Knight Lord: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 58 Recruitment Success
Under Su Li's command, the knights of the Hessen Territory deployed their troops in three directions, with flags flying, and approached the halfling troops in a sharp formation.

This formation fully demonstrated the mobility advantage of cavalry. They could launch attacks in every direction, forcing the halfling team to passively defend. They did not dare to actively attack human cavalry in any direction, otherwise the cavalry formations in the other two directions would launch fierce charges on the flanks and rear of the troops they attacked.

Even a strong ogre, with a three-meter-tall body and a weight of over five hundred pounds, would be severely injured instantly if pierced through the body by a human knight's lance.

The two sides quickly approached, and a tense atmosphere enveloped the halfling team. These knights came with great momentum, and it was clear at first glance that they were determined to fight. If they couldn't respond quickly, I'm afraid this halfling family would inevitably encounter some tragic events.

So when Knight Su Li led his troops to within about 500 meters, Frederick, who was following him, became very excited. He puffed out his chin with pride, laughed heartily, and shouted, "My Lord, the halflings have raised the white imperial olive branch. This is the tacit symbol of requesting negotiation between the imperial electors. Whichever of the two armies raises this flag first will be considered to have surrendered."

In other directions, the knights also erupted in enthusiastic cheers, each one excited and full of vigor. Being able to force the enemy into submission was also a sign of their own strength.

In an empire where strength is respected, victory is the best way to boost the morale of the army, and any victory can please the knights and even the gods.

Su Li was a little surprised. He thought that they should at least test the waters a little to see who was stronger before they could negotiate.

Unexpectedly, the other party took the initiative to surrender and asked for negotiation just by seeing our side approaching with flags waving.

Su Li raised his right hand and ordered Frederick: "Order all knights to stop advancing and remain alert. Then ask the other side to send someone out to negotiate."

The military musicians in the queue immediately stopped the bugle calls, and soon the three cavalry units all stopped.

The empire's development in people's livelihood may be considered only mediocre, but its military development is very complete and advanced.

Each unit is equipped with its own cavalry trumpeter and infantry drummer. Many tactical marches are accompanied by neat and loud military drums and military music. There are now at least 17 tactical orders in the Imperial Army that can be conveyed using military music, including left-wing attack, formation of square formations, etc.

Knight Orstein has been focusing on this aspect of training these days.

The neat command, strict military discipline and well-trained performance made all the halflings take a deep breath, and many of them couldn't help whispering.

"Oh, by the gods, is this really the army of an ordinary pioneer lord? I feel as if I'm seeing the elite Knights of the Flaming Sun. Only an elite knight group composed of devout believers of the Goddess of the Blazing Sun can be so well-trained."

"Even the ogre's foolish mind can see that this army is completely different from the ragtag group of ordinary pioneer lords gathered together for profit."

"Oh, Hyacinth, what do I see? Two sets of rune vibranium armor, nearly ten sets of heavy fine plate armor, and two griffins, one large and one small. Is this the elite legion directly under the Elector Count?"

Amidst the noisy whispers of the halflings, an elderly halfling, pipe in hand, emerged from the group. Leading two massive, silent ogres, she approached Su Li and shouted from a distance of over a hundred meters. "The pioneer lords of the Balandonborn family across the way send their greetings. May the generous and benevolent deity Hyacinth bless your territory with prosperity. These peaceful and well-behaved halflings are merely traveling through here and have no intention of causing conflict with you."

Su Li looked at the old halfling in surprise and asked, "Why is a woman here to negotiate?"

The other party was not angry. She tapped her pipe on the calf of the tough-skinned and burly ogre beside her and patiently explained to Su Li, "Unlike your human society, we halflings are a matriarchal society. We maintain a family tree through the mother's bloodline. Therefore, the most prestigious and wealthy people in a halfling family are usually women. I am Hartsklin, the patriarch of the Balandonborn family. It is my honor to speak with you."

Considering the halflings' naturally affectionate nature and the high fertility rate resulting from sleeping in the same bed with many potential partners, it is understandable that they would adopt a matriarchal social organization.

Su Li stopped being surprised and turned to the old halfling woman and said, "Although that's the case, you broke into my territory without authorization, and brought a large number of ogres with you. This is obviously a serious offense to the military security of my territory. Just now, you almost caused a conflict."

Hartzklin did not argue. It would be the most unwise thing to argue with the emperor who had the army in his hands.

She bowed slightly and said, "Perhaps we can compensate you with a satisfactory price as a toll for passing through your territory. Also, if you don't mind, we can purchase some specialties and resources from your territory."

Su Li was very satisfied with her attitude. Every lord would like to see a war turned into peace.

Su Li was also very interested in her suggestion, so he said, "Let's put aside the issue of compensation for now. If you want to buy something in our territory, I have two special options that may interest you."

Hartzklin grinned. Any problem that could be solved with money was not too much trouble for a halfling. She said confidently, "Then please introduce us, Lord. If the price is reasonable, we will definitely satisfy you."

Su Li pointed to the endless grassland in the distance and said, "I have two options. The first is that you spend a small amount of money to buy a piece of plain within my fiefdom, build a farm, become the owner of the farm, and pay taxes to me."

"The other option is to spend a large sum of money to purchase a territory, and I will give you, the halfling community, full autonomy."

The foothills of the Black Forest are so vast that if Su Li relies on himself alone, it will probably take decades or even generations to develop such a vast area.

Therefore, he would definitely grant him some territories to help him develop. Su Li did not ask about the internal affairs of these territories. As long as they provided the Hessen Territory with enough troops, such as a few knights, dozens of soldiers, and sufficient vassal taxes, they could decide everything else on their own.

Halflings' favorite occupations were merchants, servants to nobles, vendors, cooks, and tending to their land's beautiful gardens. Su Li naturally hoped this group of halflings would stop their wanderings, join his territory, and help develop it. After all, within the empire, humans and halflings lived in perfect harmony, a rare race free of conflict and hatred.

Su Li thought it would be difficult to force this group of halflings to settle down and submit, but unexpectedly, after only a brief discussion with his family, Hartzklin responded: "Respected Lord, we have chosen to spend a large sum of gold crowns to purchase a piece of territory under your rule for self-government."

(End of this chapter)