Chapter 472 Ah Ow’s Howl (1/2)
Chapter 472: Ah Ow’s Howl
Translator: Nyoi-Bo StudioEditor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Mr. Martin was indeed a history teacher. He had somehow managed to introduce the messy history of the two countries in an organized manner. After listening to him, Li Du more or less understood the historical background of the suit of armor and said, ”It was created in the 17th Century then?”
Mr. Martin nodded his head. ”Yes, the 17th century—the middle of the 17th century. In the early periods, even though the cavalry already used hide as embellishment, they didn't yet place the outstretched wings on them. The feathers were usually fixed onto their shields instead.
”During the middle period of the 17th century, Cossacks from Khmelnytskyi lead Ukraine into causing an uprising, resulting in Poland entering a tumultuous period.
”While the Cossacks were causing a big headache with the uprising and all the attention was placed on it, the Soviet Union and Sweden were preparing to initiate an attack to take territory from the Polish.
”As the focal point of Poland's military, the Winged Hussars were crucial in defending Poland. Along with the advancements of the military aristocrats, the winged cavalry then was already much more advanced and well-equipped than the early 17th century. The symbolic feather wings began appearing on the other proud Polish cavalry too.”
After listening to his introduction, Li Du couldn't help himself and asked, ”In reality, how big were the wings on the Winged Hussars? The cavalry was required to charge forward to be effective, right? Wouldn't these wings result in air resistance?”
Mr. Martin patted him on his shoulders and said, ”You're a good student, Li, you bring up a good point. In reality, winged cavalry did not wear their feathered wings at all time—they usually wore them during parades or marches.
”The huge wings and the feathers attached to them would cause friction with the air, hence producing loud noises when moving forward. To the aristocrats, this was something worthy to be proud of.”
Mrs. Martin, who had been silently listening the whole time, began speaking: ”Ultimately, it's like how in your civilization, the guards of Ming Dynasty placed accessories onto their helmets as a form of expression for them.”
Li Du smiled. ”Mam, you are well read.”
Mrs. Martin had taught geography, and for her to know all this, she was indeed well read.
Sophie smiled. ”Oh, so the wings in the back were used as decoration? I thought they were used for war, like fending off arrows shot at their backs.”
After listening to what she said, Li Du smiled and Mr. Martin gave her a puzzled expression. ”Next time don't participate in these types of conversations—your thought puts a part of history to shame.”
Mrs. Martin shoved him. ”Knock it off,” she said in displeasure.
Mr. Martin snickered, ”Of course Sophie brings up an important point too—the feathered wings indeed had a use on the battlefield. When chasing after the defeated enemy, the wings would produce very loud noises that frightened and diminished the enemy's morale.”
Knowing the history of this suit of armor, Mr. Martin estimated it to be worth around 600,000 to 700,000 US dollars.
After mentioning the evaluation, he asked, ”Li, you're sure you want to donate this suit of armor? You must know that this is not a small amount—Mrs. Martin and I don't even earn half this amount for our annual salary.”
Li Du explained, ”It did not originally belong to me. It should belong to an audience that appreciates this vibrant period in history.”
Mr. Martin further encouraged him to reconsider. He did not want Li Du to regret the decision in the future as, like he'd emphasized, this suit of armor was worth quite a bit of money.
Li Du knew he wouldn't regret it. This suit of armor had been taken away from another with nothing in exchange—even if it were thrown away, he wouldn't have been heartbroken.