In early December 1835, the first snow of the year fell in the Holy City.
The heavy snow lasted for a whole day and night, and the north wind howled. On such a cold day, the city was deserted inside and outside the city, except for the wails of relatives who died in the slums due to the heavy snow and poverty.
The population of the city has been reduced by at least half due to the war and economic recession. Because there are rumors that the army is recruiting young men to join the army, the number of idlers in the city's wharf area has been reduced by more than half.
In the palace, Carlos II took two pills under the attention of Prince Felipe Solon.
"Father, you have angina pectoris. You must pay attention to rest. If you feel uncomfortable, remember to take medicine immediately." Philip said with concern.
"What medicine is this?" asked Carlos II.
"Nitroglycerin is a new drug that has miraculous effects on angina pectoris. It usually takes a few minutes to take effect after being held in the mouth. How do you feel now?" Philip asked.
Angina pectoris was a physical problem that Carlos II suffered after he turned 40. He would get sick whenever he was overworked or emotional, and the attacks had become more frequent in the past two years.
"I feel a lot better, Philip, thank you." Carlos II touched his sternum and wondered, "This medicine is really miraculous. It works so quickly?"
"This is a new drug from the University Hospital of Poitou, and the price is quite reasonable." Philip said, "In fact, it was originally the main component of explosives. It is said that someone accidentally discovered that it was useful in treating angina pectoris because it was ingested by mistake.
It works wonders.”
Carlos II's original expression of joy disappeared: "Is this also the count's new invention?"
"There should be some connection. You know, he is also the president of the University of Poitou." Philip responded carefully.
Philip knew that Sean Connery's name frequently appeared in various public or secret documents in the emperor's case. The emperor originally did not have many negative opinions towards Sean, but when the Genoese increasingly showed a certain
The emperor had no favorable opinion of any Genoese during his separatist tendencies.
The relationship between the Holy City and the southern province of Genoa is now very delicate. The Genoese are still paying taxes, which represents submission, but the amount of taxes is shrinking every month, and overall it still maintains the level of 1833.
Carlos II didn't even dare to force the Genoese too much. After all, in addition to paying taxes normally, the Genoese were also constantly transporting supplies to the north - although this was also a commercial act. Provinces that can now pay taxes normally
Not much left.
What troubled Carlos II the most was the establishment of the Genoese National Army. It seemed that the Genoese had no immediate plans to put the troops of these three divisions into the northern battlefield. If the Genoese were willing to put their troops into the battlefield, he would not hesitate to do so.
Reward this kind of patriotic and loyal behavior.
"Philippe, what do you think if the Genoese National Army is transferred to the north bank of Longjiang River?" Carlos asked.
"Of course this is a good thing, but the Genoese may not agree. Southerners always feel that they are a special group of people in the empire," Philip said.
"A group of rebels! Who gave them the power to form their own army? I heard that they also want to form a 'Confederacy of the South'! Is it natural that they enjoy a peaceful life? Millions of soldiers in the empire are fighting against the enemy, and countless soldiers are killed every day
casualties, while they hide in the safety of the south, worrying about everything and not thinking about serving the country! Scavenging vultures, national worms!"
Carlos II was furious, and he felt pain in the back of his sternum again.
Philip waited for the emperor's anger to subside a little before he said: "It's nothing more than trying to lure them. Selfishness is human instinct."
"How is your sister doing?" Carlos II suddenly asked.
Princess Elizabeth married Henry Darnell, the youngest son of the late Duke Darnell, in March. Henry had previously married Duke Darnell because of the emperor's secret instructions.
But this man was an opium addict. Because of two happy events in one year, he overdosed on opium and died, leaving the recently married Princess Elizabeth a widow.
This is really a regrettable thing.
In the upper-class circles of the Holy City, people generally sympathized with Elizabeth, but criticized Carlos II and the queen who led the marriage.
Yes, the huge wealth and industry of the Darnell family fell into the hands of the royal family.
"My sister is now living in a monastery and is in good health. The dean told me that she has found comfort and relief from scriptures." Philip looked melancholy.
"The monastery is not a good place to live. She is still very young and has a long way to go in the future." Carlos II said, "I heard that the Earl of Rocky Mountain is still unmarried?"
Philip heard this and exclaimed: "Father, you can't do this!"
"What? Are you even going to oppose me?" Carlos stared at his son and yelled, "Jean is not your role model!"
"Father, no matter whether this happens or not, where do you put Elizabeth's personal happiness? She is your most beloved and only daughter. She is pitiful enough. Please let her go!" Philip said bitterly.
begged.
His Highness fell to his knees.
Carlos II stood up and walked to a huge portrait on the side of the imperial study. This was a family portrait.
Sitting on a high-backed chair is an old man from Via, who is the founding emperor Carlos I. On his left hand is the queen of Carlos I, and behind him is the father of Carlos II - the then crown prince and second son.
Acting Emperor Ek-Solon, and on his right hand is the mother of Carlos II.
Carlos II, who was only five years old at the time, was sitting on his grandfather's lap.
Carlos II's favorite family portrait was made in 1775 by a famous court painter at that time. It represents the glory of the past and happiness.
Carlos II stood in front of this painting for a long time, turned around and asked:
"Philip, my son, what do you see in this painting?"
"Great-grandfather's glory and happiness." Philip said.
"No, compared with glory and happiness, inheritance is more important." Carlos II said, "Because glory belongs to the past, happiness belongs to individuals, but inheritance is eternal. As long as the sun rises as usual, the Sauron family should be
The most respected family in the land of Europa."
Carlos II suddenly knelt down and looked at his son who was kneeling on the ground: "Tell me, do you want to be emperor?"
Philip was extremely shocked. This earth-shattering idea came from his father's mouth for the first time, which was enough to make his mind go blank.
The only trace of lucidity left made him dare not look directly at his father. He only heard his father's voice ringing in his ears:
"For a family, what does the happiness of a daughter mean? For an empire, this kind of sacrifice is even more insignificant. If you want to be emperor, then make up your mind, otherwise don't even think about it. Indecisiveness is
Big taboo.”
Carlos II did not dissuade his son and turned around to leave. The study door made a loud bang behind him.
In the evening, someone reported to Carlos II:
"His Royal Highness stayed in your study for two hours, then returned to his dormitory for a simple meal, and is now a guest at Duke Hermann's private residence in the Holy City. Your Majesty, Duke Hermann is following your order.