The King

  Chapter 149 Marriage

  Autumn harvest is the most important season of the year. From nobles and lords down to serfs, they all cheered up.

  The aftermath of the locust plague did not dissipate because of the interval of one year. Many small-scale pest plagues still broke out in various places, but they were quickly extinguished by the local noble lords.

  Wright County is lucky. Last year, in order to quickly eliminate locusts, most noble lords hired Bear Stearns to go there.

   Bear who has received money is still very reliable in his work. Not only did the locusts die out, but the eggs in the ground were also cleaned up.

   No larvae hatched, just a few grasshoppers from outside, and they added a dish to everyone's table. Grain production remains at a normal level and is hardly affected by locust plagues.

  The money-saving lords were stunned. Last year's cost of locust control was saved, but the price was a reduction in grain production this year.

   Lost or earned, only they know.

   It's been a bumper year for the Mountain Territories. Most of the wasteland opened up last year has been planted with food.

   Hudson was pleasantly surprised by the output of the swamp, in particular. Although the yield of rice is slightly higher than that of rye, it is still a surprise to be able to produce three hundred pounds per mu. (1 pound is about 0.45 kilograms, which can be regarded as a catty)

  Extensive agriculture, this kind of output is already very good. If it is intensively cultivated, the yield will increase significantly.

   It's just not necessary. Master Hudson doesn't lack land, but what he lacks is the labor force to reclaim the land.

  Mine dignitaries, land reclamation dignitaries, and building castles still need manpower. Even if the total population of the territory is approaching 90,000, Hudson still feels that it is not enough.

  The main reason is that the proportion of orc slaves is too high, and the labor efficiency is far inferior to that of humans. The problem of racial talent cannot be easily reversed the day after tomorrow.

  Autumn grain has been put into storage, and the food pressure in the mountainous areas has been greatly relieved. In addition to some customers who used grain to offset the payment, they finally didn't have to pay for grain this year.

   After taking stock of the accounts, Hudson was surprised to find that he had changed from a debtor to a creditor.

   Of course, this is the result of adding the income of the Cubs last year. But it doesn't matter, the partner bear's money is Hudson's money.

  The Earth Bear is not a giant dragon, and he doesn't have the habit of sleeping with gold coins in his arms. As long as the accounts are clear and Bear Stearns can see that the money is on the account of the project, it will be fine.

  Just thinking about the upcoming war, Hudson's good mood was instantly lost. No matter how rich the family background is, it cannot withstand the squandering of war.

  For the nobles, the risk of war is not only life and death, but also poverty.

  The risk of death in battle is a matter of probability, but everyone must face the financial deficit caused by the war.

  Nominally, the kingdom will bear most of the war expenses, but the money does not fall from the sky. In addition to the support of various countries, the main thing is to find a way by ourselves.

   Merchants and free people must be the key targets of taxation, but the proportion of the population of these two groups is too small, and the pockets are not rich enough.

   More still have to be apportioned by the noble lords.

   Fortunately, the Kingdom does not only collect cash, and various strategic materials can be offset. Basically, it is based on the actual situation, what happens and what happens.

   For a long time, the southeastern provinces have played the role of big food and grass households. It is estimated that there will be a slight change this time, and most of the military industry in the mountainous area will be included in the mobilization system.

  In times of war, weapons are never enough. Not only disposable ordnance needs to be continuously replenished, but also damaged weapons and armor need to be replaced.

   How to coordinate specifically is the task of the Governor's Office. Usually, the provinces coordinate first within the unit, and then coordinate and deploy nationally.

  With the existing productivity, the Alpha Kingdom's combat readiness system can develop to this stage, and the credit of the Orc Empire is definitely the greatest.

   Without the pressure of life and death, it was almost impossible to mobilize millions of troops to fight in the feudal era.

  If the orcs weren't too brutal, they wouldn't be able to mobilize all the nobles with their families.

  Perhaps it is due to the unfavorable fleeting years. The southern provinces that suffered severe drought last year have ushered in another round of heavy rainfall this year.

  The freshly harvested autumn grains have not had time to be fully put into the warehouse, and there is a continuous rainy season.

   Encountered rainwater soaking, a lot of food began to moldy, or re-rooted and sprouted, making the nobles and lords miserable.

  The mountain leader is no exception. Looking at the grain that has not been dried, Hudson is also frowning.

  Where grain can be spread, it is covered with grain. Even his lord's mansion was full of grain as far as the eye could see, leaving only a narrow road.

   Even so, the fate of moldy food cannot be avoided. As a last resort, the serfs could only be ordered to fry the grain with water.

  Storing one more day counts as one day, it is better than immediately moldy and spoiled. Anyway, there are many mouths in the mountains, and the food consumption is also fast.

   If you really can’t store it, let the people, slaves, and animals open their bellies to eat together.

   Enduring the pain, Hudson walked into the laboratory and walked out of the laboratory.

   Needless to say, another day of failure.

  The original life liquid was not produced, but the quality of the raging feed pills is getting better and better.

   Sugar, honey, and animal milk are naturally not added, but this does not affect Bear Stearns' subsequent processing. Put the feed pellets into animal milk with added sugar and honey, and drink it directly.

  Taste and efficacy are all together. According to Bear Stearns, one feed pill can cover its normal practice for a day.

  Uncle Xiong likes to eat, which is also a good thing, which means that Hudson's experiment has a funder paying for it.

  There is only one buyer, there is no hope of making money, but the balance of payments is barely achieved.

   It’s just pity for the various animals that become experimental animals. The better the quality of the feed pellets, the faster they will die.

  Even if Hudson lowered the concentration, these ordinary creatures still have no resistance under the extraordinary energy.

  The only success was to cultivate a "Strong Bull". As the only cow that walked out of the laboratory alive, its strength is several times stronger than that of ordinary cows, and it is a snap to plow the land.

  Maybe because of genetic problems, or maybe some details were not noticed, there is only one success.

   Originally wanted to experiment with war horses, but after considering the cost, Hudson decisively chose to give up.

   There is nothing to be disappointed about. Magical alchemy is like doing scientific research. It is a process of constant trial and error.

  Failure is normal, success is accidental.

  …

   "Father, you came here in such a hurry, but what happened?"

  Looking at Baron Redman who suddenly appeared, Hudson asked suspiciously.

   The nobles are not in the habit of rushing in the rain. Unless there are important matters, under normal circumstances, everyone will not go out during the rainy season.

  It seems that nothing major has happened recently, but if I insist on it: it is a group of unlucky nobles who are jealous, and were forced into the first batch of expedition teams by Governor Pierce.

   These have little to do with the Koslow family. The younger generation of children were all training in the mountains at that time, so they had no chance to join in the fun.

  The older generation of nobles have already matured their minds. For the sake of a few singers, she would not leave the affairs of the territory alone and go to Baida City to watch the excitement.

   "The marriages of your two elder brothers have been settled. This time, the main reason for coming here is your marriage.

   Originally, there was no need to be so anxious, but the pace of war is getting closer and closer, and no one knows how long this war will last.

  You have a big family and a big business now. Once you lead troops to go out, the stability of the rear will be a big problem.

  In order to stabilize people's hearts, you must get married as soon as possible, and try to get your wife pregnant before going out. "

   Baron Redman said slowly.

   Poor parents all over the world.

  Even nobles, once their children are involved, they are no different from ordinary parents.

  In just two or three months, the marriage of the two elder brothers was quickly finalized and arranged for Hudson. It was obvious that Baron Redman was busy.

  Recently, it was also the peak period for nobles to marry. No one knows what will happen next, every ally added will increase the probability of survival.

  Even if you die in battle unfortunately, it is good to leave a descendant to inherit the family business.

  Compared with the previous two elder brothers, Hudson has obviously more power to speak on personal life-long events.

   It can be seen from the fact that Baron Redman came to ask for advice in person. Putting it on the two elder brothers, I am afraid that it is just a notice.

  Children of nobles, while enjoying the convenience brought by the power of the family, they will inevitably have to bear corresponding obligations.

   There is no rush to refuse. The current mountain territory really needs a mistress, and more importantly, an heir.

   "Father, the preparations are starting now, and the time is too short. Or is it that the family already has a candidate, and both parties have even communicated?"

   Hudson asked rationally.

  With his current status, it is not difficult to find a wife who is well-matched, but the key is politics.

  At this point, Hudson's marriage is no longer just a personal issue, but a common issue for the entire Koslow family.

   "Yes, regarding the issue of the hostess of the mountain leader, the family has already started looking for a candidate.

  You are not too old, so there was no need to be in such a hurry. It's just that the current situation is changing too fast. The Koslow family caught up with the war just after returning to the ranks of middle-class nobles.

  The strength of the Mountain Territory is certainly good, especially since you have attracted many allies. But it is not enough to survive this war safely.

  Although the time of family inheritance is not short, it has been far away from the political center for many years, and we are behind in many aspects.

  Now you need the support of your wives, so that you can keep abreast of the high-level movements of the kingdom and integrate into the power center as soon as possible.

  Time is too short, and there are not many choices left for you now.

   There are a total of five noble families who are in line with the interests of the family and intend to marry you. You choose one of them.

  We must complete the communication as soon as possible. If it is too late and others take the lead, it will be troublesome. "

   Baron Redman said seriously.

   Taking the parchment and looking at the records on it, Hudson was surprised to find that three of the five noble families were outside the province.

  Thinking about it carefully, it seems that this is also a normal situation. There are not many middle-class nobles, and even fewer women of the right age.

  With such haste now, those younger candidates can only be excluded naturally.

   If the target is limited to the province, then the choice space is too small.

  Generally speaking, the circle of in-laws of minor nobles is several hundred miles nearby.

   A thriving family like the Koslow family can turn all neighbors into relatives.

  Once they cross the ranks of middle-class nobles, the choice of marriage partners will be greatly reduced, and the scope of expansion will become inevitable.

  The choice circle of the big nobles is even narrower. Apart from marriages within the kingdom, many big families have in-laws abroad.

   Judging from the candidate information on the parchment, in addition to the middle nobles, there are also offshoots of the great nobles.

  Obviously, Hudson's performance has caught the eyes of big shots and has a certain value in attracting.

  Fortunately, they are all collateral. If a certain nobleman is willing to offer his daughter-in-law to marry, it is estimated that the Koslow family will not have the slightest hesitation, and they will directly agree.

   "Then the Holliser family!"

   Hudson said lightly.

  No other reason than pure familiarity. Among the five noble ladies above, Hudson has only met Melissa of the Hollisle family.

  The other four may be astonishingly beautiful, or they may be hideously ugly.

   It involves a lifelong problem, and Hudson dare not gamble.

  It’s better to make a decision in advance, so as to save other accidents after going to the capital.

  As the elite of the younger generation, those who are interested in Hudson are not only the local powerful factions. The dignitaries in the capital also don’t mind adding an in-law with potential stocks.

   If it is in a peaceful age, it is also a good choice to marry the nobles of the royal capital.

   But now is the age of war, and the so-called power in the war is empty. Only the strength in hand is real.

  If there are major changes and troubled times are ushered in, the fiefdom nobles with an army will definitely provide stronger help than the nobles attached to the royal power.

   "The Holliser family is also a good choice.

  Although he is now in decline, his ancestor is one of the great nobles in the kingdom, and his background is one of the best among the middle-level nobles.

  Even now, it is still the second largest family in the southeast province, and its strength is by no means comparable to that of our Koslow family.

  The Viscount Oran can be regarded as a promising master. The Holliser family has also developed well in recent years, and there are some signs of returning to the ranks of the great nobles.

   There is just one thing you have to think about, once you marry the Holliser family, you will inevitably be feared by the Dalton family, and may even be suppressed. "

   Baron Redman reminded cautiously.

   "Father, this kind of thing is destined to be unavoidable, so there is no need to worry too much.

  The Mountain Territory was able to go smoothly before, because the Dalton family needed us to contain the northern nobles.

  Now the situation has changed. The nobles of the northern land who have been severely injured have been suppressed by me, and the threat of the mountain land has become prominent.

   Didn't deliberately target the mountain leader, that's because the situation in the northern border is tense, the war is about to break out, and there is no room for internal friction in the kingdom.

   Due to the overall situation, the Dalton family should not do anything on the surface. It is estimated that Governor Pierce is probably planning to use this war to consume our strength.

  It is not only our family that is facing this kind of pressure. Several powerful middle-level nobles in the province will receive the Dalton family's key care.

  The big nobles restrict the middle nobles within their own sphere of influence, purely because of their own interests. No matter who you marry, you can't change this essence. "

   Hudson said indifferently.

   Too much debt is not burdensome. From the day when they rejected Earl Pierce's solicitation, the two sides were destined to be different.

   It is useless to compromise. Unless the strength of the Mountain Territory no longer continues to grow, sooner or later, conflicts will arise between the two sides.

  The tense situation only delays the conflict between the two parties, but it does not mean that the conflict does not exist.

  …

  (end of this chapter)