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"What did you say?"
The news was so shocking that Johannes IV's eyes widened and he couldn't help but stand up. As for other princes and nobles, they also had shocked expressions on their faces.
Facing the majestic aura exuded by Johannes IV, the messenger was so frightened that he did not dare to express his anger. He held it in for a long time before stumbling and repeating it.
Seeing that the messenger was so frightened, Matthias, as Prime Minister, patted his shoulder to encourage him.
"How many Sudanese people were attacking? When did you know about it? Also, did Motema fall?"
Faced with one after another questions from Johannes IV, the messenger stumbled and explained the situation he knew one by one.
As he told the story, everyone learned that the number of Sudanese who attacked this time was as high as 80,000. Seven days ago, their leader suddenly appeared in Motema. Upon seeing this, the defenders of Motema quickly sent someone to notify Yugudis.
Governor, and he and more than a dozen comrades-in-arms were sent by Governor Yogudis to report the news.
As the messenger who delivered the message reported, no one spoke for a while, and everything became quiet.
However, this situation did not wait long, because 120 kilometers further west from Motema is Lake Tanna, and the Sudanese must be aiming here. This is one of the three major granaries in Abyssinia, and it is also the largest.
Granary. Such a place cannot be taken away by the Sudanese.
"We cannot ignore the Sudanese threat and must drive away the Sudanese, otherwise our homeland will be captured by infidels."
The first one to stand up was the Duke of Bahir Dar, whose territory is on the west bank of Lake Tanner. Although he only has a territory of less than 5,000 square kilometers on the west bank, its richness allows the Duke of Bahir Dar to firmly occupy a mid-range position among the princes.
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He was also one of the first people to fall over to Johannes IV, and he could be considered a veteran. However, seeing the possibility that the Sudanese might threaten the territory, the Duke of Bahir Dar immediately jumped on the bandwagon.
As the Duke of Bahir Dar spoke, several princes with nearby territories immediately followed suit.
"Yes, everyone knows that the Sudanese threaten us, and we cannot sit idly by and ignore it."
"Yes, these Sudanese are like robbers. As long as they pass by, nothing will be left. Property, livestock, and population are like locusts."
The echoes came one after another, disturbing the rest of the hall. However, these princes who spoke were basically weak, and the most powerful among them was the Duke of Bahir Dar.
But Johannes IV watched their performance with cold eyes. Facing the cold gaze of the emperor, those sparrow-like princes and nobles gradually stopped speaking.
"Everyone, the situation we are facing now is very serious. There are Italians in the north and Sudanese in the west. It is time to fight. This time we must work together to ensure our independence."
Well, Johannes IV couldn't sit still anymore. With the invasion of the Sudanese, the war situation became extremely disadvantageous to him. He had to send troops and deal with one enemy first.
But as for the priority opponent, it was a bit difficult for Johannes IV to choose. Because these two opponents must have formed an alliance, otherwise it would not have been such a coincidence. When I was dealing with the Italians, the Sudanese suddenly appeared.
Of course, it is very important to choose your opponent. If you don't choose well, you will lose everything. In fact, there are not many choices for him. He will either fight the Sudanese first or fight the Italians first.
In fact, no matter which one he fought, Johannes IV knew how bad the situation he faced this time was.
However, considering his current location, he actually has only one choice, and that is the Italians.
Thinking of this, Johannes IV regretted a little. He should have dealt a heavy blow to the Italians in Mara. At that time, he blamed himself for being too hesitant and allowing the Italians to occupy Mara.
But now if you want to deal with the Italians, you must use some strategies. He is no match for the Italians in a head-on confrontation.
Johannes IV carefully sketched the plan in his mind, thinking hard about how to win.
Faced with Johannes IV's sudden brooding, no one else made a sound.
After what seemed like a long time, Johannes IV finally took action.
He stood up and spoke to his son-in-law.
"Menelik."
"arrive."
"You lead your own troops to besiege Mara, and I will ask Alya to lead 20,000 people to cooperate with you."
Johannes gave the most important task to his son-in-law, because Menelik's troops were the most powerful except for his. And in order to make the Italians believe that the main force of the Abyssinian army was besieging Mara, he also asked
His son brought 20,000 people to assist him.
Faced with the task given by Emperor Johannes, the Lord of Shaoa didn't waste any time and agreed. "As ordered."
Faced with Menelik being so happy, Johannes IV said nothing and stepped forward to pat him on the shoulder. "Your mission is very important. You need to convince the Italians in Mara that they are encountering our large army."
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"Okay, I will launch a fierce offensive to make the enemy panic and call for help."
After getting a satisfactory answer from his son-in-law, Johannes said to the remaining princes, "Follow me and let the Italians know how powerful we are."
Yes, Johannes's plan is very simple, that is, to surround the point and provide reinforcements. However, although it is simple, it is very practical.
The terrain of crisscrossed ravines around Mara is also suitable for hiding large troops. Since it is so suitable for encirclement and reinforcements, why not use it for Johannes.
As Johannes issued the order, the princes and nobles present immediately stood up and left. It takes time to organize the army and deploy it. In addition, carrying food and grass and surveying water sources need to be done in advance.
When others were leaving, Menelik II was also about to leave, but then he was stopped.
"Your Highness Menelik, His Majesty the Emperor has invited His Highness."
Menelik stopped and followed the visitor to a small garden. Here he saw his father-in-law, but unlike before, his face was full of sadness.
"Menelik, you are here."
"Yes."
When Menelik came to him, Johannes spoke, but he did not say why he invited him over.
"This is the courtyard that I ordered to be built when His Majesty appointed me as the Governor. It has been more than 20 years, and I didn't expect that I would succeed His Majesty after his death."
Of course Menelik knew what Johannes IV said about the former emperor Tewodros II, who
