On the eighth day after the Battle of County North, in the Wincheston Manor Manor, Legion Adjutant Odo opened a piece of parchment with names and numbers written on it and presented it to Art, who was lying on an armchair with his eyes closed and concentrating.
"My lord, we have identified and listed all those who have relatives in the West who can pay the ransom. The task force will send people to send the list and the ransom request letter to Thorne City. Including the Western army captured at Wincheston Manor last month, there are a total of 155 people, and the ransom totals 286,000 pfennigs. The food expenses will depend on when their relatives come to pay the ransom. , and then they will be released together with the ransom and room and board fees. The ransom of Baron Connor and the five leading knights will have to be negotiated with their families. According to the price offered to Bazel at that time, I think it will take 200,000 pfennigs to let them go." Odo couldn't help but smile when he thought that the ransom of four to five million pfennigs would be collected one after another.
"However, after checking one by one, there are still fifty-three guys who have neither money nor relatives. They know that they will definitely not be able to complete the redemption, so they asked to join our army. What do you think of how to deal with it?" Art's eyelids were half-opened, and he reached out to take the parchment and glanced at it briefly, and said: "The ransom for ordinary soldiers is reduced by half, and the ransom for officers is doubled. There are many ways for those border army officers to make money in the local area. , they are not short of money; those Earl of Bernard’s soldiers are even more experienced soldiers, and their ransom has been doubled to me.”
“As for those captured soldiers who want to join the army, send them all back to the valley and give them to Lawrence as war slaves. Now that the valley barony is busy with land reclamation and construction, we need to increase the number of war slaves. Tell them to come to me about joining the Wells Army after they have passed the test of the construction officer.”
It was a common practice for enemy prisoners of war to be brought under the supervision of construction officials to serve as war slaves (similar to slaves). These people worked day and night under the supervision of construction officials and standing peasant soldiers. If they were not careful, they might be beaten or even beheaded.
Yate refused to raise serfs in the valley, but the war slaves actually lived a worse life than the serfs. However, Art did not make them slaves forever. These people would be verified by civil affairs officials after two years. If they passed the "reformation", Art would restore their status as free citizens.
The reason why Odo specifically asked whether these prisoners of war who were unable to redeem themselves could join the legion was because he also felt that these Western troops were quite capable, much stronger than those who were civilian bandits. However, Art obviously had no intention of giving special treatment to these Western prisoners with combat skills.
After explaining the issue of the disposal of prisoners of war, Odo reported the battlefield captures to Art, "Sir, the profit and loss list of the entire war has also been calculated - our army has killed fifty-five people in this battle. Twenty-seven people were injured, and 58 were slightly injured, mainly in the battle of guarding Wincheston Manor and the battle in the north. Eighty-nine soldiers who intercepted the enemy's train in the north were also damaged, including the newly attached weapons of Redoan's men. In terms of supplies, there were more than 70 weapons, 20 sets of armor, three war horses, and 17 horses that were killed and injured. Otto felt particularly uncomfortable thinking about this battle damage, because most of the fifty-five soldiers who died in the battle were the price he paid when he attacked the enemy in the rear in the first battle of Junbei. This battle damage was mainly caused by him. Whether it was correct or not, he always felt an indelible guilt in his heart.
Matt also noticed something strange in Odo's tone. He opened his eyes and glanced at the subordinate who was standing in front of him to report, "Odo, you are a commander. You are only responsible for right and wrong on the battlefield. As for battle losses, battle losses are unavoidable."
"My lord, I～"
"That's enough, if you really feel guilty, train more elite soldiers like the two flag corps for me, so that they can defeat stronger opponents in the next battle!"
"Continue to report the battlefield profits and losses!" Art did not let Odo continue to feel regretful.
"It's your lord. In this battle, we killed a total of 97 enemies and captured 154 people. We captured 250 sets of weapons and armor, which is estimated to be able to assemble more than 130 soldiers of the Welsh Army. Not much food and supplies were captured. Sauron took away all the military pay when he escaped, and most of the food trucks were also taken away, so we only captured eighteen trucks of food supplies and the carriage frames for carrying them. The other things were very fragmentary, nothing more than some campsites. tents, tents, felts and tools. "
Such battlefield profits and losses will be counted and reported by Odo after every battle, so Art is also relieved. The so-called "a horn sounds, ten thousand pounds of gold and silver" is such a magical thing. It can make people bankrupt overnight or make people rich overnight. Generally speaking, the gains of the winner are definitely greater than the battle losses, of course, the premise is not to overestimate the casualties of small soldiers.
At is a commander who cares about the life and death of his soldiers, so the huge profits cannot offset his inner regret.
But it’s just a pity. There is no war without killing. His rise is destined to be paved with countless heads. Being able to let everyone die a worthy death is what Art strives to achieve.
Matt stood up and picked up a glass of wine from the wooden table and handed it to Odo, then poured himself a glass to drink. "This is the first time that the Wells Legion fought against regular professional soldiers of the legion. It can also be regarded as an experience for the Wells Legion. In the past two days, you and the sergeant major have led the officials in the legion's command camp to sort out the merits and sins of the soldiers and officers as soon as possible, and reward those who deserve punishment."
Matt emphasized, "Don't worry about money. The military rewards that should be given according to military law must be paid in full. We cannot rely solely on loyalty to maintain the fighting enthusiasm of the soldiers." Sanson gave them to their relatives for burial, and the two men were given more comfort money, which was an explanation to the count. As for Corondo, well, he was temporarily transferred to my legion command camp to be responsible for training all the infantry. "
"Yes! Sir, I know how to do it." Odo responded firmly and drank the wine in the glass.
After Odo left, Art asked Father Robert who was in the medical team to assist the army doctor Thomas in treating the wounded.
There are not many counselors around Art who have a broad vision, but Father Lawrence should be one of them. He likes to study some new things that are not recognized by the world, but he is also talented in the game of power. As a middle-aged man who grew up in the church, he not only knows Art’s ambition, but also has the same love for it. Especially during the time when he followed the Paris Inquisition to deal with heresy incidents in the country, he fully experienced the pleasure of power, which allowed him to open the door to another world.
"Father Robert, please sit down." Art stood up and raised his hand to signal Robert to sit on the wooden chair opposite the official table.
Robert was still wearing the regular uniform of a clergyman, and there was some blood under the cross on his chest, which was obviously stained by the medical team.
"Sir, what do you want from me?" Robert sat down. He was very busy now, especially after Thomas the Doctor joined the army. He liked to watch Thomas use some strange medical skills to treat the dying soldiers. This preference was not bound by his clerical status. In such a world imprisoned by darkness, this was the rarest innocence.
"Father Robert, I came to you for two things. One is that after the battle, many soldiers of the Welsh Army died. Except for those who have family members in the valley, they will be transported back to the valley for burial. I will arrange for the rest to be buried on the spot, so please help the war "My ideological and political officer cannot do these things for the dead soldiers to conduct funerals and say mass for the surviving soldiers." Robert nodded, "Sir, this is the duty of the military priest. Even if you don't arrange it, I will try my best to do it well."
Matt affirmed a few words, and then said: "The second question is to discuss with you the gains and losses of this battle and the possible consequences. Of course, you are not an army commander, and I have no intention of discussing commanding operations with you. I just want to, um, talk about things other than the battlefield."
Robert pondered for a moment and asked: "Sir, are you talking about the power turmoil brought about by this battle?"
"Well, that's what you mean."
"Sir, I am a clergyman, and the secular world outside of God and the church is not something I should delve into. However, I know that the birth of new things must be accompanied by the demise of old things. This is a law that God has set for all things. Almost all the alternations of old and new things in the world are slow and gentle, just like the alternation of day and night will give birth to the rising sun and the sunset. But the alternation of power will never be gentle and slow, power and violence will always go hand in hand..."
·Robert used the idea of violent revolution to explain to Art the rapid change of power and the cycle of old and new things. This surprised Art. He did not expect that such a philosophy could be spoken from the mouth of a clergyman in a dark world.
“...In short, you have to believe that every war is an inevitable means or result of a power struggle, and it is inevitable and necessary for its occurrence. This battle may seem sudden and random, but there are deeper reasons behind it. Think about it, based on Bowen Bowen Did he really not know that the Western Army would attack Wincheston?”
Robert paused for a moment after finishing speaking, leaving Art to think.
"But you are lucky, you are the strong one, and the balance of power will always tilt towards the strong." Robert answered Art's doubts in one sentence. There is no right or wrong in war, and the balance will always tilt towards the stronger side.
Matt was still planning to have an in-depth discussion with Father Robert, but Ron knocked on the door and walked in, bowed to Father Robert and apologized, then approached Art and said, "Sir, Viscount Pierre sent a message asking you to go to the county seat immediately, saying that The decree came from the palace. I guess the pardon order from the palace has been issued. "The pardon order can be sent by a messenger. Why do I have to go to the county?" Art speculated on Pierre's intention.
"Sir, we can't keep two male lions in one cage. I'm afraid the lion in the county is feeling a bit of a crisis." Robert answered half-guessing.
Matt nodded and said to Ron: "Gather the guards and follow me to Tyniec."
Hitchhi paused and then ordered: "Go to the baggage team to pick out a valuable gift from the battle and bring it with you."
Ron took the order and turned around to go out.
"Father Robert, it seems that our topic will have to wait for another day to discuss the topic in detail. You will have to worry about the comfort of the soldiers after the war with Dennis." As Art said, he took off the cavalry belt and the knight's sword from the sword stand behind him and tied them around his waist.
"I'm extremely happy!" Robert stood up, bowed and left.
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Wincheston Manor is very close to the county town. Art and six guards rode fast horses to the lord's hall of the county town.
Time has passed, and Art is no longer the mountain hunter who made a living by selling his prey. In recent years, Art's reputation in Tyniec County has been at its peak. From the guards at the city gate to the officials in the lord's hall, they all bowed and saluted after seeing Art.
The fat steward of the county arsenal who had had "goods exchanges" with Art. When he saw Art, he even bent down and lowered his head to talk to Art enthusiastically.
Matt had a good impression of this steward who got paid to do things. After a few simple greetings, he walked into the Sheriff's office in the hall.
Viscount Pierre was dressed in woolen clothes, with a simple cowhide belt tied around his waist. After the guard informed Art of his visit, he got up and walked to the door to greet him personally with a smile on his face. The serious feeling in the past had been replaced by politeness.
"Baron Art, please sit down." Pierre invited Art to sit on an armchair, then returned to the official desk and took out a document with the seal of the Marquis of Ivrea and handed it to Art.
“Congratulations, Baron Art, the palace has officially granted you the Southwest Farm and Lane Manor as a barony, and you can legitimately expand your power in the county.” Pierre spoke softly with a smile.
Matt could clearly hear the coldness in Pierre's heart under his gentle tone.
Att sat upright, moved his butt out an inch, and replied: "Sir Pierre, no matter how great a favor I receive, I always remember that I am a vassal of the Marquis, and I never dare to forget that I am a county citizen under your rule."
"Besides, I dare not forget the care and help you and the county have given me over the years. I know very well that if I had lived in any other county in the country, my fate might have been completely different. I am very grateful to you, and it will be the same now and in the future. This is true."
Viscount Pierre was slightly stunned. He didn't expect Art to hit his heart.
Pierre coughed lightly and said again: "My term as County Sheriff of Tynets has ended. I have submitted two petitions for return to the palace. However, the palace believes that there is no suitable person to take over the county of Tynets for the time being, so I am temporarily in charge of it until I have enough merit and a suitable fief vacancy. Seal me somewhere and be a lord. "
Matt thought for a moment after hearing this. According to the information he collected, Pierre's term as county magistrate had indeed expired, but he did not want to return to the chaotic palace and continue to be a palace viscount in name only, and he did not want to get involved in this destined whirlpool.
However, Art's recent rise has been too rapid, which makes Pierre feel a little uneasy. Especially the battle that took place in the north of the county last week made Pierre truly realize the terrifying strength of this rising star. So Pierre invited Art to the county to find out what Art was thinking. At the same time, he also told Art that he just wanted to stay quietly in Tyniec County for a few days, and then leave on his own after finding a suitable opportunity.
Matt obviously understood Pierre's thoughts and expressed his attitude straight to the point that he would not have any objections to Pierre.
Pierre got the attitude of Art, and his heart became a little brighter. He revealed the real purpose of calling Art today, "Baron Art, in addition to calling you here today to convey the palace's amnesty order, I also want to discuss something with you."
"Please speak." Art leaned forward slightly, acting very serious.
"Since I became the county governor, the county's taxes have basically been supplied by the county town and a few directly governed public lands. Many lords in the county have resisted taxation, resulting in the county's annual taxes on palace funds being less than one-third of the regulations."
"This is the direct territory of the Marquis, as a territory directly controlled by the Marquis. If I can't help the Marquis, how can I make other places willing to pay taxes? Now that the county's treasury is sluggish, the palace is also checking the taxes owed by various provinces and counties over the years, so I want to collect the taxes owed by Tyniec County over the years during the last period of my term. "
Art did not answer and motioned for Pierre to continue.
“My tax official has checked it out, and the total tax arrears in various counties over the years exceeds 1.5 million pfennigs. Even if I can collect two-thirds, it is still one million pfennigs. If this tax is fully transferred to the Marquis’s internal funds, then the Marquis will definitely appreciate Tyniec, and other provinces and counties will be forced to do so.” Paying back taxes due to the situation. "
Pierre has selfish motives. He has not achieved many achievements since he became the county magistrate of Tyniec. Now he is thinking of paving the way for his future by collecting arrears of taxes for the palace funds. One million pfennigs is indeed enough to make the Marquis excited.
"Sir Viscount, what do you need me to do?" Art knew that there must be a reason why Pierre told him this.
Pierre acted like a smart man who speaks freely, "I will immediately issue a decree in the county to collect the tax arrears within a time limit, but I need a prestigious and powerful noble in the county to take the lead in responding, and the Southwest Farm and Wincheston Manor are also among the counties. It has been a territory with a lot of tax arrears over the years, so I hope..."
"You mean to ask me to wipe the butt of the Dean family?" When Art heard that he wanted to recover taxes, his tone was a little stiff unconsciously.
"Baron Art, I'm not that stupid. I just let you take the lead in paying the taxes. As long as you pay, no one in the county will dare to resist. After the other lords in the county pay the taxes, I will return your share in full, and secretly withdraw one-tenth of the taxes as your salary."
"Of course, although your father-in-law's Sarp Castle has been better than others over the years, it still owes the county a hundred thousand pfennigs in taxes. You have to persuade him to pay back as required. Likewise, I will return the portion of Sarp Castle in full."
This kind of offending thing is something that an outgoing official like Pierre dares to do.
Matt understood what Pierre meant. He stretched out five fingers and said, "I want to divide one-fifth of it. It is difficult to draw human blood."