The temperature is warming up rapidly, and the good weather for several days has caused many people to spontaneously change out of their thick clothes.
In principle, spring plowing can begin in the New Roseburg area, and some people have already started working.
They walked to the fields with plows and columbuses, and the whole family went to sow seeds.
Although the royal family has the largest herd of deer, now that it is winter, the huge herd of deer has been ordered by the deer herders to drive them to distant places for traditional spring and summer grazing.
A batch of reindeer were sold to residents of the capital, or some families already had their own trophy deer.
Reindeer are not only used to pull sleds in winter, but are now also used to plow the land.
They did not have well-trained plowing oxen or well-trained plowing horses. If they did not want to manually drag the sowing tools, they could only resort to using existing reindeer to plow the land.
Even if it is just using human power, today's tools can provide one-stop services for plowing, sowing, and covering soil. Farmers only need to find a way to drag the tools forward.
The combination of the curved shaft plow and the columbine completely changed the way of sowing in the Ross agricultural area.
The old Russians did not know how to sow. The Slavs, who claimed to be good at agriculture, also organized the villagers into a line, each holding a basket full of wheat grains, and sowing seeds as they moved forward. How much they could produce depended on luck, or
It's called God's gift.
Now Rurik has introduced advanced Eastern technology to the people under his rule.
The plow turns the soil to naturally form ridges on both sides. The seeds are buried linearly in the grooves under the ridges and then covered with soil.
With such back-and-forth sowing, a field seems to have been combed by a comb. As far as the eye can see, it is full of tiny and straight ravines. The seeds are in the ditch, and the ridges are like windbreaks to protect the initial wheat seedlings. When they grow taller than the ridges, they will face
The strong wind from the north only makes all the seedlings strong enough at this time.
Even so, farmyard manure is still scarce in both Novorosa and Novgorod. The people of Novorosberg throw their feces directly into the river, and eventually it flows into the sea, but it is easy to deal with it. Novgorod
The situation is better, farmers will collect some excrement, but in the end they can only do small-scale fertilization.
The simplest fertilizer they can do is to spread a lot of ashes produced by burning fires for heating in winter. Plant ash can indeed fertilize the fields, but the root of high grain yields comes from nitrogen fertilizer.
Rurik couldn't do magic in this regard. Ross defined a hectare as 96% of the standard hectare, and the weight unit used was the Nordic version of the Roman pound, which is 0.392kg. The wheat yield of a hectare of good land can now exceed 3,000 pounds.
, this was absolutely impossible for the residents of Novgorod in the past. The output of good fields increased from 2,000 to 3,000, and even the poor fields had a significant increase in production capacity.
After enjoying the benefits, various Slavic farms adopted new sowing techniques.
To be fair, even if it relies purely on manpower, even if it relies on the strength of women, dragging a curved shaft plow and a columbine can still complete the sowing of a hectare of land. The actual situation is not at all like letting the women in the family do coolies, Rurik
Sensing some of the older kids took on the job.
Even if they are pure Slavs, they are a branch of Indo-Europeans that are related to the Germans. They both live in high latitudes. As long as the nutrition can keep up, both men and women will be strong.
Even if women and older children can expend more energy to complete the increased spring plowing, the heavy spring plowing will definitely become much easier after the strong labor force in the family returns.
Those soldiers recruited from New Roseburg were temporarily disarmed and returned to the fields. Almost all of them were from the Second Banner Corps, and the banner captain was also the next capital governor appointed by Rurik, Konuson the Younger. They were engaged in spring plowing on the spot, and more people were about to do so.
The final voyage.
"The Neva River is turbulent, and we now face great resistance in returning." Arik ruthlessly pointed out the current situation.
Rurik knew this, and he had no choice. "Nothing can stop the soldiers from returning home, so we just paddled upstream."
"But what about the big ships? We still have a lot of supplies."
"Mainly wool. I decided that each longship will carry some longships. We formed the most traditional team and went to Novgorod by rowing." Rurik's attitude was firm, and his words were also to cheer for himself.
Cheer up.
It has always been a brave challenge to go backwards on the Neva River during the spring flood season. The trouble is that the time for the army's return was not chosen well, or in other words, they were destined to face the current predicament if they chose to return at the end of winter. Spring plowing cannot be delayed, and soldiers who have been on an expedition for a whole year
They are eager to go home.
After chatting with my cousin, Arik's words were by no means a drop of cold water. This old man had experienced hundreds of battles. During the battle, he turned into a berserk when he was reckless in the market, but he was unexpectedly cautious and resourceful when sailing.
Arik informed the soldiers who were immersed in optimism about the huge resistance of the fast river water, and called on everyone to prepare more dry food, such as flatbread and dried meat, before setting off to ensure their physical strength.
This was certainly out of good intentions, but his second wife Aslaqi was the biggest "fast food owner" in the capital.
What the brave Arik said was very reasonable. As a result, Aslaqi's pancake workshop began to run continuously throughout the day, and she did not have to worry about the sudden increase in production capacity causing the pancakes to be unsalable.
The price of scones will not be increased maliciously, but only a little. Relying on the principle of small profits but quick turnover, she still made a huge profit when the army eager to go home came to buy dry food.
She is very grateful to her husband for attracting business for her.
"Why thank me? We have to eat, and eat a lot of food! It's not like you don't understand what sailing against the current means." Arik was a little confused. As he realized that his wife had made a fortune, he stopped mentioning it.
The wharf is lined with masts, and dragon-headed long boats are lined up in rows. Facing the rapid Neva River, people are convinced that these traditional boats are the most suitable for going backwards.
With dozens of people rowing oars to wash away the water, it is still quite laborious for strong men to move together.
The main ships of the Russian Navy have been fully sailed, and the ships have been built larger and larger. It is undeniable that such ships have become increasingly difficult to navigate inland rivers.
"Propellers are not easy to use at the moment. It would be good to replace the ship with two large water wheels so that sailors can step on them." Rurik thought from this, but this does not seem to be very necessary.
The soldiers who were eager to return home carried a large amount of luggage. Every thirty people owned a long boat, and the middle part of the open-air cabin was already filled with supplies. If the water flow eased a little, the armed cargo ship loaded with supplies would be towed by two long boats.
Retrograde movement is not a problem. It is not easy to do so in the flood season, so some longships become pure cargo. Two longships are connected in series by cables and work together to tow the cargo longship, so three ships form a group.
Rurik was dressed in fine clothes, and the golden laurel crown on his head shone in the sun.
Governor Cornuson stood on the pier, holding the king's hand for a long time and refusing to let go. "The king will not come back for several months after leaving. Please rest assured, the king, I will manage New Roseburg well..." Then he said
a lot of.
Rurik patted the veteran minister on the shoulder and said, "You will do things well. I suddenly had an idea."
"What's the matter?"
"Can we cut a road through the forest? We build a road and go straight south, so that we can reach Novgorod by land. This way we don't have to go against the river and the journey is even shorter."
"Is this feasible?" Old Cornuson has never thought about it, "but I don't know the right direction, nor the distance of this road."
"Then explore slowly! If you explore south, you may be able to find other good things."
Later, facing the tearful high priest Rumia, Rurik hugged her again, picked up his eldest daughter and lifted her up high in laughter.
"When will you come back?" Rumia asked eagerly, with a look of reluctance on her face.
"Maybe it's the summer solstice, maybe it's the autumnal equinox. I still have a lot to deal with."
"Indeed, you are the king and have many things to do." Rumia's frustration showed on her face.
"Don't cry. There are some big things in the future, and as the high priest you cannot be absent. I have arranged for Ella to compile our scriptures, and we will have our own scriptures as the basis of our faith. You know the Franks in the South
The Catholic Pope?”
Rumia nodded: "I know there is such a thing."
"With the blessing of Odin, this king is equivalent to their pope. And you, the second pope, continue your duties. When I come back, many things will be settled."
Although Rurik's serious, top-down priestly system has been established, the biggest problem at present is that the "Russian Saga" has not yet been compiled.
The top scribe, Ella, was responsible for sorting out various documentary records about Nordic beliefs. However, the total amount of written records saved by Ross was still too small. She had to listen to a lot of legends and compile them in the form of a collection of stories, but in the end she could not violate Rurik.
Established principles of faith.
The so-called Odin has been established as the creator god, and the gods defend him, etc. Many aspects are already drawing on some gospels to find creative inspiration. When the "Russian Saga" is completed and published, it still needs final review by Rurik himself.
Rurik decided to add more content to create a logical and harmonious universe, stipulate universal moral concepts, values, etc. Because Rus is a kingdom of mixed ethnic groups, the Vikings are full of martial arts, and one of them, Old Rus, is
The system is very strong, but the Slavs have an overwhelming population.
"The manuscript of "Russaga" must be completed this year, and it must be published no later than next year." Rurik secretly made up his mind.
The soldiers began to board the ship, and Rurik said goodbye to his loved ones and embarked on the road home with the soldiers.
Of course, Fisk's cavalry had already been wiped out. They were cavalry, and after taking a good rest, they left along the river first.
The saddles of the cavalry are almost always equipped with a wooden pole, and a flag is hung from the pole. They are uniformly dressed, and their velvet hats are all decorated with a large number of blue feathers.
The cavalry team is a messenger and will arrive at the town of Lado as quickly as possible, and then rush to Novgorod to announce the return of the king's army.
They are riding high in the spring breeze and their horses are running fast!
The people fishing in Ladoga Town were the first to encounter the cavalry who announced the good news. Fisk had no intention of staying here, so he said "The King's Triumph" and led his troops to rush to the Volkhov River, and then walked all the way along the plains along the river.
South.
This is the last journey. The brothers once felt that this road was relatively far away. During the expedition to Frank, they experienced a real long-distance attack. This time running wildly in their hometown was like a spring outing.
They camped for a night on the way, and the brothers gathered around the campfire, ate dry food and couldn't help but discuss what would happen after returning home.
Everyone in the cavalry made a fortune during the war, and Captain Fisk was even more extraordinary. He could not help but have a lot of money and bring his new wife Astrid with him.
In the team were the sons of old and new Russians, the sons of native Slavic nobles, and even the ten Pecheneg slaves. Although they were of different ethnic origins, after this war, everyone finally became a whole, and they were already equivalent to each other.
To brothers.
Some outstanding young talents became famous in one battle. Undoubtedly, Fisk, as an elite from Old Rus's, made great achievements in the war. Brody, a little-known old Rus's man, immediately became a noble because he personally captured the King of East Francia.
Because letting a small soldier capture the King of East Frankia was really a shame for King Ludwig of the East. Brody immediately received the temporary title of "War Chief", which was roughly close to the concept of "Count", so that Ludwig would not be too ashamed.
.
Undoubtedly, Brodie was extremely proud, and no one doubted his achievements. As for the King's subsequent establishment of the Second Cavalry and made him the captain, no one objected to this matter.
The sons of Slavic aristocrats who were once called weak rich young masters, now who dares to question that they are not men enough? In Iron and Blood, they experienced a real rite of passage. Such Slavic cavalry warriors are themselves nobles. From this,
Due to his meritorious service, he would later inherit the title of his father Boyar and successfully inherit control of his farm.
The Kingdom of Rus has its own feudal hierarchy, which is not as strict as the Franks.
The most powerful person is the king, and the second level is the prince. The most important title of the King of Ross is the Duke of Ross. Now, in addition to the Duke of Ross and the Duke of Ostara, there are also the dukes in the Mälaren Lake District of Sweden. In addition to Ross
The Duke has strong power, but after all, the other Dukes only have high status, and their limited strength is not commensurate with it.
The third level is the governor of the main settlements. Theoretically, the governor cannot be hereditary, but the current situation is that the second generation governor of each place is the son of the predecessor, which is determined by Rurik himself.
The fourth class is the counts or war chiefs, who are no different from the third class. They control a kingdom territory that is not directly controlled by the king, and are actually guarded by the royal family.
The fifth class is Boyar or Bjorn, which is considered as "squire" and "guardian". It is equivalent to baron and has its own fiefdom.
No one in the cavalry is a coward. Each of them was promised a bright future. The so-called everyone will eventually become a hereditary noble of the same place, with fixed land, followers, and a stable retirement home when they grow old. And I
All his sons were given priority to be incorporated into the standing army.
With great enthusiasm for the future, the cavalry appeared on the northern outskirts of Novgorod with flags with blue stripes on a white background and the tapping of horse hooves.
As soon as they appeared, the working people were like watching gods descending from the earth. They not only watched, but even put down their tools and came to greet them in person. Children even screamed and ran towards the cavalry and cheered.
Spring plowing around Lake Ilmen has begun! Even though a large number of laborers from the expedition have not returned and no one dares to farm, men, women, old and young all go to work, and the whole area is busy.
Novgorod City is a large city built on the basis of White Tree Manor. After rapid development, the population of White Tree Manor continues to expand. The number of men, women, old and children with the origin of this manor has exceeded 10,000. A large number of boys and girls aged five or six have already
As a labor force, they did their best to help their parents, brothers and sisters work in the fields, and provided as much help as possible.
The population of the entire region continues to expand. It seems that after King Rurik began to intend to develop local agriculture, the gods sent blessings so that every year was considered a good year.
As everyone knows, the three major settlements in Novgorod, Mstisk and Youth City have fully popularized the curved plow and columbine and have a high number of them. Rough sowing has been transformed into fine drill sowing, and even some areas of farmland have begun to enjoy irrigation systems.
With the help, grain production capacity will definitely increase.
Once the surplus food increases greatly, all families regardless of ethnic origin will have children.
It is still early to reach the limit of the land carrying capacity of this region! Theoretically, all the flat areas surrounding the huge Ilmen Lake can be transformed into farmland, and then the Volkhov River, Msti River, Lovati River and other rivers can be developed.
The coastal area is also a large area of fertile farmland.
Now there is a trend of southward expansion in this region. Princess Carlotta of Ostara guards the southern gate of the kingdom. It is here that the Lovati River Basin has a milder climate than the northern part of the lake. If Smolensk did not exist
Due to the threat of war, we continued to expand southward along the banks of the Lovati River in the south, which was more suitable for developing fertile farmland.
The farmers have strong subjective initiative, and the complete conquest of Rus has greatly improved the local technological level. The so-called occupiers have an obligation, that is, to make the lives of the occupied people better than before. Of course Rus is not a good person, Slavic people with a huge population
The ethnic group is the strong reserve force of the kingdom. But based on the current situation, how many pure-blooded old Russians will there be in the future?
The North Germanic blood of Old Rus is being diluted. In Mstisk, the largest settlement point of Old Rus, there are a large number of men and women aged 12 or 13 working in the fields. They are of mixed race and can speak Norse.
They also speak the Russian dialect and the Slavic Ilmen dialect. They also received cultural and military education early. These people are the second generation of the Russians. They grew up in the rising era and had good food and housing. None of them were
illiteracy.
Almost all of their fathers went on military expeditions, and some families also learned of the men's death in battle in advance.
Do you want to cry bitterly? If you cry, you should really cry. After crying for a while, you will be fine.
Because their lives will not be severely damaged by this, every old Ross family has its own organization. If the child's father dies in the war, all the boys can inherit the glory of their father who died in the war. The eldest son will be the new head of the family, the second son, the third son, etc.
According to tradition, the family will be divided, but they still have to serve the king, and they are also eligible to enjoy the best war dividends first.