After sending General Andre and others away, how could Du Wei still have the intention to stay here for one more night?
Seeing that something big has happened in the north, I am afraid that General Andre will cause an uproar as soon as he arrives in the imperial capital. At this time, how can we delay on the road?
Du Wei immediately announced that he gave up his plan to stay overnight and set out on the road immediately. This made the accompanying garrison cavalry complain incessantly because many of them were already drunk. At this time, traveling all night would not kill their old man.
life?
Du Wei looked at these trash-like cavalry, and couldn't help but feel a trace of anger in his heart, and said to Rodriguez: "Ignore them, I don't need any escort anyway! Just let them go back by themselves. It's just you and me.
With Qiaoqiao, the three of us set off on our own!"
Now that Du Wei had given the order, although the veteran soldiers were frightened, they were able to avoid the hardship by traveling all night, and many of them felt happy and relaxed.
Du Wei and Rodriguez got on the carriage directly. Rodriguez drove Du Wei in person. Qiaoqiao and Du Wei sat in the carriage.
But as soon as the carriage left the city, Du Wei suddenly called "stop".
Rodriguez stopped the carriage in confusion and opened the window door.
Du Wei walked out and sighed: "Mr. Rodriguez, after much thought, I still have to trouble you about this matter... Well, I'm just a little embarrassed to have you running back and forth like this."
Rodriguez smiled calmly: "Your Majesty, since I am your subordinate, please give me your orders."
Du Wei nodded: "My guard, Chang Yan, must have gone to the northwest. Qing Hussein and my teacher came together, right? I originally invited them to come together to deal with Bai Hechou. But now that I am out of danger,
Then there is no need for them to come over. I would like to ask you to go to the northwest immediately... It is best to meet them on the way. I would like my teacher to go back to the Duke's Palace in the northwest to take charge. The northwest is our hometown base, and we must always stay in our hometown.
A capable expert will be in charge. Otherwise, if the Northwest Army takes the opportunity to do something, I won't be able to feel at ease. As for you and Hussein..."
Rodriguez smiled: "Your Excellency, do you want to invite me and Hussein to go to the frozen forest in the north immediately?"
Du Wei was told what Rodriguez was thinking, so he didn't hesitate and said directly: "I feel really uneasy! The weird movements of those monsters are probably not a good sign! In the north of the frozen forest, there must be something coming out.
What a big deal! Moreover, although Rostock, the commander of the Storm Legion, sent people into the forest to explore the news, it is difficult for those ordinary soldiers to go too far. After all, you and Hussein are both saints.
Strong ones. Even if you encounter a large number of monsters, you still have the ability to protect yourself. Moreover, what I need is..."
At this point, Du Wei's eyes flickered: "... What I need is that you can go all the way north. Cross the Great Round Lake, go all the way north, and even... go to the end of the forest!! You may not know the road, but
Hussein must recognize it...because we have been there before! I beg you to go to the end of the forest and have a look...because I got a piece of news that may not be good from the old man of the Pope.
If that news is true..."
Seeing Du Wei being so solemn, Rodriguez couldn't help but become serious: "What news?"
"If it's true..." Du Wei smiled bitterly and said, "I'm afraid the disaster in the future will be a hundred times more serious than the raging monsters this time! It may even be the biggest crisis for human existence in the entire Roland Continent!"
Rodriguez couldn't help but feel moved. He was about to ask, but Du Wei shook his head: "It's a long story, now is not the time, and... for specifics, you can ask Hussein, I know, he should know everything
The only thing I can tell you is that at the end of the frozen forest, in the far north, there is a barrier for our human survival! That was set up by the gods... But... forget it. Wait until you see Hussein
, he will naturally have a lot of time to explain to you on the way."
Du Wei actually made the matter so serious that Rodriguez did not dare to delay any longer. He immediately obeyed the order and set off on the road. Fortunately, two horses were tied behind the carriage to follow. After Rodriguez took one, he
One man and one horse headed northwest.
Qiao Qiao heard what Du Wei said was so terrifying. Sitting in the carriage, Qiao Qiao couldn't help but couldn't believe it: "You are talking about the Dragon Clan? Did something happen to the Dragon Clan?"
Du Wei smiled bitterly: "Qiao Qiao, you still remember that when you and the teacher went to the Dragon Clan Sacred Mountain, on the way back, fortunately the Dragon Clan itself encountered trouble, and the Dragon Clan leader did not chase you, so you escaped back proudly, right?
Right? Let me tell you, the Dragon Clan’s territory is there. It was set up by the gods. Although the Dragon Clan is our enemy... but for humans, they are a defensive barrier! Because further north... there are still
There are creatures from other races!”
Qiaoqiao's eyes widened. After Du Wei explained a few words casually, Qiaoqiao didn't look very surprised: "Well, you mean those exiled races will come back? I think it's unlikely. That
The leader of the Dragon Clan is really powerful!"
Du Wei looked at the night sky in the north and whispered: "I hope so... It's really ridiculous to say that, but now, I suddenly hope that the old dragon's strength will be as strong as possible...
"
Du Wei returned to the imperial capital quietly without causing much reaction.
After all, no one knew about the fact that Du Wei was kidnapped by Bai Hechou, not even Du Wei's bodyguards in the Duke's Palace knew about it. They only knew that Du Wei went on a distant business trip with some friends.
Even though he met Rodriguez on the way, Rodriguez did not send the news to the imperial capital. It was useless to send the news to the imperial capital. It was better to go to the northwest to ask for help.
Therefore, Du Wei returned to the Duke's Mansion quietly, and his guards only thought that the Duke had returned from finishing some private matters.
However, someone reported that early that morning, someone came to the palace and delivered an order from the Prince Regent, saying that the Duke should be invited to enter the palace immediately.
Du Wei nodded.
It seems that the news brought by General Andre has been reported to the palace. Du Wei did not delay along the way, but arrived at the imperial capital one day later than General Andre.
He didn't care about rest, so he settled Qiao Qiao... this violent woman, Du Wei just arranged for her to live with the beautiful snake Miss Nicole.
Du Wei quickly changed his clothes and immediately went to the palace to see the regent.
Meeting Prince Chen this time was not as leisurely as the last time in the garden. Du Wei was led directly into a hall decorated with great solemnity by the waiter.
When he walked in, he saw two familiar faces. One was the finance minister of the empire. At first, Du Wei almost got married to the finance minister's granddaughter, but later it was his younger brother.
Gabri.
The other one is the current Prime Minister of the Empire, Marquis Robschere, who has been living in seclusion since the coup in the imperial capital and has been "sick" at home for half a year.
In addition, there are several big bosses in the military headquarters, including the Minister of Military Affairs who is now nominally the number one figure in the military headquarters. Du Wei, an old general, remembers that he seemed to be named Hughes. At that time, he
His father, Count Raymond, used to be the second-highest figure in the imperial military. It is said that he did not get along well with this old man, so everyone moved around very little.
This old guy has served in the imperial military for more than 40 years... It is said that there are a large number of old subordinates in various armies. However, Du Wei was extremely unhappy with this old man.
It's very simple, because it is said that it was this dim-eyed old guy who promoted Lu Gao, the current commander of the Northwest Army!
It has to be said that this was the biggest failure of his political career!
Moreover, he also signed the order to remove the 250-year-old General Longbottom.
What surprised Du Wei was that Camisillo, the commander of the Imperial City Public Security Bureau, was also in this room. It stands to reason that matters in the north have nothing to do with the Imperial City Public Security Bureau.
Could it be... Du Wei's heart moved, it seems that the regent wants to promote Camisillo!
Among the direct lineage of the Prince Regent, Camisillo is the only one with a military background. He originally worked as an undercover agent under the eldest prince and served in the Royal Guards of the Royal City. Later he served as the commander of the Imperial City Public Security Bureau and was also a member of the military.
job.
It seems that inviting him to participate in the meeting on such an occasion is probably a signal issued by Prince Chen. This Lord Camisillo will probably be promoted to the military headquarters in the near future!!
When Du Wei walked in, he found that the atmosphere here was extremely tense. He saw the regent, Prince Chen, sitting high in a chair. There was no emotion or anger on his face, but his lips were tightly pursed. Du Wei was the only one who responded like this.
Only people he knew well could tell from his habitual actions that although His Royal Highness the Regent did not express it on his face at the moment, he was actually a little impatient and very angry in his heart!
As for the nominal prime minister Rob Schell, the old man Du Wei has met him a few times, but since the coup, he has basically retreated to the second line. I am afraid that his position as prime minister will not be long before someone else takes his place.
Already.
The reason why he can still hold on until now is because among the most trusted people under Prince Chen, in terms of influence and qualifications, there is really no one who can be considered prime minister. When it comes to being the most famous, it is naturally Du Wei...
...But I'm afraid no matter how famous Du Wei is, if a boy who is barely sixteen years old is pushed to become the prime minister of the empire, others will definitely think that the regent is crazy!
Therefore, the regent's attitude towards the prime minister is still very respectful, but all the real power has been taken back. The prime minister now has no real power in his hands. But Robschel, who has spent his whole life in officialdom,
, but this old man seems to be a sensible person, who has understood his situation a long time ago, so he has kept a very low profile since the coup, claiming to be ill and recuperating at home for almost a year.
It seems that he has probably made up his mind to stand up for the last duty conscientiously. Then once the regent finds a suitable replacement, he can put down his burden and go directly back to his hometown to retire and enjoy happiness.
However, when such a big thing happened, Prince Chen also invited him here, even if it was just for nominal care or because he needed his experience.
However, looking at the old prime minister, he was sitting in the same chair as Prince Chen. His old body seemed to be curled up a little weakly. His eyes were half-open and half-closed, with an inscrutable look on his face, but his mouth was tightly closed.
Tight.
In the field, I saw the old man who was the Minister of Finance, but he was excited and his face was red. Looking at that, his beard was blowing with anger, and his eyes were round. Such an old man even rolled up his sleeves.
It looked like he was about to have a fight with someone.
The person he was fighting with the Chancellor of the Exchequer was none other than the military boss, General Hughes.
Speaking of which, Du Wei occasionally heard his father, Count Raymond, and the captain of the bodyguard, Uncle Alpha, mention this old guy. In fact, this old Hughes was not a bad person, but he was too greedy for fame and fortune.
He has spent his whole life in the military, and now he is almost seventy years old, but he still refuses to retire. He insists on occupying this position... In fact, everyone knows that he has always had a wish in his heart, and he only hopes to retire before he retires.
, you can get the title of "Marshal". After you retire, you can also honor your ancestors!
However, can the title of "Marshal" be given casually? In the history of the empire, only the top heroes who have made great achievements in opening up and expanding the territory of the empire and have made great contributions can be awarded it.
The title of "Marshal".
For example, the ancestor of the Luo Lin family can be said to have conquered the entire Augustinian dynasty, and finally received the title of marshal.
There have been no major wars on the mainland. Even if this old man worked hard all his life, he really didn't have any achievements that would shock the world and make the gods cry... It was really a bit reluctant to be named marshal.
However, he couldn't let go of this idea in his heart. After all these years, he was still working hard at his job. He was just waiting for the opportunity...
"Expand the army! You guys in the army think about expanding the army all day long!!! But where's the money!" The finance minister yelled angrily: "The army is huge! The empire has raised millions of local garrison troops. How can those armies
Can’t it be used?! The army needs to be expanded!! Could it be that the local garrison supported by the Ministry of Finance’s military budget of tens of millions of gold coins every year cannot be used? When something happens, they say that the military strength is insufficient! The military strength is insufficient!!!
In this case, it is better to dismantle those local garrison first! If you want military expenses, I tell you, there is none! If there is no, there is none!! Ask for one million!! Hughes, do you know what the concept of one million gold coins is?
! Is it the annual income of a province!! One million? The Ministry of Finance does not have it now!! This year’s snow disaster in the south has already spent two million! There is also the snow disaster in the south, which has affected the income of several provinces! The losses are now
It hasn’t been fully estimated yet!!! Moreover, the spring drill has just passed, and military spending has already exceeded the standard! Now you want to expand the army again!! You want to use troops and directly reorganize those local garrison!!"
Military boss Hughes became furious when he was told: "Nonsense! What I want is the main battle army! What's the use of those local garrison forces! Don't you know what the situation is in the north now! You..."
"How come I don't know!!" The finance minister stiffened his neck: "You said the garrison is useless! If it is useless, why spend so much military expenditure every year to maintain it! If it is useless, then withdraw it! After withdrawing it, I will naturally have money.
I'm going to get your main battle legion for you!! Damn it...don't you know how tight the empire's finances are now!!!"
Seeing the two important ministers of the empire quarreling with their sleeves folded and fists drawn, Du Wei couldn't help but be stunned. How could these two have the majesty of big bosses and ministers now?
However, Camisillo had some friendship with Du Wei after all. When he saw Du Wei come in, he pulled him gently, smiled kindly, and said in a low voice: "Don't be surprised, I am in the imperial capital with this kind of scene... But every time
How many times do we see each other every month? These two big guys have been quarreling all their lives... We have long been used to it."
The regent glanced at Du Wei. His pursed lips finally relaxed a little. He stared at Du Wei and cleared his throat. As soon as he coughed, the two old guys who were quarreling quickly closed their mouths and started talking to each other.
Take a step back.
"Du Wei, you are finally here." The regent smiled like a spring breeze: "Come on, come on, this is your first time to participate in such a meeting. Sit down, I'm just going to hear what you mean.
"
After saying that, he shouted: "Someone, bring a chair to Grand Duke Tulip."
As soon as he said this, everyone was stunned!
There were already good chairs in this hall, but under the throne of the Prince Regent, there were many empty seats on both sides.
But now that the regent had spoken, a waiter naturally came in immediately. In a moment, he brought in an extremely exquisite and luxurious chair and was about to put it down...
The regent smiled: "Move closer to me."
The four waiters worked hard to move the chairs higher.
"Come closer, why are you so far away from me?"
The regent seemed a little dissatisfied.
The four waiters immediately understood and hurriedly moved the chairs up. Finally, the regent showed a satisfied smile: "Okay, let's go here. Du Wei, sit down quickly and listen to this matter with me."
As he spoke, he pointed to the chair...
The whole place was silent!
Because, the position of this chair...
Although Du Wei is a Duke and the lord of a northwest province, in terms of seniority and age, he is definitely not at the forefront among the people in this palace.
But the position of this chair...
Originally, the current prime minister of the empire, Rob Schell, sat in the first seat on the left. But just now, at the request of the regent, Du Wei's chair was moved to the front of the old prime minister!
The first position on the lower left!
According to the empire's long-standing tradition...this is the position of prime minister?!
Facing the regent's smile, Du Wei couldn't help but feel a little uneasy. He smiled bitterly in his heart and looked at the chair, as if there was a nail standing on the chair at the moment.
Then, under the attention of everyone, Du Wei took a deep breath, bravely walked over, and then slowly sat down as if he was carrying Qian Jun's weight.
But at this moment, the old Prime Minister Robschel, who was sitting next to Du Wei, suddenly opened his squinted eyes. He looked at Du Wei carefully, and a ray of light flashed in his muddy old eyes.
The strange color disappeared immediately, and he squinted his eyes again, returning to the old, half-asleep look he had before.
Everyone looked at Du Wei and then at the regent. Everyone seemed a little weird for a while. On the other hand, the regent, Prince Chen, seemed to have a relaxed face, as if he didn't understand the deep meaning in everyone's eyes, and smiled slightly:
"Go on, um, Chancellor of the Finance, and Old General Hughes, please continue. But when you two speak, don't speak too loudly, otherwise, our prime minister will be shaken from his sleep.
I woke up."
He seemed to have told a joke, but at this moment, who dared to laugh?
Everyone was as silent as a chill. Even the Chancellor of Finance and Old General Hughes shrank their heads, stepped back obediently, and looked at Prince Chen.
"Well, don't you want to talk anymore?" Prince Chen smiled faintly: "Okay then, I think you should be tired after talking for so long. Now, let's listen to what Grand Duke Tulip means."