As for Lady Elena's long-term expectations, Theodora was more cautious.

"We shouldn't need so many local troops for the time being." "The situation in Novgorod is peculiar, it is located right on a traffic artery," she noted. But everywhere else, this demand is not always available. ”

"Of course." Lady Elena nodded: "But this is a very long-term job. ”

"In the long run, the Khan's court will definitely continue to develop in the direction of the Rus' states and administer them. Future action would also be facilitated by the preparatory work carried out first. ”

Theodora thought for a moment, nodded, and continued to ask, "And now, how are you going to get started?" Is there anything we need to do? ”

"I hope to prepare a demonstration force first." Lady Elena said, looking at Guo Kang: "Guo Gongzi, can you personally lead this army?" ”

"Me?" Guo Kang was a little surprised: "I've never brought troops before, did I bring a new organization of troops for the first time......

However, compared to him, Theodora immediately noticed other problems.

"There's no way he'll lead an auxiliary brigade." Theodora directly interjected into the topic and interrupted Guo Kang's words.

"I ......" Guo Kang didn't react, but Theodora glared at him and glared back at his doubts.

"After the plan is implemented, Brother Kang himself will definitely personally participate in the expedition." She continued, "But usually, for this kind of initial battle, the family will carefully plan and arrange reliable deputies and elite veterans. ”

"It's an old tradition, and it's a habitual partnership between the legionnaires and the Pillars." She pointed out: "These officers and soldiers will help the children of the marquis. Correspondingly, they themselves will also receive more opportunities for exploits and promotions, as well as other rewards from their families. It's a very honorable and affordable job, and everyone has to rush to do it. ”

"So, it's impossible for him to bring the auxiliaries into battle. Not even a title, or one of his subordinates. Theodora said seriously, "In the eyes of the other legionnaires, this would be a sign that the family does not value him." The other warbands under Guo Kang's command with them may even think more about us, thinking that we are despising them. I can't allow that to happen. ”

"We can operate in advance and get the word out." Lady Elena hurriedly explained, "Can we let them join the regular legion?" ”

"It's not realistic." Tuhuan also shook his head and said bluntly: "It's the same as what my sister said." Fighting side by side with the Slavs? Everyone will be unhappy. ”

"I know that, too." Lady Elena had no choice but to say her intentions directly: "Our idea is to give the Rus' a chance to prove themselves on the battlefield. ”

"Historically, the Rus' have also caused large-scale wars that pose a serious threat to the Greeks. Theoretically, there should be no shortage of warriors here. But today, their actual performance is so bad. So I believe that this is an organizational and management problem. ”

"I hope to be able to select a group of warriors and manage them in the Roman way, so that they can gradually become qualified Romans. According to our observations, there is only one way to truly gain dignity and recognition, and that is to make meritorious contributions on the battlefield. That's why I had this idea. ”

"My people have been afflicted by misery and darkness, and have been often enslaved to this day. I also know that in the current environment, it is impossible for the Roman Khan's court to help them unconditionally. It is also unrealistic to ask the Romans to accept them at once. But I'm willing to use the conditions I have as a bargaining chip to give them a chance. ”

"If successful, this batch of demonstrations can open the door for those who come after them. I think it's worth it. ”

Theodora was speechless for a moment, but Tuohuan was a little puzzled.

"This ...... Questions, right? He asked: "We have never enslaved the Rus'." We've always been Slavs, huh? ”

"And, which of your people are you trying to save?" He wondered: "Is it the Rus, the Slavs, or the inhabitants of the cities of Ryazan, or the people in the territories of the principality?" I don't really understand what kind of people these words cover......"

The Queen Mother and others were originally immersed in the touching atmosphere of self-dedication, and when they heard him say this, the whole atmosphere was swept away, and they became curious.

As a result, Lady Elena herself doesn't seem to understand.

"I remember that in the earliest days, there were only rulers from the north, called the Rus. But over time, the title has changed back and forth, and I don't know which one is more standardized. She thought about it, and said with some confusion.

"For a while, the Rus region also said that around Kyiv. Because it was the place where the Grand Duke of Rus was stationed and ruled for a long time. But then Kievan Rus' declined and collapsed, and the regions went their own way, and the Golden Horde destroyed the last of Kiev's authority. After that, the term "Ross region" became even more widespread. ”

"As for the inhabitants of the Rus' region, are they Rus'......" Lady Elena obviously didn't really think about it herself: "Probably the Slavs who live here are also Rus'." ”

"Is that okay?" Guo Kang always felt even more strange: "If you have been ruled by others, even if you are the other party's nation?" ”

"Oh, that's fine." Tuhuan nodded, and explained to him: "The people of the Central Plains may think it is bizarre, but the rules on the grassland are like this. ”

"A tribe, ruled by the Turks, they are the Turks; Ruled by the Mongols, they are the Mongols. The list of such examples has been endless. The Slavs have been ruled by the Rus' for longer than the above two, and they can also be regarded as Rus', no problem. ”

"According to you, it seems that the Slavs are also steppe hazards." Guo Kang muttered.

"What if it weren't?" Tuhuan asked strangely: "The people in the world are just these categories. Not a steppe or something? Can it still be European? ”

"Don't say it, I think Novgorod can be considered European." Guo Kang pointed out: "The fighters of the Petrovich regiment have always considered themselves to be the descendants of the first settlers of the North Sea, who migrated with Rurik, unlike the other Slavs around them. There's a real difference. ”

"I see." Tuohuan showed a clear expression, and looked at Lady Elena again: "In this way, the definition is probably understood." Can you tell us who you want to adopt? ”

"Let's start with our own principality, then." Lady Elena said, "Is that okay?" ”

"You can try it......" Tuhuan's attitude eased.

(End of chapter)