While Kiev gradually returned to peace, the steppe grew increasingly chaotic.
As the news of Bruсь's death and defeat spread across the steppe, the fragile peace of the steppe was quickly shattered, and a chaotic war immediately began.
Initially, there were only small skirmishes over grazing land and water sources, but these quickly escalated into inter-tribal massacres and annexations, intensifying like a wildfire across the steppe.
The steppe was once again filled with the fires of war; there was no trust between tribes, and every day brought the fear of attacks from neighbors. New alliances constantly rose and quickly shattered, with the moment an alliance was formed already preparing for betrayal. Everyone harbored the greatest vigilance towards their neighbors, and the intention to betray also stirred beneath that vigilance.
It was also due to the chaos on the steppe that many small tribes fleeing the conflict came to Rus', submitting to Rus' in exchange for protection, and the number of steppe tribes on the Rus' border continually increased.
Although Rus' was unwilling to accept tribes from the steppe due to the Black Hat Army's rampage in Kiev, the Nomad's desire to live on the border was not something the Rus' people could prevent, especially with Yaroslav on his deathbed and the Rus' political machine half-halted.
It is said that Bruсь's tribe was destroyed by the siege of many tribes, and his son Saru fled with his followers to the far east, disappearing from the political stage of Rus' and the steppe.
Speaking of which, the Grand Prince was actually planning to Crusade against those tribes who fled the battlefield and plundered Kiev. The previous scolding and arrests were merely for show, but due to the Grand Prince's physical condition, this plan had to be temporarily put aside.
The summoned army also dispersed. After such a long period of warfare, Kiev and its affiliated regions were no longer able to support such a large army. Everyone was very satisfied; the livestock and gold and silver obtained from the Polovtsy not only satisfied the Princes and nobles but also allowed everyone to profit handsomely.
Current production and life in Kiev have returned to normal—provided you don't look at the bodies hanging in the square—but there is always a strange atmosphere, because everyone knows that Yaroslav will not live much longer.
Under such an atmosphere, people's minds naturally changed. Beneath the seemingly calm surface, turbulent waves surged, and the powerful figures colluded with each other. Some even began to calculate the distribution of power in the post-Yaroslav era.
Rostislav even heard discussions about the distribution of power after the Grand Prince's death in the market. At present, this is the most important thing in the entire city.
Rostislav was naturally visited by many people. General Poleye came to his door multiple times, urging him to prepare early, and Uncle Vishata also sent letters from S City (Smolensk) telling him to pay attention to the changing situation. He was recently appointed Mayor of Rosin City.
Rostislav understood the Grand Prince's intention behind this appointment. This was undoubtedly the Grand Prince's reward for his merits—Vishata was the most loyal of his faction.
S City is located in the center of Rus', a place where east, west, south, and north converge. Gaining control of this place can be said to control the lifeline of Rus', and this reward from the Grand Prince was indeed too precious.
It also made Rostislav look forward to his grandfather's will, which would announce the distribution of Rus' territory after his death. Where would he be allocated?
It is ironic that the ruler who once radiated infinite light and warmth in Kiev can now only lie weakly in bed, attended by only a few Bodyguard Unit members, while his sons and grandsons, his subjects, and his people all wish for his early death, so they can divide the old grandfather's inheritance, reshuffle the current political deck, and usher in new changes.
However, Rostislav did not prepare according to the advice of his subordinates. The political system established by Yaroslav during his many years of rule was very complete. Historically, his will ensured peace for the Yaroslavich for more than ten years. If anyone dared to cause trouble at this critical juncture, he would be courting death.
Rostislav seized the time to perfect his "the tale of yaroslav." If this book was not presented to his grandfather now, there would be no opportunity. Fortunately, this book was already in its final stages; if not for this sudden Polovtsian war, he would have completed it long ago.
After completing the discussion of the Polovtsian war and the description of a series of events after Yaroslav returned to Kiev, Rostislav put a period to the book. He then sent this chronicle to Vladimir Palace.
And soon after, Rostislav received the Grand Prince's summons.
————
Passing through the ranks of the Bodyguard Unit guarding the front of Vladimir Palace, Rostislav once again entered this center of Rus' power. During this sensitive period, the palace's security had been raised by several levels, and the number of Bodyguard Unit members had directly multiplied several times.
Upon entering Vladimir Palace, Rostislav felt many unusual gazes. The Prince turned his head and saw many unfamiliar figures avert their eyes, and also saw these people silently exchanging glances.
Rostislav understood that these people were spies from various factions. Everyone was waiting for news, waiting for the news of Yaroslav's death, because the impact of this news would shake the entire Rus' and have immeasurable consequences.
Walking past the magnificent Tithe Church, passing the two bronze warhorses that "Saint" Vladimir brought back from the Eastern Empire city in the south, and through the meticulously maintained garden, Rostislav arrived before the palace. The Grand Prince's Captain of the Guard had been waiting for a long time; he led Rostislav into this center of All Rus' power.
As he approached the door to the Grand Prince's room, Rostislav first heard the sound of poetry being sung. It was a song he had heard before:
"Alas, the years I have lived, where have they gone?
Is life merely a dream, or were they never real?
The things I once believed in, do they truly exist?
Perhaps I was asleep, unable to explain them one by one.
…"
This was the poem Rostislav had heard at the banquet celebrating the victory over the Polovtsy. He still remembered that his grandfather was deeply moved at the time, even shedding tears of emotion. This was the first time he had seen his grandfather cry.
The Captain of the Guard led the Prince inside, standing quietly to the side, allowing the poet to finish his performance. And that poet was precisely the Gael who had performed at the victory celebration.
After finishing his recitation, with a gesture from the Grand Prince, the poet bowed and withdrew. Jika also left with this gesture. Now, only Yaroslav and his grandson remained in the room.
Rostislav immediately noticed a book lying by Yaroslav's hand. It had a red cover, and he was very familiar with this book.
This was his own "the tale of yaroslav."
————