Eastern mythology system

Chapter 143 Patriotic Merchant
The barrier to the east of the Brilliant Empire, within the Huaishui Pass.

The geographical location of this empire's most important pass is extremely important.Coupled with the existence of this aggressive neighbor to the east, the role of Huaishuiguan is even more prominent.

Now that the two countries are fighting against each other and the war has officially started, the tiger and wolf division of the Riga Empire has not been able to set foot in the hinterland of the Brilliant Empire. It is precisely because of the protection of this grand pass.

In view of this, the entire empire has spared no effort in the repair, maintenance, reinforcement and expansion of Huaishuiguan, and it has never stopped.Even the various supporting facilities for the life of the guarding soldiers other than combat and training are constantly being improved.The actual land area of ​​Huaishuiguan is spreading to the interior of the empire.

Therefore, although Huaishui Pass is a pass, considering its size and permanent population, it is no less inferior to the medium-sized cities in the territory of the Brilliant Empire.

In the center of Huaishuiguan, there is a building complex with the largest area and the tallest houses.Judging from that scale, it is obviously not affordable for ordinary people.

After all, this place is close to the border, and it is often harassed by the Riga Empire army, and wars of all sizes have never stopped. The rich and powerful nobles are naturally not happy to place their residences in this dangerous place.

Judging from the rough, simple, chisel-like style of those buildings, it really doesn't match the preferences of the nobles.The solemnity and solemnity exuded by the whole building complex, and the desolate atmosphere carried in the dullness, are more like a military institution.

This is the government office of Huaishuiguan, and it is also the highest administrative command center of Huaishuiguan's defense forces.

If there is no war in normal times, a general under the command of the Grand Duke Mattesias is usually stationed here to command.Now that the Riga Empire army is coming to invade, the owner of the government office here is of course replaced by the Duke.

On the top floor of the tallest building, in the spacious hall where you can clearly see the battle at Huaishuiguan, the Grand Duke Mattesias, who has reached his sixtieth year, is writing his case.

On the wide long table, there are two stacks of official documents that have been reviewed on the right hand side, and each stack is more than one foot high.But on the left hand side of His Excellency the Duke, there are two other piles of official documents waiting for approval.

After writing down the processing instructions on a document again, the Grand Duke let out a long sigh of relief, put down the pen in his hand, twisted his neck and stood up.

A middle-aged man next to him offered a cup of hot tea in due course.

Grand Duke Mattesias took the teacup, took a big sip, and walked slowly to the window.

Outside the window is the direction of the city wall of Huaishui Pass.

"What's the matter with the people of Riga?"

The middle-aged man immediately replied: "Earlier, I assembled the army and lined up the formation, as if planning to attack the city. It was later proved that it was just a show and bluff. The troops in the formation quickly dispersed and went back to the camp gone."

"Oh." Grand Duke Mattesias nodded.

He did indeed hear the sound of assembly horns coming from the front of the pass just now.

During the recent period, the offensive rhythm of the Riga Empire has slowed down a lot, and the scale of the troops invested has also shrunk significantly.Even when those soldiers attacked the city, they were far less brave and fierce than before. They seemed cautious and took self-protection as the first priority.

In that situation, it was as if the entire invading army, from top to bottom, regarded the attack on Huaishui Pass as a coping task.

This is somewhat funny.

As the active attacker, whether to fight or not to fight, the initiative is in the hands of the Riga Empire.There is really no need to waste time and energy on this superficial effort.

But the Grand Duke Mattesias knew why the enemy was doing this.

They are waiting.

Without the sudden mutiny of the province of Taranto, General Dino could only storm the Huaishui Pass.Other than that, there is no other way to go.Now that there is a problem within the Brilliant Empire, and there is a possibility that there is no need to smash the tortoise shell of Huaishuiguan, the people of Riga are naturally happy to retain their strength and sit back and watch the enemy fight.

This change was not only due to Taranto's rebellion, but also because of the bloody battles of the Huaishuiguan soldiers, who exchanged swords and flesh and blood for the attention of the enemy.

and respect!
This ferocious army that went all over the place recognized their strength.

This is the highest honor!

In this regard, the Grand Duke has nothing to do.

You can't open the city gate, take the initiative to attack, and start a field battle with the enemy, right?
He has long passed the age of ignoring when the blood surges up, and he will not really think that the army in his hand is enough to confront the enemy just because he has blocked the attack of the Riga people.

If not relying on the advantage of the city wall, could it be possible to make up for various shortcomings such as experience, training, and command, and repel the enemy's attacks time and time again with the enthusiasm of the young men?
However, His Excellency the Duke does not need to do anything.As long as he doesn't let Riga's dog legs step half a step into the Huaishui pass, he will complete the task.

As for countering the rebellion, it can only be handed over to the old guys, he has no ability to distract him anymore.

Didn't you see that cunning Dino dwarf obviously didn't intend to break through the level, but he still attacked frequently?He just wants to crucify the strength of the Grand Duke and the troops mobilized by other provinces here, so that they cannot put all their heart and soul into countering the rebellion.

This national battle has developed to the present, and the main battlefield has quietly shifted from the front of Huaishui Pass to Taranto.

"Although it was a false alarm, we still have to keep the boys from relaxing. No matter whether the opponent is really fighting or not, we must all be prepared. Aren't the people in Riga practicing drills? We also practice with them. The right is to add a training item, who? Who are you afraid of?"

Grand Duke Matthias looked at the camp of the Riga people, and gave the order proudly.

"Yes!" The middle-aged man bowed to accept the order.

The Grand Duke withdrew his gaze and sat down at the long table.

"Does the staff have any conclusions about the situation in Taranto?"

After all, it is within the territory of the Brilliant Empire, and the channels for news transmission are unimpeded.The latest movement of the Aberdeen army's campaign against Taranto can be delivered to the high-level hands of the imperial capital and various provinces at any time.

The counter-insurgency army advanced all the way, was forced to retreat by Taranto's siege of Wei and rescued Zhao, and then the brief confrontation between the leaders of the two sides on the edge of the Hengyuan Grand Canyon, all gathered from formal or informal channels, and placed in the presence of the Grand Duke Mattesias. on the desk.

His Excellency the Duke transferred the information to the staff of the Duke's Mansion, asking them to study the plans of the Taranto rebels and deduce the further trend of the battle.

Even if you can't directly send troops to help, it's better to be prepared in advance than to be in a hurry and unable to deal with something that happens suddenly.

"Uh, not yet." The middle-aged man hesitated for a while, but still gave a negative answer.

In fact, it is not that there are no conclusions, on the contrary, there are too many conclusions, but no one can convince anyone.Such a result is actually no different from no result.

"Alright, let them hold on tight." His Excellency the Duke shook his head.

He was not dissatisfied with the work of the staff.

One squatted outside the door, and another one sneaked in from the house.Of the six famous generals of the Riga Empire, two are here.There are tigers in front and wolves in back, what a headache.

"Huh~" The middle-aged man looked out the window, "My lord, the Hilton family is here."

"Well, let them come up." The Grand Duke nodded, and seized the time to continue processing the piles of case files.

……

"Young master! Young master!"

"Young Master, you are here again!"

"Young master, you are so handsome today..."

"..."

Owen Hilton rode on a snow-white steed, and together with the Hilton family's convoy, passed the heavily guarded checkpoint and walked slowly on the main road of the inner city.

The officers and soldiers guarding the checkpoint are all old acquaintances. Although they are strict and careful, their expressions are very relaxed.

When the residents on both sides of the road saw the convoy, they were even more enthusiastic, and kept saying hello and hello to Owen.Some more courageous girls directly said "flirtatious".

Owen smiled and waved, while continuing to direct the convoy towards the Huaishuiguan government office.The friendliness and enthusiasm of the soldiers and civilians at Huaishuiguan made him feel a little dazed.

In just over a year, the changes in him not only surprised his patriarch's father and some people who were familiar with his details, but even he himself felt a little unreal.

Back then, the young master of the Hilton family led a group of noble children from Edinburgh to chase chickens and dogs all day long, doing nothing.To put it bluntly, it's called being a chivalrous man, but everyone knows what's going on in reality.

Since that adventure trip in Hengling, where he was rescued by Anthony in distress, Owen's life trajectory has undergone a huge turning point.Not only did he reconnect with managing the family business, but he gradually gained the approval of his father and senior family members.Up to now, he has gradually become independent and can negotiate business with merchants on behalf of the Hilton family.

Just like this invitation from the Grand Duke.

The Hilton family also ushered in a huge opportunity after being joined by Anthony.

Facing the sudden attack of the old nobles in Edinburgh, Anthony, relying on his strong personal strength and planning and layout far beyond his age, not only resolved the biggest crisis in the history of the family invisible, but even eliminated and fought, taking advantage of the trend , completely knocked down the Marquis Fontaine family, turned the once hostile family to Hilton, and became a strategic ally of his own family.

Since then, the Hilton family has completed its second leap forward.The influence on the political level is finally comparable to the family's business status.

When Patriarch Silvio and a group of family members were still happily consolidating and digesting the huge victory, they never imagined that in a short period of time, another huge opportunity was once again in front of the Hilton family .

"Patriotic businessman"!
With the outbreak of the war with the Riga Empire, all big businessmen, including the Hilton family, received a letter sent in the name of the royal family.

The meaning of the letter is very simple, it is to hope that the major merchants with rich families will put the country first, and support the glorious empire's foreign wars from all aspects. .

After the whole article, the core content is that the royal family hopes that the big businessmen can provide real support with real money and silver, and in return, they will be honored as "patriotic businessmen".

The great nobles and merchants politely sent the royal family visitors out, crumpled up the letters and threw them into the trash when they turned around.

Exchange a false title for the property of the merchants?
Your Majesty the King is crazy about money, right?

The top executives of the Hilton family had the same thoughts as other families at the beginning, but the following words from Patriarch Silvio caused a fundamental change in everyone's opinion on this matter:

"Mr. Anthony had someone bring me a message, and he suggested that we take this 'business'."

Even though the young man is no longer in Hilton, he is still worshiped by the Hilton family in name.However, the weight of this young man's enshrined words is still unimaginable.

Thus, the Hilton family became the first and only "patriotic businessman" family at that time.

Of course, becoming a "patriotic businessman" does not mean donating property for free. The royal family would never make such a mindless request.As long as the profit of the goods is lowered a little, and then a little lower, the financial pressure on the empire can be greatly reduced.

For big merchants, half or even more than half of the money that should have gone into their own pockets is cut off abruptly. That is cutting their flesh. Who wants it?

Only the Hilton family is willing.

The Hilton family is involved in a wide range of businesses, such as swords, weapons and armor, horses, carriages and tents, food, medicine and clothing, and so on.It can be said that if their scale is larger and the cargo throughput is higher, they can completely supply all the logistical supplies of an army by themselves.

And for all these military purchase orders, they only charge the cost price, not a tael of silver.

Patriarch Silvio is also a man of great courage. Either he doesn't do it, or if he does, he should do it thoroughly.

This move greatly affected the income of the family business in a short period of time.

This is also expected. The army has a huge number of orders and takes up a huge amount of manpower, material resources and funds. Of course, it cannot take care of other businesses.

But within a month, the situation suddenly changed drastically.

In the wave of enthusiasm for "joining the army", "serving the country" and "fighting against the invaders" in the empire, among the big merchants that everyone thought could be synonymous with profit-seeking and self-seeking, there is actually such a rather unusual family .

They are purely working hard, working hard to supply the army's logistics, but they don't earn even a penny.

This is so rare!
As the name of the "patriotic businessman" Hilton family spread throughout the empire, the family business suddenly ushered in a wave of strong growth after a brief decline.

On the same street, in the same area, as long as there is a store of the Hilton family, as long as the store has the goods you need, you don't need to look at other stores, just buy here.

The location is far away?
It doesn't matter, just walk a few more steps.

Not the one you use at home?
It doesn't matter, just get used to it.

The price is a little bit more expensive?
Expensive, of course, has its value. I didn’t see that people don’t even earn a little money from the country for orders as big as the imperial army. Would they deliberately cheat us of our one or two dollars of silver with substandard goods?

Anyway, what the Hilton family sells is good: if the price is low, the goods are of good quality and cheap, and the price is real; if the price is high, the goods are of good quality, high grade, and value for money.

The customer flow of the Hilton family store has increased several times and dozens of times.

Because of the large orders received from the army, the family's shops all over the empire have already been mobilized a lot.Now that the business has suddenly surged, the shop assistants are so busy that they can't tell the north from the south.

But inside the store, and even on the street outside the store, the number of customers waiting to come in has not decreased at all.Even if the shops next to them are very empty, even if they have put up a big sign for discounts, no one will take a second look.

Seeing that the shop assistants were too busy, some customers had an idea, took out their money and put it on the counter, picked up the things on the shelves, turned around and left.

The customers around took a look, hey, this method is good!

Everyone followed suit one after another, and completed the transaction by themselves without waiting for the clerk to greet them.

Customers don't bother the clerk when they need change, and they don't want the change.Not only that, some guests even deliberately left double, triple or more silver.

In order to support the national armament, the Hilton family was willing to give up huge profits, and even other businesses were greatly affected.Can't we just send a little tribute to the Hilton family?
In just a few days, all the goods in the stores of the Hilton family were out of stock and needed urgent replenishment.

Seeing that the Hilton family's business is so hot, the eyes of all the noble merchants are red with anxiety, and their intestines are green with regret.

Patriotic businessman, how can I be missing?
All major merchants have responded to His Majesty's call and actively joined the ranks of patriotic merchants.

But sometimes, one step earlier or one step later, the gap is as far apart as the sky and the earth.

For these later "patriotic businessmen", the people did not buy it: why did you go so early?Seeing that it was profitable, they swarmed up.Sure enough, except for the Hilton family, all businessmen have the same virtue.

And with the special envoy sent by the imperial capital, they rushed all the way to the Hilton family's mansion with drums and drums, and delivered the "Patriotic Businessman" certificate of commendation written by His Majesty the King, which instantly pushed the Hilton family's reputation to the peak.

In the empire, who doesn't know the name of the Hilton family!
What is more valuable than the family's prestige is the friendly attitude of the entire empire towards the Hilton family.This is an intangible but immeasurably valuable wealth.

Just like what everyone called Owen just now.

Generally, the heirs of the power holders of big families or big businesses will be called "young bosses" within the family.

Like Irving, no matter where he goes, people will warmly and affectionately call him "Young Master", as if everyone is a member of the Hilton family.

This kind of treatment is the only one in the entire Glorious Empire, and there is no semicolon!

(End of this chapter)