Rise of Rurik

,!

The people who came back first waited for their leaders, and the leaders of each small village gathered around them. Seeing this, more people also gathered around. Everyone urgently needed the big leader to make up his mind.

The chaotic scene made it impossible to negotiate any decision, so the village leaders and priests gathered at Bogslaw's residence, and he announced the countermeasures in a large room in his mansion.

No one can come up with a good countermeasure, and now they can only listen to the leader's announcement.

"We have to tear down all the haystacks to make feed for their livestock! Then you take out your own cheese and eggs and give them to the Russians as gifts. Each family also takes out a sack of oats. We will do it now. Give him the wheat you owe Swinder, and the remaining wheat will be our gift to the Russians..."

The tributes that Bogslaw wants to pay are agricultural products that can be continuously produced, rather than handing over cattle, sheep, and hens that will cut off the wealth of each family.

He noticed the reluctance in everyone's eyes. yes! Paying tribute is not a comfortable thing.

He continued to emphasize: "Everyone! This King of Rus is more powerful than the Dane Godfrey in the past. You have all seen their camps, and their warriors are all wearing iron armor. If we cannot meet the requirements of King Rus, Bo The tragedy of the burning city of Relic by the Melans will happen in our Gdansk. Do you want us to fall into disaster? And King Rus only wants these grains and eggs. Apart from that, of course we can Provide some more supplies. King Rus said that he will use iron tools in exchange for the extra things we bring out."

If agricultural products could be exchanged for iron, the situation would be completely

It’s different.

People who were in collective resistance just now are now asking with wide eyes whether this is true.

The big leader interrupted everyone's noise: "Anyway, the Russians will stay with us for one day, so that we can wait for them to leave and restore peace. I am now the Duke of Gdańsk, granted by the King of Russia. As long as you all obey my arrangements, The Russians will not harm us, and I am really your supporter now!"

The leaders who originally lived in Gdańsk and surrounding villages all recognized Bogslaw's family as their leading family. Its power has always been strong and able to convince people. The most powerful family in the city is his family. Kashu himself still has a large number of residents living in the south, and whether those people fully support Bogslaw does not mean much to the residents here.

People are unwilling to leave their homes and go to the upper reaches of the Vistula River because of inexplicable wars, competing for living space with their fellow tribesmen there.

Bogslaw emphasized again: "King Rus has said it! He will visit our Gdansk tomorrow. You are all the leaders of each village. I advise you to take care of your families when you go back, and let all Young people, please exercise restraint. Ross is a strong man that we cannot afford to offend. I don’t want someone to do something stupid just because he or she feels insulted. That will cause us to face the disaster of annihilation!

listen! The Prussians in the east of the lagoon went to war against the Russians because they refused to surrender. The Russians killed thousands of them. The Sambia tribe was finished! Don't let the same tragedy happen to us. Moreover, since those people are dead, we have to survive well. After the Ross Army's western sector, we row

Let's take a look at the east side of the ship. Maybe we can stay there. Because I heard that the Russians did not station troops there..."

Speaking of which, the people sitting here are the leaders of each village, and each of them is the wise man of each village.

Although their military strength and economic capabilities are weak, they are not weak-minded.

They were keen to notice that the Ross army seemed to have created a no-man's land on the Sambia Peninsula to the east of the lagoon. Didn't the developed fields become unclaimed land? Why didn’t Kashu himself immigrate to fill the space? Gdansk is very close to there. In the past, the residents of Sambia were wary of the crowds and would even drive away fishing boats that strayed into their waters with arms. Now that they are all dead, the Gdansk fishing boats can rush over without any scruples!

Bogslaw now asked the village leaders to make a statement.

They all declared: "I will restrain my people and exercise absolute restraint when it comes to King Ross's visit."

"Not only that." Bogslaw pointed to the floor with a smile: "We will meet with King Rus here tomorrow. You all put on your best clothes. I think, since King Rus made me a duke, You all can make the King of Ross happy and be granted a small title. At that time, Ross will have no reason to attack us. Because we are also part of Ross, haha!"

Various large families have begun to stock up on supplies for this year's winter. They have already stocked up part of it. There are still two or three months until the first snow, and there will be more rainy weather in September of the Julian calendar.

Now handing over the stored supplies to the Russian army in exchange for peace is really a big deal for the general public.

It’s a bitter trade.

For those small village leaders, they took a longer-term view, and after having a good chat with Bogslaw, they returned to their small villages.

It is painful to take out materials for free, but it is different if everyone can benefit from this transaction in the future.

They didn't quite understand the vague promises, but everyone especially knew the Prussians on the Sambia Peninsula to the east of the lagoon - if they were really wiped out by the Ross, who would be the new local masters?

The top priority now is to coax the Russians into good health.

They began to bring out eggs, dairy products, grains, and even precious honey.

Although these supplies cannot satisfy the abyss of the Ross army, they can at least satisfy King Ross himself. "Maybe that man cares more about everyone's attitude of surrender." People thought this way.

Although the weather is not good today, the situation has stabilized. In addition to a group of people pushing carts full of supplies towards the Ross camp, women and children also went straight to their wheat fields with all kinds of tools.

We must harvest as much wheat as possible before possible rainfall. Even if we light a bonfire at night, we must harvest as much as possible. Even if there is light rain, we must harvest as much as possible!

The unusual movements of the Gdansk people were observed by the Russian army, and Rurik set up defenses outside the camp as usual for safety reasons.

Some torsion slingshots were moved ashore, and they built some fire positions, and some people with crossbows stood here and camped on standby.

However, Bogslaw, who came to pay tribute with personnel and supplies, could not understand these senior officials. He just wanted to end it all quickly, but when he finally arrived at Ross Camp, his eyes kept glancing at the reindeer.

"What a nice deer. If I could get one instead

These can be used for farming and eating meat. "

"That's right. This year's sacrificial offerings are now in place." His son said.

"Boy, are you nervous?" Bogslaw asked.

"Don't be afraid. Now they have recognized us."

"Hey, I hope so..."

Bogslaw still can't completely trust the Russians, and Rurik has the same attitude. The trust between the two parties needs time and some opportunities to build up.

Rurik tidied up his palace at the Marina Pier. The longhouse built by the Bernholm people reminded him of twenty years ago. Although the longhouse was simple, it was more comfortable than living in a tent.

Those non-combatants, such as the cooks and priestesses who accompanied the army, had special status and naturally could not be crowded with rough men. The vacant barn was left to them, and Rurik naturally left their management to his daughter Verika and adopted daughter Blackbird.

The palace belongs to him alone, and to his beloved concubine and Countess Beyasher of Demyansk who has come with the army.

There were bonfires all over the camp. The reindeer and horses had become accustomed to the presence of humans, and they continued to gnaw on grass while it was still light.

Rurik did not fully believe that the locals could really produce a large amount of fodder, so he unloaded a batch of wheat from the large ship just to be on the safe side.

The camp was immersed in the aroma of boiled wheat. People wanted to eat cooked food, and the war horses also had the opportunity to eat cooked wheat with a lot of salt.

As for the reindeer, they were fed a pound each, so little as to supplement the lack of hay.

Just as the reindeer were looking for green grass, the Gdansk people's army of carts really arrived. A small number of oxen dragged a large wooden cart, with the axles squeaking. On top of it were pitchforks stacking large amounts of hay. They were lined up.

The long line came, and everyone was cautious. When they arrived at the edge of the Ross camp, they unloaded the goods in a surprise attack under the order of the big leader. In the end, only fifty people were left standing next to Bogslaw, and the rest quickly went home.

"You're here." After hearing the news, Rurik took his guards and stood here. He glanced at the hay thrown on the ground and felt very good. "It seems that the fodder has arrived."

"And eggs, cheese, a batch of wheat. Even honey." Bogslaw replied cautiously.

"You have done well and come well. Let's do this! I will accept your tribute, and you and your people will stay. We will have dinner here tonight!"

Even though the weather was bad today, Rurik could not have imagined that he could successfully complete the task from crossing the river to conquering Gdansk in less than a day. He was in such a good mood that after accepting all the gifts, the reindeer who were running around looking for grass were frightened. Come, so the deer feast here, and those Gdansk people who stayed behind also get a good meal.

Cooked wheat? A spoonful of salty braised meat sauce, stir well, and you will have a big bowl of very good military rations. There are also a few fresh fish here, and they are a delicious meal for the king.

Even though it was a long march, if it was a normal journey to rest, Rurik would simply have a meal like most soldiers, and at most he would eat better than the soldiers.

Now here comes the distinguished guest. Faced with the newly crowned Duke of Gdańsk and the tributes he brought, as a king, even though he is in a simple palace, he has to entertain him as well as possible.

Two barrels of wine are being transported urgently from the ship, as well as some glassware and other tableware.

The cooks who had been working were given new tasks, so they used the cabbage and mushrooms that had been stored in advance.

Serve with meat and make a pot of salty soup.

While the cook was working, Bogslaw, stripped of all his cronies and armed with all his weapons, sat in the long room brightly lit by an oil lamp.

Of course, everyone in the room, including Rurik, was disarmed.

"You don't have to worry. Those sitting here are all nobles, including my wife..." Rurik introduced them one by one. Bogslaw listened carefully and gradually heard the subtleties.

There seemed to be a meeting of nobles in the simple long house. The only one who did not have a clear title was Fisk, and the others were all earls.

The boiled wheat is no surprise, and the addition of greasy bacon sauce makes it delicious. Bogslaw was very reserved at first, but when everyone was enjoying their meal, he began to talk non-stop.

There are two northern earls here, one sits on the island of Bernholm, and the other owns Götaland Gothenburg. The territories of Swinder and Blue Fox are both close to Gdańsk, while the core of Ross is on the sea. The easternmost.

Bogslaw originally intended to build a harmonious relationship with the northerners, so when faced with this opportunity, he naturally wanted to make more friends.

Soon, two barrels of wine and matching glassware arrived. It was getting dark now, and although there were oil lamps in the room, it was still dim. Fortunately, more bronze lamp holders arrived. They were placed around and filled with lamp oil and twine, and the entire longhouse finally became bright.

The cork of the barrel was removed, and the whole room suddenly filled with the aroma of wine, and the smell was even more powerful and sweet.

"Wine?!" Bogslaw, who was already full, was shocked.

"All we need are these two barrels of good wine to fuel our friendship! Unfortunately, my people are a little slow. It seems that this dinner party will continue.

Go down. Rurik smiled and pointed to the unopened bucket: "This bucket is for you." Duke of Gdansk, please accept my gift. "

Wine, what a precious thing!

In the entire Pomerania region, due to the cold climate, the grapes here are small and sour. They cannot meet the demand for winemaking. However, this region is adjacent to the Frankish-controlled area, so there are southern merchants selling some delicacies to the north. .

In the past, wine was extremely rare in Russia and Sweden, and the price was astonishing. Now, as the Rhineland wine produced in Nassau is being dumped in Russia, although it is still precious, the price is no longer the same.

But in Bogslaw's opinion it is more precious than honey.

"Such a treasure...was given to me?"

"Even the crystal glass you are holding in your hand." Rurik deliberately called the glass this way, and pointed to the obviously extra glassware and said: "They are all given to you. You are the Duke of this king, you need a glass. A series of utensils to protect your dignity.”

The implication is that Bogslaw was once disgraceful.

This small banquet was originally unexpected. Unexpectedly, I brought out a batch of local products as tribute, and even insignificant weeds and straws, in exchange for a treasure reward from King Rus. He has lived long enough to understand that this is money. To be fair, he was very happy with this kind of win over, and he wished that King Rus would reward him with more treasures.

Obviously, Rurik will not provide any more rewards.

Bogslaw couldn't help but be greedy for wine after a rare drink. He became slightly drunk and gradually became more courageous.

He ordered another large bowl of wheat rice with bacon sauce and held a wooden

Use the spoon to eat.

He became bolder, sitting cross-legged casually, dancing uncontrollably with a spoon in his hand, but his mind was still clear on the key issues: "Great leader! I see you have... a lot... …Lots of deer. I want it, even if it costs a lot of wheat, I want it.”

"You want a deer?" Rurik, who was also slightly drunk and in high spirits, poked his head and said overjoyed: "Are you sure?"

"Sure."

"Isn't it true that you just had a casual conversation while drunk?"

"I'm drunk, but on this issue I am absolutely...serious." Bogslaw gritted his teeth and spoke with a slurred tone. His attitude was very clear.

As for the reindeer, as the army gradually reached the end of the march, the strategic value of the herd began to depreciate.

After all, these deer are used to replace pack horses and serve as military rations. They are all male deer. The stags have better physical fitness, but the biggest disadvantage is that during the breeding period in September of the Julian calendar, the stags will become violent and difficult to control. However, the army will have basically reached Nassau-Coblenz by then, and those who do not obey the regulations will Slaughtering all the stags to make bacon is a good idea in preparation for the winter.

Rurik had the intention to sell deer as a commodity to the residents of Gdańsk, and he was planning to enter their city tomorrow to have a good chat with Bogslaw about the matter.

Unexpectedly, Bogslaw mentioned this matter first without bothering himself.

Some people just tell the truth after drinking, and Rurik felt that this man was like that.

"I believe you are serious. My friend." Rurik paused and said, "If you want my deer, I can sell it to you. Tell me! What kind of price are you willing to pay?"

Price? "

"Me! I..." Bogslaw assessed the Russians based on his own knowledge. It is said that all large livestock are precious to any force. It seems that the situation is different among the Russians. Because they have too many large animals, they have the power to deal with them at will. "How do I come up with a suitable price? The only thing of value here is food. I guess you are also interested in our food."

"Exactly."

"I'll trade grain for your deer."

"How much food are you willing to provide?" Rurik asked with interest.

"This... depends on the king's wishes."

In the core area of ​​​​Rus, where imported inflation is very serious, the reindeer trading market there is very small, but if people who have deer sell their own deer, the price of a fertile doe will definitely reach two pounds of silver coins.

The situation of the stag is worse. It is at least one and a half pounds of silver coins, or measured in terms of grain. One silver coin is exchanged for ten pounds of wheat at the official guide price of Ross. A young stag in the Ross market The price is generally not less than fifteen hundred pounds of oats, which is equivalent to the wheat harvest of one hectare of farmland in Russia.

This matter could be discussed in business, and Rurik decisively offered his price—1,500 pounds of wheat in exchange for a deer.

"So expensive!" The slightly drunk Bogslaw said decisively what was in his heart.

"Expensive? Don't think it's expensive. This is how people trade in the market of my kingdom. I can guess your intention of asking for my deer, either for sacrifice, or to pull a wooden plow for you to plow the land."

"Ah? It turns out that the king knows it."

"More than knowing. No one in this world knows how to grow wheat better than me." Rurik hammered.

He holds his chest and looks like he is invincible. In a sense, in today's Central and Eastern Europe, Rurik understands the theory of farming better, and he does use theory to start to create good results.

Bogslaw believed it and thought there was no possibility of bargaining.

The horses in his village are all short-legged ponies. They can only do some low-physical labor, but even then they are the main force for pulling wooden plows. The reason why cattle are not used is precisely because the trained European bison are still wild in this era. Driving cattle to pull plows is a technology that the people of Gdansk do not master. They only drive the cows in the village (at least more docile than bulls) to pull wooden carts. It is already a local initiative.

Therefore, the people of Gdańsk used the fertile lower reaches of the area infiltrated by the Vistula waterway, because they had never been able to cultivate it deeply on a large scale, and they could not produce high yields even if they had fertile land.

Reindeer have been trained by the Russians to be docile, so they must have become expert at plowing the fields within many years after buying them! It can also directly pull forest wood back to the village quickly. It is an expert in many aspects of work, especially making large-scale deep farming possible.

Bogslaw gritted his teeth: "Fifteen hundred Roman pounds per head? I'll buy it! However, maybe I can only buy twenty head at most."

"So thirty thousand pounds of oats?" Rurik asked, pinching his beard.

"At least we can get out another 30,000 pounds of new wheat immediately. It's just that the king needs to weigh it, because we don't have time to dry it in this bad weather."

"It doesn't matter." Rurik didn't bother with numbers. Looking at Bogslaw's enthusiastic look, didn't it prove the feasibility of exchanging reindeer for local supplies? Rurik opened his mouth.

Come, stretch out your hands and spread out ten fingers: "I'll give you a hundred deer! You give me 40,000 pounds of wheat. You can even give me some oats that haven't been pounded and shelled! These grains will be my next march." It doesn’t matter if the quality of the military rations used to feed large animals is inferior. What I want is quantity. Can I get 40,000 pounds?”

How could such a good thing happen? ! Bogslaw couldn't help but think that if he completed this successful transaction, Gdansk would lose all the rich grain this year, the debt grain delivered to Swinder, the tribute paid out, the new deer grain purchased, and Tomorrow, Gdansk will trade all the remaining grain for the Russians' other iron tools, except for survival. He believes that all of this will be worth it.

Because getting this batch of well-trained reindeer and using their animal power to plow the farmland will definitely mean a bumper harvest next autumn. You don’t even have to wait until next year. During the next wheat harvest, the reindeer of the new wheat can immediately start pulling the carts, so that everyone can move the bundled oats from the fields to the threshing floor of the village very quickly.

Bogslaw gritted his teeth: "I will give it! I will give it all! My family's granary is open to you. I will do my best to get 40,000 pounds of oats and rye immediately."

Rurik was very satisfied with the man's happiness: "Very good, then I will bring a batch of empty linen sacks tomorrow. These bags will contain one hundred Roman pounds when filled, which will be enough for us to complete the deal with four hundred sacks. You can Don't worry about me, you can even be more confident about my deer, and I can also be confident about your wheat. Duke of Gdansk, I wish our business cooperation will be happy tomorrow."