,” would sound different coming from different parties. Hearing this from their parents, many people would simply think of their parents as verbose nags. But coming from their idols, then they would most probably feel motivated.

The effect of the same line would be entirely different when spoken by different people.

Another example could be taken from a famous saying in China’s diplomacy. It was, “Don’t say you have not been warned.” If this came from the mouth of some military expert, then it would not be a big deal. But coming from the headlines of the People’s Daily… that would really be earthshaking.

This was because, in the past, whenever the front-page headlines of the People’s Daily gave mention to this, the next thing to happen would always be a war.

Louis looked very carefully, nodding his head thoughtfully from time to time.

“Mm… This is true indeed, if I were to think about it carefully! I’ve taken this too lightly in the past.”

“Ah! Mother never told me about this before! So it turns out I can actually do this…”

“This isn’t too bad either. I can give this a shot. There’s nothing to lose anyway…”

Not far behind him, the invisible Sui Xiong was watching him with a smile.

Seems like Louis is more outstanding and reliable than I expected. I came all the way here, thinking that I should provide him some backing… but seems like my efforts are in vain.

He did not intend to show himself before the people, so he left right away.