Law of the Devil

"Left to the left! Slow down! Idiot, if you tie it up like this, the carriage will fall apart within a hundred miles!"

Made worked hard to direct the servants to carry the luggage, and the boxes were piled up on the carriage one by one.

The entrance to the earl's mansion of the Luo Lin family, which was originally the capital of the imperial capital, was busy, with luggage piled up on the six sturdy carriages loaded with goods.

After experiencing the coup, the Luo Lin family has completely collapsed. Earl Raymond failed to participate in the coup. Most of the people in the family named Luo Lin lost their high-ranking officials after the coup, and some were even convicted and imprisoned.

However, because of the existence of Du Weidi, none of the people surnamed Luo Lindi were executed.

The territory was taken back, and the private army was dismissed. And within three days, this earl's mansion will also belong to others.

The disheartened Earl Raymond has already sold the Earl's Mansion, and decided to bring his wife and son back to his hometown in the Luolin Plain. On the one hand, it is the best way to withdraw from the imperial capital, and on the other hand, it is also to publicly express his Position: I just want to go back to my hometown and be a rich man.

After many years of official career, it is impossible for Earl Raymond to have no political opponents, and he must guard against things that make things worse.

Most of the original servants and guards in the mansion have been dismissed, and Earl Raymond, who has lost his title, does not need to keep so many servants and entourages.

Now stay at home. There are only ten loyal servants, and the chief guard of Alpha leads sixty elite guards of the Luo Lin family. Besides, the old earl seems to have little power anymore.

Since Du Wei exchanged the back cover from the Regent for his father's life, the coup turmoil ended and most of the other leaders were killed. However, Earl Raymond came back alive, which has already surprised the beautiful Countess.

Seeing the mess in the yard, the broken bottles and jars, and the busy servants and guards, Earl Raymond only looked calm. The beautiful Countess hugged Du Wei and cried for a long time before, Under Wei Di's smile and comfort, he finally stepped into the carriage.

And Gabriel... Du Wei couldn't help but sigh when he thought of this younger brother.

It seems that my brother's attitude towards him is a bit strange.

Because just last night, the young Gabriel approached Du Wei, and asked Du Wei straightforwardly: "Can I stay with you in the imperial capital?"

Looking at Gabriel with a childish face, Du Wei sighed: "...I can't."

"Why?" Gabriel clenched his fists. His expression and tone were very excited: "I am from the Luo Lin family, and I want to stay in the imperial capital. I want to make contributions here and restore the glory of the family in the future! I don't want to go back to my hometown Go down, there's no hope of getting back there..."

Du Wei patted his younger brother: "Wait for two years. After two years, I will pick you up. Now is not the time."

After hearing this, Gabriel showed deep disappointment on his face. He gave his brother a complicated look, then turned around and left silently.

When setting off this morning, Gabriel got into the carriage early, and didn't even say a word to Du Wei.

Childishly angry - Du Wei smiled wryly.

Seeing the servants packing up everything. Looking at the empty Earl's Mansion. This is the place where Du Wei lived for ten years. He used to grow up here, studying in the small building behind, studying magic and studying astrology. surgery.

Earl Raymond patted him lightly behind him, and Du Wei turned around. Earl Raymond was wearing a white robe, which was spotlessly clean, with a little emotion on his face.

"Ready..." Du Wei looked at his father and smiled wryly.

"Yes, ready." Count Raymond pointed to the two broken boxes thrown there in the corner: "Sit down and talk with me for a while. We haven't talked properly since I was released home."

Du Wei nodded. Father and son, a former earl and a current duke, sat down on two broken boxes in the corner of the yard.

"You still haven't listened to my words." Earl Raymond said, "It seems to be in memory. You have never heard my words—including this time. I tell you clearly, don't try to save me Fate, but you still did it."

Du Wei looked into his father's eyes: "First, you are my father. Although objectively speaking, the relationship between us has not been very good. But you are my father, and you have raised me for more than ten years. Second Two... If you die, both mother and younger brother will be very sad. As for the third... I am me, and I still can't be the pure politician you ask for."

Earl Raymond nodded: "Then I should thank you, at least I can come back here and live with your mother and your brother."

The father and son fell into silence again. It seemed that they were together, and they rarely had a common language, including Earl Raymond in the prison of the Supervisory Office. When Du Wei went to visit him, the two only talked about the coup d'état and the situation. , family and so on these heavy topics.

Finally, it was Earl Raymond who broke the silence: "I heard that the back cover you want is Desa Province."

"Yes." Du Wei smiled wryly, "I can't think of any other place that would be more suitable."

"Then, you must be very familiar with the situation in that place." Earl Raymond sighed: "I am very familiar with that place. More than 20 years ago, during the expedition to the Northwest, the Desa Province used to serve as an expeditionary force. The rear strategic base has been used. That place...is..."

"What do you want to say? Wild? Barren? Or dilapidated?" Du Wei smiled wryly.

"To be precise, it is wild and barren, and at the same time very dilapidated." Earl Raymond suddenly made a rare joke: "In fact, we even planned to lead the alien army out of the desert, and it would be best to lead it to the Desa province. Let’s start a war. It’s a good place to use that place as a battlefield, anyway, even if it’s a mess, the central government of the empire won’t feel bad about it.”

"I know all the things you said." Du Wei also smiled with a rare smile: "I have looked through a lot of information and maps, and the land in Desa province is barren. And there are no minerals. The only thing worthy of praise is its land Geographically, it is right next to the northwest corridor of Mount Kilimaro. If there is another turmoil in the northwest, then that place will become a battlefield at any time, and it will always be the final route for the aliens behind the desert to attack."

Earl Raymond nodded, he was relieved. This son still knows his territory very well.

"Then, what I want to remind you is..." Earl Raymond took a deep breath: "Based on my years of experience in the military, according to my estimation, after the war more than 20 years ago, all these years , the vitality of the alien race in the northwest should have gradually recovered. And the blood feud that was formed back then. Those barbarians will never forget it. According to my estimation, within ten years at most, the Northwest will definitely be in chaos again. By then, you Territory bears the brunt..."

Du Wei frowned.

How could he not know what his father said? It's just that I had no choice but to choose the worst territory in exchange for my father's life.

Originally, Du Wei wanted to choose the Frozen Forest! It's just that there are still many advantages in the frozen forest, at least there are rich products! .

What is there in Desa province? Large tracts of sandy land! Salt land! In that place, it is said that the food production is frighteningly low, and the best plant growing on the land there is probably a cactus!

The only thing that is barely good is the Kilimaro Mountains in the northwest. However, the Kilimaro Mountains are not rich in minerals, the only land that is abundant is stones and trees.

There are many caravans coming and going in that place, but the problem is that there are also many horse thieves in the desert!

"Since you know all of these things, I have saved a lot of effort to explain to you." Earl Raymond said slowly, with a serious face, "My advice to you is: Arm yourself! According to my point of view, ten years There will definitely be a big battle in the Northwest. At that time, it will be a test for you. It may also be an opportunity. In times of war, mediocre people can only be cannon fodder. But outstanding people can also take advantage of the situation Now that the place in the northwest belongs to you, it can be regarded as promising. I have been in the military all my life. Although I am down now, I can't help you much. Even my life was saved by you. But after all, I still have a lot. Old subordinates and colleagues, favors are still useful."

After finishing speaking, Earl Raymond took out a thin booklet from his pocket, put it in Du Wei's hand, and sighed: "This is the situation of some of my former colleagues in the Northwest Sand Fox Army. One area has always been rebellious, and the local faction is very strong. Those of us from the Central Military Department are very excluded there. Some of my former colleagues are not very good. But with a little help, we can still do it Go to the place. Here are their current official positions, as well as their personalities and tempers. In addition, there are several generals of the local garrison who also received some benefits from me. Although things are different now, some people may turn their faces. I have recognized someone, but I hope there are one or two people with a conscience who can look at the benefits of the year and open some doors for you."

Du Wei accepted the booklet and gave his father a grateful look.

"There is one more thing I want to remind you!" Earl Raymond said in a deep voice: "The place in the northwest is completely different from here! The people in that place are strong, and those guys from the Northwest Legion are all cultivated places. The temper of a warlord, he dares to draw his sword and cut people at every turn! Those guys are all rogue leaders who don't even buy it from the military. Remember what I said, although you are the Duke now, if you go Northwest, don't put on airs of a duke in front of those old warlords in the Northwest Army. Although most of them have titles far lower than yours, but... In the final analysis, there are actually quite a few of them who are half-soldiers and half-bandits You guy! I dare not deal with you openly, and I will bite you hard in the dark." Speaking of this, Earl Raymond looked into Du Wei's eyes: "Do you know? That place was not unblocked in the past Yes! At least as far as I know, in the past few decades, I have granted that place to two earls, and the two earls are not weak, but after going to the northwest... hehe..."

Du Wei was concerned: "How is it?"

"The first person was an aristocrat who made his fortune by relying on his family's business strength. After finally getting the land, he put on airs as an aristocrat in front of those local tyrants of the Northwest Army. As a result, he was played to death by the Northwest Army within half a year. It is said that he offended two leading generals. As a result, his family was wiped out by a gang of horse thieves. We all know what happened. It’s just that the little nobleman’s background is not strong, and those guys from the Northwest Army Holding heavy soldiers, the big bosses in the military don't want to offend people too deeply, so they suppressed the military salary for a few months, which can be regarded as a small punishment. The matter was covered." After a pause, Earl Raymond continued: "The second person has a bit of background. That guy is also an earl, and his family background is still from the imperial military. His distant uncle is also the deputy commander of the Southern Army. Because of his relationship, he got a hereditary title. It's just a fief It was a little bit worse, and I got to the northwest. When that guy first arrived in the northwest, he relied on his background in the military and refused to buy those Northwest army tents. As a result, he was almost killed. But this time the Northwest army did not dare to be blatant. He secretly ordered horse thieves to rob several batches of his family's goods. Although his private army was also an elite army brought from the south, it could barely protect itself in the northwest. Something happened. Those bastards of the Northwest Army They didn’t send soldiers, so they just waited for him to come to beg, and took the opportunity to beat him a lot. That guy struggled for two years, and knew that he couldn’t get along, so he asked himself to withdraw his fiefdom and returned to the south.”

Du Wei exhaled.

After all, he was only looking at things from maps and materials. How can an old man in the military understand so deeply? From this point of view, those guys in the Northwest Army are really a family of soldiers and bandits, and they are particularly xenophobic.

I want to take root in the Northwest. I'm afraid it will not be easy.

After explaining this, Earl Raymond stood up: "I can only help you with this. Although that place is a land of tigers and wolves, but Du Wei, I am still very optimistic about you. With your intelligence and ability, you must It shouldn't be difficult to take root in the northwest, but the hard part is how to establish your own power. In this world, it is absolutely impossible to not have your own power. Moreover, the war in the northwest is just around the corner. These few years are your precious development period, You have to flatten your territory within a few years, establish authority, and deeply root your influence on that piece of land. This is the most important test... And, if you can't even do this well , then it can only mean that you are not worthy of the power in your hands. It is better to go home and become a rich man."

The father and son hugged each other as farewell.

Du Wei sent his father out and got into the carriage, and then waved to his mother in the carriage. Looking at the weeping mother, Du Wei smiled and said, "Mom, I will go to Luolin Plain to visit you in a few days." .”

Seeing Gabriel sitting there sullenly again, Du Wei moved in his heart, walked over, and said with a smile: "Brother, I left a lot of interesting things in the castle of my hometown. Just behind the castle, I built a manor , last time on my mother’s birthday, I got the Forgiveness of the Goddess of Dawn, and the kind of hot air balloon that can fly, and all those materials are left there. After you go back, if you feel interested, you can take a look.”

After a few words of comfort, the young Gabriel's expression relaxed, and he glanced at Du Wei. He said firmly, "Brother, when I grow up, I will definitely come to you!"

On this day, the once glorious Luo Lin family completely left the imperial capital. A long motorcade, more than a dozen carriages, hundreds of servants and bodyguards, protected the three Earl Raymond. They went to the hometown of Luo Lin Plain.

However, to Du Wei's surprise, the loyal chief guard Alpha did not leave with Earl Raymond.

"Your Earl has an order." Alpha looked at the young master in front of him: "From today onwards, I am no longer a member of the Rollins family, and I will be loyal to you, Duke Rudolph."

After seeing off his parents and younger brother, Du Wei has no time to be sad.

He still has a lot of things to deal with. The Xindi Territory needs to establish a team immediately.

With the issuance of the decree, all the officials in the original Desa province will leave, and Du Wei must organize a group of trusted people to take over the government affairs of the entire province!

No matter how barren or desolate it is, it is a province after all! Local officials, bureaucrats, even if it is just a small clerk... These need a large number of people to fill in!

But what does Du Wei have in his hand?

The top powerhouses in the mainland. He does have a few. But the officials...

After thinking and thinking, can't those pirates be allowed to be the parents of a province in the northwest?

Thinking about a group of pirates becoming local officials, Du Wei felt cold sweat in Yurou Township.

lack of people!

Serious shortage of people!

According to the usual practice, this kind of handover of the government affairs of the feudal land usually takes about three months. But within three months, where can Du Wei find a group of officials who can use the land?

He really wanted to summon the Luo Lin family who had been laid off from the original Luo Lin Plain, but later found out that it was not possible! Because the Luo Lin family is a criminal family, all the government officials in the Luo Lin family's territory were dismissed, and all of them were demoted to civilians—never hired!

He can use some tricks to preserve his father's name, and he can use Prince Chen's honor and favor to make a fuss. But if he dares to bring the officials of Luo Lin's family to the northwest... wouldn't it be blatantly in the northwest? Copy out a Rollin Plain? No matter how much Prince Chen looks at him differently, it is absolutely impossible to allow it.

After thinking about it, Du Wei suddenly saw the old butler who was following him in a daze, the former groom, Mr. Mud.

"Uh...Made." Du Wei blinked his eyes, looked at this loyal old horseman, and said with a smile: "Your Chairman of the Football Association.

It seems that we can't go on, the Luolin Plain is no longer our land... But, are you interested in being the governor of a province again? "

Governor?

Old Made was so frightened that he almost gave up on the spot. He hurried up and hugged Du Wei's leg, crying affectionately: "Don't do it, young master... Look at me, I don't look like I can be a governor. ah!"

Du Wei rubbed his temples vigorously: "Hey, where can I find someone? Three months...three months!"

Picking up old Made, Du Wei looked at the sky and suddenly thought of something: "Ma De, what day is it today?"

"June 15th." Seeing that the young master no longer mentioned the governor's matter, Ma De breathed a sigh of relief.

Old Made is an honest man. He has a kind of simplicity that is almost like a peasant: he is very self-aware. He understands that he is definitely not the kind of person who can be the governor of a province!

If you don't have that good fortune, just sit in that position. But you will suffer retribution!

June 15th?

Du Wei's eyes lit up, and he remembered a big matter in his heart, and immediately shouted: "Made, prepare a horse for me! I want to go out alone!"

After a pause, he asked again: "Is there a Pegasus town in the northwest of the imperial capital? There is also a place called Yuemajian?"

Before the sun set, Du Wei rode his horse alone. Riding Juechen, he left the city from the west gate of the imperial capital and headed towards the northwest acropolis.

Someone guarding the gate of the city recognized the young Duke who has become popular recently. Seeing the anxious expression on the Duke's face, how dare he stop him? Get far out of the way.

In his bosom is the green magic item left by old Gandalf. According to Gandalf's suicide note, as long as the magic firework is lit in Prancing Horse Stream tonight when the moon is full... you can see that Gandolf asked himself to find someone who could be his magic teacher!

The Pegasus Town is not difficult to find, but it took Du Wei a lot of effort to find that so-called "Leaping Horse Stream". At the beginning, he asked the locals, and the locals said they had never heard of this name. Finally Du Wei got the news from the mouth of an old coachman who drove horses and horses: "Yuemajian? You mean the hillside outside the town? That place was called Yuemajian back then, because it is said that there were a group of magical horses in ancient times. It’s just a jump between the two peaks. But now, few people remember the name. The place is in the northwest of the town, and it’s easy to find land. There are two dirt hillsides with a ditch in the middle! But the legend is rare now. People knew about it, and later because of the appearance of those two hillsides, the people here gave them a new name."

"Oh, what's the name of that place now?"

"Brokeback Mountain."

Du Wei: "...My day."

All the way out of the town to the northwest. Du Wei finally arrived at the "Brokeback Mountain" when the sun was setting.

Watching the night fall, Du Wei rode his horse into a forest. Then he walked into a ravine between two hillsides. Obviously, this ravine was seldom visited on weekdays. In the ravine was a path full of gravel, and the horses had already walked very slowly. It's tough.

Du Wei simply abandoned his horse and entered on foot.

Far away, after walking through the ravine, I finally found an open space under the Prancing Horse Stream that Gandolf wrote in his suicide note.

It's just that Du Wei looked from a distance, but found that under the nightfall, there was a fire in the open space, and a thin figure sat beside the fire with his knees hugged, looking very lonely.

The flame was very weak, and the man turned his back to Du Wei, curled up into a ball, as if he was still trembling. Du Wei approached lightly, and faintly heard a faint sigh.

"God... please, bless poor little, little Vivian... little, little Vivian is so cold right now, well, so hungry...".