Chapter 778 There is no horse foreign trade for two dealers to eat at both ends
The tall and long wooden city wall reminded Kagan of a legend. Legend has it that the Theodosian wall of the Romans was tall and long. Could it be that the Novgorod city of the Russians was the same as the Roman Constantinople?
In the concept of this son of the prairie, "city" is a very vague concept. If the number of people living in it is large enough, the large tent area of his alliance can also be regarded as a city. Tents all over the mountains and fields rise along the Volga River, where herders are
The trading bazaar was the residence of the khan and the priests, and all reputable people from the entire tribal alliance were willing to come.
There are always herds of cattle and sheep wandering around the big tent area. The large number of livestock raised by the people are the source of food and clothing for everyone. These livestock always eat up the pastures, forcing the big tent area to walk along the river every few years.
Move once.
Russians do not live a happy and free life at all!
Snow has covered a large amount of flat ground. It is said that the ground was full of wheat a few months ago. The Russians have completed the harvest and their warehouses have enough supplies to support everyone until next autumn.
This group of visitors from the far east rode horses and stood under the city. The messenger was the first to sail on Lake Ilmen, which was about to freeze, and reported the news to Rurik.
A group of horse riders from the East traveled thousands of miles to sell horses? One sale was made up of hundreds of horses?
This good thing was completely beyond Rurik's expectation, and the good news was no less than a good rain after a long drought.
Yes, Rurik dreamed of building a cavalry force to enhance his combat effectiveness and improve the efficiency of information dissemination. He really came up with whatever he wanted. But when he thought about it, he realized that this was not just a coincidence.
"Makesakei, you are here again this year? You gave me a big gift as soon as you came, and I want to reward you again."
Rurik was prepared. The team would still have to walk along the river for two to three days, and he had enough time to set up a guard of honor to greet them.
The messenger said that those horse travelers had a group of armed men. It was not surprising that they were armed. A group of merchants had gone through a long journey, and even the bears and wolves they encountered on the journey could become fatal threats. Moreover, they had to pass through the Smolensk-controlled area, bringing them with them.
It is reasonable for merchants to carry weapons and carry swords.
But the messenger also said that those people looked very strange, and some Finns looked very different. They all had black hair, and the leader had a strange mustache. He was short in stature and did not understand Norse at all.
He does understand Slavic, so people with poor pronunciation can basically understand it.
Is the main customer from the East? Does he look like a Finn?
The messenger mentioned a word, and Rurik judged decisively that the person coming was a Pecheneg.
OK! The owner of the horse has delivered the goods to your door!
The team of Kagan and Sakhi were too arrogant, and they all walked at least, while the Ostara warriors who were "protecting" around them all walked with flags, as if these foreign visitors were the upper class.
They passed the farm, and even though it was cold, the bored people still ran out of their homes, either looking at the horse team from a distance, or approaching directly to see their true appearance.
Horses are not a rare thing in Novgorod, but the presence of a large number of equestrians at the same time is unprecedented!
It is very shameful to say that the local Slavs do not know how to ride. They use horses as draft animals to pull carts and plows, which are more similar to the cattle in the East. Of course they know the existence of cavalry, but they have few horses in their hands.
Not to mention his height, he is also on the short side.
Last year, foreign horsemen sold some better horses to the prince. It is said that the prince is already planning to create a cavalry force belonging to the principality.
But what does this kind of thing have to do with everyone who farms? Even in terms of profits, the biggest beneficiaries are the various Varangians living in Novgorod and the guys from the White Tree Manor.
Think about it! Is there anything more interesting than watching the excitement? Life is lacking in fun anyway.
Kagan, a sneaky onlooker, had already noticed it. He didn't bother to figure out the reason along the way. It was probably because his team was too conspicuous.
He didn't mean to be arrogant, but he entered a new field and was surprised by the lifestyle here that was completely different from his hometown. His curiosity outweighed everything.
The tall wooden walls of Novgorod surprised him, allowing him to see the real "city style". The uniformly dressed warriors gathered at the city walls not only made him subconsciously alert, but also realized that the Prince of Rus was fully informed.
own arrival.
By chance, Jevlo himself was in the city.
In principle, Jevlo is not a Finnish count. The real count is his eldest son. He can exercise the power of a lord and is actually a "political count". However, in the core area ruled by the Rus Principality, Rurik is willing to talk about old times with him.
Appoint him as the captain of the bodyguard again until the snow melts next spring.
This is a personal friendship and a test. No, Yevluo was ordered to be the messenger.
Since the Finnish Suomis and the Turkic Pechenegs both have their ancestors from North Asia, perhaps their slightly similar looks can bring about a special closeness.
Jevro didn't know the prince's intention, but he knew his duty very well.
The mercenary troops are essentially guards. They are the best armed and the brightest. Not only do each of them have blue goose feathers on their helmets, forming a gorgeous crown, they are all wrapped in white.
The chest of the robe is covered with huge interlaced blue patterns, the cowhide armed belt is firmly tied, and a uniform style steel sword hangs on the waist, as well as various personal items.
The Guards were short of manpower, so Ragnar's troops also received the letter. After temporarily changing their clothes, they became "extras". Suddenly, more than 300 people lined up at the city gate and lined up in two lines along the road.
Taoist wall.
If you want a guard of honor, do your honor guard work to the extreme!
No, Rurik gave his concubine Noren, who was obsessed with music, the opportunity to perform. She brought her team of musicians, dressed up like a simple priestess, with a bone flute and a fart drum outside the city.
They lined up and played "Ode to Joy" as a welcome song to welcome visitors.
The Russian flag is flying, white with blue stripes. Is this their symbol?
Their warriors all wear robes with armor inside, and are ornately decorated.
Hidden behind the gorgeous appearance is definitely ferocity. Kagan is also a veteran warrior at a young age. He can tell it from his eyes who has killed someone before. Look at these Ross warriors, they are all killing people!
Those blond young girls aroused his curiosity. These women played flutes and drums, and the music they played together was brisk and soothing. The mood they expressed was completely opposite to that expressed by another group of arrogant warriors.
"Guests from afar, the great prince has received your request. The prince allows the Pecheneg envoy to enter the city and your leader to enter the palace for detailed discussions. Please dismount first."
The speaker was a short man whose appearance was different from other Russians. The man spoke in Slavic, which Kagan understood.
When he hesitated, Sakhi hurriedly dismounted, then dragged Kagan down with his bare hands, and whispered: "I advise you not to hesitate and listen to their requests carefully. We are in their hands now, and they are very powerful.
.”
Of course, the snow outside the city was not a meeting place. Kagan dismounted skillfully, took off his own fur and walked towards Gevlo with a smile.
"You...are a noble person?"
"I am a noble of the Principality of Rus. You... it seems that you are the leader of the Pechenegs?"
Sakhi had never met Yevluo, and he knew from this scene that he was a big shot. He bowed his back and introduced with a smile on his face: "Sir, this young man is the son of Pecheneg Khan... Well...
, which is equivalent to the status of the eldest son of the prince of Rus. He is the Pecheneg envoy, coming with the purpose of trade and peace."
"You are also a noble? Then please follow me into the city. The prince also ordered that you can bring ten followers with you, and the others and their horses will be waiting outside the city."
"Just let my people stay in the snow?" Kagan asked doubtfully.
"This is what the prince wants. You and your people are naturally not allowed to enter the city at will until you get authorization. I heard that you are here to sell horses. I saw that your horses are definitely of high quality, and the prince must also like them."
The shock affected both sides! The Ross troops lined up also noticed the horses in front of them. Many people had the experience of fighting cavalry and knew the advantages of cavalry. Even if the cavalry had been beaten to death by a torsion slingshot, if the cavalry army took control
In the hands of the Russian army, the situation must be completely different.
Ragnar was among the guards, and he also coveted these horses. After all, seeing the proud and heroic figure of the rider, any man would be envious and wanted to ride on it to try it out and even ride.
Kagan finally entered the big city of the Principality of Ross. He saw neat houses, smooth roads, and even drainage ditches.
He was also aware of the existence of the market and saw a large number of people passing by stopping to look at him.
What made him slightly disappointed was that Prince Rus did not have a particularly grand palace. All he had here was a large wooden house and a group of ancillary buildings. Perhaps this was because this was not a royal city.
At the same time, Rurik had already changed his clothes and waited for the guests. On both sides of him were specially invited warriors, especially the burly men from the first flag team, who simply sat cross-legged on the side wall of the palace.
Go up two rows to give the prince a place to hold the place.
The house is filled with bright candlelight and a matrix of three chandeliers lowered from the roof.
The oil lamp holders on the side walls are very particular. Under each bronze lamp there must be a white bear head, and its ferocious fangs are indescribably powerful and domineering.
A young man with a golden beard sat in the high hall. He was wearing a white bear skin, a fox fur hat on his head, and his clothes were dotted with a large number of gems.
He seems like a wealthy businessman?
No! This young man's eyes don't lie. He is an extremely fierce warrior. His sharp eyes seem to say, "I killed ten thousand warriors."
Kagan and his entourage had to take off all their weapons. As soon as they entered the palace, they heard the news in Slavonic from a noble person on the stage: "Is this the Pecheneg envoy?"
Kagan was still standing, but when Sakye heard the sound, he hurriedly sat down cross-legged, and then suddenly pulled Kagan down.
"Your Majesty, this is a warrior from the eastern grassland, the son of the local leader, and will inherit the position of leader in the future." Sakye said flatteringly.
"The Khan of the Pechenegs?" Rurik was also surprised, "You actually have such a noble status?"
"I do have a noble status." Kagan raised his head uninhibitedly.
"Very good. It seems that what the messenger said is true. As you can see, I am the prince of Rus, the conqueror of the north, the possessor of the sea, the ruler of the Slavs, and loved by the gods.
People are also the best buyers of your horses. So, your name? Your intentions?"
Any person with status can name a series of self-proclaimed noble titles. Kagan was indeed timid for a moment. After all, he had not achieved any impressive results and did not dare to boast.
This Prince of Rus is very young as rumored. He is not as timid as his peers, and his words reveal full of confidence and arrogance.
Kagan was not uncomfortable with the prince's arrogance. The prince was definitely smart and had named his intention to buy the horse.
The topic immediately breaks through, and the possibility of awkward conversations does not exist from the beginning.
"I am Kagan, the next Khan of Pecheneg. We must be your best horse supplier. Yes, this time I am following my father's order to trade horses directly with you."
"Very good! Have fun! Someone is here! Give me some wine!"
After giving the order, the minister served Ross's wine. It was a cocktail, so-called craft brewed and distilled vodka mixed with a large amount of honey and soaked in some dried raspberries. It had a high alcohol content and was extremely sweet.
After the spiciness, there is only honey, fruit and wine aroma.
Rurik also picked up a glass of wine.
Kagan was confused and shocked for a moment. What he was holding in his hand was a crystal cup. The wine contained a complex aroma, a yellowish color, and an overall pure purity.
Since the other party is of Turkic origin, it must be that the grassland is home. Any grassland people always have a good time. It is said that when drinking, you need a big bowl, and when eating meat, you should hold the bones and gnaw. Drinking and eating meat roughly shows the pride of host and guest.
Rurik simply raised his glass and stood up with a bold look on his face: "Guests from afar, it is fate that we meet. Let's drink this glass of wine together and talk about horses immediately."
"Your Majesty, how can you be so generous?!" Kagan was quite surprised.
"Is there any more nonsense? I long for your horses. I think in your opinion, a hundred words of good blessings are not as good as my immediate money to buy the horses, right? You are here just for trade, we should
Try your best to seal the deal today."
How could such a good thing happen? Kagan could not wait to complete the transaction immediately and hold the money in his hands.
"Since the prince is so interested in this deal, let's drink a toast! Your hospitality will be spread throughout the grassland, and we will have better trade prospects." After that, Kagan drank the wine in one gulp.
Business is business, and Rurik has no intention of cheating these Turks.
Kagan is actually the son of Pecheneg Khan. Regardless of whether this name is true or not, whether the future trade can proceed smoothly is the last word. It does not matter whether the person coming is a cat or a dog. If he can send horses to Rus, he is stealing or not.
It doesn't matter if you rob it, the one who delivers the horse is the hero.
However, the appearance of this group of Pechenegs immediately made Rurik think a lot - maybe the plan to train cavalry should be put on the fast track.
It's better to settle the business immediately! Although the principal's large treasury is located in Novorosberg, because the development of handicraft industry requires a large amount of cash expenditure, there is also a small treasury in Novgorod, with a stock of up to 800 pounds of silver coins. Rurik said in the spring
Based on my experience, I thought about this wave of unsolicited horse foreign trade transactions. The money should be enough, and I would have to haggle at the worst.
"You really plan to sell a hundred horses?" Rurik asked hurriedly when he saw him toasting.
"Exactly."
"So..." Rurik wanted to find a price, but he decisively thought of Sakhi's outrageous offer last year, and now he suppressed his words.
"Price? According to our custom, a group of mares has the highest price. The horses I brought are all mares."
"They're all mares?!"
"Because mare is the best for riding. Maybe you don't understand it now, but you will understand it after you buy my horse."
Rurik probably understands what Kagan means. The so-called steppe cavalry always carries mares on expeditions. Except for the core elite of the Mongolian army in the expedition to Western Europe, the other cavalry are all from Turks. They all live in pursuit of water and grass, and their lifestyles are diverse.
They have common characteristics, and naturally they can all accept the governance of the same Khan. The cavalry on the expedition can stay on the horse all the way, sleep on the horse's back, and take a sip of mare's milk when they are hungry. The cavalry's mare is not only a tool for riding, but also a tool for fighting.
, almost all logistics.
"Okay, what's your price?"
"We walked for three months and went through a lot of hardships, and finally arrived at your territory, so..."
"Are the prices going to go up?"
"Exactly. So, one pound of silver for one horse." Kagan said a little timidly, but Rurik, on the other hand, straightened up after hearing this number.
"What did you say?!"
"Ah! Your Majesty! We have gone through a lot of hardships from the far east to this far north. It is reasonable to increase the price. Please accept it."
"You!" Rurik covered his face with one hand, his murderous eyes staring directly at the trembling Marksakhi through his fingers.
Rurik never expected that there was such a business. Horse breeders had to explain every price of one pound for fear that the buyer would be unhappy. Co-author Sakhi and his group once raised the price tenfold! It was really for this reason.
With 1000% profit, this group of Kiev horse riders really dare to engage in the "Eastern European Grand Series" to eat both sides.
The transaction was a thing of the past in the spring, and the stallions they bought went crazy, so much so that all the mares in Novgorod were now bloated. Sakhi sold the horses and left, and Rick couldn't even think of those things.
Don't lament the mobility of this man from Kiev. It's really just for trade. This man has been moving very fast for a whole year without even having time to rest. With this mobility, he can't go directly to the New World even if he has a big ship.
Apparently Sacchi lied in the spring. The so-called honest description of the ten horses costing forty pounds of silver coins was still nonsense in the end. It was just the words of a profiteer! Even now that Rurik knows this, he is not angry at all.
It should even be kept a secret. Because the horse suppliers deliver the goods to your door, they take care of the delivery work themselves, and there is no need for second-hand dealers.
Cagan said that one hundred mares were available for sale, but the other horses were not included in the sale as they were used for riding and carrying burdens on the return journey.
"When do we trade? When do I get the money?!" Kagan asked matter-of-factly.
The other party was so sincere, Rurik thought that it would be unreasonable for him to hesitate at all. He stood up again and announced: "Now, you are about to get the money! A total of 10,000 fine silver coins! Let's go! I
Let’s go see those horses first. It’s such a happy event, Kagan, you and your people are all my friends. I’m going to give you a banquet tonight!”