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

Chapter 153 Ask Baron Rhodes
At the Winterfall Manor.

Rod is inspecting the ice cellar.

Instead of designing two levels, the Sheri site was dug directly underground along a diagonal line.

The cellar and ice cellar are two separate floors, which takes up a lot of space and eliminates the need to consider the load-bearing capacity of the upper floors.

To maintain the temperature below the ice cellar, the second-floor corridor has two wooden doors, with animal hide curtains on them for insulation.

"Yeah, well done."

Rod nodded and praised her, and Sherry immediately breathed a sigh of relief, her tense face breaking into a smile.

"We're giving your construction team three days off so you can go home and visit your families."

Thank you for your generosity!

Xue Rui was overjoyed and quickly bowed in greeting.

The clansmen have been away for so many days and just happened to miss their families. Lord, you are truly amazing!
"My lord, may our people move here to live?"

Sheryl asked cautiously.

The edge of the Blackstone Mountains is still too far away. It takes most of the day for the clansmen to travel to visit their relatives, and they waste most of their time on the journey.

Rod considered for a moment and asked, "Are you going to dig a tunnel underground?"

"Yes, my lord, we still prefer to live underground."

"Let's wait a bit."

Rod looked at Sherry and explained, "The underground area of ​​Frostleaf Town hasn't been planned yet, so there won't be any space for your people when they arrive."

The town of Frostleaf also needs to have a sewer system planned underground; the Snow Rabbits can't just be placed anywhere.

"If you are worried about your people, have them move to the Blackrock Mountain mine first. They can help me keep an eye on the underground iron ore mining work and prevent collapse."

"Yes, my lord, I will make the arrangements as soon as I get back."

Xue Rui readily agreed.

In fact, what Rhodes said was another point she was worried about.

All the able-bodied men in the clan came to Shuangye Town to work, leaving the safety of the elderly and weak in the cave unprotected.

"Yes, I'll tell Lawrence to bring you some more food back."

As he spoke, Rod suddenly remembered a question and looked down at Sherry with curiosity.
"By the way, do you eat rabbit meat?"

"This one……"

Sherry said somewhat awkwardly, "Under normal circumstances... we don't eat it."

"So you mean you don't eat when there's food, but you eat when there's not enough food?"

Rhodes pressed on with the question.

Sherry nodded. "You're right."

"That means there's no physiological rejection. Oh, no wonder."

Rhodes nodded, then realized what he meant.
"Your food supply seems to be consistently insufficient, doesn't it?"

Xue Rui blushed instantly, and lowered her head involuntarily, her ears drooping slightly, like leaves withered by the sun.

When the survival of a race is mortally threatened, so-called traditional rules cease to exist.

"It's okay, I don't have those rules here. You can eat anything except people."

Rod smiled and comforted her, "I don't mind if you eat bugs, I've even eaten fried ones before."

"However, I will tell Lawrence not to give you rabbit jerky."

"Thank you for your thoughtfulness." Xue Rui bowed.

"Let's go."

As Rod finished speaking, Sherry quickly ran forward to lift the curtain for him.

Once outside the ice cellar, Rhodes immediately ordered the slaves to start working, carrying the already frozen ice blocks back into the ice cellar.

Just then, Avril came running up, lifting her skirt.

Rod's heart tightened.

The only thing that could make Avril so flustered is news from Eagle Ridge!
"How about it?"

Rod took Avril from him.

"Earl Falcon is dead!"

Avril lowered her voice and then gasped for breath.

"Was it done by that shadowy figure last night?"

Rhodes pressed on with the question.

To ensure Vivian is free from distractions during her mission, Rhodes and Avril are staying separately for the next two days.

Avril went to bed early last night, and before the sun rose this morning, she told Rod about Vivian's experiences last night.

Rhodes had a basic understanding of the whole process.

"According to the soldiers who searched the area, yes!"

Avril nodded and recounted Vivian's encounter with the soldier.

Rod smiled.

Vivian was originally sent to assassinate someone, but she ended up becoming a war correspondent.

The other party's strange way of moving reminded Rhodes of the Blood Shadow who had assassinated him.

But then Rhodes shook his head, dismissing his idea.

Failure is a sin in itself, so why would an assassin organization turn around and assassinate its own employer?

This is not logical.

"It seems the world is much more complex than we imagined."

Witnessing two bizarre assassination attempts in succession gave Rhodes a new perspective on this world.

The challenges of becoming a noble lord are indeed different from those faced by illegitimate children.

Rhodes believed that Count Tulip must also know that side of the world, but he himself had not been qualified to know before.

"Regardless of who killed him, we cannot miss the opportunity that Earl Falcon is dead."

Rod's expression turned serious. "Someone come here!"

The guards quickly ran forward to receive the order, and Rhodes immediately commanded,
"Send a message to Gunther: Make your move!"

……

……

The news quickly reached Baiyan Canyon.

The raiding squad crossed the hillside outside White Rock Canyon and marched quickly along the path into Eagle Ridge.

Guided by Musen, they easily bypassed the sentry post and arrived at the outskirts of a village nestled on a hillside by evening.

Hanqiu Village, in the woods not far away.

"Well done, Musen."

Gunle patted Musen on the shoulder, a hint of approval in his eyes.

As the sun sets and darkness descends, the moon rises, and the cold mountain wind rustles through the treetops.

Gunle looked down and grinned: "Thank you for making our first night warm."

Spending the night in the village is naturally warm.

Musen stood to the side, his expression somewhat stiff.

Cold sweat beaded on his forehead; he didn't know if his choice was right or wrong.

After a moment's hesitation, Musen finally spoke cautiously, "Lord Gunther, please don't harm my neighbors. They have little to do with Earl Falcon."

"Relax, we're on the same side now."

Gunle chuckled and patted Musen on the shoulder again: "We only rob, we don't kill."

"And don't forget your mission."

Gunle instructed, "You not only have to take your family with you, but you also have to persuade your neighbors to come with us."

"If you can do that, then you will truly gain the lord's approval."

“To be frank with you, Musen,”

Gunle grinned, revealing a mouthful of yellow teeth.
"If any of you or your companions manage to escape slavery, you will be the first."

"Thank you, Lord Gonler!"

Musen felt a little relieved, let out a long sigh, and promised, "I definitely won't let you down!"

"Alright, it's getting dark, let's get to work."

Gunle carefully took out a palm-sized parchment scroll from his bosom, stood up, and read aloud from it:
"Relay the lord's order!"

"The Earl of Falcon's act of sending troops to plunder Blackpine Ridge has trampled on the dignity of me, Rhodes Tulip, and violated the rights of the lord and all his subjects!"

"The Falcon family must pay the price!"

"Now you will step into Eagle Ridge and defend my dignity, that of Lord Rod Tulip, Baron of Blackpine Ridge, in the same manner!"

"And I promise you, twenty percent of the looted property will be distributed as a reward to everyone!"

The parchment contained words written in Baron Rhodes' own handwriting, the rigid characters conveying an unquestionable authority.

At the same time, it is also to enable Rhodes's "Commander's Edge" and "Commander's Momentum" attributes to take effect.

This also gives the title of justice to this looting.

Sure enough, after Gunle finished reading, the soldiers were filled with excitement, their eyes fixed on the village ahead.

Gunther rolled up the parchment and stuffed it into his armor, shouting loudly,

"Now, on my command, attack!"

As soon as he finished speaking, all the soldiers surged toward the village ahead as if they had been injected with chicken blood.

All the soldiers were filled with excitement, their eyes gleaming with desire for the spoils of war.

Before the village militiamen on patrol could realize what was happening, they saw a large group of dark figures emerge on the snow-covered hillside.

In the darkness, these shadows swept in like ghosts!

"Robbers! Robbers are coming!"

A militiaman screamed in terror, his voice piercing the still night!
Immediately afterwards, a sharp horn blared, echoing throughout the entire village!

The doors of several wooden houses nearby were suddenly pushed open, and several sleepy-eyed figures ran out.

With nothing to do in winter, many people drink a few sips of alcohol and then go to bed early.

I was just about to go to sleep when I was startled awake by the alarm.

They were clad in animal skins, holding spears and axes, and nervously peering out.

The bugle call stopped abruptly as soon as the people ran out.

Turning around, I saw that the militiaman who had called the police had been shot down to the ground!

The next instant, a series of sharp whistling sounds rang out, and several streaks of cold light pierced the darkness!
Ah!
Bang!
Screams and the sounds of people falling to the ground rose and fell one after another as those wielding weapons collapsed!

"Anyone who doesn't want to die, kneel down and surrender!"

Gunle's voice was deafening.
"Otherwise—die!"

The cold axe blade gleamed under the moonlight, and its bear-like body sent shivers down everyone's spines.

Then a few militiamen, still not believing in evil, turned to run away, but before they could run a few steps, a short axe flashed through the air!
"what!"

The person at the front fell to the ground with a thud, and blood instantly stained the snow red!
Having learned from the previous example, the others obediently threw down their weapons and knelt on the ground with their hands raised.

The soldiers swarmed forward and tied up all the militiamen.

"Spread out and search in small teams!" Gunle shouted, warning, "Remember, we're looting, not killing!"

Gunther's standard was not to kill unarmed civilians.

This was also Rod's instruction.

No matter what, people are the most important thing, and the development of a territory can never be separated from people.

The North is already sparsely populated, and indiscriminate killing not only damages its own reputation but also depletes the North's resources.

This is not worth the gain.

I'm not killing anyone, I'm just robbing. Maybe I can rob again next year.

"In addition, if anyone can't survive, let them go to Black Pine Ridge to work, with food and lodging provided!"

"Tie up all the artisans and other craftsmen with special skills, regardless of their wishes!"

Forcibly taking everyone away would be a burden, and there were some that Rhodes didn't even want.

But artisans, doctors, hunters, and the like are the finest slaves Rhodes desires most.

Not one can be let go.

"Yes, Lord Gonler!"

The soldiers responded in unison and then surged into the village.

Gunle led the elite troops under Baron Rhodes, while the patrols and guards in this remote mountain village were just some militiamen with incomplete weapons and equipment.

These militiamen rarely receive any proper training; they simply patrol the villages with crude weapons, putting on a show.

Gunle's hundred-man squad overwhelmed the entire village in terms of sheer numbers, not to mention their superior equipment.

So even though the soldiers had traveled for half a day, they still easily captured the entire village.

To prevent anyone from reporting the crime, all the villagers were taken from their homes and held together in a few wooden huts.

Guided by Musen, Gunle headed straight for Musen's yard.

"boom!"

Gunle kicked the door open, and the wooden door slammed against the wall with a loud bang.

By this time, the Musen family had heard the alarm sound at the village entrance and had all hidden themselves.

"It's me, Mother, my sister!"

Musen went straight to the woodshed, moved the wooden barrels on top, and lifted the wooden planks in the cellar.
"I am Musen, Mother, I'm back!"

A middle-aged woman huddled in a corner, clutching a kitchen knife tightly in her hand.

Upon seeing who it was, her eyes first showed confusion, then her face lit up with joy.

"Why are you back?"

Her voice trembled; she couldn't believe her eyes.

"Aren't you already dead?"

Her gaze shifted to the bear-like Gunle behind Musen, and fear returned to her face.

"Who are they?"

"Listen to me, listen to me, don't be nervous!"

Musen jumped into the cellar and grasped his mother's trembling hands.

“They are all my companions. I have now joined the Blackpine Forest and pledge my allegiance to Lord Baron Rhodes.”

"what?"

Musen's mother looked at her son in astonishment, unable to believe what she was hearing.
"How can this be? Are you betraying our lord, Earl Falcon?"

"Pooh!"

Musen spat, his eyes filled with resentment.

"Why can't this be done?"

"Earl Falcon doesn't care about us at all; he's just sending us to our deaths!"

"I never want to risk my life for him again!"

Musen took a breath, his tone returning to calm.
“We eat well and live well with Baron Rhodes. Everyone can eat their fill as long as they are willing to work.”

"We won't have to go hungry in winter like we used to."

Musen gripped his mother's hand tightly, his eyes pleading: "Come with me now, we'll all move to Black Pine Ridge."

"Black Pine Ridge...isn't that a wasteland?"

The mother's eyes were full of doubt.

"No, no, no! It's completely different there now."

Musen explained loudly, "Listen to me, you all need to pack your things quickly. What about my sister's family?"

“It’s on the east side of the village…” Musen’s mother replied blankly.

"I'll go tell her in a bit and have her and her family come with us!"

"Musen said urgently."

Because Musen knew that if he didn't leave, he would be robbed.

If all the food is taken away, people will likely go hungry.

Musen's mother nodded blankly, her eyes still filled with unease: "Then... what are these soldiers doing?"

Musen pulled her aside and said in a low voice, "This is a matter between lords, we don't need to get involved. Just pack your things and come with me."

As the only son in the family, Musen's words carried considerable weight.

His mother immediately began packing, taking all the clothes and some valuables from the house with her.

While they were packing, Musen's father rushed back.

He was originally joining in the fun at the village tavern, but when he heard the alarm, he quickly ran back.

Upon seeing the soldiers in the courtyard, he immediately prepared to fight to the death, but was stopped by Musen who rushed out.

Musen's father was more open-minded than his mother and agreed to Musen's idea without hesitation.

After all, their family had indeed had a difficult time under the rule of Earl Falcon.

Otherwise, Musen's father would go to the tavern to drink, not to join in the fun.

Cries and screams echoed throughout the village.

It was precisely because the soldiers did not use excessive force that these villagers had the opportunity to speak out.

If they were truly vicious robbers, all that would be left now are young women.

The soldiers moved swiftly and methodically, taking away all the valuable and easily accessible items.

Ironware, copper coins, furs, grain, herbs... they didn't let go of anything that could be exchanged for money.

In addition, oxen and draft horses were also brought out and gathered together.

These animals were also crucial for the soldiers to transport goods.

According to Rhodes' plan, a small team would escort the goods, and then a few slaves would be captured to transport the goods to the vicinity of White Rock Canyon using livestock and carts.

Once we get there, another team will meet us.

The first group of people responsible for transporting the goods consisted mainly of Musen's family and a few obedient neighbors.

There are some clever people in Hanqiu Village.

Knowing that a very difficult winter would follow the robbery, they volunteered to go to Black Pine Ridge to make a living after hearing Musen describe the wonderful life there.

Before dawn, Musen led them, pushing carts loaded with spoils, towards Black Pine Ridge under the escort of soldiers.

Musen walked at the front of the group and breathed a sigh of relief.

As Gunle had said before, after doing all this, he was finally considered to have joined Black Pine Ridge.

Both in terms of daily life and mental well-being.

……

……

Eagle Town is not an impenetrable wall.

It looked more like an animal hide that had been gnawed by rats, full of holes.

In less than two days, news of Earl Falcon's death reached the ears of all the lower lords.

Including Baron Harlan.

At Hawkeye Manor, Harlan frowned, his face contorted in pain.

How could he have died?

Baron Harlan's mind was in complete disarray; he held his head in his hands and paced back and forth.

"Why? How could he suddenly die?!"

These words were repeatedly chewed over in his mouth, a mixture of confusion, distress, and resentment.

Baron Harlan was not happy to hear the news of Earl Falcon's death.

On the contrary, the news came like a bolt from the blue, disrupting Baron Harlan's meticulously planned schemes.

All of Baron Harlan's previous arrangements came to naught and lost their meaning.

The path to revenge that he had been eagerly anticipating was abruptly cut short by this unexpected turn of events.

Baron Harlan suddenly felt empty inside.

Harlan never had the chance to verify the truth of what happened back then.

Baron Harlan's wife, Olaya, seeing his pained expression, slowly stepped forward and embraced him.
"It's okay, whatever decision you make, I will support you."

Baron Harlan rubbed his forehead wearily and said with a wry smile, "I just don't know what to do right now."

Although Earl Falcon is dead, he has an eldest son who can inherit the earldom, so it is not Baron Harlan's turn at all.

But this does not mean that Baron Harlan has no chance.

On the contrary, the turbulent period of the new count's accession to the throne was the best opportunity to change the situation.

It was precisely this opportunity that made Baron Harlan hesitate.

To submit, or to resist?
Baron Harlan was unwilling to submit.

If we obediently submit, then all of Baron Harlan's years of preparation will have been in vain.
Not only in Eagle Town, but even in Earl Falcon's castle, he has his men.

But Baron Harlan had not yet made any other preparations for resistance.

Baron Harlan could choose not to pledge allegiance to the new Earl, but that would mean making an enemy of the entire Eagle Ridge.

This situation is very passive, as neither the military strength nor the territory's defenses are sufficient.

Aurelia was smart, and after thinking about it carefully, she understood Baron Harlan's dilemma.

"Perhaps we could listen to the opinion of the Baron of Blackpine Ridge?"

"He must have extraordinary wisdom to have developed his territory so quickly."

Baron Harlan nodded approvingly. "That is indeed a solution."

He thought for a moment and said, "If we just ask Baron Rhodes for help, we'll have to bleed money again."

"That's better than handing over the benefits to the new Earl of Falcon."

Aurelia said slowly, "That's the last thing you want to see, isn't it?"

Baron Harlan remained silent, his mind racing with various thoughts as he weighed the pros and cons.

In the end, he sighed.

"Write a letter, or it will be too late."

(End of this chapter)