In the blink of an eye, summer has passed, when the west wind is rising. In October, when the farming season was over, conscription notices were posted simultaneously in several towns on the border between the provinces of Desa and Nurin. The proclamation was a conscription order signed by Duke Tulip, the lord of the province of Desa, and Bohan, the governor of the province of Nulin.

Duke Tulip received permission from the Imperial Command to recruit troops across the border, planning to recruit about two infantry reserve divisions plus one cavalry reserve division in Nulin Province, a total of 60,000 people.

Such a large-scale conscription order has caused an uproar in the entire Northwest!

What surprised people was that in Duke Tulip's announcement, he set a higher salary for the Tulip family's private soldiers than the official army. Under such circumstances, the situation in the northwest, which had gradually calmed down, became lively again!

This is the first time in many years that such a large-scale conscription has been conducted. 60,000 people at a time, even though the population of Nurim province is twice as large as that of Desar...... It's also a heavy burden.

However, to the surprise of the outside world, it seems that the governor of Nulin Province Bohan is quite supportive of this matter, and even does not hesitate to lose the population, and also abandons many government affairs before the winter, and dispatches a large number of grassroots officials and some garrisons to various recruitment points to maintain order.

On Du Wei's side, the one who was sent to be responsible for the conscription was Gaida, who had the reputation of "Little Two Hundred and Five". Although this guy is a little rude, he is a good hand at leading the cavalry. In charge of assisting Gaida is Knight Robert, the commander of the Tulip Family Infantry Division.

According to the secret deal of Du Wei and Governor Bohan. This time two infantry divisions were recruited. One by one. And a cavalry division, also divided in half.

Close to the border between the two provinces. In the Durvey collar. A camp has been built. Subsequently, within the next year. The camp will be further expanded and built into a permanent military fortress. Enough to garrison a 100,000-strong army in the city. From the point of view of the position, such a military fortress. It also played a certain role in the pincer production of the Northwest Army.

Recruitment is hectic and complex. Du Wei has already ordered that the procedure be strictly followed. Minimize the possibility of allowing people from hostile forces to infiltrate your army. With the cooperation of Governor Bohan. Each recruited soldier had to carefully investigate the other's origins and backgrounds.

Luckily, Bohan has been operating in Nurim province for many years. In this regard, there is still a very good foundation in administrative work.

In addition, Du Wei also ushered in good news.

Du Wei's old friend, the head of the Northern Snow Wolf Mercenary Regiment Beinrich. I also personally visited Du Wei a month ago with the latest batch of goods. At the same time, he expressed his own wishes: many old mercenaries who retired after a lifetime of adventure, after quitting their adventure career. These men who used to lick blood on the knife edge are often desolate. While some people have a lot of savings, many more are not good at managing their finances. Or perennial adventure life. I developed the habit of drinking, gambling, and so on. Often lavish. Life is difficult.

After all, these people are all elder mercenaries with a skill, although most of them are retired mercenaries. It's mostly because of old age. Even still disabled, but. After all, these experienced old mercenaries. Leave it to its own devices. It's a pity.

After listening to Beinrich's words, Du Wei listened. Immediately make a decision in person: In the future, these retired mercenaries of the Snow Wolf Mercenary Group. He Du Wei accepted them all.

After all, these people risk their lives, although they are old or disabled. But after all, the martial arts are still there, even if they can't be used as soldiers. Sent to the barracks, to serve as instructors, to train those recruits in martial arts. Definitely couldn't be more suitable!

Beinrich was extremely grateful to Dewey for his generosity. After that, he immediately joined forces to familiarize himself with several small and medium-sized mercenary groups. Some retired old brothers were sent.

So. Of course, Du Wei sent a favor to the other party, but in fact. It also greatly solves the problem of its own shortage of manpower.

Conscription was in full swing with Governor Bohan. And Du Wei is not idle here.

According to the order of the imperial command, 20,000 cavalry stationed on the grassland finally drove to Loulan City. Camp outside the city.

Du Wei handed over the matter to the two hundred and fifth general Longbottom. According to the secret agreement between Du Wei and Prince Chen. Du Wei can leave six thousand cavalry!

Du Wei had very high expectations for these 6,000 cavalry! After all, these people were not new soldiers, they were all experienced and well-trained sharp iron cavalry. Moreover, many of these officers are Longbottom's old subordinates, and after receiving their command, they will be able to form combat effectiveness in a short period of time.

In this matter. Du Weike was not polite to Prince Chen at all, he asked Longbottom to take the military order to the military camp outside the city, let the 20,000 cavalry line up, and then Longbottom went to select one by one, and intercepted all the best young men in each team. After that, Jīng was taken from Jīng, and 6,000 people were selected from the 20,000 Iron Cavalry, which was definitely a Jīng Sharp Iron Cavalry!

In the end, with a stroke of his pen, Du Wei intercepted all the old subordinates of Longbottom in the roster of officers. In this way, although 14,000 people were given to Prince Chen, the really strongest combat power had been left under Du Wei.

The horses compensated by the steppe people, and the part that Du Wei had allocated, were all lost to Longbottom to replenish the cavalry.

As for the 10,000 cowhides...... Du Wei sent people to transport it to the city of Gilliat.

Less than five days after 10,000 cowhides were delivered to the city of Gilliat, the first batch of hot air balloon airships had officially lifted off in the skies of Giliad.

The hot air balloon was something that Du Wei had done when he was in his hometown in the Rollin Plain, but at that time, the so-called hot air balloon was far from mature, and it could only be used to transport some letters or valuables.

It is mainly a dye used to burn hot gas, and the preparation is not high enough quality. After the research of several magicians in the city of Gilliat, plus some recipes provided by Du Wei himself, a final dye formula was finally determined! After dilution in a special amount, the dye is produced in batches.

The hot gas produced after the combustion of these dyes. In terms of buoyancy and stability, the best results have been achieved so far.

This dye formula was also ordered by Du Wei to be kept strictly as a first-class secret, and even the production process was strictly separated from several processes. There is no connection with each other.

Du Wei knew. This technology may not be able to dominate for a long time. But you can monopolize one more day. It's just that I have the advantage of the day.

10,000 cowhides were urgently made into balloons. As previously planned. Use this batch of airships as a means of transport. Judging by the load capacity. The largest payload airship at the moment. It can carry about four tons.

Something like that. Du Wei was clear. Hot air balloon airship. Both speed and defense are extremely backward and vulnerable. It is impossible to appear at the front as a combat force, it can only be used as a logistical transport.

However, at least they have one more air power. It can be regarded as a supplement to the situation of the "air force" in his own concept.

After Du Wei sent a few letters. Soon, above the Rollin Plains. Dewey founded FedEx. The branch has been opened in the northwest, and the first branch was set up in Loulan City.

Subsequently. Hot air balloon airship is a novelty. It began to become the hottest topic of Northwest people.

Pity. Dewey didn't know anything about steam engines or anything like that. Otherwise. He really wanted to make an industrial revolution.

However, even if it is not such a magical step. Du Wei finally counted the strength in his hands, after the conscription. His total strength reached 60,000. Among them was a cavalry division, and the combat effectiveness was not weak.

In addition, there is the only air force on the continent - the only air force so far. It's even in a state of no opponent.

And look at your own men. It can also be regarded as a master. Two paladins. Plus a few powerful magicians (including terrifying beings like Gandalf and Medusa).

With such strength. Gradually gaining a foothold in the Northwest. Whether it is the Northwest Army or the steppe people. I can be regarded as having a certain amount of confidence.

The only thing that made Du Wei a little worried in his heart. It was to take the whole fleet to the South Seas Ruolin. Since this female knight went to Nanyang last year, there is no news yet...... Could it be that the United Kingdom in the South Seas has turned its face and left one of its own fleets in the South Seas? But this is not a big possibility. Du Wei knew. The United Kingdom of the South Seas is a little wrecked. It is almost impossible to intercept Ruolin's fleet. 以若林机jǐng. Even if it's dangerous. It won't be impossible to get a messenger back.

The end of the year is approaching day by day. As the chill in the northwest wind grew heavier, people finally realized. Winter seems to be coming.

Although Du Wei did not perform another miracle this year, he made the crazy food harvest. But it took a year of preparation. This winter is not sad either. Food reserves are still abundant so far.

But Du Wei encountered a new problem.

Count Villa and that Derland Mountain fat man. They all sent people to find Du Wei to test: they were all very interested in Du Wei's hot air balloon airship!

Hot air balloon airship. The technical content is not too high. The biggest key lies in the dye! But it is not just anything that burns can produce hot air that makes the balloon float! Dewey strictly kept the dye formula and even the dilution ratio secret. It's to monopolize this technology.

He didn't want to share it now—though both Count Villa and Mount Teresan were on good terms with him. And I have also received a lot of benefits from these two companies. But...... Sky......

For the time being, Du Wei still has the intention of dominating the sky of the Roland Continent alone!

The Count of Villa and Mount Teresan sent men. It's not easy to refuse. I found a few excuses to procrastinate.

Nine hundred and sixty-one years of empire. Soon it will pass. According to the order of Prince Chen. Du Wei is about to leave for Dìdū to participate in the Dìdū New Year Celebration. But Du Wei knew very well what was waiting for him when he went back this time...... Prince Chen proposed, and this matter has always been pressed in his heart.

Finally, before returning to dìdū, Du Wei found his subordinates.

He decided to talk about it officially.

After announcing the proposal of Prince Chen. The subordinates reacted differently. Longbottom's face was indifferent, which clearly meant: It's about Lao Tzu's.

Dardanelle was a little happy for Du Wei. But there was also a hint of regret: this guy was simply happy that Du Wei could take this opportunity to enter the royal family, but he also secretly regretted that he originally hoped that Du Wei could marry the Liszt family.

Other generals. Congratulations to Du Wei simply.

And only to remain silent. It's Philip.

After everyone had finished speaking. This Du Wei is currently the first staff member under his command. It's the last opening!

"Your Excellency. Philip sighed: "Although these words come out. Some...... Well. It's a bit of a big rebellion. However, all those present are the most trusted colleagues under the command of the Duke. So I'll just get straight to the point. He paused. Look around the audience. Then he said in a deep voice, word by word: "This matter." Far from a blessing. Contrary. In my opinion. I'm afraid it will cause endless trouble for adults!!"

Many generals were a little surprised. Du Wei's eyes lit up: "Go on!"

"Your Excellency. Philip said slowly, "When you were in dìdū. His Royal Highness didn't show the slightest intention of marrying you!, so I concluded. This thing. It must be that the Lord Regent has just had an idea recently! You might as well guess. Why the hell is this? It can be regarded as one of the few outstanding emperors in the empire in modern times...... Well, although he has not officially ascended the throne yet. But judging from his various actions. Than Augustin VI. But it's more than a little bit clever! Is it time to propose...... Hey, hey, of course. Our lords have always been deeply favored by the regent. Everybody knows that. However, I didn't mention it earlier. I didn't mention it late, but I put it forward when the foothold gradually stabilized a year after the adults came to the northwest. The intention is worth pondering. The strength in the hands of the adults is gradually getting stronger, and it is in the northwest. The east resists the Northwest Army, and the west defends the grassland people. Year down. These things happened, but adults couldn't help it. It is enough to make people understand your talent and strength! In the heart of Prince Chen, fei-teng-wen-xue's evaluation of you must have risen to a new level! It's a woo, but it's also a temptation! Woo the Duke, you into the royal family. Strengthen your loyalty. Temptation...... Hey. I don't need to say more! The most subtle thing is. My lord, about you and the Liszt family. What does the Marquise mean to you now. I'm afraid that even the traveling merchants in the roadside hotels know about it! Doesn't Prince Dìdūchen know? Then he knows that the Liszt family intends to marry you, but he still proposes marriage for his sister. At least one thing is clear: I guess Prince Chen probably doesn't want to see you marry the Liszt family!!"

Du Wei nodded and asked rhetorically, "What if I directly reject the regent's good intentions?"

"So......" Philip sighed, "then." I'm afraid the heart of the regent. It will be a little estranged and even suspicious of you. After all, you now have tens of thousands of troops in your hands. And in the northwest where the situation is complicated, and most importantly, the empire has too little to contain you! Don't you all find out? dìdū has very little control over us! It can be said that if adults are rebellious now...... Hehe, even if you don't really rebel, as long as the adults are willing, follow the example of Lu Gao of the Northwest Army, and from today onwards, ignore the orders of dìdū, close the door and become the emperor of the soil, does the prince of Chen have a way to do it to us?"

When this last sentence was spoken, everyone suddenly became stunned!

After thinking about it carefully, it seems that Dìdū does not have much control over the Province of Desa! The Province of Desa is self-reliant in almost everything, and does not rely on any help from Dìdū. Finance, military and political affairs are all self-contained systems. If Du Wei wants to, he can become the second Northwest Army at any time!!

Seeing that everyone didn't speak, Philip sighed: "My lord, I think about it, even if Emperor Chen admires you again, but as an emperor, there is a force like you that is almost completely uncontrolled under his own control, no matter how generous this emperor is, he will mutter in his heart!"

Du Wei was also very serious: "Philip, in this case, do you think I should agree to Prince Chen's proposal to calm his heart?"

"No!" Philip suddenly loudly denied Du Wei's question, and then said confidently: "My lord, from any point of view, I firmly oppose your marriage with the royal family!!"

Du Wei shook his head, and several generals next to him also looked at Philip in surprise. Dardanelle was the first to ask, "Mr. Philip." But you just said it. If you don't get married. I'm afraid that Dìdū will be suspicious of Lord Duke......"

"Dispel suspicion. You don't have to get married. Philip smiled. Then God sè a rin. He said in a deep voice: "My lord, we are in the northwest. The reason why you can be free is because you are far away from the disturbances. Here, the political situation is relatively simple. Although the Northwest Army and the steppe people were under great pressure. But after all, it is still in the open. But once the royal family is involved. That's the problem! Your Excellency, you should understand. The regent is now in power. But after all, he also has a lot of puzzles that he has not solved. First of all, the struggle between imperial power and theocracy has not been resolved for hundreds of years! The temple held up His Highness at a critical moment. But there must be some deal between the two sides. Anything. Once it comes to the struggle for imperial power and divine power, then it is complicated! You're now at home in the Northwest. But once you are pulled into the royal system, then you will become an important power figure in the royal system......! This one. Is it worth it? And a second. In the long run...... My lord. If you marry the regent's sister and marry the little princess. So. Even if you don't forget your old love, you still marry Venerable Vivien...... Well, then. Even if you treat your two wives the same, you don't distinguish between them...... But what about the future? In the future, once your wife gives birth to a child, according to the position and status of the little princess. No matter how much you love Mage Vivienne, no matter how much you do. are forcing you. The princess must give birth to a son and make him the heir!!"

Du Wei nodded.

Philip smiled slightly: "But like this...... Lord Duke, a few years later. You, and all of you, are not after this lifetime. So can the Tulip family continue to exist? If the Duke and the Princess have children and inherit all the family business of the Duke...... Hey. In terms of blood, it is one step closer to royalty! As long as the royal family operates skillfully. The next generation remarries...... I'm afraid that in less than two generations, the Tulip family will be merged into the royal family!!"

Speaking of which. Philip whispered, "I'm not alarmist. Historically. This is a common trick of the royal family. In the face of a powerful foreign family, it can neither be eradicated. If you have to be on guard, most of them will use this kind of soft knife - and sharpen it slowly! If it doesn't work in 30 years, it will take 50 years! If it doesn't work in 50 years, it will take 100 years! After all, the other party's family will be swallowed up! In the history of our empire, there are several such examples! This is a kind of imperial technique!"

Suddenly, Philip looked into Dewey's eyes. There was a hint of strangeness in the faint flash. After hesitating for a moment, he said in a low voice: "Don't talk about far away examples." Your Excellency the Duke, your original Rollin family is a living example!"

Du Wei was stunned: "What happened to the Rollin family?"

Philip smiled wryly: "This...... My lord. Don't you know it yourself?" looked at his expression, as if he was a little embarrassed, as if he deeply regretted that he had said the wrong thing.

Du Wei took a deep breath. Eyes flashed: "Philip." You say it directly. Since I have gathered you to discuss the matter. There's nothing to shy away from!

Philip sighed. He hid his hands in his sleeves. Gently cage. He took a half step back and bowed slightly. In a gentle voice, he whispered, "So." Forgive me. ”

He straightened up. Said slowly: "The Rollin family is brilliant. It began at the beginning of the Augustinian dynasty. Lord Duke. Heroes of your ancestors' generation. Fighting in the south and in the north. Save the empire in a difficult situation. He was awarded the title of Marshal of the Imperial Empire and was awarded the title of the entire Lorraine Plain by His Majesty the Emperor at that time! The story of the ancestor of the Lorraine family being knighted. I won't go into detail about fei-teng-wen-xue. Just think, the rank of Imperial Marshal. What a glorious and glorious it was? It's almost the number one family in the empire!, but now...... Although the previous generation of family heads, Count Raymond, also joined the military command, but judging from the momentum. It's far worse than it was back then...... This has to be said. It's also the result of the royal family's deliberate operation!"

"Your Excellency. I know that you know that you are through heraldry and heraldry, so it turns out that the crown symbol above the coat of arms of the Rollin family. You know what that means, right?"

"Of course. Du Wei replied: "That's the royal symbol." At that time, my ancestor, Marshal Rollin, made great contributions. The emperor married a princess to him...... Because of this family business. The Rollin family was included in the royal family. Became a royal prince. ”

Philip smiled. Then he said lightly: "Look...... And today's situation. How similar. ”

Du Wei frowned. There are still some who don't understand what Philip said.

Philip had already continued: "This is the first move of the royal family against the Rollin family! Anyway, Marshal Rollin was loyal to the royal family. Everybody knows that. The royal family is not worried about any opposition to him. used this long-term soft knife to deal with the Rollin family...... Because. The royal family will never tolerate any other family being too powerful. The first princess married into the Rollin family. So that the Rollin family has a royal relationship in name. Descendants of Marshal Rollin. All of them are equivalent to having royal blood...... From this point of view. Lord Duke. In fact, you also have a certain amount of royal blood. ”

"Go on!" Du Wei vaguely guessed.

"From a pedigree point of view. According to the current generally accepted standards. It's three generations! That is. Marshal Rollin and the princess gave birth to a son that year. He became the successor patriarch of the Rollin family. But the patriarch was by blood. Half of the royal blood! According to the royal family's plan, if the second Earl of Rollin is allowed to marry the royal family. Then give birth to the third earl. That's equivalent to having three-quarters royal blood!!......! Alone. If three-quarters of the blood in the body is royalty. Only a quarter are still Rollin...... So. Please tell us about it. Is he a royal? or a Lorraine? And if that's not enough...... Then it's time for the next generation. What about the royal family marrying him again?! How much Rollin family blood is left in his body??"

This question. Let everyone feel cold!

At last. Philip smiled: "As long as you marry the royal family for three generations in a row." In the end. This family was naturally merged by the royal family!"

Du Wei's face had gradually sunk. He vaguely remembered something!

Really!

Philip also had a change in face. He whispered: "Back then." If I'm not mistaken. The Rollin family's military exploits are too great. The military is also worrisome. The royal family used this soft knife to deal with the Rollin family. Cut slowly. Up to three generations later. The Rollin family will be annexed by the royal family. But...... Unexpectedly. to the back. But a stubble appeared. Make this long-term plan for the royal family. Finally disrupted. ”

Speaking of which. Philip glanced up at Dewey. Smiled: "Lord Duke." I read history. Know that there was a Count among your ancestors. Originally, he was supposed to marry the royal family. It turned out that the Count of Rollin was a lover. He ignored the opposition of his family and outsiders. But he fell in love with a very famous female astrologer at the time, and finally married the female astrologer as his wife...... That's right? Much to the displeasure of the royal family. And then, the Earl, ...... Died young. His heir is not very old. As a result, the huge Luolin family fell into the middle of the family for a while. It wasn't until later that there were several prominent figures in the family. That's when it was revitalized again. ”

Falling in love with a female astrologer?

Of course Dewey knew who Philip was talking about!

But. Philip is talking about it now. Vaguely. But it seems to have another meaning.

......Died young? Is there any conspiracy in this?

His mind was so messy. Philip spoke later. Du Wei didn't hear clearly, only vaguely heard Philip say, "...... That refusal to marry made the royal family very dissatisfied, and I heard that the Rollin family fell for more than ten years. It is the result of the suppression of all parties. And in the end, because the power of the Rollin family no longer worries the royal family. That's when we had a chance to revitalize ourselves. Later generations of the Rollin family. Although it is still known as a martial arts family. But it is far from the momentum of Marshal Rollin's era. It's too far, too far......"

Du Wei's face stiffened. But suddenly I heard a faint sigh in my head.

...... Semele!