Chapter 795: Chapter 19: Emancipation Proclamation for Black Slaves

"Be bolder?"

Juliano’s expression was a bit peculiar. Twenty years ago, they had fought side by side, and he knew very well the strength of Jeanne and the others.

He said tactfully, "Ma’am, I would rather not see you sacrificing yourself again to achieve victory."

Jeanne chuckled and said, "Rest assured, it may seem to you that in half a year’s time our strength hasn’t changed much, but in reality, the Master’s Power now far exceeds the past."

She paused slightly and continued, "Before coming here, the Master gave me a suggestion."

"Mr. Juliano, Louisiana is a good place, with its vast plains and dense river network, fostering its flourishing plantation economy, but limited by the sparse population relative to the vast territories of the Thirteen Colonies, thus heavily using black slaves.

According to the Master, at this time, the number of African Americans in Louisiana is greater than the ruling whites, making up more than sixty percent. Is this true?"

Juliano’s expression shifted slightly, nodding, "There is indeed such a situation... I understand, but doing so might offend the British too much, don’t you think?"

Jeanne sneered, "Offend them, we offend. The British have a trait where they see weakness as the original sin!"

...

Two Dixie cowboys were drinking in a small tavern, both with typical cowboys’ sun-tanned red necks, revolvers on their waists, wearing loose, sturdy leather pants and long boots.

They had just delivered a herd of three hundred cattle here and after receiving their wages from the ranch owner, they came to the tavern to indulge themselves a bit.

The cowboy life is not leisurely, facing harsh weather, they also face risks from fierce beasts, bandits, venomous creatures, native people, and cattle thieves. This trip had not gone well, starting with six men, and only the two of them made it.

If it weren’t for their good luck avoiding a cattle stampede, just the two of them wouldn’t have been able to get the whole herd to the destination.

Among them, the bearded cowboy said anxiously, "I’ve heard that things have not been peaceful in Louisiana in recent days, let’s rest a day and get back quickly."

The other cowboy dismissed it, "Hasn’t it always been like this here, especially on the borders, every day there’s talk of someone, some livestock being taken by the Werewolves, but usually, those unfortunate folks just got drunk and fell into the ditches to die?" 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

"Look at the folks in this tavern, isn’t everyone armed? This time’s not like usual, I heard there’s going to be a war."

The bearded cowboy took a swig of beer and continued, "A lot of states have dispatched volunteer armies, claiming it’s a new round of Crusades, but everyone knows they’re just here to loot."

His companion was slightly intrigued, "Partner, this seems like an opportunity."

"What?"

"Buddy, do you really want to be a cowboy for life? Low pay, lots of work, and big risks and if we join a colonial group, maybe after a war, we could own a ranch. Haven’t you always wanted a ranch of your own?"

"Brother, you’re dreaming, but Texans are tough, and those colonial groups have backing from real estate companies, and conglomerates, without inside connections, they wouldn’t take us."

The bearded cowboy was realistic, long past dreaming, "Wake up, I’ve seen too many people who love to fantasize, like those prospectors back home, how many actually went back with Gold?"

Just as they were drinking, suddenly there was a commotion in the street.

Then came the rapid sound of hoofbeats, hundreds of cowboys rode in with rifles, shooting down the military police blocking their way, and stormed into the town center.

"My God, which audacious gang is this?"

The bearded cowboy quickly pulled him under the table, his voice trembling, "Buddy, I think this isn’t just any gang, did you see the golden star on their hat brims?"

"Are they Texans?"

Inside the tavern, some colonial groups, drunk on alcohol, immediately drew their Weapons and started shooting at the enemies on the street.

The bearded cowboy held his companion’s head down firmly, "Don’t get reckless, trust me, this is a fight we can’t intervene in."

Things went as the bearded cowboy anticipated; those cowboys storming the town center were almost all sharpshooters, the chaotic gunfire lasted for no more than two minutes before it became sporadic.

Looking around, almost no one was left standing in the tavern, aside from the unfortunate soul lying against the wall behind the bar, riddled with bullets.

"Everyone, do not panic, we are with the Republic of Texas Border Guard, we assure you as long as you do not attack us first, we will not harm you."

The cowboy cavalry leader, Centurion Leon, said loudly.

He then slightly raised his chin, signaling the Centurions and Corner leaders under him to act according to plan.

From the town’s outskirts came bursts of commotion, with gunshots occasionally heard.

Soon, Texas cavalry began returning in succession, bringing with them black slaves bound in chains, in just a moment, the brought-in black slaves filled the entire square.

"God above, are these foolish Texans here just to steal these slaves?"

The young cowboy hiding under the table was a bit puzzled; these black slaves, though important property, couldn’t compare to easy-to-carry Gold, jewelry, or British Pounds. In the bandit-ridden Thirteen Colonies, he’d never heard of a gang stealing black slaves.

The bearded old cowboy speculated, "Maybe those Texans are short on labor."

Yet he saw the leader of the Texas cavalry pick several dozen black slaves, order them on stage, then raise an axe high, and in the shivering face of a slave, he split the shackles with a single stroke.

"Black brothers and sisters, I am Leon Basilicata from the Republic of Texas. You have long lived in endless darkness and suffering, deprived of freedom, forced into slavery, subjected to brutal abuse. Every year, I see the corpses of black people hanging on gallows in this town. Are you truly resigned to live as slaves for all eternity, for generations to come?"

The heavy cart was pushed forward.

Leon uncovered the tarp on top, revealing it was loaded with numerous firearms: "Black brothers, rise and fight, let those who oppress and discriminate against you witness your fury!"

"No one is born to be a slave, no one is born superior because of their skin color. For your freedom, for your descendants!"

The deafening roar sounded like a thunderbolt in the ears of every black slave present.