Chapter 1598 Freedom (Ⅰ)
"If you think there is no difference between these two statements, it is tantamount to tacitly acquiescing that the interests of the overseas colonies and their home countries are the same, and the colonists should be unconditionally loyal to the home country government, even if the colony is in the midst of war, and the home country government has no , and most likely will not provide any support in the future.”
Joseph Adams sneered slightly, with a sneer in his eyes.
"If that's the case... Is it necessary for our 'Sons of Liberty' to exist? Hailar, don't forget our original intention. What kind of 'freedom' are the so-called 'Sons of Liberty' fighting for?"
Hailaer seemed to have been hit in the head, and was speechless for a while.
Joann was not a member of the Sons of Liberty, but it was not difficult for him to read what Joseph Adams meant.
When he first came into contact with this organization in Leiden Port, Joan really felt that the "Sons of Liberty Association" was a potential treasonous organization.
This organization was originally founded by a group of smuggling businessmen and pirates, with the purpose of collecting intelligence, establishing a network of contacts and channels for selling stolen goods, and better serving illegal businesses such as smuggling, tax evasion, and selling stolen goods.
The "freedom" that Adams and his comrades talk about is, to put it bluntly, the freedom to break the law and make profits.
The "Sons of Liberty" has been a criminal organization from the day it was born. How can it be expected that this organization will be loyal to its enemy, the government of the mother country across the ocean?
Hailaer is still too young. Although she holds an important position in the "Sons of Liberty", she has never recognized the essence of this organization, she has not set her own position, and she has not realized that all "Sons of Liberty"—including herself— They were all natural traitors, and naively thought that loyalty to the organization and the motherland could be balanced, so she didn't understand why Joseph Adams went to the capital of the invaders to develop his career when the Midgard colony was in turmoil.
Mr. Adams' motives are clear when the nature of the Sons of Liberty is recognized.
In fact, this is not complicated, it is nothing more than "hedge your bets".
The interests of the "Sons of Liberty" are not consistent with those of their home country, and in many cases are even diametrically opposed. Since "freedom" is based on their own interests, as long as it is profitable, why should they care whether the land under their feet belongs to the Ashan Empire or not? Kingdom of Fizen?
If the imperial government can keep Midgard as an overseas colony, the "Sons of Liberty" will still be subjects of the Empire; on the contrary, if Midgard will eventually fall into the hands of the Fiend, the "Sons of Liberty" should change their nationality as soon as possible , Feizhen's status as an upstart is more conducive to their business.
Mr. Adams just reflected that in the past, too much energy and resources were invested in the two imperial colonies of Midgard and Alfheim, so that the interests were too closely tied to the colonial government, and they fell into a situation where everything would suffer. The situation violated the original intention of the "Sons of Liberty".
So he wants to correct this mistake and go to Jotunheim to expand the power of the association in person, "you can't put all your eggs in the same basket."
Joan didn't want to comment on Mr. Adams' actions, but the "freedom" advocated by the "Sons of Liberty" is worth pondering.
The basis of this kind of freedom is selfishness, which is "people will not be destroyed for themselves", and the organizations established on this basis have some anarchist colors, but they are not outright anarchism, but instead use wealth to replace people. Bloodlines, as a measure of a person's social status, try to break the old tradition that money serves power, turn the world upside down, hold a "coronation ceremony" for capital, and make gold power override political power, transcend race and national boundaries, and become universal the only king below.
Joan had a vague premonition that if one day the "freedom" advocated by the "Sons of Liberty" became a universal value, human society would certainly become more civilized and progressive, but at the same time it would inevitably become increasingly selfish and ruthless. It is possible to slide into the abyss of self-destruction.
"Yesterday afternoon, I wrote to your father. He was worried about the prospects of Midgard City, especially your safety." Joseph Adams said to Hailar.
Hailaer was stunned for a moment, stroking the ends of her hair and muttering: "Dad still treats me like a child, worrying about these boring things..."
"Whether it's for safety or future considerations, Mr. Herrell hopes that you can finish your studies in Midgard as soon as possible and go to New Avalon with me to start a business."
Adams stopped to observe the change in his niece's expression, and added with a smile.
"Of course, this is just a suggestion from our two elders. How to choose, Mr. Herrell and I will respect your own decision."
With Hailaer's ability, she has actually reached the graduation standard. She continues to dawdle on the university campus. First, she is out of habit. She doesn't want to end her campus life and move towards a more complicated adult society. Second, there are still things she can't let go of on the university campus. care.
Of course she knew that both Adams and her adoptive father were wholeheartedly thinking about her future, but facing the crossroads in her life, she felt at a loss.
After hesitating for a long time, Hailaer couldn't help turning his head to look at Joan and Zion, and asked in a low voice, "What are your plans?"
"Maintain the status quo for the time being." Audrey has actually been thinking about this issue for a long time, and replied with a smile: "Unless Fizen's army invades Midgard City and forces the school to close for classes, I will still stay here and continue to be a good student."
"I think so too." Holden said solemnly, "Students must behave like students, of course they must focus on their studies. As for national affairs, let the adults worry about it, Joan, what do you say? Woolen cloth?"
"me too."
Having said that, Qiao An was actually somewhat confused. If the situation really deteriorates to what Audrey imagined, and Midgard University is forced to close its doors and suspend classes, what should I do?
In fact, there are only two paths before him: either join the army and take up arms to resist the Fizen invaders; or flee to the south and return to his alma mater, Leiden College, or his hometown, Delin Town, to temporarily avoid the war.
After understanding the thoughts of his friends, Hailar was obviously relieved, and turned to Adams and said, "Uncle Joseph, I still want to stay at Midgard University for the time being. As for the future, it is not too late to think about it after the end of this school year."
"Well, I wish you all can finish your studies safely and steadily."
Joseph Adams sent a very realistic blessing to the young people, and then looked at Lord Custis: "My lord, I am afraid that the city will not be peaceful in the next period of time. Would you like to change to another place to recuperate, or come with me?" To settle in New Avalon?"