Harrenhal's army is ready to go.
The torrent of blood and fire gathered outside the castle, the flags rustled in the wind, and a chilling atmosphere filled the morning fog of Riverlands.
Lymond. Lychester's camp was brightly lit.
Suleiman and Lymond. Lychester sat around a huge marching table, with a detailed Riverlands map spread on the table.
There was a slight commotion outside the tent, and a House Lychester knight opened the door curtain and led a person in.
The visitor's footsteps were very light, stepping on the thick carpet and making almost no sound.
Suleiman looked up.
A very young bachelor, perhaps only in his twenties.
There was Citadel's unique humility on his face, and the bachelor's necklace around his neck shone with the luster of various metals under the dancing firelight.
One of the rings seems to be Valyrian steel, which is dark and deep, absorbing all the surrounding light.
He first bowed deeply to Lymond. Lychester: "Master Lymond."
Then, he turned to Suleiman, who was sitting next to the main seat, and gave a more respectful salute. "Sir Suleiman."
Lymond. Lychester's voice had the hoarseness of an old man, but the warmth contained in it could not be concealed. "Rooney, my child, come here."
He waved, motioning the bachelor to come closer.
The old man turned to Suleiman with a proud look on his face. "Suleiman, this is Bachelor Rooney. He has taken care of me for many years."
"He's the smartest kid I've ever met."
Rooney Bachelor's cheeks were slightly red, he lowered his head and said softly, "Lymond, Lord, you are so complimentary."
His self-light fell back on Lymond. Lychester, his eyes full of struggle and reluctance.
The bachelor took a deep breath and bowed again. "Master Lymond, I... I'm here to ask for my resignation."
Lymond. Lychester The smile on his face froze, and he frowned with gray brows. "Excuse me? Where are you going?"
Bachelor Rooney's voice was trembling. "Your Excellency is now the Governor of Riverlands, with a distinguished status."
"My knowledge is shallow and I have only created a few links in Citadel. I am really not capable of taking on the important task of Governor General."
"I implore you, sir, to reapply to Citadel for a more knowledgeable bachelor to assist you."
"I... I will only drag you down."
He spoke so sincerely that his eyes even gleamed with water.
Lymond. Lychester slammed the table and the wine glasses on the table jumped.
The old man shouted angrily, "Nonsense!"
"What a doctor! I don't need it!"
He stood up and grabbed Bachelor Rooney's arm with a strength that was not like that of a dying old man.
"You stay here! You are not allowed to go anywhere!"
"I told you, you are the smartest person I have ever met!"
Rooney The tears finally fell from the eyes of the bachelor. He was deeply moved by the old man's protection. His lips moved, but he could not say a word.
Lymond. Lychester turned to look at Suleiman, his eyes seemed to be seeking support.
Suleiman just looked at this scene calmly and nodded slightly. He knew that there were knowledgeable bachelors in Citadel, and their chains were much more numerous and heavier than those of bachelor Rooney.
But for this old man, some feelings cannot be let go and are more important than knowledge.
Although he already had a bachelor candidate, Doctor Qyburn, he had no choice but to find another way.
Lymond. Lychester was relieved. He pulled Bachelor Rooney and dragged him to the huge Riverlands map.
He said to Suleiman, "My son, Bachelor Rooney may be able to answer our questions."
He pointed at the map again and said to Bachelor Rooney: "Kid, look."
"Do you know how much land we control now?"
Rooney Bachelor quickly adjusted his mood and held the necklace around his neck. This question entered his professional field.
He cleared his throat, and his voice returned to the rigor and calmness that a bachelor should have.
"Master Lymond, it is an extremely huge project to accurately calculate the area and population of a fiefdom."
"We need to send out men with rulers and ropes to measure every field and count every village."
He paused and his tone was very sure.
"Even for the smallest lordship, it will take several months to complete the preliminary statistics."
"The area under the direct control of the Governor-General now, I'm afraid... I'm afraid it won't be completed for several years."
"In the current Westeros, this is almost an impossible task."
Suleiman looked at him, his eyes as calm as water. "No, we can guess the approximate number."
"We don't need to be so precise now, and we can't do it."
Rooney Bachelor's brows frowned.
All the training he had received told him that without measuring with his own hands, all estimates would be castles in the air. "But sir, without conducting on-the-ground statistics, how do we know how much land we own?"
"Westeros Most of the lords don't even know how many people they have under their rule."
Suleiman's finger drew an arc on the parchment map, extending from the Twins to Harrenhal: "How big is Riverlands?"
Rooney Bachelor was stunned. What kind of question is this? Citadel's geography textbook has no standard answer.
He thought for a while, "About... the same size as Vale, the Westerlands, Stormlands."
Suleiman didn't speak, but nodded. Suleiman's nod made Bachelor Rooney's expression even more confused.
He led the army almost all over Riverlands, from East Riverlands to West Riverlands, from Harrenhal to Seaguard, and already had his own estimate in mind.
The size of this land is roughly equivalent to the traditional medieval kingdom of England minus Wells, Ireland and Scotland.
The area they currently control within Riverlands is almost equal to the size of Wells.
Suleiman's voice was without any emotion, as if stating a certain fact. "Then, the land under our feet is about 20,000 square kilometers."
Rooney Bachelor is completely at a loss.
Square kilometers, what unit is this? Citadel's books have never recorded this measurement method.
Suleiman didn't give him time to think and continued, "Based on four thousand square meters being one acre, I call it Governor Acre."
He quickly calculated in his mind that the original "Suleiman Acre" was one thousand square meters, a choice made when the territory was small and there were many people.
The current governor's territory is vast and sparsely populated, and must be changed. One acre is just the right size.
"We have about five million Governor Acre of land."
"Excluding areas such as rivers, mountains, and swamps that cannot be farmed, the total is four million Governor Acre."
Rooney Bachelor's mouth opened slightly.
His brain was racing, trying to understand this new calculation method, trying to connect "square kilometers" and "square meters" with what he knew as "rigges" or "yards".
But he failed. These numbers were too large, too abstract, and completely beyond his experience in processing data.
"Sir... this...
.. I don't..
Suleiman raised his hand, interrupted him, and looked at Lymond. Lychester: "Westeros is a vast land with few people, especially Riverlands, which has been devastated by Ironborn."
"The Reach is the granary of Seven Kingdoms, but the land of Riverlands is equally fertile."
"The war destroyed this place, but it also gave us the opportunity to reshape society."
Suleiman cast his eyes on the map again, as if he could see through the parchment and see every inch of soil and every stream beneath it.
"For a family, give them twenty Governor Acre public land and let them farm and live."
He stretched out his finger, just thought for a moment, and began to give the results.
"Four million Governor Acre, each with twenty Governor Acre, can accommodate 200,000 families."
"A family of five people is equivalent to one million people.
"Of course, we can't conjure a million people out of thin air."
"According to my guess, the total population of Riverlands may only be around one million people."
Rooney Bachelor felt dizzy. What is this? Land and population can be calculated like this.
He wanted to say something, but found that he couldn't say anything. Citadel's knowledge and experience seemed so feeble at this moment.
Suleiman looked away from Lymond. Lychester and looked at the Riverlands map.
According to his speculation, the total population of Riverlands is only about one million, and the total population of Westeros may be between five million and ten million.
The dual factors of environment and system limit population reproduction.
He needs to find crops and technical means that can grow in winter to reduce the huge losses caused by Yan Dong.
The current Westeros is at the very beginning of Long Summer. From 289 to 299, the total length is ten years, which is the best time to reserve and hoard supplies.
And his biggest advantage is here, he knows when Long Winter is coming, but these Westeros lords don't know.
He can then think of a way to ensure that Riverlands will use its productivity to suppress the other six countries in the severe winter of 299 ten years later, and have enough population and materials to carry out war.
Suleiman looked away from the map and looked at Lymond. Lychester: "West Riverlands The number of refugees displaced by the war is only about 200,000 at most.
"In this opportunity to take in refugees first, our goal is to absorb 100,000 people first."
"One hundred thousand people, roughly 20,000 families."
"They need 400,000 acres of land, and the tax rate we set is only one-tenth of the output per acre."
"In other words, they only need to hand over the entire output of two acres of land every year."
"Such a low tax burden is enough for them to live a subsistence life."
"There will be tons of people coming."
"And we still have more than three million acres of land that can be rewarded or distributed.
After Suleiman finished speaking, he picked up the water glass on the table and took a calm sip.
It's as if no advanced theory is used, just a simple arithmetic.
There was deathly silence in the entire camp.
Only the faint sound of wind outside the tent and the shouts of soldiers in the distance could be heard.
Rooney Bachelor stood there blankly, not knowing where to put his hands and feet.
What is this?
Rooney Bachelor's eyes involuntarily drifted to the chain link around his neck.
The silver represents medicine, the black iron represents the crow's language, and the brass represents celestial phenomena... He was once proud to own these links.
But now, he felt that every number coming out of Suleiman's mouth was like a chain link made of unknown metal that he had never seen before. It was so heavy that he couldn't understand it and couldn't breathe.
On the other side, Lymond. Lychester, who had been silent all this time, was holding his wine glass.
He hasn't moved for a long time.
At first, his eyes were just as blank as Bachelor Rooney's, but as Suleiman's words gradually shone with a strange light.
He may not understand Square Kilometers or Governor Acre, but he understands the core.
Land, refugees, families, soldiers.
A powerful closed loop that goes back and forth.
One number after another proves that his family has become the most powerful family in Riverlands.
Bachelor Rooney's confidence completely collapsed. He looked at Lymond. Lychester, his voice filled with shrinkage and weakness, almost pleading.
"Sir, you... you'd better hire someone else..."
Lychester In the small square cleared in front of the governor's tent.
Lymond. Lychester and Suleiman stood under the firelight.
Soon, footsteps sounded.
Rosso Brune walked at the front, followed by Bryn and the freedom knights who survived the blood and fire.
They came one by one, with anticipation and excitement in their eyes.
The small square was crowded with people, but the atmosphere was extremely quiet. Only the charcoal in the brazier made the occasional popping sound.
All eyes are focused on Suleiman.
Suleiman looked around, his eyes scanning every weather-beaten face.
His voice was not high, but it reached everyone's ears clearly. "There is only one criterion for calculating merit, and that is the enemy's head."
Suleiman's eyes became sharp.
"With the head inspection system, each head must be confirmed by at least two comrades in your team and recorded by the officer.
"After the war, it will be reviewed by my affairs officer, and finally signed and confirmed by the battle commander."
He paused for a moment to let the weight of these words sink in.
"Anyone who falsely reports military exploits will be deprived of all rewards from this enfeoffment once discovered."
"At the same time, depending on the degree of fraud, his property and the land he may acquire in the future will be confiscated."
There was dead silence in the small square.
The knights clenched their fists. This rule is simple, rough, but extremely fair. As long as they kill people, they like it.
"Finally, there are the four major military achievements: killing generals, capturing flags, trapping battles, and being the first to ascend. Anyone who accomplishes these feats will be rewarded separately."
Suleiman looked at Rosso Brune: "Sir Rosso, knights, have you verified the credit?"
Rosso Brune took a step forward and took out a roll of parchment from his arms. "Sir, everything has been verified."
Suleiman only said one word, "Read."
Rosso Brune unfolded the parchment, and the firelight illuminated his unremarkable face.
"Donald Vic, beheaded eleven levels, received one hundred and ten Governor Acre."
A bearded knight suddenly raised his head, his eyes full of excitement and unwillingness to kill too few.
"Bardock. Gale, beheaded thirteen levels, gained one hundred and thirty pieces of land Governor Acre."
"William. Bard, fell into the battle once, beheaded nine levels, and gained one hundred and forty lands. Governor Acre."
As the list went on reading one after another, the breathing in the small square became heavier and heavier.
When the knight's name was read, his body tensed upright, as if he was accepting the canonization of the lord.
Most of them have been running around for a few Silver Stag all their lives, and never thought that the word land would be associated with them.
Rosso Brune's voice was steady and emotionless, but as he read it, his voice got louder and louder, gradually turning into a roar.
"Bryn. Sir Wyman."
Bryn took a step forward, and the ground seemed to shake.
"Behead one general, capture one flag, behead seventeen levels, total merit, and gain two hundred and seventy lands Governor Acre."
There was a burst of uncontrollable exclamations from the crowd, this achievement was too exaggerated.
Bryn's resolute face had a muscle twitch.
He didn't speak, just lowered his head heavily. It would be great if his family was still alive.
The list is getting shorter.
Everyone held their breath, waiting for the final name.
Rosso Brune paused, took a deep breath, and read out his name.
"Rosso Brune."
His voice was a little dry.
"Climb once first, behead one general, and behead ten levels, and the total merit is...
He raised his head and glanced at Suleiman before continuing to read.
"Received two hundred land Governor Acre."
Rosso Brune put down the parchment in his hand and lowered his head.
This wandering knight, this man who was rejected by his relatives in Brownhollow, now has his own family business.
Suleiman looked at their reactions and felt as calm as water.
A traditional medieval knightly kingdom needed at least a thousand acres of land to arm and mobilize about fifty to one hundred peasant soldiers to form an independent military unit.
What he is doing now is to exchange the land of one big knight for ten or more Junker Landowners who only own small pieces of land.
Their land is rich enough, but not enough for them to form a separatist force. Their mobilization ability is strictly limited to family members, and their force only belongs to the Riverlands Governor.
If someone in the future can gain military merit by killing people, he can earn more than a thousand acres of land from him.
Suleiman feels that he should at least call the other person "Westeros Superman".
"The contract is ready."
Suleiman's voice broke the silence.
"But before you sign, you need to understand the rules you will abide by."
He motioned Rosso Brune to continue.
Rosso Brune cleared his throat, picked up another roll of parchment, and read aloud.
"<Riverlands Governor's Eleven Rules for Rural Nobles>"
"Article 1: Status privileges. Legally own, operate and pass on the land granted to you."
"Article 2: Inheritance by the eldest son. The land is inherited completely by the eldest son and cannot be divided. If the eldest son is unable to fulfill his military duties, another son can be chosen."
"Article 3: Maintain military readiness. As the first priority, a set of war horses, armor, and weapons must be kept in good condition at all times."
"Article 4: Respond to the beacon fire. Once the governor's beacon fire is lit, you must immediately respond and assemble."
"Article 5: Prohibition on keeping farmers. The relationship with farmers must be contract employment, and a document must be written to clearly specify wages and working hours. It is strictly prohibited to force farmers, and violators will be severely punished."
"Article 6: The crime of arrogance. The exercise of judicial power is strictly prohibited. This is the exclusive power of the governor. Violators will be punished as treason."
"Article 7: Prohibition of private fighting. Any dispute between Junkers must be reported to the Governor's Affairs Officer for decision. Both parties to the private fight, regardless of right or wrong, will first confiscate half of the land and then discuss the merits."
"Article 8: Meritorious land. Juncker enjoys the right to use, benefit and inherit, but private sales and mortgages are strictly prohibited."
"Article 9: Assist law enforcement. When the Governor's Affairs Officer arrives, he has the obligation and responsibility to provide assistance, protection and information."
"Article 10: Moral Code. Their behavior should conform to the traditional morals of Riverlands rural aristocrats such as diligence, bravery, chastity, obedience, and law-abiding."
"Article 11: Social assistance. Provide limited help to the Riverlands people who have suffered natural and man-made disasters within the scope of their capabilities."
Without hesitation, the knights stepped forward one by one and signed their names on the parchment.
Everyone looked at Suleiman and repeated the same sentence.
"My sword will always fight for you."
In the governor's tent late at night, Lymond. Lychester walked back and forth.
The scenes at night only made him feel like his blood was boiling.
He looked at the parchment on the table that was full of names and said excitedly, "Okay! Great!"
Suleiman picked up the document, leaned in front of the candlelight, and looked at the signatures on it.
He did not respond to Lymond. Lychester's excitement. He just spoke softly, "Sir Lymond, today is just the first day."
Suleiman turned his head and looked at the vast land shrouded in night outside the tent.
His voice was calm and powerful, full of unquestionable determination.
"Ten years to feed the people."
"Ten years to expand the world."
"Ten years to peace."