[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-nation-of-ten-thousand-nations":3,"chapter-the-nation-of-ten-thousand-nations-the-nation-of-ten-thousand-nations-chapter-60":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Nation of Ten Thousand Nations",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2333028,4562,"Chapter 60","the-nation-of-ten-thousand-nations-chapter-60",60,"\u003Cp>“Cesar!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Coming!” Cesar sprinted across the sand, arms full of heavy wolf pelts, and just then met Baldwin holding a large silver tray piled high with meat pies. The two friends exchanged only a fleeting glance before brushing past each other at a run—slowing down would draw Amalric I’s displeasure, and that meant real beatings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This stick was far thicker and far heavier than the ones used in lessons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cesar had taken only one beating to abandon his childish fantasy that this was some necessary rite of passage out of childhood—he wanted to go back to being a child!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He handed the pelts to a servant; another servant brought two large jugs of wine. He struggled to carry them to the entrance of Amalric I’s tent, just as Baldwin stepped out. “Did you bring the cups?” the prince asked quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Got them.” Cesar tightened his belt—this kept his posture erect, lessened the chainmail’s torment on his spine, and allowed him to stash things inside his sleeveless coat: Amalric I’s golden cup, and the silver cups used to serve guests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These silver cups might well be generously gifted by Amalric I to his guests—if they, in turn, were generous enough to allow the king to conscript peasants and craftsmen from their villages and towns, and if possible, even supply a few knights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Cesar received these precious items from the castle steward, he signed for them; he had carefully reviewed the register. Now he had nearly two hundred gold coins saved—but if he lost a cup, he’d not only have to pay compensation, he’d also be beaten and mocked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baldwin placed the cups on a smaller silver tray, tilted his head toward Cesar, who lifted the heavy curtain for him. Together they entered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come, pour our wine, squire!” someone called.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cesar looked up—it was none other than the fat Abbot John. His round face was full of mockery, but not malice—only teasing Cesar and Baldwin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others were less kind. To John’s right sat the Count of Tripoli. When Cesar poured wine for the abbot and moved to refill his cup, the count rudely pulled his cup away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Amalric I assigned an Isaacite slave as Baldwin’s squire, the count had erupted in fury, quarreling fiercely with the king. Had he not been in the wrong—after all, he could not let his only son David continue serving the prince—he might never have backed down so easily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when Prince Baldwin received the blessing, even though his symptoms remained unchanged, Count Raymond of Tripoli had joyfully rushed to the king, begging him to let David return to Baldwin’s side. Amalric I, of course, agreed—but Prince Baldwin politely refused. He said, “I’ve grown accustomed to having only myself and Cesar in the room…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That slap had been loud and sharp enough—but stubborn Raymond bore no grudge against Baldwin. He directed all his hatred and contempt toward the “villain” Cesar, convinced that Cesar was a demon’s emissary: first deceiving the king, then the prince, and now the ignorant masses—how else could a nameless lowborn rise to his current station?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amalric I permitting Cesar to join Baldwin in the “Selection Ceremony” turned Raymond pale with rage. Even though Cesar had also received the saint’s favor, Raymond’s opinion remained unchanged—after all, there had been precedents of those blessed by grace falling into depravity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention that just days ago, Amalric I had not only announced Baldwin’s early promotion to “Squire” and Cesar’s appointment as his “squire,” but also declared that they had sworn an oath before God, transforming their one-way “subordination” into a two-way “bond.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raymond nearly fainted on the spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Baldwin,” Cesar said calmly despite the open provocation, raising his voice: “You pour Raymond’s wine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baldwin had just finished filling his father’s cup. He looked up, expression unchanged, walked over, and swapped places with Cesar. Faced with the prince, Raymond had no choice but to return his cup, watching the deep red wine slowly fill the silver vessel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pfft!” Abbot John laughed outright, utterly unconcerned by Raymond’s furious glare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph~” A second low chuckle came from Bohemond, Duke of Antioch. Raymond spun to glare at his counterpart across the table. “Why torment a child?” Bohemond said. He slid his cup to the table’s edge, allowing Cesar, burdened by the heavy wine jug, to exert less effort. When the cup was full, he nudged it inward and gave Cesar a gentle nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cesar bowed humbly, but paid no mind to Bohemond’s gesture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A child is his father’s reflection. No matter how foolish or impulsive Abigail might be, would anyone believe his current demeanor had nothing to do with Bohemond? Besides, Baldwin had rejected everyone else—yes, part of that was resentment toward “traitors,” but wasn’t it precisely because someone had filled the sudden void?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>David wanted to return to Baldwin’s side—didn’t Abigail want that too?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several men seated below Bohemond were nobles from around Arles, including Balian of Ibelin. He smiled at Cesar. Though the boy’s origins were questionable, Prince Baldwin cherished him, and the Countess of Jaffa protected him—Balian could not harbor ill will toward Cesar. Besides, Cesar was simply likable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many others shared Balian’s view. Some were already wondering whether they had any unmarried nieces or nephews.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In four years, this boy will be old enough to marry. If all goes well, by then Amalric I will have marched on Egypt—and perhaps returned victorious. On the battlefield, with a little guidance, he’ll surely cut off a few Saracen heads. Then, with a bit of pushing, he could be promoted directly to Squire—or even Knight…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh, what a magnificent thing that would be!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cesar noticed none of those strange smiles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since becoming a squire, he and Baldwin—Baldwin, though nominally a “Squire,” still performed the duties of a squire to Amalric I—had initially puzzled him. After all, Baldwin was still a sick boy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But once he truly began serving as a squire, he realized it was essential.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As we already know, a lord’s or knight’s infant is baptized within three days of birth, then handed to a wet nurse and maidservants. Under his mother’s care, he lives carefree until six or seven, when he’s sent to another castle as a page. There, older pages beat him into obedience; clerics (if any) teach him counting and writing; the lady of the castle teaches him manners, music, dance, and more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At fourteen, becoming a squire means a new chapter begins—and his teachers become real knights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But sadly, knights know nothing of how to teach a child—or rather, they were taught the same way: they can only demonstrate by example how to be a knight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Squires follow them constantly, studying every detail of their tools, armor, and weapons—their shapes, materials, maintenance, and use. They witness their daily lives, their meetings, even their battles. They meet every visitor, every dangerous enemy, every cunning merchant, and learn how to haggle with the last one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, when a squire is ready to become a knight, he transitions effortlessly—no anxiety, no blunders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But suddenly shifting from prince and page to true squire—both Baldwin and Cesar felt…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had no room. Cesar had worried he’d have to sleep with other squires in a filthy, flea-ridden dormitory—but Heraclius sadly told him no: he would sleep with Baldwin, right outside Amalric I’s chamber. They were given a large bear pelt—Amalric I was not stingy about that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Cesar kept finding it familiar, especially the wound on the left side of the skull… Could this be the she-bear released during the welcoming ceremony to kill?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They must wake at dawn (five or six a.m.) when the clerics chant hymns—lazy squires get beaten. After rising, they bring water for Amalric I to wash, help him dress, wipe his face, rinse his mouth, and serve his wine—Amalric I drinks a large cup of honeyed wine every morning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Amalric I goes to work—from Matins to Terce (7:30 to 9 a.m.) he reads documents and accounts. Then ministers and generals arrive one by one. If no group meeting is needed, they wait in another room, ranked by status and urgency. Baldwin and Cesar must take turns receiving guests, registering their weapons, or tending their horses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Sext (noon), Amalric I dines with his future wife. Baldwin and Cesar serve food, pour wine, and carve meat. Of course, it’s never as simple as it sounds—if the master is displeased, the squires are responsible—that means beatings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After lunch, Amalric I continues official duties or practices martial arts and horsemanship until None (two or three p.m.), when he relaxes—inviting Heraclius to play chess or read to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At such times, Amalric I may find them standing nearby annoying and dismiss them to study, practice riding, or target shooting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sometimes Count Raymond of Tripoli or Duke Bohemond of Antioch visit, perhaps with a few knights favored by the king. The king sends Baldwin or Cesar to summon them to the castle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They dine lavishly at Vespers (around six p.m.)… Poets accompany with lutes and sing; jesters and dwarves occasionally tumble in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, Baldwin and Cesar continue standing behind them, serving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After dinner, depending on Amalric I’s mood, they rest or gamble (though the Church condemns gambling)—but entertainment is scarce indeed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Amalric I decides to sleep, do you think Cesar and Baldwin can roll up in their bear pelts and lie down too?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Impossible. They must still tend to Amalric I’s horses, maintain his gear, polish his helmet, his broadsword, his dagger, oil his chainmail… Then inspect every corner of the stables, corridors, and towers to ensure everything is secure before they can sleep…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh, you ask—when do they wash, eat, use the latrine?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They squeeze it in between these duties, whenever they can.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After just a few days, Cesar fully understood why those illuminated manuscripts always show squires—whether fully armored or in thin cloth—looking weary, listless, and broken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Actually, you’re lucky,” Heraclius said sincerely when he came to check on them, bringing clerics to ease their exhaustion: “Princess Maria of Byzantium isn’t yet mistress of the Holy Cross Castle, and Princess Sibylla—well, her status is awkward—so you don’t have to serve them. If you had to serve them and their maids, you’d be truly miserable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baldwin widened his eyes: “Do they think we have time or strength left?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“One who speaks such words will never become a good knight. A lady’s command is not to be refused,” Heraclius said solemnly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’d rather go to war right now,” Baldwin said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then why,” Heraclius asked, “do knights always rejoice at the mention of battle?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baldwin and Cesar burst out laughing together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This exhausting, nearly vomit-inducing routine had lasted for months.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this age, slowness wasn’t just in love. Summoning knights took time. Recruiting craftsmen and soldiers took time. Merchants arrived, bargained with the king, then returned to gather supplies—each step required time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They needed to fell timber and build siege engines. Cesar and Baldwin had gone to see them—initially, they couldn’t tell much, except that the smallest were at least two men tall, and the largest might already tower over the walls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Amalric I had already sent envoys to the Templars at Tortosa Castle, ordering them to surrender the keys.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you think they will?” Cesar asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They won’t,” Baldwin said, gazing at the distant dust. “And neither will my father.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1890,"2026-06-20T20:58:34.857Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","6035b936e7f195c9b11b309f5f48773e79dedfbdbc67d254c4c9a182199bf9e0","the-nation-of-ten-thousand-nations-chapter-61","the-nation-of-ten-thousand-nations-chapter-59",168,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-nation-of-ten-thousand-nations-cover.jpg"]