When the second prince arrived in Poitou, Sean was still at Patnam Castle.
Sean had already gotten the news beforehand, but the second prince's speed south was so fast that Sean had to doubt the second prince's purpose.
He originally thought that the prince was ordered to patrol south, and would at least stop at various ports and provinces along the way, meet with local officials, nobles and garrisons, and express condolences and encouragement to the subjects of the empire. After all, it was rare for a prince to patrol a place.
"This is for Genoa. To be precise, I'm afraid it's for the Count." Adrian Major said.
His current official position is Sean's confidential secretary, and he is actually Sean's think tank, providing advice on Sean's decision-making.
Therefore, Major came into contact with Sean's secrets. When these secrets were revealed one by one, Major marveled at Sean's calmness and far-sightedness. However, Sean never revealed his true purpose, but this did not
Prevent Major from trying his best to demonstrate his knowledge and abilities.
"Why do you see this?" Sean asked, "Under the current situation of the Anti-Japanese War, His Majesty sent his most beloved prince south to show that His Majesty attaches great importance to it."
"Count, of the eighteen provinces in the north, nine have fallen. Of the remaining nine, most are exhausted. The people have fled due to heavy tax burdens. The rich are the most active. Now our south has truly become an empire.
"Of course, Genoa is the most important person in the money cabinet," Major said. "Obviously, Genoa's name often appears on His Majesty's imperial cabinet. Who is the most influential in Genoa? Of course it is you, the count!"
"
Sean nodded and asked again: "What does His Highness Philip want from me?"
"Obedience!" Major said, "It has both nominal courtesy and practical benefits. For example, your National Army is like a thorn in His Majesty's eye. It makes Your Majesty feel that this is a kind of local respect for the Holy City.
Betrayal, but he can't do anything to you."
"This is not my army." Shawn corrected.
"Of course!" Major smiled slightly and apologized sincerely.
"In fact, I have no objection to the National Army entering the northern battlefield. My former military commanders are fighting in the far north. Maybe when we meet again, I can only go to their graves to pay homage. They are the real heroes.
But Adrian, you know, although many people in Poitou are fanatical, the purpose of their efforts to promote the formation of a national army is not to fight against foreign invasion."
Sean continued:
"They want to divide the country and let the national army guard their borders and their wealth for them. They even think that the invasion of foreign enemies is a good time to give them a chance to isolate themselves from the pressure from the holy city. Under the current situation,
This is a classic act of selfishness. Southerners have not yet truly become aware of themselves as European citizens. To me dividing this country is as abhorrent as surrendering to the Belis or the Assyrians!"
"Do I think this is your bottom line, Count?" Major asked.
"You can look at it this way. Even though I oppose certain systems and policies in the empire that suppress equality and freedom, I will never let foreign enemies reap the benefits." Sean said.
"Are you a Salamanist?"
Toby Salaman is the leader of the liberals. He advocates respecting the status of the royal family, governing the country by wise men, and respecting freedom and equality. Therefore, Salaman is a moderate among the liberals, but his ideas actually deny the imperial system.
Let the emperor become a mascot. His doctrines and ideas are gaining more and more support from the people.
Major thought his question went too far, but he persisted:
"Count, please answer my question, this is very important!"
"The Salamans can't accomplish anything." Sean shook his head. "They can only talk and talk. They can't even govern a city, let alone the entire empire. The so-called revolution, if we just change a group of people,
What's the difference between holding power and now? I don't deny that these people have become the climate. When these people take power, that's when real big things happen. Before that, I won't stand out."
Major didn't quite understand what the big deal was in Sean's words, but he felt that he seemed to have touched the depths of his benefactor's heart.
"Then you should request the three-level meeting to send troops to the north." Major suggested, "This is for the prince to see, to show your submission to the royal family and your responsibility to the country. If anyone objects, you can take this responsibility
Blame it on the naysayers. It's also a litmus test where you can test how influential you are and who's on your side from start to finish."
"What if the fake show comes true?" Sean asked.
"This depends on your ability to control the National Army." Major said, "If the fake show comes true, then use meritorious service to establish your reputation, unless you are afraid of war, or you are afraid of fame."
"I am indeed afraid of war, especially when an upright war against foreign enemies contains internal selfish thoughts." Sean said, "I can fight for Europa, not for a certain group of people."
"Earl, I have no doubt about your noble moral character, but a hero never looks back and forth." Major persuaded without giving up.
Sean was stunned: "Adrian, what do you want to gain by encouraging me to come forward?"
"I don't ask for high-ranking officials to be distinguished. I just want to be a footnote, the most important footnote, in my benefactor's memoirs after he became famous."
Major's eyes were filled with another kind of fanaticism, one that possessed a terrifying calmness.
"It seems that you are a supporter of Anthony Foxx." Sean said, "In order to achieve the goal, you can do whatever it takes."
"No, there is no fundamental difference between Anthony Foxx and Toby Salaman. They just have different methods. Compared with you, what do they have? If they can succeed, why can't you succeed?" Major
road.
"Okay, Adrian, you have successfully convinced me. Now, please draft a proposal for me to go north to engage the enemy." Sean said.
He didn't know whether he was persuaded by Major or because he just needed an excuse.
"I am very willing to serve you, my Earl, you have tried to take a crucial step, and you will not regret it!" Major said happily, "This will at least allow you to stand on a high moral ground. If
If the three-level conference really agrees to send troops, the specific time and method of sending troops will depend on you, the commander."
"It sounds like I'm a conspirator," Sean said.
"Only losers or frustrated people can be classified as 'conspirators,' and history has always been written by successful people." Major said, "I hope I will have the opportunity to read such a history book in the future."