Hickser put his hands on the crutches between his knees again and pretended to think seriously: "Using killing and fear, blood and death to frighten the opponents and dissatisfied people, and to end the people's dependence and habits on the old system, is an interesting choice."
Thelma on the side seemed to have kept up with the rhythm. She interjected with interest: "However, stationing troops in the north for a long time means high military expenses, exaggerated supplies, the cost of long-term mobilization, complaints from vassals, etc.
Charles, who is not something any Grand Duke can afford, told me that a month away from home for a mature man is enough to affect local output and bring dissatisfaction to the people."
Thales' heart was clear: "So, during the Year of Blood, although Exeter defeated Xingchen, he was unable to rule the northern border normally, nor could he use garrison to maintain the opponent's land."
Xixer showed his ugly but kind smile again.
"It's an interesting discussion, sir and madam," the new teacher changed the subject again: "In that case, we have another question: they can't rule directly themselves, so why don't they support the existing local nobles in the north?
How about ruling the North instead of them?"
Thales frowned.
On the other hand, Thelma rolled her eyes: "After King Nunn broke through the Cold Fortress, he hanged several lords from the Northern Duke to his subordinates who refused to surrender, in an attempt to extinguish the resistance in the Northern Territory."
Thales thought of Valerend who was in prison and the accusations he made hoarse in the Renaissance Palace.
The Grand Duchess opened her mouth like an endorsement: "But he failed to annihilate the other party: Old Arend's son is still in the royal capital, so he could not annihilate the blood ties connecting the land to the north."
"More than that, Exeter did not attack south of the Mu River. Yongxing City is still standing, and the robbed royal family quickly reestablished its king." Thelma finished her words: "For the north, for both
As far as the major families are still civilians, their kings and dukes are still resisting in the war, their hope and beacon of resistance are still there, the legal principles and justice they fight for are still there, and Exeter is still an illegal and evil invasion
By."
"Just like Longxiao City, which was under siege by Lord Nightwing, stood firm for a long time despite being in danger. This is an eternal battle flag."
Thales suddenly remembered the scene when Miranda and Cohen were trapped in Dragon Sky City six years ago.
I see.
Miranda Allende, as the heir of the Allende family, six years ago, she was also a crucial chess piece for Lombard to occupy the northern border, whether it was supporting puppets or
That's why she was targeted by the Black Sand Leader during Operation Dragon Blood: From the death of Nunn to the invasion of the North, this is a set of chess moves that echo back and forth.
"On the other hand," thinking of this, Thales spoke unconsciously and took over Selma's words: "Once Exter broke Yongxing City back then, the captives even cut off the Allende family and even Can Can.
The bloodline of the Star Royal Family"
"Whether it is the Northern Territory, or the Yadi and Western Wasteland that they have already encroached on, by supporting puppets or garrisoning troops, it may become easier to rule and occupy."
Xixer coughed.
The old man stretched out his hand and tremblingly grabbed an inverted cup at his hand.
Thales quickly stood up, picked up the kettle on the desk and poured water for him.
"Well, this is an interesting argument. Thank you, kind sir. As long as the family bloodline that represents the legal dominance is still there and has not surrendered," Xixer drank water and did not forget to smash his mouth behind the cup:
"Invaders are far from conquering. They can only occupy, use time and violence to eliminate dissatisfaction and maintain the status quo."
"Or support the local puppets and make them their vassals to indirectly control the North." At this point, Xixer suddenly raised his gray eyes, radiating a strange look, and said with profound meaning: "It's like
The Free Alliance, to the Kingdom of Exeter."
The prince and the Grand Duchess were both startled.
Hearing the familiar place name, they looked at each other in surprise.
But the old crow did not continue this topic, but returned to the topic.
"So, dear Thales and Thelma, let us summarize the discussion just now: For the born king, the people and vassals in the northern part of the occupied area did not become his allies, but the country that sent troops with him
The vassals have not received corresponding benefits, do you agree?"
Thelma looked stern and nodded: "Yes."
The old man coughed again and said with emotion: "You know, at my age, if you want to eat something good, you need more than good teeth."
"You also have to have a healthy stomach."
Hickser put down the water glass, kept looking at the two people who were sitting upright without realizing it, and sighed longly: "So, after conquering the Northland with overwhelming momentum, behind the seemingly dazzling victory, Exeter could not
Is it not so difficult to understand that if you rule the northern border for a long time and do more harm than good, you can only leave the land that you cannot keep and be forced to withdraw your troops and return to your country?"
Thales took a deep breath, nodded and said, "Of course, that seems to be the case."
Xixer looked at Thales who was careful with his words, slightly curved the corners of his wrinkled mouth, and smiled softly: "Well, there is one more thing, I feel a little strange."
Thales and Thelma hurriedly leaned forward. They had gradually become accustomed to the teacher's "chatting" style.
"I can't eat meat that's too hard, but it's okay to eat some snacks," Hixer squinted his eyes. The old man at that moment reminded Thales of Gilbert and the well-deserved reputation of "Sly Fox"
’s cunning eyes:
"Exter gave up the Northern Territory, but why did they also give up the Broken Dragon Fortress?"
"Just like giving up the Northern Territory, allowing the Star People to take back such an important fortress?"
Thales and Thelma exchanged glances, and both fell into confusion again.
"Because Dragon Broken Fortress is just a defensive fortress," Thelma tried to answer cautiously: "And a guard post? So it requires a long-term garrison, and the benefits of occupying it are far outweighed by the cost of maintaining it."
"Using a fortress to monitor and suppress the stars is a benefit in itself," but Thales shook his head: "But on the other hand, abandoning it is also very harmful. The stars can use it as a base to move north at any time. This reason is not
It must be established.”
Xixer looked at the two people who were thinking hard and smiled slightly.
"Sounds like a dilemma." The old man changed his posture and gently beat his right leg. It seemed that sitting for a long time was not good for his health: "So, when King Nun made the choice back then,
How was it considered?"
King Nun.
Thales' thoughts trembled again, and a tough and imposing image of a majestic old man appeared in front of his eyes.
right.
King Nun!
Thales' eyes refocused: "Because King Nun doesn't allow it."
Selma and Xixer's eyes turned to him again.
"If Exeter controls the fortress, no matter who is stationed here, it means that the status and role of the Black Sand Territory will greatly increase. Facing the stars, Broken Dragon Fortress can only rely on Lumba's supplies and support. This will
Increase his leverage and weight."
"Secondly, with the fortress as a line of defense, the pressure on the Black Sand Territory facing the stars will be drastically reduced. Lumba will be able to free up his hands, which will greatly enhance his threat."
Thales held his chin and thought thoughtfully: "So, if King Nuen takes the fortress by himself and sends his cronies and troops to garrison it, it will not only block the threat from the south for the Black Sand Territory, but also further rely on Lumba.
The support is equivalent to handing over chips to Heisha Ling.”
"And it would be even more impossible if the fortress is handed over to the Black Sand Territory."
"The purpose of taking down the stars is for Exter," Thales mused: "But before that, he did not allow the northern border and even the fortress to become the nourishment of any Grand Duke of Exeter outside Longxiao City.
"
Thelma showed a "Wow" expression from the distance.
The weak but pleased laughter of the old crow came from the other side.
"I think our discussion has gone from country and rule to the level of games between lords. This is a good thing and a bad thing. The good thing is that you can see more, and the bad thing is" Xixer winked at the two of them playfully.
Blinking, the eyes behind the lenses became clear: "You will see less."
The two students were stunned at first, and then fell into deep thought.
The old crow adjusted his glasses slightly, coughed, and then took the crutch from between his knees again and put it on his right side.
"Very good, we chatted for a long time today," Xixer raised his head, still wearing the kind but slightly weak smile: "Can I say: we came to a mutually recognized and interesting conclusion:
Invading and occupying a place, and holding and ruling a place, are these two completely different things?"
Thales and Thelma looked at each other, and the latter nodded: "Of course."
Xixer's eyes widened slightly.
"You know, this reminds me of playing chess and maps," the skinny old man tugged on his slightly crooked scarf: "On the chessboard and the map, everything is very vivid. You move a chess piece, a war game, and swallow it.
Capture an enemy, and the square on which it stands will be planted with your flag and dyed with your colors: this place is yours."
The prince and the Grand Duchess looked attentively and listened carefully to the new teacher's words.
The old crow lowered his head slightly, with a playful expression on his face: "But in reality, Exeter's example tells us that everything is complicated and everything requires more consideration: you have destroyed the enemy and won, but it does not necessarily mean that you
I can keep that land."
"You can command an army to invade and win, but that doesn't mean you can accept the price that comes with it, even if it looks like a victory."
Xixer raised his head, looked at the sky outside the window, and sighed: "Maybe, this is the limit of rule."
"When you face war and peace, hostility and alliance, maybe you first understand what the boundaries of rule are and where they are. There is no harm in doing so." He turned his head, and the eyes flashing behind his lenses made Thales unconscious.
He straightened his chest: "Do you agree?"
Prince Xingchen took a deep breath and nodded solemnly: "Yes, I agree very much."
Thelma also nodded vigorously.
Xixer turned his head, and the wise look in his eyes at that moment seemed to disappear. He showed a relaxed and happy smile again, and said cheerfully: "So, we had a great time chatting today, didn't we?"
As he spoke, the skinny Hickser tremblingly supported the crutches and stood up: "Maybe this is the end of the day?"
Thales and Selma quickly stood up and saluted him politely.
"Of course," the prince said seriously: "Thank you, Mr. Hickser, you are a good teacher."
Xixer laughed.
"Oh, don't be too busy saying that. After all, I don't even have a bachelor's degree in the academy."
The old crow closed his eyes and shook his head: "By the way, everything we talked about today, why Exeter withdrew his troops back then, why he gave up the land, and reached the limit of rule is very interesting, isn't it?"
The two students nodded respectfully.
Xixer opened his eyes slightly, and the eyes behind the lenses once again flashed with cunning, and he changed the subject: "In that case, let's do this, the next time we meet."
"I hope you will tell me as rationally as you did today."
The two students hurriedly listened.
Xixer supported the crutches with both hands, narrowed his eyes, and looked at the two solemn young girls with interest: "Why, everything we discussed today, all the conclusions from beginning to end?"
Old Crow said softly: "It's all wrong."
Time seemed to stand still for two seconds.
Two seconds later, Thales and Thelma reacted and were both shocked!
Thelma couldn't help but lost her voice: "What?"
Thales looked at their teacher blankly and didn't react for a long time.
Everything we discussed today
All
"Don't be nervous, Thelma, just like I said," looking at the stunned look of the two of them, Hickser raised his left hand and waved it, laughing like a child who had succeeded in a prank: "We are just chatting.
, this is the topic of our next chat: Why everything we said today is wrong.”
The boy and the girl stared blankly at the old crow and looked at each other, unable to accept what the other said.
A tutor tells you at the end of the first class: everything he just said is wrong?
At that moment, Thales suddenly felt that the nickname "Old Crow" was so appropriate.
"We had a great time chatting today. The weather is nice. Why don't you go for a walk together?"
go.
"Don't let your youth go to waste." With the clatter of the cane, the impressive new teacher opened the door and left.
The two students were left stunned.
"What's the meaning?"
Thelma asked Thales in confusion: "Is everything we said today false?"
At that moment, Thales let out a long breath.
Looking at the leather chair where Xixer sat, he suddenly had some understanding.
"No."
"I think what he means is that the truth is not important," Thales said thoughtfully, trying to understand the other party's intention: "What is important is,"
"He wants us to take a completely opposite position in the face of an almost certain conclusion, in the unfavorable situation of having so many arguments."
Thales narrowed his eyes: "Convince him again."
etc.
Use a completely opposite position to overturn a conclusion that has been deeply rooted in people's hearts with good reason?
Such a familiar rhythm.
Thelma blinked, exhaled, fell on her chair, and pouted: "I don't understand."
Thales shrugged.
"It doesn't matter if you don't understand."
"Just be prepared to stay in the library all night," the prince smiled with a faint sense of familiarity, "I have a hunch that this topic is not that simple."
Thelma sighed, her mouth curled up, and she lay facelessly on the desk: "But Miss Jinx's etiquette class will continue tomorrow."
Thales smiled with a hint of disdain.
"Forget etiquette lessons."
The prince turned around and looked at Selma, who was not happy, meaningfully: "Do you still remember what I said?"
"The education you have received in the past was all aimed at cultivating you into a decent and elegant Grand Duchess," he said with piercing eyes, "to turn you into"
Thelma interrupted.
"'but'?"
The Grand Duchess raised her eyebrows: "You're going to say 'but' again, right?"
The momentum that Thales had finally built up was suffocated.
"Okay, but," Thales nodded helplessly, shook his head, and pouted at the door where Xixer left: "I think, this person."
"The limits of this old crow's rule?"
The prince glanced at Xixer's seat, looked seriously at the blond girl in front of him, and looked at her aggrieved eyes: "He is actually teaching you how to become a qualified person."
At this moment, the familiar sound of a cane suddenly sounded outside the door.
"Think, thump, thump, thump."
Under the strange looks from the two people, Xixer reappeared at the door with an apologetic smile.
"Sorry, people tend to forget more as they get older," Old Crow shook his head: "Although the time for our next lesson is uncertain due to my physical condition, I still feel that I should tell you in advance that next time
What I hope you can do when we meet."
Thales and Thelma nodded respectfully: "Of course."
Xixer smiled slightly: "First of all, I hope you might as well take some notes and think carefully about every word during our discussion."
Thelma nodded and took notes in her notebook calmly.
"Secondly, remember that we are chatting, and you are welcome to interrupt and ask each other questions at any time and at any time; then, we should all express ourselves in an orderly manner and grasp the key points;"
Thales was slightly stunned.
etc.
These words
Why
Xixer coughed and continued: "Also, we might as well be cautious and humble during the discussion. Before questioning something, it is best to question our own position and point of view."
At that second, Thales was completely stunned.
These words
impossible.
I have included part of the following text in the author's remarks at the end of the chapter.
It's free.
"Finally, questioning each other is also the advantage and privilege of classmates. Please be prepared to ask each other questions, and be prepared to receive each other's questions: truth is always born in collisions and conflicts."
The new teacher looked at Thales with a strange expression and frowned slightly: "Well, I wish you a good day."
In Selma's respectful and grateful farewell, the old crow walked out of the door and left slowly.
Only Thales stood there without saying a word.
He hesitantly pulled Thelma's notebook, looked at the records on it, and then looked at the door where the old man left. His chest was filled with ups and downs that were difficult to calm down.