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(Note: Chapter 2!)
GOR Chapter 572 The Sick Duke of the Tulip Family
"Every time the Empire conducts an expedition to Nanyang, the 'cost' I mentioned just now is about 1.5 million gold coins. Generals, although the soldiers at the frontline are brave, your ships are built with money. Every time you go out to sea, the ships need to be repaired. The weapons are especially rusty at sea, so they need to be repaired and replaced frequently. The clothes that the soldiers wear, the food that they eat - oh, the ships must also be equipped with enough vegetables and fruits. These are much more expensive than the rations of an ordinary army. And all of these cost money! "
Then, he sighed deeply. "What I want to say is that based on the cost alone, if we follow what the generals said, 'We can just use our own warships to rob them, there's no need for them to send us anything', it's not wrong. However, the losses outweigh the gains. Moreover, we spend an average of 18 months on an expedition, maybe even more. And the result was only a few hundred thousand or two hundred thousand gold coins. "
He then took out the list given by the Nanyang emissary and gently flicked it, "But now? Every year, we don't need to let the soldiers bleed, we don't need to send them out to sea, we don't need to spend half a copper coin. We just need to sit at home and they will send us 3 million gold coins! I think even a child would be able to figure out which one has gained more. "
In the end, the old man bowed deeply to all his colleagues and slowly said, "Of course, I also understand that this matter is not just about money. It is also about the Empire's face and the country's dignity. If we let the former slaves sit high up in our palace and become our guests... no matter what, it will not be dignified. It will even become a joke to others... What do we Roland people think that even the Nanyang slaves are qualified to sit on the same level as us? I think that's what all of you want to say. "
The old man's words made many people nod their heads. However, at this time, the old man suddenly changed the topic, "However, everyone, I'm afraid this is not the time to care about face! The Kabaski Defense Line is at war... Soldiers are bleeding and sacrificing themselves. Every month, we have to spend a lot of money and resources to replenish the frontline! The recruitment and training of the new recruits, the compensation for the families of the dead and injured, and the rewards for the meritorious soldiers … all of these cost money!
Moreover, to put it bluntly, there's no possibility for us to launch an expedition to Southeast Asia anymore! In other words, if we don't accept this offering, we won't even have the chance to sail to Southeast Asia and snatch it ourselves! Therefore, by accepting this offering, we receive an annual revenue of three million gold coins. If you refuse … it will be … zero! "
His last few words gradually became impassioned. The old man raised his head and looked around sternly.
…
Pa! Pa! Pa! Pa!
Applause suddenly rang out!
Everyone looked towards the source of the sound and saw the silent Prime Minister, Sir Robscher, who had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes half closed as if he had already fallen asleep, had now straightened his back. His face was calm, and under everyone's astonished gazes, he didn't shy away from clapping again and again!
This old fox … Everyone had some doubts in their hearts.
The old Prime Minister, Robscher, had become increasingly dispirited recently. Moreover, he had fallen ill in the first half of the year. Since then, he had been living in seclusion. In the past, he would occasionally come out to put on airs. But now, he didn't even put on airs. He had simply hidden himself in his own home and retired.
If not for the Regent personally inviting him to participate in this meeting, the old Prime Minister wouldn't have appeared in public for several months.
At this moment, the old man who had been on the verge of retirement and had firmly implemented a strategy of self-preservation, suddenly stood up bravely!
In front of so many ministers, this old man with the most seniority in the Empire straightened his somewhat bent back. His old and weak face was filled with determination. He used the most direct action to express his attitude!
It had been a long time since he had 'expressed his stance' – no matter what it was!
"Everyone, please allow me to say a few words." The old Prime Minister stood up with difficulty, somewhat trembling. The illness he had suffered a few months ago wasn't an act. He really had almost died from it. After all, he was really too old.
When this old man with the most seniority in the Empire was about to speak, everyone immediately quieted down – This was seniority! You may not support him, you may not like him, but with his age and experience, you must respect him – even if it was only on the surface! But you must!
"When it's time to pay attention to face, naturally, we must pay attention to face." The old Prime Minister's voice was no longer as steady as before. It even had the usual trembling of an old man. "But sometimes, benefits are more important than face … Especially now, I believe that the Empire doesn't have the capital to blindly pursue 'face'."
At this point, due to his lack of strength, he panted twice. Then, his muddy old eyes suddenly burst with a trace of spirit. It was as if he had been looking at an old lion who had suddenly revealed his claws and majesty!
"If!" At this moment, the old Prime Minister's voice resounded throughout the hall. "If anyone present has a good idea to help the Empire earn three million gold coins a year, then I will agree to kick the Nanyang emissary back into the sea! If no one has a good idea, then … Cough cough! I agree with the Chancellor of the Exchequer. "
Buzz!!
In the hall, more than twenty high-ranking officials from various departments of the Empire couldn't help but whisper to each other!
The old Prime Minister … He had actually expressed his stance!
Did this represent some kind of signal?
As the saying went, 'Old Tiger's Majesty is still present'. This old Prime Minister, who had been keeping a low profile recently, had suddenly 'made a move' at this time, revealing his unparalleled political influence!
After all, he had decades of experience and experience, and it wasn't just for show. Even the ceremonial officials who still wanted to argue, as well as the military generals who didn't show their emotions on the surface but were still unconvinced in their hearts, could only quietly shut their mouths in front of the old Prime Minister.
No matter what, this face had to be given.
Soon, the Prince Regent stood up and made the final 'ruling'.
"Tomorrow at noon, I will receive the Nanyang emissary here … … All reception and etiquette will follow the example of the prairie – national etiquette!"
As soon as the real boss of the Empire spoke, everyone immediately bowed in response.
And at this moment, when Prince Son stood up, little Charlie also stood up. However, whether it was the ministers bowing their heads in response or the frowning Prince Son next to him, no one noticed the faint trace of displeasure in the eyes of this little emperor!
That's it?
That's it?
What about me? I … … I'm now the Emperor! From beginning to end, no one asked me a single question?
Father … … He didn't even look at me before making his decision?
That's right! I'm still young, I'm still underage! But no matter what, I'm now wearing the crown on my head!! Even if it's only in name, I'm still the Emperor of this Empire!
Even if … … Father, you should at least say a few words to me in name!!
And now … … He directly made the decision without even putting on an act! I … … What kind of "Emperor" am I?
What's the difference between me and a "prince"?!
His hands were hidden in his sleeves as he involuntarily clenched them into fists.
— — —
There are two very old topics:
In this world, what grows the fastest?
Ambition!
In this world, once something grows, it will often get out of control!
Desire!
— — —
After the meeting was over, the old Prime Minister slowly walked out of the hall with the help of the palace attendants. This was a privilege that only he could enjoy.
At this time, the finance minister deliberately fell behind and followed the old Prime Minister.
Looking at the palace attendant beside him, Robscher smiled: "Okay, thank you, I can walk on my own."
The palace attendant tactfully glanced at the finance minister next to him before bowing and retreating.
The old Prime Minister struggled to support himself with his crutches, so the finance minister beside him quickly stepped forward to support him.
Robscher looked at his old colleague beside him and suddenly sighed. His voice was full of age: "Interesting, interesting! You actually came to help me. Don't forget, you are not much younger than me. "
After saying that, he looked at the finance minister and smiled bitterly: "You are old, we are all old. Look at me now, I can't even walk on my own. "
The finance minister's face was solemn and his eyes flashed with suspicion. He whispered: "My old friend, I really didn't expect today, you … … you can actually … …"
"I can actually talk?" The old Prime Minister smiled. His smile was as mischievous as a child's. He blinked and whispered: "You, and them … … are you already used to me sitting in a chair like a decoration? Hehe, many people are not used to me speaking so rashly. "
"Actually … … why do you need to do this?" The finance minister sighed: "I was already prepared to fight with others in the hall today. Even if I had to roll up my sleeves and have a big fight, or even offend more people, I was already prepared! But you, you have already withdrawn from this maelstrom. Why are you standing up for me today? "
"I … … am not helping you."
The old prime minister looked left and right, then lowered his voice and said, "I promised someone last night. He came to my house and asked me face to face. He asked me to come forward in this matter. "
"Who? Could it be … … "
"It's that kid. Hehe, our Duke of the Tulip Family. "
"Du Wei?" The finance minister frowned: "He … … didn't he say a few days ago that he was seriously ill? I heard that he was so sick that he couldn't even get out of bed. We sent people to visit him, but they couldn't even see his face … … "
"That's him." The old Prime Minister smiled, but then the worry on his face deepened: "I originally thought that he was pretending to be ill. After all, a few days ago, the Regent seemed to have the intention to take away his authority. He is now pretending to be ill and hiding his strength at home. Although it is a bit too obvious, it is also a problem … … However, I guessed wrong. Du Wei is really ill! "
The old man's voice carried deep regret: "Did you know? Last night, when he came to my house and saw me, he was sitting in a wheelchair. He … … "
"He what?"
"Our Duke of the Tulip Family seems to be paralyzed." The old Prime Minister gritted his teeth: "He also admitted it. Moreover, he swore to me that he was not lying. He really can't move his whole body. While I was talking to him, he fainted twice! He explained that something went wrong when he was doing a magic experiment. Alas … … In this situation, he really can't come forward to help you fight for anything in the hall. He can only come to me. "
At this point, the old Prime Minister was somewhat self-deprecating: "And me? I have long thought that Du Wei is the most suitable candidate for the 'bottom left' position. I was relieved to pass this position to him. But now, since he is in this situation, I can't force him. I can only brace myself and take the last shift to help him for a while. "
— — —
The Duke of the Tulip Family's residence.
Du Wei sat in the courtyard, his body softly leaning on the wheelchair. His complexion was normal, even with a faint rosy luster. But … … Du Wei was distressed. After returning from overseas for so many days, his' recovery period 'was still not over.
He was like a paralyzed person. His mind was gradually becoming as clear as a normal person's, although he was still weak.
But his mental strength was still not enough to control his body.
Not to mention standing up and walking, even picking up a pair of chopsticks now required almost all of his strength to barely do it.
"My Lord." Zuckerberg came to the residence early today. He stood beside Du Wei and whispered: "The news from the palace should be spreading soon … … But, I don't understand. Since you are the one who arranged this matter, and you are also the one who set up the Nanyang route, why don't you go to the palace yourself? With your power, as long as you take a seat in the palace, those who oppose you will not dare to speak up. "
Duwei smiled softly, his tone was a bit complicated, "Because of this, I can't go! Not only can I not participate in this matter in Nanyang, I cannot speak up, I cannot express myself … … on the contrary, I should stay as far away from this matter as possible! "
Seeing the confused look on Zuckerberg's face, Du Wei smiled: "You are very smart. But you are proficient in business. Politics is different. There is no need to explain these things to you. "
Pausing for a moment, he whispered: "Right, the backyard … … how much wine were sent over today?"
"A total of three carts." Zuckerberg's face suddenly turned odd and he smiled wryly: "Boss, if this goes on, all the wine in our stores in the imperial capital will be emptied! How many days has it been? Every day, there will be a few carts of wine! Forget a human, even a cow would not be able to drink all of this, right? "
Du Wei did not say anything. Inside, he smiled wryly: Indeed, it is not a cow!
It is a dragon!
The worst part is, inside the body of this dragon is a prisoner who has been locked up for over ten thousand years! He has not eaten or drunk anything for over ten thousand years … … Once he is released from prison, won't he go crazy trying to compensate me?
Old Chris was living in the backyard. Because of his "dragon form", Du Wei had given a strict order to not let anyone near the backyard! Of course, Old Chris was already familiar with his new body. He could already use the transformation spell to transform into a human. But … … there is a possibility that he had too much to drink. In his excitement, he revealed his dragon form.
Du Wei does not want anyone to know that he is keeping a "Golden Dragon" in his backyard.
Because there is an iron law in the imperial capital. It was jointly issued by the imperial family and the Magician's Guild: No magician is allowed to keep any dangerous magic pets in the imperial capital! This was a form of protection for the Imperial Capital!
And in the list of forbidden magic pets, dragons are the first on the list!
The funny thing is, Du Wei knows that Old Chris's true identity is far more terrifying than a dragon!
Not to mention, in addition to this ten thousand year old prisoner, there is also the Witch King Bai Hechou!
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(Okay, it is now 1: 30 in the morning. This is the fourth chapter of today's update and also the second chapter to make up for what I owe.
Originally, I was not going to write until 1: 30 in the morning. But because the original update was delayed, in order to express my apologies to my brothers, I stayed up all night to write.
Of course, of the three chapters that I owe, two chapters have been made up. I will continue to make up tomorrow!)
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