Kingdom’s Bloodline Chapter 238: No claws and no teeth

"Little bastard, you are joking with nmd——"

Facing the eccentric Thales, Earl Aitchison Lacia couldn't bear it, and stood up out of control.

"Father, sit down!"

At the last moment, the eldest son of the earl grabbed his father who had lost his composure. With his eyes and tone of voice, he unquestionably pushed the latter back into his seat:

"You are the earl. If you are impolite, let me do it."

Earl Aitchison's nostrils flared and his breathing became short of breath.

He stared at his eldest son in disbelief, then looked angrily at Thales, groaned and threw off his sleeves, turning his head to the side.

Eddie looked stern and nodded to his father.

The first and second sons are filial to their father and kind, the eldest son is well-spoken, and the Earl is kind.

Thales was so envious.

This should be used as a model for father and son, vigorously publicized, and promoted nationwide.

However, a small voice sounded in his heart again:

Don't be fooled, Thales.

First, perhaps, they do this in front of you?

The prince's expression changed.

Secondly, if they are not located in a remote swamp, they do not belong to the poor and weak Lashia family.

But another family or group that is richer and more powerful, entitled to leave more for posterity without having to worry about keeping itself alive?

For example... the Canxing family?

While thinking about it, the eldest son of the earl looked at him with sharp eyes, and asked softly:

"Why, Your Highness?"

Why?

"Because you are used to indirect provocation and playing hard to get."

Thales came back to his senses:

"On the contrary, I can't do such a rude and low-level act of directly assassinating the old prince-this is not in line with the four-winged monitor lizard's philosophy of life, and there will be endless troubles."

But Eddie still stared at him and shook his head expressionlessly:

"You misunderstood, Your Highness, what I am asking is: no matter in the past or now, why do we have to fight against the Kevin Dill family, which is not good for the Emerald City?"

Thales frowned slightly.

The earl's eldest son said seriously:

"Lasia is also on the south bank, farming and weaving for generations, relying on the local area for food and clothing, and with the blessing of Kevin Dill, it will prosper with the Emerald City, and all will be damaged. Why should we **** on our own dinner plates? Stuck in chaos on the south bank?

"Besides, you and I both know that in this era, with His Majesty's temperament, even if Kevin Dill loses power, it is impossible for the Lasia family who live in the swamp to get involved in the Kongming Palace, let alone the Emerald City and the South Bank. Collar.

"No matter in those days or now, what the Four-Winged Monitor Lizard most wants to avoid is to fight for power beyond its means, get involved in dangerous political struggles, and end up in a bleak end—there is Coldhold Arend in the distance, and Bright Star in the near The seven attendants are all lessons learned from the past."

Thales looked back at Eddie seriously, and was silent for a while.

"I also had the same confusion," the prince said, "I don't intend to offend, but with the size and ambition of the Lasia family, it should be enough to settle down in a corner, why bother to make trouble?"

Earl Aitchison snorted unhappily.

Eddie remained silent, waiting for Thales' next words.

"So I thought at first that you did this because of the old debts of the National Conference: the Lasia family participated in the 'New Star', and they were also part of the collective kneeling in the Hall of Stars to force the king to choose the crown prince."

Thales changed the subject and observed the expressions of the father and son:

"Maybe my father used this matter to blackmail you, threatening you to respond internally, to overthrow Zhan En and seize power in the Emerald City for him?"

Earl Aitchison was anxious and wanted to speak again, but Eddie was faster than him.

"Then maybe you should ask His Majesty."

The earl's eldest son said coldly.

"After all, apart from the stars in the sky, not everyone wants to dance with the dragon at the top of the world," although Eddie was usually taciturn, but at the moment he spoke sharply, "Let alone compete with the gods."

Thales frowned upon hearing this.

He watched the other person for a while, then shook his head.

"No, I have seen quite a few high-ranking officials and dignitaries from all over the kingdom. They have their own secrets and are difficult to deal with. Even if they are forced to become pawns by the ruler with power, it is at best a false story. .”

In that second, many figures flashed in his mind.

"But you, Lacia, in this struggle, your methods are so beautiful and ingenious: the original intention and position of each move seems to be loyal to the Duke, but in terms of the results and results, it is not conducive to Jann... If it weren't for Judge Brennan's notes, there would be no traces to follow, no evidence to point to..."

"Your Highness has no evidence, and subjective speculation based on a few old private notes of old cases is chilling." Eddie said softly.

Earl Aitchison chimed in unhappily:

"Yes!"

"But there may be another explanation for this," Thales thought clearly and was not disturbed at all, "In this political storm aimed at overthrowing Jann, the energy and cost you have invested in it is far more than that." More, bigger, and more complete than those my father forced, reluctant, and obedient."

Eddie's eyes moved.

"You are not forced, but spontaneous, active, positive, deliberate and go all out, so you can do it so seamlessly, even as cunning as Zhan En can't find it, even I can't do my best to track it down." Can't hold the handle."

Thales is decisive.

Earl Aitchison was aggressive before, but his face changed when he heard the words. He picked up the tea and buried his expression in the cup, and Thales didn't even have time to remind him not to forget to add sugar.

Eddie snorted coldly:

"Since His Royal Highness believes that we are behind the scenes, there is no need to worry about excuses."

Thales fell silent, and quietly looked at the eldest son of the earl with dangerous eyes.

It wasn't until Earl Acheson finished the tea in his cup that he realized that he forgot to add sugar, Thales smiled slightly.

He pulled out a few pages of documents from the drawer and pushed them in front of the two distinguished guests:

"This is a land survey certificate issued by the Notary Office of Emerald City."

Lasia and his son were taken aback for a moment, and both leaned forward.

The moment they read the words on the paper, their expressions changed slightly.

Thales tapped his fingers, pointing to this certificate, and pointing to this piece of land that was almost sold at a low price for money due to the financial crisis of Emerald City.

"This piece of wasteland in the South Bank Territory is located in the southwest of Shuori Town. Its former lord failed to invest, was heavily in debt, and unfortunately went bankrupt. Fortunately, the Star Kingdom has generous laws and civilized civilization, and did not follow the cruel and backward ancient imperial law. His whole family sold themselves into slavery and paid back the money from generation to generation.”

Neither did he return to the barbaric and ancient primitive practice of asking him to chop his hands and feet to pay off his debts.

Speaking of this, Thales couldn't help but think of the time when he was still in the Northland and was almost "paid off in installments".

"The advanced law of the Emerald City goes a step further: relevant departments receive the application and provide services to help the lord sell the land to repay the debt. , and perhaps the great nobles.”

Thales' words were not without sarcasm, while Lacia and his son had playful expressions.

Privilege to repay debts, write off arrears, regardless of the balance, and deal with bad debts perfectly, which is both humane and advanced.

As for how to distribute the proceeds...

"But if my people are not mistaken, this wasteland used to be - when it was not a wasteland - a fief under your Marshland," Thales tilted his head, "As for the bankrupt little Lord, maybe a few generations back, are you still related to you?"

Lassia and his son were stunned.

Thales raised his teacup unhurriedly and observed them calmly.

One second, two seconds, three seconds.

Finally, the earl himself couldn't hold back, why:

"Actually, this land was..." a long time ago

But Thales put down the teacup with a bang, interrupting him:

"Queen's Day and Emerald Celebration, this is the grand occasion of the year in the South Bank, and all dignitaries and dignitaries attach great importance to it. During the celebration, they socialize and have a great time—except for the Lasia family."

Lasia and his son were silent, but their expressions were stiff.

"You who believe in the Sunset Chowlands branch are notoriously simple and plain, with mysterious whereabouts, not sociable and not showy."

Thales glanced at them each.

"For every celebration in the past ten years, when you came to the Emerald City, except for showing up to the Duke at the Feast of the Battle, going to the temple to pray, and saying goodbye when you left, the rest of the time you closed the door to thank the guests, and went in and out. Almost like a temple monk—until this year.”

Thales smiled slightly, and after the laugh, he said solemnly:

"But it's not because your family is dull and unsociable, and it's not because of some beliefs that you can endure hardships and stand hard work—that's just an excuse created intentionally. As for the real reason..."

Looking at the notarial certificate on the table, the prince paused for a moment:

"It's poor."

The prince sighed softly, empathizing with him, sincerely.

The study became quiet again.

Both guests looked away.

Earl Aitchison put his fists to his knees, clenched and trembling.

Eddie lowered his head, his expression unpredictable, and he said nothing.

"I don't know when it started, but the self-sufficient marsh land that used to be high and far away began to decline: the annual income is not abundant, the finances are not supported, the land is abandoned, and the labor is outflowing. It's a mountain of debt." Thales said coldly.

Earl Aitchison's fist trembled more and more.

"As for a certain earl's family, even a passable banquet dress has to be rented for a short period of time. For the sake of the family's dignity, they have to sneak around and dare not let others know."

Eddie still didn't speak.

"And they were late just now, not because they were out of town to hunt," Thales couldn't help but sighed, "but because my invitation came too hastily, the rush was too urgent, and the time limit was too short, they had to find excuses and hurry Go and get together the team regulations, costumes and accessories needed to enter the palace for an audience..."

Seeing that they didn't respond, Thales had to deliberately glance at their simple and rough hunting suits:

"I guess, it's not all together."

Wow!

At this second, Earl Acheson stood up angrily, furious!

"Even if you are His Highness, you can't insult us like this!"

Eddie stood up immediately, with a serious face:

"Exactly!"

But after he finished helping his father, he immediately pressed his father's shoulder:

"It's okay, father, sit down."

Earl Aitchison's chest heaved and heaved, his complexion was ugly, he glanced at his eldest son and sat down swayingly, feeling a bit lost.

Thales didn't respond, just narrowed his eyes and continued to observe.

The earl's eldest son turned around, his words were decent, but his tone was cold:

"The Prophet Qiu Lanzi said: thrift is a virtue, and should not be ashamed of it."

"I agree," Thales nodded, "but frugality is an active choice, but embarrassment is a forced choice."

Seeing that Earl Acheson was about to explode again, Thales quickly backed down:

"Forgive me, I didn't intend to expose my faults, and I didn't intend to look down on noble families, and I didn't have the bad habit of judging people by rich or poor."

He sighed softly:

"But I guess these years—maybe more than these years—as the hottest corner of the kingdom, under the care of several generations of rulers, the South Shore Territory has undergone drastic changes in response to the times: industrial and commercial development, immigration gathering, The common people have risen, the new rich have emerged, land transfers, resource development, sea trade is booming, taxation has doubled, and Emerald City, as the main city, is advancing at a rapid pace, and its wealth and affluence are a hundred times greater than in the past."

Thales paused and looked at the two guests:

"However, located in the southwest of the Emerald City, the terrain is complex and densely covered with forests, the remote villages are poor in resources, and the naturally closed and conservative swampland is stagnant in comparison, even declining step by step, and the scenery is no longer there."

As soon as this remark came out, Lashia and his son were silent.

"That's right, in the case tried before the trial hall, the Baron Trent, whose fortune was ruined and whose family was in ruins, was reduced to a lawsuit against several farmers with the same coppers and their own land... ..."

Thales stuffed the notarial certificate back into the drawer:

"It's just the most obvious and typical epitome of what your Lasia family projects on the lower-level nobles."

Boom!

Thales closed the drawer heavily.

It seems to have closed the topic of this round.

The words have come to this point, Earl Aitchison closed his eyes sadly.

The earl's eldest son bit his lower lip tightly and said nothing.

"But you are one of the thirteen noble families after all: the four-winged monitor lizard in the swamp can hibernate its minions, but it will never die of suffocation."

Seeing that the fire was ready, Thales immediately changed the subject:

"So eleven years ago, when Viscount Sona, on behalf of the old nobles and old forces behind him, brazenly launched a war against his eldest brother, the duke, you were also ready to move."

Both Earl Lacia and his son raised their heads together, one with wary eyes and the other with complicated expressions.

"I think that the struggle between the old Duke of Leinster and his brother Sona is a sad brotherhood in the Iris family, but in the Emerald City and even the South Bank Territory, it is between different groups and different classes. A **** power showdown."

Thales is definitely authentic.

It is also a cruel elimination for the benefit of each of the different people in power who are drifting apart against the background of the rapid advancement of the South Bank leaders.

"But compared to the family that fell in that struggle back then, the Four-winged Monitor Lizard was cautious. You never attacked directly, but only used your strength in secret. Afterwards, I changed my body in time and changed the court, and I finally stood in the right position. Although I didn't win all, I didn't end up with the final winner, so I wouldn't be liquidated by the new Duke afterwards."

Thales shook his head slowly, shaking off the gag just now, and also shaking off the last dignity of the Lacia family:

"It's a pity, I don't know whether it is Zhan En who has seen through your vacillating ends, or whether the backward rule and lifestyle of the Lords of the Marsh really cannot keep up with the pace of the times, or whether it is the Lasia family's attitude towards the new era. The prediction of the Duke's ruling was wrong-you didn't drink the celebration wine for Jann's coming to power."

In other words, after drinking it, I found indigestion.

The medicine is wrong.

"Even the Vola Land is gradually changing. Under the insistence of the young ruler, the Karabyan family is slowly getting rich by taking advantage of the convenience of the Emerald City. But the marshes remain the same: maybe outsiders don't know it, but it's getting worse. You have long been the poorest and most glaring part of the kingdom's richest south bank territory. The difference between the rich and the poor is even better than the famous poor or border areas such as the northern border, the cliff land, and the blade. land."

At this point, Eddie suddenly snorted softly, not knowing what it meant.

"So, when Federico came back with a goal, especially when he learned that my father was still standing behind him," the prince said in a deep voice, "you who are at the end of the day have no choice but to grab this last straw .”

Thales' voice fell.

Earl Aitchison finally let go of his fist, and slumped back on the chair.

"Of course, you inherit the family tradition and still don't end in person. You take the initiative to fight against the enemy. You just want to get caught and do the opposite." Thales restrained his tone, trying to express understanding and sympathy, "so you can turn around freely, even if If you lose, you can stop the loss in time, and the injury is limited."

Thales' voice changed, his eyes burning:

"Of course, the above are just my guesses. If there are any mistakes, please feel free to make corrections."

Lassia and his son looked stiff, their eyes were lost in thought, and they were silent for a long, long time.

Thales didn't speak, let alone urge him, but just focused on replying to the remaining official documents.

It seems that the conversation just now didn't happen, and the guest on the opposite side didn't exist.

Let time take care of the rest.

Finally, after a few minutes, Count Lasia let out a long sigh:

"Your Highness, what exactly do you want us to do?"

Thales smiled.

It was a success after all.

He was about to make a request, but the eldest son of the earl snorted coldly:

"I remember that His Royal Highness exercised the right of arbitrator of the nobility to lock up Duke Jann and pursue the old case of Kevin Dill. I wonder if there is any progress now?"

Thales' expression tightened.

"But when will the case be concluded and sentencing?"

Eddie stared at Thales coldly:

"Is it Duke Zhan who is ashamed of the family kingdom and the teachings of the setting sun, or is it Master Federico's wishful thinking and turning black and white?"

This question was aggressive and the topic was sensitive, which made Thales frown.

"Son?" Earl Aitchison seemed quite surprised, reminding him in a low voice.

But his son didn't even look at him.

It doesn't look that easy.

Faced with unfriendly questions, Thales had to answer in a roundabout way:

"This case has been going on for a long time and is more complicated than expected. We need more time..."

But the Earl's eldest son didn't give him any face:

"Your Highness, you'd better hurry up, because this is the real matter that concerns the great affairs of the kingdom."

Eddie's eyes are burning:

"And the celebration is coming to an end, and you have no more time."

Business?

Is it related to the great affairs of the kingdom?

Thales looked back at him solemnly.

It seems that the other party knows his weakness.

Just...

"At this point, Eddie, do you think that what you are facing is only the question of choosing Jen or Federico?"

His smile disappears:

"Think you are still the same as before, you just need to work secretly, change the world, wait for the winner to take the position, and lose the sincerity to benefit?"

The two Lasias frowned together.

"You just said 'things have come to this day'," the earl said cautiously, "what does that mean?"

Thales couldn't help laughing.

"Since you have seen it, don't pretend to ignore it," he turned his face to show off his bruises, "Guess who in Emerald City beat it? Who has the guts?"

Lacia and his son looked at each other.

"Since there is no possibility of reconciliation between Your Highness and Duke Zhann, why don't you make up your mind, do business and settle it quickly?"

Eddie turned around and stared at the wound on Taylor's face without hesitation:

"If you continue to indulge in beauty, you may lose the trust of the Fuxing Palace."

Indulging in beauty...

Thales took a deep breath.

He swore that the father and son had never seen the "beauty" of the young lady when she became "Faceless Cork".

"No, the one who slapped me was not Xi..."

Facing the curious eyes on the opposite side, Thales had an idea, so he simply changed the subject and stopped explaining:

"It's too late, the Fuxing Palace already knows: the second prince was tricked by a woman in the Emerald City, and his majesty was lost, and his reputation was ruined."

His face turned cold:

"And he is very upset, not only for Emerald City, but also for me, and even for my ability to rule, and even my qualifications to inherit the throne."

Lassia and his son were all in awe, with solemn expressions.

Thales' tone was cold:

"So, for me, everything that happened here has gone beyond the scope of power struggles, and has begun to affect the stability of the kingdom and the dignity of the royal family."

He is serious:

"So I have decided: the Emerald City must be restored to normal order as soon as possible—of course, under my rule, and only under my rule," His Royal Highness's words made the two guests feel like they were sitting on pins and needles, "In this goal In front of it, neither Giann Federico nor the Fuxing Palace is important, at least not anymore."

"But Your Majesty..."

"No but!"

Thales' tone was firm: "As long as the Emerald City doesn't look the same for a day, the two Kevin Dill will continue to be locked in the Kongming Palace until the Emerald Festival is over, and the Fuxing Festival comes. When the extreme cold comes, they will be locked up and die of old age, their bones will be reduced to ashes.”

The expressions of Lasia and his son changed suddenly.

"And no matter who, no matter what their position is, whoever dares to obstruct this goal is the enemy of the kingdom, and also my enemy."

The Duke of Xinghu glanced coldly at the two guests:

"You guys, do you understand?"

The strength of the prince kept the two guests silent for a long time. They had complex expressions and frequently exchanged glances.

The unwilling Eddie took a deep breath and was about to reply, but this time, it was his father who spoke first.

"You and His Majesty are not on the same side, Your Highness?"

Thales' eyelids twitched.

I saw Earl Lacia himself sighing:

"Does he really know and allow you to mess around like this?"

Thales' heart sank.

"Your Majesty is my father, of course I am with him," Thales' answer was very standard, but he changed his subject halfway, "But what Your Majesty wants is by no means a dilapidated Emerald City, at least not Under my rule."

Speaking of which, Thales solemnly glanced at the two Lacias:

"Otherwise, I don't need to see you, I just need to let you secretly obstruct, push the situation to the limit, force those loyal to Zhan En to my opposite, and completely cut off the possibility of Zhan En's return—now, you guys Can you help me?"

The prince's words were aggressive, and the study became quiet again.

Lacia and his son exchanged glances back and forth.

In the end, the earl hesitated:

"Your Royal Highness, I am afraid it is difficult to understand our position..."

But Thales didn't give him a chance to bargain:

"But I know at least one thing: In your tug-of-war for South Bank leadership that has lasted for more than ten years and hundreds of years, the key is not whoever is in power."

Earl Aitchison frowned.

"Even if you change to a conservative and stubborn new duke and try to force everyone to go back to the old times, it will not solve the problem."

The next second, the second prince's tone softened.

"But I promise you, this matter is over, no matter who is in charge of the South Bank leader, he will give you a chance," Thales tried his best to sound sincere, "a chance to keep up with the new era and not be eliminated. "

The earl's eldest son's eyes moved.

"New Era," Eddie chewed on the weight of these words, staring at Thales, "Your Highness is saying, the era of the new king?"

Thales clenched his fist.

He took the bait.

The voice from the bottom of the prince's heart said softly:

Then give him the bait he wants most.

Just like everyone else wants.

No.

Thales took a deep breath, and tried hard to restrain the light "yes" from blurting out.

No.

"As I said, the key is not whoever is in power," he said softly, "even if it is the king."

Eddie didn't get the answer he wanted and was not very satisfied.

"You said, give us a chance."

The earl's eldest son asked:

"What kind of opportunity? Like the one you gave to the Doyle family, an asylum from sin? Or did you give Karabyan? To Aarond? To the Black Lion family? To the four-eyed skull? "

Thales frowned at each of the other's questions. He was about to explain, but the count himself pressed his son's shoulder and interrupted the conversation.

"Son, Your Highness, enough is enough."

Aitchison Lasia sighed dejectedly.

He has always shown his emotions and anger, and his face and expression at this moment seem to be ten years older:

"Your Highness, you know the history of the Lashia family's prosperity, but also the truth behind it?"

"The truth?"

Aitchison nodded, speaking faintly:

"Bodman, the ancestor of our family, was a student and subordinate of Halva Karabyan, the wise minister of the kingdom in the past. Six centuries ago, the Black Eye Northern Expedition to Ext took away most of the kingdom So young and strong that when the marshes are in chaos and the south bank is unstable, the stars have no soldiers to use."

Thales frowned slightly.

"The Zhixiang who was in power in the country had no choice but to call on the ancestors of Bodman to go to Zedi to be gentle and win over in order to seek stability. The ancestors also felt grateful for the teacher's kindness, so they brought the whole family there and regarded death as home."

Earl Lacia sighed softly:

"Fortunately, from the Prime Minister to the Emerald City, from the Secret Department of the Kingdom to the Royal Guard, from intelligence to resources, from power to title, the Fuxing Palace gave him the greatest support and convenience. situation."

Thales doesn't know the opponent's intentions, so he can only cheer at the right time:

"The 'monitor lizard' is extremely talented. Now, he must be a famous official like Gilbert Cassel."

But Aitchison sneered:

"But the good times don't last long. John I, who was attacking abroad, is still in court."

John I.

"Black eye?"

Aitchison nodded with a solemn expression: "What's worse, he lost the battle."

Of course.

Thales knows this history.

Full of confidence and ambition, starting from the north, the star cavalry who "reproduced the conquest of the empire" suffered countless casualties under the cold fortress.

The seemingly divided kingdom of Exeter is not only safe and sound, but the ten princes have also reunited as one, and their unity and intimacy are stronger than ever.

However...

"How can the mighty and proud Black-Eyed King tolerate failure? How can he return in vain with his military actions regardless of the cost?"

Earl Aitchison sarcastically said:

"The reputation left by the Northern Expedition, how can there be only one sentence, 'Why didn't the king listen to the prime minister'?"

Thales frowned:

"What do you mean?"

The earl's eldest son answered him:

"The Northern Expedition of the Black Eyes, in the eyes of outsiders, one cannot fail to do so."

Aitchison nodded with complicated eyes:

"At this moment, the ancestors of Bodman just made a contribution."

"Heimu," Thales reacted, "He took the credit for conquering Zedi to the throne and took it as his own? Is this the truth?"

Eddie sneered and shook his head:

"If only this was the only way."

Looking at the other party's expression, Thales understood something.

"Wisdom?"

The earl nodded:

"The Northern Expedition failed, someone must bear the blame."

Just listen to the aging Aitchison whispering:

"It is said that there is a femme fatale in Heimu, a foreign mistress. Prime Minister, he argues that the Northern Expedition failed because Lord Halwa was war-weary, that he did not do his best to supervise the country, and that the support from the rear was insufficient, which delayed the military plane..."

Thales was stunned.

"But..." the prince subconsciously said.

"The ancestors didn't want to do this." The eldest son of the earl shook his head.

"Of course, who wants to be a traitor by nature?" Earl Aitchison sarcastically said, "Besides, Zhizhi has the kindness to know him, and loves him like a father and son! And at that time, Halwa was already dying, and his time was numbered... "

"But what choice does he have?" The eldest son of the earl shook his head.

Facing Thales' frown, Acheson explained slowly:

"At that time, the ancestor had just gained a firm foothold in the swamp, barely escaped the pursuit, the family servants were scattered, and only one of the four sons survived... and he was surrounded by powerful enemies, whether he tried his best to protect himself or Using tactics and tricks, and even trying his best to persuade the major tribes to submit to the kingdom, Bodman needs the resources of the court, the funds of the Fuxing Palace, the authorization of the king, the support of the kingdom's secret department, the backing of the army, and even more so. The iron-blooded majesty represented by the double-star cross flag..."

"He has no choice." Eddie said coldly.

No options.

Thales frowned.

"If I remember correctly," the prince couldn't help but said, "King John I himself was also taught by Halwa since he was a child, so he is considered a student of Zhixiang?"

"Exactly." The eldest son of the earl said disdainfully, "but the relationship between a teacher and a student is nothing compared to a pillow, and the truth is always more absurd than common sense."

Thales was silent when he heard the words.

Earl Aitchison nodded slowly, not without sentimentality:

"In this way, in the history books, the ancestors of Bodman finally conquered the land, created a foundation, and became a generation of famous ministers.

"It's just that his achievements have been quietly rewritten, as if from the very beginning, John I planned wisely and specially sent him to disintegrate the tribes of the swamp and expand the territory.

"However, Halwa, the wise minister, was accused of not being strong as a minister, as being ineffective as a prime minister, and surrendering to the main peace, which was the root cause of the failure of the Northern Expedition.

"It's just that Heimu showed great mercy, because of the old relationship between the teacher and the student, and because he had served the king for many years, he was exempted from Halwa's punishment, and he did not take away his title. Rural pension."

Be merciful...

Thales looked serious.

"In this way, Halwa, the 'wisdom minister' who witnessed the final battle and served two generations of kings, was alone, lying weakly in the dilapidated carriage driven by the old servant, amidst thousands of citizens who were cursing and shouting at him. Among the rotten eggs, he died of illness on the way back home.”

Earl sighed with emotion:

"Karabiyan has declined since then, and it was not until King Taiping succeeded to rehabilitate the old officials that he regained his vitality and revived his family reputation."

The earl's eldest son sneered.

The earl shook his head:

"Although the ancestors said that Prime Minister Halwa did not blame him in the last letter, Bodman still felt guilty for it all his life. When he was dying of illness, he burst into tears and repented. He just made a will to state the truth. In order to return my teacher's innocence after Heimu's death, and to atone for myself."

Although Kurome has a cold personality, it is a public opinion of history that he is ruthless and ungrateful...

Although Halwa was dismissed by the king in his later years, it is not a secret that it is embarrassing...

But this truth, even if it's just told from the perspective of the Lasia family, Thales was slightly dazed.

It's even more emotional.

It's a pity.

Thales thought silently.

Unfortunately after hundreds of years...

Some people only remember that Heimu's selection of talents can seize the marshes skillfully, remember that Heimu's army reappeared in the Northern Expedition, remember that Heimu was brave and good at fighting and overwhelmed the heroes of the North, and remember that Heimu has countless romantic lovers...

There are also people who only worship Heimu Mingchao for his wisdom and scheming, some people are obsessed with Heimu masculinity and majesty, some boast that he bears the golden blood of the imperial family and lives up to his former glory, and some praise him for going further than his father and forging nine stars The crown, suppressing the stars and deterring the heroes, showing the 'last majesty of the empire'...

Thales sighed softly.

However, no one remembers that in that unimaginably crazy era, in order to cover up the evil intentions, the military and arbitrariness, in order to satisfy the king's self-willed and grandiose feats, in order to pretend to be John I's court reputation and the dignity of the throne...

More unfortunate people have no choice.

Thales closed his eyes.

At this moment, the voice in his heart whispered: But that's the most complicated and interesting part, isn't it?

In that position, right and wrong no longer matter.

Big and small, winning and losing, strong and weak, became the ultimate master.

Thales shook his head and stopped thinking about it.

In the study, Earl Aitchison shook his head and sighed:

"Whether it was hundreds of years ago, the ancestors faced the black eye, faced the wise minister, faced the Fuxing Palace, faced the barbaric tribes of the swamp..."

"It is still now, facing the Emerald City, facing His Majesty, facing...you." The eldest son of the earl said coldly.

Aitchison nodded:

"The Lasia family has long been used to going back and forth between those who can crush us to death, in order to survive, and also know how to maneuver among those we want to crush to death, looking for opportunities to win."

He stared at Thales:

"Because this is our family's ancestral training and destiny."

Thales was at a loss for words for a while, and didn't know how to answer.

But the Earl obviously didn't need him to answer either.

"People often say that the Cullen family in the East China Sea has long sleeves and dance skills in history, moving freely among the major powers..."

Earl Aitchison's tone became more sarcastic:

"But if I occupy the fertile land of the kingdom, if I sit on the seven ports of the East China Sea, if I command the polar sun fleet across the seven seas... Then I can naturally dance with long sleeves and move freely, and I guarantee that I can dance better than Anrenzo's dance." Ji is more beautiful, and moves faster than good horses in the Northland! Even if she was loyal to two kings back and forth, and betrayed four times and returned three times, there are still people who politely treat her as a guest! Let the historians describe betrayal as shrewdness, Say unfaithfulness as judging the situation, and change capriciousness into 'flexible behavior'!"

"But we didn't." The earl's eldest son suddenly spoke, as if pouring a basin of ice water over his head.

Earl Aitchison nodded slowly, and looked at Thales with a bitter smile.

"Your Highness, you just said that the key to this tug-of-war is not who is in power?"

Thales hesitated to speak, and could only force a smile.

I saw the Earl shaking his head with a click:

"A nobleman like you with the blood of the emperor and the crown of the crown is naturally from a high position, and you don't care who is in power here."

"But we are not." The earl's eldest son spoke again.

Earl Lacia nodded:

"We are just lizards living in remote swamps, without claws or teeth; we can only dive deep into the swamp to hide high tree branches when the wind blows and grass, to avoid danger; we can only sit and watch predators fight each other and steal food Rotten; we can only spread our four wings nervously to pretend to be huge, and pretend to be big."

Thales' smile gradually disappeared.

"When the chips are low, you have no choice, and you can't care about the struggling posture, whether it looks good or not."

The earl let out a long sigh:

"Just like six hundred years ago, when the ancestor of Bodman was named by the wise minister and went to the dangerous and unknown swamp, he had to go."

Thales was silent for a long time after listening to the other party's meaningful explanation.

"Then you mean that the Emerald City incident..."

Before he finished speaking, Earl Aitchison interrupted him with a cold snort, looking at his son.

Eddie's expression was stern, and he was also silent for a moment before he said coldly under his father's eyes:

"The Lasia family will do what you said, Your Highness, we will faithfully carry out your orders, defend your majesty, and strive for the stability of the Emerald City."

Thales was breathless, but before he started to cheer up, the earl added:

"I just hope you can keep your word and give us a chance."

Thales quickly restrained his emotions and sat upright:

"It must be so."

But Earl Lasia laughed.

He smiled bleakly, but also very open-minded.

"It's okay, it doesn't matter if you don't comply."

Thales couldn't help being stunned.

"Because we have long been used to it," the eldest son of the earl added blankly, "People in power talk like farting—the higher the position, the more so."

Thales couldn't help being dazed, chewing on the meaning behind this sentence.

But Earl Acheson had already stood up and saluted, and bid farewell respectfully.

"Your Excellency," the prince returned the salute with complicated emotions, and did not forget to ask the last sentence, "Jane's father, Duke Leinster Cavendir, died at the hands of whom?"

Aitchison didn't answer, but just gave him a deep look.

Thales couldn't get the answer, so he had to change the question:

"So, the recognized murderer behind the scenes, Viscount Sona Cavendir, what's so strange about his death?"

The count was silent.

"I don't know, Your Highness," he said in a deep voice after a while, "There is only one thing that is certain."

Thales quickly concentrated.

I saw Aitchison Lasia slowly raised his head.

"Like many others, they all died in the Emerald City."

Thales' heart moved.

"The city of queens, the city of wealth, the city of dreams," the Patriarch of the Four-winged Monitor Lizard turned cold, "it is even more a city of curses."

This answer seemed nonsense, but Thales thought about it after hearing it.

The next second, Earl Aitchison walked out of the study without hesitation.

His eldest son originally followed, but stopped at the last moment.

"Our family language is 'Marsh monitor lizard, hidden murderous intent', Your Highness."

Eddie turned around and said coldly:

"As for 'no claws and no teeth', it's just a drunken joke of Heimu."

Thales raised his eyebrows and nodded seriously:

"Of course."

"Because lizards are not clawless and toothless, but their claws are too thin and exert too little force, so they can only be used for climbing and grasping, and maintaining their fragile bodies on cliffs."

The eldest son of the earl looked at the prince behind the desk expressionlessly.

"And its teeth are too small and hidden too deep. Only when the prey is sure to reach the mouth can it be fully exposed and tear the meat."

Before thinking about the meaning of this sentence, Thales sat upright and responded solemnly:

"Of course, I remember."

"It's okay if you don't remember."

Eddie Lacia turned to the door.

"Because we will remember."

Thales couldn't help but shudder.

"Excuse me, but it's time I ordered a new pair of boots," Eddie stepped out the door, "may the setting sun see your way ~IndoMTL.com~ the door is closed.

Thales stared at the direction in which Lacia and his son left, lost in thought for a long time.

Very good, Thales—a voice in my heart quietly concluded—that's it, you won.

Just keep working hard, and the goal is close at hand.

Thales lowered his head in disappointment.

Exactly.

Rationality told him that in this round of competition, he won.

He got what he wanted.

But sensibility, or in other words, a different kind of instinct told him in the dark:

He didn't win.

Not far. (End of this chapter)

Please remember the first domain name of this book: . :