Law of the Devil

In a blink of an eye, summer has passed, when the westerly wind gradually rises. In October, when the busy farming season was over, conscription notices were posted simultaneously in several towns at the junction of Desa province and Nulin province. The announcement was a conscription order signed by Duke Tulip, the lord of the Desa province, and Bohan, the governor of the Nulin province.

The Duke of Tulip obtained the permission of the Imperial Military Command to recruit troops across the border. He planned to recruit about two infantry reserve divisions and one cavalry reserve division in Nulin Province, a total of 60,000 people.

Such a large-scale conscription order caused an uproar in the entire Northwest!

To people's surprise, in the Duke Tulip's announcement, he set a higher salary for the soldiers of the private army of the Tulip family than the official soldiers. Under such circumstances, the situation in the northwest, which had gradually calmed down, became lively again!

Such a large-scale conscription is the first time in so many years. To recruit 60,000 people at one time, even if the population of Nulin Province is double that of Desa Province...it is still a heavy burden.

But to the surprise of the outside world, it seems that Governor Bohan of Nulin Province is quite supportive of this matter, even at the expense of the population, and has abandoned many government affairs before the winter, mobilizing a large number of grassroots officials and some The garrison went to various conscription sites to maintain order.

On Du Wei's side, Al Qaeda, who has the reputation of "little two hundred and five", was sent to be in charge of conscription. Although this guy is a bit rude, he is good at leading the cavalry. The person in charge of assisting Al Qaeda was Robert Knight, the commander of the infantry division of the Tulip family.

According to the secret deal between Du Wei and Governor Bohan. Two infantry divisions were recruited this time. One per family. And a cavalry division is also divided in half.

near the border of the two provinces. In Duwei's territory. A camp has been built. Then in the next year. This camp will be further expanded and built, and will be built into a permanent military fortress. Enough to station 100,000 troops in the military city. From the geographical point of view, such a military fortress. It also played a certain role in clamping down on the Northwest Army.

Recruiting is a busy and complicated job. Du Wei has ordered to strictly follow the procedure. Avoid letting people from hostile forces mix into your own army as much as possible. With the cooperation of Governor Bohan. Every recruited soldier must carefully investigate the native place and background of the other party.

Fortunately, Bohan has been operating in Nulin Province for many years. In this regard, administrative work is still very basic.

In addition, Du Wei also ushered in a piece of good news.

Du Wei's old friend, the leader of the Northern Snow Wolf Mercenary Regiment, Beinrich. I also personally visited Du Wei with the latest batch of goods a month ago. At the same time, he expressed his own wish: many old mercenaries who retired after a lifetime of adventure, after quitting their adventure career. These men who used to lick blood on the edge of a knife often have a miserable old age. Although some people have considerable savings, more people are not good at managing money. Or in a perennially adventurous life. Developed the habit of drinking, gambling and so on. Often extravagant. life difficulties.

After all, these people are old mercenaries with special skills, although most of them are retired mercenaries. Much of it is due to old age. Even still disabled, however. After all, these experienced old mercenaries. Let it run its course. It is also a pity.

After Du Wei listened to Beinrich's words. Immediately make a decision in person: From now on, these retired mercenaries from the Snow Wolf Mercenary Group. Du Wei accepted them all.

After all, these people risk their lives, even if they are old or disabled. But after all, martial arts are still there, even if they can't be used as soldiers. Sent to the barracks to serve as an instructor to train those recruits in martial arts. It is absolutely perfect!

Beinrich was extremely grateful for Du Wei's generosity. Immediately after that, he united several small and medium-sized mercenary regiments he was familiar with. Sent some retired old brothers.

Thus. Although Du Wei sent a favor to the other party, but in reality. It also greatly solved the problem of insufficient manpower.

Governor Bohan's conscription work is in full swing. And Du Wei is not idle here.

According to the order of the Imperial Military Command, the 20,000 cavalry stationed on the grassland finally arrived at Loulan City. Stationed in the barracks outside the city.

Du Wei handed over the matter to 250th General Longbottom. According to the secret agreement between Du Wei and Prince Chen. Du Wei can leave 6,000 cavalry!

Du Wei's expectations for these 6,000 cavalry are very high! After all, these people are not recruits, but experienced and well-trained elite cavalry. Moreover, many of these officers were Longbottom's old subordinates back then, and after receiving them, they would be able to form combat effectiveness in a short period of time.

on this matter. Du Weike was not polite to Prince Chen at all. He asked Longbottom to take the military order to the barracks outside the city, and let the 20,000 cavalry come out in line, and then Longbottom went to select one by one. The great lads were all intercepted. After that, the best of the best was selected, and the 6,000 people selected from the 20,000 cavalry were definitely an elite cavalry!

In the end, with a swipe of his pen, Du Wei retained all the people who had been under Longbottom's old subordinates in the officer's roster. In this way, although 14,000 people were returned to Prince Chen, the real strongest combat power has been left under Du Wei's hands.

The horses that the prairie people paid for, and Du Wei's share, were all thrown to Longbottom to replenish the cavalry.

As for the 10,000 cowhide... Du Wei sent people to transport them to Gilliat City.

Less than five days after the 10,000 pieces of cowhide were transported to Gilliat City, the first batch of hot air balloon airships officially took off in the sky of Gilliat City.

Du Wei had done hot air balloons when he was in his hometown in Luolin Plain, but at that time, the so-called hot air balloons were far from mature, and could only be used to transport some letters or valuables.

It is mainly the dyes used to burn hot gas, and the preparation is not high enough. After the research of several magicians in Gilliat City, plus some formulas provided by Du Wei himself, a final dye formula was finally determined! A potion solution extracted from sixteen magic potions. After a specific amount of dilution, the dyes are produced in batches.

The heat produced by the burning of these dyes. In terms of buoyancy and stability, the best results can be achieved so far.

The formula of this dye was also ordered by Du Wei to be kept strictly as a first-class secret, and even the production procedures were strictly separated into several processes. There is no connection between each other.

Du Wei knew. This technology may not be able to dominate for a long time. But it can be monopolized for one more day. It's just that I have an advantage for a day. .

Ten thousand pieces of cowhide were urgently made into balloons. According to the previous plan. Use this batch of airships as a means of transportation. According to load capacity. Currently the largest load-carrying airship. It can carry about four tons.

something like this. Du Wei is very clear. A hot air balloon airship. Both speed and defense are extremely backward and vulnerable. It is impossible to appear on the front line as a combat force, and it can only be used as a logistics transportation tool.

However, at least he has another air force. It can also be regarded as a supplement to the situation of the "air force" in his conception.

After sending out several letters from Du Wei. Soon, on the Luolin Plain. Du Wei founded "FedEx". It has already opened branches to the northwest, and the first branch was established in Loulan City.

subsequently. The hot air balloon airship is a new thing. It began to become the hottest topic among Northwesterners.

pity. Du Wei knew nothing about steam engines and the like. Otherwise. He really wanted to bring about an industrial revolution.

However, even if it is not so magical. Du Wei finally counted the power in his hands, after conscription. His total strength reached 60,000. It includes a cavalry division, and its combat effectiveness is not weak.

In addition, there is the only air force on the mainland-this is the only air force so far. Even in the state of no opponent.

And look at your own men again. It can also be regarded as a master like a cloud. Two paladins. Plus a few outstanding powerful magicians (including such terrifying existences as Gandolf and Medusa).

With such strength. Gradually gain a firm foothold in the northwest. Whether it is the Northwest Army or the grassland people. I can be regarded as having a certain amount of confidence.

The only thing that made Du Wei feel a little worried. He took the entire fleet to Ruolin in Nanyang. Since this female knight went to Nanyang last year, there is still no news... Could it be that the United Kingdom in Nanyang has turned its face? Leave one of your own fleets in Nanyang? However, this possibility is not great. Du Wei knew. Take the wrecked ship in the United Kingdom of Southeast Asia. It is almost impossible to intercept Ruolin's fleet. Yi Ruolin is alert. Even in danger. It's not even a person who reported the letter can't come back.

The time is approaching the end of the year. As the cold air in the northwest wind became heavier, people finally realized. Winter seems to be coming.

Although Du Wei didn't perform miracles this year to produce the crazy harvest of grain. But after a year of preparation. It's not a bad winter either. Food reserves are still sufficient so far.

But Du Wei encountered a new problem.

The Earl of Villa and the Fat Delan Mountain. They all sent people to find Du Wei on purpose: they were all very interested in the hot air balloon airship that Du Wei made!

Hot air balloon airship this thing. The technical content is not too high. The biggest key lies in the dye! It's not that just burning anything can generate heat that makes the balloon float! Du Wei strictly kept the formula and even the dilution ratio of the dye secret. It is to monopolize this technology.

He didn't want to share these things with others right now—although Count Villa and Delan Mountain had a good relationship with him. And I have also received a lot of benefits from these two. But... the sky...

For the time being, Du Wei still has the intention of occupying the sky of Roland Continent alone!

The Earl of Villa and the people sent by Mount Delan. It's not easy to refuse. I found several excuses to delay.

Nine hundred and sixty-one years of the empire. It will be over soon. According to the order of Prince Chen. Du Wei is about to leave for the imperial capital to participate in the New Year's celebration in the imperial capital. But Du Wei knew very well what was waiting for him when he went back this time... Prince Chen's marriage proposal was still on his mind.

Finally, before returning to the imperial capital, Du Wei found his subordinates.

He decided to talk about it formally.

After the announcement of Prince Chen's marriage proposal. The subordinates reacted differently. The indifference on Longbottom's face clearly meant: none of my business.

Dardanelle was a little happy for Du Wei. But there was also a hint of regret: this guy was purely happy that Du Wei could take this opportunity to enter the royal family, but he also secretly regretted that he originally hoped that Du Wei could marry the Liszt family.

There are generals in other places. Simply congratulated Du Wei.

But just keep silent. It's Philip.

After everyone has finished speaking. This Du Wei is currently the first staff member under his command. Is the last one to speak!

"My lord duke." Philip sighed, "Although these words are spoken out, they are somewhat... um. Some mean treason. But now they are all the most trusted colleagues under the command of the lord duke. So I will say it directly." paused. Look around the audience. Then he said word by word in a deep voice: "This incident is definitely not a blessing. On the contrary. In my opinion, I am afraid it will bring endless trouble to adults!!"

Many generals were a little surprised. Du Wei's eyes lit up: "Go ahead!"

"My lord." Philip said slowly: "When you were in the imperial capital, His Highness Chen did not show the slightest intention of marrying you! So I conclude that this matter must be the regent's idea just recently! Then, everyone You may as well guess. Why is this? His Highness Chen is one of the few outstanding emperors of the empire in modern times... Well, although he has not officially ascended the throne yet, judging from his various actions, he is better than Augustine VI. But it’s more than a little bit clever! Do you want to propose marriage at this time... Hehe! Of course. Our lord has always received the honor and favor of the regent. Everyone knows this. After coming to the Northwest for a year, when the foothold gradually became more stable, it was brought up. The intention is worth pondering. The strength in the hands of the adults is gradually growing, and it is in the Northwest. The East resists the Northwest Army, and the West defends the prairie people. After a year All these things have happened, but my lord has no perseverance. It is enough for people to understand your talent and strength! In Prince Chen's heart, fei-teng-wen-xue's evaluation of you must have risen to a new level! This is the time to propose marriage. It is a wooing and a temptation! To woo the Duke, you to enter the royal family. Strengthen your loyalty. A temptation... Hehe. I don’t need to say more! The most subtle thing is. My lord, about you and the Liszt family Things. What the Marquis means to you now. I am afraid that even the traveling merchants in the roadside hotel know! Doesn’t Prince Dichen of the imperial capital know? Then he clearly knows that the Liszt family intends to marry you, but he still thinks about his sister Marriage proposal. This intention is more worthy of your consideration! At least one point is very clear: I guess, Prince Chen probably doesn't want to see you marrying the Liszt family!!".

Du Wei nodded, and asked back: "What if I directly reject the kindness of the regent?"

"Then..." Philip sighed, "Then. I'm afraid the Prince Regent will feel some estrangement from you, even jealousy. After all, you now hold tens of thousands of troops and you are in the complicated situation in the northwest. The most important thing is that the empire has very little control over you! Ladies and gentlemen, haven’t you noticed? The imperial capital has almost no means of controlling us! It can be said that if your lord has a rebellious heart now... Hehe, even if you don't really rebel, as long as your lord is willing, follow the example of Lu Gao from the Northwest Army, ignore the orders of the imperial capital from today on, close the door and be the emperor of the land, can Prince Chen do anything to us?"

When the last sentence was spoken, everyone's expressions suddenly changed!

After thinking about it carefully, it seems that the imperial capital does not have much control over the province of Desa! Almost everything in the Desa Province is self-supporting and does not rely on any help from the imperial capital. Finance, military and government are all self-contained systems. If Du Wei is willing, he can become the second Northwest Army at any time! !

Seeing that everyone was silent, Philip sighed: "My lord, I have thought about it, even if Prince Chen admires you, but as an emperor, there is a force like you that is almost completely uncontrolled by the central government under his hands. No matter how magnanimous this emperor is, he will feel guilty in his heart!"

Du Wei's expression was also very serious: "Philip, so you think I should agree to Prince Chen's proposal to reassure him?"

"No!" Philip suddenly loudly denied Du Wei's question, and then said confidently: "My lord, no matter from any point of view, I firmly oppose your marrying the royal family!!"

Du Wei was refreshed, and the generals next to him also looked at Philip in surprise. Dardanelle was the first to ask: "Mr. Philip, but you said it just now. If you don't get married, I'm afraid the imperial capital will be suspicious of the Duke..."

"It is necessary to eliminate suspicion. It is not necessary to get married." Philip smiled. Then his expression froze. Shen Sheng said: "My lord, we are in the northwest. The reason why we can be free is because we are far away from the turmoil of the imperial capital. Here, the political situation is relatively simple. Although the Northwest Army and the grassland people are under great pressure. It is clear. But once the royal family is involved, the problem will be troublesome! You should understand, my lord. Although the regent is in power now, after all, he still has many problems that have not been resolved. The first is the imperial power and divine power that have not been resolved for hundreds of years Fighting on land! During the last coup, the temple supported His Royal Highness Chen at a critical moment. But there must be some deal between the two parties. Anything. Once it involves the struggle for imperial power and divine power, it will be complicated! My lord, you now In the Northwest, you are free and easy. But once you are pulled into the royal system, you will become an important power figure in the royal system! At that time, for no reason, you will be regarded by the temple as an important person on the opponent list Character... this. Is it worth it? And the second. In the long run... my lord. Let me say something disrespectful! If you marry the regent's younger sister, marry the little princess. Well. Even if you don't forget the old Love, also married Master Vivienne... Well, then. Even if you treat the two wives equally, regardless of each other... But what about the future? Once your wife gives birth to a child in the future! According to the status and status of the little princess. No matter how much you love Master Vivienne, no matter from any angle, you are forced to. You must make the son born by the princess as the heir!!"

Du Wei nodded.

Philip smiled slightly: "But in this way... Your Excellency Duke, after a few years. When you and everyone here are no longer in this world. Can the Tulip family continue to exist? If the Duke and the Princess give birth to a child, Inherited all the family property of the Duke... Hehe. In terms of blood, he is one step closer to the royal family! Then, as long as the royal family operates skillfully, the next generation will marry again... I am afraid that within two generations, the Tulip family will be merged The royal family!"

Speaking of which. Philip said in a low voice: "I'm definitely not scaremongering. From a historical point of view, this is a common trick of the royal family. Facing a powerful foreign family, it can neither be eradicated nor guarded against. Most of them will use this." The soft knife is sharpened slowly! If thirty years is not enough, fifty years is not enough! If fifty years is not enough, one hundred years! It will eventually swallow the other party's family! In the history of our empire, there are several such examples Land! This is a kind of emperor's technique!"

Suddenly, Philip looked at Du Wei's eyes. A hint of weirdness flashed indistinctly. After hesitating for a while, he said in a low voice: "Let's not talk about the examples from far away. Let's talk about the nearby places! Your Excellency, the original Luo Lin family, is a living example!"

Du Wei was taken aback: "The Luo Lin family? What happened to the Luo Lin family?"

Philip smiled bitterly and said, "This...my lord. Don't you know?" Looking at his expression, he seemed a little embarrassed, as if deeply regretting that he had said something wrong.

Du Wei took a deep breath. His eyes flickered: "Philip, you just say it directly. Since I called everyone to discuss things, there is no topic to avoid! Speak!"

Philip sighed. He hid his hands in his sleeves. Gently cage. He took half a step back and bowed his body slightly. In a gentle voice, he said carefully: "Then. Excuse me for my nonsense."

After he stood up straight. Slowly said: "The glory of the Luo Lin family began at the beginning of the Augustinian Dynasty. Your lord, the heroes of your ancestors. Conquered south and north, saved the empire from embarrassment. Officially named the marshal of the empire! His Majesty the Emperor granted the entire Luolin Plain as a territory! The story of the ancestors of the Luolin family being entrusted with the land. I won’t repeat the fei-teng-wen-xue. Just imagine, the rank of Marshal of the Empire. How glorious is it? Luolin at that time The family. It can almost be called the number one wealthy family in the empire! But after that, until now... Although the previous generation of patriarch, Earl Raymond, has also joined the military command, but in terms of momentum, it is far inferior to what it was back then... This is unacceptable Don't say it. It's also the result of the royal family's deliberate operation!"

"Your Excellency, I know that you are proficient in coat of arms and heraldry, so the crown symbol on the original coat of arms of the Rowling family. Do you know what it means?"

"Of course." Du Wei replied: "That is the symbol of the royal family. My ancestor, Marshal Luo Lin, made great contributions. The emperor married a princess to him... because of this marriage, the Luo Lin family was included. The royal family has been collateralized. It has become a royal family.".

Philip smiled. Then he said lightly: "Look... and today's situation. How similar."

Du Wei frowned. There are still some who don't understand Philip's words.

Philip has already continued: "This is the royal family's first move against the Luo Lin family! Make an alliance first. Anyway, Marshal Luo Lin is loyal to the royal family. Everyone knows. The royal family is not worried that he will have any rebellion. Just use it." This kind of long-term soft knife was used to deal with the Luo Lin family... because the royal family will never tolerate any other family that is too powerful. The first princess married to the Luo Lin family, making the Luo Lin family a royal family in name The relationship. The descendants of Marshal Luo Lin are all equivalent to having the blood of the royal family... From this perspective, Mr. Duke. In fact, you also have a certain amount of blood of the royal family."

"Go ahead!" Du Wei vaguely guessed something.

"From the perspective of lineage. According to the currently generally accepted standards, it is three generations! That is to say, the son born to Marshal Luo Lin and the princess back then became the successor patriarch of the Luo Lin family. But that patriarch is from the point of view of blood. Already have half of the royal blood! Then, according to the royal plan, if the second Earl of Rollin is married to the royal family, then the third Earl will be born. It is equivalent to three-quarters The blood of the royal family!! My lord... a person. If three-quarters of the blood on his body is from the royal family, and only a quarter is from Luo Lin... Then, please tell me. Is he a member of the royal family? ? Or count as Luo Lin people? Okay. If this is not enough...then the next generation. The royal family will marry him again?! Then the future generations. How much blood of the Luo Lin family is left on them??"

this problem. Let everyone feel a chill!

at last. Philip smiled and said: "As long as you marry the royal family for three consecutive generations. In the end, this family will naturally be merged by the royal family!"

Du Wei's face has gradually darkened. He vaguely remembered one thing!

really!

Philip's expression also changed. He whispered: "Back then. If I'm not wrong. The Luo Lin family's military achievements are too great. The power in the military is also worrying. The royal family used this kind of soft knife to deal with the Luo Lin family. Cut slowly. After three generations at the most, the Luo Lin family will be annexed by the royal family. But...unexpectedly. Later, there was a problem, which made the long-term plan of the royal family finally disrupted."

Speaking of which. Philip looked up at Du Wei. He smiled and said, "My lord duke. I have read the history. I know that there is a lord earl among your ancestors. It was supposed to be married to the royal family back then. But this Earl Rollin turned out to be a lover. He disregarded his family and outsiders. Objected. But fell in love with a very famous female astrologer at that time! Finally married that female astrologer as his wife... Yes? Such a behavior made the royal family very dissatisfied. After that, that Lord Earl... died young. His heir was not very old. As a result, the huge Luo Lin family fell down for a period of time. It was not until several outstanding figures emerged in the family that it revived again. "

In love with a female astrologer? Married a female astrologer as his wife?

Of course Du Wei knew who Philip was talking about!

But. Philip now speaks of the matter. Vaguely. But it seems to have another meaning.

Die young? Could it be... is there any conspiracy here?

His mind was such a mess. The words behind Philip. Du Wei didn't hear it clearly, and only vaguely heard Philip say: "...the refusal of the marriage at that time made the royal family very dissatisfied. I heard that the Luo Lin family fell into decline for more than ten years. It was the result of suppression by all parties. And In the end, because the power of the Luo Lin family no longer worried the royal family, it had the opportunity to revive again. The Luo Lin family of later generations. Although still known as the family of martial arts, it is far from the momentum of the era of Marshal Luo Lin. It's too far away..."

Du Wei's expression froze. But suddenly, I heard a faint sigh coming from my mind.

... Semel! .