Two hundred and sixtieth chapters [one stone, three birds]
Chapter 263 [Kill three birds with one stone]
Poor Hamuyeh was thrown away by Duwei for two days. Hamuyeh was extremely angry at first, but he was an experienced politician after all, and then he controlled his anger very well. , and even issued strict orders strictly prohibiting his subordinates from causing trouble in the Duke's Mansion.
Otherwise, his rude and fierce entourage of prairie warriors might have started fighting with the guards of the Duke's Palace long ago after holding back their anger.
Now, under the strict orders of Hammuye, these grassland people are quite peaceful. However, the dignified envoys of a country actually have to pay for themselves and send people out to buy food in surrounding restaurants every day... Such treatment , I’m afraid this is the first time in history.
At that time, the restaurants around the Duke's Palace, after getting hints from the Duke, faced these "fat sheep" that came to their doorsteps, and raised their prices three times, which was considered a small profit.
"They have been very honest these past two days." Du Wei stood on the tower, hiding behind the window sill, looking at the tents below. The warriors of the prairie people were guarding outside the tents, while Hamuye was very honest and went to the tents every day. While he was stuck in the tent, he sent someone to ask Mud as usual every day, "Has the Duke's magic experiment ended, and can we start talks?"
Every time the other party asked this question, Mader would give a perfunctory reply: "After the Duke is done with his work, he will naturally come to see the distinguished guest."
But then, he would add a sentence intentionally or unintentionally: "The Duke said that I would like to ask your distinguished guest to think about the agreement drafted before. Anyway, I have nothing to do recently. If you have any constructive suggestions, you might as well give them. Clearly, we can raise it immediately after the Duke has time to meet, without wasting the time of both parties."
That means: We'll raise the price all over the place, and you can just pay it back on the spot, but in the end you still have to come up with conditions.
However, it seems that Hamuye is not in a hurry and seems to be determined to fight Du Wei.
"It seems that trying to provoke him is not very effective." Du Wei sighed and looked at Philip next to him: "Do you have any other clever tricks?"
Philip thought for a while and said with a smile: "Sir, we are just testing each other's bottom line. In the past two days, it seems that the results are actually pretty good."
Du Wei rubbed his nose and nodded: "You are right. If the grassland people were really tough, he would have been unable to bear our neglect. It seems that they don't want to fight."
"You shouldn't want to fight. However, this time it's their fault after all. Their troops came to our territory. It's their fault anyway. It's just that they don't seem to want to make any compensation. Fight again. We don’t want to fight, so if we continue to waste it like this, the prairie people are also willing to do it.”
"Then... we might as well be a little tougher?" Du Wei touched his chin and smiled slyly.
"I think it's almost done." Philip was a little worried: "After all, we don't have the strength to really start a war now. If we really piss off the other party..."
"But we have to get some benefits and compensation." Du Wei shook his head.
Philip, the staff member, doesn't have any good ideas. This drag-out tactic is already a good strategy. Anyway, he doesn't want to fight, and the other party doesn't want to fight either, and he has set a "harsh" condition, which is already very tough. Well, when the time comes, speaking to the outside world, both the warring faction and the peace-promoting faction will have nothing to say to Du Wei.
How about...brainstorming?
Du Wei also understands the reason why the Three Stooges are better than Zhuge Liang. Although Philip has grown astonishingly, he still tends to be orthodox in his thinking and taking eccentric ideas is not his specialty.
As a last resort, Du Wei simply called in several generals under his command for discussion.
Longbottom Dardanelle, and even the young Gaida who was quite heroic in the Battle of Gilliat City (now promoted to Longbottom's deputy), Uncle Alpha, Captain Lao Yan, etc.
…
"I came to see you today to discuss how to deal with this Hamuye." Du Wei looked at the generals under his command and smiled: "I know that this kind of government strategy is not what you are good at. But... brainstorming,
Maybe our way of thinking is too routine. But you can come up with some wonderful ideas."
A few thick-lined generals thought for a while, but it was the young Gaida who spoke first.
The man had a murderous look on his face and lowered his voice: "Your Majesty the Duke...don't they send people to the city every day? We can send people to pretend to be thieves or local gangsters, give their people a lesson, and injure a few.
If necessary, kill someone and see if this guy can still keep his composure!"
Du Wei glanced at Xiao 250, sighed helplessly, picked up a pen and gave it to Xiao 250: "General Gaida, take this pen, that's the corner over there, go and squat there.
Let’s draw circles and play…”
Then Du Wei looked at Longbottom: "Dear General, do you have any suggestions?"
"Otherwise, find someone to pretend to be an assassin and assassinate this Hamuye, whether it's poisoning or assassinating... This guy is very difficult to deal with. Even if you don't really kill him, let him be seriously injured or seriously ill, the prairie people will have another chance.
If you send an envoy, it might be easier to deal with."
Du Wei stared at Longbottom, handed him a pen, and pointed at the corner: "Dear general, go and draw with Gaida..."
When Du Wei looked at Lao Yan, Lao Yan didn't wait for Du Wei to speak and said with a wry smile: "Sir... please give me a pen too."
Dardaniel thought for a while and suddenly said: "Perhaps... I have a way. However, I'm afraid I need General Longbottom's cooperation."
"Oh?" Du Wei's eyes lit up.
Dardaniel then came up with a weird idea:
"Now Hamuye refuses to speak, and everyone is competing for patience. Your Excellency, Duke, you are keeping him dry, and your strategy is right. But Hamuye is not a fool. The key for us now is that we don't have enough chips in our hands, and he also
We understand that the empire is not willing to go to war. So if we leave him alone, he will have nothing to fear. And if we drag it out day by day, we will not gain much.
Sir, with all due respect, in this negotiation, no one wants to fight, so at least both parties have a unified opinion on this point. Then there are two biggest problems.
The first thing is that we cannot offend the landlords and war factions in the imperial capital! Therefore, peace talks are necessary. But it is best for the other party to propose peace, not us. If we take the initiative to seek peace, then the main war factions in the imperial capital will
I'm afraid they will blame you for being weak and traitorous, leaving a stain on your future political career. It is best for the other party to take the initiative to propose 'peace'. In this way, we pretend to be tough and then accept it. In terms of public opinion, it is also
We will be supported. If the other party gives us a step, we can go down the ladder, and the main war faction in the imperial capital will no longer attack us with words."
A smile flashed in Du Wei's eyes. He looked deeply at Dardaniel and said, "Go on."
Dardaniel coughed and continued: "Just now it was the first, now let's talk about the second... uh, this second problem is the advantage! Logically speaking, the other party is in the wrong this time.
In terms of peace talks, the other party should pay some compensation. The more compensation the other party pays, the more face you will have as a negotiator. Speak out and let the grassland people bow their heads to compensate. You can also earn reputation.
and political achievements. But the problem now is that the other party doesn’t seem to want to pay any price and just wants to delay. He knows that we can’t fight. So no matter how tough we pretend to be, he won’t be afraid. This Hamouye’s plan is probably
I don't want to pay any benefits, so I want to deny this matter. But in this case, as an envoy, my lord, you don't ask for any compensation, but it is too unreasonable. You have to make the other party pay the price no matter what.
There is no benefit for us to gain, and this is absolutely not possible."
Du Wei's smile became even weirder: "Well, the two questions you mentioned are actually one: how to make the grassland people take the initiative to sue for peace and pay compensation."
Dardaniel smiled strangely, scratched his head, and said with a smile: "That's what I mean. But... there are gains and losses. If we just ask for compensation in this matter, they will definitely refuse. It's better...
…Use the method of exchange! Make a deal with the other party. As long as we take advantage of the transaction content and get actual benefits, that’s it.”
Du Wei nodded and looked at Dardaniel: "You don't have to be secretive, just tell me directly, what are you thinking about?"
"My lord, have you forgotten that there is an imperial cavalry division on the grassland? An army of 20,000 cavalry is not too much, but it is not too small either! The empire spends a lot of money every year to support such a cavalry force.
, but the main expenses are wasted on long-distance supplies. For the grassland people, this army stationed on the grassland is also a thorn in their eyes and a thorn in their flesh. But in my opinion... this army
The army really doesn't have much meaning in existence! It's better to... withdraw!"
As soon as he said this, Longbottom suddenly shouted and glared at Dardaniel: "What did you say! Withdraw?! Are you kidding me! If there were not an army of 20,000 people, the people on the grassland would
Those guys are even more unscrupulous in what they do!"
Dardanelle smiled, looked at Longbottom, and said calmly: "General, if it was when you commanded that army on the grassland, the grassland people might still have some scruples under your majesty.
...But now, according to my information, the effect of these 20,000 people is really limited! The generals you succeed after you are far inferior in ability to you. These 20,000 people besides making the prairie people sick and disgusted
Apart from that, it’s really not of much use, and it consumes a lot of military expenses every year! It’s enough to support a legion of military expenses and support 20,000 cavalry... Isn’t this kind of approach ridiculous?! If you were in charge of this
The commander-in-chief of 20,000 people, with your methods and army management, I will not hesitate to support the continued maintenance of 20,000 people! Even if it costs a legion of military expenses, I think it is worth it! But now... it is not worth it.
Got it!"
Longbottom was silent for a while. Although he was unwilling to admit it, he had to sigh: Dardaniel was indeed right.
"Negotiations should not be forced. If we want the other party to make a big step, we must first make a small step. We are now waiting for the other party to give us a step, and maybe Tahamouye is also waiting for us to give him a step.
Well." Dardaniel thought about this, thought for a while, and said: "I think this matter is an excellent opportunity for the Duke! We can put forward a condition: evacuate these 20,000 people from the grassland! Of course...
...The deal to withdraw the troops must not be made public! This kind of thing can only be a secret deal. Otherwise, if it is revealed, the people who do not know the truth and the public opinion in the imperial capital will probably call us traitors! We can secretly propose to the other party to withdraw the troops.
.In name only, we just ask them to pay compensation."
"What else?" Du Wei looked at Dardaniel with a smile.
"Also... I think it would be best if we could take the opportunity to get the 20,000 cavalry...
The cavalry is thinking about it. After all, the military expenditure is too huge, and the actual effect is low... If we take the opportunity to propose... we will accept these 20,000 people..."
"No, no, no!" Little 250 Gaida shook his head: "Throughout the thousand-year history of the empire, only private armies have been incorporated into the official army! How can there be any official army that has been demoted into a private army! The military will never agree to such a thing.
!”
Dardanelle smiled and said: "So I say, this matter depends on General Longbottom! Of course we can't directly say that we will accept 20,000 people in the imperial capital. After all, a dignified official army has been demoted to the lord's personal status.
Military, this is too shameful in name. The military bosses will never be willing to lose face like this. So, we might as well say to the imperial capital: Duke Tulip is loyal to the country and is willing to bear the military expenses of 20,000 people!
At the same time, when applying to the military, they said that Desa Province has insufficient military strength and is located on the border, so there is a shortage of troops. Therefore, we asked them to order an army of 20,000 people to be stationed in our Desa Province and turn it into a border garrison.
Officers and troops! Sir, do you think that as long as the army of 20,000 people stays on our territory, and we provide all their food, clothing, and housing, they will be squeezed to death by us! Time passes, slowly.
It will be controlled by us. Although it is still an official army in name, in fact, it has become your private army."
Du Wei's eyes became darker and darker.
Dardanelle glanced at Longbottom one last time and said with a wry smile: "There is one more detail... I'm afraid General Longbottom needs to sacrifice something."
"What……"
"I know, General, that you hate the Imperial Military High Command. You once swore never to return to the military. But... in order to help the Duke complete the great cause of the Northwest, you have to break your oath this time." Dardaniel looked over.
He looked at Du Wei and said: "Your Majesty, Duke, you only need to propose that you bear all the military expenses, and at the same time write an official document in your name. The letter only says that you are loyal to the country and will not hesitate to give up your favorite generals for the sake of the empire.
I will do my best to recommend General Longbottom as the commander of this cavalry! The imperial military has long been overwhelmed by military expenditures. It will definitely agree to your request! When the time comes... these 20,000 people will be here, and the soldiers will get what we give them.
The local army's salary... In addition, General Longbottom was originally the old commander of this army. With his prestige, he will soon be able to regain control of the 20,000 people! Even though their flag is still the thorn flower... But the heart has already
It’s the tulip field!”
Finally, Dardanelle concluded: "Actually, when we do this, the imperial military and the regent must know our intentions. However, first of all, the regent has great trust in the Duke, and this time he showed off
Ming Ming allows you to take full responsibility. The Imperial City has long wanted to get rid of the burden of these 20,000 people! Therefore, with such a disguised recruitment, the Imperial Military Command will not lose face and can get rid of a big burden, so it will most likely agree!
As for the people on the grasslands, we asked them to compromise on the condition of withdrawing their troops. On top of the negotiated contract, we asked them to bleed more. It would be much easier to do it! As for you, Your Excellency, you have completed the negotiations and will not fall into the empire's prestige.
At the same time, we also got a cavalry force of 20,000 men! Killing three birds with one stone! Why not?"
When he said this eloquently, everyone around him was stunned! Even Philip looked at Dardanelle in surprise.
This Dardanelle usually keeps quiet. Although he is very responsible as a city guard, he is just calm in his work. But I didn't expect that he has such talent and can come up with such a plan?
Du Wei, on the other hand, chuckled twice and said lightly: "In this case, you might as well give it a try. Philip, please help me draft a letter to the imperial capital... Well, everyone else should leave, Dardanelle
Stay, let’s talk about this matter carefully.”
After everyone was sent away and only Du Wei and Dardaniel were left in the room, Du Wei sighed. Staring at Dardaniel, he whispered: "My friend... I'm afraid this plan is not yours.
Come up with it!"
Dardaniel chuckled and said: "Your Majesty the Duke is right, I, Dardaniel, don't have such a good mind. Well... this strategy was thought up by the Marquise. She knows that you are probably here for negotiation recently.
The matter was troublesome, so she called me over last night and told me such a solution. Let me find an opportunity to report it to you. She said that she is an outsider and a woman after all, and it is not good for her to speak directly about such important national affairs. "
Du Wei seemed a little absent-minded, so he hummed and said nothing more.
Dardaniel suddenly thought of something, his face changed slightly, and he suddenly knelt down on one knee: "Sir, are you blaming me again? I have already pledged my allegiance to you, so I am only conveying these words, not to Liszt.
The family is attached to it, and they simply think that the Marquise's plan is very clever, so they are willing to convey it. Since I, Dardanelle, am loyal to you, I will never be half-hearted!"
Du Wei quickly helped his old friend up with both hands and said sincerely: "My friend, you misunderstood. We have a life-long friendship. How could I have the slightest doubt about you? I was absent-minded just now.
I'm just sighing at the Marquise's cleverness. Such a plan is really powerful. Although she is a woman, she is very admirable! For a woman to be able to run the Liszt family to its current scale, the Marquise... makes people...
Don’t dare to underestimate it!”
After a pause, Du Wei looked at Dardaniel: "Well, let's see, the Marquise gave me such a good idea. I can't say nothing. Help me thank her properly and ask her if she has any
Is there anything I can do to help? Well... from now on, our family’s business in the north and transactions with the List family will all be priced at a 10% discount."
Dardanelle smiled slightly: "I don't think the Marquise cares much about the money. The Liszt family is already rich... Well, sir, if you want to express your gratitude, you might as well go and meet the Marquise in person."
"Hehe!" Duwei laughed twice: "Dardaniel, do you also want to arrange a marriage between our two families?"
Dardanelle said sternly: "My lord, I do think so, but it's not because I come from the Liszt family. So I have any selfish motives. I just simply think that your talent is rare in the world. And the Marquis
The Madam is unparalleled in beauty...well, although there is a slight age gap. But I think the Marquise is quite sincere to you and sincerely helps you. If the two families get married, it will be of great benefit to your career."
Du Wei patted Dardaniel on the shoulder: "I understand, you are not selfish, I know it. Well... it's just that my marriage... I don't want to settle it so early. And... politics
I don’t really like things like marriage. In fact...in addition to marriage, I am very willing to fully cooperate with the Liszt family. If we want to form an alliance, does marriage have to be the only channel?"
Dardaniel shook his head, obviously not agreeing with Du Wei's point of view, and said seriously: "Although this is your private matter. But as a duke, you have a different status. The marriage will naturally involve a lot of things! With all due respect, if you
You are just a commoner. Who you want to marry is naturally your private matter. But as a lord, your marriage is no longer a purely private matter. Now it seems that your marriage with the Liszt family is really the best.
Choice... Actually, I'll tell you the truth. Although your colleagues didn't say it, in fact, most of them are in favor of your marriage with the Lister family. I once talked with Mr. Philip, and even he showed some faint expressions.
I mean in agreement. It’s just that everyone knows how you feel about Master Vivian... and I’m embarrassed to say it. And... Sir, to be honest, you have already performed your coming-of-age ceremony! In the empire, most people with noble status are
If you get married early, you will probably get married after the coming-of-age ceremony. Even if you don't get married, you will make an engagement first. And you have a prominent status, but you don't even have an engagement so far... This is a bit inappropriate."
Du Wei was silent.
Dardaniel in front of him had a sincere face, and it was obvious that he was speaking from the bottom of his heart.
It's just that Du Wei knows his own affairs.
He is not an innocent boy. When it comes to women, he doesn't mind having a few one-night stands. He is not a conservative person either. Mrs. Lister is beautiful, and of course he is attracted to her. However, most of them are just for the beauty of the Marquise.
Being tempted is purely physical desire. If you are just playing with the ambiguity and being lovers, you can accept it.
Marry? Then forget it.
The only thing that gave him the idea of staying together for the rest of his life was that innocent little stutterer.
As for last night, I almost executed the female captive Ellu on the spot, but let her go at the critical moment. It was also out of an inexplicable feeling for Vivian, a girl.
More importantly, although Du Wei is not a pure person, he is not the kind of animal who can't control his lower body.
It wouldn't be a big deal if the female assassin was pushed down last night. But the problem is...after she is pushed down, how to solve the subsequent troubles?
After all, the other party is a native of the Snowy Mountains and a disciple of the Witch King. He has enough troubles now. If he "tarnishes" a disciple of the Witch King, he will cause a lot of trouble!
Damn it... Others can be as beautiful as clouds after traveling through time, but I just choose to play with innocence. Speaking of which, it's really ridiculous.
Mrs. Lister...Mrs. Lister...
Du Wei thought about it again and suddenly smiled: "It's really not sincere enough to ask you to convey my gratitude to me. Let's go to the Marquise and tell her that I want to invite her to dinner tonight."