The dim light of night is deep, all the sounds of nature entirely static. 夜色已深,万籁俱静。 The firewood that only then in the fireplace burns makes the sound from time to time. 只有壁炉中燃烧的木柴时而发出噼里啪啦的声音。 little white rolls up the body to lie to bend down before the fireplace, because body one side hair approaches to be barbecued somewhat is slightly sallow. 小白蜷缩着身体趴伏在壁炉前,身体一侧的毛发因为过于靠近而被熏烤地微微有些焦黄。 Colin stretches oneself, stood from the government affairs document of piling up. 柯林伸了个懒腰,从堆积如山的政务文件中站了起来。 „These months of tax documents I have looked, you do is very good, cuts the tax to direct the business the measure quite to have the result, can continue to execute.” “这几个月的税务文件我都看过了,你干的很不错,降税引商的措施颇有成效,可以继续施行。” Colin said to tax collector Quincy, before while arrives at the fireplace, only sought after the kitten that the temperature of flame almost drew fire to oneself to fish that hugged in the bosom, then lay down on the rattan chair before fireplace. 柯林一边对税务官昆西说道,一边走到壁炉前,将那只贪图火焰的温度而差点引火烧身的小猫捞了起来,抱在怀中,然后躺在了壁炉前的藤椅上。 „Meow-” “喵-” little white called one discontentedly, as if disturbed its rest in angry stupid human, but quick is also peaceful under Colin's stroking, lay narrows the eye in Colin's chest front again. 小白不满地叫了一声,似乎在愤怒愚蠢的人类打扰了它的休息,但很快又在柯林的抚摸下安静下来,趴在柯林的胸前再次眯上了眼睛。 „Yes, viscount Sir. Your approval is I biggest glory.” Quincy bows to salute to Colin, relaxes at heart. “是,子爵大人。您的认可就是我最大的荣耀。”昆西向柯林低头行礼,心里松了口气。 He has not expected Colin to have the patience obviously unexpectedly, moreover is capable of this understanding the tedious complex tax document, before the innermost feelings somewhat were quite disturbed. 他显然没有料到柯林居然有耐心,而且有这个能力看懂繁琐复杂的税务文件,之前内心颇有些忐忑。 This world most aristocrat masters do not have the thoughts to manage these trivial matters in territory, basically throws to the steward and tax collector handles, but they immerse in either leading a life of comfort, either lingers among the women of high station, either wants to show off own military force wholeheartedly. 这个世界大部分的贵族老爷都没有心思去管理领地里的这些俗务,基本都是扔给管家和税务官去打理,而他们自己要么沉浸于享乐,要么流连于贵妇人之间,要么一心想要炫耀自己的武力。 Is willing to put the feudal lords of thoughts like Colin at these arid government affairs, is quite truly rare. 像柯林这样愿意花心思在这些枯燥的政务上的领主,确实比较少见。 Quincy hit 12 spirit, reminded the later work to be possible not to be careless. 昆西不禁打起了十二分的精神,提醒自己以后的工作可千万不能马虎。 „Ok, the time, Quincy you first did not go back to rest early.” “好了,时间也不早了,昆西你先回去休息吧。” „Yes, viscount Sir.” “是,子爵大人。” After Quincy leaves, in the study room is only left over Colin and steward Eamonn two people. 昆西离开后,书房中就只剩下柯林与管家伊蒙两人。 Colin is stroking gently the little white mild-mannered hair, opens the mouth saying: „Today was winter curtain festival last day . Moreover the snow also stopped, tomorrow starting from, making the slaves continue to work.” 柯林摩挲着小白柔顺的毛发,开口道:“今天是冬幕节最后一天了,而且雪也停了,明天开始,让奴隶们继续工作吧。” „Yes, Master. You made them rest an entire winter curtain festival, is very benevolent.” “是,老爷。您让他们休息了一整个冬幕节,已经是非常仁慈了。” Colin corners of the mouth pulled out pulling out, he is some are not familiar with the aristocrat in this world to squeeze the way of slave. 柯林嘴角抽了抽,他还是有些不习惯这个世界的贵族压榨奴隶的方式。 „Which does the following prime task have?” “接下来的主要工作都有哪些？” Eamonn opens the sheepskin volume in hand, after examining one, reports saying: „Master, the work in Ice Rock City had basically been completed, the following work is mainly restores Red Fort and hydraulic engineering.” 伊蒙翻开手中的羊皮卷,查看一番后汇报道:“老爷,冰岩城内的工作已经基本完成了,接下来的工作主要是修缮红堡和水利工程。” Eamonn, looked up Colin one eyes, sees him not to have the objection , to continue saying: „ This time had massive extra labor forces, I prepare to overhaul Red Fort. 伊蒙顿了顿,抬头看了柯林一眼,见他没有异议,才继续道:“这次有了大量的富余劳力,我准备将红堡重新翻修一遍。 The warehouse and horse stable, develop the martial stage and cave also to need to expand, this is I invites the blueprint that the person drafts, please glance. ” 仓库、马厩、演武场、地窖也需要扩建,这是我请人草拟的设计图,请您过目。” Colin received the blueprint conveniently, reads, while asked: „How many restores the budget of Red Fort probably is?” 柯林顺手接过设计图,一边翻看,一边问道:“修缮红堡的预算大概是多少？” „Needs 30,000 gold coins probably, Master.” “大概需要3万金币,老爷。” Colin hesitation moment, thought that this expenditure also calculates can accept. 柯林沉吟片刻,觉得这个花费还算能接受。 The Angelie family's present financial conditions like that are not embarrassed like six months, has the filthy rich half elf to support in behind let alone, Colin can also spend freely one. 安格列家族现在的财政状况已经不像半年前那般窘迫了,更何况还有财大气粗的半精灵在后面支持,柯林也能挥霍一把了。 Moreover, this time rebels while the slave, Colin drew in lots of slaves, these nearly free labor force, if not use well, that was a pity. 而且,这次趁着奴隶叛乱,柯林收拢了大量的奴隶,这些近乎免费的劳动力,如果不好好利用一下,那就太可惜了。 „Ok, defers to your plan to do.” “行,就按照你的方案去做吧。” „Good, Master.” Eamonn nods, later also said that „ as for second, hydraulic engineering. My plan is divided into far and near two issues. “好的,老爷。”伊蒙点点头,随后又道,“至于第二项,水利工程。我的计划是分为远近两期进行。 In the near future will finish probably in 34 months, is mainly the pilot irrigation engineering, will sever the forthcoming spring plowing. 近期大概在34个月内完工,主要是引水灌溉工程,为即将到来的春耕服务。 The forward words, can slow down to three to five years do, the river course sparse silt, the dike reinforcement and irrigation system expand...... these to require a longer time, moreover expenditure not poor. ” 远期的话,可以放慢到三至五年的时间来做,河道疏淤、堤坝加固、灌溉系统扩建……这些都需要更长的时间,而且花费不菲。” Colin reads the hydraulic engineering near forward construction plan that Eamonn is handing over, nods seriously: „This is worth doing, the water conservation is the foundation of agriculture, even if flowered big price, needs to do well.” 柯林翻看着伊蒙递过来的水利工程近远期建设方案,郑重地点了点头:“这个是值得去做的,水利是农业的基础,哪怕花再大的代价,也需要搞好。” „Yes, Master. Moreover, half elf kingdom has the expert in many agricultural, I want to invite to come Ice Rock City to instruct the slaves to work, does not know that you can help me recommend.” “是,老爷。另外,半精灵王国有很多农业方面的专家,我想聘请一些来冰岩城指导奴隶们干活,不知道您能不能帮我引荐一下。” „Sure, I will write to Queen Aisha, making her send some manpower to come.” “当然可以,我会写信给艾莎女王,让她派些人手过来。” „Many thanks master.” Eamonn receives the sheepskin volume, hesitant, said, „master, gathered the Ice Rock City rebel army to be getting more and more recently, although they are riding in front of the army to collapse at the first blow black, but...... so many slaves strongly in city, I always some worries......” “多谢老爷。”伊蒙收起羊皮卷,犹豫了一下,又道,“老爷,最近聚集到冰岩城的叛军越来越多,虽然他们在黑骑军面前不堪一击,但……这么多奴隶集中在城中,我总有些担心……” Colin partly is narrowing the eye, asked lightly: „How many slaves now our in the hand gathered?” 柯林半眯着眼睛,淡淡地问道:“现在我们手中聚集了多少奴隶了？” „The day before yesterday just completed statistics, we have drawn in more than 85,000 slaves at present.” “前天刚完成了一次统计,我们目前已经收拢了八万五千多名奴隶了。” „Un, that truly very many. However, the issue is not big.” Colin does not care beckons with the hand, „, so long as eats to these slave food, makes them see to become the hope of freeman again, they will not rebel.” “嗯,那确实挺多的了。不过,问题不大。”柯林不在意地摆摆手,“只要给那些奴隶一口饭吃,再让他们看到成为自由民的希望,他们就不会反叛。” Eamonn said heavyheartedly: „Master, these slave numbers are big, the origin is complex, is unable to conduct 11 investigations, I worried that will mix in the person who harbors evil intentions, instigation these slaves rebel intentionally.” 伊蒙却还是忧心忡忡地说道:“老爷,这些奴隶数量众多,来历复杂,无法进行一一排查,我就担心里面会混入居心不良的人,故意煽动这些奴隶作乱。” Colin then opens the eye, on the face shows the earnest expression. 柯林这才睁开眼睛,脸上露出认真的表情。 „This, two measures.” After thinking the moment, Colin told, „ first, was enrolled together to live together with different nationalities the slave, do not make the slave who got to know each other well continue to stay together, prevented the series. “这样吧,两个措施。”想了片刻后,柯林吩咐道,“第一,将奴隶混编杂居,不要让原先相熟的奴隶继续呆在一起,防止串联。 Second, practices the exposing and denouncing system, everything discovered that in the slave area some people of suspicious, or try to spread rumors and mislead the people, can report on own initiative, if exposed successfully, the offense reporter can obtain the rewards of ten silver coins. ” 第二,实行揭发检举制度,凡是发现奴隶聚集区内有人形迹可疑,或是试图妖言惑众的,就可以主动上报,如果揭发成功,检举者可以获得十枚银币的奖励。” „Yes, Master.” “是,老爷。” Colin carries coffee on hand, sipped one, then also asked: „Do marquis Dawson and That side Count Uman have no sound?” 柯林端起手边的咖啡,抿了一口,然后又问道:“道森侯爵和乌曼伯爵那边还是没什么动静吗？” „No.” Eamonn shakes the head, „master, I guessed, they should pass in the waiting in the winter, after all now is not the good season of going to war.” “没有。”伊蒙摇摇头,“老爷,我猜测,他们应该是在等待冬天过去,毕竟现在可不是打仗的好时节。” „Un.” Colin nods, approved of the judgment of Eamonn, „ . Moreover, it is estimated that also time famines further ferments and other. “恩。”柯林点点头,赞同了伊蒙的判断,“而且,估计也是在等这次的饥荒进一步发酵。 The present range next fall harvest also has the time of more than half a year. At present cannot eat meal is also only the slaves of these lowest levels, when put down in the common people not to have the surplus grain, perhaps the northern boundary will also fall into a bigger confusion. ” 现在距离下一次秋收可是还有大半年的时间呢。目前吃不上饭的还只是那些最底层的奴隶,等到啥时候平民家里也没有余粮了,恐怕北境还会陷入更大的混乱之中。” „Master, you let that rumor that I pay attention to before, now has also gotten stronger and stronger. In Ice Rock City many residents start to believe, initially Troll can succeed to invade the northern boundary, the evil consequence that is Duke St. Hilde is defeated the idea of tempting enemy causes.” “老爷,您之前让我关注的那个流言,现在也已经愈演愈烈了。就连冰岩城中都有不少居民开始认为,当初巨魔能够成功入侵北境,是圣希尔德公爵失败的诱敌之计导致的恶果。” „That side Winterfell City hasn't responded?” “凛冬城那边没有对此做出回应吗？” „Currently does not have.” “目前还没有。” Colin frowns, why somewhat cannot comprehend Duke St. Hilde not to act to refute, but the rumor that whatever this seriously harms his prestige disseminates in the northern boundary recklessly. 柯林不禁皱起了眉头,有些搞不懂圣希尔德公爵为什么不出面反驳,而是任由这个严重损害他威望的流言在北境肆意传播。 Is it possible that was the duke really injured in the former and Saint Warrior duel heavily? 莫非公爵真的在之前与圣武士的决斗中受伤极重？ Eamonn sees Colin complexion is not right, then opens the mouth to ask: „Master, do we want to intend to block dissemination of this rumor in Ice Rock City?” 伊蒙见柯林脸色不对,便开口问道:“老爷,我们要出手阻断这个流言在冰岩城中的传播吗？” „Does not use.” Colin shakes the head with a smile, „now we most vital duty, grows strong oneself, other repeated difficulties do not use the manages, saw a play on the line calmly and steadily.” “不用。”柯林笑着摇摇头,“现在我们最重要的任务,还是发展壮大自身,其它的风风雨雨都不用去管,安稳看戏就行了。” „Yes, Master.” Eamonn nods should under. “是,老爷。”伊蒙点头应下。 Afterward this senior steward looked at the clock and watch on wall, reminded: „Master, today is the winter curtain festival last day, immediately quickly to midnight, but also standing night watch ceremony that needs you to manage the Angelie family.” 随后这位老管家看了看墙上的钟表,提醒道:“老爷,今天是冬幕节的最后一天,马上快到午夜了,还需要您来主持安格列家族的守夜仪式。” Colin then thinks that also has this matter, sighed reluctantly, as if dealt with the hard and unprofitable task the same as stand got up to walk outward. 柯林这才想起来还有这回事,无奈地叹了口气,仿佛应付苦差一样地站了起来往外走去。 Clang clang clang...... 铛铛铛…… When the clock sounds 12, Colin who the host stands night watch stopped the prayer finally, raised the head, looks to the out of the window jet black nighttime sky. 当时钟敲响十二下的时候,主持守夜的柯林终于停下了祷告,抬起头来,看向窗外漆黑的夜空。 There star light is lonely, crescent moon is dim. 那里星光寂寥,弯月朦胧。 Brand-new one year, then so came quietly. 崭新的一年,便这般悄无声息地来了。