Iron Powder and Spellcaster

[Gewardin]

[Conference Room of the Residential Office]

Although Andre was restrained and not arrogant in front of Ike, when he returned to his own people, he showed no mercy at all.

"If the level of the officers and the masters of the United Provinces is similar." Andre said with a smile: "Then we no longer have to worry about the army of the United Provinces - they are simply vulnerable, vulnerable!"

After he finished speaking, Andre remembered that there were two officers from the United Provinces present, and quickly added: "Bud, excluding you... Oh, oh, and Senior Mason."

Mason waved his hand as usual, looked sideways at the man wearing an iron mask sitting on his left, and asked curiously: "How did you come up with the idea of ​​setting up an ambush at the dock? Did you guess in advance that Alpha and Potal would send a small force from Launching a surprise attack on the pier? Senior Morrow."

Captain Moreau's cold voice came from under the iron mask: "I don't have the ability to predict the future. I just set aside some of my troops as reserves and guard the back road in accordance with the doctrine."

"That's it." Mason was a little disappointed.

"However, the opponent is indeed a bit stupid. The tactical plan is like a blank piece of paper, which can be seen through at a glance." Probably because he was in a good mood after winning the battle, Captain Moreau was rarely interested in chatting: "The main force is attacking frontally, and the small The troops circled back to support them, as if they were arranging their troops according to the textbook, and there was no need to guess at all."

Captain Moreau shook his head slightly, sighing with half pity and half wanting to laugh: "It's really... too simple."

As soon as he finished speaking, Andre laughed heartily, and Mason also raised the corners of his mouth in cooperation.

Major Seber, who was sitting at the end of the conference table and had been reserved and silent, finally couldn't help but join in the conversation.

And Saber Saber spoke with strong aggression: "Oh, you don't count, how many years has it been since the United Provinces fought a war? Apart from those half-buried old men, the younger generation can still find a few real Someone who has been on the battlefield?”

Major Seber cleared his throat and glanced condescendingly at the lieutenants in the conference room: "Although you guys don't have long military service, you have fought against barbarians and accumulated some practical experience. What is the United Provinces Army like? And Are they worthy of our Tie Liubi in Plato? Rather, that little guy named Axel can take the initiative, which is considered to be courageous. According to the consistent style of the United Provincial Army, he should stay in We should stay in Wubao until the end of time."

Major Seber's eloquent and pungent comments made the other lieutenants present speechless.

Realizing that no one responded to him, Major Seber suddenly felt bored... and a little bit lost. He snorted softly, crossed his arms, and looked out the window with a cold face.

"What the Major said makes sense." Winters broke the silence, first agreed with the Major, and then said a fair word for Ike: "Second Lieutenant Orange's military quality is not bad, but he lacks experience. Portal's subordinate The militiamen were well trained by him, so I plan to screen the prisoners from the Battle of Shovel Harbor and add them to the infantry regiment if they have a clean background."

Major Seber didn't appreciate Winters' cooperation. He curled his lips and continued to stare at the chirping birds outside the window.

"If I remember correctly." Bard put down the file in his hand and raised his head to ask Winters: "Shouldn't Ike stay in school to teach? At least he should stay in the United Provinces. How could he be sent to Plato? "

"I don't know." Winters spread his hands and said, "I didn't ask either."

"You still have to ask," Bard reminded gently: "We may be able to get some important information from Ike."

Winters also imitated the major's posture, folding his arms and pretending to pay attention to what the bird outside the window was shouting: "I'm afraid he won't take the initiative to speak."

"Isn't that simple?" Major Seb became interested and said nonchalantly: "If you can't lose face, just give that little guy from the United Provinces to me. Within three days, I will ask him to tell you what he said in his dream. Pour it all out.”

"He never talks in his sleep."

Major Seb sneered: "How do you know?"

"When I was in Luyuan, I slept on his lower bunk for six years."

Major Seb was stunned for a moment, then put away his careless expression. He sighed, tapped his fingertips on the table, and said leisurely: "That's going to be difficult..."

Winters looked at Bud: "How about you give it a try?"

Because he knew that he was forcing someone to make things difficult for him, Winters obviously lacked confidence when he spoke.

But Bud nodded naturally and agreed tolerantly: "Okay, I'll give it a try, but there's no guarantee of success. After all, if you can't convince Ike, my hope of success will be even slimmer."

"Okay!" Winters said happily: "Try it."

While chatting, the sun had already risen above the treetops. Sunlight shines through the open windows and onto the long table in the conference room.

Bursts of bells came from the high tower of Gevaudan Cathedral, reminding everyone present that the most precious morning of the day was about to pass.

"Put aside the matter of that boy named Axel. I came to you today for business!" Major Seber knocked on the table, raised his eyebrows, and asked Winters in a bad tone: "Come with me from What do you plan to do with the prisoners of war who have returned from the wasteland? Should they be released or kept? Can you give me an accurate answer?"

"The issue of resettlement of the returned prisoners of war will be resolved today." Winters replied while writing down the major's demands.

"I also have something to ask." Andre raised his hand and complained: "When will the bounty for the Battle of Shovel Harbor be distributed? The big soldiers are waiting eagerly - of course, I am waiting too."

When Major Seb heard this, he immediately stretched his neck and wanted to put the tip of his nose to Winters' forehead: "There are many of my soldiers in the light cavalry that are attacking the Red Training Department. They are working hard for you, so you can't divide things between them. Missing them.”

Winters made another note and nodded in agreement: "The distribution of the spoils will also be discussed today."

However, it was okay if Major Seber didn't say it, but when he did, he reminded Winters. He coughed lightly and pointed out the major's previous problem as calmly as possible: "When you brought the cavalry back, you bought wine, spread money, and opened running tables, which led to the seizure of the Red Training Department..."

"Hi!" Major Seb said carelessly: "To celebrate, you have to spend some money. What is this? Where are you now?"

He glanced at Winters: "You're so petty!"

Winters took a deep breath.

"I have something else to say!" Andre raised his hand again and eagerly interjected: "Since there is no war for the time being, should the horses that were taken away before be returned to the cavalry and the horse farm? Take them away. Should my cavalry be returned to me? Alas, I finally managed to save a little fat, but when spring comes, all my hard work will be in vain..."

Before Winters could reply, Bud spoke first.

Bud looked at Andre and asked seriously: "The battle report said that you executed all the enemies you captured in the Battle of Shovel Harbor?"

"Those people are all horse bandits, it would be a pity to kill them."

"Isn't it a pity?" Bud was silent for a moment: "No, it's a pity."

Andre disagreed: "What's the pity?"

Bud asked, "Do you know how long it takes for a woman to get pregnant and give birth?"

"What do you mean?" Andre frowned.

"It takes ten months for a woman to get pregnant and give birth. Only half of the babies can live to be three years old, and only one-third of the children can grow to adulthood." Bud patiently explained to Andre: "From the time when the baby is crying to be fed, It takes at least seventeen years for a baby to grow into an adult with strong limbs. And you only need one knife to execute him."

Andre raised his neck and asked unconvinced: "So?"

"So have you ever thought about how much waste you have caused?" Bard pursed his lips and said slowly: "Weapons can be produced in large quantities in one month, grain can be harvested twice a year, and war horses can be replenished in three years. One crop.”

He glanced at the other officers present: "And what about people? It takes at least seventeen years for a person to raise one. Compared with weapons, food, and war horses, 'people' are the most difficult resource to replenish and the resource we lack most. Iron Mines, farms, lumber mills, construction sites, Tiefeng County now needs people everywhere, people who can work - whether they are guilty or innocent, whether they deserve death or not."

Andre was speechless. He asked calmly: "Bud, what on earth are you going to say..."

"It's time to stop the 'Head-cutting Order.'" Bud looked at Winters and said seriously: "Using heads as incentives is indeed useful in the short term. However, as far as I know, there are already soldiers who want to obtain Beheading and even privately executing surrendered enemies. Even if moral factors are not considered, indiscriminate killing is a waste that we cannot tolerate."

"Okay." Winters nodded and wrote down another item on the paper: "This matter will be discussed and a result will be reached today."

"I also have something to do." Mason slowly raised his hand, and seeing everyone else looking at him, he said a little embarrassedly: "It's not a big deal. Baishan County has recently blocked the ferry bridge, and several local businesses have asked me to come. Ask what’s going on.”

"Okay." Winters made another note: "I'll send someone to ask, is there anything else?"

"Then I'll tell you all." Mason twirled his fingers and counted them one by one:

"During the time you left, I built six more blast furnaces. Now, the local production of raw and wrought iron has far exceeded the digestion capacity of Forge Township. Brothers Boltan and Goncha want to know if the excess pig iron can be used Sold to other counties?”

"I have placed the craftsmen you brought back from Steel Castle in Nancheng. Do you plan to hire them collectively? Or let them choose their own jobs freely? Many forge owners have come to me and asked in a roundabout way to hire Steel Castle blacksmiths."

"The road from Jevaudan to Forge Township has been built. Do we need to continue to build it in other places? Now that the situation in Tiefeng County has stabilized, the road builders all want to go home. If you want to keep them, I'm afraid they have to give up. Higher pay.”

"We are not short of money for the time being - the gold you brought back is more than enough to meet the expenses. The problem is that the gold cannot be distributed directly. If you agree, I will arrange for the goldsmiths in Gévaudan to start processing the pure gold into gold coins. Or - Mason gritted his teeth and said, "We might as well mint our own coins."

"Oh, by the way, there's also wool..."

After Mason finished explaining all the things that Gevaudan had accumulated during this period that needed to be decided, Bud also spoke softly: "The summer grain harvest will be in June. Whether to collect taxes, how to collect it, and how much to collect must be decided as soon as possible; There are the reclamation of refugee farms, the return of refugees to their hometowns, and the payment of rent to various manor owners..."

Winters wrote more and more on paper.

Major Seb pounded the table unhappily and scolded Winters: "Don't just memorize it, I'm here to ask for an explanation. If you give me an accurate answer, I'll leave now - I'm not interested." Let’s play house with you!”

The room fell into silence, except for Captain Moreau's sneer.

"Major." Winters showed the densely packed writing paper in his hand and asked, "You want me to settle so many things in one word?"

"Otherwise?" Major Seber glared and asked: "Are you not the leader? Who will make the decision if you don't make the decision? You are not responsible for decision-making, so why are you sitting in that position?"

Andre nodded next to him like a chicken pecking at rice.

Winters smiled slightly: "Then you are not afraid that I will make the wrong decision?"

Major Seber was at a loss for words. He thought for a while and said impatiently: "That's a matter of your ability!"

"The purpose of convening everyone today is to come up with all the things that need to be decided at the moment and discuss the results together." Winters stood up and looked at his colleagues in the conference room: "I told you when I invited you here that today is 'Enlarged Conference of Officers.'"

Different from the previous dilemma of not being able to find the seventh qualified officer after searching the whole county, Tiefeng County today can be said to be "full of talents."

Not counting the captured Axel Orange, there were fourteen regular officers from the Army Academy. As for the "new army officers" appointed by Winters, there were more than twenty.

The six people sitting in the conference room are very representative and represent all the current military forces in Tiefeng County.

Winters and Andre represented the New Army, Bud represented the Refugee Farm and the South Eight Towns, and Richard Mason could barely represent Gévaudin.

Major Seber represented the prisoners returned by the Red River Division. Many of the prisoners were undecided about whether to leave or stay, and Major Seber could almost sway their attitudes.

Captain Morrow represented the first group of prisoners of war to join the expeditionary force in Tiefeng County. They experienced the Blood Mud War together with the people of Tiefeng County. Although their numbers were smaller, their ties with Tiefeng County were closer. Many of them have already accumulated military merit and are waiting to be given land, and have no plans to leave again.

This is the current "highest authority" in Tiefeng County - the enlarged military officer conference.

The power of this authority does not come from popular election nor from the top, but is based half on prestige and half on the military.

Although the host of the meeting, Winters, did not consider himself to be the leader of the military government, although everyone present at the meeting did not feel that they were part of the military government.

But in fact, they were more of a junta than the Plato junta of Hongchuan.

Because Hongchuan's military government at least has some ordinary administrators without military status, and the military concentration of Tiefeng County's highest authority is 100%.

However, she is currently the only political group that is willing and able to protect Tiefeng County, clean up the mess, and open up new paths. It can hardly even be called a political group.

However, it is clear that within this small group, there are also people who are unwilling to accept a new identity.

"[The generals are planning]!" Major Seb said disdainfully: "People talk too much and can't get anything done! And I'm not in the mood to pile blocks with you. I just came to you to get an answer - should we be let go?" Leave? If you let us go, when can we leave? Give me an answer and I will leave now!"

"I just want to give you an answer, so I invited you here for discussion." Winters replied politely and without being humble or arrogant: "This answer is about the future of you and your subordinates. If you are not willing to participate in the process of negotiating it, You can withdraw and wait for us to give you a result."

Seb hit a soft nail and almost got angry and walked away, but he gritted his teeth and finally endured it without leaving the chair.

"Then start quickly." Major Seber urged: "Hurry up and discuss the results."

"Don't be impatient." Winters nodded: "There is still one more person to wait for."

"Who are you waiting for?" Major Seb bared his teeth.

At this moment, the tapping sound of a cane came from outside the door.

"Here we come." Winters walked quickly to the door, and then personally helped a blindfolded old soldier into the conference room.

Of course Major Seber knew who it was.

Saber Saber stood up with such force that his chair was pushed down violently. He raised his hand and saluted meticulously - even if the other party could no longer see it: "Lieutenant Colonel Jessica!"

Others also stood up and saluted.

John Jessica also stood at attention, returned the greeting, and then faced the direction where Seb's voice came from: "I heard you yelling from all the way away."

"It's not a yelling." Seb defended in a low voice: "It's a discussion. We are discussing things."

"Everyone is here!" Winters said happily: "This enlarged meeting of Tiefeng County officers will be chaired by Lieutenant Colonel Jessica, and I will take the notes!"

Major Seb curled his lips, hesitantly picked up the chair and sat down again.

Lieutenant Colonel Jessica turned to look at Winters and said coldly: "I'm not here for a meeting, I'm here to ask for something from you!"

Winters helped Lieutenant Colonel Jessica walk to the head of the conference table: "You sit down first."

Lieutenant Colonel Jessica remained unsmiling, as if his innate harsh tone had not softened in any way due to his blindness: "Captain Montagne."

"Yes." Winters responded.

"The infantry manual is half-written."

"You have done a great job."

"The few kids sent by Seb helped a lot." Lieutenant Colonel Jessica rarely praised him: "But from the beginning to the end, there were only a few kids sent by Seb and me, without printing presses or typesetting. Carpenter……"

The lieutenant colonel suddenly stopped talking. He lowered his head and didn't know what he was thinking. After a while, he raised his head again, looked "directly" at Winters, and said coldly: "There is no sign that this manual may be used in the future. So, I want to know, you asked me to write this manual, Do you think I’m too idle?”

"The printing press, ink workers, and typesetters are in Nancheng. I specially hired them from Steel Castle with a lot of money." Winters replied seriously: "If you can chair the meeting, we can get the 'resolution' today."

"Then let's start quickly." Lieutenant Colonel Jessica put down his cane impatiently.

Winters sat next to the Lieutenant Colonel and turned the notebook to the first page: "The first thing should be..."

A series of hail-like hoofbeats came from the window. The soldiers present were most sensitive to the sound of horse hoofbeats, and they all looked out the window.

Horse racing is strictly prohibited in and around the garrison, and violators will be severely punished - unless there is an emergency military situation.

Sure enough, as soon as the sound of horse hooves disappeared, panicked footsteps sounded, running straight towards the conference room.

The door opened.

It was little Priskin who was supposed to be with Mr. Leo who appeared outside the door.

"Sir! The war has begun!" Little Pliskin's whole body was soaked with sweat, as if he had just crawled out of the water. His palms and knees were trembling from riding a horse for too long: " Blue Rose sends troops! Jinghu County changes its flag! The new land is about to start a war!"

As soon as he uttered the last word, little Pliskin's body went limp and he fainted.

"Carry him away." Lieutenant Colonel Jessica sneered and knocked on the table: "Let's continue."

[73,221/100,000]

[Roaring volume, the sound of cannons will roar from the beginning to the end...]

[Little Pliskin: The grandson of the tobacco merchant Old Pliskin, he was beaten by Winters for engaging in head speculation in Tiefeng County, and then voluntarily followed Mr. Leo to Maplestone City to do business]

[There are currently regular military officers with names in Tiefeng County]

[Montagne Faction: Winters, Bader, Andre, Mason, Moritz]

[Plato officers: Jessica, Seb, Moreau]

[United Provincial Officer: Axel]

[If there is any omission, please help to add it, thank you very much]

[New army officers appointed by Winters: Pierre, Angelou, Samkin, Vashika; Tamas, Bart Schalling, Lannis, Levi]

[Thanks to book friends for their collection, reading, subscription, recommendation votes, monthly votes, rewards and comments, thank you all]