"Alright, I was just worried about you, that's why I was so anxious. Please don't be angry, okay?"
Rostislav stroked his wife's soft, silken black hair, feeling the youthful aura emanating from her. A wave of tenderness washed over him. He couldn't imagine how this slender figure could stand before a great army, how she could shoulder such immense responsibility.
Zoe had helped him greatly this time. She had preserved his wealth, maintained order in Kiev, aided his political allies, and finally brought those often ambiguous allies onto their side. All these tasks she had performed exceptionally well.
Rostislav had always thought his wife was merely a beautiful vase, a wife who needed her husband's affection. But now, Zoe had shown that if needed, she could stand on her own.
"Mmm."
Zoe's cheeks were flushed from emotional turmoil, and as she recovered from that intense emotion, she felt the strong masculine scent of her husband. The fervent, valiant aura of a warrior after battle made her face even redder, and the loneliness from being separated from her husband surged like waves.
"Rostislav…"
Zoe's voice was as faint as a mosquito's buzz.
"Hmm?"
"I… I want…"
Seeing his wife's voice grow softer and her breathing become heavier, Rostislav smiled knowingly.
"I understand. In that case, I will certainly satisfy my lady."
Carrying his wife like a rag doll, Rostislav walked towards their large bed. At this moment, Prince Rostislav no longer thought about political gains or what was appropriate. Satisfying his wife was paramount.
Just then, Leo and Poleye rushed to their door. These two knew that Rostislav had hurried back to find Zoe, and they feared that Prince Rostislav might blame his wife, so they quickly came to explain.
But when they stood before the door, they clearly heard sounds of heavy breathing from inside. In such a situation, the two elders could only exchange an awkward glance, then silently leave the inappropriate place. The two hearts that had been hanging in suspense finally relaxed. If the couple was like this, what else was there to worry about?
However, trouble soon arrived with a messenger from the Great Duke, requesting Rostislav to return to his unit. How should one explain such a matter?
When the news reached Yaroslav's ears, the Great Duke Rostislav, who had been grim-faced throughout the journey, finally smiled. It was the relieved smile of an elder.
"Let my grandson relax properly," the Great Duke said, then ordered his Captain of the Guard to help manage Rostislav's army. Rostislav had performed great deeds on the battlefield, and his wife had stabilized the situation in Kiev. It was only right for him to enjoy these privileges.
While Rostislav could have it easy, others were not so fortunate.
The Kiev riot severely damaged Yaroslav's authority. The center of All Rus' had been plundered by a group of beggars, rioters, and Nomads. Did Rurik still have any dignity? The farmers and citizens would take this as a sign of Kiev's authority wavering, and to restore authority, there was only one choice before the Great Duke.
To launch a great inquisition.
Upon returning to Kiev, Yaroslav, almost the moment he arrived at Vladimir Palace, ordered the arrest of several prominent Kiev noble families. Ordinary people who served them also had to be arrested, even the most common small merchants. They all had to go in.
These people were the biggest cause of the Kiev unrest. At this point, Yaroslav had to use thunderous methods to mete out punishment.
And dealing with these people was not enough; the rioting farmers and citizens could not escape, nor could the Nomads who had taken advantage of the chaos. If they weren't arrested and beheaded, what would become of Kiev's authority?
Although the Rurik Dynasty's power generally didn't reach the grassroots of society, if they were willing to pay the price, it could be done!
The Bodyguard Unit launched operations day and night, arresting people inside and outside the city. As long as they were connected to the riot, they had to be arrested! If they dared to resist, they would be executed on the spot!
When Yaroslav went mad, no one dared to defy this old man who had ruled Rus' for nearly half a century. No one in the entire Rus' had the ability to resist. When the sea unleashed raging waves, no matter how skilled the sailors were, they could only pray for divine protection.
The Veche, who usually dared to confront the Prince's Bodyguard Unit, were obedient this time, handing over anyone requested, even innocent people. The self-contained village communities, facing the armor and swords of the Bodyguard Unit, also obediently handed over their people. The Nomad tribes either honestly handed over their loot, or the people who had stolen, or simply fled to the steppe. No one dared to face the Great Duke.
As for the nobles, they usually dared to argue with Yaroslav, but seeing the Great Duke's current demeanor, where anyone who caused trouble would have their entire family killed, they also cowered.
His three uncles had also been very busy recently. They needed to clear out those who dared to resist Kiev's authority and investigate the origins of the pagan participants in the Kiev riot. They were extremely busy.
The entire Kiev region trembled under Yaroslav's wrath. An atmosphere of terror permeated the air. Every day, people were executed in the square. To date, hundreds of people had been executed, including many powerful nobles, wealthy merchants, and influential local figures. Even more awaited beheading in prison, and people were constantly being sent in.
Because of this, even though peace had returned, the streets of Kiev were still empty. After all, everyone was afraid of being arrested one day. Who knew if the watchful Bodyguard Unit on the streets wouldn't seize them?
These scenes were too bloody. Even the Orthodox Church advised the Great Duke to stop, but Yaroslav, already stimulated by his son's death and the Kiev unrest, would not listen. He wanted to kill. Only with blood could he restore his authority!
And the blood spilled in the square indeed restored the Great Duke's prestige. Anyone who had thought of shaking the Rurik Dynasty's authority quickly withdrew. Yaroslav had proven his will, so who would dare to court disaster?
After achieving the desired effect, Yaroslav lowered his raised butcher's knife. Executions in the square had been halted, prisons no longer arrested people, and some were even gradually released. The tension in Kiev eased. The Great Duke was no longer killing people, which was great news for everyone.
However, after accomplishing all this, Yaroslav visibly aged. All of this had exhausted the old man's energy. The war and unrest had left him utterly drained. Anyone with discerning eyes could see that he had only a few months left to live.
During this period, Rostislav was quite leisurely. After disbanding the Monastery militia, he either spent his days in his room being intimate with his wife or was busy with the ending of the tale of yaroslav. He was busy incorporating this great inquisition into it. He wanted to present this long-prepared biography before the Great Duke's demise.
Recently, his treasury had also expanded significantly. Due to his military achievements and his wife's efforts during the Kiev riot, Yaroslav had sent a large amount of gold and silver as a reward for his grandson. Now, the most relaxed person in all of Kiev was Rostislav.
— — — — — — — —