A cold morning, a tense start.
Although he planned to rest, Rurik didn't just lie down with Noren and do nothing.
Thirty Jianyong rowed a long boat straight to the interior of Lake Mälaren. They set out early in the morning and paddled with all their strength, trying their best to ensure that they arrived at Gould Island in the evening to report the news.
As much as 10,000 pounds of wheat were unloaded from the Avrora, and Rurik, who was resting comfortably, raided the grain market, targeting only the Russians to lose weight.
The residents of Tombstone Island, even the newly minted Slavic immigrants. They took more or less silver coins or even copper coins and bought all the wheat.
Even though they were clansmen, Rurik was not arrogant enough to spread welfare widely.
Welfare? Now, the biggest welfare is to ensure that the tribe can survive and develop in an environment without external war threats or natural disasters.
It is a great benefit for them to buy food regularly. If they have money, they will buy it. If they don’t have money, they will find ways to get it, or they will quietly fish for a living.
The planned food sales were sold out and people were happy.
This scene dumbfounded the Merlaren traders who were still stranded on the island. They came up with the idea of buying grain from Rurik and bringing it back to Merlaren to sell to the second-tier merchants. However, they had no qualifications, so they could only praise the leader of Ross as a good person while cursing silently.
However, a breakthrough could be made against the Rus on the island. If you raise the purchase price a little more, they should be able to trade privately. Afterwards, he would take the wheat and put it in the planting season next spring, and sell it at a high price to farmers who lacked grain.
Little Jiujiu Rurik, a petty trader, had no intention of taking care of it, and he even had no intention or ability to put an end to the black market in grain trading that might pop up.
Rurik's mind was full of rushing into Lake Malaren. After meeting Gould and checking the supply situation, he went to talk to the new leader Bjorn in person.
On the other hand, the long ship that went straight to Gould Island was a group of brave men. With a little labor fee from Lord Rurik and the pride of doing things for him, they rowed almost the entire day. The sun had just set, and they arrived exhausted at Gould's Island. They immediately reported to Gould himself, who was stationed here and was about to return, about Lord Rurik's triumphant return.
The messengers did not know the details of Rurik's expedition. They simply explained that the Lord fought against the Danes, successfully arrived at Balmok, married the daughter of the local leader, and led the Balmok expedition to Britain and returned in triumph with a large amount of goods.
"This is simply a dream. Could it be that anyone under his command can turn into a ferocious bear or a pack of wolves? This guy is really a man. Is he helping others fight because he has fallen in love with the leader's daughter?"
Gould had a scale in his heart, and Rurik's weight in his heart became even heavier.
Take a big ship to show off your power and dock at Gould Island. The Aurora and the Guldot appear at the same time to show off your muscles.
Just like a strong warrior hanging a jewel-encrusted sword on his belt, it has full deterrent significance, but the sword cannot prove its sharpness until the sword is drawn out.
Messengers deliver the really important news.
Lord Rurik wants to visit the new leader Bjorn in person?
Based on his knowledge of his financial backers, Gould estimated that Rurik would seek more benefits from these powerful families based on the previous secret agreement.
Gould also immediately organized couriers, and after weighing the matter, he simply planned to land at the Melalen Market in person.
Oh no, times have definitely changed.
The name "Malaren Market" is just a convention. With Bjorn being elected as the leader, in order to eliminate the influence of the old forces, the market has been renamed "Birka", which means "The Harbor of Chief Bjorn" ".
It’s another brand new day, and Rurik boards the Aurora again.
He stood on the trestle and carefully examined the scratches on the ship's bow and keel. These injuries went unnoticed during the voyage, and now it seems that Rurik feels that if she is allowed to run rampant again, she may soon need a complete overhaul.
The big ship raised its jib and headed straight for Lake Mälaren, flying the flag of Ross high. After trekking for almost half of the day, she entered the lake area proudly.
Gould, on the other hand, ascended to the Birka Bazaar with pride.
Now that Karl has been killed, the rebels have stolen all his wealth like a carnival. In order to eradicate the evil, the rebellious big family forces not only killed all of Karl's descendants, but also all his wives and concubines.
The old king Olegin never expected that just one winter after his death, the family power that he had worked so hard for would be overthrown by his brothers from the same tribe.
Of course, all the big families have their reasons to kill. How can a family that has brought significant population and wealth losses to the tribe be qualified to continue to hold power?
Bjorn became the leader, and he made an agreement with the guys. After the event was completed, the blood-stained battle ax divided up all of Karl's family wealth.
The fields, grain warehouses, serfs, ships, gold and silver utensils, as well as the ale brewing workshop and Birka's only wine shop all had new ownership after discussion by these guys.
With the most direct action planning, Bjorn's family got the most spoils.
The serfs and the land were basically divided equally, and Bjorn received an additional wine shop, brewery and attached serfs.
Bjorn not only inherited the tax policies that Karl's family had implemented for merchants and farmers, but he also made major adjustments. For as many as twenty large families who revolted together, not only were they all exempted from tax, but the tax burden collected was also shared through negotiation.
When a king was assassinated, the power of the tribal leader was shared by twenty families, and Bjorn became the new leader whose power was reduced.
Under such a power structure, Bjorn claimed to be the King of Sweden, but none of the allied tribes recognized him.
There are undercurrents surging under the calm Lake Mälaren, and the attitude of the tribal leaders is really subtle. When Karl died, they neither supported nor opposed it, or even made any statement.
But Biyongni called an alliance of allied tribes in the name of the King of Sweden, and for the first time, no one came. Business and trade continued, and the leaders of the allied tribes simply opposed silently!
Gould could estimate that Rurik would make some new decisions once he learned of the great changes in Melalen. Following his own understanding, he went straight to Bjorn's mansion with the mission.
The big businessman from Ross is here! We actually have something important to discuss.
Bjorn hurriedly and warmly entertained this distinguished guest without any polite words, and he couldn't wait to use the art of wooing him.
"I want to see your leader, and I want to talk to Duke Ross. Now that I have succeeded, Duke Ross must act in accordance with the secret agreement. Gould, you must bring my words back to Ross exactly as they are."
Gould deliberately pressed his fat ears, pretending to be displeased, "You have been repeating these words for several months. You want us Russians to support you. I am just a businessman, am I qualified to make the decision?"
"Of course. You have to report to me. After the matter is completed, I will give Ross more benefits."
"Profit? You mean giving away some slaves? I still have no power to make the decision on this matter."
Bjorn sighed softly, suddenly thinking that this Gould was the uninvited guest. Did he have any requirements?
"Okay. What brings you here?"
"Just as you hoped, my master Rurik is about to arrive in your Birka. Rurik is the real Duke of Rus, and he has signed a secret agreement with you. I am here to tell you that he will visit you personally! "
"Wow! What a great thing." Bjorn stood up excitedly, "He! He will support me according to the agreement."
"Maybe. I don't know, my lord. But, you know, maybe you should pay something."
"The price?" Bjorn thought for a moment, "I give him my daughter to be his wife and concubine?"
"Forget it. He has no shortage of women." Gould shook his head.
"Well, maybe he doesn't like it."
Gould knew that Bjorn's youngest daughter was just a child and was destined not to become a beauty. Even as a political marriage, how can Mälaren be virtuous today?
In his heart, Gould really despises the current Mellaren. This is Bjorn, who would do whatever it takes to get support, and even allowed that...
But what this old guy only believes in is wealth. If a new god and a new belief appear in the Birka Market, maybe those warriors will be angry, but he doesn't care.
What would Rurik like to get? Of course it’s population! The ultimate goal of obtaining a large amount of food is to explode the population of Ross.
"I'll give you a suggestion," Gould said calmly.
"Friend, tell me."
"You obtained a group of serfs from the Karl family and gave them all to Rurik as gifts."
"Ah this..." Bjorn looked reluctant.
Gould took his time, and what he was doing now was clearly that of an extra minister. To gain benefits for Ross is to gain benefits for his family.
Gould deliberately remained silent, and suddenly said slowly in a low voice: "Accept the conditions I proposed, Lord Rurik is here, and you should try your best to support the conditions he proposed. Who are those big families who are revolting? You killed Karl , you won’t be afraid of falling into the same footsteps.”
As he said this, Bjorn suddenly felt like a ray of light on his back and his whole body was getting cold.
"Don't you want to be the real king of Sweden?"
Bjorn, who was still nervous and cautious, looked at Gould, an old boar-like face, and his attitude became ambiguous.
Yes, once I get the support of Duke Ross himself, everything will be stable! To get this, pay short-term benefits to get long-term benefits, this is a good deal!
Bjorn sent Gould away, and he began to associate. "What should I give to buy that guy's support? Is one hundred or two hundred serfs enough?"
Gould left happily and returned to his island to wait for the benefactor to arrive.
In the evening, a brand new large ship broke into the calm lake of Mälaren. The fishermen were dumbfounded and watched as two large ships were anchored on Gould Island controlled by the Ross.
At this time, the berth of Gould Island was already full of cargo ships awaiting voyages. If not for the fact that there were still many goods that had not arrived at the logistics warehouse on the island, Gould would have led the fleet home long ago.
Arriving on this island is like coming home! Rurik led his brothers to climb the rope ladder and get off the ship. The newly promoted mercenaries from Balmok stood in the huge wooden castle in the road, feeling their own insignificance and even the strength of the financial owner.
Gould was dressed in a rich attire, surrounded by more than twenty warriors wearing blue stripes and white robes, and warmly received his master.
He saw a beautiful girl accompanying Rurik, who the messenger called the "princess" of the Balmok people.
After some polite greetings, Gould welcomed him back to the inner hall.
In the warm hall, Gould entertained his master with roast lamb.
He deliberately waited until Rurik was half full, drank half a glass of wine from the glass, and talked about what he knew...
"Okay!" Rurik had already heard everything. He interrupted and said: "It seems that the rumors on Tombstone Island are basically true. I didn't expect that Karl died like this."
"Are you in an accident?" Gould asked, licking his pig-like face.
"Unexpected. Not unexpected either. How can a defeated family still want to be king? Odin no longer supports him. Karl will either announce his withdrawal from the core of power or commit suicide to apologize."
"Are you going to be the king of Sweden?" Gould asked tentatively: "You also know the current situation. Bjorn calls himself the king, and no leader supports him. Our Rus is no longer what it used to be. You are young and promising. Full of infinite possibilities, you conquered the entire island of Gotland with your brothers, and you proved your strength to all tribes."
"Do I have to be the King of Sweden?" Rurik's rhetorical question made Gould choke for a moment.
"Why? This is a major opportunity."
"Bah! What a mere King of Sweden, I want to be Augustus' man."
"So, regarding Bjorn becoming king, you..."
"Of course I support him!" Rurik answered cheerfully. Within five seconds, he lowered his head and muttered: "Bjorn finally took action. I intended to support him two years ago. As for whether I will continue to support him now. He needs to pay some more."
"Price? Money? Slaves? Or..."
"It's a privilege."
"Privilege? What privilege?"
"For example, you will never pay taxes if you go ashore to open a shop, nor will you pay taxes if you open up wasteland. In short, we Russians will not give a copper coin to any force when we operate on Lake Mälaren. If our people commit crimes, they should also pay Leave it to me. Our activities must be absolutely free. Only with this unlimited freedom can I support Bjorn. Otherwise, I will not support his throne!"
Rurik already knew what he wanted, namely extraterritoriality, economic privileges and tax exemptions. With these privileges, the Russians can unscrupulously dump goods in the Lake Mälaren region, "fool" the local people, and go to remote places to pioneer as new Russians.
He spoke with great energy and high morale, but Gould only understood it half-heartedly.
It seems that they all have many key privileges. Gould could only smile and said: "I'll tell you the truth. I have already informed Bjorn about your arrival in the Great Lakes."
"Oh? What's that man's attitude?"
"Him! If you are eager to ask for more benefits from him. That guy is eager to see Duke Ross to talk about recognizing him as the king. He specifically mentioned the secret agreement with you, hoping that you can Implement it! By the way, he has also prepared a hundred serfs for you as a gift. These are slaves belonging to the Karl family, and they will serve as our manpower to pioneer New Roseburg."
"Give me slaves? I would like to get 500 people from the Mellaren tribe to open up the land for me. Bjorn is very pragmatic, I like it."
Bjorn is so eager? Since the two parties hit it off, Rurik estimated that he would be able to gain new benefits. He really didn't want to and couldn't afford to waste the time and effort to rule Sweden personally. This was an area with a very mature political ecology. If Ross wanted to directly stabilize his rule, he had to destroy all the powerful nobles and directly rule all the people.
It is not impossible to destroy all the nobles, but the price must be that Ross will be seriously injured, which is not worth the gain.
If you can't rule directly and continue to compromise with the landowners and nobles, the price will naturally be an unstable foundation. The so-called King of Sweden is only a king in name.
Perhaps the smartest method for this area is economic control.
After several years of operation, the situation of economic control has matured, and it will not end because of the sudden death of a "Supreme One".
"I'm going to see Bjorn tomorrow. Listen, Gould, I'm going on the Avrora, with the Guldot accompanying me, and our two big ships are off the coast of the market. Oh, now that place Called Birka? Interesting. That’s good! It seems that Bjorn is a little arrogant, and we just want to show off Ross’s strength.”
"As you command, I will go with you."
Rurik nodded, "Now, tell me about your work in Mälaren. Tell me your annual trade balance and the total amount of various materials you plan to transport. Also, tell me Karl All the details of how the family was destroyed, who divided up the family property, and the attitudes of the dukes who refused to recognize Bjorn as king."
"Yes. If you think it's okay to have a long journey, I'll report back."
"Let's talk! This is very important for tomorrow. I..." Rurik patted his chest, "Olegin died, and the family business inherited by Karl collapsed. I must at least divide some benefits, and I can't give away all the fat. Eaten by those greedy big families.”
Rurik's words were just constructive remarks, and Gould was interested: "Sir! That! If you can, please take it back."
"what is that?"
"The ownership of that tavern belongs to Bjorn. Let's take it over and you can entrust me to run it. In this way, we can sell our good wine in the most prosperous area of the market. This can be a huge profit. .”
"That's it!" Rurik slapped his thigh violently, not only looking at the circle of candles hanging from the ceiling, but also looking at the flames and conjuring up wonderful pictures.
Yes, there is a serious lack of beverages in this era. Ordinary ale is a good wine, and ale with hops is a top-quality wine. As for the extreme distilled liquor "Burning Rose Vodka", it is a fairy that only exists in Asgard.
