Lord of Winter: Beginning with Daily Intelligence - Chapter 560 - 337: Discipline (Part 2)

Chapter 560: Chapter 337: Discipline (Part 2)

Those who were aware but did not report, even though they were not directly involved, were brought out for questioning one by one.

Some had simply walked too often near the granary, some were responsible for night watch but turned a blind eye, and some had once shared a drink with Sarik but said nothing.

Their fates varied, depending on their duties and relevance, some were whipped and then expelled from the Red Tide, forbidden to set foot across the border again.

Some were allowed to stay, but the cost was the wounds on their backs.

There were those who confessed on their knees before punishment, barely earning forgiveness.

Only one person at the last moment reported to the Knights about Sarik’s abnormal contacts with the convoy. Under everyone’s watchful eyes, he was named and commended, yet he always kept his head down, not daring to meet anyone’s eyes.

As for the entire village… they were no longer allowed to remain.

The order from the Red Tide was simple, the No. 12 Border Guard Village was officially disbanded.

The remaining sixty or so people were organized in the cold wind and sent to other villages to re-establish their household registration.

No cries, no protests.

Those leaving kept their heads down, dragging simple luggage, following the transport teams, one after another.

The last corpse from the execution ground hadn’t been dragged away, the smell of tar and blood lingered in the air. Louis stepped up onto the platform, standing in the cold wind.

Without a lengthy introduction or emotional induction, he merely looked down and surveyed those below the stage.

The village chiefs and representatives of the six Border Guard Villages were all gathered here, almost everyone had their heads bowed, not daring to meet Louis’s gaze.

“This rebellion was secretly incited by the remnants of the Silver Plate Guild, a few made erroneous judgments, leading to this point.”

Louis’s voice was calm to the point of indifference, as though he was reading a meeting record. He didn’t evoke emotions or perform rage.

“They are not your representatives, nor are they representatives of the Red Tide people. Most of you adhered to order and fulfilled your duties, which is the reason we can stand here this winter.”

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the faces with lowered heads: “I won’t give loyal people and foolish people the same reward.”

Then he gently waved his hand, three Knights stepped forward, unfolded a parchment scroll, and loudly read out the orders:

“The supply grant for the six villages is as follows: Each village receives five blankets, seventy sets of winter clothing; rations will be distributed immediately in January.

Thirty young people are permitted to participate in the Dawn Port construction, preferentially hired based on the Red Tide household registration, with lodging subsidies and additional rewards.

Unapproved marriage applications will be selectively approved.”

Upon hearing this, some quietly lifted their heads, faces displaying restrained surprise and a hint of disbelief.

They originally thought they came today to be reprimanded, even prepared to accept punishment.

But unexpectedly, the Red Tide Lord not only didn’t move against them but instead brought rewards.

Yet the more it was so, the tighter their hearts grew.

Louis saw this clearly but did not intend to explain anything further, he just continued: “From now on, the Red Tide will no longer distinguish between Barbarian, Imperial People, or Foreigners.

Only between the trustworthy, and those foolishly thinking they can rebel.”

Below there was no sound, except for the wind sweeping across the execution ground’s still damp noose, making a slight “creaking” sound.

Then Louis announced the new policy: “The military household system will not be abolished, but some clauses will be revised by me personally, to be formally promulgated later.

Initial changes as follows: The number of Inspector Knights will be doubled, inspections monthly, no refusal allowed. No unauthorized personnel or goods transfers between Border Guard Villages.

Each village’s registration will be re-verified, and military household clan registers re-compiled. Missing, outgoing, or employed individuals must declare their identity, those overdue not returned will be deemed as deserting and escaping registration.”

Below, the representatives’ expressions were heavy, some couldn’t help swallowing hard.

Louis surveyed them once, finally leaving with one last sentence: “You are not livestock, I will not drive you with a whip.

But neither are you children, I will no longer tolerate mistakes. Red Tide has given you a way to live, it’s not to be wasted.”

He turned and left the platform, some sighed in relief, while others grew more tense.

That lord did not get angry, but decided a cooler, more comprehensive restructuring.

And from today, all villages will be recorded, observed, redefined.

Some representatives wanted to come forward, express a bit of loyalty, but found no one willing to be the first.

Louis didn’t wait for them to regain composure, but went toward the distant waiting Knights’ ranks.

The execution ground was already cleared, blood water crusted into mottled dark traces on the permafrost.

Louis put away the notebook with key points of the judgment, handed it to an attendant beside him.

He glanced at the silent standing Barbarian representatives not far away, then looked at Sif beside him.

“Let’s go.” He said, “It’s time to withdraw.”

“Mm.” She nodded.

……

The night grew late.

The warmth of the fireplace had yet to dissipate, candle flames flickering faintly.

Illuminating the rumpled bedding inside the room and the two figures huddled closely together.

Sif faced away from Louis, hair draped over her shoulders, half her face hidden in shadow.

Louis leaned against the bed, finally spoke: “Today you… spoke very little.”

Sif didn’t respond immediately, after a moment turned to him, her gaze unlike the near-hearted hardness seen at the execution site during the daylight: “I didn’t feel as good as I imagined.”

“I thought seeing them being hung one by one, would feel satisfying.” Sif curled her lip, as if trying to smile, or merely a muscle twitch.

“Although I’ve stopped caring, why do I still feel heartache?

They shouted about Barbarian dignity, loudly… I can understand that. I shouted too when I was young.”

Sif lowered her head: “You gave them houses, provided clothes, even supplied grain, they won’t freeze or starve to death.”

She paused, her voice as light as snow falling: “You gave so much, yet they still betrayed you.

To think that without you, they would’ve all died in last year’s snowstorm.

How dare they…”

But Sif understood, even speaking harshly, her heart still left some space for those people.

She wasn’t free of hate for them, but neither wanted to see them hung on wooden platforms one by one.

Wanted to fight for them but didn’t know what more to say to Louis, who had done his best, his name was too merciful.

She was no longer the Princess of Cold Moon Tribe, merely Louis’s wife.

Louis sat beside her, never interrupted, just gently held her hand.

“You feel heartache because you are more awake than them.”

Louis spoke in an even tone, without any bragging or preaching, just stating.

“The system in the Border Guard Villages indeed has issues.” He bowed his head, his tone paused, “I originally thought keeping people together and sustaining them for a few years could teach a generation to obey… perhaps, I was too hasty.”

He turned to Sif, looked into her eyes: “Next, I will make some adjustments.

Let them see an upward path. Loyal individuals will have advancement channels, the talented youths can be sent to Red Tide City for training.

The families willing to comply will not just be guarded, but can participate in governance not because of grace, but to let them know, defiance will be stifled, compliance… at least there’s a way out.”

Sif looked at him, her gaze much calmer.

“From now on, these Border Guard Villages,” he slowly said, “will be managed by you. Not as the daughter of the Barbarian Race, but as the master of Red Tide.

This snowfield, will eventually become our land.”

The room was silent for a few seconds.

Sif nodded, lowered her voice: “I will strive to help you.”

Louis smiled slightly, didn’t speak lofty words, just lightly kissed her forehead: “Then I thank you in advance.”

Sif’s ear tips turned a little red, she originally wanted to turn away from him but no sooner moved she was pulled back.

“You…” She bit her lip, didn’t lift her head.

“Should we try again?” He murmured, “I remember you said, for Red Tide… one can strive a little harder.”

Sif bit her lip, pushed him lightly, but without force.

Then the firelight grew a little warmer, the bed got a little messier.