Chapter 397: Victory is a fight, and defeat is a fight
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It took about 40 days from entering the province of Mangtaine to leaving.
The process of crossing Mount Pluns took nearly 60 days due to the small episode of buying potatoes.
Added up, and when Lei Wen set foot on the land of the Beihai Province, the time came to early August 1202.
Summer marching is sometimes harder than winter, but in Beihai Province, people can forget that they are still in summer.
Because from here on, the terrain of the empire began to rise as a whole.
The North Sea, Molinir in the southwest and coking coal provinces in the south together form the largest plateau on the continent - the Beihai Plateau.
Although direct sunlight can't stand it, just hide in a carriage or occasionally pass by the forest, you can feel a sense of coolness.
The North Sea also became an important horse storage land for the empire because of its flat terrain and lush grasslands.
In other areas of the empire, travelers mostly rely on their legs to travel, and at most they ride in horse and ox carriages.
Only in the North Sea and under the influence of unique nomadic customs, can a large number of people riding horses be seen.
No matter whether it is male or female.
This also gives women in Beihai Province a wild beauty that is not available in other places, and wheat-colored skin is a proof of health and vitality.
During the journey through the Beihai Province, you can always see herders driving their livestock herds to migrate.
The sheep are white clouds, the yaks are dark clouds, and the horses are rushing floods.
When it is confirmed that Lei Wen and his party are not malicious, they set up camp at night, and local herders often set up camp nearby, and they will exchange some supplies while seeking asylum.
On the grassland, everything is short of except livestock.
So even if the Eagle Army just takes out some debris that they don't usually use - linen bags, excess salt, and wine hidden privately, they can get a lot of good things.
During this period, there would be many children who pestered the Eagle Army to tell stories and teach them some sword skills.
The girls would lean over their favorite soldiers and talk and laugh with their red cheeks reflected by the bonfire.
Then, he would take the people back to his tent.
People who come out often stagger on the horse the next day. "It's too lustful!" Clerk Hu Xia criticized this fiercely.
"Haha, it's just that no one likes you, you're just jealous." Manseni, who was standing beside her, stabbed her leisurely.
Hu Xia was so depressed that he almost vomited blood, but he couldn't refute it, because local women did not know how to appreciate the "beauty of knowledge", so there were many people looking for Manseni to drill a tent.
Leiwen watched it interestingly, and he had no prejudice against this custom.
One place of water and soil nourishes the other person. No matter what customs exist, it has its own reasons.
But Raven was a little strange. Manseni was obviously a daughter. How did this tent make those girls reluctant to leave?
The team continued to set off and soon arrived at Beihai Lake, the landmark location of Beihai Province.
Only when standing next to it, looking at the endless lake, the blue lake water, and the continuous surging waves by the lake, can we understand why there is a word "sea" in its name.
Even locals directly call it "Goddess Sea", which is said to be the place where the goddess of nature washes her body.
But it's okay to look from a distance, but it's not that wonderful if you look close.
Because many herders will drive the animals to the lake to drink water when they are grazing, but they will not look at the occasion to excrete animals...
In addition to the rotten and smelly dead fish and water plants washed up by the lake, Lei Wen always had a malicious speculation -
If the goddess came back to take a shower on a whim, would she become dirtier as she washed herself?
Stopped by Beihai Lake for a few days, replenished some supplies, and brought some local dried fish with them. Lei Wen and his group continued to set off and finally returned to Nord Province in mid-September.
When you cross the border, although you haven't arrived home yet, the mental state of the entire team has changed clearly. You can see the slackness by looking at it almost with your eyes.
That night, a nearby viscount invited Lei Wen to the banquet.
Lei Wen did not refuse either.
This meal can be said to be the most comfortable meal I have eaten in the past two years.
The next time, the speed was inevitably much slower. Basically, every time I arrived at a county, the local nobles would invite Lei Wen to the banquet.
Lei Wen's new Count naturally cannot show an arrogant and inhumane attitude, so he basically refuses everyone.
Especially in the city of Mengen, facing the warm invitation from Earl Tyrone, Lei Wen stayed for half a month.
Even though he is as calm as Tailong, he will always inadvertently express a hint of surprise at the speed of Lei Wen's promotion.
Of course, in the past half month, Lei Wen was not just socializing.
Article Thomas found Raven and released goodwill on behalf of the Church of Light, making it clear that Lux would not be in danger of his life.
And in order to make up for the trauma caused by Morenzo's previous accusations, the Church of Light also gave 100 bottles of Raven at one time that can make people awaken to become extraordinary second-level god-given potion.
Levin said modestly: "Article Thomas is so polite, I really feel ashamed of it."
That's it, Lei Wen was not ruthless at all when it was time to collect things.
He also knew that he and the Church of Light could never wear a pair of pants, and could only use each other's relationship.
Since it is a dispute over interests, it is nothing if the other party gives up and gets stabbed when he is lucky.
This does not mean that Lei Wen does not hold grudges, but a reciprocal attitude:
You can stab me back this time, and don’t be surprised if I do next time.
After seeing the mid-October, Lei Wen said goodbye and set off.
The Eagle Army look forward to returning home before the snow falls.
Their expectations were correct.
This time I stayed in Mengen City for a long time, and all the nobles who should be seen have seen each other, and there will be no banquets next.
But Raven changed his itinerary and headed south to the territory of the Newsno in Mansa County - where Viscount John and Raven exchanged.
John's eldest son, Jonathan, who inherited his title, personally greeted him at the door.
"Earl Raven, it's a great honor for you to come. If my father knew, he would be very happy." Jonathan bowed and saluted: "The banquet has been prepared in the castle. Please give it a gift."
Jonathan's figure is stronger than John, but he can still see some of John's shadow.
Especially, the towering hook nose was carved out of the same mold with John.
"No need to be polite." Lei Wen said: "Before the banquet, I want to pay tribute to Viscount John."
Jonathan seemed a little surprised, but nodded: "Please come with me."
According to the tradition of Nord Province, after a nobleman dies, his body will be placed in the family cemetery under the castle, symbolizing the protection of the family.
Generally speaking, the cemetery will only be opened at the beginning of each year, but this time, Raven gained the right to enter the Luke family cemetery.
No matter when the graves always appear cold, even if torches and braziers are burning on the walls.
Accompanied by the sound of empty footsteps, Raven came to Viscount John's coffin under Jonathan's guidance.
Looking at the relief of Viscount John on the coffin, it was the most heroic gesture of his life.
With a war horse, holding a gun in one hand, an ice storm rotated and condensed at the gun's tip.
Lei Wen was filled with emotion, took off his hat, bowed deeply.
Jonathan's expression changed, he waved silently, and repelled the guards who followed him, leaving only Raven and Josen at the scene.
To be honest, Jonathan was resentful to John and Raven.
John was obviously his father and the head of the family, but he never thought that he would consider the interests of the family or the feelings of his son.
More than 9 years ago, he took the initiative to return the Shinjin Town that was reasonably and legally brought from the Griffith family and even paid thousands of gold coins.
After that, in the war of the Death Hand Cult, not only did he not gain much military achievements, but he also replaced his territory with Lei Wen, which forced the Luke family, which had been passed down for hundreds of years, to rebuild their own territory, and I don’t know how much it cost.
When Levin went to Aivol on his expedition, John promised that any extraordinary person who made contributions under Levin would give him a second-level material.
The old man is really not vague. The 37 pieces of materials are not bad at all. The expense is as high as 13,772 gold coins.
When Raven was expeditioning to Aivor, the rear was empty and horse thieves attacked. John led his troops to attack and helped, regardless of Jonathan and many subordinates' dissuasion.
This all makes Jonathan even feel a little unbalanced.
If it weren't for the wrong age, Jonathan would have thought that Raven was John's illegitimate son.
Jonathan's resentment towards Raven also came from this.
It would be fine if John spent some gold coins on Raven. The key is that after John helped Raven resist the attack of the horse thief, his physical condition plummeted. He was not long after he returned home and was lingering in his bed until he died. This war did not bring much benefit to the Luke family, but it saved Lei Wen a lot of tricks, allowing him to successfully conquer the entire Aivol.
Levin slowly stood up and whispered, "You are a true nobleman. May you rest in peace on the side of your ancestors with the glory of your life."
Seeing the scene before you, Jonathan felt a little relieved of his resentment.
He still couldn't understand the meaning of his father's adherence to those principles, but he finally understood why John admired Raven so much.
If Raven wants to make a show, he can hold the event to mourn John in a grand manner to show his old love and to take advantage of the situation.
But Lei Wen stayed for half a month when he was in love, but did not mention the matter at all. Instead, he took a low-key detour after leaving.
There is only to mourn Viscount John.
This kind of sincerity is rare in today's empire.
Jonathan had a faint feeling that to some extent, Raven and John were actually the same people.
"Earl of Raven." Jonathan walked to Raven: "Before my father died, I will leave a sentence and let me give it to you."
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Lei Wen stood up straight and said, "Please say."
"He said, 'Winning should be a fight, defeat should be a fight'."
Winning should be a fight, defeat should be a fight!
Taste the taste of this sentence, Lei Wen nodded slowly, sighed and turned around and walked outward.
"Vissue Jonathan."
"In the future, no matter what happens to the Luke family, just speak to me."
"The Griffith family will not forget Viscount John's help."
Jonathan nodded, "I will."
Lei Wen stayed here for one night and continued on the road early the next morning.
1 November 3, 202.
The first snow is coming.
Leiwen finally brought his group back to his territory.
Eagle City is still standing tall. From the current perspective, he is no longer the best among the castles that Lei Wen has seen, but the familiar colors and outlines still make people feel at ease.
There were snowflakes floating in the sky, and the weather was not good.
But the streets are still crowded with people.
The people in Xiongying Town, the people in Shanjin Town, and the people in Xuefeng Town and Heluo Town, whether they were civilians, serfs, merchants or people, when they heard the news of Lei Wen's return, they all spontaneously gathered.
Everyone had a heart-warming smile on his face.
It is the work of these people that provides the equipment and supplies of the Eagle Army, so that the Eagle Army can kill all directions outside.
When the news of Lei Wen's arrest came, everyone was filled with righteous indignation and wished they could rush to the king to overthrow His Majesty the king.
And when the news of Lei Wen's ban was returned, they could of course proudly stand up and share this glory with Lei Wen!
They called Lei Wen "Our Earl."
When Lei Wen appeared on the street on a war horse, the boiling cheer spread.
"Long live the Count!!!"
Lei Wen smiled and responded to the cheers of the leaders, a faint sense of accomplishment arose from his heart.
Fiona was ahead at the gate of Eagle City, and Fiona, Kuman, Koru and others had already brought officials from all walks of life in the territory to welcome him.
When I saw Lei Wen return, everyone's expression was slightly different.
Fili pursed his lips tightly, and his eyes were full of enthusiasm when he looked at Lei Wen.
He followed Lei Wen for the longest time, and it can be said that he had seen with his own eyes how Lei Wen got to this point today.
If there are miracles in the world, then Lei Wen is the one who truly practices miracles -
From the baron, he jumped from a baron to an earl.
This also made Feili's heart that had been silent for a long time and wanted to become a nobleman became popular again.
Kurman relaxed with a hint of relief.
Earl Leiwen is finally back.
The two largest factories in the entire Griffith family territory were all under Xue Feng's leadership. After Lei Wen left, he was basically in charge of the jurisdiction, and the pressure was too great.
Kolu was excited with a hint of enthusiasm.
During the time when Lei Wen was away, he managed Hero's leadership in an orderly manner.
I just hope that after Earl Leiwen comes back, he can see his efforts and be ready to take on a bigger stage!
The clerk Junasheng was not very thoughtful - he had been waiting for too long, and he was really unable to bear the old bones.
But all thoughts came to the front of them with Lei Wen, and everyone bowed: "Welcome to Count Lei Wen back to Eagle City!"
Lei Wen rode his horse into the city, and everyone followed.
Since I'm back, of course I can't avoid a welcome party.
This is also the most relaxing thing that Lei Wen drank. Listening to everyone telling all the interesting things he had left is a rare enjoyment.
Everyone came up to toast, and even Fiona was not immune to the vulgarity: "Sir, congratulations on being promoted to Earl."
There is a bit nonsense and literary, and it is also a bit dry, but after all, Fiona, who is extremely socially terrified, has made a lot of progress to be able to toast here openly.
The face began to turn red before she could drink.
"Thank you for your hard work during this period." Lei Wen clinked his glasses, and Fiona's shadow was reflected in the wine glass.
During the time Denise left, she basically had to be responsible for the operation of Raven's entire territory.
Fiona is simply thinner than two years ago, but her silver-gray hair is still shiny and charming, and her overall temperament is becoming more and more intellectual.
And I don’t know if it is because she serves as the vice president of Griffith College. In addition to being intellectual, her temperament is also a bit sharper. It is a level that can allow any naughty student to settle on the spot with just a look.
Bang—
The door suddenly opened.
Everyone looked at him and saw Old Gordon wearing a wrinkled blanket, trembling in the cold wind.
Never mind everyone's eyes, he took a step toward Lei Wen and shouted: "Sir Baron, you are finally back!"
A decadent smell exclusively to the old man, accompanied by the smell of shit and urine, hitting his face.
As time passed, Old Gordon became older, with his hair sparse on his head, like the hair scraped from a sweater; he was thin, but his eyes were wide, and his spirit was frighteningly vigorous.
And around his waist, a circle of thick cotton cloth was wrapped around his clean and tidy skin, brown and yellow spots were oozing out. "Grandpa..." Fiona frowned and walked to Old Gordon to lower her voice to scold: "Didn't I tell you, don't come out in the room?" "Also, sir is already an earl, Count! I've told you a long time ago!" In her voice, there was a bit of impatience that was almost broken.
Old Gordon was stunned, showing a hint of at a loss, lowered his head and mumbled his cheeks. "Okay, the Count just came back from the capital, don't make trouble!" As he said that, Fiona was about to pull him out.
But Old Gordon stood stubbornly, finally plucked up the courage to look at Lei Wen, and saluted tremblingly: "Sir Count..."
"Sorry, I recognized the wrong person."
"However, my Baron Lei Wen also went to the capital. Have you seen him in the capital? Is he doing well?"
Lei Wen held up a smile: "Okay, it's very good."
As if he got an extremely satisfactory answer, Old Gordon smiled, stopped resisting, and walked out with Fiona.
After drinking the glass of wine, Raven got up and left the party, and fell asleep under Petty's service.
The next morning, after breakfast, Raven called Fiona.
After this, I would like to ask about the detailed changes within the territory over the past period of time.
Secondly, it is time to ask Simon about it.
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(This chapter ends)