I built a manor in the Middle Ages

Chapter 181 Dividing the spoils
More and more people gathered under the platform. Due to the propaganda of the troubadours, the testimony of the serfs outside the city, and their knowing Bishop Pierre well, they had long been convinced that Lynn was murdered. Now, looking at the pious face of the monk, the miracle of resurrection was vividly before their eyes. The initial fear and panic gradually subsided, and their expressions gradually became consistent with those of the fanatical pilgrims.

Someone in the crowd shouted "Saints!", and then, like the rolling waves of wheat, the shouts resounded throughout the entire Macon County City in an instant!

……

"Master, the city of Macon County will definitely be very lively tonight!"

Ryan, who knew the inside story, munched on some black bread with a playful look on his face.

He certainly did not go to worship Brother Lynn, who was already known as the returned martyr.

He even used force to threaten the craftsmen who wanted to leave, and prepared to build the mill in one go.

Because of the Brotherhood's rumors, the craftsmen were already dissatisfied with Luc and his men, but the news brought along with the sound of rain made them obey orders again:

According to Lynn's own confession, it was the Brotherhood that killed him, and Pierre and Luc had nothing to do with it.
"Master, didn't you say you wanted to use this opportunity to suppress Pierre's authority? Why did you let Brother Lynn help him clear his name?"

Ryan pulled off the hardened black bread with force and asked in confusion.

Luc didn't eat, but sat quietly inside the tent. He glanced at the rain, which was about to stop. He had chosen to site the water mill where the water level of the Saône River dropped the most, so as to maximize its effectiveness.

"Ryan, do you think you can influence Pierre by faking your own death?"

"Impossible, Cluny is not that powerful yet."

Not to mention Cluny, the Pope, who did not launch the Crusades and had no military armament, did not have the overwhelming power that one might imagine. Although the appointment and removal of bishops in various places required not only his approval, but also the participation of local lords, if the local lords objected, the bishop would not be able to sit firmly in his position.

In fact, among the people Pierre bribed was the Count of Macon.

Not to mention that as a reformer, Cluny did not even have the support of the Pope.

Of course, it’s not that the Pope is against it, but the new Pope is still busy with internal strife.
So without the support of the Pope and the Count of Macon, a miracle of resurrection is enough to make Lynn famous, but it will definitely not bring down Pierre!

Exposing the bishop for smuggling? Without actual evidence, it would only backfire.

Insisting that the bishop killed him?
Don't forget that a corpse still lies within St. Vincent's tomb. Pierre is no foolish farmer. If he chooses to risk his life and expose Lynn's lies, he's afraid the loyal monk will be burned as a heretic first.
"But the good news is that during this time, Lin En explained his situation in detail to Cluny, including his plan to fake his death. Just three days ago, Cluny wrote back to support Lin En and has already dispatched a group of monks to Macon County!"

Luc looked out the window and thought carefully. In fact, the reform and expansion of the Cluny Church was very similar to his own quiet development of territory in the valley.

Just like he said to Lynn.

Even if the farmer who looked like him was innocent, Luc would probably kill him.

Luc's eyes became deep. The environment changes people and reshapes them. After many fights and becoming a feudal class for several years, he has gradually become cruel and ruthless. The only kindness he retains is towards the people in his manor.

Which is more noble: choosing to kill innocent people to achieve your own goals, or ensuring that the people in your manor have enough food to eat and are protected from war?

Luc was not quite sure, but he believed that the ideas of the Cluny Church were consistent with his own.

It is true that reforming the church’s corruption, greed, and indulgence is a positive move, but does Cluny’s reform mean giving up the church’s due rights?

No! They would also annex land and fight with the lords for control. They would also raise serfs and let them farm for them and pay taxes.

Even harsh taxes won't change.

It simply put the money that originally went into the private pockets of the priests into the common purse of the church.

They would still build more magnificent churches, acquire more extensive lands, and improve the social status of all clergy.

In the name of God.

Luc knocked on the oak stool legs. Since Cluny would not give up power, it would be a good opportunity for him to get a piece of the pie!

Why did he suddenly risk Pierre's hostility to help Lynn? Did he really just like Cluny's philosophy?

The answer is of course no.

The deeper reason is simple. A knight with little power wants to gain enough benefits, so he supports an emerging sect, muddies the waters, and then - reshuffles the cards!
"Pierre will allow me to take some of the people with him, but he won't always grant me the status of a contractor. He can indirectly prove my source of income, but he won't truly keep the details of the valley secret. It's even possible that he'll turn against me once he truly knows the valley's secrets."

"So, he will still be the bishop of Macon, but the archdeacon needs to be replaced."

Yes, Pierre will not be easily brought down, but that doesn't mean he will be safe.

Pierre knew that Lynn's death was faked, but would he dare to say it unless he had no other choice?
Would Cluny sit back and watch such a good opportunity and not intervene? As long as he said it, Lin En would indeed die, but he would also confirm his identity as the murderer behind the scenes.

Needless to say, Cluny is not a newly emerging sect. It took root in southern Burgundy seventy years ago and built hundreds of monasteries with Cluny as the center, becoming a large organization that cannot be ignored. Otherwise, they would not have asked the Pope to support them.

By then, Pierre would face only destruction.

Luc's mouth corners rose, and the most important thing is.

Pierre is too greedy.
"The Count of Mâcon didn't profit from the salt smuggling route?"

"My Lord Bishop, you are ten times more greedy than Varg."

……

The fanatical crowd gradually calmed down under Lynn's comfort, but a new storm had just begun in the Macon Castle.

The curly-haired Count of Macon sat in the main seat, with a monk in a simple black robe sitting quietly beside him. Opposite him, a high-quality white woolen robe, in stark contrast to the rough linen, shone brightly. The owner of the white robe, Pierre, had his eyes tightly closed, his chest heaving violently.

"If no one has any objections, then under God's witness, let it be as it is."

Count Macon was smiling and speaking in a cheerful tone, and it was obvious that the negotiations had just taken place had satisfied his appetite.

He stood up first and raised the wine, followed by the black-robed monk. They both looked at Pierre, who took a deep breath and stood up slowly. Amid the pleasant clash of exquisitely painted pottery cups, the meeting to divide the spoils officially ended.

Pierre walked out of the castle with a grim face. He had already handed the cardinal a wax letter in which he and Macombe jointly recommended the monk who had just come to be the archdeacon. The more than ten monks who came with him would also live in St. Vincent's Church.

The Count of Macon received a fifty percent share of the salt smuggling route, the church received forty percent, and the remaining ten percent still belonged to the brotherhood.

As for Pierre himself, he only retained his status as bishop.

The monks who came from afar followed him closely, but did not go to the church together.

The leader of the monastic order first glanced with disgust at the hook-nosed man standing near the castle. This group of pagans always appeared in various places.

Then, under the guidance of the servant, he walked to the back. A familiar face slowly emerged before his eyes. Seeing this, the monk immediately said sincerely:
"Bless you, Chevalier Luc, you are still so full of life."

"You are the beloved one blessed by God, Brother Hugo. Oh no, should I call you Archdeacon Hugo?"

Luc laughed and hugged Hugo. He never expected that the person who came to Macon County was Hugo!

"My friend, in just half a year, you're already able to lead a group of monks."

Luc looked his old friend up and down. He had gained some weight compared to six months ago and seemed to be living a good life.

"This is all thanks to you."

"Oh?" Luc asked in confusion.

"Do you remember that I took note of your new agricultural implement? I suppose I need to apologize for promoting it in Cluny without informing you."

"But don't worry, I haven't erased your contribution. I call this new plow the Luc plow."

When Hugo talked about the reason for his promotion, Luc shrugged indifferently.

He allowed Hugo to record it, so he was naturally not afraid that he would leak it. After all, the technology of fertilizers and other things was still in his hands. Except for him, no one knew the specific principles, and he really thought it was blessed by God.

"By the way, Chevalier Luc." Hugo's face turned serious. "I want to officially inform you that from today on, you have become a long-term contractor of St. Vincent Church. You can take fifteen people away free of charge."

"And then we can recruit more 'hires' as a church."

"That's exactly what I want." Luc said with a smile.

"And one more thing."

Hugo suddenly looked into Luc's eyes and said word by word:

"I hope you can help me get rid of the leader of the Thorne River Brotherhood. I need to support new partners for the church."

The corners of Luc's mouth raised even more: "What a coincidence, this is exactly what I want."

(End of this chapter)