The news of the attack on Aachen rushed to Metz, the transportation hub, but Adalbert, Count of Metz, had already dispatched his army to the eastern battlefield.

As King Ludwig learned, the entire Earl of Metz has almost reached the standard mobilization limit of this era.

The various knights and barons took action. These lower-level nobles not only brought their own followers, but also mobilized a group of strong men from various villages.

Such a large-scale recruitment is obviously an overdraft of local people's strength. After all, the mobilization in 842 was already the second mobilization of Metz during the civil war. Why mobilize? Those old people who are still alive can still remember the past of the crusade against the Avars. At that time, all the villages mobilized their strength to participate in the war, and the young people who had not participated in the war were also prepared for losses.

But what is the current mobilization for? civil war.

In the two battles of Kaiserslautern in 841, the losses of the Metz army were not small.

But the only "Roman Emperor" Lothair made a big promise to Metz, the earl himself was extremely excited, and for more wealth and interests, the lower nobles were equally excited.

How far has Metz's mobilization reached?

The earl restored the conscription system in Charlemagne's time by means of force, and the strong men of each village brought their ancestral weapons to join the army.

If the attack is injected into a foreign place like the Avars, the Franks of Metz still have sufficient will to fight, but the enemy is also their own! What do disputes among nobles have to do with commoners? The common people will eventually have to pay the price in blood for the dispute between nobles.

Without the strongest labor force, this autumn's wheat harvest can only be carried out with the old and the weak. To make matters worse, the assembled army needed more food, and the people were ordered to pay the tithe of 843.

Of course Adalbert knew that he was overdrawing his strength, and in his opinion, all of this was worth it.

"When our army helps the king win the war, the whole of Saar and the whole of Lainland will be mine. Even the knights can get more territory, which is the top-ranked farming area, and all of you will be richer .

His speech aroused the excitement of all the nobles, and the nobles of the entire Earl of Metz were fighting for the rich land they were about to get.

However, the people's awareness of opposing the war is not strong, and a large number of peasant soldiers who have been forcibly recruited are equally excited.

Although it is forced to join the army, as long as the war is won, ordinary people can enjoy the war dividends, which is a huge temptation for people who lack promotion channels.

It is said that if you kill a lot of people on the battlefield, you are appreciated by your lord, and you can directly become a subordinate soldier with the ability to kill, you will directly leave the identity of a peasant. No matter how bad it is, you can get property by pulling out the clothes of the dead on the chaotic battlefield, even a pair of intact shoes.

Besides, the civil war is a kind of regional reshuffle. The old nobles and old manors are uprooted, and the land will be reassigned to the nobles.

These new lands are urgently needed to be cultivated, and the agricultural immigrants from Metz just fill in the Laiyinland area, which was destroyed by the war and destroyed people's livelihood.

It can be said that the Metz Army is united as one, but they bet their own destiny from top to bottom, making them unable to accept failure, or that once they fail, it will be a huge collapse.

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Adalbert has already gambled on his family name and family future, and so has the lower nobles. But they were not the only ones who did this. Lothair, who temporarily lived in Strasbourg, and the main members of the family, and several important courtiers of the late king who had no military power, also bet everything.

In Strasbourg, the most important former court minister beside Lothair was none other than Adalhart, the chief steward in the late Charlemagne era.

The butler's family was an important noble in the court during the Merovingian dynasty, but in the new era, none of the family members was a local noble, but one person became Charlemagne's valued butler.

Adahart was given to Louis the "Pious" as a special political legacy, and then to Lothair as the most important staff member.

Who is the leader of the "imperial faction" is precisely this decadent old minister. His loyalty to royal orthodoxy can be learned from God. Lothar valued him and was willing to follow the advice of this veteran minister in countless matters.

Then the dispute among the members of the royal family eventually turned into a large-scale confrontation of swords, and this old minister should be responsible. But Lothair himself did not complain, this was his own choice, and only by eliminating his two brothers by means of war, Frank could avoid the sad fate of division.

In fact, this old minister can clearly see that once Frank can't even guarantee the unity on the surface, and the camp dogs around the empire are ready to move, the empire may not be able to gather all its forces to resist the outside world, and even... it will be difficult to suppress the rebellion in the empire.

Lothar himself was supervising the battle on the front line, and the battle between him and his younger brother Ludwig over the vast land of Yinlan was evolving into a strategic decisive battle. But he never imagined that the scale of this civil war in the kingdom was evolving into a war across the territory, and the intensity of the war was evolving towards the chaos in the last years of Western Rome.

There is total unrest in Frank! The situation that Adahart didn't want to see continued to evolve like fate.

Just like the disaster when Western Rome fell, Aachen, the "New Rome" created by Frank, was looted just like the city of Rome.

The messenger of Count Jlich who first conveyed the crisis, the news at that time was that "the Normans attacked Maastricht".

Normans? Just a bunch of rogues.

The courier arrived at the empty city of Metz, and then the messenger of Metz rushed to Strasbourg.

Lothar had received the news a long time ago, and he was very surprised at first, but the old minister Adahart made plausible words with his own cognition: "The Norman pirates are just stealing chickens and dogs, and they have no way to attack the Holy City. As for the news of the pirates' success, it is all beneficial Earl Hee is exaggerating. Besides, General Tristan's heavy cavalry can crush these rogues."

Adahate is currently very optimistic. Although the defense of the area where Aachen is located has become weak, it is relatively weak.

What villain in this world can withstand the impact of the Frankish cavalry? As long as the Normans leave their ships, it's meat under the horseshoe!

Indeed, after all, Lothair sent a heavy army to guard Brussels, and Count Julicgau, the nearest to Aachen, also had a tactical reserve. It was the rebellious Flanders that he had to watch out for, and the Normans were not a trouble to consider.

He believed what the old minister said, and he couldn't believe that the Normans could still plunder the Meuse River anyway.

Nothing is more important than the current war. Of course Lothair knows that the so-called Normans are generally those Danes. A group of northern guys who were easily defeated by their grandfather, no matter how rampant they were, they would almost harass the northern region.

The main reason why he ignored the Normans so much was that there was no conclusive news that they were attacking his territory on a large scale.

(Since the Rus army was operating either under the banner of Saxony or under the banner of Nassau, the concealment of his identity did confuse Lothair.)

He subconsciously believed that the attack on Maastricht was at most caused by Norman stragglers, and maybe there was also a Flemish man, Qiao Zhuangcheng, who launched a surprise attack on the Normans.

He is willing to believe the opinions of his ministers. Putting aside the bad news about the West for the time being, there is a big worrying problem before-the collapse of the Salabrcken Bridge and the burning of local towns. Who did it? According to the information provided by the existing fugitives, it was the work of a group of troops dressed in strange clothes. The exact identities are unknown. The fugitives only remembered the ships and large shields. They seemed to be the legendary Normans, but they found a large number of "crosses" mark".

Such information seems to indicate that the attackers were Danish mercenaries loyal to Ludwig. Because, that guy has not only Danish mercenaries, but also more Slavic mercenaries (referring to the Sorbs).

This incident directly led to the fact that Count Metz himself led the last and most powerful princely reinforcements, as well as a large amount of supplies, which could not be transported to Kaiserslautern on time and in quantity.

Kaiserslautern's current garrison has expanded to six thousand! Due to the war, the local spring plowing has not been carried out at all this year. The nearby villages were completely withered, wild dogs ran wild in the villages, and weeds grew wildly in the farmland.

To maintain a large number of troops stationed, it must depend on the steady delivery of food and fodder.

Regarding the intentional destruction of the Sarabrcken bridge, the principle of whoever benefits the most is the murderer. Do you still want to? The murderer was Ludwig who was stationed in the army in Mainz, his own brother, and the one who must be killed.

The Metz army could not just stare blankly at the Saar River and the burned towns when encountering delays. Earl Adalbert had to ensure that all his troops had sufficient fighting power when they launched an attack after the autumn harvest.

The Metz Army received the emergency authorization from Lothair, and Adalbert led his troops and horses to continue to the upper reaches of the Saar River, planning to use the local small town of Schwabrcken (Twinbridge Town) in the Brisgau region. Bridge across the river to support the battlefield.

He is not completely like this. A part of the army stayed behind and tried to find a way to use local materials at the broken bridge, using the intentionally damaged bridge section to lay logs and forcefully build a bridge that can barely pass people. This will take a lot of time, Metz The main force of the army simply cannot afford to wait.

It took too much time to toss the Metz army. When Adalbert was rushing on the road in anger, the second wave of messengers also rushed to the horse. After crossing the Luxembourg fortress, they passed the city of Metz, and then went straight to Sri Lanka along the Roman road. trasbourg.

The news was so new that Metz's local messengers had no courage to tell the king the news.

In the end, it was Count Jlichgau's messenger who had originally delivered the news, risking the terrible news to Lothair himself.

The letter was delivered to the Palais Royal in Strasbourg, which is now the first capital of the Franks.

Not only did Lothair's army gather in this city, but most of the important ministers of the former dynasty also gathered here.

Holding the handwritten letter from Earl Jlicigau and the Bishop of Liege, Lothair denied all the information in the letter based on instinct, and frowned and widened his eyes. laugh.

The king's gaffe aroused the doubts of his loyal ministers, and he was also aware of the gaffe, and even more aware that the strange things were not groundless.

There is absolutely no need to discuss with the important officials, and this matter must not be known to more people.

Lothar specially summoned Adahart, and it seemed that only loyal ministers could give the most pertinent answers and suggestions.

He handed over the two parchment documents to the distinguished old man with his own hands, his surprised expression remained unchanged, and he muttered: "Absurd, absurd! The noble Hartega actually lied to me?! My Aachen can still be attacked by the Normans." Destruction? What do you think? I can't believe it."

The well-informed Adahart has served the royal family all his life, and among many royal advisers, he has a more thorough understanding of the Normans.

Even so, when he carefully reviewed the documents in his hand and recalled what he knew about the Normans, it was fair to say that he did not want to believe it.

"How? What do you think?"

"I...I think it's very strange. The Bishop of Liege never told a lie in his life. He is a very pious person...very pious."

"So?" Lothair frowned, "Do you think it's true? Liege, Maastricht, and my Aachen were all brutally attacked by the Normans?"

"Maybe it's...really."

"Ridiculous! Impossible!" This was the last answer Lothair wanted to hear. He stomped his feet angrily, and then completely denied it.

As the eldest son of the family, he is also very old. Looking back on his childhood memories, he still remembers many old people from Charlemagne's time. For example, the Saxon chief Widukind who was assigned as a monk, and the Danish chief Godfrey who respectfully surrendered, they were all defeated by their grandfather.

Especially the Danes, do you have to believe that this group of defeated scum can still succeed in attacking Aachen?

He continued to repeat the great achievements of his grandfather and the myth that Frank was invincible and wiped out the barbarians.

These glorious nonsense Adahat's ears were covered with calluses. The so-called other consultants dared not reprimand Lothair in person, but this old guy who was over seventy years old had no worries.

The old man straightened his old face with a white beard, and said seriously: "Your Majesty, don't take a moment as eternity. Don't forget that just two years ago your brother Ludwig suffered a big defeat in the north. Do you think How did he lose?"

"I know. So what? It's just that the Saxons rebelled again. Damn Ludwig is incapable of suppressing those rebels! He is a waste, and even some traitors can't defeat him, which shames the royal family! When I defeat him, I will Put down the rebellious Saxons."

"You think this is the truth?"

"Is there any other theory?" "No, this is not true." Adahat shook his head, "Could it be that the Saxons can easily win? Your brother's army has been fighting in the east for many years, how can it be easily defeated? The Saxons can't do it Up to this point. You have been deceived by those courtiers who can only say good things. I told you a long time ago that you should beware of the Normans, and you have been wary of your two younger brothers. And... the old king of Lao Hutu."

Lothair narrowed his eyes: "Presumptuous. Old man, you are also old and muddy."

"I dare not." Adahart frowned whitely, still with a serious old face: "I will always be loyal to Charlemagne. If the Normans really invaded Aachen and really destroyed the Holy Sepulcher, I would be guilty , I will be buried with him."

"It's all incongruous nonsense." Lothar hesitated, and his words could not improve his sorrow at all. He asked again: "What do you think? Tell me! You are innocent."

"Ross."

"What?"

Adahart cleared his throat: "Many nobles misunderstand the Normans a lot, and ordinary people don't know anything. Even you! Charlemagne knows the Normans quite well. Remember! Even the Normans It's not just the Danes either. There are more Normans in the north of Denmark."

He kept his mouth open about Charlemagne, and it seemed that apart from his own grandfather, there was no one comparable to the Frankish monarch.

Lothair didn't try his best to fight against the old man, but what this guy said was not absurd, and he really knew little about the Normans: "Then what?"

"A Norman power named Rose has risen! They are very aggressive, and together with the rebellious Saxons, they defeated your brother's army, which explains how the Saxons suddenly became powerful. After all, they are predatory Normans. Men! At least some of the Danish nobles have converted to the righteous way, and the Ross people are heretical villains. They regard indiscriminate killing and robbery as an honor. If they are eyeing our Aachen..."

"You mean, this Ross did it?" Lothair strode towards his minister.

"I'm not sure, but we can't underestimate the Normans. They have great sailing abilities, and they can carry a lot of people in ships. A small river can suddenly appear hundreds of villains who take pleasure in killing people, just like the earth suddenly split open and drilled. How can our army defend against a group of devils and monsters?"

Lothair still didn't want to believe Adahart's speculation, or he didn't dare and couldn't believe it, especially at the current juncture.

However, if it is speculated according to this theory, the testimony of the fugitive Trier Bishop Hutto is not the old man's nonsense.

It was the Normans who had infiltrated the Rhine that attacked Trier, not the so-called Nassau army loyal to Ludwig.

Henry, Baron of Nassau, Lothar knew this man, and because he was not loyal to him, this man was no longer worthy of attention.

Now think about it carefully, can a baron destroy Koblenz, Trier, and Sargau? Based on Adahart's statement, it is very likely that the local nobles and the Normans have joined forces.

"It's terrifying to think about it carefully! Could it be that the Normans are already encroaching on my territory, and I don't know anything about it?!" Lothair stamped his feet angrily, covering his head.

Adahart wanted to say that Lothair was "really smart", and felt very sorry to see his incompetent and furious appearance. He remained calm and continued to suggest: "The top priority now is not to find out the situation in Aachen. There is intelligence that your brother is ready to attack! Is our army moving ahead? You have to make a decisive choice. As far as I know, once Avar People invaded the frontier to loot, and your grandfather gathered 10,000 cavalry in a very short time, and won a quick victory through raids."

"No hurry! I will send people to find out the truth about Aachen. As for the attack... I will wait until the wheat harvest is over, and I will have sufficient food as a guarantee. This year I will end the civil war."

"Okay! Are you sure?! Okay..."

"Do you have any other suggestions? I hope you can say more." Lothar didn't want to be corrupt, so he continued to ask perfunctorily.

Looking at the king's face, Adahat wanted to say something, and considering the self-willed and not decisive king, there was no need to say it himself. This is a time of peace and I still think that the crown prince can be the lord, but now it seems that it is better to forget it! Perhaps the sons of Lothair will have a future.

Who knows? Lothair's two sons are quite different in age, and their father is fighting his uncles. Even if his father wins, what will happen in the future? Maybe this pair of brothers can still make a farce of dichotomy.

In fact, from the old man's point of view, if Ludwig was the eldest son, not only would the civil war not break out, but Frank would still be strong.

Lothair's methods are still too weak, and he is slow in fighting. He even wants to let a prince like Earl Metz take the lead. How can he establish a strong prestige?

Unlike Ludwig, the Duke of Bavaria often fought with the main force of his own soldiers. He may not be as strategic as Charlemagne, but his attitude towards war is comparable to it.

The veteran Adahat is a wise man but not omnipotent. He has the highest vision among all the courtiers and nobles, but even so his vision is still limited. If he has seen a large number of letters from Bishop Eskil of the North and Archbishop Sinkmar of Reims, he can basically know the general situation of Ross in the North that has been expanding over the years.

Even aware of the more bizarre fact - Ludwig has not only made peace with all the Norman forces, but also signed a sacrilegious covenant, and they are already fighting together.

However, how can the letters between the priests be seen by the former chief steward of the kingdom?

The church also needs to be dignified, and the internal letters are clearly hidden. Even the unlucky Archbishop of Trier, Heto, knew some inside information because he was passively beaten. The key information is not to tell the royal nobles and important officials.

No one knows what happened in the direction of Aachen, and Strasbourg has no time to take care of it.

Lothair dictated with caution, and ordered the writer to write the letter overnight.

In this respect he showed unparalleled promptness ~www.mtlnovel.com~ So the next day the courier went straight to Jlicgau with the king's letter, straight to Maastricht...

He ordered Earl Julihigau to guard Aachen, and ordered Tristan, the personal general stationed in Brussels, to organize elite troops to defend Aachen. The premise is that the letter can be delivered safely, and the nobles who have ordered can also handle the matter immediately.

Of course, some messengers have to pass through Aachen, and are ordered to prove that Aachen is safe and sound through a pair of eyes. If Aachen is really attacked, the messenger must also report what he saw and heard undisguised.

The envoys rushed along the main road to Metz, and then rushed to the west...

That's about all he can do with quick reflexes.

but!

Ludwig no longer gave his eldest brother time, and the army stationed in Mainz began to go south during the busy wheat harvest period. The first target: Kaiserslautern!

Once the fight starts, it will be the "third battle of Kaiserslautern", and this time Ludwig will come to the front line to take command in person. He is determined to win!