On the way back, there was an atmosphere of joy in the army. The Russians were very satisfied with their gains. They discussed their vision for the future, planned what they would buy in Kiev, and some were thinking about what they should do after returning.
How to show off your story.
Due to the joyful atmosphere in the team, everyone felt as if their feet were lighter. They sang songs, and the marching speed increased unknowingly. It was time to return home.
The return journey took much faster time than the journey. The army quickly arrived in Kiev, and here, everyone also got what they wanted, which was the welcome from the mother of cities in Russia.
This is undoubtedly a grand scene, and there will not be too many people crying under the grand scene this time, because there are not many casualties in this battle, and the Russians can be said to be unstoppable in the south.
Under this joyous scene, Rostislav received bad news, that is, his wife Zoe died.
At first, the old guy Leo wanted to cover it up and let the Grand Duke settle down first before accepting the news, but how could this be hidden from Rostislav? After seeing Leo's series of unnatural behaviors and Zoe not appearing, Ross
Dislav also almost understood what was going on.
It can be said that the timing of Rostislav's return was a little late. Zoe died suddenly last night. She passed away in her sleep and did not experience any pain.
Zoe's health has not been good over the years, but even so, Rostislav did not expect that the news of Zoe's death would come so suddenly.
In the Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kiev, Rostislav saw the body of his wife. Involuntarily, he recalled the past days, recalled the days of his youth, those times that he would never forget.
At that time, he was young and brave. Although he was troubled about the future, deep down in his heart, he believed that he was omnipotent. At that time, Zoe was with him, standing by his side, and then they walked together.
It went on and on until today.
This did not surprise everyone, because everyone's abdication was expected. As Rostislav put the brand new crown on his son's head, everyone knew that Ross had now ushered in a new era.
"Father, you..."
But there was no way these juniors could stop what Rostislav wanted to do. In the end, they had no choice but to compromise with Rostislav and agreed to his idea, which was considered crazy in their eyes.
Although they were a little scared, they still stood closely behind their father. They knew better than anyone else how good the relationship between their father and mother was. They were a little afraid that their father would decide to go with their mother here.
Metropolitan Nestor personally presided over the funeral. He walked at the front of the funeral procession of 5,000 people, surrounded by monks rocking censers filled with the most precious spices. The choir sang sad music, and the entire Kiev
The musicians played music to accompany them.
Rostislav's grandchildren all knelt behind their children. Except for those who were too young to know the world, everyone burst into tears. Zoe was the most kind grandmother in the eyes of her grandchildren, always showing love to her.
It was divided equally among all of them. Now that Zoe has left, they are naturally the saddest group of people.
This made Rostislav feel gratified in his heart. No matter what, the children were good children. They all said that Rostislav and Zoe were good children.
Rostislav and his sons put his wife's coffin into the shrine together. As the shrine was temporarily closed, this magnificent ceremony ended, and Rostislav felt empty inside.
"I'm not that fragile. You guys, don't think so much all day long. My psychology is not that fragile." Rostislav waved his hands nonchalantly, "Anyway, let's finish your mother's funeral first.
It’s not good to leave it like this.”
On the other hand, after the funeral, Rostislav didn't know what to do for a while. Yes, he felt that the chains that bound him had been lifted, but he was a little confused about what to do next.
Rurik mainly felt that there was a great responsibility and that the burden on his shoulders was heavier than ever before. Now that he finally took over all this, he was not happy because of this, but only felt pressure.
All of this made it impossible for Rurik to relax, and he was also a person with an extremely strong sense of responsibility. Under such circumstances, his work increased exponentially.
However, these confusions quickly dissipated. He thought for a long time, and finally felt that his current situation needed a long journey to cleanse him. Only by seeing sights he had never seen before could he relax himself.
Immediately after the funeral, Rostislav announced a major event, that is, he would hand over his title of Grand Duke to his son, Rurik Rostislavich Rurik.
The descendants of Rostislav first looked at each other, and then said in unison.
"Okay, don't look at me like this. Do you think I will commit suicide?"
Rostislav believed that after his trip to Vinland, he would become a new man.
The place of washing he chose was Vinland. For him, this was the only place that was far enough away in the true sense. He wanted to see that land that was almost completely unknown in this era and understand the people on that land.
What exactly is there.
Three Rostislavich and Rostislav himself carried Zoe's coffin. This was a sight that Ross had not seen for many years. Rostislav's descendants followed, even if they were separated in Junshi
The two men from Tantinople and Georgia were also called back urgently.
All countries sent envoys to show their respect. Even the arrogant Eastern Empire sent a Komnenos royal family. This was a scene that did not exist at Yaroslav's funeral.
The Rostislavichs looked at their father worriedly. The difference between the attitude shown by their father now and that of the past was really big. They had never seen that kind of look, which made them involuntarily afraid.
Rostislav suddenly turned around and looked at his son and daughter. There were tears on their eyes and their eyes were a little red and swollen, indicating that they had been crying in front of Zoe's coffin for a long time before Rostislav came.
According to those who later experienced Yaroslav's funeral, Zoe's funeral was larger than Yaroslav's. The entire Kiev citizenry and 40,000 soldiers participated in her funeral. As the funeral procession marched through the streets,
People crowded the streets, and looking from the sky, it looked like a dark place.
Volorida and Vasilko continued to be their local princes. They said they were princes, but in fact they were doing their own things every day except for necessary government affairs. Rostislav left behind a complete political system.
You can filter out many trivial matters that once required the princes to be responsible for. Many times the princes only need to attend for a while, and they don't have to work as hard as the Grand Duke of Kiev.
At his wife's funeral, Rostislav did not cry. Although he was extremely sad inside, he did not cry, and there was a wonderful feeling in his heart, that is, he felt that the last chain that bound him was broken.
During the state funeral in Ross, all political activities were stopped and external political events were put aside. Even the news that the King of Poland killed his brother was put aside, and all energy was devoted to Zoe's funeral.
in.
Rurik hesitated to speak. He really wanted to say something, but in the end he swallowed it because he really didn't know what to say.
Naturally, the people and soldiers complained a lot about this, but everyone also expressed their understanding. Many Russians were still very sad, because Zoe often carried out charity activities in various places in Russia, and was regarded by people as a kind and respectable grand duchess.
"yes."
Zoe's death caused the celebrations in Kiev to be stopped after one day, because the funeral of the Grand Duke's family was a more important matter, and then Kiev was ruled by black.
The final destination of the funeral was the Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kiev. This cathedral where Yaroslav the Wise was buried now houses Rostislav's wife Zoe.
As for Rostislav leaving, his children are naturally extremely opposed to it. In any case, going to Vinland is too dangerous, and they absolutely do not support Rostislav going to Vinland.
Rurik was very envious of his brothers, but he could only be envious. He still had to work hard. The change of rulers in Rus' led to more testing and interactions with Rus', and Rus's internal people were also testing this person.
The new ruler wanted to know what the Grand Duke was thinking.
Back then, who could have thought that Rostislav, a down-and-out prince, could achieve what he has today? Who could have thought that Zoe, a descendant of a lowly princess, would become a guest of the monarch of the imperial capital. It is really amazing that things have come to this day.
Anna Komnenos was very excited to see her idol, but unfortunately she could not rush up on such an occasion. She could only hide her emotions as much as possible and follow the funeral procession.
Many people came from all over Russia just to see the Grand Duchess off on her last journey. The crowds gathered in Kiev did not disperse because of the end of the war, but instead gathered together.
The people are full of hope for Rurik's rule. Everyone sees Rurik's ability. Everyone believes that Ross can be better than blue in his hands. Ross will definitely be under his governance.
More powerful.
For the safety of their father, the Rostislavichs formed the strongest expedition fleet in the history of Russia. The entire fleet consisted of twenty ships. Each ship had a different division of labor and tasks, and the crew on it was also the most powerful.
Professional team.
And just like that, Rostislav embarked on a journey to Vinland. His story as the king of Rus ended here, but his story did not end with this, and he did not even think of his own.
He can still live for a long time.
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The story of "Lord King" ends here. Thank you all for your support. Without your support, I would not be able to get here.
In addition, there will be some extra chapters tomorrow, mainly explaining the rest of Rostislav’s life and some of the influences his life brought. After the extra chapters, I will explain my thoughts on the new book. In short, thank you all again.