Ai Lu suddenly looked up at Du Wei, with a serious face, and said: "I... I have one thing. What is your background? Just now you actually recited the Daxueshan witchcraft spell... These things, outsiders are absolutely You can't fake it! How did you learn these things?"
Du Wei laughed: "You don't know about my affairs, there are many more! From now on, you will help me do things obediently. Hmph... That Bai Hechou can be your teacher and teach you witchcraft, so why can't I teach you witchcraft?" Are you a wizard in Daxue Mountain, are you amazing? If you want to learn, I will teach you all slowly in the future."
But I thought in my heart: Gu Lanxiu left that book of witchcraft. Although Bai Heshou is powerful, he is also an apprentice taught by Gu Lanxiu. However, qualifications vary from person to person. Bai Hechou is because the blue is better than the blue, and the apprentice defeated the teacher. But the method of witchcraft should be the same.
Seeing the shock on Ai Lu's face, Du Wei didn't say anything, just dipped in the water bucket in the prison cell with a smile, and drew a random symbol on the table. It is a symbol of the witchcraft formation in Daxueshan witchcraft.
Ai Lu looked even more surprised.
Du Wei laughed, thinking, this chick is too simple-minded, I'm afraid she might compete with my cute little Vivian. Leaving her here alone, I'm afraid she couldn't think about it and committed suicide again. Well, whether she dies or not has nothing to do with me, but what... if such a delicate and beautiful chick dies. I always feel guilty too.
Thinking of this, he walked out of the room. The bodyguard was summoned. He ordered to bring two of the female "prey" who were rescued from Lu Gao that time. He thought of the beautiful girl named "Hanyue". Called names casually.
Not for a moment. Hanyue and the other two girls were brought over.
After a few days of cultivation, these girls who were already beautiful. The haggard look on his face had already faded away. After getting dressed. It undoubtedly reveals the charm of a girl. And that girl named Hanyue. It is like standing out from the crowd. Absolutely beautiful appearance and temperament. Still protruding.
Now that Ai Lu has done herself such a big favor. Du Wei didn't let her live in the cell anymore. Ask someone to tidy up a room in the ground of the castle. Let Ai Lu live in, and said to the girls in Hanyue: "You will train as usual in the future. This person will also be taken care of by you. This girl is a bit stupid. I am afraid that she will commit suicide if she thinks about it. Please take care of me." Her. If she dies... you guys don't have to live anymore. Do you understand?"
Several girls agreed tremblingly. Du Wei glanced at Ai Lu with a sad face. Sighed. Walked over, with his back to Hanyue and the others. He pinched Ai Lu's chin and stared into her eyes. He also displayed his despicable and shameless eyes of charm. He whispered in his mouth: "If you listen to me, you are not allowed to die. Do you understand?"
Waiting to see the clarity in Ai Lu's eyes gradually disappearing. After answering like a raving in his mouth. Only then did Du Wei feel relieved, and then left alone.
The remaining girls in the room still looked terrified. It's full moon. The most daring. Cautiously walked to Ai Ludi's side. Slowly squatting down, said softly: "You... how are you doing?"
Elle was confused. look up. But when he saw a girl whose appearance was half as beautiful as his own, he was startled for a moment, then became worried, and frowned again: "You... who are you... don't worry about me. Just leave me alone gone."
Hanyue pondered for a moment. But slowly sat beside Ai Ludi. He stretched out his arms and half embraced Elle. He said softly: "Well, I know...you must be afraid of the Duke. Is that so? In fact, you don't have to be afraid. Although the Duke looks scary, he is actually very good to us."
Seeing that Ai Lu still didn't speak, Hanyue's voice became softer. He whispered: "Actually... I heard that this Duke is very kind-hearted. He is in the northwest. Everyone is praising him. But, in the future, everything will follow him. What does he order. Let us Just do it. Your Excellency the Duke will never scold you, right?"
Ai Lu was dazed, and whispered to herself: "Well... what did he say. I'll just do it... Is that so?"
Du Wei made such a fuss at night, and they were negotiating later. This Han Moye's attitude towards Du Wei was really good. Words are also extremely cautious. Follow the etiquette. And then set conditions for Du Wei's side. Although some of Hanmuye will argue with reason. But his tone softened a lot. And often as long as Du Wei shows a little toughness. Hanmuye had to relax his tone.
In this way. The strong and the weak are judged, and the negotiations quickly became smoother. In addition to talking about Todi horses, cattle and sheep before. How to write the letter of credence. Hanmoye also tried his best to make concessions. In the end, even the "summation" was signed.
While Du Wei was greatly relieved, he couldn't help but wonder: If he had known that pretending to be a wizard, there would be so many benefits. I might as well open my mouth early in the morning and ask for more horses. However, this thought disappeared in a blink of an eye, and he knew in his heart that if he went too far, the other party would still be suspicious.
Fortunately, there are no telephones in this world, and it is impossible for the negotiators outside to keep in touch with the leaders in the rear all the time. In addition, they pretend to be Daxueshan wizards. of.
On the last day of the negotiation, after the two parties finally signed the contract, the prairie people took the initiative to seek peace, and at the same time were willing to pay the Roland Empire horses, cattle and sheep plus some odds and ends. In addition, the two sides also signed a friendly agreement, promising never to violate each other's borders, and the friendship will last forever.
Of course, Du Wei ignored the last sentence directly. Allied friendship and mutual non-aggression are bullshit. Once the two sides have recharged their energy, once they decide to fight, any peace treaty will be nothing more than a piece of paper.
Du Wei and the Earl of Villa signed the credentials as principal and deputy envoys respectively - Villa originally refused to sign, and he argued that he was only assisting Du Wei. However, it turned out that the negotiations went smoothly. And the results are good, so there is nothing to be afraid of. Agreed to sign. I was also faintly surprised. Why the next few days. This Hanmoye seemed to be afraid of Du Wei. Blindly forbearance with Du Wei - our little duke's method is really amazing.
This credential. After initialing by both parties. It cannot take effect directly. It is also necessary to send someone to teleport it to the imperial capital to show Prince Chen. It will not take effect until signed by the Regent. before this. This Hanmoye has to stay with Du Wei for a while longer.
But Han Muye seemed to be really afraid of the tents that Du Wei gave him to live in. And that day when Ai Lu and Du Wei pretended to be wizards. He had deliberately warned him not to interfere in the search for pets in the snow mountain. Do not offend this Tulip Duke. Hanmoye speculates in his heart that if he continues to live in Roland and wait for the letter of credence. It takes more than ten days to go back and forth. Maybe even longer. And this Duke Tulip has a rather weird temper. Stay here by yourself, in case someone is not careful and offends him in words. It would ruin the great event of the wizards on the snow mountain, so I offered it. Go to the imperial capital with Count Villa. Count Villa didn't think much about it, so he agreed.
Du Wei sent the two away. In addition, another letter was written for Villa to take back Prince Mi Chengchen. The letter explained about the abolition of the 20,000 cavalry on the grassland. Wait for the two to leave. Even if the negotiation came to an end, Du Wei was finally free.
And then the following people reported. Say you got the news. In the Northwest Army's checkpoint above the Northwest Corridor. Soldiers who were originally stationed have been withdrawn one after another. After hearing this, Du Wei fell into deep thought.
Honestly. How can we effectively control this corridor. He hasn't thought about it until now. The Northwest Army had secretly communicated with the prairie people before, and the checkpoint was just a bitch's archway. Deaf ears. It's just a decoration. Now that we are going back to the Northwest Corridor. So how to effectively control it in the future and prevent the grassland people from sneaking in is the top priority.
After thinking about it, Du Wei didn't have a good idea in his mind. It was impossible to build a city in that place. There is no water source. No matter how many people go there, water needs to be delivered from the rear, and the cost is really unbearable.
Originally, Du Wei had also thought about it. I want to dig groundwater. But this world. After all, it is different from the previous life. The limit of digging groundwater in this world is nothing more than digging ordinary wells. Just like what Du Wei knew in his previous life. Take advantage of technology. You can hit hundreds of meters underground or even deeper at will. Come get water. In this world, it is absolutely impossible.
Du Wei also felt ruthless in his heart. Otherwise, they could just cruelly produce a large amount of gunpowder. Blow up both sides of the northwest corridor canyon! Seal up the entire northwest corridor!
But this idea was immediately denied by himself. The Northwest Corridor is the only way to the grasslands. It is also a business group from all over the Roland Empire. Noble family. Doing business with prairie people, trading cattle, sheep, horses and livestock is the only trade route! If he dared to risk the world to do such a thing that ruined people's wealth, I'm afraid that the business groups all over the world and countless noble families would hate him to death. Moreover, his own territory is located in the frontier. Agriculture is backward, the land is barren, and the biggest income above the finances depends on commercial taxes. If the business route is cut off, there will be no border trade in the future, and how many years can you survive on your own money? Du Wei is unwilling to cut his own fortune.
So... get a water main to the NW corridor? The thought flashed. Du Wei laughed first.
Easier said than done! Loulan Lake is the largest source of water, but Loulan Lake is quite a distance from the Northwest Corridor! Want to get plumbing? The smelting technology and metal forging in this world do not have this level.
How can we keep the gate of the Northwest Corridor well...
Damn Lu Gao, he must be waiting to see my joke.
There was no good strategy for the time being, so Du Wei simply swiped his pen and dispatched hundreds of people to the Northwest Corridor, where they were stationed in several checkpoints left by the Northwest Army. It is impossible for hundreds of people to guard such a wide corridor, and it can only barely serve as an early warning. It's just that they are told to be more vigilant, and if something happens, light the beacon to warn. Other than that, Du Wei has no good solution for the time being.
The next month passed quickly. There was news from the imperial capital that the regent had signed the letter of credence, allowing Hanmoye to take it back to the grassland. The military friction incident between the two sides has finally come to an end. When Du Wei heard the news, he breathed a sigh of relief: Prince Chen finally agreed to the abolition of the 20,000 cavalry on the grassland.
That Han Muye was interesting. After getting the credentials, he didn't pass Loulan City on the way back to the grassland. Instead, walk around deliberately. Nor did he meet Du Wei face to face. I went straight back to the grassland. Du Wei knew in his heart what Hanmoye was afraid of. Not broken. Some subordinates were annoyed at the rudeness of the prairie envoy, so Du Wei passed away with a smile.
Count Villa came to the northwest again. This time he brought a secret letter, sealed with wax. And Du Wei held it in his hand. You can also feel a trace of magic forbidden fluctuations above. At night, one person opened it in the room to look at it. It was written by Prince Chen himself.
At the beginning of this letter, Du Wei really praised Du Wei a few words. Said he did a great job this time. That is to say, the land of the empire was preserved. Also got practical benefits. It was also mentioned that Du Wei led the family's private army to fight against the prairie people in Jiliat City this time. I said a few words of comfort and encouragement, and at the same time expressed it faintly. Although the nominal results of the battle were taken away by the Northwest Army. But his regent will not forget Du Wei's contribution. This time, he asked the prairie people for land compensation. The empire and Du Wei will be divided equally. In name, it was to reward Du Wei for his meritorious service in negotiating, but in fact it was to reward him for his military exploits and compensate him for his loss this time.
Seeing this, Du Wei felt satisfied: It seems that Prince Chen is really on his way!
See here. I'm in a good mood. But when he saw the back, he frowned a little.
Regarding the abolition of 20,000 cavalry on the grassland. Prince Chen said that the central government of the imperial capital had this intention long ago. Now the opinions of the military high command have been unified. Willing to withdraw troops. But he did not agree to give the 20,000 people to Du Wei. Although Na Duwei followed Mrs. Liszt's method and nominally allowed this army to station in his own territory. It is also in the name of the imperial army. But the bigwigs of the imperial capital's military. In terms of self-esteem, it is still unacceptable to degrade the official army into a private army. Prince Chen had just taken office not long ago, and he also expressed that he didn't want to be too stiff with the military command. After the final bargain. Promised to give Du Wei two cavalry regiments... that is...
Six thousand people
When Du Wei saw this, he couldn't help twisting his nose in anger.
What does this military boss mean? It is clear that the little regent is unwilling to give himself the military power! I was caught between the prairie people and the Northwest Army. The troops are weak. If there can be a well-organized and complete cavalry division with 20,000 people, it will at least be a deterrent to the enemy.
If there are only a few thousand people... who cares
fortunately. Prince Chen probably also understood that Du Wei would probably be dissatisfied. So I also made a compensatory statement: these 6,000 people. Not divided by establishment, but 20,000 people lined up. Follow Du Wei to pick up six thousand!
After selection. The rest of the people will be pulled back to the imperial capital by Prince Chen to enrich the imperial guards.
Du Wei began to feel dissatisfied. But then I felt relieved: 20,000 people. In fact, the imperial capital also takes it very seriously. It's just that it was stationed on the grassland before. It's just too expensive to feed. If once withdrawn... 20,000 people are rare elite soldiers! After all, it is a subway ride on the grassland!
Prince Chen is not a fool. How could he easily give such a heroic soldier to himself. My previous thoughts. The land did look down on the regent a little bit.
"Six thousand is six thousand." Du Wei sighed. I secretly calculated in my heart. I already have three thousand cavalry in my hands. Plus the six thousand. Wait for the Liszt family to move to the northwest. There are more than two thousand White Feather Knights to join. There are also more than 10,000 people. Take some more. Barely make up the establishment of 20,000 divisions. can do it too. It's just that the combat effectiveness is not as good as a complete grassland cavalry division.
After reading this secret letter. Du Wei then put the letter on the candle and burned it.
After that, someone invited Count Villa, who had just washed away the dust all the way, to talk.
"When I set off, the command of the military command has been sent out quickly. The cavalry divisions on the grassland will be mobilized in a few days. At that time, the military's order is to let 20,000 people come to Loulan City first. Land. His Highness has already told His Majesty the Duke in his letter. I don’t need to go into details.” Count Villa was dressed in a splendid attire. It seems that the spirit is better than that of the last negotiation. Much better. Obviously, the burden of negotiation has gone. The whole person is also much more relaxed.
Du Wei nodded: "How is the situation in the imperial capital now?"
"It's very interesting to say." Villa smiled slightly: "The main battle and the main and the two factions have gradually stopped arguing. After all, once the credentials are signed, it is considered a conclusion. There is no quarrel between everyone. It's just. Recently, the temple seems to be a little unstable. I heard some rumors... It seems that you have some criticisms of the Duke in the northwest. It's quite a criticism."
"Oh?" Du Wei frowned.
Lao Tzu's current position. It seems that there is no positive offense against the temple, right
Villa smiled lightly: "After the last battle in Gilliad, did you order the captured prairie people to be captured. All of them were tied to the pillars and dragged to various places for parades? Then all the captives died this time. No Survival. This is the matter. The temple is very disapproving of your actions. Especially the holy lady... Hehe. She criticized your brutality in public. Saying such an approach is not in line with the goddess of light's mercy to the world With a kind heart... hehe."
Du Wei nodded: "Saint... um. So what does the temple say?"
"In terms of the temple, I vaguely support the saint's remarks. But I haven't made a public statement. It's just this kind of time. Keep silent. It's a tacit consent to the saint's argument."
Villa hesitated. Said: "Master Duke. I have a suggestion. I don't know..."
"Please tell me. Uncle Villa." Du Wei laughed: "Have you forgotten? In private. Don't call me a duke."
"Well." Earl Villa nodded: "I heard that the temple originally planned to set up a religious place in your capital. But it seems that you don't support it... I even heard about your secret interference..."
Du Wei immediately yelled: "Where is it!! The temple sent people here. It's just that although my new city has just been established, it is getting more and more prosperous. The land price is expensive. He doesn't want to buy the temple himself. But it has nothing to do with me!"
Villa smiled awkwardly. He glanced at Du Wei: "Looking at all parts of the empire... dare to let the temple pay for the land to set up a religious center. Your Excellency the Duke is the first."
Religious institutes all over the empire. As usual. Local magistrates or noble lords. How could you dare to ask the temple to buy the land with its own money? I heard that the temple will set up a religious place. Of course, they are all the best land in the lot for free.
Du Wei said indifferently: "My city is newly built. And I am not a believer in the temple. I don't know how to donate. Is it because of this that the temple hates me? Besides...in the empire. I don't believe in religion. Noble. I'm not the only one, Du Wei."
Villa smiled slightly: "That's it. It's just one of them. Her Royal Highness made things difficult for you. It's probably just... um. For the sake of the late eldest prince. But don't worry about this matter. Attacking you is attacking the regent Wang. It involves the matter of the late eldest prince. The regent will definitely protect you. This is a political position. It will never be shaken."
Du Wei understands. Nodding and smiling: "However, the regent has been very tolerant of this saint. It's this woman who keeps provoking... Alas. I think this saint's brain may not be easy to use."
Villa laughed, then lowered his voice. He said: "Is that so? I heard what His Highness said... He said: If you want to hit a mouse, the most fearful thing is that the mouse has nowhere to attack. As long as the mouse can show a part of its tail, stop it. It's easy to handle. The Temple and us have always been in harmony. Although Prince Chen supported Prince Chen on the day of the coup, Prince Chen also paid an unclear price behind his back! Therefore, we don't have to accept the affection of the Temple. In the future, we will still fight It's just that the temple has always acted cautiously and prudently. It's not easy to start... Leave this stupid woman behind. Even if this mouse's tail is caught by us! Even if the temple is cautious, as long as this woman keeps making trouble. There will be some troubles. At that time, there will be an excuse to blame the temple! But the temple itself wants to show mercy. Try to protect this saint... hum... "
This remark is a confession. It made Du Wei's heart move... this old fox. He has always been wise and safe. encounter these critical issues. Always hilarious. Why are you so confiding in yourself today? He dared to call the saint a "stupid woman" in front of him without any concealment, and mentioned the temple. No respect either. Words mean more than words. Instead, he regards Du Wei as his closest relative.
Du Wei was puzzled. Just looking at Count Villa, Count Villa smiled dryly for a while. Then he coughed and said: "Actually... I'm here this time. Besides delivering a letter to His Highness the Regent, His Highness has another request for me. However, this is a private matter, so it's not easy to come to you with great fanfare." , I can only be sent for a trip.”
"Oh?" Du Wei's heart skipped a beat.
The smile on Earl Villa's face became more and more cordial: "Du Wei, you have reached the age of fifteen. According to the customs of our Roland people, you are considered an adult. Any man who has reached the age of fifteen in the aristocratic circle will immediately Get married, even if you don't get married right away, you still have a fixed marriage contract. But you are so popular now that you are very popular. I don't know how many wealthy families in the imperial capital are watching you closely. If it wasn't because of the bitter cold in the northwest, Some people can't wait and want to send their own daughters here! Haha... To say something impolite, it's a pity that I, Villa, don't have a daughter, otherwise, I would propose marriage to you."
Du Wei chuckled, feeling a little bad.
"The regent is very good to you. He is so honored and favored. I don't think there is such a monarch in Roland's history. He asked me to ask you... Well, His Royal Highness Chen has a fifteen-year-old Her younger sister is the biological daughter of His Majesty Augustine VI. Among all the princes and princesses, she has the best relationship with Prince Chen. This princess is also very famous in the imperial capital, she is beautiful and moving, and someone faintly calls her It is on par with Miss Angel of the Liszt family. Although I have never met Miss Angel, I have seen this princess before, and she is indeed a stunning princess. She is also the daughter of the royal family. The choice... So, His Royal Highness Chen sent me to the northwest, and there is one more thing, which is your marriage!"
Du Wei couldn't help feeling a little unhappy, but he said with a smile on his face, "Well... It seems that Uncle Villa is here to propose marriage to me."
"It's not considered a formal marriage proposal." Villa smiled and said, "His Royal Highness Chen told me face to face. For this kind of thing, both parties must be willing. Moreover, although everyone in the empire wants to marry the royal family, but His Highness Chen Having said that, you, Du Wei, are definitely not that kind of powerful person, so you may not be willing. So I just came to see what you mean. However, what your Highness means is that anyway, the grassland people are temporarily stable now, and it won’t happen in the short term. If there is a big event, it is almost the end of the year. Please come back to the imperial capital at the end of the year. Once you come, the banquet ceremony at the end of the year. If you, the most popular grand duke in the empire, don’t participate, I’m afraid it will be a lot less attractive. Last year You have just arrived in the northwest, and your footing is not stable, and His Royal Highness Chen did not dare to call you. The situation is different this year. You have done a good job in the northwest, and you just returned to the imperial capital to enjoy the scenery... What about the two... Hehe, after the banquet Now, Her Highness the Princess will naturally participate. If I can bring about a good thing for the two of you, I, Villa, will be considered a great achievement."
Du Wei was dumbfounded... What is this? Blind date
But... this prince Chen didn't directly give the marriage roughly, but rather gently let him go on a blind date, which is considered very enlightened.
It's just... I don't even want to marry a woman from the Liszt family... Would I be willing to marry a royal princess back? If I have such a pawn sent by Prince Chen and sleep beside me every day... Hmph, how can I agree to such a thing!
"Well, this is the case. At the end of the year, you have to go back to the imperial capital no matter what. His Highness Chen's order will be sent through official channels." Earl Villa smiled: "This princess is beautiful Touching, is the dream lover of countless talents in the imperial capital, Du Wei, you are blessed this time."
After a pause, before Du Wei could speak, Villa said something again, but Du Wei was speechless immediately!
"The regent said, if...everything goes as you wish, and you marry his sister, then you, Du Wei, will be a collateral branch of the royal family! Although before... um, before... the Luo Lin family was demoted, and it was impossible to restore the family." However, if you become a collateral lineage of the royal family, then your father and younger brother will naturally have a relationship with the royal family. In this way, according to the laws of our Roland Empire, the royal family has immunity. Although the previous decree, Lei Meng and your younger brother Gabriel are not allowed to be hired for life, but if you become a member of the royal family... it will be different! With the name of the collateral line of the royal family, there will be no obstacles for your younger brother Gabriel to enter the official position in the future!"
As soon as he said this, Du Wei raised his eyebrows!
What a prince Chen! Good Regent! Good calculation!
Hehe, you really caught my biggest weakness, Du Wei, very accurately. "Pan was in a dilemma, and suddenly I heard a burst of laughter from outside! The voice reverberated throughout the Duke's Mansion Castle, the voice lingered, and there was a faint sense of pride.
"Hahahahahahaha..."
The sound was so loud that even through the doors and windows, it was harsh.
When Du Wei heard this, his expression changed.
The old gentleman with the green hat... finally came out of the cellar? !
Alas, this teacher, you can leave the test as soon as you leave the test, there is no need to laugh so scary.
Glancing at Villa, Du Wei smiled and said, "Oh, don't worry, this is one of my seniors, a magician. He's just a bit weird. Uncle Villa, please sit down for a while, I'll come as soon as I go."
After finishing speaking, Du Wei took his leave and went out, but as soon as he reached the stairs, he saw his guard Elder Yan rushed up in a hurry with a panicked expression.
"My lord! My lord!"
"What's wrong?"
Lao Yan was sweating and shouted: "This... the old magician who lives in the cellar has come out."
Du Wei curled his lips: "I see... the old guy laughed so loudly, and I'm not deaf."
"No... no!" Lao Yan smiled bitterly: "It's not a big deal! Just now when the old magician came out, he happened to run into Mrs. Liszt! As a result, the Marquis only took one look at the old magician, and didn't know Why, I screamed on the spot, and fainted from fright! The white-feathered knights around the Marquise only thought that the lady had suffered some damage, and they have already surrounded the old magician, and they may have already started fighting!"
Du Wei's surprise was no small matter!
The cuckold got into a fight with the Liszt family? !
See... hell!