Chapter 84: Chapter 80: Unexpected News
Since the current generation of the Silver Dove family consists only of females, he carries his mother’s surname to continue the family lineage.
And his father, it is said, was a wandering knight, but Man Xiu had never met him.
In this era, the status of merchants is not high, almost like commoners.
In some places, merchants are even discriminated against, seen as opportunists or non-value producers.
Even though some merchants are wealthier than nobles, it is difficult for them to obtain any noble title or rank, and they still hold a low status.
They cannot purchase any land and must continue to lease it.
Except in certain cities where they can purchase some property as shops and warehouses, but that usually comes at a high cost.
And such merchants must maintain good relations with the noble lords, or else they risk having their rights taken away at any time.
— that is, rely on them.
Thus, a guild is an organization of merchants that relies on the lord, usually managed by the most influential merchant with the best relations with the noble lord.
Once merchants join the guild, not only do they pay taxes, but they also have to abide by certain specific rules, and then they are protected by the lord.
Man Xiu’s ability to become the president of the guild indicates her competence, and the relationship between the Silver Dove family and the lord of Oak City should be good.
After Man Xiu performed his courtesy, he took out something resembling a gold coin and presented it to Luo De.
"This is the golden emblem of our Silver Dove family, it may not match your first family emblem, but it is the first one I’ve given."
Man Xiu presented the shimmering golden emblem with both hands, his eyes reflecting a hint of expectation and respect.
Luo De accepted the emblem, feeling the cold metallic touch with his fingertips.
Looking at the exquisitely engraved patterns on it, Luo De felt a tinge of unease in his heart.
He suddenly realized he had underestimated the weight of the gift he gave to Man Xiu.
Initially, Luo De thought since Man Xiu witnessed the battle with the Two-legged Flying Dragon and was instrumental in taking Black Stone Stronghold, Man Xiu deserved some credit.
Additionally, Luo De needed a stable merchant to cooperate with, to acquire necessary goods and information from other places.
Therefore, Luo De gave Man Xiu a small sharp fang of a Two-legged Flying Dragon as a gift, the family emblem on it merely representing the mark of his barony.
Now, however, it was considered an extremely precious gift by Man Xiu.
Of course, Luo De did not show his inner unease and accepted the gold coin with equal solemnity.
"I will treasure this precious gift well."
Luo De’s voice carried a hint of solemnity.
"Thank Lady Lisa for her kindness, and when you return, express my greetings and goodwill to her on my behalf."
Luo De nodded slightly, sincerity evident in his words of thanks.
Man Xiu nodded, "I will."
Luo De gestured for Man Xiu to sit again.
After carefully placing the golden emblem aside, Luo De asked, "How was the journey, was it safe?"
"Within the Empire, it was quite safe, no large bandit groups, only ran into two small mobs, which were no match for my caravan’s guards."
Man Xiu described it lightly, but one could sense the difficulty behind it.
He then wore a slightly regretful expression, "Unfortunately, near the Northern Territory, some wars broke out among the nobles, reducing many of my trading opportunities."
"Are you referring to the Hawk Clan and the Bailu Clan?" Luo De asked in surprise.
"Yes."
Man Xiu nodded, "But it is said that Marquis Cold Blade has started mediating, so it should end soon."
Luo De smiled as he reminded, "Then on your way out, you can trade in their territory, I will prepare enough goods for you."
"I’m already curious about the goods you’ve prepared for me."
"Be patient, I’ll take you there tomorrow."
"Hmm, I’m looking forward to it."
Man Xiu nodded and then changed the topic, "But I don’t plan to go to Eagle Ridge.
The war has just ended, and it must be very chaotic there.
I heard when I arrived that the Hawk Count has started clearing out vagrants in the territory, arresting anyone with suspicion.
Anyone disrupting the territorial order will also be arrested, even some traveling merchants are being caught."
"Merchants are being caught?"
Luo De was very surprised.
How did the wealthy Hawk Count become like himself, a poor lord?
Luo De came to the Northern Wilderness with a do-or-die attitude to forcibly detain the Lawrence caravan.
Bear in mind, Luo De was skirting the law and did nothing harmful to Lawrence.
But the Hawk Count doesn’t need to do such things!
"It’s true."
Man Xiu confirmed, "The name has even spread around, it’s called Simon."
So it’s him.
Luo De suddenly understood.
That explains it.
This guy spread rumors in the territory of the Hawk Count, surely attracting attention.
The Hawk Count wasn’t paying attention before, but now with the war ending, he must deal with him appropriately.
I wonder how the Hawk Count will handle him.
Luo De squinted slightly, pondering, and couldn’t help but think of the dealings with Simon.
Will this guy pin all his actions on me?
After all, it was at my request that Simon recruited more slaves.
But if it’s truly pinned on me, Luo De would feel a bit aggrieved.
I sent him to recruit slaves, not to spread rumors and earn from both sides.
Luo De saw this as a hidden danger.
Yet Luo De remained silent, quickly regaining composure.
He then continued discussing other lands in the Northern Territory with Man Xiu.
Indeed, many places were not at peace.
"By the way, on my way here, I saw your wheat fields are growing well, it seems this year will be a bountiful year."
Man Xiu praised, "You are amazing, it’s not even half a year since you arrived here, and you’ve completely transformed the town, more and more people are coming."
"It’s alright, there are still many things I haven’t done."
Luo De said calmly.
He wasn’t pretending; he genuinely felt those were far from enough.
Man Xiu trusted Luo De’s words, nodding seriously in agreement,
"Looking forward to Frost Leaf Town’s future."
"Together, let’s look forward to it."
Luo De raised his glass, smiling as he drank with Man Xiu.
The evening feast didn’t last long.
With important matters to discuss tomorrow, they talked briefly before Luo De had someone escort Man Xiu back to the inn.
After everyone left, Luo De kept Durant by his side alone.
"Do you have any instructions?" Durant asked.
"Indeed, I have something."
Luo De said solemnly, "Have the patrol team pay more attention to Eagle Ridge’s situation, report any disturbances immediately."
"Are you worried about Simon’s matter?" Durant asked.
He had also heard what Man Xiu said at the dinner, so he quickly understood.
"It’s about to be the autumn harvest, the Hawk Count probably won’t bother with such trivial matters, right?"
The "trivial matters" Durant referred to were Luo De’s purchasing of slaves and taking in Eagle Territory refugees.
"Probably not."
Luo De furrowed his brow slightly, admitting, "But we have gradually taken in many people from the Hawk Clan’s territory, we must be cautious."
Luo De certainly would not return those people.
As long as the Hawk Count manages to pass through the small pass between the two lands, traveling a great distance to demand them, Luo De would ensure he doesn’t return.
Currently, with the Guard Team led by experienced veterans and new recruits, the Hunting Team led by Rein, the two small Two-legged Flying Dragons, Frost and Thunder, and the militia reserves altogether, they are not to be trifled with.
Invading others might still be challenging, but if it’s about defending against an invading force, Luo De is fearless.