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The 330th chapter "using this as a pretext"
The direction of this matter seems to be clear, but Old General Hughes still seems to be somewhat dissatisfied: "Your Highness, I have no objection to transferring them from the Royal Guards. I also believe that the brave soldiers can defend the capital. But to transfer them from the Southern Legion ….. Your Highness, everyone knows the situation of the Southern Legion. Over the years, every time the Empire expands the navy, it is always the Southern Legion that is used to supplement the navy. Today, the Southern Legion is only left with a huge skeleton. If we were to transfer another division away ….. "
"Then let's have the navy 'return the land'!!" The Regent finally made up his mind with this last sentence!
Return the land?
This new phrase caused everyone's hearts to tremble!
For the past 20 years, the Empire's military strategy has always been to prioritize the sea over the land. This is already a recognized fact!
The warships are getting bigger and bigger, the navy is expanding again and again, and the expeditions to the southern seas are getting bigger and bigger ….
Although the recent expeditions have been getting smaller and smaller. But after all, there are still profits to be made every time. Even the finance minister has to admit that expeditions can bring benefits to the Empire – as long as there is no need to hold any grand celebrations or triumphant ceremonies.
The finance minister is not against the triumphant ceremonies. After all, this is an honor for the soldiers of the expeditions. But just for the sake of showing off, widening the canal for hundreds of miles, mobilizing hundreds of thousands of workers, and spending millions of gold coins ….. Such an approach is simply too stupid.
In everyone's heart, they still have a good impression of the expeditions to the southern seas. After all, after so many years of expeditions, the benefits brought about have left a deep 'vanity' in everyone's heart!
Even Du Wei's father, Earl Raymond. Such a shrewd and capable person, in fact, did not oppose the expeditions to the southern seas. He only felt that the number of expeditions should be slightly reduced and the time interval should be carefully calculated. To put it in simpler terms: Fatten up before killing!
But Prince Son's' return the land 'is a step that goes far beyond the imagination of everyone!!
To the military boss Hughes, every army was his lifeblood. Disbanding any one of them was something the military was extremely unwilling to do … When he heard this, his expression immediately changed. Just as he was about to object loudly, he felt a gaze from the side. It was the old prime minister Robsbscher.
There was a deep warning and dissuasion in Robsman's eyes. Old Hughes immediately felt a chill in his heart. He knew that the old prime minister was hinting to him that he absolutely shouldn't oppose the Regent's words.
"The number of combatants in the Imperial Navy has increased to nearly 150,000! There are nearly a thousand warships!! " Prince Son lightly said: "This year, there are still 20 new large warships that will be launched … … What a glorious number! What an enormous number!! Well, indeed, everyone is intoxicated by the strength of the Marine, the invincibility of the Marine … But I want to ask you. Such a powerful Navy, such an invincible Navy … What use do I have for them? "
Prince Son slammed the table. With a loud bang, everyone's expression changed.
Then Prince Son asked in a deep voice: "Useful? To deal with the natives of the Southern Ocean? How could they deal with the aborigines who only knew how to paddle small canoes and fight with spears made of wooden sticks and stones and bows made of tree branches? Just to deal with these natives, the Roland Empire will spend tens of millions of annual military funds, 150,000 navy, and nearly a thousand warships?!! To think that we were so intoxicated by this' victory 'that we even dreamed about it!! What a joke! A disgrace!! Invincible Navy? Indeed, invincible! That's because in this world, there is no enemy at sea! Since there is no enemy, what use does the Empire have for such a huge Navy?! Is it just for decoration?! "
His words, word by word, pierced straight into the hearts of the people. In the hall, everyone was left speechless. Only Du Wei maintained his calm expression. But he couldn't help but look at the Regent a few more times. His heart suddenly gave birth to a thought … … Could he be … …
"The Prairie Wolf Cavalry is still alive! The Northwest is divided by the warlords, and now there is trouble in the North! The army is strapped for cash, but every year, they throw a large amount of military funds into the sea! Are we all blind?! "The Regent suddenly shouted:" Hughes! General Hughes! Tell me, why do you see the lack of fighting power in the army? Why do you know to expand the army?! But when you see the Navy squander the Empire's finances but do nothing, as the Minister of Military Affairs, you pretend to be deaf and mute?! Are you muddle-headed, or do you have selfish motives?! "
This last question could be considered a heart-rending remark. Old Hughes' heart jumped, but he had no choice but to take two steps forward. He lowered his head and said: "Yes … … I am muddle-headed."
"Muddle-Headed? I don't think you are muddle-headed! You have selfish motives! Hmph, your military has always treated the army as your private property!! Amazing, any military affairs can only be expanded, not reduced!! Not reducing the redundant army is because you can't bear to! What is this? You are protecting your food!! But this is the Empire's army, not your military's food! If you want to protect it, it is not up to you to protect it!! "He had already stood up, leaned forward, and looked at Old General Hughes:" Why aren't you talking? Hmm? Can't say anything? Then let me say it!! "
Then, Prince Son took a deep breath and gritted his teeth: "Last year, someone proposed to remove a division of infantry from the southern Lille Province, and you strongly opposed it! Two years ago, the southern coastal region proposed to postpone this year's shipbuilding plan due to the lack of wood, and you strongly opposed it!! Can you tell me why?! "
"… …" Old Hughes didn't dare to say a word.
Prince Son suddenly roared: "I'll tell you why!! Hmph!! 'It wasn't easy for our military to accumulate so much wealth over so many years. We can't lose a single cent or a single bit casually!'! Hughes! Who said this! Where did it come from!! Do you know!! "
Hughes' body trembled, and his face changed drastically. His forehead was covered with sweat, and with a plop, his old body fell to one knee.
"Hmph, let me tell you! This is what you said in the military after you opposed last year's disarmament plan! And this year's shipbuilding plan, you strongly opposed the postponement and even asked the Ministry of Finance to take out the winter budget to make up for the navy's shipbuilding plan! And the result!!! This year's snow disaster in the south was because our finances were tight, and we couldn't take out enough money for disaster relief!!! The result was … … "
He probably finally vented the anger in his heart, but in his agitation, he almost said something over the top. Fortunately, Du Wei coughed in time and woke Prince Son up. Only then did Prince Son swallow back the words he was about to say.
However, everyone knew what Prince Son meant by that unspoken sentence!
Most likely, it was because of this that the Temple of Light gave us a hard time when we were preparing for the disaster relief.
That was probably what he meant. Although he didn't say it out loud, everyone understood.
"You! You treat the empire's military as your military's' family business'!! Bastard!! Bastard to the extreme!! You are a general of the empire, not a shop owner! You don't need to worry about making a family business!! The military is not your private property!! If this army couldn't serve the Empire and make contributions to the Empire, then they should be cut down and reduced when necessary! But you, the dignified minister of the empire, turned into an old hen protecting its young! This can't be touched, that can't be touched! You only know how much you've spent on the military and only know about your 'family'! "
"Your Highness … … I … … I … …"
"You what! You want to say that you are muddle-headed? Or that you are old and blind? Or that you are guilty?! " Prince Son became more and more merciless: "Since you admit your guilt, I'm afraid the first thing you will do when you go back is to find out who leaked your words to me? Humph! Hughes, oh Hughes, last year's disarmament plan was your first chance! The suspension of the shipbuilding plan at the beginning of this year was your second chance! Both chances were given to you … … In the end you … … "
Towards the end, his voice became colder and colder.
At this point, everyone knew that today's matter would not be resolved peacefully. And now, Prince Son suddenly wants to make a move on the military minister?
Du Weihe, the old prime minister, was probably the only one who was still able to maintain his composure.
Although Du Wei was also surprised, he wasn't surprised. He knew that Prince Son has always been dissatisfied with the military, especially during the coup against his father … … How could any monarch tolerate the existence of a military that doesn't listen to their orders?
It's just that he didn't touch the military back then because he hadn't been in power for long. Over the past two years, Prince Son has firmly taken control of the Royal Army. Taking advantage of the reorganization of the rebel army after the coup, Prince Son infiltrated the Royal City's Defense Force! Even the ten thousand soldiers of the Royal City's Public Security Department were firmly under his control.
Finally, he made a move against the big boss of the military!
Everyone couldn't figure it out. Today was supposed to be a discussion about the Northern Legion's reinforcements, so how did it suddenly turn into a fight against the big boss of the military? On the other hand, Du Wei sighed in his heart … … This Prince Son is still the same style, planning before making a move without giving you the slightest warning beforehand!
However … … Du Wei suddenly looked at the prime minister again. This old man also had a calm face, as if he wasn't surprised at all.
This semi-retired prime minister … … is not simple!
"In your heart, do you even have me as the Regent? No! Do you have the Empire? No! Do you have the honor of a soldier? No! In your eyes, there is only the military! Only the military!! In your eyes, protecting the 'family' of the military is more important than the Empire's cause, the overall situation of the Empire, and even loyalty! Isn't that right?! "
A series of questions caused General Hughes' head to almost hit the ground. Prince Son finally slumped back into his chair. His chest was violently gasping for breath. Clearly, he had finally vented out the anger that had been pent up for two years.
For a moment, the hall was so quiet that even the sound of a pin dropping could be heard.
The only sound that could be heard was the heavy breathing of Prince Son and General Hughes.
No one dared to utter a single word at this moment. After a long time, Prince Son's voice seemed to have returned to normal, but it was still frighteningly cold … …
"I hereby order …" His voice was low and deep, and he dragged out his tone as he coldly enunciated each word, "Imperial Minister of Military Affairs, General Hughes, has spent his entire life in the military. He has been loyal to the Empire, and he has toiled and rendered great meritorious service. His loyalty is commendable, and it also shows the Empire's love for its old officials. He shall be rewarded with a hundred gold ingots and ten chests of Nanyang pearls … He shall be conferred the title of Duke for life, and the title of Imperial Military Strategist. The position of military minister is temporarily vacant until … … "Speaking up to here, he gritted his teeth and coldly said:" Until I have a candidate in mind! "
Old Hughes was like a bolt from the blue. Kneeling there, his body kept trembling. Where was the red face he had when he was arguing with the finance minister? Finally, after a long time, he reluctantly said in a hoarse voice: "Thank you for the reward, Your Highness … …"
Then he stood up shakily. As if using a great deal of willpower, he walked over to his own chair and sat down.
However, everyone already knew. This Empire's military minister, the number one boss of the military … … His political career was completely over from this moment onwards!
But it seems that this wasn't the only surprise!
After Prince Son dealt with the former number one boss of the military, he suddenly announced an even more surprising decision!
"Rob Smith, you are the Prime Minister of the Empire. Right now, the position of Minister of Military Affairs is vacant, and I don't have any good candidates. As for the matters of the Ministry of Military Affairs … You once held a military post, so before I find a suitable candidate for Minister of Military Affairs, you can temporarily manage the matters of the Ministry of Military Affairs as the Prime Minister. "
An uproar!!
Who would've thought that the old Prime Minister who was thought to have completely fallen out of favor would suddenly become popular all of a sudden? All of a sudden, he was given the power of acting as the head of the military?!
On the other hand, Rob Smith didn't have a trace of joy on his face. Instead, he let out a sigh and nodded with a wry smile: "As you wish, Your Majesty."
Prince Son's mouth revealed a trace of a smile: "You addressed me incorrectly. My Prime Minister, please remember to call me Your Highness in the future. Don't get it wrong again!"
Rob Smith's face turned solemn as he quickly lowered his head.
"In addition, the matter of the Northern Tempest Legion will be handled according to your instructions. However … … The capital's city defense force cannot be mobilized, so it will be transferred from another division. As for the specifics, go and prepare a detailed plan for me. I want to see it tomorrow! "
Rob Smith suddenly coughed and loudly said: "Your Highness, this old minister has one more request."
… …
"Speak!"
After a moment of suffocating silence, Prince Son spat out such a simple word.
Rob Smith took a deep breath and revealed a smile on his face: "Your Highness, I am after all old and the military affairs are complicated. I'm afraid I won't be able to do it alone. If I delay the military affairs, then it would be even worse! Therefore, I would like to ask Your Highness for someone to join me in the military as my assistant. "
"Oh, who do you want?" Prince Son casually asked such a question.
"The commander of the capital's security department, Lord Camisillo. Young, promising, and with a background in the military, I think he is the most suitable."
Prince Son looked at the old Prime Minister from top to bottom and his eyes lit up even more … …
"Very good, it's approved!"
•
With that, the court meeting came to an end. What no one expected was that the big boss of the military would fall without any warning in this meeting!
And the old Prime Minister who was thought to be at the end of his political career, suddenly glowed with vitality! Moreover, he even received such a great authority in the military!
As for General Hughes … … No one cared about him anymore.
This is how cruel politics is! Although he used to be the Minister of Military Affairs, before today's meeting, he was still the star of everyone's attention. Everyone came to curry favor with him and greet him. But now … … As he left alone, no one was willing to give him a second glance … …
As soon as the old Prime Minister walked out of the hall, he was surrounded by several of his colleagues. They said a few words of congratulations, to which the old man responded in a tepid manner. After the crowd dispersed, the old Prime Minister saw the somewhat lonely expression on the finance minister's face.
"Munoz, my friend, what's wrong with you?"
The finance minister sighed: "It's nothing, it's just that after so many years of fighting with that old man Hughes, seeing him end up like this makes my heart feel a little empty."
Prime Minister Robescher suddenly sighed and whispered: "My friend, you don't need to feel sad. Could it be that at our age, we still don't understand? This is politics! "
"It's just that I didn't expect today's meeting to be about the North … …"
The old Prime Minister suddenly sneered and pulled the finance minister to the side. Along the way, he whispered: "From the halfway point of today's meeting, I already expected this. Today's meeting about the North was fake. His Highness' purpose was to make a fuss. It's just that I didn't expect our young Highness to be so swift and decisive. Hehe … … "
He shook his head helplessly.
The finance minister suddenly smiled: "I won't congratulate you. Because I know that your position is probably not comfortable … … Acting in charge of military affairs, humph, this is a furnace. "
The wrinkles on Prime Minister Robescher's old face were like dried orange peels, tightly piled together … …
Suddenly, he saw the last person to come out of the hall, Du Wei. The old man's eyes lit up and he let go of the finance minister's hand. He walked over: "Grand Duke of the Tulip Family."
Du Wei raised his head and saw the unfathomable old man. He hurriedly saluted: "Lord Prime Minister."
"Grand Duke of the Tulip Family, tonight, I will be hosting a banquet at home and would like to invite you to participate. I wonder if you have the time to come?"
Oh?
Du Wei narrowed his eyes and glanced at the old man … …
This old man was so old that it seemed like a gust of wind could blow him away. However, after seeing his performance today, no one would dare to underestimate him!
"Of course! Since Lord Prime Minister has invited me, how could I dare not to go? "Du Wei laughed.
The two smiled at each other as if they could see the deep meaning in each other's eyes.
The finance minister next to him was about to say goodbye when he was stopped by the old prime minister: "Munoz, I would like to invite you to the banquet tonight as well."
Just as the finance minister was about to speak, the last person to come out of the hall was the commander of the capital's security department, Camisiro. This young man who was deeply trusted by Prince Son immediately came out and saluted the three big shots: "Lord Prime Minister, thank you for your recommendation in front of His Royal Highness … …"
Robescher smiled: "Lord Camisiro is too polite. Even if I didn't recommend you, with the Regent's trust in you, he would definitely promote you."
Pausing for a moment, the old prime minister smiled. "You and I are about to head to the high command together. I'm old and can only make my own decisions on many matters. I'll have to rely on you youngsters for the specifics. Lord Camisiro, please come to my house for the banquet tonight. I have already spoken with the Duke of the Tulip Family … … "
Camisiro smiled and glanced at Du Wei: "Oh, of course I wouldn't dare to refuse an invitation from Lord Prime Minister. Besides, if the Duke of the Tulip Family is going, how can I not go? "
Du Wei understood in his heart. What happened just now was nothing more than a transaction.
Although the old prime minister is nominally a temporary military officer, the truth is … … I'm afraid this Camisiro is the real main character!
The Regent gave Robescher a signal: "You are still useful, I won't abolish you now."
Robscher immediately returned the favor. He had long known that the Regent wanted to place his own people in the military, especially Camisiro, who was the Regent's choice. Therefore, without waiting for the Regent to say it himself, Robescher simply did him a favor.
Politics … … Politics ah … …
Du Wei's face was smiling, but his heart was sighing.
As for General Hughes' lonely back … … Who would remember it?
(Another 10,000 words, another monthly vote. Seeing that I'm working so hard to update, please don't be stingy with your monthly tickets ~)
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