The war in 840 had ended, and by the spring of 841, the northern world had returned to its original peace.
Ludwig, the Lord of the Eastern Kingdom, knew that he had been defeated, but the peace talks after the defeat at least saved him some face.
He even felt that his proposal was a complete failure from beginning to end, and he lost many soldiers and generals. What did he get in the end?
Legally, the Saxons did not rebel, and the descendants of the old chiefs eventually received the title of duke and swore allegiance to the Eastern Kingdom.
The County of Flanders was always wavering. After this war, Count Baudouin was forced to loyal to the Eastern Kingdom due to the situation.
The Danes, the Rus and the Swedes, these Normans were no longer the weaklings who could be easily ravaged by their grandfathers. They were already strong. Even if their grandfather Charlemagne was resurrected and sent troops to conquer, they would probably end up defeated.
The situation was actually very bad. What maintained Ludwig's power was his standing army. This army inherited the conscription system from the era of his grandfather the Great. Even though it has been somewhat corrupted to this day, it is still far better than the retinue of the local nobles.
Peasant soldiers.
A large number of military families who have been serving in the army for generations have been lost. After they die in battle, their sons should take up their positions, but can those brats be up to the task? There is now a huge manpower gap.
The losses of his army reached 30,000, the losses of elite troops were irreparable, and a large number of peasant soldiers recruited for the surprise attack also died. Most of these peasant soldiers were recruited from the Count of Rheingau, and they all came from Mainz, Worms and Frankfurt.
The rural areas. These strong laborers were deployed and lost, which greatly weakened the tax collection capacity of the Rheingau County.
Unfortunately, this area was a stalemate between him and his eldest brother Lothair. The main force he left behind had to continue to hold on, and almost all the food and grass he needed had to be taken from local farmers.
After all, this place is not his own territory, and the area across the Rhine River was forcibly carved out from his eldest brother. He doesn't care about the livelihood of local farmers, he only cares about how many strong men can be extracted from the local area to serve as peasant soldiers. Now, whether this area
Being able to bear it has become a problem.
Are peasant soldiers really useful? Not necessarily. At least having soldiers is better than having no soldiers.
Ludwig had one thought - the Norman Joseph Blue Fox who converted to Christianity and his soldiers.
Just like Harald Clark, the dog he raised in the past, the dog got a new one.
Yes, Ludwig regards the Blue Fox and the Ross Armed Business Group as hounds that can be manipulated. He can comfort himself by saying that these ruthless people are extremely rough in their actions because their beliefs are not pure enough. This is the best tool.
You don't have to openly support these guys to do evil, you just need to acquiesce in their looting.
If the church or other nobles claimed that such evil people existed on the Rhine, Ludwig could have said: "These are just a group of Norman pirates who come and go without a trace. There is nothing I can do."
At this point, Ludwig feels that he will no longer be able to organize a large army to confront his eldest brother's army for at least a year. He will actively train new soldiers, actively win over the loyalty of the nobles, and even send people to the Western Kingdom to fight with his younger brother Charles and even Burgundy.
Negotiate with the third person.
In the spring of 841, a mighty Norman fleet sailed upstream on the Rhine.
The longship towed the large ship. Blue Fox and his people were the masters of this fleet, while Ludwig from the Eastern Kingdom, a small number of attendants, and some Frankish refugees were very special passengers.
Now, even if Blue Fox wanted to negotiate with Ludwig, the latter remained silent because he couldn't save face due to the defeat. He must be planning something. Blue Fox didn't trust this man very much, but he believed in him.
The treaty will not be openly broken. Even if Ludwig returns to his hometown and has the idea of making a comeback, he should take a look at the situation in front of him! Rus, Denmark and Saxony do not seem to be waging war against the Eastern Kingdom, but are determined to unify the Frankish Luo
King Tire had the ability and motivation to kill Ludwig's family.
Blue Fox was more concerned about his own goal, Nassau Village. On the boat, he was still able to chat with Henry Nassau, Baron of Nassau and Count of the Netherlands.
Most of the ships in this fleet have a classic Nordic image, but they all have eye-catching giant crosses on their masts, and the largest armed cargo ship flies Charlemagne's Three Lions battle flag. Who dares to fly Charlemagne's battle flag in such a high-profile manner?
Flag, only the top nobles are eligible.
It was these flags that made Cologne, who had been defeated and paid a large amount of war reparations, no longer fearful. Archbishop Hadbold disembarked from the ship and unloaded the so-called True Cross in a public and high-profile manner.
The priests who greeted him all knelt down in front of the True Cross and shouted that this was a miracle.
Is it a miracle? Hadbold didn't want to say anything. He was speechless and choked. He just hoped that everything would pass.
But Ludwig wore a simple burqa, put away his crown and gorgeous clothes, and looked at the big city silently in a very low-key way. No one knew what he was thinking, and no one really cared.
Legally, Henry Nassau is already a vassal of the Duchy of Saxony. In the past, this little baron was a vassal of the Count of Rheingau, but now, the entire Barony of Nassau has been turned into an enclave of the Count of the Netherlands.
Henry Nassau's plan is to return to his hometown, organize the small number of fellow villagers to announce the upgrade of his family, and then make some personnel deployment. In the end, Nassau Village will still retain its current name
, but for the people who stayed here, everything has changed.
Those who stay behind must support the move-in of some foreigners.
The fleet left Cologne and silently left Bonn.
This is the second time that the blue fox has entered the hinterland of Europe. It has been many years since the last time. The last trip took the Weser River route. After reaching the upper reaches of the river, it turned overland and walked for a while before turning into the United States.
Inn River, and then arrived at the Rhine River. After arriving at Lake Reichenau, the upstream water source, he then took a land route to the Danube River, and finally arrived at Regensburg. Although the journey was very tortuous, he could clearly see the customs of the Franks, which made the past
The legends immediately became clear and provided first-hand information for Rus's war in 840.
Blue Fox is an open spy. He already knows too much, and he has an army in his hands that is really hard to mess with.
Henry Nassau and King Rurik of Rus were strangers to each other, and they miraculously had a very good personal relationship afterwards.
"Just because I am Baron Nassau. Nassau, Rurik thinks this name is nice?"
Henry didn't want to think too much. The main force of Ross had left, but a large number of Danes were going to flood into the western coast to build a new Durist and change its name to Rotterstad.
His hometown of Nassau was embedded inland and caught in the middle of a struggle between two powerful powers. He felt that he could not maintain his ancestral homeland, so it was a smart move to immigrate to Friesland, a coastal lowland to escape the land of trouble and trouble. Of course, his hometown could not be left in peace.
If you give up without any reason, you will not set up a noble to manage it unless you use some strategies.
There were two people standing on the bow of the armed cargo ship. The spring breeze was blowing now, and they were in a good mood.
"We have passed Bonn, and next is a section of the river that we Russians have never been to." Blue Fox couldn't help but sigh.
Henry Nassau was holding back a thousand words. He first pointed to the river: "This river is the father of the Franks, and there is another river that is their mother."
"Oh? Is there such a thing?"
"The Rhine is the father and the Moselle is the mother. However, we Nassauers are not Franks. My ancestors were forced to do nothing by their rule. Now, at least for us, we should have a better future."
There was something in Henry's words, and Blue Fox seemed to understand a little bit.
"However, if the fleet arrives in Mainz, I will be somewhat familiar with it. I have been there and even know the land and water routes that finally reach Regensburg." I have a good mind.
"Oh?" Henry was a little surprised, "I have long heard that you had a problem with Ludwig, and you were rejected by him. Haha, now that man can no longer reject you."
"Haha, he humiliated me, so I don't have to respect him anymore. I think the same goes for you, and you don't respect him either."
"Ludwig is defeated, maybe...his kingdom will be dismembered by Lothair." Henry still said this deliberately, and his tone was soothing.
"What...what do you want to say?" Blue Fox had to ask cautiously.
"What will we do then? Saxony and my new settlement may face the attack of the Middle Kingdom."
"Don't worry, the warriors of the north will make Lothair cry bitterly." Blue Fox looked unconcerned.
"What about Nassau? What about the stronghold you want to establish?"
"They dare! Then fight!" Blue Fox now understood that Henry wanted to use his Ross army to help him defend his hometown. He laughed softly: "I can guess what you are worried about.
"
"Oh? Tell me."
"We are just afraid that we will treat your villagers like animals because of the barbarism. Don't worry, I am different from other northerners. I am a pure businessman, and I have no choice but to be a warrior. Besides, I am the Earl of Gothenburg conferred by King Rus. Now go
Your establishment of a stronghold in Nassau was ordered by the king, and the final defender will be one of my biological brothers."
Henry nodded: "I know this. So, how is your brother? Is he a kind person, or..."
"They are all young people, and they must have been baptized when they came. You don't have to worry, their hands have never been stained with blood."
Hearing this, Henry Nassau felt relieved, delighted, and worried, three emotions intertwined together.
"So your brother isn't even married?"
"Yes. How..." Lan Hu turned his face sensitively: "Why don't you arrange a wife for my brother?"
"Why not? Moreover, I can canonize your brother as a knight, so that after he completes his conversion and has a noble title, the whole of Nassau will accept him. This will be beneficial to you and me."
"Really?"
"Why not? I have the power."
Blue Fox had to pinch his beard and think about it. First of all, his family was loyal to the Ross royal family, and the king arranged for his two younger brothers to be placed in the Frankish world as Ross's minions. Could it be that after entering here, one of the younger brothers would be loyal to another noble? But
In terms of interests, as long as this is done, the Rus' forces can gain a foothold in Nassau, and because of this legal principle, the Eastern Kingdom will have nothing to say. But does this hurt the feelings of the Rus' King? One person cannot be loyal to two masters.
.
Lan Hu did not agree or object, but said meaningfully: "It is okay for you to arrange a marriage for my brother, if it is beneficial to us in establishing a stronghold. As for your plan to canonize, please wait until the situation is stable.
.”
This was perfunctory, and Henry didn't want to force it.
Blue Fox thought for a while and asked, "Does your village have a priest?"
"Of course there is."
"Then let the priest take charge of all affairs. My people will stay in your village and live in peace with each other. I will restrain my people. If someone steals in your village, he will chop off his hands. If someone insults women, kills and steals goods, he will make it public.
Hang. Don’t worry, I am polite to my allies and have zero tolerance for behavior that harms my allies.”
As for the explanation, Henry Nassau was very satisfied.
The conversation didn't go on anymore. Henry Nassau deepened his understanding of the Russian Blue Fox. This fat man who knew Latin was indeed better at speaking than those high-ranking nobles.
Maybe, this is a businessman.
As the fleet continued to move forward, the river channel had obviously narrowed, which meant that they had entered the middle section of the Rhine River.
There are many forests in the riverside area, a large number of tributaries such as the Rhine River, and no-man's land everywhere you look.
The forests in this area are still connected. The southern part of the river bank is densely populated, and there are not many settlements in the north. The villages are stars dotted in the sea of forests, and only small dirt roads connect each other.
Until the triangle area at the river confluence ahead, an obvious larger settlement appears.
The blue fox was extremely alert and pointed at the settlement and asked Henry: "What city is that? Is it your Nassau?"
"No. That's Koblenz."
A brand new term.
"Koblenz? It shouldn't be yours. Is that Ludwig's territory?"
"No." Henry Nassau shrugged, looking indifferent: "That is Lothair's territory, and it is the new enemy that Ross has identified."
"Ah?" Lan Hu thought it was incredible that a local city was standing majestically on the river bank.
"What about your Nassau?"
"We'll be there after a while of sailing. Soon!"
"It's so bizarre. You are so big-hearted." The more Blue Fox looked at the city named Coblenz, the more he felt that he had been tricked, and he couldn't help but think of what Henry Nassau said recently.
Now he finally understands that the so-called wooing is really because Nassau is facing a threat. This Coblenz is like a bear blocking the door of the house. After the establishment of Ross Shop, won't he have to face this disgusting existence every day?
"Damn it! There is a bear lying on the bed, how unreasonable!" The blue fox has the power to plunder the middle kingdom according to the order, and it is even a treaty obligation.
His eyes were always fixed, as if he was planning how to capture the city quickly.
After all, he didn't know much about this place. He still needed Henry Nassau to explain it carefully, and then he would weigh whether to raid and seize the city or keep waiting and watching. According to Henry Nassau, although the city is in Nassau
At our doorstep, the local garrison has not harassed Nassau for so many years. Maybe this peaceful relationship can continue?
Blue Fox thinks that is impossible. In fact, even if he always maintains restraint and his subordinates are more rude than each other, even if they convert collectively, none of them are truly pious. Blue Fox also feels that there is no need to be imprisoned by certain precepts.
He is a flexible person, and may have various beliefs, or may not have any beliefs. The brothers are more anxious than himself. They have to plunder the territory of the Middle Kingdom this year. After all, this is what everyone here mainly intends to do, not to mention being beaten.
The great nobles acquiesced.
It is possible to seize the opportunity to make a sneak attack on Coblenz to make a fortune, but you need to do some reconnaissance before taking action, and everyone who has just landed must establish good relations with the Nassau villagers.
Another top priority is to release the King of the Eastern Kingdom, Ludwig.
Lan Town, a village at the confluence of the Lan River and the Rhine. This is already the territory of the Barony of Nassau. The village is extremely small. The settlers all serve Baron Henry Nassau and his family. The task of the villagers is to maintain the will.
The ships that transport goods in Nassau Village ensure that the wool and wine shipped can be safely transported on the Rhine. After all, all the villages have sampan-level boats with poor transport capacity and poor seaworthiness. If the navigation goes wrong, the goods will fall into
In the river, the entire village of Nassau suffered too much damage.
The next partnership move between Henry Nassau and Blue Fox was very unorthodox.
"Why. We agreed to take me to Worms by ship." Ludwig was filled with anger after being "unloaded".
Henry Nassau chose to avoid it, and now it was Blue Fox who deliberately said: "Years ago, I went all the way to Regensburg to see you, but you ruthlessly rejected me and even mocked me a little. You made me suffer a lot! Now, I
I just want you to walk back. I know the next passage, and you also know. Even if you use the walking method, I also know how long it will take to reach your Worms (Wiesbaden). You and your entourage will bring dry food with you.
Go away, put on your crown and go away! I hope you haven't forgotten how to hike."
Ludwig was so angry that he yelled. Facing this incompetent and furious guy, Blue Fox remained calm and deliberately said: "This way our personal grudges will be evened out. I will fulfill my agreement."
Could it be said that Ludwig just gave in? So what if he didn’t give in? Although he is a king, his strength has indeed been severely frustrated. This Joseph Blue Fox is not an ordinary person. Not to mention that he has a close relationship with King Rus, he
I heard that this man has at least 50,000 people under his command. Those Norman men can be warriors, and hearing that there is a battle is as exciting as attending a banquet. Joseph Blue Fox, Count of Gothenburg, this man has the ability to entangle at least 3,000 people.
The army came by boat to fight. It would be best if...this group of ruthless people attacked the Kingdom of China.
Of course, Blue Fox does not have such great political energy, but his ability is not weak. The Götalanders on the Göta River where Gothenburg is located are crazy about getting rich. If necessary, Blue Fox will find a way to bring these brothers with them.
To make a fortune. Therefore, you must first establish a stronghold in Nassau Village, and then "move people" from behind.
However, Ludwig would not actually walk back to the Worms camp. He would soon arrive at the Count of Rheingau, where he could ask some minor nobles to donate horses and then ride back.
Originally, he planned to convict Count Robert of Rheingau after winning the battle, and even planned to expel him, take back the territory of Count Rheingau, and arrange for his relatives to take over.
It seems unnecessary now. After all, he has suffered an even more outrageous defeat. Why should he go to the Robert family to blame him? On the contrary, now is the time for employment, and the Robert family wants to appease and use them. Now, Ludwig plans to go back
Just release Robert, apologize to him in private, and then go to the church in Frankfurt to confess.
After that, expand the army and shift to strategic defense!