Chapter 1,478 Speculation From a Special Small Community

"From the perspective of future generations, even if the tailors in Cologne come together, they can only be a small factory at the village level."

"If I have 10,000 soldiers, it is impossible for Cologne to come up with enough winter coats to meet the needs of our army in a short period of time. If I really place an order for 10,000 woolen jackets, even if they work hard, they will not be able to deliver them all when this winter is over. Because they lack channels to obtain lamp oil or beeswax, even if they buy it, the profits earned from weaving clothes will be wiped out by lighting expenses.”

"I'm actually a little worried about their capabilities. Obviously this Cologne is far inferior to the handicraft production capacity of my Novgorod. Oh, they only have 10,000 urban residents. Unlike my Novgorod, the economic zone around the lake With a population of 200,000, the production capacity is probably more than twenty times greater than that of Cologne."

It was precisely through detailed discussions on economic aspects with the financial officer of the Archbishop of Cologne that Rurik gained an in-depth understanding of some key indicators of the region's economic situation. He was willing to believe what the financial officer said. If he didn't believe his description, it would be even less credible what others said.

After comparing the two sides, Rurik really can't think highly of the economic situation of the Cologne Diocese, but he can't deny it either.

In terms of taxation, Cologne's taxation system that has been running for hundreds of years is still stable. The economic tentacles of the priests have firmly grasped all the villages, so that in the archives of the cathedral, those parchment volumes mark in detail each taxpaying village, as well as the village. some key information.

If it were a real country of earls, an earl who could do this would have the strength to become king.

It's a pity that the priests are in charge. The entire Council of Cardinals and the archbishop they voted for have a "reluctant to get involved" attitude towards the military from top to bottom unless forced by the superior nobles.

The added value of handicraft products is very high. However, Cologne's production capacity in this area has structural flaws. They rely heavily on processing and production of supplied materials. Therefore, when a strong player cuts off their supply source, the city's handicraft industry will gradually decline.

Rather than raising sheep and cattle, it would be better to farm on the banks of the fertile Ruhr River.

In this era, large coal fields had not yet been dug along the Ruhr River, and there were no local iron ores. Although coal fields are unknown, the local salt mines are an important source of finance and taxation, and the largest tax revenue is food.

Surplus grain can be sold externally, but the monasteries within the territory are still happy to brew ale and key wines with various flavors. Due to technical limitations, the local area lacks craft brewing technology, and the technology for distilling spirits is even less known. The ale and wine brewed are often only about 3°C.

They are often digested by their own people in the winter, and only a small part is kept in the spring, which is called "aging."

On the other hand, guest communities such as Abra, based on their own special and conservative beliefs, will never touch any liquor industry, nor will they try to snatch the liquor business rights from the priests.

Selling wine and grain is an important way for the Diocese of Cologne to make money. For the priests, wine is an indispensable "sacred prop" for various ceremonies, and selling grain is an act of charity to help the poor. This is very consistent with their values. Such a profit The wealth obtained is interpreted as "not usury" but "a grateful donation from the beneficiary".

Although this is a kind of duality, the Cologne Diocese is naturally rich in wealth, so it is treated as a big fat sheep, plundered by some powerful people with lower limits.

Rurik's meeting in Cologne Cathedral appears to have been anything but constructive with Archbishop Hardbold, but it also laid a foundation for future collaboration.

In fact, he stayed in the church briefly and then came out proudly to meet the guards in the city square.

The archbishop kept his black robes, and after Hadbold met with his cardinals, they all stood on the steps of the church door, quietly watching the high-profile departure of the extremely gorgeous and yet heroic Russian warriors.

"Papa, have you negotiated something? Did that King of Rus repent before the True Cross? Does he intend to convert to the right path?" A fellow cardinal's question was not malicious, but this question was like a dagger poking the archbishop's head. heart.

never had! Hardbold never questioned the authenticity of the True Cross. Even if he wrapped the original version of the cross with gold-plated copper, the black wood should be a sacred object.

It is foolish nonsense for an ignorant savage to question and deny it.

King Ross knew a little too much about the Catholic faith. Although Hadbold would warn himself that "what King Ross said is nonsense," he still felt a deeper fear of this man who was both an enemy and a friend - not only did he It can kill people, and it can also kill people's hearts.

Hudbold hesitated for a moment, thinking that the conversation had thankfully remained unnoticed. "Nothing has been negotiated. King Rus is extremely stubborn and still refuses to convert to the right path."

"Oh, he is such a stubborn person. Stubborn and stupid, there is not only one Lord in the world, but they Normans still believe in those messy false gods." After one person said this, the cardinals stared at each other with pity and sadness. Look at Rurik's retreating figure. Of course, there was also a sense of relief in his eyes as the evil was gone.

The north gate of Cologne is still open. If the Russian army wants to plunder, two thousand troops can swarm in and loot the city. At that time, the hundreds of Danish city defenders who have converted to God will also transform themselves into Austrians based on their interests. Ding's warriors even served as leaders to guide Rurik's army to rob.

Hardbold was betting that the King of Rus would abide by the treaty, and for now he thought he was right.

When all the Russians left Cologne, the Danish city guards who had stayed outside the city for a long time and had fully chatted with the Russian troops walked back to the city in a swaggering manner, and then waved to their friends outside the city happily and calmly. Close the door.

"Lord, the devil has finally left." Hudbold silently crossed himself on his chest, his frown unabated, and he immediately summoned his financial officer Abra.

The experience just now made him feel mixed emotions. His financial officer was obviously too enthusiastic and seemed to have forgotten his duty.

That was the room where the small discussion was held, Hardbold's private office. He kept away from all other people and continued chatting with his financial officer.

The old guy frowned and had a complicated mood: "You had a great conversation with the leader of the Rus people just now, and you even forgot that this is a holy land."

"Please forgive me for my excitement. Sir, as your loyal servant, it is my responsibility to obtain more benefits for you." Based on his own beliefs, Abra would definitely not call the archbishop papa.

"Profit? You talk about money in the sanctuary. This is blasphemy."

“But you still need money.”

Hudbold immediately softened his tone: "But you really haven't discussed any specific business business."

"At least the possibility has been negotiated. My lord, they brought a lot of deer and a lot of soldiers. King Rus revealed that he also brought a lot of money..."

"What does this mean? He's going to pay for my food?"

"Not only can they buy food." Abra corrected him with a smile: "They have brought a lot of deer. All the deer will be eaten as food. The deer skin will definitely not be wasted. It will eventually be shipped to your Cologne for processing and production. The finished leather coats will still have to be sold. Your Cologne will make a fortune. Oh no! You will have more wealth to show your kindness to the poor lambs, and God will... praise your righteous deeds."

The last sentence was actually Abra's unintentional praise, but it tickled Hudbold's itch.

The archbishop is a smart man. He already knew that the Russians were extremely interested in trade. The new county of Nassau-Koblenz was an outlier among the many Frankish feudal states. They were extremely keen on trade, presumably because their cores were homogeneous. From Ross.

Due to his faith and public opinion, the archbishop could not discuss specific trade details with Rurik in person. Now that he had the wonderful trade prospects outlined by the financial officer, a fire was ignited in his heart.

Outside the city, the bonfires of the Ross Army Camp were brightly lit under the setting sun. After nightfall, under the bright stars, there was a string of fire ribbons from the north of the city to the east of the city.

All four gates of Cologne City are closed tightly. Most of the people are still afraid of the military power and dare not take it lightly. In addition, there is no nightlife in this era. The main roads and complex lanes in the city are deserted. Only some wild cats are catching the scurrying rats and doing frequent things. Make some slight movements.

That night, Abra returned to his small community and told the rabbi the important news he had learned overnight.

Then the rabbi hurriedly sent people to inform the men of each family. They met secretly and reached a consensus on business issues under the oil lamp.

In this way, as Cologne's financial officer, Abra has mastered mathematics and business knowledge that far exceeds that of the locals. In addition, he is not restricted by some rules and regulations. After learning about a business opportunity, he does not want to let it go.

Because King Rus had clearly specified that a larger army would pass through Cologne to assemble at Koblenz on the upper reaches of the Rhine, the Rus' army needed more supplies to meet its logistical needs, and it also needed a buyer to absorb some of the army's special products. out.

The entire small community will be engaged in leather processing and wool textile work. Those reindeer have a huge area of ​​​​leather, and they will be eaten. Who can purchase the leather and complete the processing? You don’t even need to process it yourself. At the right time, you can go to Coblenz in person to buy deerskin or other leather from the Rus, and bring it back to Cologne to sell it at a higher price and make quick money.

Abra and his friends are not going to pass up this opportunity to make a fortune.

And so, this special little community made a big decision.

The next day, when the late autumn sun began to warm the Ross Camp, the soldiers who had slept around the campfire all night began to add firewood to the smoldering fire. They were in urgent need of a meal to prepare for today's entire day's march, because According to the plan, the entire army must pass through Bonn today in order to successfully reach Koblenz before tomorrow evening.

After returning, Rurik did not make the matters he and Abra talked about public to the public. After all, they were all related to business and trade. Who knows what the future will be like? Knowing the true size of Cologne's economy, Rurik's economic expectations were modest.

He was eager to finish his meal and leave. Unexpectedly, when the city's north gate quietly opened, a small group of people were so bold that they approached Ross Camp.

Uninvited guests came to visit, and they were immediately intercepted by cavalry.

Under the threat of war horses, this small group of people spread their hands to show that they had no weapons. After being searched by soldiers, it was confirmed that they did not have even a dagger, and then they were escorted to the military camp.

The leader of the visitor was none other than the same Abra from yesterday.

When the soldier reported the matter in person, Rurik had to temporarily put down his wooden bowl and half-eaten boiled wheat rice. "Strange, what is he here for? Could it be that Hudbold asked this person to ask me something? Send them over."

After receiving accurate orders from the king, the few people who had been detained for a while were "escorted" to Rurik. Although it was a short stay, Abra and his eldest son had already had a good look at the lineup of the Russian army. This is completely different from the Frank-style army they imagined. An inexplicable sense of order is daunting. Another obvious feature is that the Russian soldiers seem to be too young. Even so, the limited gazes Sometimes, the aggressive eyes are frightening - only the eyes that have killed people on the battlefield are like this.

Seeing this, the guys sitting next to Rurik stood up and stood behind their king.

"You all should step back first." Rurik gestured with a side face, and then converted into Latin: "Remember you. You are Abra, the financial officer of Cologne. Did your master order you to come?"

"My little community met and decided. You know, we retain certain privileges, so we can communicate more closely with you. It's incredible, your warriors all speak some Latin, so our communication will be easier. "

"Let's get down to business! Let me guess, you people must be here for profit."

"You are wise." Abra praised.

"So, do you want to sell me some goods, or are you trying to provide me with loan services? I am not short of money. If you can sell me the goods I urgently need, I can pay immediately."

Abra really liked this calm business attitude. He was not in a hurry to discuss business issues, but pushed a boy in front of him.

This is a thin man, who looks to be fifteen or sixteen years old. The beard has just begun to grow on his lips, making him look very young.

"Who is this? Could it be your son?"

"Dear King, nothing can be hidden from your discernment." Abraham still deliberately wiped his mouth with honey, "He is my eldest son Reuben. I heard that your army will go to Nassau and Coblenz, I know that it is actually the territory of your Rus. The name Nassau-Koblenz was given for the convenience of governance. Our small community hopes to do business with you directly, and we directly bypass the Archbishop of Cologne, so that It’s good for everyone.”

"Oh?" Rurik narrowed his eyes slightly: "Did you guys decide to send your son to Nassau to be a liaison officer after some discussion?"

"That's what I mean. I wonder, what do you think? My son understands Latin, Frankish, and even some Saxon."

"Is this guy the only one?" Rurik asked.

"Exactly, if you feel something is wrong, we can send some more people."

"No need." Rurik waved his hand, pointed his big hand directly at the young Ruben's face, and ordered in Latin: "Boy! If you want to live on my territory, even if it is to serve your community, you must first surrender. Me! Now, kneel down to me.”

The boy Ruben was stunned at first. After noticing the hint in his father's eyes from the corner of his eye, he knelt down very decisively. He covered his chest with his right hand and announced in stuttering Latin: "I am a friend of Ross. I surrender to King Ross. .”

The boy's words contained his own stubbornness. He could serve the Russians, but he was by no means a slave of the Russians, at least not in name.

For these guys, Rurik already knew their names and was also aware of their notoriety.

But only this small group of people, they are a minority living in Cologne, relying entirely on some handicraft industries and early financial services to make a living. As long as land rights are not opened to them, they can only be a marginalized group.

Rurik did not intend to have anything to do with such a group of people. He accidentally discovered that this group of talents was an important driving force behind the economic activities of the Cologne Diocese. It was not in Ross's interest to bypass them and deny them. In addition, they are a marginalized group, which gives Rose a lot less to worry about.

"Okay, Ruben, stand up." After that, Rurik asked again: "Boy, can you ride a horse?"

"I... can at least guarantee not to fall."

"Okay, I'll accept you. The County of Nassau-Coblenz may be short of a financial officer, and maybe you can do the job. Come with me now."

The boy Ruben took another look at his father and walked into the Ross army formation very wisely.

At this point, Abra and his friends no longer suffered anything, and finally bowed and complimented: "I wish King Rus a success in his great action."

Forget it, they quickly exited the Ross Army Camp and ran back to the city without looking back.