Chapter 945： Noble marriage plan

Just as Ludov declared his dominion in Hamburg, Rurik reached the northernmost point of Jutland.

Now, after nearly half a year of war, the Swedish Allies have really reached the limit of their battle.

Bjorn, Duke of Melalen, led his troops to loot in the hometown of Robard, Denmark, and took his own people to vent their grievances over the past few decades. The other Swedish tribes behaved in exactly the same way, busy with looting and sabotage, completely ignoring Rurik's strategy of continuing the war.

Today, the tribes have basically distinguished who is the enemy and who is the friend. A new Danish war with a friendly attitude towards Sweden has no reason to continue using troops against Denmark.

As for continuing the war to attack the Frankish kingdom? forget it!

For the Jutland Peninsula, the isthmus of Lindholm is the boundary, and the peninsula area north of the isthmus is a free looting area. No matter what the foreign Swedish army and the Götaland army do, they will be robbed by various Danish lords, Especially the new Danish king Ragnar acquiesced.

They murdered and looted property, and even took away pots and pans with great precision.

In particular, the Gotaland people from the Gota River Valley looted the women of this area and started transshipment work spontaneously.

It’s really a turn of the wind. It was these Robard tribes who once crossed the strait and entered the mouth of the Gota River in Scandinavia, looting the local Gotaland people as slaves, and now they are on the offensive.

The once very powerful Robard tribe, the star chain-like villages and wooden castles were uprooted one by one. They fell apart under the joint strangulation of the northern coalition forces, and all their glory turned to ashes.

In the end, there are only a large number of tombs like cone-shaped mounds, silent records of the once glorious here.

The weather is turning cold, and a large number of prisoners and booty are being transported by sea to the other side of the strait.

Like Gorm, Earl of Wienernstad, who was conferred the title of Earl, he has not yet adapted to his current noble status. As before, he organized his own fleet and greedily brought the looted materials back to the north.

In principle, the blue fox is the earl of Gothenburg, and he also has an army composed of the local Gotaland people.

Although the inhabitants of the lower Göta River, who had hardly suffered any war losses, the army formed by these people plundered the northern tip of Jutland as a small political entity formed spontaneously in their homeland.

So when Rurik's main fleet and Ragnar's army arrived north of Jutland, what they saw was still a chaotic scene of looting.

This place cannot be said to be a collapse of public security, it can only be said to be full of bandits.

Of course, many Danish lords are happy to see this kind of randomness. Because the Robard tribe is already a traitor in Denmark, when they choose to bind with the forces of the tyrant Horrick, they should have the consciousness to meet the current collapse.

There are densely floating ships on the sea, and a large number of large Ross ships are hunting with flags and flags.

The leaders of the Swedish and Götaland armies, who were busy distributing the spoils, suspended their "work" and gathered at the initial landing site, waiting for the arrival of the kings of Russ and Denmark.

It was in a dimly lit longhouse at the initial landing site that many nobles gathered together.

These nobles were dressed in leather and furry, and many of them lacked attention to their clothes. They wore the seized clothes and armors on their bodies, and they had no aesthetic sense on the whole. But they are just willing to do this, in order to show their conquest of the loser.

This is a thorough "splitting" conference. Rurik and Ragnar made the same instructions. The so-called Swedish and Gotaland troops must immediately leave Jutland with the spoils. After that, in addition to normal business transactions, Armies are not allowed to enter the Danish world without authorization.

This is the so-called eviction order! Fortunately, the two sides have no intention of spending the winter and Hanukkah in the Danish world.

Likewise, this was Rurik's order to withdraw troops from his loyal army.

"I know that you think this year's war is enough. I invite you to attack the Robard tribe. It is your last fight. Now is enough. Next, I will lead the Rus army to challenge the powerful Frankish army. You lack I am prepared for a bad battle, and I am also afraid of the cold winter. This king is very satisfied with your contribution this year. You can go back to your hometown to spend the winter. I do not blame you. However, I still urge the brave people you use to continue to follow me to the south. We can Attempt to defeat the Frankish army for great glory."

So, who wants to keep going south?

Speaking of the Swedish army, the Swedish nobles mainly focused on the attitude of Bjorn, Duke of Mélaren, who had the most troops. For the time being, a large number of members of Bjorn's department came from tenant farmers who owed taxes and rent, and the others were simple mercenaries. They fought mainly to pay off their debts and make a fortune. Now that the debts have been paid off, those who survived have gotten some spoils of war. In essence, they are eager to go home, and immediately use the spoils to improve the lives of themselves and their families, because their wives and children are still waiting, and they are really unwilling to take risks.

This is true of the Meralen army, as well as the other Swedish tribes, as well as the armies of the Gothalans, which are similar in this respect.

They are simply a group of unorganized tribal soldiers, unlike Rurik's Rus army, at least they have completed the preparation of citizen soldiers for the old Rus, just like the Roman Kingdom in the city-state era.

This group of allies needs to be coerced and coaxed. When attacking enemies at a very close distance, these allies still have good use value, but when the front is stretched far south into the Frankish territory, these allies can be described as a burden to continue to follow.

The more the army, the better. A group of troops who are not very good at obeying orders and are obviously war-weary, forcing them to continue fighting, they will definitely be ineffective in their work, and they are still a strong constraint on the main army.

It is better to strengthen your own essence and absorb at most the brave warriors among these allies.

Therefore, Rurik has not absorbed almost any heroic individuals here. If it is not for the control of the Swedish Anklas Army in the hands of the blue fox, and the army has joined the land army to enter Hamburg, other Swedish nobles, there is a Counting one, they all praised the king's wisdom, and then seized the time to bring the spoils to make a profit, running faster than their summer rush.

Compared with the Swedish nobles, the Gotaland army had already evacuated almost the same. When the meeting ended, the last Gotaland army withdrew as soon as possible.

Such an obedient withdrawal was a relief to all the Danish lords. As the so-called guest army is easy to invite and difficult to persuade to leave, the "speed of light withdrawal" of these allies also directly attracted a large number of Danish lords to withdraw directly to the island of Zealand where they settled. They appealed to their past king, Ragnar, that the so-called War of Reconstruction in Denmark was over, and a duchy of Saxony had also recovered. With such a buffer state, the Danes could not go south. It is better to live a peaceful life and wait until It will not be too late to row a boat to the coastal areas of the Frankish kingdom when the warmth is restored next year.

However, Ross and New Denmark have had a secret contract reappearing.

Rurik and Ragnar did not stay in Jutland. A Rus squadron was evacuated first with the wounded and trophies. The Rus navy, which still had a huge number of ships, led Ragnar's 30 long ships, pulled a thousand iron-core warriors to support the new Danish king, and special transports. Holick himself, a lame fat pig in a cage, bypassed the northernmost tip of the peninsula and quickly reached Hamburg.

This was Rurik's last move on the Gerland peninsula, and the huge navy completed a major division with friendly forces at Hamburg on the Elbe.

Rurik was delighted, allied Duke Ludov of Saxony, began to fulfill his promise.

Large numbers of Franks were held in custody, and their wealth was completely plundered. These Frankish immigrants who were forcibly inserted by Charlemagne a long time ago gave priority to seizing the ripe fields developed by the Saxon natives, suppressed the Saxons' revenge by brutal killing, and suppressed the survival of the Saxons by seizing the best survival resources. space. Now that revenge is revenge for revenge, the land belonging to the Frankish village is completely returned to the Saxons, and of course the ownership of the land is seized by Duke Ludoff.

In an instant, Ludov became a big landowner. He then distributed the captured Frankish farmland and houses to the Saxon soldiers who returned to the country with him, making them tenant farmers who were directly responsible for the duke himself, and immediately controlled a large number of means of production.

This kind of robbery was welcomed by the Saxon people and was acquiesced by the local Saxon nobles. After all, Ludov dared to openly persecute the Franks, and he confiscated their wealth, so he naturally bore the wrath of the great Frankish nobles, especially Ludwig. If the latter raises troops to attack, it must be a rebellion against Liudov, and Liudov must also defeat him.

Therefore, for these local nobles of Saxony who surrendered to the Franks a long time ago, they relied on forbearance, compromise, and even servility to serve as servants of the Frankish army for half a century to maintain their power. To this day, there are still some Saxon nobles who have been ordered to lead the army to the south of East Frank and stationed in Mainz and other places to prove their loyalty to Ludwig with practical actions.

But Ludwig could not completely trust them. The Saxon nobles who stayed in the northern region welcomed Liudov's move to restore the country, and were afraid that Ludov's defeat in the future would involve himself in the war.

A large number of Saxon nobles were in vain and condescending. They did attend the grand meeting in Hamburg to support Ludov as the king, and indeed began to hand over a large part of the grain of their fiefs to Hamburg to show their loyalty.

but! This is a very important point!

Liudorf held the ceremony of becoming a duke in Hamburg, but the noble northern saint Eskil did not attend the coronation ceremony, and even all the priests did not participate. Because this is illegal, according to traditional regulations, Liudov must go to the Holy See in person. Only when the Pope recognizes the Duchy of Saxony and Liudov's new identity can it be considered legal.

To get to the Holy See, Ludov would have to traverse the Frankish kingdom, which was in civil war, a path that was ill-fated and completely unrealistic this year.

It is undeniable that Liudov has fulfilled the long-cherished wish of the vast majority of Saxons. Even if a large number of poor Saxons express their desire for revenge, they must stand by Liudov's side. In particular, because they were the persecutors of the persecution of local Frankish immigrants, they would naturally be blacklisted by the Frankish army.

Charlemagne killed all 4,500 prisoners of war in the Saxon uprising of Widukind, who punished the hero, and persecuted the families of the prisoners.

Since the poor people of Saxony who retain painful memories have been slaughtered with blood, they can only follow Liudov resolutely and go down the road. They have no possibility of turning back.

Fortunately, the huge Rus-Danish coalition is entrenched in Hamburg, and the strength of the army is reassuring.

Even if these Saxons knew that it was the Rus-Danish coalition, which destroyed Bremen many years ago, the killing was exactly the same as that of the Frankish army.

This time was completely different and, miraculously, the Rus army was benevolent. The strong army did nothing against all the Saxon villages, and the army stayed in the demarcated camp, but they took the Elbe river completely for themselves and began a large-scale fishing operation.

...

Rurikon had just arrived in Hamburg, and Ludov explained to him "I sent messengers to Westphalia to bring my family back."

This surprised Rurik.

The two talked secretly in a stone chamber in Hamburg, even intending to discuss a lot of private matters.

The lights are bright outside, the Roth-Danish army camp is buzzing, and the intoxicating aroma of boiled wheat and grilled fish fills the air.

In the stone room high in the fort, Rurik brought his own meals, especially a little boy, to have dinner with Liudov, who was temporarily alone.

This little boy was none other than Regraf, the eldest son of Rurik's concubine.

Rurik actually hugged a boy very intimately, ordered all his followers to retreat, and entered the stone room that served as a banquet hall.

"This child?" Liudov was puzzled for a while.

"What? My friend, you don't think this kid is very similar to me."

"You... ah?! Could it be your son?!"

"It's my son." Rurik put Regraf down, stroked the eldest son's head, and said proudly, "His mother is not ordinary, she is the princess of the kingdom of Mercia! Ludov, maybe, you know that in Something happened in Britain."

"Yes. War! And the executor of war... is you!"

"It's me!" Rurik shrugged, his expression full of arrogance, and added: "He is Regraf, but not only has he been baptized, but his identity has also been confirmed by the Pope of Rome. He is the legitimate King of Mercia, He's also educated in Latin. Listen, this son of mine is a warrior and a wise man. He'll grow up a little bit and he'll have a smooth succession to the throne of Mercia. And the Northumbrian kingdom to the north recognizes it My son's position. My kingdom of York in Britain also recognizes my son's position. So how about you? Do you recognize him?"

"He?" Looking at Regraf, who was full of vigor and a hint of melancholy between his brows, Liudov couldn't believe it. The truth was that he had heard Esquille ramble, and retrieved his memory that there was indeed a child named Regraf. The name is very particular, referring directly to the former king of Mercia, Wigraf. It is a pity that many Frankish nobles are aware of the chaos that Mercia has entered into.

"Of course I admit him."

Rurik deliberately stroked his son's shoulder again and asked about Ludov's very private matters: "Do you...have a younger daughter?"

Just asking this question was utterly intoxicating, and Liudov, who was sitting down, jumped up instantly.

"Yes! I have sent an emissary to Westphalia to pick up the people, and soon my family will arrive in Hamburg, and even the tomb of my ancestors, the coffin of the great Widukind will be reburied in the monastery in Hamburg. And children, my son's name is Bruno, and my daughter's name is Alice."

"Alice? Very nice name."

"Yes. My daughter is beautiful too."

A father would never criticize his daughter's appearance. Even if he saw that Liudov was middle-aged, his daughter was probably married. Do not! If that Alice was married, he would specify.

Rurik asked tentatively, "Your daughter is not too young."

"Thank God my daughter got through it. In fact, she's only ten years old."

Hearing that, Rurik's eyes lit up: "In other words, your daughter is actually two years older than my Regraf? Very good! They are both fathers, and we should get married!"

"Okay, let's get married!"

With that said, Liudov directly approached Regraf, who was only eight or nine years old, but his face was at least ten years old.

After all, a boy of Nordic descent who is well educated and has no worries about food and clothing can grow tall and handsome at a young age.

A lot of things didn't need Rurik's advice at all. Liudov kissed Regraf's little face intimately, and naturally got a strong rebound from the boy.

Rurik hurriedly corrected: "Silly child, he will be your other father in the future."

"It's him?" I saw Regraf's eyes full of disdain: "Dad, isn't he your defeat?"

"Don't dare to say that. You are going to marry his daughter, and soon, a sister named Alice will come here. In the future, you will get married, and you will inherit the throne of Mercia, and Alice will be your queen in the future."

"Is that so? All right."

Liudov has a very clear understanding of his own situation. His own ceremony was not recognized by Esquil, so legally his own Duke of Saxony was entertaining himself, even if strength was king in this era. If the strength is strong, lead the army to the city of Rome and use the Pope as a marionette. After all, Charlemagne did just that.

I have no strength in this regard, but it is possible to use the army to safeguard my vested interests.

The restored Duchy of Saxony needs recognition from the outside world. First of all, Prince Ludwig of Frank would definitely not recognize it, but Lothair and Charlie the Bald would not necessarily deny it. It is certain that the Kingdom of Rus, the Kingdom of New Denmark, and the Kingdom of Viking York of Great Britain have recognized the Duchy of Saxony in the interests of their alliance.

Unfortunately, they are all barbarian kingdoms that believe in Odin. In this way, by marrying the daughter to the boy, it is equivalent to the recognition of the kingdom of Mercia, who also believes in God. Due to the delicate relationship between Mercia and Northumbria, Northumbria must also recognize the legitimacy of the Duchy of Saxony because of its own national defense.

In this way, many countries recognized the political entity of the Duchy of Saxony, and they could not tolerate this country being eliminated by the Franks. Saxony has been reduced to a buffer country for the Franks and Normans. This is not a tragedy, but history has returned to its proper path. Because since ancient times, the power of the Saxons has been the buffer between the south and the north.

In fact, in terms of blood, Regraff's mother, Princess Mary, must be an Anglo, but her blood must also be mixed with Saxon blood. It is a fact that a large number of Saxons immigrated to Britain and established many kingdoms, so that his daughter married Regraf, not only religiously legal, but even the blood of both parties was similar, even if Rurik was a Norman Rus.

Political marriage does not mean that there is no emotion. The more Liudov looks at Regraf, the more he likes it. Because this kid speaks Latin well, and it is said that he knows a lot of knowledge, which is much better than his eldest son Bruno!

Therefore, considering that this political marriage is extremely important to Ross, Saxony and Mercia, and considering that Ludwig is likely to persecute Ludov’s family after learning the news, he may kill Ludov and kill Ludov. Time was running out for families in Westphalia to pick them up.

A squadron was ordered to suspend the plundering of Atlantic cod at the mouth of the Elbe.

Rurik's half-brother, Arik, was ordered to lead the remnants of the First Banner Team and the young cubs of the Second Banner Team, accompanied by a group of Saxon troops, to quickly reach the ruined Bremen and take control of the local area. The stone bridge.

Because it was Arik who set fire to Bremen back then, he was quite familiar with the local situation, up to a stone bridge that was difficult to destroy. Said to be a stone bridge, in fact, stone piers are placed in the river, and the stone piers exposed on the water surface are laid with wood to form a simple but important bridge.

That bridge is a shortcut for the communication between the north and the south. The bridge is easy to demolish and easy to repair. According to Liudov, the people he sent out ran wild on horseback with axes, but they had to cut down trees first, and repaired the bridge directly for borrowing.

Now there is no need for it. The fleet of the Rus army can rush from Hamburg on the Elbe to the ruins of Bremen on the Weser in just one day.

Rurik still trusts his eldest brother, Arik, because the person he picks up is involved in the marriage of his nephew Regraf, so Arik dare not neglect, and his enthusiasm is better than his son's marriage. In fact, Aric's eldest son, Asgard, was in the first flag team, receiving the necessary experience of a man as an ordinary soldier, even if the child was only twelve years old.

For this reason, Arik successfully arrived in Bremen, and also successfully received the Count of Westphalia who was traveling northward, that is, all the family members of Ludov, including local priests and a group of accompanying people. , especially the coffin of Widukind, who was under special care.

Although it is very strange, these people from Westphalia cannot allow them to doubt whether the Rus army is a good person. After all, they stopped to court death, considering that there is a Saxon army here, and there is also a token of Ludov, what are the people? Regardless, they boarded the big boat of the Rus and arrived in Hamburg in the evening of the next day.

Of course, since a transshipment was a great success, the work of Arik, the "transport captain", cannot be stopped. Since there are still many Saxons who want to immigrate to the north, the Russ Navy's superior transport capacity should bring them back as soon as possible, and Ludov will pay extra for this.

So Rurik met Liudov's youngest daughter, Alice, a ten-year-old girl.

She was timid, with beautiful blonde hair and a lot of freckles on her face. She is clearly the daughter of an earl-level aristocrat, and the noble seems to be only her status. She dresses, talks, and behaves. Rurik does have some regrets.

No way, Alice is very noble to a village girl, but for girls who are educated in the Kingdom of Ross, there is still too much difference!

It is undeniable that Regraf is the most temperamental boy Alice has ever seen, and she is reluctant to believe that the boy is two years younger than her. Regraf is already taller than Alice, and with his Latin speaking, this boy actually knows the "sacred language", which is simply a dreamer!

She was completely fascinated by her newness and because of her status as the true crown prince of Mercia, she instantly became greedy for her noble status as a queen in the future. After all, his father is an earl, and it is too dreamy for an earl's daughter to become a king.

She still didn't quite know what the Duchy of Saxony meant, and she even resisted being forced to leave Westphalia this time. Alice didn't understand war at all, she just wanted to live a peaceful and noble life, like an ordinary noble woman to live her life.

Although it was the first time they met, Regraf immediately stayed with Alice. Although this was not very etiquette, both fathers of the child needed a tacit understanding. In this way, the relationship between the two children has become "unclear", so that Rurik and Ludov have no reason to go back on their children's marriage.

Regraf must marry Alice, and Alice must also marry Regraf. When the two reach the age of marriage, Regraf will officially be crowned King of Mercia, and Alice will officially become Queen of Mercia.

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