While the raid was being discussed in the city of Siena, outside the city old Colonna and Ladislaus were patrolling the military camp.

While the defenders were frightened by the performances of the two "protectors", the attackers were also worried about the opponent's powerful weapons.

However, it was not until all the affairs were arranged, Machiavelli was summoned, and the guards kept a certain distance that Ladislaus told the old Colonnana what he thought.

"General, this is my first time to participate in the war and I have no experience, so if there are any fallacies, please point them out." Ladislaus showed a low profile first, and then said the real question, "I want you and the United States to

The meeting place arranged by Bishop Diqi must have considered the threat of the enemy's trebuchets defending the city. Is it true that the trebuchets in Siena City have greater power and range than expected?"

Old Colonna was silent for a while before saying: "Both the Medici who killed my son and I have participated in sieges many times and know the range of trebuchets very well. I may make mistakes occasionally, damn Medici."

Maybe we will make mistakes occasionally, but it is impossible for us to make mistakes like miscalculating the distance together. There must be more than conventional trebuchets on the tower. The city of Siena is very cleverly designed, with three turrets on three hills.

, we cannot observe the situation of the city from outside the city, let alone the trebuchet on the commanding heights. I think Siena should not have such technical capabilities. If I am not wrong, it should be a masterpiece of His Highness Lao Tanshur.

It almost killed us. I think we may have to carry out a long siege until the enemy's food reserves are exhausted."

"What you said makes perfect sense, general. Such powerful and precise stone throwing will definitely cause great difficulties for us to siege the city. But I must suggest an attack and siege. Have you ever considered dividing and neutralizing the enemy?" Machiya

Willy asked.

"What suggestions do you have, Mr. Machiavelli?" Although the old Colonna thought it was a bit strange that Machiavelli asked for siege and then said "divide and disintegrate", but in order not to offend his daughter's lover, he decided to let him

Machiavelli went on.

"His Majesty the True Chosen Pope announced that Bishop Fei killed his successor and accidentally killed your son in order to avoid leaving office. Although we all know that this is not true, it is necessary to insist on this statement at present. Therefore, the Fei family must be

Severe punishment and complete elimination. Other families in the Republic of Siena should be given a chance to redeem themselves." Machiavelli suggested instigating rebellion.

"Other families? You mean?" Old Colonna understood that since Machiavelli raised this question, he must have specific suggestions.

"For example, the consul Petrucci family. You know, I led the Florentine army to besiege this city twenty years ago. At that time, the patriarch of the Petrucci family helped organize the city defense as treasurer. His ability to organize defense provided

I caused a lot of trouble. Later, he was elected consul based on his performance in defending the city. He once invited me to serve in public office in the Republic of Siena. Although I really hope to display my talents, I still cannot accept that I will immediately switch to the opposition.

Camp. Although I declined his invitation, I have been exchanging letters with Consul Petrucci, which can be regarded as a bit of a friendship." Unlike the royal family in a monarchy country, even the most powerful family in the republic has no choice.

They may not choose to sacrifice the Republic and beg the enemy to give them some scraps.

"Of the four consul elections in the Republic of Siena in the past twenty years, Petrucci won three of them. Such a position they will never be able to retain once they surrender, not to mention the city's defense is truly extraordinary and there are French reinforcements.

You can expect that, do you think they will really choose to surrender?" Old Colonna's words made Ladislaus shrug. If a soldier or a junior officer with no background said this in the second half of this sentence, Old Colonna would

I have to chop off his head.

"If you go back two hundred years in history, you will find that in the past forty elections in the Republic of Siena, the Petrucci family still only won three of them, just because the old nobles of Siena now value him very much in organizing defense.

Only with the ability of the Petrucci consul can he be continuously elected. The prosperity of the Petrucci family is based on the talent of the contemporary patriarch. I have met several of his sons, and they are all just mediocre people. Once he dies, there will be absolutely no one left.

We can maintain the current advantages of the Petrucci family."

"Even if they can't keep their position as consuls, the Petrucci family has developed greatly in the past twenty years. How much benefit have they gained from the trade with the Kingdom of France? Are they willing to give up this piece of fat until the last moment?" Old Man

Colonna still believes that asking the largest shareholder to betray the company is easier than asking the king to betray his kingdom, but it is still too difficult.

"Only because he can collect more taxes and optimize the city's defense organization, the current governor can keep his position. I'm sure that although he has gained a lot of benefits from taking charge of the purchasing power, in order to strengthen the tax system, how can he

It's not that he has greatly offended the traditional forces in Siena. In addition, although he is also a mage, he is not very advanced and his life span will not be very long. Consul Petrucci is already over sixty years old and he will definitely die.

I was worried about what happened after his death."

"There is a big difference between worrying about your family and betraying your country to protect your family."

"As I said, he is a politician, not a statesman. He does not understand my dream at all, which is why I cannot serve him. If giving up the Republic of Siena can save the Petrucci family, he

It will definitely happen." After Machiavelli said this, he turned back and explained to Ladislaus: "Your Excellency, Archbishop, you have read my book, and you must know how much I longed for a unified and strong Italian nation.

country, but I think you must understand that now I am only serving you and the emperor wholeheartedly."

"Please rest assured, my friend, I completely understand you. If a person does not love his hometown, himself, or those close to him, how can he love his monarch? But I hope you understand that a Europa needs

A powerful pillar to fight against the threat of the demon worshipers of the stars and moon, to explore and conquer the new world." When Ladislaus reiterated his trust in Machiavelli, he added something else.

"Are you saying that we can directly send envoys to the city to conduct peace talks on the surface, but actually promise Consul Petrucci to protect his family and ask him to accept our annexation of the Republic of Siena?"

"I'm afraid things won't be that easy. In order for Consul Petrucci to surrender, enough pressure must be exerted. The food reserves in the city of Siena should not be able to support the French army to break through all the castles between Milan and Florence. But.

If we delay too long under the city of Siena, even if the French army captures several of those castles, the Florentine army may have to retreat. By then, not to mention that our troops are not enough to cut off various passages.

As the friendly forces retreat, the morale of the soldiers must be completely destroyed."

"So, are you suggesting that we contact the damn Medici and attack Siena together regardless of the inevitable huge casualties?" Old Colonna said with a frown.

"No, General, I think what Mr. Machiavelli suggested is that we wait for the damn Medici to contact us and attack Siena together." Ladislaus finally said.
Chapter completed!