I was a lord farming, how did I become an emperor?

Chapter 141 Territory Rumors
……

……

"Let's get to work."

At Xue Rui's command, all the snow rabbit people sprang into action.

After two hearty meals, the Snow Rabbit Man had even more energy.

A bustling scene immediately appeared in the cellar.

These snow rabbit people look very professional.

Instead of acting immediately, they scurried into the cellar and scattered, tapping and knocking on the surrounding walls, their claws deftly touching every suspicious spot.

"This part is very crispy!"

"There's a crack here!"

"This area needs to be repaired!"

……

Their voices echoed in the cellar, sounding entirely professional.

They quickly found more than a dozen flaws in the cellar and then marked them with small wooden sticks they had prepared.

"Seriously, who dug this cellar? It's so unprofessional!"

"I complained," Rabette said, her face full of dissatisfaction.

"If it weren't for these wooden supports, it would have collapsed long ago!"

"That lord should have hired us sooner!"

Labette kept muttering to himself, but his hands didn't slacken in the slightest.

Labette was the most robust of the ten, and he was assigned all the heavy lifting.

He emptied all the wooden planks next to the cellar, then moved them into the cave, making simple frames to place across the cave, covering the weak points.

His movements were so skillful that Lawrence nodded repeatedly in approval.

Then, apart from Xue Rui, several male snow rabbit people took out pottery jars, went to a corner, and urinated into them without any hesitation.

Sheryl was also working diligently, having long been accustomed to the behavior of her tribesmen.

Then Labette went outside, dug around in the mound, put the dirt into a basket, carried it into the cellar, and dumped it on the ground to form a small mound.

The other snow rabbits dug a hole in the middle of the mound and poured a little urine into it.

To Lawrence's astonishment, the snow hare was stirring and mixing the mixture directly with its claws.

They seemed completely oblivious to the smell of their urine, appearing quite focused and muttering to themselves.

After mixing thoroughly, they applied the mixture evenly to the previously identified weak areas.

This scene made Lawrence feel nauseous, but he forced himself to endure the discomfort and continued to observe.

Lawrence didn't like seeing these things, but he needed to record the Snow Rabbit's performance and report it to Rhodes.

He watched for a long time until the Snow Rabbit people finished digging the first cellar, and then he handed over the supervision to the other overseers.

In the evening, after dinner.

Lawrence walked into the manor hall carrying a delicate little wine barrel in both hands.

"Sir, this is some newly made wine by Katie. Would you like a glass?"

"it is good."

Rhodes nodded.

Lawrence uncorked the wooden barrel and poured half a cup into Rhodes' silver cup.

The silver cup was a gift from Count Tulip; Rhodes hadn't originally intended to use tableware that didn't suit the manor.

Avril and Vivian both liked it, so Rod took it out and used it.

Rod swirled his glass, waiting to taste the new wine.

Lawrence straightened his back and reported everything he had seen that morning to Rhodes.

“They are still working very hard, sir.”

Lawrence was lavish in his praise, "And they looked very professional; the areas they treated looked much sturdier just by looking at them."

"I even poked it with a stick, and it was very hard."

"Oh?"

Rhodes was somewhat surprised.

It hardens right after being applied; isn't that even more impressive than cement?

This must be the power of magic.

"However, their methods are somewhat unacceptable."

Lawrence looked pained.

He had long been accustomed to living a life free from excrement and urine, and to the clean town of Frostleaf.

"I know."

Rod had heard Sherry's report before and knew that they liked to use urine and saliva as supplementary materials.

Rod was prepared and instructed, "After they finish dealing with it, have someone sprinkle lime on the surface."

It can both prevent moisture and disinfect, and also remove odors.

After all, rabbit urine has a very strong smell.

"You are wise indeed, sir."

Lawrence suddenly realized and quickly responded.

"The cellars will be handled by the Snow Rabbits, and the freed-up manpower will be sent to the quarry to extract a large amount of stone for me."

Rhodes has already started eyeing his city walls.

With this Snow Rabbit infrastructure team, Rhodes felt that he could start working after the deep winter.

However, a simple brick wall is not very sturdy and consumes a large number of bricks.

Therefore, Rhodes decided to build a "sandwich" wall using bricks, or more professionally, a rammed earth wall.

The outer layer was made of bricks, while the inside was made of gravel, soil, and lime, forming a simple "concrete" that was poured inside and then compacted.

The outer layer of bricks provides a hard shell, while the internal "rubble core" offers better earthquake resistance and is less likely to collapse under impact.

Compared to ordinary brick walls, this sandwich structure can better disperse shock waves when impacted, preventing the entire structure from collapsing and causing only localized damage to the surface.

Rhodes remembered that there were such walls on Earth that had stood for hundreds of years.

Unfortunately, Rhodes' history isn't good, so he can't remember it at all.

Of course, such city walls are more difficult to construct and have higher requirements for the foundation, which will slow down the construction period.

Rhodes had hesitated before, but now that he had the Snow Rabbit Man as a reserve member of the infrastructure team, he decided to go all out.

"Okay sir."

Lawrence responded, then asked for further instructions.
"Sir, Raine has requested some manpower; he has discovered a grove of ash trees."

“We have always been short of arrows, and he hopes that after this forest is cleared out, the timber can be processed as soon as possible.”

"Winter is dry, which is perfect for drying. In a few months, we will be able to make a batch of bows and arrows ourselves."

The lack of bows and arrows in the territory is mainly due to Rhodes.

Rhodes believed that archery was the only long-range weapon of the time, and that all soldiers should be encouraged to master the skill and practice it extensively.

Therefore, all soldiers except the savage spearmen had to practice, and each squad was equipped with at least two bows.

Rhodes also plans to select the best players from each team to form the Longbow Team.

This has resulted in a severe shortage of bows and arrows among the savages of the Wolfhoof tribe when they began training for hunting teams.

"Okay, no problem, you can arrange all of these directly."

Rhodes agreed without hesitation.
"In the future, if military support is needed, there's no need to ask me for permission unless it's extremely important; just approve it directly."

"We should provide them with supplies and manpower as much as possible, and report back afterwards."

"Yes, my lord."

Lawrence responded and stood there with a chuckle.

"Why? Is there anything else?"

Rhodes looked at Lawrence.

"Sir, please come up with a new story for Katie's new wine..."

"Okay, I'll think about it when I have some free time."

"You've had a long day, so I won't bother you any longer."

Lawrence bowed respectfully and then withdrew.

……

……

At night, the study in Eagle Castle is brightly lit.

Having just seen off Viscount Giant Bear's messenger, Earl Falcon sat in his chair and let out a long sigh of relief.

He stretched his shoulders, trying to relax his body.

The next moment, he suddenly stood up and slammed his hand on the table!
Bang!
The loud noise was chilling, and cracks had already appeared on the wooden table.

Earl Falcon's facial muscles tensed with anger, his eyes sharp as knives.

Because of what happened at Black Pine Ridge, the relationship between Viscount Giant Bear and him became extremely strained.

Viscount Bear was a hot-tempered and stubborn man. Once he set his mind on something, he would stick to it like a hunting dog that had its prey in its jaws and would not let go.

Earl Falcon had no choice but to try to persuade him with kind words and even offered some compensation.

In fact, Earl Falcon was not afraid of Viscount Bear, but his superior lord, Earl Storm, was powerful, second only to Marquis Coldblade.

The Storm family has a close relationship with the royal family; they could even be described as a thorn in the side of the royal family in the north.

There are only a handful of noble families in the entire northern province, and the Falcon family can't afford to offend them all.

Therefore, he has to spend more time explaining and even lower his stance a little.

"Damn it, it's that guy from Black Pine Ridge!"

Earl Falcon gritted his teeth and cursed under his breath.

That guy was completely unyielding, which not only ruined all my plans but also cost me a knight!
His fist clenched on the table, veins bulging.

dong dong dong.

Just as Earl Falcon was feeling down, there was a knock on the door.

"Who?"

Earl Falcon frowned and asked in a deep voice.

“My lord, it is Sir Baron.”

Came the guard's voice.

"Come in." Earl Falcon composed himself and sat down again.

Sir Baron then pushed open the door and entered, bowed, and reported, "My lord, those fellows who were spreading rumors in the territory have all been caught."

Since the beginning of winter, rumors have been flying around in various places in Eagle Ridge.

Everything revolves around Earl Falcon's decision to send men to plunder Blackpine Ridge without regard for the lives of his people, and his subsequent defeat, which gave others leverage against him.

The story originally had some truth to it, but it became increasingly outrageous over time.

Later, it was even rumored that Earl Falcon refused to pay ransoms for captured soldiers, separating loyal knights from their families, which led to the death of Knight Chris.

He also refused to pay the ransom for his nephew, Baron Harlan, nearly causing his nephew's death.

There are various versions of the rumors, but they all portray Earl Falcon as insidious, ruthless, cold-blooded, and devoid of any humanity.

These words spread among the people like a plague.

In addition, this year's war has made life difficult for the people in the territory, and several people have died in various villages during the winter.

For a time, everyone was filled with anxiety, and many commoners began to doubt the Earl's abilities.

Such rumors had little effect on serfs and slaves, whose lives were in the hands of Earl Falcon.

But it's different for free people.

Even if free people rent land, they will still flee if the lord is too cruel.

Like those refugees, those who cannot survive or lack confidence in their territory will migrate en masse.

This is especially true for craftsmen.

Blacksmiths might be a little better off, but carpenters, stonemasons, and textile workers would likely just grab their toolboxes, drive their oxcarts, and leave.

Therefore, Earl Falcon must stop this rumor.

He took this matter very seriously and put Baron in charge of it personally.

"only……"

Knight Baron hesitated, his eyes darting around.

"Just what? Tell me!"

Earl Falcon leaned forward, his sharp eyes fixed on Baron.

He was already in a bad mood, and now he had no patience left.

Faced with Earl Falcon's question, Baron looked somewhat embarrassed, his voice low.

"After I brought them back, they all died in prison before I could interrogate them."

"what happened?"

"He was poisoned to death, just like Simon..."

Baron replied, "The doctor examined me and said it was the same poison as last time."

Earl Falcon frowned, his thoughts racing.

When Simon died last time, he interrogated and punished the guards.

Because of the guards' negligence, those soldiers have been reduced to slavery.

The guards in the prison now are a different group of people.

This proves that the soldiers were indeed innocent.

Within Earl Falcon's territory, someone is secretly manipulating all of this.

"This matter must be thoroughly investigated!"

Earl Falcon said sternly, "No matter how complicated or troublesome it is, you must find out the truth for me!"

One instance with the Earl of Falcon can be ignored, since Simon was not particularly important to begin with.

But Earl Falcon could not tolerate such a thing happening a second time.

These people are important; Earl Falcon needs to find out where the rumors came from.

Moreover, the nature of the same event changes when it happens twice.

This is a slap in the face to Earl Falcon, a challenge to his authority.

"Investigate anyone connected to Harlen."

"I understand what you mean."

Baron Knight stood tall and solemnly promised.
"Yes, Your Excellency, I will definitely find out the truth."

"There is one more small matter, Your Excellency."

Baron hesitated for a moment, then continued, "Chris's wife wants to take her child to stay at her mother's house for a while."

Baron's voice softened a little.

“You know, she’s been very sad since we told her Chris was dead, and now only her family can help ease her grief.”

Because he failed to redeem Chris, Earl Falcon told Chris's wife that he had died in battle and gave them some gold coins as compensation.

Chris is no longer here; it's good to leave his children in the territory.

Perhaps Chris's youngest son can also become a Cavalier.

Besides, no one has come back to reveal the truth, so it doesn't matter what Earl Falcon says anymore.

Where is her mother?

Earl Falcon narrowed his eyes, his tone tinged with wariness.

“It’s a small village, on the southern edge of our territory, near the Green Forest,” Baron replied without hesitation.

"That probably has nothing to do with Black Pine Ridge, let them go."

Earl Falcon nodded.

It's been so long, and it's winter, so Earl Falcon probably wouldn't have gone anywhere.

"Is there anything else?" Earl Falcon asked impatiently.

"No, Your Excellency."

Baron bowed and said, "I'll take my leave now, sir."

"Okay, you may leave now. Also, have someone bring Olya and Vina over here."

"Should we call them to the study?" Baron asked.

"Ah."

Earl Falcon is furious and doesn't want to wait any longer.

"Okay, my lord."

Knight Baron quietly left the room.

……

……

The vast expanse of white snow covered every inch of the hillside.

The pine branches bear snow caps, and occasionally a gentle breeze blows, causing tiny snowflakes to fall like silver dust sprinkled from the sky.

The mountain road is winding and twisting, worn into a narrow path by countless footsteps.

A woman led two children slowly along a path, followed by soldiers in armor.

They carefully made their way through the valley and up the hillside, leaving messy footprints beside the narrow ski trail.

The woman breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing the wooden house ahead.

She turned to the two soldiers behind her and said, "Thank you for escorting me. My mother's house is just ahead. Thank you for your hard work."

"This is our mission, Your Excellency."

The woman took a small bag of copper coins from her bosom and handed it to the soldier.

"Thank you for escorting me. Please have some drinks with me."

"Thank you for your generosity, Your Excellency."

The soldier took the money bag and immediately smiled.

The woman simply smiled, the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes deepening with that smile.

"Then you should go back now, and be careful on the road."

"Yes, Your Excellency."

The two soldiers nodded slightly in salute, then turned and left along the path they had come from.

The women, holding their children's hands, headed straight for the mountain village ahead.

However, just after the woman walked down the hillside, the figures of the two soldiers reappeared.

However, they did not follow directly, but carefully kept their distance and followed behind the woman.

After the woman entered the village, the two soldiers exchanged a glance and went to stay at a tavern not far away.

Their task was to keep an eye on this woman.

—Chris's wife, Emina.

Emina didn't notice any of this and led the child straight to her mother's house.

Her mother had been waiting for a long time.

Upon spotting Emina in the distance, he jogged over to her.

The two children politely greeted their grandmother, and Emina couldn't help but call out "Mother."

"poor child."

The mother hugged Emina tightly, showering all her love upon the woman who had lost her husband.

After a long while, the mother let go and stroked Amina's hair.

"You've suffered these days, my child."

The mother's voice was full of pity.

Emina didn't speak, she just nodded slightly.

Ever since learning about Chris, Emina has been crying every day, and she has cried all her tears out in the past few days.

All that remains is emptiness and pain in my heart.

"It's okay, everything will be alright."

The mother comforted her.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries and expressions of care, the mother embraced Amina again and whispered:

"That esteemed sir has been waiting for you for a long time."

Emina's eyes lit up, as if she had suddenly seen a ray of light in the endless darkness.

She looked at her mother anxiously and asked, "Where?"

The mother's gaze swept around, a hint of caution in her eyes.

"Go to the woodshed quickly."

(End of this chapter)