Winter Lord: Starting with Daily Intelligence

Chapter 308 Integration of the Red Tide
"Have you heard? The Crimson Tide Territory has attacked Viscount Zakaria's territory."

"What? Using force over land exchange? That's outrageous... Are they trying to rebel?"

When the news first broke, the entire aristocratic circle in the southeastern North was shaken.

In those council chambers and meeting rooms, whispers spread like wildfire.

"Even for the Red Tide Territory, such behavior is far too reckless."

"Who would dare to negotiate with him? Today it's Zakaria, tomorrow it could be me."

Many people have already begun drafting anonymous whistleblower letters "to the capital."

The text is filled with accusations of "seizing territory", "threatening with force", and "violating imperial agreements".

Doubt, fear, anger... quietly grew among the nobles and merchants.

The prestige of the Red Tide Territory seemed to be on the verge of collapse.

It wasn't until the Red Tide Territory publicly displayed those post-war relics that things came to an end.

Corpses were carried out of the city; they were the remains of the remnants of the Snow Oath warriors, with the Snow Oath brand still faintly visible on their arms.

At the same time, there were also fragments of broken stone statues taken from the altar.

Viscount Zakaria not only secretly worshipped an evil god, but even used human sacrifices as a medium for summoning it.

Thus, before the letters of denunciation could be sent out, they were burned to ashes by candles.

"……I see."

"They actually colluded with the remnants of the old Snow Country and even worshipped an evil god..."

"Red Tide has done a tremendous good thing."

Public opinion reversed instantly, and the winds of change completely shifted.

People no longer talk about the "land swap controversy," but only about "the infiltration of evil gods" and "the poison of the North."

After all, annihilating the Snowsworn was the absolute political correctness in the North, and no one dared to raise any objections.

When more information was revealed, the entire aristocratic circle in Southeast China was in an uproar.

Viscount Zakaria, draped in a tattered noble cloak, was forced back to Crimson Tide City by five Broken Blade Knights. His face had lost its former arrogance, leaving only the emptiness that followed the cooling of madness.

He quickly "confessed" to the list of several nobles associated with the worship of evil gods.

Most of them were border nobles who took advantage of the chaos after the insect plague to gather up the remnants of their armies and swear oaths of revenge.

In the southeastern hinterland, knightly orders dispatched by the Red Tide Territory were used to clear out the inhabitants in batches.

For those from outside the region, Louis would send the list to the county governor and suggest cooperating in the handling.

The Red Tide Court then sentenced the Zakaria family to extermination on three counts: worshipping evil gods, harboring remnants of the Oathbreakers, and performing human sacrifices.

The trial was presided over by the Red Tide Enforcement Bureau, with no defense provided, no public attendance allowed, and no pardon offered.

Even his youngest illegitimate son from a collateral branch was not spared.

Other nobles who worshipped evil gods and protected those who swore oaths met similar fates.

Their territories will all be taken over and rebuilt by the Red Tide.

Nobles throughout the southeast, regardless of whether they were involved with evil gods or had been in contact with the Oath-Slayers, all became suddenly tense after the news spread.

In a short time, the Red Tide Territory Administrative Office received a large number of "voluntary territorial exchange applications".

Surprisingly, among them were some innocent nobles who had no connection to the incident.

They weren't hiding anything, it's just...

"Who knows? What if that person thinks I 'might have a problem'?"

"The sooner we move, the sooner we can have peace of mind, so we don't have to sleep at night..."

The nobles knew perfectly well that the Red Tide Territory's swift action, comprehensive evidence, and ruthless suppression left no room for explanation or maneuvering.

Anyone who dares to persist at this point is either truly foolish.

As for those documents for applying for land exchange?
Louis didn't bother to examine the underlying motives in detail and left it to his subordinates to file.

Regardless of whether they are innocent or not, since they have come to us of their own accord, we should accept everything.

Thus, with swift and decisive action and overwhelming force, Louis acquired almost all the territory he desired without any hindrance.

On the map of the southeastern North, the Red Tide Territory, which was originally incomplete and divided by the Black Territory, was finally connected, and the pattern resembled a new era battle flag.

…………

Red Tide Main City - Council Hall

Afternoon sunlight streamed down from the dome, quietly illuminating the newly drawn, enormous map.

On the main wall of the council hall, a large map of the southeastern part of the North is laid out, with Red Tide City at the very center. The bright red borders extend and entwine like vines, encircling dozens of territories and forming a solid whole.

Only a few blue spots at the edge, like remnants embedded in the Red Sea, represent the territories of the dependent nobles that have not yet been formally annexed but for which cooperation agreements have been signed.

At this point, the Red Tide was no longer a survivor on the frontier, but a behemoth in this shattered northern border.

Inside the conference hall, a long table stretched across the entire space.

In the central seat, Louis sat quietly, and all eyes naturally focused on him alone.

The officials had taken their seats in turn, each with a different expression, but none of them were distracted.

They are all key figures in the current Red Tide political system.

Bradley, the Calvin family's old butler, now holds absolute power over Red Tide's internal affairs, his position as secure as a rock.

Lambert, Louis's former guardian knight, is now a mid-level extraordinary knight and the commander of the Red Tide army, in charge of thousands of Red Tide cavalry.
Inspector Eileen, the only female knight among those who accompanied Louis north, was loyal only to Louis. She held the power to investigate and punish corruption and was the most feared cold-faced judge among officials.

There's also Mike, the Director of the Craftsmen's Office; Deslan, the Director of the Trade Office; and Helena, an official from the Agricultural Office (Director Mick is currently stationed in the Malland Territory in charge of agricultural expansion)...

These names all belong to loyal followers of Louis who chose to follow him early on.

Most of them came from humble backgrounds but possessed extraordinary talents. Louis discovered their special abilities through the daily intelligence system and was promoted despite not meeting the usual criteria.

These are the people who support the pillars of the Red Tide's current rule, leading this newly formed territory and its hundreds of thousands of people.

The meeting officially began after everyone was seated.

Bradley, who had been standing quietly to the side, slowly stepped forward, bowed slightly, and stood in the center of the long table.

"The Red Tide Land Consolidation Project has now been underway for three months," Bradley read slowly.

"A total of 27 territories were incorporated, nine of which were strategic locations, all situated at key points of transportation routes, mineral veins, and grain production areas."

Five places of evil god worship were shut down, three heretical strongholds were wiped out, twelve cases of illegal aristocratic autonomy were revoked, and the entire system was brought into the framework of the Red Tide legal system.

As of yesterday, the newly registered migrant population was approximately 64,000, with an additional 1,200 hectares of arable land and 480 hectares of pastureland.

Bradley turned to the head of the table and nodded slightly to Louis: "At the Lord's suggestion, the former Red Tide Territory is now officially named 'Red Tide City'."

All other lands that have been exchanged, entrusted with administration, or integrated through cooperation will be incorporated into the Red Tide Territory.

Each territory is assigned a resident official, jointly managed by civil servants and knights, and staffed with an oversight team, directly under the command of Inspector Eileen.

The officials whispered amongst themselves, having expected this, yet still feeling a slight sense of excitement at the initial formation of the Red Tide regime. Bradley, however, did not put away the handbook. He turned to the last page, his voice slightly lowered:
"However, although the integration has been completed, we still need to be vigilant about the follow-up matters."

With nearly 100 new townships added, the number of clerical staff is less than half, requiring additional staff to be transferred from grassroots officials in Chichao.

The pressure on the allocation of staple food for people's livelihood is relatively high. Some border towns have not yet fully established grain warehouses and distribution stations, and it is necessary to plan the construction of warehouses in advance.

Although 30% of the border outposts have been built, the rest still needs to be completed in coordination with the Craftsmen's Office.

Although no trace of the barbarian stragglers and remnants of the Snow Oath army has been found, there is a possibility that they have infiltrated the country. The Control Yuan has preliminarily designated key screening areas.

Bradley spoke very calmly, without emphasizing any emotion.

"Although the Red Tide territory has been established, the new people's sense of belonging still needs to be cultivated, and there are still gaps in the emotional sense of belonging and public order in each town."

He paused, then bowed to the person in the main seat: "The overall situation is under control, but we need to take a multi-pronged approach and plan ahead."

The people around the table nodded in agreement, and several newly appointed officials quickly took notes in hushed tones and exchanged brief opinions.

Bradley took his seat, and Louis, sitting in the main seat, slowly opened his eyes. His voice was not loud, but it instantly silenced the entire room.

“Very good, our Red Tide Territory has finally taken shape.” He paused, his gaze sweeping over the new Red Tide map hanging high on the wall. “Next, it’s time to bring it to life.”

All the officials sat up straight at the same time, listening attentively.

“The most important thing,” Louis said softly, “is roads. If you want to develop, you have to build roads first.”

He looked at Mike, the director of the Craftsmen's Bureau, who was sitting on his right, and said, "The Craftsmen's Bureau shall immediately prepare for the construction of the Red Tide Main Road. With Red Tide City as the center, it will run through the wheat fields and then connect to the various integrated areas."

He pointed to the red line drawn on the map and tapped it twice: "Every twenty li along the road, there will be 'defense outposts + relay stations' for patrols and for merchants to rest and recuperate."

"Yes, sir." Mike quickly stood up, one hand on his chest, and said in a gruff voice:
"Our Craftsmen's Office has prepared fifteen construction teams, complete with blacksmiths, stonemasons, carpenters, and more. We hope to open up the main line from Chichao to Mailang before the snow melts."

Regarding the design of the defensive outposts… I will coordinate with the National Defense Agency and the Trade Agency to determine their locations.”

“Very good.” Louis nodded. “The local people can be used as laborers, and rewards can be given according to their merits.”

"Yes." Mike bowed again.

Shortly after Mike sat down, Commander-in-Chief Lambert stood up: "Regarding border defense, I have drafted a simple and direct plan."

He walked to the map and gently pointed out three locations with his short baton:
"The inner line is divided into three military regions—Wheat Wave, Star Forging, and Red Tide City. These three places are the core areas of Red Tide, where the Grand Knights are stationed. The other smaller territories organize about fifty knight squads."

He then changed the subject and drew two thick lines.

"Next, establish five patrol teams, each with fifty men, and ensure they are capable of reconnaissance, harassment, relaying orders, and disengagement."

Equipped with light armor and fast horses, they patrol along the border of the Red Tide Territory, alternating between day and night and changing shifts every five days.

Although the North is free of major enemies, the remnants of the barbarians have not been completely wiped out, and the Imperial Legion stationed in the North often crosses the border under the guise of patrols to test the waters.

We don't need to stop all the enemies, but at the very least, we need to know they're coming and be prepared.

“Approved. Execute.” Louis nodded slightly. “You may immediately allocate a legion to participate in the establishment of outposts and the formation of patrol units.”

If there is still no war after a season, then monthly live-fire exercises will be arranged, both for defense and for training the troops.

Lambert bowed: "As you wish."

With the military proposals concluded, the meeting continued, and the various gears of the Red Tide political machine were activated one by one. With Louis's nods and approvals, a series of practical deployments were quickly finalized.

For example, the arrangements made by the Trade Office.

The Trade Commissioner, Deslan, was a lean and shrewd middle-aged man, and the plan he brought was concise and effective.

The proposal suggests establishing "post stations and trading posts" at various passes and key transportation points, which would both manage customs clearance and serve as outposts.

They dispatched skilled personnel to investigate smuggling and maintain order in the caravans.

At the same time, a bulletin board mechanism was established to promptly transmit news from various places back to the main city, allowing ordinary people to access policies and intelligence as soon as possible.

In addition, the Trade Office encouraged the establishment of simple markets around post stations.

The market can be opened freely, but registration is required, which both attracts people and facilitates supervision.

Louis nodded in support.

After all, smooth trade routes are the prerequisite for a territory to truly thrive.

The Agriculture Department's approach, however, is more pragmatic.

Under the leadership of Director Mick, agricultural officials have begun working on plans to replicate and promote the "wheat field experience" to other new territories.

Examples include the crop rotation system in Wheat Ridge, the dry-wet alternation planting method, the field-ditch zoning management, and the farmer performance evaluation system...

These mechanisms, which originally existed only within the wheat fields, will now be transplanted to the newly incorporated land as models.

In particular, the wetlands of Zakaria's former territory have been identified as a key target for redevelopment, with plans to pilot "greenhouse farming" to address the current food problem.

Finally, the Control Yuan made its appearance.

Eileen sat quietly at the end of the conference table with a stack of documents, and only stood up to report when Louis called on her.

The Control Yuan will formally establish an anti-corruption task force.

She personally selected a team of honest and capable inspectors to conduct inspections of grain officials, warehouse managers, and acting officials in the newly integrated territories.

Monthly supervisory briefings are held to report on typical cases, serving both as a warning to others and to establish rules and authority.

In addition, Eileen also suggested establishing a system of partial citizen representatives.

In some new towns, a prototype of the Red Tide Town Council is being piloted, recruiting civilian representatives to participate in governance, in preparation for a future semi-autonomous mechanism.

The proposal was approved by Louis, as it could both attract talent and screen potential risk individuals in advance, achieving two goals at once.

And so, the meeting in the Red Tide Council Hall gradually came to an end.

Louis slowly rose to his feet, the hem of his robe brushing against the map of the Red Tide Territory behind him.

“The larger the territory, the harder it is to manage.” His voice was not loud, but it resonated with everyone present.

“In the past, we only needed to defend a city or a few villages, keep an eye on the granaries and the barracks, and that would be enough to maintain order. But what about now?”

Louis raised his hand and pointed to the large map, his fingertip tracing the area enclosed by a bright red border.

That was the fruit of their victory, but also a heavy responsibility.

"Twenty-seven newly incorporated territories, 60,000 new residents, hundreds of trails, a large amount of unregistered land and officials left over from the old system—this contains the hearts of the people and also corruption. No one can keep an eye on this."

Therefore, going forward, each of us, whether in the military, industry, agriculture, commerce, or supervision, must extend our responsibilities to areas we have never ventured into before.

Some say the red tide has won.

He paused for a moment, then his tone suddenly rose: "No, we've only taken the first step. The real difficulties are yet to come!"

I urge you not to let your guard down, not to underestimate the enemy, and not to become complacent. Otherwise, this land we won with our sweat and blood will be lost sooner or later.

Silence reigned around the long table.

Bradley was the first to bow and say, "I will keep it in mind."

"Keep this in mind!"

Lambert, Eileen, Mike, the Trade Commissioner, the Agriculture Commissioner... all stood up and responded in unison.

(End of this chapter)