Chapter 475: Defection

"The Kingdom's Guardian Knight, the Marquis of Yueguang Valley, the powerful Blazing Sun Knight!"

At Ironhoof Castle in Muma City, Viscount Mawen looked at the intelligence report in his hands, clicking his tongue in wonder again and again.

"I truly never imagined that Luoning would grow to such a level today!"

He vaguely remembered the first time he hosted Luoning in Muma City, when Luoning was still the Baron of Shanlin Town; at that time, the other party was guarding a destitute territory, and many people even doubted that the other party would ever be able to leave Shanlin Town in his lifetime.

Who could have imagined that Luoning could become the shining star of the Kingdom in such a short time?

"Indeed, Father!"

Masu Tiete was both amazed by Luoning's power and simultaneously impressed by his father's wise decision back then.

"It was truly a very wise choice for you to let Luogena follow Luoning back then!"

"Hahaha..."

Mawen could not help but laugh out loud; every time he thought of this matter, he was moved to death by his own cleverness.

"That goes without saying; choices are sometimes more important than strength!"

Masu also laughed: "I wonder when my younger brother will also be able to become a Baron with his own territory; the current Yueguang Valley must be very short of people."

Regarding this, Mawen held an optimistic attitude.

"The reason Luoning was promoted to nobility so quickly, aside from the support of Lord Lulansi, is that he himself performed meritorious deeds and also possesses strength that surpasses ordinary people. Although Luogena is now a Bronze Knight, compared to Luoning, he is far behind!"

"Since he is an ordinary person, he can only rely on long-term contributions to accumulate trust and merit in exchange for noble status. Look at Kabier; he has been married to Maijinni for so many years, and it was only a short while ago that he became a Baron."

Masu nodded, "That is true, but Luogena is also very good; at least he has Luoning's trust and can access the resources of Wubei Territory."

He was able to successfully become a Bronze Knight because he entrusted Luogena to purchase an Auxiliary Enhancement Potion.

"Speaking of resources, I actually envy Sande's son, Yousefu; the status of a Magician is very sought after in Wubei Territory."

As Mawen spoke, he looked at his eldest son, Masu, and said thoughtfully: "You just said that Yueguang Valley is short of people; I am prepared to let you go and follow Luoning to gain experience, like Lisi of Jianjiao City. What do you think?"

A look of pleasant surprise appeared on Masu's face, "I would be very glad to!"

As the news of Luoning becoming the Marquis of Yueguang Valley spread throughout the entire Wushan Territory, the nobles here basically all wanted to stuff their sons and daughters to Luoning just like Mawen; they called it gaining experience, but in reality, it was to seize a rare opportunity.

On the other hand, Luoning, having finished his trip to the Wangdu, returned to Wubei Territory by riding Kaierluosi after sending Lulansi back to Wushan Castle.

Although the grand wedding was imminent, Yueguang Valley could not be left unattended.

In a situation where he was short of manpower, he could only first transport his capable general Wilson and some of his assistants to Yueguang City.

On the way, he also pondered the issue of whether to grant titles to his subordinates; after all, the territory was getting larger and his subordinates were becoming more numerous, and appropriate ennoblement would help enhance cohesion and motivation.

When he first transmigrated, he did not like such enfeoffment, but with the increase in his strength, he discovered that this world was still different from Earth.

This is a world with extraordinary power, and the stronger one's strength, the less many things can restrain him.

Whether to enfeoff or not is not important; what is important is that all territories must change according to his will.

For example, implementing a set of laws from top to bottom, with local lords having no right to formulate special legal provisions;

Or for example, when Luoning prepares to abolish the slave system—which deprives human rights while simultaneously restricting the development of productivity and social progress—all the lords under him must unconditionally execute it, and so on.

To summarize in one sentence: enfeoffment is allowed, but there must be reforms, and then through time, the existing system will be changed bit by bit toward a more suitable direction.

It is impossible for Luoning to jump from the current stage into modern society all at once; all aspects do not allow it.

"Master, we have arrived at Swamp Town."

"Good, I will have to trouble you to make a few more trips these next few days to transport people to Yueguang Valley."

"Leave it to me, Master; being able to help you is something I could only wish for!"

Luoning stood up and leaped down from the dragon's back, taking a few steps in mid-air before landing inside Zhaozebao.

The knights, servants, and Magicians of Zhaozebao had long noticed the silhouette of Kaierluosi and knew that the Lord had returned; one by one, they all ran outside to wait.

Although Luoning becoming a Marquis did not have much to do with most of the servants here, they could still feel a sense of glory on their faces.

The servants of a Count are on a different level than the servants of a Marquis.

As soon as Luoning landed, he was met with grand congratulations and greetings; he responded to them and offered encouragement before he was able to pull away and return to the hall.

Luoning gathered the Magicians and knights together to discuss the situation regarding personnel transfers.

First of all, the Magicians would not be moved, as this would affect the production of Magic Potions.

Now that Aierlong was not here, this matter was handed over to Jennie to be in charge of, with Ailin and Yousefu assisting, while those Primary Mages introduced by Buleidun would be responsible for the initial processing of materials.

Secondly, the Knight Squad organized by Ruige would not be moved; after all, there are over a hundred thousand people living here now, and without some military deterrence, problems would arise.

As for the defensive forces of Yueguang Valley, Lulansi had said to let Ruidar lead the three Knight Orders of Wushan Castle to garrison there, so Luoning did not need to worry about this aspect for the time being.

What Luoning needed to take away was the transport officer Luogena and his transport squad, as well as Weierke and a group of Civil Officials, to help him first handle the administration of Yueguang Valley and coordinate enough supplies and other urgent issues, so that this disaster-stricken land could stabilize as soon as possible.

After the arrangements were made, it was already evening.

Luoning came to the top of the tower of Zhaozebao, looking out at the swamp that had been developed into farmland in the distance.

Unknowingly, it was already October; this year's rice grew well and had already been harvested, leaving behind an even larger quantity of seeds.

Luoning believed that after another round of sowing next year, rice as a food staple could begin to be popularized.

As for potatoes, now that Jiliu Island had opened a shipping route with Wubei Territory, even if the potatoes in Wubei Territory had not been sown, a large amount of potatoes from the island could be transported over.

There was no need to wait until next year; this food was already appearing on the dining table now.

"This small town is also becoming more and more lively."

He had been rushing about to various places this year and had not spent much time in his territory.

Every time he returned, he would always see that a few towns had more people, new houses had been built, and so on; the changes were very obvious.

"My Lord!" Luogena's voice sounded.

Luoning turned around and asked in surprise: "What is it? Is there something the matter?"

Luogena bowed and said with a smile: "There is a private matter I would like to discuss with you."

Luoning was somewhat puzzled; Luogena and Kelami were already married, and the latter was already pregnant; the two of them could be considered to have settled down in Wubei Territory.

Could it be that he was not finding it convenient to go to Yueguang Valley this time?

"Is it inconvenient to leave Wubei Territory?"

Luoning asked: "Indeed, Kelami is pregnant, she certainly needs someone to accompany her."

"My lord, you have misunderstood; it is not that matter."

Luogena hurriedly explained: "Kelami is only two months pregnant, it is still Along time before she gives birth, and besides, I have also found a Servant to take care of her, so there is no inconvenience."

"Oh? Then what is the matter?"

Luogena smiled and said: "It is my older brother Masi; he also wants to gain experience under you just like Lisi, so he entrusted me to ask if it would be convenient for you?"

Luoning was somewhat surprised, yet he also felt it was a matter of course.

"Is he in Zhaoze?"

"He is; he arrived here three days ago."

Luoning revealed a smile, "Then let him come to see me; I happen to have matters that require someone's help."

Luoning had some understanding of this person Masi; although the other party was not as good as Luogena in cultivation, he had been specially trained by Mawen in the aspect of territory management and was a qualified heir to the title.

Right now, what Luoning lacked was exactly this kind of person. (End of chapter)