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

Chapter 321 Accepting gifts is nowhere as fast as confiscating property.

……

……

Red Griffin Castle, Lord's Secret Chamber.

Count Red Griffin slowly clenched his fist, feeling the surging power within him.

At this moment, without consciously trying to feel it, he can mobilize the Qi in his body and let it freely cover the back of his hands and forearms.

"It surprised me that."

Count Red Griffin's voice was deep, tinged with self-mockery.

"At this age, he can still break through to the top-level knight."

The light illuminated his face, making his wrinkles seem less pronounced.

“That boy Rhodes is truly amazing.”

He raised his hand and looked at his palm.

A faint, reddish glow could be seen flowing across the skin.

This is a transformation of Qi, containing a trace of the power of flame.

However, compared to the pure energy of the legendary knight, Count Red Griffin still has a long way to go.

"What a pity, that magical Knight's Roar Potion is of no help to the path of becoming a legendary knight."

Count Red Griffin withdrew his inner energy and muttered to himself.

What kind of dream am I having?

The red griffin shook its head slightly.

The process of becoming a top-tier knight had already nearly killed him.

The excruciating pain felt as if bones were broken and then regrown, and flesh was torn and then healed.

His screams echoed throughout the secret room.

However, if one can truly ascend to the legendary level, experiencing the pain a second time is not out of the question.

Count Red Griffin smiled, dismissed the thoughts in his mind, stood up and walked out of the secret room.

The air in the corridor was exceptionally fresh, and Earl Red Lion looked refreshed and walked with light and energetic steps, as if he had become twenty years younger.

When the servants bowed to him, surprise was involuntarily shown in their eyes.

The Red Griffin Earl remained calm, but a hint of smugness crept into his heart.

"My Lord Count."

Garrick strode into the hall, bowed, and seemed about to say something, but when he saw Earl Red Griffin's appearance, he was clearly taken aback.
"You...sir, you seem a little different today."

“Good, Garrick, you have a good eye.”

Count Red Griffin beckoned to Garrick and led him into the council chamber.

Then, with a calm smile on his face, Earl Red Griffin slowly said, "Just now, I was promoted to a top-tier knight."

Garrick's expression froze; he stared blankly at Earl Red Griffin.
"No wonder, no wonder you seem so young..."

Garrick's face was filled with envy, and he couldn't help but look at Count Red Griffin again.

After watching for a while, he suddenly realized...

"Congratulations, Your Excellency!"

"Your talent is truly amazing!"

Garrick tried his best to flatter him, saying, "Of course, this is also inseparable from your admirable perseverance!"

"Okay, Garrick, your flattery is embarrassing."

Count Red Griffin smiled and raised his hand to stop Garrick from continuing.

"You must have something to report here?" Count Red Griffin asked.

"Our people have sent word."

Garrick put away his smile and reported solemnly, "Marquis Frostblade Winnie organized an assassination attempt on Lord Rhodes, but it failed without a doubt."

"Later, Lord Rhodes put in some effort and took the border town. Marquis Hanren's son, Lan'ao, did not resist and was taken prisoner."

"After that, Marquis Hanren's army was powerless to fight back and was quickly defeated."

Garrick then presented the battle report to Earl Red Griffin and briefly explained the progress of the war.

As members of their own faction, the Red Griffin Clan's spies knew more information, so the contents of their letters were naturally more detailed.

"As expected."

After listening to the report, Count Red Griffin said calmly, "Even the demon's followers are no match for Rhodes, so what is the Cold Blade family's small force?"

"Moreover, the elite troops have all been taken away by Marquis Hanren."

Marquis of Coldblade sounds more powerful, but Earl of Red Griffin doesn't take him seriously.

The remote rural marquis family was not as powerful as the Red Griffin family.

“However, Lord Rhodes did not occupy those lands; he continued to plunder them.” Garrick’s voice was filled with doubt.

"Land has no value in winter, and even if you occupy it, you'll still have to divide your troops to garrison it."

Count Red Griffin guessed.

In the northern provinces, there are no crops on the land during winter, and it is impossible to cultivate or build anything. Apart from the mines, there is no need to compete for anything else.

"I'm rather curious about which side Rhodes is on."

Count Red Griffin murmured, "Does Rhodes' invasion of Marquis Frostblade's territory mean he's standing against the First Princess?"

"Will he side with the Duke of Flowers...? It's possible, after all, the Duke of Flowers' daughter is going to marry the eldest son of the Earl of Tulips."

The red griffin nodded slightly, confirming its guess.

“Garrick, is the Duke of Flowers’ envoy still here?” Earl Red Griffin asked.

Garrick nodded. "They paid for three weeks' worth of rooms at the Red Wings Hotel."

“Very well, go and summon the messenger,” Count Red Griffin ordered.

"Yes, my lord."

Garrick nodded in agreement and turned to leave.

"and many more!"

Count Red Griffin called out to Garrick, "Let's forget about it."

Count Red Griffin thought he was right, but then suddenly felt something was off.

A bold idea suddenly popped into his mind, even bordering on madness.

A smile played at the corners of Count Red Griffin's lips.
"perhaps……"

He didn't finish his words.

Some thoughts are best kept to yourself.

"Garrick, pass on the order."

The count's voice was not loud, but it was full of authority.

"Keep the military in a state of combat readiness at all times."

"In addition, begin recruiting new soldiers immediately. Anyone who is old enough and physically strong should be enlisted in the army."

"Have Brando bring out all the weapons and armor he has stored up; I need a powerful army."

Garrick stared at his Count in disbelief, his mouth slightly agape as if he wanted to say something, but he held back.

Since Your Excellency has made this arrangement, there must be a reason.

Since the Earl didn't say anything, Garrick didn't need to ask any further questions.

"I'll arrange it right away, sir."

Garrick bowed in response and quickly withdrew.

……

……

Rhodes did not immediately accept the flattery of the lower-ranking lords of the Frostblade family.

Because Rhodes discovered a problem.

The gifts they sent were just a drop in the ocean compared to their entire fortune.

These guys are like those who try to give a beggar a few coins by squeezing them out of their fingers; they are respectful on the surface, but in reality, they are scheming in their hearts how to protect their own wealth.

Rhodes knew very well that these greedy and foolish fellows wouldn't willingly cut off their own flesh unless they truly witnessed the power of the dragon's breath.

Therefore, Rhodes immediately began the raid on the house.

Receive a gift?

Nothing beats the quick and decisive action of raiding someone's home!
The key point is that they wouldn't give gifts to Rhodes' experienced blacksmith or knowledgeable clerk.

But confiscating property is a different story.

These talents can be obtained directly by raiding their homes.

Especially those clerks who have been away from the lord's manor for many years.

They rarely see the lord, unlike the manor stewards who grow up by the lord's side and have an almost blind loyalty to him.

Rhodes improved their treatment and sent their children to work and study in Frostleaf, and these clerks would be willing to serve Rhodes.

However, a few old knights stood tall, unafraid of the dragon's breath, and unmoved by Rhodes's high treatment, refusing to submit with unwavering resolve.

Rhodes admired the loyalty of these old knights and sent them directly to the north to mine.

Let's see if the ore is harder, or their bones are harder.

Of course, the Coldblade family had a large number of lower-ranking lords, and Rhodes did not raid all of their homes.

Doing so would throw this territory into chaos.

Rhodes only targeted a few of the richest and most unruly lords.

A count and two viscounts. After their estate was looted, a large number of wagons filled with valuables and slaves poured into the border town.

Chests of silver coins were piled up like mountains in the courtyard, and there were forty-five maids with various skills.

These maids were skilled in various arts, including cooking, embroidery, serving men, and even herbal medicine.

Rhodes, a slave sent by others, was not used casually. After Durant examined him, he quickly discovered that there were thirteen spies among them.

On the surface, they came to serve Rhodes, but in reality, they came to gather intelligence.

It's not that I want to kill Rhodes immediately, but that I want to stay by Rhodes' side for a long time, gain his trust, and then seek benefits for the lord.

Rhodes treated all spies equally, sending all thirteen female spies to the mines and the seaside.

Rhodes, the prisoner working in the mine, could be ignored, but the stationed soldiers needed to control their tempers.

As for the remaining thirty-two maids, those who were capable were assigned to the workshop.

Rhode put the remaining "decorative vases" into the work point exchange pool, to be exchanged for high-priced slaves by everyone.

Rhodes's principles have always been very clear.

Apart from ownership of the territory, everything else—money, beautiful women, status, honor, and so on—can be distributed to one's subordinates.

Only in this way can subordinates be made to work wholeheartedly for you.

Similarly, Rhodes completely disregarded the gifts and slaves that the lords sent to curry favor.

Those gold and silver jewels meant nothing to Rhodes.

What Rhodes truly needs is land, power, and absolute control over the entire territory.

Therefore, Rhodes offered these lords similar terms to those of the Falcon family, allowing them to retain one-third of their estate and adding the word "honor" before their hereditary noble titles.

They could continue to enjoy the wealth and luxury of the nobility.

They can continue to live in their own manor.

You can continue to wear your glamorous clothes to the banquet.

But they no longer had soldiers.

Most nobles weren't stupid; they understood that Rhodes was trying to take away their land and power.

One of the viscounts immediately slammed his fist on the table and stood up, his face turning bright red.

He pointed at Rod's nose and roared that it was an insult to the dignity of the nobility.

Five other barons also rejected Rhodes's offer.

They declared they would rather die fighting than accept such humiliation.

They will defend their family's honor and prove the integrity of nobility with their blood.

Rhodes agreed to their request.

However, their blood only stained the sheets and tables; it did not defend the family's honor.

They might not agree, but plenty of people in the family would.

Rhodes offered the same terms to their uncles, nephews, cousins, and other relatives, and then these six lords died at the hands of their own relatives.

Two people even volunteered to keep only a quarter of their family fortune as a sign of their loyalty to Rhodes.

Rhodes was very pleased with these intelligent people.

What he needs is someone who is obedient, capable, and can help manage the territory.

As for what this person's surname and given name are, whether he is the original lord's nephew or an illegitimate child, it is completely unimportant.

That's enough as long as they can complete the task Rhodes assigned them.

Dealing with these nobles from the Coldblade family took Rhodes a full month.

During this month, Rhodes received different nobles almost every day.

Listen to their complaints, pledge their loyalty, and denounce each other.

Sometimes he had to meet with six groups of people a day, which made Rod's eyes blurry.

But it was all worth it.

The biggest result of this reform was that the number of ordinary troops under Rhodes' command reached four thousand.

The original First Legion of the Dragon's Breath was commanded by Durant.

The Second Legion of the Dragon's Breath is mainly composed of surrendered soldiers selected by the Vanguard Regiment and veterans of the First Legion, and its commander is Chris.

The vanguard regiment was led by Gunle, who also liked to charge ahead, and his drive could intimidate any soldiers who surrendered or made mistakes.

Rhode wanted Sejuani to manage the Vanguard, but Sejuani wasn't used to managing an army and just wanted to stay by Rhode's side.

The new recruits were led by Raine and Salon, who were also responsible for training them.

These soldiers will form a new legion in the future, the Soul Hunters, which can be considered a continuation of the hunting team's tradition.

Four thousand soldiers may not seem like a lot, but they consume a huge amount of food every day.

Especially during training or combat, approximately eight tons of food and one ton of meat are needed daily.

This doesn't even include the feed and hay consumed by the horses.

Although they had squeezed a lot of money out of the nobles, the four legions never stopped their campaigns in order not to sit idle and run out of resources.

Rhodes has not attacked Frost Fortress.

This castle, situated atop a mountain, is easy to defend and difficult to attack; attempting to capture it would certainly cost many soldiers their lives.

The only thing that attracted Rhodes to Frostholdt was the Frostblade family's treasure vault—Lan'o said it might not even be inside the castle.

Therefore, compared to other options, the returns are too low for Rhodes.

However, although Rhodes did not send troops to attack Frostholdt, he did not completely let it go either.

Rhodes often visited the castle with Frost and Thunder, breathing on the walls and courtyard.

Sometimes it was late at night, just as the people in the castle were falling asleep.

Sometimes it is early morning, before the sky is fully bright, when the dragon's breath descends from the sky.

Sometimes it's evening, when the people in the courtyard have just finished eating and are getting ready to rest.

These unpredictable attacks put the people in the castle on high alert.

No one knows when the dragon will come, or where its next attack will land.

Everyone lives in fear.

I'm afraid to sleep properly and can't live a normal life.

They lived in constant fear, on guard against attacks from the dragon.

In less than three weeks, defections began to occur within Frostholdt.

First, several guards escaped under the cover of night, and then some servants sneaked away, but were discovered and shot by the guards.

Even a few low-ranking knights secretly defected to Rhodes.
They preferred to be ordinary soldiers rather than stay in the castle, which could be attacked by dragon breath at any time.

Meanwhile, Rhodes, at the Border Town Manor, received a secret message from Frosthold.

A captain of the guards offered to act as Rhodes' inside man and opened the city gates to let the army in.

"Could this be a conspiracy?"

After carefully reading the secret letter, Durant looked up at Rod, who was sitting in a chair.

"Although you put a lot of pressure on them, such a situation cannot be ruled out."

What you're saying is indeed possible.

Rhodes nodded slightly in agreement.

It cannot be ruled out that Viscount Winnie has gone mad and intends to use this plot to lure Rhodes' army into the castle, and then fight to the death.

"Whether it's a conspiracy or not doesn't matter; I have no intention of sending troops to take that risk."

Rod smiled and instructed Durant:
“Reply to this captain of the guard and tell him that if he can burn down the granaries of Frosthold, I will give him five maids and a courtyard, and make him a knight.”

Durant's face lit up with joy, and he immediately understood what Rod meant.

If the granaries in the castle are destroyed, the people inside will soon starve.

They'll fall into chaos on their own; the army won't need to lift a finger. Someone will naturally open the castle gates.

If the captain of the guard didn't do that, then it proves it's a conspiracy.

"I'll send someone to inform them immediately!"

Durant nodded vigorously and was about to turn and leave when his bodyguard, Cerf, strode in.

"My lord, news has come from our scouts at the front."

Cherf bowed respectfully and reported:
Two envoy teams entered the northern border one after the other, heading towards the border town.

“A group came from Riftrock City, and they were flying the banner of the Queen, who is also Princess Atreus.”

"The group consisted of about thirty people, and the guards were all equipped with excellent weapons and armor."

"Another group came from the west, sent by the Duke of Flowers, but the Tulip Family flag was also in the procession."

Rod raised an eyebrow slightly and smiled at Durant.
"Interesting, they all came together."

Rhodes was not surprised; he knew he couldn't hide his actions.

However, Rhodes originally thought he would be greeted by an army, but instead it was an envoy group.

It seems that neither the eldest princess nor the Duke of Flowers is too foolish.

What do you think they want to do?

Durant couldn't help but ask, a smile on his face, "Is it an attempt to win you over?"

"We're not going to waste our energy guessing."

Rhodes smiled and ordered, "Send two teams to pick them up, and try to get them into the city at the same time."

Rod was very curious.

What expressions would these two groups of envoys have when they meet at the city gate?

(End of this chapter)