Iron Powder and Spellcasters

   Chapter 255 Land

  Historical experience tells us that the celebration must end with feasting and drinking, irreversible and unstoppable.

   Winters wanted to spend less and do more, but the atmosphere in the square had just been pushed to its climax.

   He was really embarrassed to tell the people who raised their arms and shouted, "I don't have any money, everyone should go back to their own homes, let's go."

   Seeing that the purse bleeding was inevitable, Winters laughed more and more sadly.

  According to the original plan, the scale of the celebration banquet was limited to the army. How did it become like this?

  Old Priskin tremblingly ran to the execution platform to confirm that his grandson was really safe. The first action was to slap his grandson hard in the face with tears in his eyes.

   After the slap, old Priskin didn't say a word to his grandson.

He wiped away his tears and smiled, taking the right advantage to help the newly-appointed civil security officer who was financially stressed: "My lord, the guilds in Gervoudan pray that a feast can be held in your name, and I hope you will give us this An honor."

  Old Priskin could see it clearly. There were many prisoners, military flags, and captured weapons in the parade, but gold and silver coins were not even a penny.

  Winters was very sad and happy, and held the old man's hands in a comfortable mood: "Mr. Priskin, mayor of Gervodin, I think you should do it."

   Being in a military-controlled province, Gervoudan has no mayor, only a garrison officer. Old Priskin has been prudent to protect himself a long time ago, and even the city committee members dismissed him because of illness.

   But at this moment, he nodded heavily without hesitation: "No problem, I'll do it!"

   So we had a feast in the square.

  The pigs and sheep were led directly to the open space to be slaughtered, and the two butchers in Gervodin were very busy.

  Cows and horses are precious farm animals ordered by Winters to protect, and luckily escaped.

  In a small border town like Gervoudan, there are few rare delicacies, but everyone brought out the best.

  The grill was set up on the square, and the few large iron pots in the city were also moved out.

  Cheese and bacon kept moving out, and bread was being served openly.

   What is even more rare is beer!

  I don't know what means old Priskin resorted to, and the always stingy brewer [widow Mrs. Allen] also generously contributed.

   Like rolling a hoop, the barrels are rolled into the square one by one. Before Mrs. Allen could lift the lid, several alcoholics were waiting respectfully with bottles and cans.

  The people of Gevordan donated their tables and placed long dragons on the square.

   Soldiers plus citizens, the square can no longer fit, so the table has been extending along the street.

  Children are running around among adults, and women are exchanging big and small affairs in the city.

   A drunken man dragged his reluctant wife to dance, causing a burst of shouts and laughter.

   And all of this is nominally provided by the newly promoted civil servants, but in fact, the various guilds in Gervoudan will pay.

   Winters is satisfied that he has successfully completed the impossible goal of "doing more with less" by saving a lot of money.

   Old Priskin and the gentry were at ease, as were the citizens of Gervoudan.

   In a happy atmosphere, Winters walked across the lively square, through the crowds and long tables, to meet Anna.

   The two stood face to face, as if there was another layer of separation.

   Winters wanted to hug Anna, but he stretched out his hand and dared not touch his lover.

  Anna threw herself into Winters' arms, she hugged Winters hard, as if she was afraid that her lover would fly away.

   "Maybe the more you know me." Winters tried to restrain his emotions: "The more disappointed you will be."

   "I want to know more about you." Anna stuck to her lover's chest, silently shedding tears.

  Winters hugged Anna hard, as if to hug Anna into his body.

  …

  The roof of the city hall is the best place to watch this feast.

   So Winters brought Anna here.

   The two picked the door lock and slipped up to the roof hand in hand, just as Winters took Anna, who skipped class, to the mercenary loggia.

  Anna's heart was rambling. She didn't know where she was going, so she followed all the way and ended up on the roof.

  The roof is not blocked by the surrounding buildings, and the wind is strong, so it is a bit cold.

   "Sit down for a while, I'll be right back." Winters took off his coat and put it on Anna, and ran away like a fly.

   "Don't go! What are you going to do?" Anna stopped in panic, but Winters was nowhere to be seen.

   Ms. Navarre was left on the empty roof, wearing a lieutenant's coat, standing alone in the cold autumn wind.

  While she was thinking about it, Winters came back excitedly with two glasses of beer.

  Ms. Navarre was really angry and annoyed.

   Winters, ignorant of it, gave Anna the beer with a very innocent smirk.

   In the end, Anna grabbed her arm and bit down hard.

   "What's the matter?" Winters tried not to spill the beer.

   "Who asked you to bring me to drink?" Anna was very aggrieved.

   "Aren't you eighteen?" Winters took a sip of his beer: "Wow, this wine is so bitter."

  According to church regulations, girls can get married at the age of twelve, and Hailan women are generally married at the age of fifteen, and there is obviously no problem with drinking a little wine at the age of eighteen.

   Before he finished speaking, another row of teeth marks appeared on Winters' arm.

  The next time, the two sat on the roof, sipping bitter beer.

   "I still like sweets," commented Winters.

  Anna gave a soft "um".

   Winters explained: "Gervodan's beer is stored for a long time and has hops added, which is why it is bitter."

   "Hmm." Anna stared at the crowd in the square.

"Even if these are bitter, drink a little less." Winters sighed: "These were brewed last year. This year's barley was collected by the garrison before, and later I got it. I can't use the grain to make wine. , farmers are reluctant to sell their grain. So today is the last drink, and after that, there may be no beer in Revodan for a long time.”

  Anna took her lover's arm: "You have done a good job."

   Winters sighed again: "I can do better."

   "You can't save everyone."

   "That." Winters smiled softly: "It's the third time I've heard it."

   "Who are the first two?" Anna asked curiously.

"Bud, there is another great wise man." Winters took a deep breath, brushed off the haze, and raised his chest and said with pride: "Look, Anna. In a year—two years at the most, I will let the heat Wardan and Iron Peak County are restored to their original appearance. I want to bring prosperity to the city and life to the countryside. Believe me, witness me."

  Anna lightly rubbed Winters' shoulder: "I didn't come here because of your achievements... You want to make achievements, I just wish you peace."

   "How much favored fate, brought you to me." Winters wanted to cry a little, he hugged Anna tightly: "How can I be worthy of you..."

   "It's good that you know." Anna hummed in dissatisfaction, and left two rows of teeth marks on Winters' shoulders before she was relieved.

  The banquet was gradually coming to an end, and citizens in the square brought musical instruments and played to add to the fun.

  A citizen was holding a bagpipe and playing it with his cheeks bulging.

  The sound of the bagpipes is sharp, but the tune of the bagpipers is very melodious, and quickly penetrates the noise of the square.

   A female voice began to hum along, and more and more people sang softly:

   "The money I have,

   has been distributed to my partner;

   the damage I caused,

   in the end only hurt myself;

   The wisdom I seek,

   has long since vanished;

   So fill this glass of stirrup wine,

   May joy be with you forever;

  …”

  According to the custom of the Palatine people, when a parting friend puts on the saddle, the farewell person will hold the last glass of wine for the parting person.

  This glass of farewell wine is therefore called "Stirrup Wine", and the natives of Paratus will sing this parting song called "Stirrup Wine".

  Anna snuggled up to Winters, silently listening to and watching the sentient beings in the square—what a vivid picture of sentient beings.

   She said regretfully: "I should have brought the easel."

   "It's the first time I've seen someone paint outside like you," Winters quipped.

  Anna told Winters very seriously about the incident she saw five men and a skinny ox plowing a field in Wolf Town.

   "That scene wasn't beautiful, but it was..." Anna thought about adjectives in distress.

   Winters held Anna's hand gently: "It's shocking, sad, and it feels very calm, natural, and peaceful. Right?"

  Anna smiled and nodded: "Well, very complicated feelings. So that scene is also very beautiful. I want to draw it, so I want you to make me an easel."

   Winters was also very touched: "Is it done?"

   "Only the original draft." Anna's cheeks were slightly red: "I...have no paint."

   "I'm going to find paint for you." Winters said with deep guilt, "I'm sorry."

  Anna held Winters' arm tighter, didn't speak, just rubbed her lover's shoulder.

   Winters had a flash of light, and took out an atlas and a small bundle of graphite strips from his arms: "Why don't you use this as a small draft first?"

  Anna took two things in confusion and smiled.

  …

  Winters returned to family life, and it was very pleasant to be with Anna, sweet and sweet.

   In the town of Heishui, a hundred kilometers southwest of Gervoudan, Bard was haggard.

  Because the messenger was still on the way, Bud did not know that he had been elected as "military tribune" and "tributor", nor did he know that Winters was feasting the whole city in Gervoudan.

   No matter what aspect, Bard had to undertake the most difficult task of the battle: to ensure the stability of the refugee camp, and to bring them to Nanba Town.

  Winters is going to fight with visible enemies, Bud is sitting on the powder keg, trying to prevent the powder keg from exploding, and he is also facing a serious shortage of manpower and material resources.

   All the resources of Tiefeng County were put into battle, and very few of them could be distributed to the exiles.

  Bard had only forty soldiers, ten horses, and few even had knives, let alone those who could read and write.

   And he faced more than 20,000 refugees.

   But Budd, the son of the tenant farmer, the servant of the convent, never complained or complained, and resolved the problem quietly.

   He transferred peasants and soldiers from Wolf Town and Sank Town to supplement the existing manpower.

   He also selected guards within the refugee camps to control the refugees with refugees; he implemented a brutal joint method, and maintained limited autonomy within the sixteen refugee camps to balance the pressure.

   Relying on Budd to work diligently and sleeplessly, not a single refugee disappeared for no reason, and there was no riot.

  During the migration process, the refugee camps did not commit any crimes to the villages and towns along the way, and the surrounding farms gradually let go of their vigilance and even sent food to condolences.

   But there is one problem that Bard can't solve by himself - the land.

   So, when he led the stragglers to reach between Niusho Valley and Heishui Town, Bud set up camp.

   He ordered the refugees to build farm implements, prepare ploughs and rakes, use wooden plows without iron, and use manpower without farming animals.

  The rumors spread in Nanba Township, and the manor owners were uneasy.

  Abandoned land is in the hands of each manor, and the refugee camps do not open up wasteland - now it is impossible to open up wasteland to catch up with the agricultural time - so it is clear at a glance what Lieutenant Budd wants to do.

   But apart from preparing farm implements, Bard did nothing.

   He did not seize the estate of the manor, nor did he order the refugees to work directly in the fields, and he did not even see the manor owner who came to visit.

   Seeing that the planting window for winter crops is getting shorter by the day, he remains on hold.

   He is waiting, waiting for the victory or defeat of Gervodin.

   Finally, after an excruciating wait, the dawn finally appeared from the horizon.

   "Lieutenant Bud!" Anglo shouted and ran into Bud's tent: "Win! Great victory!"

  The pony shuddered with excitement, but Bud's expression was as calm as ever.

   He took the letter, read it from beginning to end, and finally couldn't help saying "OK" three times in a row.

  Bard received the first letter sent to him after Winters joined Don Juan.

   The follow-up good news is still on the way.

   "Angelo!" Bud shouted.

   "Yes!" The pony stood up sharply.

   "Bring the flag! Go to all the nearby villages and towns and spread the news to me!" Bud laughed loudly.

   "Yes!" Anglo turned to leave.

   "Come back!" Bud stopped the pony shepherd: "As for the good news, you can arrange for someone else to go. I have a more important matter for you."

  Angelo put away his smile and looked directly into Lieutenant Bard's eyes.

   "You go to Blackwater Town." Bud narrowed his eyes: "Bring all the manor owners here."

  The refugee camp needed a little cavalry to manage, so Winters sent Anglo to Bard.

   In Winters' view, the two are a good fit. Let Anglo follow Bud, and the stables can learn a lot.

   is true, Bard and Anglo have many similar parts, but Bard is tougher, more mature, and more determined. The pony keeper gradually changed from fear to admiration for Lieutenant Bud, and Bud was second only to Winters in the pony keeper's mind.

  Bud gave the order, and Anglo had no doubts.

  The pony herd raised his hands to salute heavily, turned and walked out of the tent.

  …

  Angel's actions were quick, and the manor owners of Blackwater Town were all taken to the camp of exiles, either voluntarily or involuntarily.

  The manor owners who are called "famous families" in this small place in Blackwater Town are waiting for the young lieutenant's judgment with trepidation.

"Time is running out! I'm not going to talk nonsense with you." Bud went straight to the point and said quickly: "I have 20,000 people, and I can't afford it. So if you want your land to grow food, you can give you some rent as compensation. Wait. In the future, the wasteland will be reclaimed and your land will be returned to you.”

  Although they were psychologically prepared, the manor owners of Heishui Town were still dizzy by the heavy news.

   "Your Excellency, may I take the liberty to ask a question?" Richard, the owner of the largest manor in Blackwater Town, said daringly.

"Say."

  Richard dared to say, "In my opinion, you mean that you want all the refugees to become you...or the farm workers and tenants of the new station."

   "That's right, that's it." Bud did not hide it: "The refugees must work for us for seven years before we can regain our freedom. In the future, there will be no white-haired land given to them, they must be redeemed."

   "Then why are you so troublesome?" Richard, the owner of the large manor, suggested: "Let the refugees come to us as tenant farmers, and let us pay grain to the garrison?"

  Bud rubbed his palms and laughed, laughing so much that the manor owners were inexplicable.

   wiped his tears, and Bud suddenly sank: "You **** think beautifully!"

  The manor owner in the tent trembled with this angry drink.

Bud made his attitude unabashed: "The peasants continue to be tenants for you, tying the labor force to your manor, and they can't play the role they should have! They will be squeezed no matter what, instead of fattening you, I'd rather be me squeezing them."

The gentle and generous Bud opened his eyes, and he could also frighten people to fight on their knees: "I'm not afraid to tell you, we are fighting with the New Reclamation Army. We want food! We need soldiers! Without food and soldiers, we will Destroyed! Will be killed!"

"So, whoever doesn't give us food, whoever doesn't give us soldiers, is our enemy!" Bud's eyes swept over everyone, and the manor owners bowed their heads one after another: "This is a matter of life and death, and we will never be soft-hearted. If you agree, then I will give you some compensation. If you don't agree, I will destroy your family!"

  The manor owners who couldn't help swallowing their saliva just now had dry and bitter mouths.

  Budd picked up a pile of land deeds, all of which were the files of Gervoudan's garrison: "We know exactly how much land you have. You didn't steal the land? Did you invade the commons?

  I don't even need to check that you are stealing! The real estate tax for the coming year will be doubled! If you think it's not enough, double it tenfold! If you can't pay it, clear your land!

   tells you that there is no good or evil in front of life and death, we have a way to treat you. It is our kindness to talk and discuss with you now.

   There are sixteen towns in Tiefeng County. No matter what, I have to do this in Heishui Town, otherwise, wouldn’t the other fifteen towns learn and do well? Think for yourself. Agree to sign the contract. If you don't agree, go home, wash your neck and wait to die! "

  Richard said bitterly: "My lord, our family property has also been accumulated through the hard work of generations. Is there any sin for us to work, buy land, and set up a family business?"

"You don't understand?" Bud drew his saber, pointed at Richard, and asked, "It's a matter of life and death. We didn't want to kill you, but you killed us! Let the labor force continue to be tenant farmers for you? Who will give us soldiers? Who will give us food? Without soldiers or food, we will die. Are you still going to kill us?"

  Richard stepped back and shook his head desperately.

"I'm telling you, I'm saving you." Bud stabbed a knife into the field, pointed to the refugee camp outside, and asked sharply: "There are more than 20,000 hungry people outside, don't let them farm the fields, wait for them The day I run out of food, I will eat you all! Do you not understand? Or are you pretending not to understand?"

  Richard was speechless when asked.

"And it doesn't mean that your land is taken away for nothing." Bud's tone became gentle and steady: "When the wasteland is reclaimed, your land will be returned to you. That's why I made a contract with you to protect yours. Private property. Besides, isn't your land abandoned now? No matter how good the land is, it will be abandoned if you haven't planted it for two years. We will help you maintain the land and give you compensation. Where in the world can you find such a good thing?"

The more he talked, the more kind and cordial he was, not at all like the impassioned and impassioned: "If I really want to rob, I still need you to spend your time here? Exterminate your entire family, and the land that no one inherits will naturally be relocated to the camp. It's not simpler. ?"

  Richard had no idea whether the man in front of him was a devil or an angel, and so did the other manor owners.

"You don't need to say anymore." Richard said with difficulty: "The handle of the knife is in your hand, you have the final say. I have signed this contract, but I hope you will not forget your commitment. When the time comes, you will still have to Give it back to us!"

   "I know you don't believe me, so I brought something." Bud took out a wooden box.

  Open the lid, inside is the golden emblem of St. Aldous.

The    estate owners were taken aback - they recognized what it was.

"I swear in front of the fragments of the true holy emblem." Bard put his hand on the emblem of St. Aldous: "If I violate the contract, let me fall into **** forever, and let my soul be forever burned by the fire of hell. Burn! Not even the Lord's forgiveness can redeem me!"

   This oath is too heavy, cruel and poisonous, and I am afraid that the Pope himself will not be able to forgive it.

  Richard gritted his teeth, walked to the table, signed his name on the document, and officially handed over his land.

  He took the lead, and other manor owners also stepped forward to sign.

   "Everyone, you will always receive my gratitude." Bud bowed deeply, and when he got up, he asked casually, "Have you considered moving to Gervodin?"

   Thanks to the leader of book friend [forest_wind] and book friend [Little Panda Yaren], thank you very much.

   Because I send out a new chapter every day, I only read the push messages of the author assistant, so there is a delay in thanking, sorry.

   [The song that appears in this book is Thepartingglass, also called stirrupcup, or lecoup del\'étrier, that is, farewell wine, horse wine. It is a Scottish folk song, it is said that this song was the favorite song of the Scots at the end of the banquet before the birth of "Friendship Is Long"]

   [When painting really became a "technique", most of the paintings were done indoors and in the studio]

   [Outdoor painting did not become popular until the era of Impressionist painters in the nineteenth century. Before that, painters mostly sketched outdoors and made simple drafts]

   [I do not paint outdoors, on the one hand because of the subject matter, on the other hand because of hardware, and on the other hand because of technology. This topic can be discussed for a long time. The number of words in the "author's words" is limited and will not be expanded for the time being. Interested book friends can check the art history by themselves]

   [The artistic aspect of the book is not as rigid as the military aspect, not necessarily limited to the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, as free as Anna]

   [Thanks to book lovers for their collection, reading, subscription, recommendation ticket, monthly ticket, reward and comment]

   (end of this chapter)