The crowd didn't have to remain confused for long, as Tiberius explained the proposal clearly.
The Grain Law was a plan for the state to purchase grain annually and sell it to the poor at prices lower than the market rate.
In essence, it was a system of state-subsidized food relief for the poorest citizens.
This would ensure that even in times of scarcity, the poor would have access to affordable food.
It was essentially a Roman version of the Granary Law or
Ever-Normal Granary System, similar to what was practiced in Han Dynasty China.
There, under emperors like Han Wu Di and Han Xuan Di, the state would store grain in granaries during times of abundance and release it when prices were high, stabilizing the market and helping to prevent famine.
The Grain Law was a crucial supplement to the Agrarian Law.
While the Agrarian Law addressed land redistribution, the Grain Law ensured that the poorest citizens would always have food security.
This idea stunned the people—both the concept and its potential impact.
Even Tiberius' brother Gaius had initially been taken aback by the idea when it was first proposed.
It was an entirely new level of reform that added a more practical, everyday benefit to the broader land reforms.
For many in the crowd, the details were difficult to grasp, but they could see the excitement around them.
Those who understood the law quickly explained it to others, and soon the crowd erupted in applause and cheers.
"Isn't this amazing?!"
Some of the people didn't fully comprehend the law's mechanics, but they didn't care.
All they knew was that Tiberius was on their side, fighting for them.
They didn't need to understand every detail—they trusted that he was working to make their lives better.
And the new laws didn't stop there.
Tiberius then introduced the Military Law, the Public Works Law, and the Colonial Cities Law—all ideas that had originally been spearheaded by his younger brother, Gaius.
Gaius, more efficient and blunt in his approach than his brother, had proposed these laws with simple, direct reforms that struck at the heart of Rome's injustices.
The Military Law was one of the most critical reforms.
It declared that no Roman under the age of 17 could be conscripted into the military.
Additionally, soldiers would no longer need to pay for their own provisions and equipment—those costs would now be covered by the state.
This law immediately resonated with both retired and active soldiers, as well as young men who were nearing the age of conscription.
The thought of not having to pay for their own gear, and the protection it offered to their children, filled the crowd with joy.
The cheers were deafening—this was something they could all understand, and they welcomed it with open arms.
Next came the Public Works Law, which was directly tied to the Agrarian Law.
While the Agrarian Law would return land to many, not everyone wanted to be a farmer.
Some, especially the veterans, had grown accustomed to the life of a soldier and preferred it over farming.
Rome had conquered many lands, and those lands needed infrastructure.
The Public Works Law proposed that those who didn't want to farm could work for the state.
They would be paid to build roads, harbors, and public buildings, providing them with employment and a livelihood.
"Wait—there's work and pay for everyone?!"
It's tough to find a job in Rome these days. If the state were still assigning jobs, people would be laughing in their dreams!
This proposal—it's brilliant!!
Instantly, countless people became even more enthusiastic in their support.
Meanwhile, Night helped to further refine these laws.
At this moment, Tiberius spoke confidently, outlining the changes these laws could bring once implemented, including the creation of numerous jobs and the revitalization of Rome's economy.
This law also complements the next one, the fifth law—the "Colonial Cities Law.".
The proposal was to turn former fortresses established by Rome (the state) in various regions, especially those in advantageous geographic locations, into new cities.
If successful, it wouldn't just involve road and city construction.
Once new cities are established, there will be an immense demand for new jobs.
Wouldn't all of this contribute to the GDP?!
It would also help solve the wealth gap in Rome.
Of course, such large-scale construction would inevitably require astronomical sums of money.
It's much like how ancient Qin, through its waterworks projects, built its fortune.
The completion of the Dujiangyan irrigation system not only doubled Qin's foundational strength and resources but also provided the grain reserves necessary for its unification of the Seven States.
Its benefits continued for over 2,000 years.
However, the financial costs of these construction projects were not insignificant.
Like the "Agrarian Law," this too would be a radical reform law that would likely face significant opposition from the nobility once implemented.
Historically, many of Gaius Gracchus' laws were not repealed after his death, marking a successful reform, but only the Agrarian Law and Colonial Cities Law faced so much opposition that they disappeared into the annals of history.
After discussing the fifth law, the focus remained on economic reforms.
Next came the sixth law—the "Jury Reform Law."
This law proposed allowing the equestrian class to join the jury.
What is equestrian class?
In Rome, it referred to particularly wealthy commoners—people with money but without status, often former cavalrymen.
Participating in politics was something they desperately desired.
It's like how merchants have money but can't enter politics...
Historically, Tiberius made a similar proposal to win over the equestrian class.
However, he only suggested that half of the jury should come from the equestrian class.
But after discussing with Night and his brother Gaius, Tiberius became bolder and proposed that the entire jury be composed of equestrians.
They didn't really care whether the equestrians would be won over or not.
The main goal was to disgust the Senate...
They were determined not to let the Senate hold onto power for even a second longer.
"Am I giving you this much power, and you still want to cling to your seat?"
Of course, if the Senate completely ignored this, it wouldn't matter if the entire jury was made up of equestrians.
After all, they had nothing to lose.
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