As night approaches, the misty drizzle has obscured everything in the military port, and the scenery a little further away has become very blurry. Even the light emitted by the magic lamp that used to be a powerful symbol in the military port cannot penetrate the rain curtain at this time, making it look a bit blurry.
There is nothing you can do. In this huge military port, in this cold and humid air, the only thing that remains the same as before is the group of people on the dock, the group of soldiers - they are wearing standard military uniforms and are lining up in front of a warship according to their military ranks.
Regardless of their position, they all stood straight on the dock, no one would move a little, letting the cold air stain their clothes and the drizzle wet their faces.
The ship docking at the port at this time is neither a huge command ship nor an extremely advanced attack ship. It is just an ordinary Sibia transport ship. The only thing that is special is a special person from Sibia.
Above. For these Sibia soldiers, wherever this person is, it is the most sacred and noble place. Let alone a transport ship, even a small fishing boat must line up to receive him!
Because this person with a special status is their emperor, Cohen Keda.
However, the transport ship had arrived at noon. The officers only saw one after another internal affairs officials being summoned to board the ship, but His Majesty the Emperor had not yet disembarked. Although no one could guess what His Majesty the Emperor was doing, everyone was going up and down.
The expressions on the officials' faces were not relaxed. This atmosphere alone made people feel that something unpleasant had happened. The heroic Sibia army swept across the demon clan and successfully captured two empires. The whole country should be happy
At the moment of celebrating victory, something happened that made everyone from the emperor to the ministers unhappy. What could this be? How would His Majesty the Emperor deal with it?
"What else happened to him?" In the cabin, the lazy-looking Cohen Keda was leaning on a recliner to receive the last group of internal affairs officials. While speaking, he raised his eyes and looked at an internal affairs official standing at the front.
, asked in a calm tone: "Besides what you just said, does he have any other substantive activities or preparations?"
"Back to Your Majesty, because I haven't received orders from Your Majesty, I haven't activated the lurking personnel of my subordinates. I've just been paying careful attention and found something noteworthy." The intelligence officer who had been hiding his identity as a middle-level internal affairs officer said seriously.
Answered the emperor, "Since that incident, his correspondence with the old governor system has tripled, and his family's daily behavior has undergone a big change. He is very kind to civilians or subordinates, and at the same time, he has used various excuses to withhold cash and food.
actions..."
Listening to the intelligence officer's report, His Majesty Cohen, who looked calm, asked noncommittally, "In other words, you did not investigate that he had mobilized troops, prepared ordnance, and other actual acts of rebellion?"
"Back to Your Majesty." The intelligence officer shook his head, "So far, we don't have this evidence."
"You should know that I am a simple person, and the criteria for determining one thing are equally simple." His Majesty Cohen sat upright, stretched out his left hand, and tapped a few times on the pile of memorial notes, "You guys
To convict a person of rebellion, we have to provide evidence of his rebellion. To convict a governor of a province of rebellion just based on some so-called abnormal behaviors is a reckless and blind act. Even if there are twice as many officials to report,
I will not sanction him. But just because his brother died, he was punished, and his official rank was demoted three levels. These are all the motivations for him to risk his life and fortune to rebel? Funny, is there anything more funny than this?
"
"What your Majesty said is indeed true." A minister behind him said: "But rebellion is like a flood and will cause great damage to the empire. We have to take precautions. Even if he has no intention of rebellion,
You might as well hit him..."
"Knock? You want me to beat the governor of a province for no reason?" His Majesty Cohen smiled faintly, "Because of the old background, these governors are all nervous people. If I continue to beat, maybe I can really start a rebellion.
When the time comes, who will bear the responsibility for the pacification that has cost people and money? When historians say it decades later, shouldn’t they put this bad debt on me?”
"Then your Majesty's decision is..." Seeing the emperor's attitude, the ministers could no longer insist.
"You guys! Take all these messages back. Even if I have never received these messages, I will treat it as if it never happened. I am just going to the coast with you today. After that, everyone will go home and do whatever they need to do.
What to do." At this point, His Majesty Cohen stood up and said, "If you are really worried, please pay more attention in the future and remember not to make any more guesses. When I appoint ministers, I always appoint people without suspicion and do not use those who are suspicious."
When he said these words, Cohen's attitude was extremely serious, so that the ministers who still had something to say could no longer be stubborn. They had no choice but to nod in agreement, take their own memorials and exit separately, and His Majesty Cohen did not leave any one behind.
The ministers came to discuss privately and asked them to disembark directly. At this point, the governor's rebellion, which was reported by three officials and seconded by seventeen officials, was forcibly suppressed by His Majesty the Emperor without review or forwarding.
The Lord Chancellor can be said to have left no trace. Afterwards, His Majesty Cohen, having completed his government affairs, changed his clothes and disembarked from the ship to meet with the local garrison generals. During this period, he chatted and laughed with his subordinates, and there was no trace of worry in his expression.
On the other side, after Jin returned to his official residence after seeing an official of His Majesty Cohen, he simulated the details of the meeting with Cohen to a messenger. After several rounds of twists and turns, the details finally reached the hands of a certain governor. After understanding everything, this
The governor led the officials straight to the secret room and told the story from beginning to end to a man whose face was covered with a scarf.
After listening to the official's retelling, the mysterious man was not satisfied. Instead, he took the trouble to repeatedly ask about the details of the conversation, including the expression and tone of His Majesty Cohen's every word...especially when Cohen made his final conclusion.
Performance, he even asked officials to imitate His Majesty Cohen at that time.
And this courageous official actually ignored that imitating the emperor's behavior and speech was a serious crime, and made His Majesty Cohen's behavior a seven or eight point. However, His Majesty Cohen's demeanor and expression are unparalleled in the world. No matter how brilliant this official is, he still
He couldn't express even a single bit of it. But even so, after reading it, the mysterious man still put his hand on his forehead and fell into deep contemplation.
"My lord, my lord." The governor looked at the mysterious man speechless for a long time, and couldn't help but asked: "What's going on?"
"I can't understand it, I can't think it through, I can't guess it." After another long silence, the mysterious man sighed, looked up and said: "Throughout my life, I have never felt unsure about anyone, Cohen Keda
, is the biggest challenge and problem I have ever encountered.”
"Then what do you want to choose? How to deal with it? You have to make up your mind!" After the governor asked softly, he was startled by the look in the eyes of the mysterious man. He quickly apologized and said: "I was anxious for the moment and went overboard.
This is a courtesy, please forgive me!"
"Assuming you know how to advance and retreat, although I don't completely know what Cohen Keda is thinking, but everything in the world remains true to its original principles, so I naturally have a sense of balance in my heart... Do you think that Cohen Keda is in his early twenties?
How can a half-hearted emperor be able to defeat me?" After snorting slightly, the mysterious man's eyes softened a little, stood up and said comfortingly: "Is it possible for him to defeat us?"
"How could it be? How could Cohen Keda, who was just starting out, be able to fight against such a wise official of the temple? Since I returned safely from the Holy Capital last time, I know that this little emperor is not as interested in the temple as in you.
Fearful." The governor smiled and said flatteringly, "I'm trying my best to serve you, aren't you just fighting for the future?"
"Koen Keda is young and heroic, and the fear of the Temple is not so great. He just wants to rely on the Temple for many things. It's a pity that times are unpredictable, otherwise it would be an interesting thing to work with this person." The mysterious man sighed again.
He said, "You must always treat this emperor with caution. The name of Cohen Keda has already shocked the whole god clan regarding the use of troops against the demon clan..."
"Since everyone knows that this use of troops will shock the Divine Alliance, then the reputation of Cohen Keda will be further improved. We..." the governor hesitated for a moment before continuing, "We are testing at this time, is it a little bit...
…”
"Don't you understand? It's wisest to test at this time. Didn't you get a taste of what Cohen Keda said? He conquered two demonic empires. This kind of feat is the first of its kind in history! An imperial emperor
Being able to do this is already the ultimate. He, Cohen Keda, has devoted himself to studying the way of the emperor. Of course he knows what to do at this time..." The mysterious man chuckled, "You think he will do it for no reason.
Did you mention how later generations of historians evaluated him? Let me tell you, the evaluation of later generations and the evaluation of history books are the most important thing for every successful emperor. After struggling to this point, he has everything, and now he just wants to leave a legacy
Good reputation. And a governor with a special status like you is the target of his influence."
"So your Excellency has already decided that Cohen Keda's behavior is normal? He really doesn't want to touch me without evidence?" The Governor asked thoughtfully: "Then my brother, how could he be so
Execution without hesitation? Even I, who had nothing to do with that matter, suffered the physical pain... It is really not merciful at all."
"This is the consequence of offending the emperor who is a soldier. If he didn't execute your brother immediately at that time, I'm afraid you would have trouble sleeping and eating - if you are afraid, there must be a conspiracy. You exchanged dozens of military sticks for peace of mind and no loss."
The mysterious man sat down minding his own business, "However, you will never forget this blood debt of your own brother. When will he leave to return to the Holy Capital? Arrange for me to leave after he leaves."
"Koen Keda is not in a hurry to return to the Holy City this time. He said that he is physically and mentally exhausted from a series of fierce battles. He will slowly patrol all the way back and casually visit ministers at all levels along the way. On the other hand, he also wants to prepare the Holy City to welcome the mighty force.
The preparations for the army." The governor replied: "I estimate that this trip will take some time, and it will take at least twenty days to return to the Holy Capital."
"Traveling around?" The mysterious man stood up and walked out the door, "Go and tell your men that all local affairs are suspended."
"Your Excellency, you want to leave?" the Governor quickly followed, "I will wait for you to make proper arrangements for Your Excellency..."
"Don't worry about it." The mysterious man chuckled, his eyes making the governor in front of him shudder, "Since I can come by myself, I can naturally leave by myself."
It was night, in order to catch up with the pre-arranged progress, His Majesty the Emperor's motorcade set off at starry night, and began its journey back to the Holy Capital in the eyes of the ministers. With a long line of carriages, plus the escorting Guards, the entire team could not stop.
Including the front and rear escorts, it was three miles long. In the spacious and comfortable carriage, Cohen Keda, who had been busy for a day, could finally put aside his official documents and take a breather.
Bai Ying changed the drink in Cohen's hand, and lit a magic lamp behind Cohen. She looked sideways at the young emperor who was so close, and felt a lot in her heart. Since she followed Cohen, she had witnessed Cohen's leaps and bounds.
Difficulties one after another have always been planned while talking and laughing, and the enemy retreated calmly and calmly, but this was the first time that such a silent and solemn demeanor was revealed.
"If there is nothing else, just rest!" Seeing Cohen's frown getting tighter, Bai Ying couldn't help but persuade him: "What we encountered is not a big deal, and what Governor Velen did is not a big deal.
Was it already in your calculations?"
Bai Ying's words are correct. Governor Velen's actions are indeed not a big deal to Cohen. Even this person's rebellion plan was already within Cohen's expectation... Bai Ying also knows that there is another thing in Cohen's mind.
He was worried, but Cohen couldn't discuss this matter with anyone, including himself. The decision to make a cruise was not so much for the excuses announced, but rather because His Majesty Cohen wanted to leave it to himself to think about.
time.
Therefore, Bai Ying could only appease Cohen through other things.
"Things have changed. They are different from what I thought earlier. Governor Velen dares to test me at this time, which shows that he relies on his extraordinary power. As a small governor, every move of him should be under my control. What kind of capital does he have?"
Are you relying on your own strength?" Cohen, with his eyes closed, replied softly, "This makes me puzzled and makes me undecided."
Cohen's words puzzled Bai Ying, and he asked: "Why are you so hesitant? Does a governor have such ability?"
"Whether he has such ability is the key to the whole matter, because any normal person, even a person who is willing to rebel, will never test his emperor at this time. This is not a
It's a good time to test it." Cohen replied: "I'm thinking about the reason. Once I figure it out, the whole thing will be solved naturally."
Bai Ying thought for a while and said: "Or...the reports of these ministers are indeed groundless?"
"That's not important. It's only a matter of time before the idiot Velen will rebel. It's inevitable. It just depends on how far his preparations go." Cohen opened his eyes, "Now it seems that his preparations are almost complete.
Yes, he must be using this temptation to gauge my attitude in order to find the best opportunity."
"This time of temptation?" Bai Ying was surprised, "Has there been any temptation before?"
"Of course, have you forgotten how he got hit? That was one of his tests." Cohen nodded and said: "But that test is a normal method, and it didn't surprise me yet, but this time it was more fun."
Out of line."
"What happened last time was that Governor Velen was testing you?" Bai Ying was shocked by the ugly human nature at this moment, "He actually used his own brother's life to test you?"
"What's so surprising? Apart from testing, is there any reason to explain the accident? From a personal point of view, how much does the stone cost for a dock? Velen's brother is considered a nobleman, so he would like it.
Eye?" Cohen smiled coldly, "If it is routine corruption... Yes, the Velen family certainly needs a lot of funds to raise private soldiers, but how could a family that was self-sufficient in the past suddenly get stuck in military projects?
If it comes to the point where it is necessary to embezzle money to raise soldiers, then where did the money for raising private soldiers come from? Naturally, Wei Lun personally planned this, sent his confidants to carry out it, and pushed his unsuspecting brother to the guillotine.
"
"Did you know all this?" Bai Ying looked at Cohen blankly, "Since you knew that Velen's brother was innocent, why did you still execute him?"
"He was the one who built the dock. The collapse delayed the military affairs. Of course, he must be held accountable. The crime of execution is less important." Cohen answered slowly, "If you hesitate even a moment at that time, the empire will undergo great changes. Those who will be executed in the future will
That’s more than a hundred times.”
Bai Ying thought about Cohen's words and felt that they made sense. Then he thought about what was about to happen to Cohen, so he lowered his head and remained silent...
The carriage was moving forward with slight shaking. When the convoy arrived in the Holy Capital, to what extent will the negative emotions accumulated in Cohen's heart accumulate? The behavior of the Prime Minister this time has deeply affected me.
Having angered Cohen, what impact will the upcoming fight between father and son have on the world? Cohen will meet with a large number of military generals and interior ministers during this tour, which may be a prelude to the fight between father and son.
It wasn't that Bai Ying didn't want to persuade her, but it was because Bai Ying, as a dragon, couldn't figure out human emotions and didn't know how to speak. She was afraid of making things worse by mentioning them rashly, so she could only talk about the matter and limit the conversation to the Velen rebellion, hoping to help.
The man in front of him cleared his thoughts, "So what does his sudden change of temptation mean? Does it reveal some vague information? It is very important to us?"
"Of course, any change in anyone or anything must be caused by external factors. If Velen was ready to rebel and test before, what changes will happen to his external environment?" Cohen stretched out his hand.
Lai patted his head and stared at his feet in trance, "Let me think about it... Velen was originally preparing to rebel on his own and gather a few governors or generals from the old faction. Could it be that now, there has been a quantitative change in the number of people he has attracted?
?No, this is unrealistic...or is it a tentative approach based on changes in the situation on my side? This cannot be explained..."
At this point in his soliloquy, Cohen suddenly stopped talking and looked up at Bai Ying, his eyes flickering.
"What?" Bai Ying was stunned and asked softly: "What did you think of?"
"The external environment has changed, and someone outside has colluded with Velen." Cohen spat out a few words, and his eyes turned cold, "Go and call the liaison officer and herald."
Bai Ying quickly ordered to go down, then looked back at Cohen, "Is it serious?"
"We must find out, otherwise things will be dangerous." Cohen reached out and slowly held the wine glass, "Even if we can't find out who is colluding with Velen at the moment, we must find out their preparations immediately and figure out their general situation.
Start time!"
Bai Ying wanted to ask something else, but the elf maid outside the car responded softly: "Your Majesty, the liaison officer and herald are here."
"Come in." Bai Ying tilted his head and agreed, then stood in the corner of the carriage as usual. (To be continued)