Historical experience tells us that the celebration must end with feasting and drinking, which is irresistible and unstoppable.

Winters originally wanted to spend less and do more, but the atmosphere in the square had just reached a climax.

He was really embarrassed to tell the people who were shouting, "I don't have any money. Let's all go back to our homes. Let's break up."

Seeing that hemorrhaging from his wallet was inevitable, Winters' smile became more and more sad.

Old Priskin trembled and ran up to the execution platform to confirm that his grandson was really safe and sound. His first action was to slap his grandson hard in the face with tears in his eyes.

After the slap, Old Priskin didn't say a word to his grandson.

He wiped away his tears, showed a smile, and took advantage of the situation to help the newly appointed tribune who was financially strapped: "My lord, the guilds of Gévaudan are praying to hold a grand banquet in your name, and they also hope that you will give us this gift."

An honor."

Old Priskin saw clearly that there were many prisoners, military flags, and seized weapons in the procession, but not even a dime of gold or silver coins.

Winters was overjoyed and held the old man's hands in a happy mood: "Mr. Pliskin, I think you should be the mayor of Gevaudan."

As a military-controlled province, Gévaudan has no mayor, only garrison officers. Old Priskin had been wise enough to protect himself a long time ago, and even the municipal councilor resigned due to illness.

But at this moment, he nodded heavily without hesitation: "No problem, I'll do it!"

So they held a banquet in the square.

The pigs and sheep were taken directly to the open space for slaughter, and the two butchers in Gevaudan were very busy.

The cattle and horses were valuable farm animals that Winters ordered to protect, and they were lucky enough to escape.

In a small border town like Gevaudan, there are not many delicacies, but everyone brings out the best.

A grill was set up in the square, and the few large iron pots in the city were also brought out.

Cheese and bacon are constantly being moved out, and bread is always available.

Even more rare is beer!

I don’t know what means Old Priskin used, but the always stingy brewer [the widow Mrs. Allen] also donated generously.

Like a rolling hoop, the wine barrels rolled into the square one after another. Before Mrs. Allen opened the lid, there were already many drunkards waiting respectfully with bottles and cans in their hands.

The people of Gevaudan donated their tables one after another and arranged them in the square.

The square could no longer accommodate the soldiers and citizens, so the tables continued to extend along the street.

Children were running around among the adults, and women were exchanging small and important things about the city.

A drunk man forced his reluctant wife to dance, causing a burst of shouting and laughter.

All this was nominally provided by the new tribunes, but in fact it was all paid for by the various guilds in Gévaudan.

Winters was very satisfied because he saved a lot of money and successfully completed the impossible goal of "spending less and doing more".

Old Priskin and the gentry were relieved, and the citizens of Gevaudan were also happy.

In a happy atmosphere, Winters walked through the lively square, through the crowds and long tables, and met Anna.

The two stood face to face, as if there was another layer of separation between them.

Winters wanted to hug Anna, but he stretched out his hand but did not dare to touch his lover.

Anna threw herself into Winters' arms. She hugged Winters tightly, as if she was afraid that her lover would fly away.

"Maybe the more you know me." Winters tried to control his emotions: "The more disappointed you will be."

"I want to know more about you." Anna clung to her lover's chest, crying silently.

Winters hugged Anna hard, as if he wanted to hold Anna into his body.

…

The rooftop of the city hall is the best place to watch this feast.

So Winters brought Anna here.

The two of them broke the door lock and slipped onto the roof hand in hand, just like Winters taking Anna, who had skipped class, to the mercenary loggia.

Anna's heart was racing. She didn't know where she was going, so she followed stupidly all the way, and ended up on the roof.

The roof is not blocked by the surrounding buildings, and the wind is strong, so it is a bit cold.

"You sit down for a while, I'll be back soon." Winters took off his coat, put it on Anna, and ran away as fast as he could.

"Don't go! What are you going to do?" Anna stopped her in panic, but Winters was gone.

Ms. Navarre was left on an empty roof, wearing a lieutenant's coat, standing alone in the cold autumn wind.

Just as she was thinking wildly, Winters came back happily holding two glasses of beer.

Ms. Navarre was really angry and annoyed.

Winters had no idea, and handed the beer to Anna with a very innocent smile.

As a result, Anna grabbed her arm and bit her hard.

"What's going on?" Winters tried not to spill his beer.

"Who asked you to bring me here to drink?" Anna felt aggrieved.

"Aren't you eighteen?" Winters took a sip of beer and said, "Wow, this wine is so bitter."

According to the church's regulations, girls can get married at the age of twelve. Ocean blue women generally get married at the age of fifteen. There is obviously no problem with drinking a little alcohol at the age of eighteen.

Before he finished speaking, another row of teeth marks appeared on Winters' arm.

For the next time, the two sat on the roof, sipping bitter beer.

"I still like sweet things," Winters commented.

Anna said softly "Hmm".

Winters explained: “Gévaudan’s beer is made with hops added to preserve it for a long time, so it becomes bitter.”

"Yeah." Anna stared at the crowd in the square.

"Even if these are bitter, drink less." Winters sighed longly: "These were all brewed last year. This year's barley was confiscated by the garrison before, and was later obtained by me. I can't use the grain to make wine.

, farmers don’t want to sell their grain. So today is the last drink, and after that Gervaudan may not be able to drink beer for a long time.”

Anna held her lover's arm: "You have done a good job."

Winters sighed again: "We can do better."

"You can't save everyone."

"This is the third time I've heard this." Winters smiled softly.

"Who are the first two people?" Anna asked curiously.

"Bud, there is another great wise man." Winters took a deep breath, brushed away the haze, puffed out his chest and said with great pride: "Just watch, Anna. In one year - two years at most, I will let him

Gevaudan and even Tiefeng County will be restored to their original appearance. I will restore prosperity to the city and restore vitality to the countryside. Believe me and witness me."

Anna gently rubbed Winters' shoulder: "I didn't come here because of your achievements. You may want to make a difference, but I just want you to live well."

"How do I deserve you..."

"It's good that you know." Anna snorted dissatisfied.

As the banquet came to an end, some citizens in the square brought musical instruments and played to add to the fun.

A citizen held a bagpipe and puffed his cheeks to play.

The sound of the bagpipes was sharp, but the bagpiper's tune was melodious and quickly penetrated the hustle and bustle of the square.

A female voice began to hum along, and more and more people sang along softly:

"The money I have,

All have been divided among my companions;

the harm I caused,

In the end, I only hurt myself;

The wisdom I seek,

long gone;

So fill up this cup of stirrup wine,

May joy always be with you;

…”

According to the custom of the Platuan people, when farewell friends step on the saddle, the farewell person will bring the last glass of wine to the farewell.

This cup of farewell wine is therefore called "Stirrup Wine", and the native Plato people will sing this farewell song called "Stirrup Wine".

Anna leaned against Winters, listening quietly and watching the living beings in the square - what a vibrant picture of living beings.

She said sadly: "I should have brought the easel."

"This is my first time seeing someone like you painting outdoors," Winters joked.
To be continued...