The so-called Covenants were formed by the Scottish Presbyterian Church in the 16th and 17th centuries to defend Calvinist principles and oppose the Episcopal system.
This is actually a relic of the European Reformation.
But in the special environment of Scotland, it has been given political functions.
Although Britain is now integrated, the Scots have always been extremely hostile to England in their minds.
They were the natives and owners of this archipelago. They were gradually conquered by the English and made great sacrifices. The painful lessons are still vivid in our minds.
If after the union of Scotland and England, the king could treat everyone equally, over time, the Scots might just accept their fate.
However, the Scots were very obviously oppressed. Not only did they have no political status, their lives were miserable, and they endured heavy exploitation.
In this case, going against the Catholic king became the choice of the Scots.
It is the product of this trend of thought that the Declaration became so popular in Scotland and gradually became the mainstream.
Originally, the Scots still had to live a life worse than death, but the English Civil War gave them a chance.
In the English Civil War, the Covenanters initially sought benefits from both sides. When Charles I was at a disadvantage, they decisively extended a helping hand.
They hoped to take advantage of the opportunity to provide help in times of crisis to force Charles I to agree to their requests, so as to enhance their political status.
The Covenanters asked Charles I to order the introduction of Presbyterianism in England to replace the Episcopal system.
Once this goal is achieved, the Covenanters can quickly become the new Anglican Church from a local powerful sect in Scotland, and penetrate into all aspects of British politics.
As a result, their request was decisively rejected by Charles I.
Charles I's actions made the Covenanters intolerable, and they were already planning secretly to hand over Charles I to the British Parliament.
At this critical period, the Sino-Dutch Combined Fleet arrived.
The battle on the sea was watched by the Oaths. The strength of the Chinese and Dutch fleets frightened them, and the Chinese and Dutch supporting attitudes towards the king also made them very worried.
Therefore, after deliberation, the leaders of the Oath sect secretly came to meet with the imperial envoys, hoping to find out the intentions of these outsiders.
But their approach immediately made Liao Zhongjian realize that this might be a good opportunity.
Since they want to conquer Britain, how can the imperial mission not carefully understand the history of Britain?
Among them are the memories they collected through hard work, as well as the memories compiled by Zuo Menggeng.
It can even be said that the imperial mission's understanding and understanding of Britain may be better than that of the British of this era.
"We Chinese have a saying that people with different paths cannot work together. As far as I know, Scotland and England are not the same family. Scotland lost its sovereignty under the power. We are deeply sorry for the tragic experience of the Scots.
Sympathy. If we can do a little bit, we will be happy."
The leaders of the Oath sect were foolish.
What's the meaning?
We just hope that you will not support the king, but you will support Scottish independence?
In an instant, everyone in the Oath Sect was so excited that they wanted to jump up.
Which was more attractive, forcing the king to replace the episcopacy with Presbyterianism or Scottish independence?
This is not nonsense.
Of course they knew that even if Presbyterianism did replace the Episcopal system, the lives of the Scots would not change in any way.
It's just that the upper echelons of the church can reap some benefits.
But England far surpasses Scotland in both economic and military strength. It won't be long before their little efforts will be crushed by England.
But once Scotland becomes independent, it will be completely different.
Without the oppression of England, Scotland can live its life according to its own wishes and develop its economy. I don't know how happy it is!
The reason why the Covenanters have not thought about this is because their countless protests over the past hundreds of years have been brutally and bloody suppressed by England.
It is not that they have not sought support from other parts of Europe, but without exception, those countries on the European continent all disdain Scotland, which is far away and has no interests.
Now a big country from the east is actually willing to support Scottish independence. What is this?
This is simply the gospel sent by God.
"Dear distant guests, what price do we need to pay?"
They are all realists and understand that the Empire will not do this for no reason.
The hope of restoration and independence emerged, and the Covenanters immediately entered the practical stage.
It is actually easier to interact with such people.
Liao Zhongjian didn't hide it either.
"The empire is thousands of miles apart from Europe, which is very unfavorable for communication. The empire hopes to have a firm ally in Europe who can provide us with the necessary places and bases to enable the empire to communicate smoothly with European countries."
The people from the Oath Sect could not help but have doubts, but they responded quickly.
Although the Netherlands is an ally of the empire, the Netherlands itself is very powerful. In other words, this kind of alliance will definitely not be too reliable.
Once the Netherlands continues to grow stronger and develops its ambition to become king, it may fall out with the empire.
In comparison, Scotland, which is seeking independence but is weak, is much more credible.
Scotland could not find reliable allies in Europe. To achieve independence, in addition to taking advantage of the good opportunity of the British Civil War, it also needed the support of the empire.
In this case, you must agree to the empire's conditions.
Deeply involved in Scotland's politics, economy, culture and other fields, even including allowing the empire to station troops in Scotland.
Do these conditions matter to Scotland?
Could Scottish independence be greater?
The leaders of the Oath sect returned happily.
They need to hold extensive discussions internally and achieve greater consensus before they can make a decision.
But no one expected that there was one person who was even more radical.
That's Prince Charlie.
"His Royal Highness the King is too stubborn. He is losing everyone's support. The Scots have no patience and may betray us at any time. Prince, you must shoulder the responsibility of saving the fate of the royal family and England."
Ruprecht completely despaired of Charles I.
He has never seen such a stupid commander who can turn everyone into enemies.
Even this civil war is unnecessary.
But not only did Charles I launch a civil war, he also lost the war.
Forget it if they lose the civil war. After running to Scotland, they can lower themselves and sue for peace, gain the support of Scotland, and maybe there will be a chance to make a comeback.
But as a result, it fell into the hands of the Scots, who even refused to agree to the conditions of the Covenanters.
This kind of self-destruction made Ruprecht extremely distressed.
Originally he was desperate and resigned to his fate.
Unexpectedly, Prince Charlie returned magnificently and brought allies from China and the Netherlands, which suddenly brightened the situation.
This immediately made Ruprecht realize that Prince Charlie was far more worthy of support than Charles I.