Dese, located in Amhara, was the capital determined by the Abyssinian Emperor Johannes IV. In this Abyssinian capital, the majestic Sobia Palace was the Abyssinian capital.
The residence of the Lord of Xenia.
But today, His Majesty the Emperor was not in a good mood, because the news brought by the British made him very angry.
"These damn Italians, I have put aside my noble status and bowed my head to admit my mistake. They still want to arrest me and take me to Rome for trial. Do they think I am easy to bully?"
The roar of Johannes IV put everyone in the palace in danger. His Majesty the Emperor had a bad temper recently, and several servants were thrown to the lions for offending him.
It seems that the British failed to reach peace talks and immediately added fuel and jealousy to make the relationship between the two countries even worse.
"Your Majesty, this may be because those Italians are too greedy. We may be able to put forward higher conditions."
Prime Minister Matthias on the side spoke up with new ideas.
It was a good thing that the prime minister did not speak. When he did, he was immediately reprimanded by Johannes IV. "If it weren't for your suggestion, how could I be humiliated in front of the Italians. These Italians have invaded Tigray, and there is no way in their eyes."
You are ignoring me as the emperor."
Everyone in the court knew that the emperor attached great importance to Tigray. He started his career in Tigray. Later, he used this place as a base to fight everywhere and unified Abyssinia after the death of Tewodros II.
It can be said that Tigray has an extraordinary importance in his heart. Otherwise, when the Italians invaded here, they would not have hinted that the garrison would call this bold army to annihilate them.
The wrath of Johannes IV made Prime Minister Matthias unable to speak. In Abyssinia, the emperor holds all the power, and he, the prime minister, plays more of a butler-like role.
Although he believed that Abyssinia could not compete with Italy due to its own strength, no one could persuade the angry emperor.
It cannot be said that no one can persuade him. He can still listen to the words of his son-in-law Menelik II who rules Shoa. Because this is the successor he chose. The leader of Shoa is not an ordinary person. He was originally appointed by his predecessor.
Emperor Tewodros II imprisoned him, but later escaped and returned to Shoa when the British invaded.
After Tewodros II was defeated and committed suicide, Menelik II took the opportunity to expand his territory, and later became a situation where he and Johannes IV were competing for supremacy. However, Menelik, who lacked foreign support, struggled with John
The IV of Nice was gradually at a disadvantage in the battle. In order to resolve the situation of fighting between the two powers, the two held peace talks.
The result of the peace talks was that Menelik married Princess Taitu, the daughter of Johannes IV, and his 10-year-old daughter Zoditu from his ex-wife was betrothed to Johannes' son Alia Selassie.
There is child marriage)
In addition, as a condition for Menelik's surrender, the throne of Hannes IV will be inherited by Menelik.
It can be said that this is the result of the combination of the two powers.
But unfortunately, this Menelik is still in Shoa, not in the capital.
After venting for a while, Hannes IV's anger was almost gone. He glanced at the Prime Minister who was standing quietly aside, and then ordered a servant. "Send someone to Hayik to call Selassie."
return."
Selassie was his son, Duke Aliyah Selassie. Hayk, where he was located, was fifteen kilometers away from the capital. One of the most trusted troops of Hannes IV was stationed here.
"Father, you called me."
Duke Selassie, who was in his early thirties, had a tired look on his face, and he started asking questions as soon as he entered the door.
"Yes. This time we are going to fight again."
Facing his son, Johannes IV said something surprising as soon as he opened his mouth.
Duke Selassie is indeed his son, and he has the same blood in his heart. "Who shall we fight this time?"
"Italian."
Then Johannes IV informed his son of the news brought by the British.
"These Italians are so unreasonable. I can smell their ambitions for our country from thousands of kilometers away."
Duke Selassie, who looked disgusted, also disliked Italians for the same reason.
"By the way, have you put away the weapons I asked you to store?"
"It has been put away. Father can send someone to pick it up at any time."
Faced with his father's question, Duke Selassie Lek gave the answer.
The arms they mentioned were shipped by British and French merchants during this period. The prices were much cheaper than before, and Hannes IV took advantage of this opportunity to make a large purchase.
Of course, he also knew that if it weren't for the intrigue among these Europeans, how could he get an advantage?
But even if he picked up a bargain, these more than 10,000 muzzle-loading guns, 5,000 breech-loading guns, and 60 artillery pieces still left most of his wallet empty.
There is no way, because Abyssinia itself is not rich, and the area where it can collect taxes only occupies half of Abyssinia.
However, there is still good news, that is, considering that their funds may not be enough, the British and French businessmen agreed that they can pay in goods. Abyssinia mainly produces cattle, sheep, camels and leather products, as well as some coffee, chaat
Grass and other agricultural products, but given the barren land in Abyssinia, the yield is not high.
However, this time in view of the strength of the Italians, Johannes IV was also bold. He ordered a large number of arms from Britain and France, including 30,000 front-loading guns, 12,000 breech-loading guns, 120 artillery pieces, and
It is required to be delivered within two months.
Faced with the request of the Abyssinian emperor, the British and French businessmen said that they would definitely deliver it before the war. In order to raise funds, Johannes IV even levied a large number of livestock to prepare to pay for arms.
It is unrealistic to defeat the Italians just by relying on one's own strength. Therefore, the Prime Minister also has a role to play. He is going to let him draft a document to call on the people to resist the Italian invasion. In addition, the warlords and lords in the country have not been left behind, and they have all sent out
The envoy asked them to prepare an army and follow the emperor to resist the Italian attack.
Johannes IV used these methods very smoothly. In the face of national justice, no one dared to speak out against it. As for his personal inner thoughts, only he knew.
This series of tactics by Johannes IV immediately caused excitement in Abyssinia, and countless people enthusiastically joined the emperor's army. This caused Johannes IV's army to rapidly expand like a balloon.
In just over a month, the number of troops increased from more than 20,000 to 80,000. Together with various warlords, the national military strength of Abyssinia quickly expanded to 140,000. However, nearly half of them were new recruits.
I just don’t know if the Italian army will give them a chance to adapt?
