Redi looked at the snow-covered mountain and suddenly sighed. He picked up an exquisite silver wine flask and drank half of it in one go, before letting out another long sigh.
"What are you doing? Sighing and sighing … … "The commander of the Flying Tiger's Chariot and Crossbow Division, Dorais, put down the map in his hands and asked curiously.
"Nothing much, I suddenly miss my son." Redi smiled bitterly: "Sunirulu sent me a letter, saying that my son is almost three years old, but he has not seen me, his father, a few times. I heard that the kid is very naughty and looks exactly like me. I don't know why but I suddenly felt like going back to see him and hug him … … "
Sunilulu was the personal maid of Lollister's lover, Lady Dina, Aridoli. While Lollister and Aridoli were having their rendezvous, Redi did not stay idle and seduced Sunilulu. The problem was that the kid refused to admit it and got Sunilulu pregnant but refused to marry her. In the end, they had an illegitimate child.
Aridoli was furious and complained to Lollister. Lollister asked Redi what he was thinking, and Redi said that he wanted to focus on training. Relationships would only wear down his willpower, and he would only consider starting a family if he became a Sword Saint like Lollister … …
Lollister could not do anything to him and could only let him be. However, Redi brought Sunilulu and her son to the manor that Lollister gave him and let Sunilulu manage his fief. In fact, other than the fact that they did not have a formal wedding, Redi and Sunilulu were like husband and wife. The servants and servants even called Sunilulu Baroness.
Dorais laughed, "It's only right. We've been out for two to three years, and even I'm homesick. I hope to return to the north as soon as possible. Even though Morent City is so prosperous, I still feel close to the north. If this wasn't an emergency operation, our Flying Tiger Army would've returned to the Northern Lands after the New Year. The soldiers would've started to complain, and they would've started to miss home. "
Redi nodded. "I know. Let's endure for a few more months. The Monolith Army will come to replace us next April. The Trade Alliance is at the end of its road, and once the Peterson Merchant Group becomes independent, they won't be able to cause any more trouble. As long as we can defend this front line and withstand the Trade Alliance's dying counterattack, we can leave the rest to the Monolith Army and slowly endure with the Trade Alliance. As for us, we'll return to the Northern Lands to visit our wives and children. "
"By the way, Redi, I've always wanted to ask. You and your wife have a good relationship, but why don't you want to marry Suniruru? All you need is a formal wedding ceremony …" Dorais finally asked. The two of them had known each other for many years and had a good relationship. In particular, Dolles's wife was Suni's best friend, the kind that told him everything.
Redi shrugged helplessly and gulped down another mouthful of wine: "You should know about Suniluru's background. She's Aridoli's personal maid. You should also know about Aridoli's relationship with His Highness. You should also know that Aridoli is not someone who is easy to deal with. She has always wanted to make a move against the Matriarch, Princess Silvia, and push Fina to the position of the second wife.
Under such circumstances, what do you think Princess Silvia will think of me if I marry Suniluru as my wife? Maybe His Royal Highness will put me on Lady Aridoli's side. That would be the best. Aridoli would not be able to do anything to me, and His Highness and Princess Silvia would still trust me. Suniluru would not be offended … "
Doleus was dumbfounded. "No way. You're thinking so much about a mere marriage. That's too much. Did someone teach you this …"
Redi looked at Dorais with disdain: "Do I need someone to teach me? All he needed to do was read more books. When I was at His Royal Highness's side, when His Royal Highness was working, I would read all of his books, including those court novels and knight novels. There were plenty of plots that described the messy intrigue in the nobles' families. After reading more, I naturally understood. Think about it, the Norton Family grew from a small Baron's territory to where we are now. His Highness is a distinguished man, and he has married so many ladies. I'm afraid that there will be fights and jealousy in the family. That's why I have to take precautions to prevent myself from being tainted … "
Dorais had a look of admiration on his face: "Redi, I didn't expect you to become so smart. When I first met you, you were still a rash and impulsive boy. I didn't expect you to think so far ahead. His Highness really has a good eye for people to accept you as a disciple. He knew that you would have a bright future. "
"Heh heh, Dorais, don't flatter me." Redi laughed: "I'm different from you. You and your wife met on the road to the North, and it was a reward from His Highness for you to choose a maid. In the end, you took a liking to Dona and chose her to be your maid. You accompanied and supported each other along the way, and when you reached the Northern Lands, you married her. This result is very simple and beautiful. Unlike me, as the eldest disciple of His Highness, I have to be on guard to prevent any harm to His Highness. Sigh, let's not talk too much. Have you finished drawing the defensive line? "
"Oh, almost there. Look here, here, here, and there. The seventeen points that I've drawn on the map are the high points of the surrounding area. Once we occupy these high points, we will be able to set up a complete defensive line." Dorais passed the map to Redi for him to see.
This was the province of Cuadro, and it was the 31st of December. After reaching a preliminary agreement with Count Miledas, Buckingham ordered his family's armed forces, the Flying Tiger Legion, the Imperial Guards, and the Freedom Alliance's armed forces to move out urgently. They descended from the heavens during the winter snow, and under the guidance of Count Miledas, they successfully took control of the Peterson Merchant Group's territories in Jerodanna and Chalbuco.
The Freedom Alliance's armed forces were arranged to dismantle the defensive structures in Jerodanna and fill in the trenches. The Imperial Guards took control of the entire Peterson Merchant Group's territory in the name of assisting the Peterson Merchant Group in defending Chalbuco. As for the Flying Tiger Legion, they left Cuadro under Redi's command to form a defensive line to defend against the Merchant Alliance's frenzied counterattack after the Grand Duke announced his independence from the Empire.
Chalbuco, Singick City. This was the capital of the Peterson Merchant Group's territory, and also the capital of the Peterson Kingdom.
At this moment, a crowd gathered at the south gate was sending Count Miledas off. Fatty Shi, Hugh, the Commander of the Imperial Guard Camp, Parker, and a thousand guards were accompanying Count Miledas back to his territory in Aligoma Province. There was also a first-level expert swordsman called Cestin who was sent by the Grand Duke. Count Miledas would use this military force to unify the nobles in Aligoma Province, threatening and enticing them to become members of the Peterson Kingdom. He would also eliminate those nobles who were loyal to the Merchant Alliance.
The luxurious carriage's wheels had been replaced with long sleek skis. Fatty Shi and Count Miledas sat in the same carriage. Fatty Shi smiled when he saw Count Miledas' smug expression. He took out a document from a leather bag made of black beast skin and passed it to Count Miledas.
"What's this?" Count Miledas was a little puzzled, but he still took the document.
"This is the proof of ownership of the Homes of Adventurers in Moronte City and the six cities in the Mana Hill Plains," Fatty Shi explained with a smile. "After the establishment of the Freedom Alliance, all the properties that originally belonged to the Merchant Alliance, including houses, shops, and so on, were confiscated and turned into public property. When His Royal Highness heard about His Lordship's efforts for peace and armistice, as well as the unfair treatment he received, he was deeply moved and admired His Lordship's actions. Thus, he spent nearly 200,000 gold coins from his own pocket to redeem the properties that originally belonged to His Lordship's family from the Freedom Alliance, returning them to their rightful owners in recognition of His Lordship's contribution to peace.
After redeeming these properties, His Highness has already sent people to handle the procedures and act as guarantors for your family. His Highness can send people to Moronte City and the Mana Hill Plains at any time to take over these hotels and resume business. His Highness also said that if His Highness needs any help from the Norton Family, please don't hesitate to ask.
Oh yes, there's also an agreement below. His Highness said that although the terrain of your family's territory in the Aligomar province is dangerous and unsuitable for military operations, you also need to prevent the Commerce Alliance from sending cavalry and other small units to carry out a surprise attack and revenge. Therefore, His Highness has decided to provide your family with a fifty percent interest-free discount of armaments and supplies, and support your family to build a strong armed force. As for the repayment period, it is ten years. If His Highness agrees, as long as you sign, we can transport this batch of armaments to your family's territory and assist His Highness in building your family's armed forces. "
Count Miledas was stunned with the document in his hands. His whole body began to tremble, and soon his eyes were filled with tears. "Sign! Of course I'll sign it. Please thank His Highness Duke Norton for his good intentions. The Miledas Family will never forget His Highness' great kindness … "
Of course, he had to sign it. Grand Duke Peterson and Fatty Shi had haggled for nearly ten days, and only got the armaments and supplies to build two armies. It was only a fifty percent discount, and it was also a ten year loan, but he had to pay five percent interest. In order to thank Count Miledas for his contribution in persuading Grand Duke Peterson to break away from the Commerce Alliance and establish an independent country, Laurist not only returned the seven inns that belonged to the Miledas Family in Moronte City and the Mana Hill Plain, but also used such favorable conditions to help build the Miledas Family's armed forces. To Count Miledas, this was like sending charcoal in a snowstorm, and he was instantly moved to tears.
"You're welcome, Count Miledas. The Norton Family will never mistreat our friends. Friends should help each other. Moreover, we are all doing this for the cause of justice, to restore peace, and to end this war, we still need your family to work together. Oh yes, Count Miledas, please tell me which nobles in the Aligomar province will agree with our idea, and which nobles are loyal to the Commerce Alliance and need to be eliminated … "
Count Miledas rubbed his eyes and smiled gratefully, "Alright, Baron Shredder, let me introduce. The Aligomar province has a total of forty-two territorial nobles that have been conferred by the Commerce Alliance Parliament, among them …"
…
On the tenth day of the fourth month of the year 1783, the Grand Duke Peterson threatened the three provinces of Chalbuco, Jerodana, and Aligoma to break away from the commerce union and establish the Peterson Kingdom. At the same time, he sent envoys to the Freedom Union and various countries in the central and southern part of the continent, hoping to join the twenty-one countries in the central and southern part of the continent and become the twenty-second country.
The highest ruling officer of the Commerce Alliance, Duke Camberlet, vomited blood and fainted on the spot when he heard this news. The nobles of the Ford Chamber of Commerce, Leward Chamber of Commerce, and some second and third-rate chambers of commerce were furious. They gathered the armed forces of the chambers of commerce to form a coalition army and set out for the Chalbuco province, preparing to punish the despicable traitor, Duke Peterson.
In the end, the coalition army was attacked head-on by the armed forces of the Norton Family in the Cuadro province, and suffered heavy losses. The armed Flying Tiger Legion of the Norton Family took advantage of the victory to attack. They destroyed the twenty-seven fortresses deployed by the Commerce Alliance in the Cuadro province, burned, and looted before retreating to their original defensive line.
"We've lost this war. Send someone to sue the Norton Family for peace …" Duke Camberlet, who had just woken up from his coma, locked himself in his study for a day and a night without eating or drinking. He then gathered all the nobles in the Trade Union and said, "We've lost this war. Send someone to sue for peace with the Norton Family …"
"No! Your Highness, we must persevere to the end! Otherwise, we will lose too much … "
"We still have millions of citizens! Sufficient provisions! We can also form an army of hundreds of thousands and defeat the armed forces of the Norton Family with numbers! Destroy the Peterson Kingdom! "
"The traitors must be punished! We must not negotiate with these traitors! "
"…"
Duke Camberlet's words were like a bowl of water poured into a pot of oil. It aroused strong opposition from the nobles of the Commerce Alliance. The crowd in the hall was agitated. Those who were unwilling to lose still hoped to persevere in the war, while the more sensible ones remained silent.
"We must admit defeat and sue for peace!" Duke Camberlet raised his voice and suppressed the clamor. "Do you know the consequences of continuing to persevere in this war? It will be the complete destruction of the Commerce Alliance! The Norton Family is advancing step by step, slowly putting a noose around our heads and forcing us into a dead end! Compared to us, they have more time and patience to watch us walk towards destruction step by step!
It has been nearly two hundred years since the founding of the Commerce Alliance, but we have never faced such a perilous situation! We still have millions of citizens and sufficient provisions, but we lack good weapons and equipment. We can't let our soldiers walk into the battlefield with weapons made of wood, can we? Look at the armed forces of the Norton Family. They have steel crossbows, catapults, and cannons! We can only use our flesh and blood and the lives of our soldiers to resist the enemy's attack!
In terms of weapons and equipment, we are too far behind. Compared to the armed forces of the Norton Family, we are like farmers with wooden sticks facing a fully armed knight. We need time to catch up, to research and manufacture weapons that are no weaker than the enemy's. Only then can we restore the glory of the Commerce Alliance.
But we do not have time now. Most importantly, we lack salt in our territory … "
"What? Salt? "Most of the nobles of the Commerce Alliance were stunned.
"Yes, salt." Duke Camberlet smiled bitterly and nodded. "The salt that was once within reach in Moronte City has now become a crucial resource for the Commerce Alliance to sue for peace with the enemy. The salt in our territory can only last us for three months at most. Everyone knows what happens when we run out of salt. We become weak and powerless. So if we don't sue for peace as soon as possible, the enemy won't even need to attack. We will be doomed for half a year!
I locked myself in my study and thought about it for a day and a night. Why did the Commerce Alliance fall from its peak to its current state? The truth is, we went the wrong way! We forgot that we were originally merchants. When we chose to use war to expand, we became like the nobles we despised before. We used war to plunder wealth, which was much faster than doing business. It could even be said to be a business with no capital … We turned our former allies into enemies.
We turned our former allies into enemies. Because we were invincible, we forgot to compromise and only knew how to destroy and plunder. The more territory we occupied, the more arrogant we became. That was why we always put ourselves in the position of victors and looked down on everyone else. Until we met the armed forces of the Norton Family. A series of defeats did not wake us up. On the contrary, we were like gamblers, pinning our hopes on the next victory. As a result, we were forced into our current predicament by the armed forces of the Norton Family.
It is time for us to wake up. We are merchants. We should use the wisdom of merchants to compete with the enemy, not the tactics of the nobles. Now that we admit defeat and sue for peace, we still have the capital and confidence. Although we will be humiliated, we will always have a chance to make a comeback. As long as we change our course and compete with the enemy in business, I believe that no one will be a match for the Commerce Alliance, not even the Norton Family.
Next, we will experience a period of pain and despair. The enemy will not let us go so easily. We may have to pay a high price to obtain the peace we want. But we are merchants. We can endure humiliation and trade with the enemy. Let us bury our desire for revenge in the deepest part of our hearts, and use the craftiness and methods of merchants to obtain benefits from our enemies through trade. Until the day our Commerce Union regains its strength and strength, we will once again regain our glory!
Now, let us discuss the candidates for the envoy … "
…
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