Maybe it's because his injury hasn't healed, or maybe he's worried. Bishop Arthur only drank two glasses of red wine and ate two slices of bread at noon.
After lunch, Zhang Yanling and Bishop Arthur were sitting on chairs in the central castle hall. Arthur was a little nervous. He didn't know what the Duke of Ming Dynasty was going to talk to him about. After seeing how ruthless the Duke was,
He didn't know what his fate would be.
"Your Excellency, this is Miss Catherine, the daughter of Governor Goya, who will translate for us. You should know her." Zhang Yanling leaned on the chair with squinted eyes and said with a smile.
Catherine, who was sitting next to her, stood up and saluted Bishop Arthur.
"Hello, Lord Arthur, my father once talked about you." Catherine said.
Arthur hurriedly returned the greeting: "Miss Catherine, I feel sorry for what happened to your father. God bless you."
Catherine said solemnly: "Thank you, Lord Bishop."
Arthur actually somewhat understood the relationship between Catherine and Zhang Yanling. Of course Arthur could see the intimacy between the two of them. Catherine was indeed beautiful, and the Duke was attracted by her beauty.
Yes. But I am only interested in little boys.
"Master Arthur, you don't have to be nervous. You are very cooperative. I regard you as a friend. I will not do anything bad to my friends. I think you should be the kindest and wisest among the upper-class people of Franji Country that I have ever met.
One of them." Zhang Yanling said with a smile.
Arthur hurriedly said: "Thank you, Lord Duke. I am a servant of God, different from them. I only serve my Lord."
Zhang Yanling laughed, nodded and said: "I can see that you are a devout believer. However, the political and religious relations in your country are not completely unrelated. As far as I know, your Holy See has great influence on government affairs.
I heard that your king needs the approval of the Pope to become a legal king. His power is not small."
Arthur hurriedly said: "That is just a symbolic appointment. After all, most of our people believe in God. When the king is recognized by the Holy See, it is an act of peace of mind. Otherwise, hehehe."
Zhang Yanling nodded. What Arthur said was true. The Holy See approved the king's appointment, which is called the divine right of kings. It is a sign of legitimacy in Western countries. Just like the dynasties in China like to brag that they are the sons of God.
It's all for this purpose. In fact, no matter who has a stronger fist or stronger strength, after winning the throne, the Holy See will not forcefully oppose it, but will go along with the flow. This is beneficial to both parties.
"What do you think of your country's Eastward Policy?" Zhang Yanling asked suddenly and abruptly.
Arthur was stunned, frowned and thought for a moment, and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty the Duke, our country, Franji, is a small country with very limited land and supplies. If we want to gain a foothold in a forest surrounded by powerful enemies, we must find a way.
To strengthen themselves. The kings and nobles hope to expand their territory and strengthen the country. This idea... I think is reasonable."
Zhang Yanling reached out and twirled the stubble on his chin, nodded slightly and said, "The bishop is very straightforward."
Arthur crossed himself and said solemnly: "The opinion of the Holy See is actually not important, although we once advised the king and the noble meeting not to make too many enemies. In particular, not to disturb the Eastern dragon, the Ming Dynasty. Because that will cause extreme chaos.
Big backlash. The king also thinks so. Unfortunately, some people finally reached out to the Ming Dynasty for petty profits. Everything now is retribution."
Zhang Yanling chuckled and said: "My Lord Bishop, you are really a sensible person. It's a pity that you are not the king, otherwise we would not be in this embarrassing situation now. You know, our Ming Dynasty actually does not want to be like this. We have banned the sea for many years, and we
The emperor just wants to live his own life behind closed doors. As you said, if you don’t mess with us, how can we send troops? Your country, Franji, must take full responsibility for the consequences of this. Do you agree?"
Arthur looked at Zhang Yanling and suddenly smiled.
"Dear Duke, do you think I don't know your thoughts? Even if we don't mess with you, you will still send troops to fight us. Maybe your emperor and ministers want to live a quiet life, but I think
You have to come out, Your Majesty the Duke, you don’t want to.”
Zhang Yanling smiled and said: "Oh? Why do you think so?"
Arthur smiled and said: "I have met a lot of people. This is the first time I have met someone like the Duke. So radical, so bold, so...brave. I am not complimenting you. You came with a few hundred people."
Is it possible for ordinary people to attack Guli City? The Ming Empire has a duke like you and has influence on your emperor, so it is only a matter of time before troops are sent. You are not a person who keeps to himself."
Zhang Yanling laughed loudly, pointed at Arthur and said: "Master Arthur, you are really a cunning old fox."
Arthur said: "As a servant of God, I have a pair of discerning eyes. Do you admit that I am right? Your technology has developed to the point where you can build giant ships and cannons. What you lack is a person who dares to act. And you,
It's that person. So, as long as we, the Franco Kingdom, decide to move eastward, we will
There will eventually be a war between the two countries. What we want, you also want. And our actions have given you an excuse. In this way, you can legitimately occupy these ports and trade routes without having to bear the moral burden.
The pressure, isn’t it?”
Zhang Yanling laughed endlessly, and she admired Arthur's knowledge in her heart. This man was much smarter than many people. He had a broad perspective on problems and a deep understanding.
"It's such a pleasure to talk to you. It's rare for your country to have talents like you." Zhang Yanling said.
Arthur nodded and said: "You are over-praising me. I am just an ordinary servant of God. I cannot deserve your praise."
Zhang Yanling waved his hand and said: "There is no need to be too modest. Then I would like to ask your Lord Bishop, how will your Franco-Ji Kingdom respond next? Your Eastern Fleet has been wiped out by us. How will the king and nobles of your Franco-Ji Kingdom react?"
"
Arthur thought for a while and said: "Dear Duke, I don't have to answer your question, but you regard me as a friend, so naturally I can't deal with you. The Eastern Fleet was indeed annihilated by you, but I'm afraid this matter is
It will not be over. Our king and nobles have never suffered such setbacks, and they will not give up."
Zhang Yanling smiled and said: "So what if you refuse to give up? Don't you think that your country, Franji, still has the strength to retaliate against us? What if you build another Eastern Fleet? Are you my opponent?"
Bishop Arthur smiled and said: "Our country of Franco is not capable of building a huge fleet. However, this is a matter for our country of Franco. Your victory will certainly encourage the countries in the east.
But for us Western countries, that is a huge threat. That is no longer the failure of our country, Franco. It is just this
This reason is enough for the Western countries to unite. If you plan to continue to move westward, soon you will usher in the naval forces of the Great and Small Franchise, Hollywood, Thailand, Denmark, Britain and many other countries.
Combined fleet. By then, it will no longer be a grudge between your Ming Empire and our country, the Flemish Kingdom."
Zhang Yanling smiled and said: "Oh? You will unite to deal with us? I don't believe it."
Arthur said seriously: "Dear Duke, we Western countries are afraid of you Easterners. Especially your Eastern Empire. If you have read history, you should know that the great empire before your Ming Empire
The Yuan Empire, they invaded Europe from land. That period of history is a nightmare for our Western countries.
, we still have lingering fears and are vigilant. With that incident, we have reason to suspect that you will attack us from the sea this time. You have such a powerful sea fleet, which is terrifying. I think, as long as I
Langji State will tell this truth to the kings of other countries, and they may all agree to send troops."
Zhang Yanling looked at Bishop Arthur quietly.
"Lord Arthur, it seems that I have to make preparations immediately. I want to triple my fleet. Do you think thirty armored warships can defeat you?"
Arthur rolled his eyes and smacked his lips: "That is a total war, which will lead to huge disasters. Unless the Ming Empire and the Duke want to conquer the whole world, and have the ability to do so, it will not be good for everyone.
.There is no winner either.”
Zhang Yanling said with a smile: "It would be nice to have a world war. However, we have no plans to become full enemies with you. In fact, we have no intention of aggression against you. Again, if you don't mess with us, we won't either.
You. Of course, if you insist on fighting us, we are not afraid. Lord Arthur, I hope you will bring my words to the ears of your Majesty the King and let him understand this. I, the Ming Empire, have no intention of advancing westward.
, we are just safeguarding our own interests."
Arthur was stunned, looked at Zhang Yanling and said: "My lord Duke, what are you talking about? Do you want to let me go back to my country?"
Zhang Yanling smiled and said: "Yes, don't you want to?"