The King

  Chapter 470 Triumph

  The orc army left, and the Kingdom army also began to withdraw in batches after successfully regaining the lost ground.

  As for the Near East, which is being targeted by the kingdom, there is no one there, and there is nothing to defend at all.

  The main reason for the urgent withdrawal of the army is that the money and food consumption was too high, and the kingdom's finances could not afford it.

  For feudal dynasties, war is always the heaviest burden. No matter how advanced the mobilization mechanism of the Alpha Kingdom is, it cannot change the fact that productivity is lagging behind.

  Different from the last orc invasion, all sides were fighting over the spoils right after the war. This time, everyone's interest was significantly lower.

   In recent days, there have been quite a few nobles looking for activities in Hudson, but the targets they are aiming at are all homeless lands.

  The land in the seven provinces of northern Xinjiang, everyone looks disgusted, let alone the more remote "Near East".

   Whether the land is fertile or not is not important at all. Being so close to the shortcoming of the Orc Empire made all the nobles daunted.

   No matter how much you like fiefdoms, you can't fill them with your life!

  Based on the relationship between the kingdom and the orcs, peace will only take three to five years at most. After the orcs get over their breath, the border area will definitely be in trouble again.

   Facing the threat of orcs all the time, it also develops the production of shit. The daily harassment of the orcs alone can collapse the territory's economy.

  Referring to the previous practice of the nobles in the Northland, the land in the border area is directly abandoned, and the main fiscal revenue of the territory is only three: Kingdom subsidies, smuggling trade, and slave trade.

  The income of the territory does not seem to be low, but the money is only passed from the lord, and will soon be invested in armaments.

  In peaceful times, it is still possible to achieve a balance of payments. Once a war breaks out, there will be a fiscal deficit immediately, and bankruptcy is common.

  The five major families in the Northland dominate. In addition to their black hands, the financial problems that plague the small and medium-sized nobles are also an important driving force.

   Small and medium-sized nobles who lack the ability to resist risks simply cannot survive round after round of orc invasions, and their decline is only a matter of time.

   There are countless lessons learned from the past, and it is hard to get a chance to take the fief. No one wants to jump into the huge pit in the Near East.

   Not only are the middle and small nobles lacking in love, but even the great nobles in the kingdom lack interest in the land of the Near East.

  Including the previous purchase of the kingdom's land bonds, that was forced and helpless. During the war, everyone can't watch the government's finances go bankrupt!

  Relying on "land bonds", the Ministry of Finance divested most of the kingdom's debts, but the "shareholders" became the receivers of the debts.

  If it wasn’t for Hudson, the proposer, who took the initiative to set an example, and the share of bonds subscribed was second only to the king, I am afraid that he would be beaten when he went out.

  Hudson believes that there are absolutely many noble lords who want to beat him up. There is no practice, mainly because everyone knows that they can't win.

  The nobles in the country avoid the Near East, but Hudson knows very well that no matter how big the pit in the Near East is, the kingdom must bring this land into its rule.

   The inside story of the armistice, as long as the high-level officials know. When promoting to the outside world, the kingdom must be a victorious country.

  This war did not end after gaining an absolute advantage on the battlefield. Just relying on an armistice treaty that cannot be publicized cannot prove that the Alpha Kingdom is a victorious country.

   Based on political needs, the kingdom must also expand its territory. Even if the newly added land is really poisonous, the kingdom can only swallow it.

   Externally, this is to prove to the Human Race Alliance that the Alpha Kingdom is determined to fight against alien races, and there is absolutely no rumor of "begging" from the alien race alliance.

   Internally, this is an explanation to countless soldiers and civilians, proving that everyone's blood was not shed in vain.

   Only by defeating the Orc Empire independently can this mountain that has been weighing on everyone's hearts for a long time be lifted.

   Propaganda a few more times to make the victory deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. When the next big war breaks out, everyone will no longer be afraid of orcs.

   "Marshal, the Earl of Oran is visiting."

  The voice of the guard pulled Hudson out of his contemplation. The current situation of the Holliser family is not so bad.

   The fief was recovered, but the losses caused by the war could not be recovered.

  The number of citizens has dropped sharply, all farmland has been abandoned, and a large amount of infrastructure has been destroyed. What they have to do now is to rebuild the territory on the ruins.

  The wealth of the veteran nobles is not unlimited. The early development of the territory has consumed a lot of their manpower, material resources, and financial resources.

  In this process, a lot of network resources are also consumed. The value of these intangible losses is greater than direct economic losses.

  Rebuilding the territory is easy to say. If it is really implemented, it is bound to pay a high price.

   Judging from the short-term situation, the Holliser family's northward strategy has failed so far.

   Consuming the heritage accumulated by the family for countless years, they reaped ruins, which is a complete blood loss.

"please!"

   Hudson said calmly.

  Earl Oran's purpose, he can basically guess, is nothing more than to seek support.

  The current Holliser family, if there is no support, it is very likely that they will sink and fall again.

  …

  After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the atmosphere suddenly became tense. In the aristocratic circle, interests are always paramount, and those who don't realize this will be eliminated by the world sooner or later.

  As in-laws and political allies, the Koslow family and the Holliser family have gotten very close in recent years, and they have helped each other a lot.

   Without this war, two families with no conflict of core interests, supporting each other and moving forward together, would have become a good story in the circle.

  It's a pity that the situation changed too quickly. Even though Hudson had reached out to help the nobles in the seven provinces of northern Xinjiang, the Holliser family was still severely injured in the war.

  The heavy losses did not affect the existence of the alliance, but the balance of power between the two sides was broken, and the original mutual support became a unilateral output.

   In a short period of time, it will not affect the relationship between the two families, but the favor will eventually run out one day.

   After a generation, if the Holliser family has not improved, the two parties will only have a relationship.

  Smart people will use favors at critical moments instead of consuming them at any time.

   During these days on the front line, apart from the normal exchange of feelings and information, Earl Oran did not ask him, and Hudson took care of him on his own initiative.

   "Your Excellency, the kingdom's military focus will definitely shift. The orcs are the kingdom's biggest enemy, but they are not the only enemy.

   Those border provinces will definitely jump out to compete for defense resources, and the nobles in neighboring provinces will most likely support them.

  The Kingdom will definitely approve the Near East defense plan you are promoting, but it is difficult to say how much you will invest in it.

  After the lessons of this war, many people in the kingdom have doubts about the kingdom's "Northward Strategy".

  In the past few days, none of the nobles who came to me for activities went to the Near East.

   Focus on building the Near East line of defense, the prerequisite is someone first. The plan can only be implemented if a large number of nobles are entrusted to the past and enough people are filled in the local area.

  Your four provinces of Northern Xinjiang and the five Dukes of the Northland jointly proposed a joint proposal to mobilize personal connections to build momentum. It seems that the momentum is huge, but in fact there is no possibility of passing it.

  If you can get the full support of the royal family, there may still be a chance of passing. However, there is a high probability that the resources that can be obtained in the end will still be lower than your expectations.

  The kingdom is short of financial resources, and the nobles and lords everywhere are also poor. Everyone needs time to recuperate. "

   Hudson said without reservation.

  Building the "Near East Line of Defense" was still proposed by him. The failure to promote the implementation is mainly due to the indifference of the nobles.

  No one wants to go to the Near East, so we can’t leave the work of building the defense line to the bureaucrats of the kingdom, right?

  Protracted investment, involving tens of millions of money and food, Hudson did not dare to bet on the ethics of bureaucrats.

  The embankment of a thousand miles collapses in the ant nest.

  The strength of the defense line depends on the weak area of ​​the defense line. Negligence in any place will cause irreparable consequences.

  The integrity of noble lords is also not guaranteed. But the lives of the whole family are tied to the defense line, and if there is a problem with the defense line, they will be buried with them.

  The county guards, governors above, and the fate of the whole family are also linked to the defense line, so don't worry about them not being responsible for supervision.

  If we don’t solve people’s problems, everything is empty talk. But in this regard, the nobles in the northern Xinjiang area are helpless.

  There is a shortage of people in their own fief, so how can they continue to develop the Near East!

  The so-called building the Near East line of defense, in fact, they only have one mouth. The money, food, and population required for the specific implementation process must be paid by the nobles in the central and southern provinces.

   "Hudson, I understand what you mean. The Near East is a big pit now, and it's normal for everyone to have emotional resistance.

  If I could choose again, I would rather take my clansmen to Fengyun Province to participate in the competition than to gain a foothold in the ghostly place of Northern Xinjiang!

  The situation has developed to this point, the price paid by the Holliser family is too great, and I am not allowed to retreat.

  The emerging nobles in northern Xinjiang are in a similar situation at present. Everyone is a red-eyed gambler, and they have lost their last fortune.

   If you are determined to take the Koslow family further, then now is the best opportunity. As long as the situation in northern Xinjiang can be stabilized, everyone will push you up.

   Only by integrating the power of the provinces in the northern border, you are the real chess player in the kingdom. No matter how high someone praises her now, it is only a false name after all!

   Don't rush to refuse, there are too many nobles in the kingdom who want you to come to the Near East. After the war, when the meritorious ministers were canonized, there must be an enclave for you in the Near East. "

   Count Oran tried to persuade.

  Sometimes being too capable is also a fault. With his great reputation on the battlefield, Hudson was inevitably feared by others, especially the king.

   Even if he continues to show weakness in politics, it can only slightly alleviate the anxiety in Caesar IV's heart. The promotion of so many generals in the army is not a decoration.

  As a meritorious minister, he certainly cannot directly suppress Hudson, so he can only use subtle means to weaken his influence from the side.

   "Your Excellency, let's stop now! I don't have that much ambition. The current situation of the Koslow family is already very good.

   In the name of defending against orcs, a Near Eastern military group was created. What is the difference between that and the alliance of the five major families in the Northland?

   Regardless of the fact that the five major families in the Northland are still imposing, their good days are coming to an end soon. After offending so many people, it was only a matter of time before the backlash broke out. "

   Hudson decisively refused.

  The current detached status is because apart from the five major families in the Northland, there are people promoted by him in the other major forces.

   To a certain extent, these people are able to influence the decisions of major forces. As long as there is no core conflict of interest, a good relationship can be maintained.

   Unknowingly, Hudson has built his own political "mountain".

  If Hudson jumped out to fight for political power, these military nobles labeled with the Hudson family would be the backbone of the faction.

   It is enough to have a pan-political alliance, and then go to the Near East to form a military alliance, Caesar IV must be mad.

  The confrontation between the nobles and the king is nothing new in the continent of Aslante. The five major families of Peking University suffered a severe injury to the royal family back then, but they are still alive and well now.

  “Being able to do it” does not mean you have to do it.

  The Koslow family does not have enough background, even if a political alliance is formed, other families will benefit more from it.

   "One person attains the Tao, chickens and dogs ascend to heaven" seems to be a good thing, but if the degree of it is not grasped properly, it will become a negative case.

  Forcibly pushing the incompetent clansmen to important positions will not withstand the corruption of interests, and things will definitely happen later.

   Rather than being dragged into the water in the end, it is better not to let them set foot in the court from the beginning.

  If you have ambitions, then go out and start your own business. He will not be jealous of how high you climb in the end, and you can only blame yourself if you die halfway. Anyway, Hudson will not push them into politics.

  Based on his understanding of the family, there is currently no one in the family who is qualified to participate in the court game.

   "Understood, I didn't say what happened today. Next, the Holliser family will keep a distance from the five Dukes of the Northland, and I won't embarrass you."

   Count Oran said slightly disappointed.

   Without enough leaders, the Baotuan plan has just begun, so it can only die prematurely.

  As for the five major families in the Northland, they are not familiar with each other. Being able to come together was due to the development needs of the territory.

  If you want to obtain supplies from the kingdom, you must pass by the territory of the five major families in the Northland. In order to pay less tolls, we can only establish a good relationship.

  The relationship between those who pay tolls and those who collect tolls is naturally not that deep. The friendship of a familiar face is not worth worrying about them for Earl Oran.

  …

   Approaching the capital, the joy of victory rushed towards everyone.

  Outside the city of Canglan, Caesar IV, with his court officials, Chinese and military officials, greeted the triumphant team at the gate of the city early.

  Frankly speaking, Caesar IV has done a really good job in terms of prestige. No matter how much sincerity there is, this high-standard treatment alone makes all the military generals very satisfied.

   As the leader of the generals, Hudson did not let Maxim perform this time, but rode a horse in a regular manner and walked at the forefront of the team.

  Approaching the gate of the city, Hudson waved his big hand and ordered: "All soldiers dismount and enter the city on foot!"

   Face is given to each other, and the king came to greet him in person, so naturally he couldn't continue to sit on the horse.

  If only the ministers of the DPRK and China came to greet them, then there is a high probability that they would say hello and lead the team over.

   After a set of cumbersome triumphal ceremonies, Hudson only felt tired after he had to continue to courteously test with Caesar IV.

   Fortunately, everyone has practiced. Even wearing armor, they can walk more than ten miles to the palace.

   "Marshal, you have demonstrated the prestige of the kingdom in this battle. Looking at the entire continent, no one dares to underestimate my Alpha Kingdom!

  The kingdom has been established for hundreds of years, and this is the most beautiful win.

   Not only disabled the Ancient Remnants Alliance, deterred the elves, but also defeated the orc army without any external support.

  …”

   Caesar IV's high-spirited boast made Hudson very embarrassed. Accept it, it's a little too much; if you give in, the generals behind will still watch!

  With his status, he can't be a sycophant. If you insist that this is the credit of the king's leadership, I am afraid that the nobles will laugh out loud.

   "Your Majesty, these are the credits of all the soldiers, as well as the credits of all the citizens of the kingdom, as well as all the officials..."

  Hudson still has to face, even though Caesar IV hinted very clearly, he still didn't follow his will.

  Everyone has contributed, and it would not be awkward to bring the king. But in this way, it is more like a modest courtesy.

  Failed to achieve the goal, Caesar IV smiled, but his facial expression was very reluctant.

   Fortunately, the two walked at the front of the line, and the people behind could not see their expressions, otherwise it would be embarrassing.

  The short episode did not affect the smooth progress of the triumphant ceremony, and everyone was immersed in the ocean of joy.

   The material rationing system that was implemented for nearly two years is now abolished. The banquet, which is far away from everyone's life, will return to everyone's sight.

   This chapter complements yesterday’s

  (end of this chapter)