Chapter 543 Rurik needs privileges

A cold morning, a tense start.

Although he planned to rest, Rurik did not just lie down with Nolen and do nothing.

Thirty Jianyong rowed a long boat straight to the interior of Lake Mälaren. They set out early in the morning and paddled with all their strength, trying their best to ensure that they arrived at Gould Island in the evening to report the news.

As much as 10,000 pounds of wheat were unloaded from the Avrora, and Rurik, who was resting comfortably, raided the grain market, targeting only the Russians to lose weight.

The residents of Tombstone Island, even the new Slavic immigrants. They took more or less silver coins or even copper coins and bought all the wheat.

Even though they are clansmen, Rurik is not arrogant enough to spread welfare widely.

Welfare? Now, the greatest welfare is to ensure that the tribe can survive and develop in an environment without external war threats or natural disasters.

It is a great benefit for them to buy food regularly. If they have money, they will buy it. If they don’t have money, they will find ways to get it, or they will quietly fish for a living.

The planned food sales were sold out and people were very happy.

This scene dumbfounded the Merlaren merchants who were still stranded on the island. They came up with the idea of ​​buying grain from Rurik and bringing it back to Merlaren to sell to the second-hand merchants. However, they had no qualifications, so they could only praise the leader of Ross as a good person while cursing silently.

However, the breakthrough can be targeted at the Rus on the island. If you raise the purchase price a little more, they should be able to trade privately. Afterwards, he would take the wheat and put it in the planting season next spring, and sell it at a high price to farmers who lacked grain.

Rurik, a small peddler, had no intention of taking care of it, and he even had no intention or ability to put an end to the black market for grain trading that might pop up.

Rurik’s mind was full of rushing into Lake Malaren. After meeting Gould and checking the supply situation, he went to talk to the new leader Bjorn in person.

On the other hand, the long ship that went straight to Gould Island, the brave men on board, with a little labor fee given by Lord Rurik and the pride of doing things for him, they almost Paddling all day long. The sun had just set, and they arrived exhausted at Gould's Island. They immediately reported to Gould himself, who was stationed here and was about to return, about Lord Rurik's triumphant return.

The messengers did not know the details of Rurik's expedition. They briefly explained that the adults fought against the Danes, successfully arrived at Balmok, married the daughter of the local leader, and led the Balmok expedition to Britain with The triumphal return of large quantities of cargo.

"This is simply a dream. Could it be that anyone under his command can turn into a ferocious bear or a pack of wolves? This guy is really a man. I am afraid he is not helping others fight because he likes their leader. "My daughter?"

Gould had a strong feeling in his heart, and Rurik's weight in his heart became even heavier.

Take a big ship to show off your power and dock at Gould Island. The Aurora and the Guldot appear at the same time to show off their muscles..

Just like a strong warrior hanging a jewel-encrusted sword on his belt, it has full deterrent significance, but the sword cannot prove its sharpness until the sword is pulled out.

Messengers deliver the really important news.

Lord Rurik wants to visit the new leader Bjorn in person?

Based on his knowledge of his financial backers, Gould estimated that Rurik would seek more benefits from these powerful families based on the previous secret agreement.

Gould also immediately organized couriers, and after weighing the matter, he simply planned to land at the Malaren Market in person.

Oh no, times have indeed changed.

The name "Malaren Market" is just a convention. With Bjorn being elected as the leader, in order to eliminate the influence of the old forces, the market has been renamed "Birka", which means "The haven of Chief Bjorn".

It’s another brand new day, Rurik boards the Aurora again.

He stood on the trestle and carefully examined the scratches on the bow and keel. No one noticed these injuries during the voyage, and now it seems that Rurik feels that if she is allowed to run rampant again, she may soon need a complete overhaul.

The big ship raised its jib and headed straight for Lake Mälaren. She flew the flag of Ross high, and after trekking for almost half of the day, she entered the lake area proudly.

On the other hand, Gould entered the Birka Fair with pride.

Now that Karl has been killed, the rebel army has revealed all his wealth like a carnival. In order to eradicate the problem, the rebellious big family forces not only killed all of Karl's descendants, but also all his wives and concubines.

The old king Olegin never expected that just one winter after his death, the family power that he had worked so hard for would be overthrown by his brothers from the same tribe.

Of course the big families have their reasons to kill. How can a family that has brought significant population and wealth losses to the tribe be qualified to continue to hold power?

Bjorn became the leader, and he made an agreement with the guys. After the matter was completed, the blood-stained battle ax divided up all of Karl's family wealth.

The fields, grain warehouses, serfs, ships, gold and silver utensils, as well as the ale brewing workshop and Birka's only wine shop all had new ownership after discussion by these guys.

With the most direct action planning, Bjorn’s family got the most spoils.

The serfs and the land were basically divided equally, and Bjorn got an additional wine shop, brewing workshop and attached serfs.

Bjorn not only inherited the tax collection policies implemented by Karl's family for merchants and farmers, but he also made major adjustments. For as many as twenty large families who revolted together, not only were they all exempted from tax, but the tax burden collected was also shared through negotiation.

When a king was assassinated, the power of the tribal leader was shared by twenty families, and Bjorn became the new leader whose power was reduced.

Under such a power structure, Bjorn calls himself the King of Sweden, none of the allied tribes recognized it.

Under the calm Lake Mälaren there are undercurrents, and the attitude of the tribal leaders is really subtle. When Karl died, they neither supported nor opposed it, or even made any statement.

But Biyongni convened an alliance of allied tribes in the name of the King of Sweden, but for the first time, no one came. Business and trade continued, and the leaders of the allied tribes simply opposed silently!

Gould could estimate that Rurik would make some new decisions once he learned of the great changes in Melalen. Following his own understanding, he headed straight to Bjorn's mansion with the mission.

Russ’s big businessman is here! We actually have something important to discuss.

Bjorn hurriedly and warmly entertained this distinguished guest without any polite words, and he couldn't wait to use the art of wooing him.

"I want to see your leader, and I want to talk to the Duke of Ross. Now that I have succeeded, the Duke of Ross should act in accordance with the secret agreement. Gould, you must bring my words back to Ross exactly as they are. ."

Gould deliberately pressed his fat ears, pretending to be displeased, "You have been repeating these words for several months. You want us Russians to support you. I am just a businessman. Are you qualified to make the decision?"

"Of course. You have to inform me, and I will give Ross more benefits after the matter is completed."

"You mean giving away some benefits? Slave? I still can't make the decision on this matter."

Bjorn sighed, suddenly thinking that this Gould was the uninvited guest. What did he want?

"Okay. What brings you here?"

"Just as you hoped, my master Rurik is about to arrive in your Birka. Rurik is the It's the real Duke of Ross. I came here to tell you that he will visit you personally!" "Wow! That's a great thing," Bjorn stood up excitedly. He! Will support me according to the agreement."

"Maybe. Sir, I don't know. But, you know, maybe you should pay some price." Bjorn thought for a while, "I gave him my daughter as a concubine?"

"Forget it. He has no shortage of women." Gould shook his head.

"Oh, maybe he doesn't like it."

Gould knew that Bjorn's youngest daughter, even a child, was destined not to become a beauty. Even as a political marriage, how can Mälaren be virtuous today?

In his heart, Gould really despises the current Mellaren. This is Bjorn, who would do whatever it takes to get support, and actually allowed that thing...

But this old man The guy only believes in wealth. If a new god and a new belief appear in the Birka market, maybe those warriors will be angry, but he doesn't care.

What does Rurik like to get? Of course it’s population! The ultimate goal of obtaining a large amount of food is to explode the population of Ross.

"I'll give you onesuggestion. "Gould said calmly.

"Friend, tell me. "

"You obtained a group of serfs from the Karl family and gave them all to Rurik as gifts. "

"Ah this..." Bjorn looked reluctant.

Gould was unhurried. What he was doing now was clearly that of an extra minister. To gain benefits for Ross is to gain benefits for his family.

Gould deliberately remained silent, and suddenly said slowly in a low voice: "Accept the conditions I proposed, Lord Rurik, he will come. You should also try your best to support the conditions proposed. Who are those big families who are revolting? Once you kill Karl, you won't be afraid of following in the same footsteps. "

This is true, and suddenly Bjorn felt like a ray of light on his back and his whole body was cold.

"Don't you want to be the real king of Sweden? ”

Bjorn, who was still nervous and cautious, looked at Gould, an old boar-like face, and his attitude became ambiguous.

Yes, once he gets the favor of Duke Ross himself, Support, everything is stable! In order to get this, pay short-term benefits, and get long-term benefits, this deal is very cost-effective!

Bjorn sent Gould away, and he began to think. What should I bring out to buy that guy's support? Are one hundred or two hundred serfs enough? ”

Gould left happily and returned to his island to wait for his sponsor to arrive.

In the evening, a brand new ship broke into the calm lake of Mälaren , the fishermen were dumbfounded as they watched two large ships anchored on Gould Island controlled by the Ross.

At this time, the berths of Gould Island were already full of cargo ships awaiting voyages. , if there were still a lot of goods that had not arrived at the logistics warehouse on the island, Gould would have led the fleet home

Arriving at this island was like going home! After taking their brothers off the ship by climbing the rope ladder, the newly promoted mercenaries from Balmok stood in the huge wooden castle in the road and felt their own insignificance and even the strength of the financial owner.

He saw a beautiful man accompanying Rurik. Girl, this is what the messenger calls the "princess" of the Balmok people.

After some polite greetings, Gould welcomed her back to the inner hall.

Here, Gould entertained his master with a roast lamb.

He deliberately waited until Rurik was half full, drank half a glass of wine by himself, and talked about what he knew...

"Okay! "Rurik had already heard everything. He interrupted and said, "It seems that the rumors on Tombstone Island are basically true. Unexpectedly, Carl died like this. "

"Are you surprised? "Gould asked, licking his pig-like face.

"Accident. Not surprising either. A defeated family still wants to be king, How can you be so virtuous? Odin no longer supports him, and Karl either announces his withdrawal from the core of power or commits suicide to apologize. ”

“Are you going to be the king of Sweden? Gould asked tentatively again: "You also know the current situation. Bjorn calls himself the king, and no leader supports him." Our Rus is no longer what it used to be. You are young and promising, full of infinite possibilities. You conquered the entire Gotland Island with your brothers. You proved your strength to all tribes. ”

“Do I have to be the King of Sweden? "Rurik's rhetorical question made Gould choke for a moment.

"Why? This is a major opportunity. "

"Bah! What a mere king of Sweden, I want to be Augustus’ man. "

"So, when it comes to Bjorn becoming king, you..."

"Of course you support him! Rurik answered happily. Within five seconds, he lowered his head and muttered: "Bjorn finally took action." I intended to support him two years ago, but I am wondering whether I will continue to support him now. He needs to pay some more. "

"The price? money? slave? Or..."

"It's a privilege. ”

“Privileges? What privilege? ”

“For example, you will never pay taxes if you go ashore to open a shop, and you will not pay taxes if you open up wasteland. In short, we Russians will not give a copper coin to any force when we are operating in Lake Mälaren. If our people commit crimes, they should be handed over to me. Our activities must be absolutely free. I only support Bjorn if I get this unlimited freedom. Otherwise, I will not support his throne! ”

Rurik already knows what he wants, namely extraterritoriality, economic privileges and tax-free rights. With these privileges, the Russians can dump goods in the Lake Mälaren region unscrupulously and can do whatever they want. "Fooling" the local people to go to remote places as New Rusians

He said it with high spirits and high spirits, but Gould only understood it half-heartedly.

“Oh? What's that man's attitude? "

"Him! If you are eager to ask him for more benefits. That guy can't wait to see Duke Ross and talk about recognizing him as the king. He specifically mentioned the secret agreement with you and hopes that you can implement it! By the way, he also prepared a hundred serfs as a gift for you. These are slaves belonging to the Carl family, and they serve as our manpower for the pioneering of New Roseburg. "

"Give me a slave? I would like to take away five hundred people from the Melalen tribe to open up the land for me. Bjorn is very pragmatic, I like him. ”

Is Bjorn so eager? Now that the two sides hit it off, Rurik estimates that he will be able to seek new benefits. He really doesn’t want to and can’t waste time and effort to rule Sweden personally. This country has become politically In a very mature ecological area, if Ross wants to directly and firmly rule, he must destroy it.Destroy all the powerful nobles and directly rule all the common people.

It is not impossible to destroy all the nobles, but the price must be that Ross will be seriously injured, which is not worth the gain.

If you cannot directly rule and continue to compromise with the landlords and nobles, the price will naturally be an unstable foundation. The so-called King of Sweden is only a king in name.

Perhaps the smartest method for this area is economic control.

After several years of operation, the situation of economic control has matured, and it will not end because of the sudden death of a "Supreme One".

"I'm going to see Bjorn tomorrow. Listen, Gould, I'm going on the Avrora, accompanied by the Guldot, and our two big ships are off the market. The seaside. Oh, is that place called Birka? That's good! It seems that Bjorn is a little arrogant. We just want to show off Ross's strength." "Yes, I will go with you."

Rurik nodded, "Now, tell me about your work in Melalen. Tell me your annual trade balance and the total amount of various materials you plan to transport. . Also, tell me the full details of the destruction of the Karl family, and the subsequent division of the family property, and the attitude of the dukes who refused to recognize Bjorn as king."

"Yes. I'll report back if I think it's okay to have a long journey."

"Tell me! This is very important for tomorrow. I..." Rurik patted his chest, "Olegin is dead, Karl. The inherited family business collapsed. I must at least get some profits, and the fat cannot be eaten by those greedy big families."

Rurik's remarks were just constructive remarks, Gould. The listener was interested: "My lord! That! If you can, please take it back."

"What is that?"

"That tavern, its ownership belongs to Bjorn Let's take it over and you can entrust me to run it. In this way, we can sell our good wine in the most prosperous area of ​​the market."

"That's it. "Ryurik slapped his thigh violently, not only looking at the circle of candles hanging from the ceiling, but also looking at the flames and conjuring up wonderful pictures.

Yes, there is a serious shortage of beverages in this era. Ordinary ale is a good wine, and ale with hops is the best wine. As for the extreme distilled liquor "Burning Rose Vodka", that is only available in Asgard. of fairy things.