Winter Lord: Starting with Daily Intelligence

Chapter 147 The Humble Veris
After dealing with the spring food problem, Louis thought it was time to deal with other issues.

The "winter disaster" predicted by the daily intelligence system always hung over his mind like a sword that had not yet fallen.

Although the intelligence did not explicitly state what would happen, it only mentioned that "the evil spirits nurtured by the Snowsworn are stirring."

Furthermore, intelligence reports indicate that this crisis will sweep across the entire North this winter, no less severe than the major rebellion two years ago.

"If it really is something that the Snowsworn has summoned... whether it's a beast or a monster, I must be fully prepared."

“Of course, if it really is an evil god…” He looked up at the sky outside the window, “then I will directly activate Run.”

Having received nine years of compulsory education, even after arriving in this fantastical world, he didn't have much faith in any gods.

If it's useful, then worship it; if it's useless, then it's fake.

But if something threatens you, then it is an evil monster that should be eliminated.

He was not arrogant, and in fact, he had long been prepared for the worst-case scenario.

To prepare for this moment, he needs to build a defensive line for his territory that can "hide people and keep out monsters" before disaster strikes.

In order to deal with this possible catastrophe, he summoned Mike, the most experienced head craftsman in Red Tide Territory and the chief engineer of Red Tide Territory's castle.

“We already have experience with the Tulou structure, and I want to build two more in the Red Tide Territory.” Louis flipped through a map and pointed to five territories, “and build at least one simple Tulou in each of the other five camps.”

"Like Red Tide Castle?" Mike raised an eyebrow.

“A bit rougher,” Louis said casually. “Usually used as a granary, a supply depot, a training ground, a stable…”

But if a disaster strikes, the gates can be closed immediately, allowing people to take refuge inside; they can stay there for up to a month without any problem.

Mike scratched his beard, his eyes gleaming with excitement: "You should have said this sooner! Do you know how efficient the Red Tide construction teams are these days? They can build a rough, undecorated building in half a month!"

"This is your level of efficiency, what about the other leaders?"

"That depends on the skills of each craftsman. But if you're willing to send a team from our side to oversee things, it might be faster."

“Mike, I have a feeling…we’re about to face a formidable enemy this winter.” Louis gazed northward, where clouds churned deep within the snow-capped mountains, as if something unseen was awakening.

He turned to look at the old craftsman beside him, "Do you have any other suitable defensive measures for this place?"

“You’ve come to the right person.” Mike’s eyes lit up, and he immediately pulled out a roll of dusty coarse cloth drawings from his waist, his face full of childlike excitement.

As he spread out the blueprints, he gestured rapidly with his fingers.

"This first method involves using a reverse-slope ramp with rolling logs as a trap!"

He grabbed the parchment and folded it up, saying, "We'll build the nearby mountain paths into gentle zigzag slopes. If the enemy comes, they can't possibly charge in. They can just slowly circle around. We'll ambush them at the corners."

As he spoke, he pulled a small wooden stick from his pocket and placed it on the top of the 'hillside'.

"When the time comes, roll the logs with nails on them, smash them down the slope," he gestured a forceful push, "and with a deafening roar, anyone who dares to go up will be dead!"

“When a horde of barbarians comes, a whole bunch of them will roll down.” He said this with great enthusiasm, even adding the sound of something crashing down.

Louis nodded in agreement, tapping his chin lightly with his fingers: "Good, this thing is perfect for building on the slope leading to the Tulou... The harder the enemy has to climb, the more miserable their death will be."

“There’s something even better,” Mike patted his knees, stood up, and grinned. “Have you ever heard of a vibrating column?”

"A vibrating column?" Louis raised an eyebrow.

“The permafrost in our northern border is hard, but it shakes faster than anything else. I plan to bury a few large hollow pillars under the snow outside, with copper bells hanging inside. When a large number of enemies move around or wild animals attack, the ground will shake and the bells will ring.”

Mike tapped his boots. "We can hear the 'ring-a-ling' as soon as we're in the city. At that point, nobody will be able to sleep; we'll be on high alert."

Louis's eyes lit up: "No need for patrols, just listen to the wind through the earth... that's true Northern wisdom."

Mike proudly said, "That's right, I'm not bragging. Our Northern craftsmen may not say it normally, but their minds are already full of these emergency gadgets."

Louis nodded slowly, a hint of coldness appearing in his eyes: "Alright, then we'll do as you say and get these things done as soon as possible."

Mike chuckled: "By then, our enemies won't even see us; they'll be terrified by the rolling logs, falling into the pit, and hearing the bells..."

As soon as Mike finished speaking, the heavy wooden door creaked open, and a guard walked in.

"My lord, a group of men is outside requesting an audience." The guard bowed slightly. "The one leading them... claims to be Veris Calvin, your brother."

“Wayne?” Louis raised an eyebrow, his tone revealing a hint of surprise.

He had already learned through the intelligence system that his two elder brothers had arrived in the North.

But to his surprise, Veris came to see him first.

"Let him in," he said calmly, without concealing the caution in his tone.

The guards acknowledged the order and withdrew.

…………

Before the gates of Red Tide Territory, a cold wind gently fluttered his cloak as Veris Calvin sat firmly on his warhorse.

His gaze was fixed on the distant, round, giant earthen-building-like castle.

That was not the "Northern Territory" he remembered.

He had passed through too much of the desolation of the North.

Hungry people, collapsed houses, muddy roads...

But the Crimson Tide Territory that appeared before him at this moment seemed to be a heterogeneous entity deliberately sculpted by another force.

The semi-underground houses on both sides are not luxurious, but they are neat and uniform, with dried herbs hanging on the windowsills to repel insects and keep out the cold.

A group of simply dressed but spirited children were playing around the well, while an old man sat chatting on a high-backed wooden chair in front of the door, his gaze gentle and without fear.

Looking further into the distance, several patrol knights wearing red and black cloaks were slowly patrolling, their warhorses steady and their armor in perfect order.

“Louis’s territory, it’s incredible…” Veris murmured.

He came all the way from Xuefengling.

Along the way, I saw too many lords who, despite their noble titles, ruled over filthy cesspools.

Forced labor, indiscriminate killing of the poor, golden cups and fine wine inside the fortress, while starving corpses litter the fields outside the city.

But now he saw with his own eyes a territory's inhabitants living peacefully in the snow.

"This guy... actually managed to turn this wasteland into this state in just one year?"

He gripped the reins tightly, his brow furrowed, not with anger, but with deep respect.

"I underestimated him before."

He gazed at the castle that seemed to be armored and perched on the snow, and gently exhaled a breath of white air.

"If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I would never have imagined that this came from someone who was considered a 'family scrap' just a year ago."

Just as he was marveling at the sight, a young guard in a red and black uniform stepped forward.

His tone was respectful, neither humble nor arrogant: "Lord Calvin, the lord requests your presence." Veris nodded, said nothing more, simply fastened his cloak again, and rode forward.

As he ventured deeper into the heart of the Red Tide Territory, the sights in the city surprised him more and more with each passing layer.

Neat wooden railings line the streets to guide pedestrians, and the snow along the roads is cleared regularly.

The residents walked the streets without panic, instead displaying a tranquility that seemed out of place with the northern snowstorm, as if they were accustomed to the order and warmth of this place.

The castle of Red Tide Territory is right in front of us.

It is not as magnificent as the family's southern mansion, nor does it have tall towers and flying eaves, but its solid and heavy structure is also amazing.

The castle gates slowly opened, and a gentle warmth wafted out.

His heart was shocked.

How can a fortress in the North maintain such a room temperature?

As he entered the main hall, he felt his clothes billowing, but he felt no chill at all; instead, he was enveloped in a breathtaking warmth.

The ground was covered with clean wooden planks, and there were heating channels along the walls. A faint aroma wafted slowly from a charcoal hot pot not far away.

Several maids dressed in Red Tide uniforms were busy at work, their movements orderly and without panic, and they even had the energy to nod and smile at him.

"No wonder even the governor remembers him."

He finally realized that he was no longer facing a mere scrap of a family, but a true ruler who could create order and bring hope to the North.

As he was examining the details of the hall, he heard a soft footstep ahead.

Veris looked up.

The man, dressed in a simple dark suit, walked steadily and unhurriedly towards them.

He saw that familiar yet unfamiliar face, with clear eyes and a calm expression, yet carrying an undeniable solemnity and composure.

He was completely different from the silent, always downcast younger brother I remembered.

“Verys,” Louis said, his voice calm and deep, “Welcome to Red Tide Territory.”

Veris paused for a moment, then straightened his back and bowed slightly in greeting.

Louis was also looking at him.

His gaze was calm, but his mind was rapidly rummaging through the fragmented information in his memory.

Veris Calvin's mother was a commoner maid in the family, and he came from a marginal background, always outside the core of power.

Calm and pragmatic, he distinguished himself in military exams through self-study and hard work, and is one of the few members of the family who truly built his foundation on his own.

This information was scarce, but the Veris standing before him now showed a change that was hard to ignore compared to the information he remembered.

The face still had the familiar contours, but there was a hint of vicissitude in its eyes, clearly indicating that it had traveled a long and arduous journey.

Louis narrowed his eyes slightly.

It seems he came prepared this time.

As for what they plan to do... well, that depends on the next conversation.

Willis bowed slightly, a polite but somewhat restrained smile on his lips: "Long time no see, Louis... no, I should call you 'Lord Governor' now."

Then, a hint of emotion unconsciously crept into his voice: "Red Tide Territory is truly an admirable place. Of all the northern territories I've seen along the way, no matter how large or small, none can compare to this. You've done better than anyone else."

He changed the subject, lowered his voice, and said tentatively, "The reason I came here this time is actually to ask you for a favor."

I am now considered a pioneering lord in the North. My fiefdom is located on the edge of Snowpeak County, well, ultimately, it's still within your jurisdiction.”

Veris raised his eyes slightly, his expression somewhat complicated. He paused for a moment, as if considering his words.

He then softened his tone slightly: "To be honest, Louis, my territory... is incredibly desolate, the surrounding environment is treacherous, and resources and manpower are scarce. It's currently in the initial stages of construction, and there are countless difficulties..."

Could you lend a hand at this critical juncture and help me stabilize the initial situation? Whether it's resource allocation or any other support, I would be extremely grateful.

His words were somewhat humble, revealing the helplessness and restraint of the Northern nobles who had to bow to reality.

Louis raised an eyebrow slightly, somewhat surprised.

Veris's attitude was much more humble than he had expected, without any provocation or feigned toughness.

This secretly relieved him.

At least I'm not here to cause trouble today.

He smiled and softened his tone: "Wayris, don't be so polite. What do you mean by 'asking for a favor'? We're family, of course I'll help with this."

He paused, his eyes turning serious: "Your territory is just starting out, it's indeed quite difficult."
I'll arrange for craftsmen and a team to go over there in the next few days to help you set up the foundation. Let me know if you need anything specific.

“Really… thank you, Louis.” Willis visibly relaxed, his guard completely gone, and a long-lost sense of relief and gratitude appeared in his eyes. “I’ll remember this favor.”

“No need for so much politeness,” Louis waved his hand, a slight smile on his lips. “Everyone has their difficulties. The fact that you can support a piece of land is also helping me.”

He stood up, patted Willis on the shoulder, and said, "Keep up the good work. Once things settle down on your end, I'll go check on things myself."

Willis nodded vigorously, his voice low and deep: "Yes, okay!"

The two then chatted about things from their family's childhood.

Although there were only a few people, those shared memories made the atmosphere less formal.

"Do you remember when we were kids... sneaking off to ride horses in the backyard and getting caught by the old groom?" Willis shook his head with a smile, a hint of self-deprecation in his voice. "We were so naive back then, thinking that no one would find us if we hid behind the woodpile."

Louis smiled and said, "I remember you fell really hard that day, but I was the one who got scolded in the end."

The two looked at each other, their laughter tinged with complexity. It wasn't exactly intimate, but there was at least a long-lost sense of familiarity between them.

As dusk approached, Veris had planned to return that very night.

Louis said casually, "Alright, stop fussing. Stay for a hot meal tonight and leave tomorrow."

Veris hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded: "Then I'll take my leave."

The atmosphere at the dinner table was much more relaxed than before. Although it wasn't exactly heart-to-heart, at least there was no longer any distance between us.

Looking at his brother whom he hadn't seen in a long time, Louis felt a warmth in his heart.

After the meal, he leaned back in his chair, squinted slightly, and a thought suddenly flashed through his mind.

With new lords like Veris arriving one after another, perhaps... we could take this opportunity to hold a meeting.

Gather all the pioneers who were enfeoffed in Xuefeng County and formally establish the authority of the county governor.

His eyes lit up slightly, and he tapped his fingertips lightly on the table a few times, already starting to make plans in his mind.

(End of this chapter)