Black curtains of condolences have been hung around the palace.
In such a large palace, the young emperor of the empire, Charles, was wearing a set of black robes that had been made on the spot. He sat in the top and middle position, looking at the ministers sitting below on both sides. Among them was the Minister of Military Affairs, Kamisi.
Luo, there is the imperial finance minister, the palace guard president, and the generals of the royal guard.
Looking at these members of the empire's core power circle, although little Charlie's face remained calm, the flashing eyes betrayed his mood at the moment.
I am the emperor!
I am the emperor!
Now, I am finally the emperor!!
No longer a puppet, no longer a child sitting on the sidelines watching his father give orders!!
The following people, the objects of their direct allegiance, have become themselves!!
In such a mood, Charlie became a little distracted.
A general of the Royal Guards was standing below and reporting something loudly, but Charlie didn't seem to hear a word. It was only after he finished speaking that Charlie came back to his senses and looked at the man below staring at him eagerly.
The general who was waiting for his order, Charlie pretended to be calm, waved his hand and said calmly: "I understand."
Unknowingly, his tone, movements and demeanor seemed to be deliberately imitating the habits of the former regent, Prince Chen.
The general of the Royal Guards reported on the current troop mobilization situation around the imperial capital, saying that everything in the army was normal and the morale of the army was very stable. No one took the opportunity to cause trouble. He also reported on the troop mobilization in the previous city gates.
Please ask Charlie if you can mobilize the army back. After all, the previous approach was just a temporary emergency, and now everything seems to be calm. There seems to be no need to disrupt the army's organization.
However, since His Majesty the Emperor said nothing and simply said "I understand", the general did not dare to ask any more questions and could only retreat with a blank look on his face.
Fortunately, Minister of Military Affairs Camisillo gave him a look in time to reassure him.
Today's meeting is not the first time that the little emperor Charles has officially presided over government affairs.
After the death of the Prince Regent three days ago, this was already the third consecutive day of meetings in three days.
For these powerful ministers, during these three days of meetings, they almost completed the various rituals of power change according to the script: first they expressed condolences, then they expressed their loyalty to the little emperor who was in charge, and finally they
Report each matter one by one and ask the little emperor to make a decision.
There is nothing wrong with the degree. And the little emperor who is in charge of the government seems to have no major problems with his behavior except that he always seems to be distracted.
However, everyone also had an idea in mind, but no one dared to reveal it.
Under this deliberate show of loyalty, in fact, there is a distrust hidden in everyone's heart.
Looking at the shoulders of the half-grown boy sitting on it, can he really carry such a huge empire?
Although during these three days of meetings, the little emperor showed great concern and interest in government affairs, and seemed to be very "diligent". Moreover, I don't know whether it was intentional or not, whether the little emperor spoke
His tone of voice, gestures and attitude seemed to be imitating the late regent, consciously or unconsciously.
This approach is... very...
Very awkward.
Because no matter how much he imitates, he can never really achieve the level of ease and control of the city like the Prince Regent.
In fact, seeing such a child imitating the regent's slow speaking tone with a childish voice, everyone felt a faint... worry for no reason.
The Minister of Ceremonies reported on the preparations for the funeral.
Then the Minister of Finance reported the budget costs of the funeral. The old man hesitated and submitted a report on military expenditures for the next quarter. Minister of Military Affairs Camisillo also stood up and expressed the hope that the contents of this report would be received by His Majesty as soon as possible.
ruling.
Then several officials reported on the martial law situation in the imperial capital and asked for instructions on whether to continue the city gate control.
There is also a condolence message written by the Pope and sent from the Mainland Guangming Temple.
Condolences from the president of the Magic Guild.
A pledge of allegiance from the Knights Association.
Next, there was a message from Minister of Military Affairs Camisillo about the situation of the troops in the northern theater. It seems that everything is fine so far. The previous orders have been passed on, and the troops on the front line have strictly implemented the orders. There have been no unauthorized transfers.
Condition.
There are also some provinces relatively close to the imperial capital, condolences sent by governors from various places, etc...
Charlie listened and took note of everything big and small.
Unfortunately, after a while he started to lose focus again.
Camisillo obviously noticed that the little emperor was distracted, but he did not point it out. After reading out a military document from the front line in his hand with a loud voice, he raised his head and looked at the little emperor, and then he did not panic.
He said hurriedly: "Your Majesty, what do you mean?"
"Oh..." Charlie's eyes were a little absent-minded. Looking at Camisillo standing below, the little emperor did not answer. But suddenly he asked: "On the front line... is there any news from Duke Tulip?"
"
The little emperor didn't ask anything else, but suddenly asked about Tulip Duke Du Wei. Everyone's expressions couldn't help but be a little weird.
Everyone unconsciously came up with various speculations...
What does His Majesty, the little emperor, mean?
The Duke of Tulip seemed to have been suppressed before, but during the military confrontation in the northwest, the military and the Tulip family had a big war of words. It was obvious that the relationship between the royal family and the Tulip family was beginning to break down.
Then Duke Tulip was transferred to the front line and received a weird reward after winning the battle... A series of actions, everyone is guessing whether the royal family is supporting the Tulip family? Is it fighting? Or... is it preparing to suppress? Or...
Clean?
And now, the regent has passed away and the little emperor has been promoted. What is the attitude of this new emperor towards the Tulip family, the most powerful family in the world?
In other words, how should we stand in line? Is His Majesty the Little Emperor prepared to continue to praise Du Wei? Then naturally everyone will follow suit.
If the little emperor means to continue to suppress him? Then everyone will naturally follow suit.
Now, His Majesty asked Du Wei what his attitude was without asking anyone else.
It stands to reason that when the new emperor takes charge of the government, he will inevitably suppress the original powerful ministers to establish his prestige. As the most popular family in the "former dynasty", he will bear the brunt of the attack. If there is to be an attack, it is natural to attack the Tulip family first.
.
But after thinking about it carefully, it seems that it cannot be judged so easily: everyone knows that Du Wei once served as the teacher of His Majesty the Emperor! It is said that the relationship between teachers and students is quite good.
Although the regent suppressed Du Wei a few times at the beginning, but now that he is a little emperor, he may have a deep relationship between teachers and students, and it is very possible that he will express his favor to Du Wei again.
Camisillo sighed in his heart. He had the idea of protecting himself wisely, but the little emperor asked him directly, so he couldn't help but not answer.
"Well... Your Majesty, there is no news from Duke Tulip."
Charlie nodded. He seemed to have no expression, but suddenly asked: "I remember, it seems that a division of the Royal Guards has been stationed in Nulin Province?"
Camisillo started sweating on the spot. He thought to himself: He is really afraid of something. Why did His Majesty suddenly ask about this matter?
In the original spring drill, the Tulip family's troops blocked the imperial army from entering the territory of the Tulip family on the border of the Desa province, causing a military confrontation that shocked the mainland. Later, after the confrontation ended, the Royal Guards
The division has been stationed in Nulin Province, which is adjacent to Desa Province. Everyone with a discerning eye knows that the army of this division is to supervise the Tulip family!
Camisillo didn't know what Charlie meant, so he could only bite the bullet and said: "Yes, he will be stationed at the local garrison camp west of the capital of Nulin Province. At the same time, he will assist the local area in maintaining security..."
Then, Charlie suddenly asked again: "Camisillo, you are the Minister of Military Affairs. Do you think it is feasible to keep an elite division of the Royal Guards in Nulin Province to maintain local security?
Is it necessary?”
Upon hearing this, Camisillo almost stared out of his eyes!
He couldn't help cursing in his heart: Nonsense! You ask me? Who should I ask?
What does the little emperor mean by asking such a question? How can such a question be asked in public? This kind of thing should not be discussed in public at all!
Could it be...
Thinking of this, Camisillo looked at Charlie carefully, but was disappointed that there was no hint on Charlie's face. His eyes seemed to be really asking him.
No? What’s there to ask about this kind of thing?
Could it be that the little emperor is testing his own position? If I say that there is no need to keep that army and that it should be withdrawn, then it means that I am a pro-Tulip family faction.
If I said it should be kept, I would be anti-Tulip Family.
But... even if you want to test my position, save this kind of thing for later when we meet in private! How can it be reasonable to say it in such a public meeting?!
Camisillo shook his head secretly in his heart. Although the little emperor was somewhat clever, it seemed that he was still very naive politically.
Who is Camisillo? He has been in this position for several years, and has been deeply influenced by the late old prime minister. He has gradually turned into a role like an old oil man. How can he be willing to put himself down so easily?
Is your position clear?
After thinking for a while, he said vaguely: "Your Majesty, the Governor of Nulin Province did not make a report on this matter. As for the military department, there is no abnormality in the review report of this division during its stay."
This is not a shirk, and the subtext has been made very clear. That means: you decide for yourself.
However, it seems that the little emperor did not listen to Camisillo's hint, and actually seemed a little impatient: "Camisillo, what I'm asking is what you mean. As the Minister of Military Affairs, I hope to hear
Your suggestion. Do you think it still makes sense to keep this division in Nulin Province?"
Camisillo felt a little annoyed!
What do you mean? Force me?
As the emperor of the empire, you don't speak. How can I express my position? Is this division going to stay or not? If you really want to do something, give me a hint! You don't even say a word, how can I say anything?
!
It is true that as a minister, you should be good at figuring out the king's thoughts, but you, old man, at least give me some hints!
Could it be that... Camisillo thought: This little emperor doesn't like me? After taking office, he wanted to replace himself as the Minister of Military Affairs? That's why he was so hard-pressed?
But looking at His Majesty's face, it seemed that he was simply impatient with his excuses, and there was no deep meaning in his eyes.
As a last resort, with thoughts running through his mind quickly, Camisillo could only roughly guess what the little emperor meant: He suddenly asked about this matter for no reason. Could it be that the little emperor wanted to withdraw the division?
Come? Well, that's probably it. If he wants to keep this division, then there is no need for him to suddenly ask this question.
Well, that's it.
After thinking about it, Camisillo coughed. He said cautiously: "Your Majesty, what I mean personally is that there is a war going on on the northern front of the empire, and the mobile troops of the regular army in our hands are not too abundant... This division
if it is possible……"
"You mean to transfer him back, right!" Charlie looked impatiently. He frowned at Camisillo, but suddenly said with a straight face: "Sir Camisillo! As the Minister of Military Affairs, I hope you can tell me what you have to say.
What, don’t go back and forth with me. I’m asking you a question. You kept pestering me a lot and it took me a long time to explain. Didn’t you just mean to transfer it back? You can explain it clearly in one sentence, so why bother with this?
Too talkative!"
Camisillo was so angry that he vomited blood in his heart, but he could only lower his head and answer again and again.
I cursed in my heart: This little emperor either wants to mess with me. Or... he really looks smart, but is actually a idiot! He has no political acumen at all!
Seeing the Minister of Military Affairs being trained by him to be humble and submissive, Charlie suddenly felt proud in his heart!
This is the feeling of imperial power! This is the aura of having great power!! This is the real feeling of being an emperor!!
He didn't mean to mess with Camisillo. He simply suddenly remembered such a thing and asked casually. Then he couldn't help but lose his temper a little. Deep in his heart, there was something vaguely missing.
It fully imitates the majesty that my father had in front of these ministers during his lifetime.
For the little emperor, he knew in his heart that he was young and was afraid that these ministers would underestimate him, so he just wanted to take the opportunity to establish his authority.
And now among these people below, Camisillo has a relatively high status, so he naturally became the one chosen by the little emperor to establish his authority.
If Camisillo knew what he was thinking, he would be so angry that he would vomit blood on the spot.
"Oh. And..."
Seeing that Camisillo was about to retreat, the little emperor stopped him again: "There is one more thing. Lord Camisillo, I feel that it is not appropriate for the division to withdraw. After all..."
Charlie thought for a moment, but couldn't think of anything. He just said deliberately vaguely: "After all, this is my father's decision, and I won't make any changes for the time being."
Camisillo felt that after he went back today, he must drink a few cups of herbal tea to relieve the heat!
You don’t want to change, so why are you asking me what to do? Do you want to amuse me!?
"Minister of Ceremonies." The little emperor finally let Camisillo go: "Do you have anything else to say about the funeral of the late king?"
The Minister of Ceremonies quickly said no.
"Well, what about the list of members attending the funeral? I've seen it." Charlie frowned and said, "I remember that according to the regulations, all nobles above the duke must attend. But the name of Duke Tulip is not on it."
Tulip Duke problem again?
The Minister of Ceremony was also sweating a little and said quickly: "Your Majesty, after all, Duke Tulip is leading troops in the north. He is involved in wars and military affairs are urgent. I am afraid that he will not be able to escape and come back. Therefore, according to the empire's practice, it is okay for the commander-in-chief to lead troops outside.
…”
"No need." Charlie interrupted him, shook his head and said: "Teacher and father have a deep relationship. You should immediately send a document to summon Duke Tulip back to the imperial capital to attend the funeral."
"Ah..." The minister of etiquette was stunned for a moment, and hurriedly went to see Camisillo, thinking: There is a war going on, and the commander on the front line is brought back to attend the funeral. What if there is a war on the front line, and there is no supreme commander?
This matter is a matter for the military, so it’s time for you, the Minister of Military Affairs, to speak up.
But Camisillo was furious at this moment, deliberately turned his eyes away, closed his mouth and stopped talking.
Everyone else kept their mouths shut, and no one was willing to speak at this moment.
What does the little emperor want to do?
Summoning Du Wei back at this moment... a long way from home, regardless of the war in the north.
Could it be that... we want to take advantage of this opportunity to strip Duke Tulip of his military power?!
Ah! Are you going to attack the Tulip family?!!
Everyone looked surprised and suspicious.
"So... Your Majesty." Finally, a veteran of the military department spoke up and couldn't help but ask: "On the Eastern Front, do we want to temporarily establish a temporary commander-in-chief to take charge of the overall situation?"
"No need." Charlie shook his head simply.
Camisillo also had doubts in his heart. Is the little emperor really going to take action?
After the meeting adjourned, Camisillo believed that if he really wanted to take action, then after the meeting, the little emperor should summon him privately to discuss with him who to replace Du Wei as the commander-in-chief of the Eastern Front!
He deliberately walked at the end, thinking that the little emperor would ask to leave him at this moment.
But after waiting for a long time, he didn't get any news. When he looked back, the little emperor had already left quickly from the back of the palace with his people!
Camisillo couldn't help but smile, and he didn't know whether it was helplessness, disappointment, or anger.
I couldn't help but look up to the sky and sigh: Am I confused? Or is this little emperor confused?
The general process of that day's meeting was later conveyed to the palace by the attendants, and soon fell into the ears of the little princess Karina.
After Karina heard this, she frowned and remained silent for a long time, then sighed.
"Your Highness, aren't you going to see His Majesty?"
The palace maid Lanlan asked in a low voice.
"Gone." Karina smiled bitterly: "Brother... he seems to be a little too excited. In today's meeting, he used to beat Camisillo to establish his power. In fact, this is right. But the topic he borrowed was
I used the wrong word. I shouldn't have mentioned the matter of the division stationed in the northwest. It was too sensitive. Finally, I called the teacher back to the imperial capital to attend the funeral. I don't think he meant anything profound. But the words fell into the ears of others, and he was there today.
Mentioning the affairs of that division will inevitably make people have suspicions. But...fortunately, let them be suspicious of the suspicions outside. Alas...after all, my brother has just taken charge of the government, so it is inevitable that he will not be steady in doing things."
Lan Lan suddenly smiled: "But that's fine. When Duke Tulip returns to the imperial capital, won't you be able to see the teacher again?"
Karina didn't smile as usual, but her little face was full of worry: "At this time, actually... I really don't want the teacher to come back."