"A word of advice, if you will, – don't give in to emotion. It may seem now that by punishing this merchant, y

"A word of advice, if you will, – don't give in to emotion. It may seem now that by punishing this merchant, you will strengthen your subjects' loyalty and thus solidify your position. But what of the long-term consequences? Will the other merchants want to deal with you, if they fear that their lawful actions might be interrupted simply because the baron likes to fall for his peasants' tearful complaints?"