king of ros

Chapter 97
The prince sat at the main seat in the hall, and Zoe, who was the prince's wife, sat beside him, looking down at the nobles of Rostov below.

The hall used to belong to the Kurkanta family. Before the arrival of Prince Rurik, they exercised the power of city rulers here, but now that Prince Rurik is here, they can only give up this strong fortress to allow the remaining Prince Rick enters.

For the Kurkanta family, the arrival of Rostislav made them extremely unhappy. I used to be the toubob of the local area well, but suddenly a strong dragon came out and took away their status and power.

As for the ordinary dignitaries in Rostov, they just want to make money safely and maintain the safety of the city, and they have nothing else to ask for.

Therefore, they welcomed Rostislav's arrival very much, and the prince's arrival could also hit the Kurkanta family who always ride on their heads and domineering.

The two groups of people stood apart clearly, they didn't like each other, and behind them were representatives from the old city. They obviously didn't like the two groups of nobles. Rostislav saw the expressions of everyone below him, and then turned to the side Polei, who had received the return of the Bulgar envoy, raised his hand.

Polei immediately understood what the prince meant, and shouted:
"The audience, come forward and send your request to the prince."

This was the signal for the opening of the audience, and it was also the beginning of Rostislav's exercise of power in the city.

The first person to come forward was Sania from the Kurkanta family. This is an old man who is almost 60 years old. Although he is trembling, he is still in charge of family affairs. Before Rostislav arrived, he was the one who presided over the matter. City administration.

Sania's attire is very low-key, wearing a black fur coat and an ordinary cuffed fur hat. If you don't know it, you will think that he is just an ordinary old citizen.

Old Sarnia was different from his disgruntled descendants. He respectfully presented a series of documents compiled by Rostov, the head of the Kurkanta family over the years, as the handover of the city's ruling power. Trading and developing things is a great help to rule.

Rostislav was very satisfied with the old man's understanding of the times. Since the patriarch of Kurkanta was willing to give in, he could let go of the blow he originally planned on the family.

After old Sarnia retreated, he stepped forward to be the local commander of Rostov. The city's military chief asked Rostislav to send elites to lead the Vicher militia to clean up the bandits near Rostov. Recently, these guys have become more and more restless. They Looting business travel, robbing pedestrians, and more blatantly.

This is the normal state of Northeast Ross. After all, leaving the city is a land dominated by the law of the jungle. The identities of farmers and bandits often overlap, so bandits need to be eliminated periodically.

Of course, Rostislav readily agreed to this. This was a chance to show his power, so he directly sent Sogil's North mercenaries to this person.

This mercenary can't do anything in the city all day long. Anyway, they don't have to bear the burden when they die, so it's most appropriate for them to do these jobs.

Moreover, it is said that they are going to suppress bandits, but in fact they are going to massacre villages or tribes that have been confirmed to be engaged in such activities. Rostislav understood this truth not long after he came here.

As outsiders who do not understand the language, these mercenaries have no possibility of cooperating with the locals. The advantage of using them as butcher knives is also here. It is impossible for them to collude with the locals, let alone be merciful.

As for the third audience member, it was a representative selected by Wecher in the old city, a middle-aged blacksmith named Vanigo. Forged and stout.

Yes, Rostov has two vichers, the residents of the new city can't understand the barbarism of the old city, and the residents of the old city can't understand the pretentiousness of the new city, so gradually both parties don't go to the vicher conference, lest they have to fight with this group of vichers. People met, and then the two cities directly divided Weicher into two, so as not to affect each other's normal administrative arrangements.

And the request made by the blacksmith made everyone present a little uneasy.

"My lord, the new city has suppressed us for too long. The old city is not allowed to participate in the Volga trade. Even the organized caravan will be forcibly disbanded. The products produced can only be sold to the new city. They also deliberately lowered the purchase price. We discriminate more, we've put up with it for too long."

"So blacksmith, what do you want?"

Rostislav asked straightforwardly, interrupting the blacksmith's complaints, while the Rostov dignitaries who were waiting to watch the ceremony began to whisper, some of them cursed Vanigo, a "barbarian".

"We want freedom, we want the same power as Xincheng, and we want us to participate in trade."

Vanigo's words are full of perseverance, and there is a taste of failure or benevolence. This is what the old city has been looking forward to for a long time, and it is also what they are eager to do when the prince comes.

The prince was not surprised by this request, the Polei had told him about it.

And he intends to give the old city some power. The anger of the old city has long been at its limit, and it is time to delegate power.

"I understand, since this is the case, then I..."

"My lord, please allow me to raise an objection."

At this time, old Sania stood up and interrupted Rostislav's words. The prince frowned, feeling a little annoyed in his heart, but still motioned him to continue.

"The privilege of the new city was bestowed by the great convert Vladimir in return for the loyalty of the new city in the face of the Bulgar army."

Sania's words aroused the approval of the Rostov dignitaries. This is the power their ancestors obtained through blood and war.

"So, I hope that you can make a decision after careful consideration, Prince."

After saying this, Sania bowed again and sat back, and he managed to arouse the emotions of the audience. The dignitaries who watched the ceremony shouted that Vanigo was simply wishful thinking and should be kicked out.

Rostislav narrowed his eyes. At first he thought that the Kurkanta family had been tamed, but he didn't expect that the old man would come to try him out, so let him show his authority.

"Quiet."

Following Rostislav's words, the soldiers in the hall drew their swords and struck their shields, and the space was filled with noise for a moment. The dignitaries were shocked by the sound of gold and iron, and quietly closed their mouths.

"We already know your request, Vanigo."

After the surroundings became quiet, Rostislav said.

"The ancient privileges need to be protected, but the current situation is different from when my grandfather granted the privileges, so I will give the old city the right to sell goods freely. As for other things, it will take time to study and discuss. Do you have any opinions? ?”

Vanigo's joy flew to his cheeks. He was already disappointed, but at this moment, surprise suddenly flew.

--------

(End of this chapter)