Chapter 66 The Third Romagna War
Alexander VI walked on a porch supported by many tall Romanesque columns, and the sun shone in from the middle of the columns, cutting the ground out of many regular, dark and long shadows.
Alexander VI felt that his mood was the same as those clear and clear shadows on the ground. It was still sunny at this moment, but it was dull the next moment.
The incident of Constantine becoming the Duke of Milan has a great blow to Alexander VI. He did not expect that in the end, he supported Alexander's brother-in-law who supported him to seize the throne of the Duke of Milan. More importantly, Maximian also supported this proposal, which means that Old Rovery has colluded with the emperor.
Alexander VI felt a crisis. He knew that Rovery Old had always coveted the throne of the Pope, and even did not hide his desire to become a pope in some public occasions. Alexander VI believed that if the Pope's position was not for life until death, in this favorable situation where he had the advantage, Rovery Old might have forced him to palace.
This made the Pope feel that he had become a lonely man in the Vatican. Although he still occupies the highest priesthood in the world of Christ, his enemies are extremely powerful.
When I think of this Alexander VI, I can't help but think of Caesar.
Caesar is now on Elba Island, and he once sent someone to visit him. After learning that his son had not suffered any unfair treatment, Alexander VI also thought that maybe he should stay in that place for more years, at least until Alexander felt that he was no longer a threat, and then he found an opportunity to find a way to rescue him from there.
But now Alexander VI feels that he needs Caesar too much.
At that time, Alexander VI was able to unscrupulously show everyone his majesty as the spokesperson of God in the world of Christ. The Pope Army played an important role in this. As his son and commander of the Pope Army, Caesar, as his son and commander of the Pope Army, had a glory for too short, but it was enough to force those secular monarchs to consider the attitude of the Vatican, or Alexander VI himself in many matters.
However, as Caesar was imprisoned on Elba, Alexander's army not only had control over the Romagna region, but also became the protector of Rome and the Vatican. This seemed no different from before, but the incident of Constantine becoming the Duke of Milan deeply stimulated the pope. Alexander VI realized that he still needed Caesar to control his own army for him.
Seeing his private secretary Nomero walking quickly from a distance, the Pope stopped, and he stood hunched over in the sunlight between the two Roman pillars. This season afternoon was just a time for people to feel drowsy, but looking at Nomero's hurry, the Pope realized that something might have happened again.
"Your Majesty, the French have started a war in Lombardy," Nomero couldn't wait to report to the Pope what he had just heard. "Constantine de la Rovere has escaped from Milan, and now the French army is gathering in Milan. There is news that they may march into Romagna next."
Alexander VI was stunned for a moment. He seemed to want to straighten his body or listen carefully. But then he waved his hand and greeted Nomero and walked through the colonnade with him and walked to the garden to sit down: "Tell me what happened. I know Louis started another war, but did the Milanese resist?"
"I heard that Rovery Jr. was worried that the Milanese might rebel after the arrival of the French, so that he might be the same as the Metic family, and perhaps not as lucky as Metic. So when the French approached Milan, he fled from Milan overnight with his own people. It is said that he had fled to his territory in Ferrara."
"This is such a brave knight," Alexander VI did not hide his gloating after hearing the news, and then he asked Nomero to help him stand up and pace slowly in the garden. "We have to send someone to contact Louis, but I believe he should have sent someone, but this does not prevent us from being more active."
"What advice do you think Louis will make?" Nomero asked carefully, feeling the heavy weight that was almost completely supported on his wrist, mixed with obvious tremors. Nomero couldn't help but worry about the Pope's aging body.
"I don't understand why Louis suddenly launched a war at this time. You must know that even if Rovery Jr. escaped, he still had many enemies. I believe the emperor would not miss this opportunity. Moreover, although the British sent not many troops, it was enough to cause a threat. Also, Aragon, did Louis not worry at all?"
"Your Majesty, this is exactly what I report to you. There is news that Aragon has negotiated peace with the French," Nomero reported in a low voice, feeling the pope's hand holding his wrist suddenly tightened, Nomero immediately stopped "So what should we do with your majesty?"
"Are you asking if you should form an alliance with Louis again?" Alexander VI's voice seemed a little erratic. He let go of Nomero's hand and walked slowly in the garden alone. Looking at the vibrant garden, his mood had already floated to some unknown place.
"Normero, you should probably visit Caesar," Alexander VI suddenly turned to Normero and said, "I haven't heard from him for a long time."
Nomero nodded silently. He had almost known the Pope's decision at this time.
The news of Constantine's escape from the city spread throughout Rome like a whirlwind, and when he heard the bad news, Old Rovere had not even had time to get angry about his son's actions, and a messenger from Montina had already arrived.
What surprised Old Lovere was that this messenger was Machiavelli, who was highly valued by Alexander. Seeing this Florentine, Old Lovere already knew what kind of trouble he would face next.
"Dear Cardinal, I have to regret to tell you that the Duchess is extremely angry at the actions of Duke Constantine," Machiafli couldn't wait to explain his purpose after saluting Roverey's old. "Mrs. has decided to reconsider its relationship with Ferrara when necessary and the responsibilities it should bear as an ally. Although this is unfortunate, this decision is entirely due to the actions of Duke Constantine, and the Duchy of Romagna Tuscany has no moral responsibility."
Old Luo Weire looked at the diplomat who was talking in front of him with a gloomy face. Constantine's actions really surprised him, and even felt incredible. After all, in his mind, his son was fearless, but now he made the move to abandon the crown and throne and escape. He heard that he had escaped back to Ferrara. Did he think Ferrara's walls were stronger than Milan?
The current situation is that because of Constantine's escape, the Principality of Romagna Tuscany is about to face the attack of almost the entire French army alone. In this regard, Old Rover's anger towards his daughter was completely understood, and even his own anger was not inferior to Barenti, because he realized that perhaps this matter would become the beginning of another crisis.
"My Duke is not at home now, and the French army is threatening the borders of the Duchy of Romagna," Machiafli said in a low tone to Rovery Old "in this case, I think it is necessary for you to bring me back a promise that can reassure her, which is related to the stability of our alliance."
Machiafli's words made Rovery frown. He did not blame this person for being unreasonable. In fact, the Romanian-Tuscan Principality, also known as Romanthea, is indeed facing a huge crisis now.
This danger of even destroying a country is unbearable for anyone, and the one who causes this situation is his son Constantine.
What made Old Rover even more annoyed was that as the French successfully occupied Milan without paying any price, the pro-French forces, which had been temporarily silent due to the French's frustration, were also quickly moving.
Old Luo Weire's lips moved, and no one heard him secretly curse in Genoa's local language, swear words that he should never say like this.
"This is a must. I will abide by the agreement with Romethea." Although he was a father and daughter, Old Rovery did not expect to get Barenti's understanding because of this. He was too familiar with his daughter. This was also the reason why he appreciated this daughter at the time. He was calm and utilitarian, and would not affect his pursuit of his goal because of his feelings. Until now, this personality that he admired the most has become the root cause of Barenti's criticism of him.
"I will ask Constantine to reconsider organizing Ferrara's army to join the fight against the French, but that may take time."
When Old Rover said this, he couldn't help but curse again. He had decided to write a letter to Constantine immediately to ask him how he made such a stupid decision. However, he did not directly answer the conditions proposed by Machiafli. At this time, Old Roverey thought of the worse consequences that Constantine's actions might have.
The troubles caused by Constantine's hasty escape from Milan soon emerged.
Just two days later, an envoy from Venice suddenly came to the Vatican. After a secret conversation with several cardinals, the Venetian suddenly announced at a meeting of aristocratic families in Rome that in order to prevent Milan from falling into Louis XII, he would reconsider the choice of the legal successor to the title of Milan. At the same time, Venice would send an army into the Lombardy region.
This announcement shocked Rome instantly, and many people realized that this should be the consequence of Constantine's escape to Ferrara.
On the contrary, voices of support for Louis XII to become the Duke of Milan appeared in the Cardinal Corps.
For a moment, all parties in the Vatican became restless.
Machiafli's Vatican trip was obviously not just about visiting Rovery Old. After receiving the unsatisfactory promise of Rovery Old Old, Machiafli began to frequently move in the Vatican.
He hopes to find enough help as soon as possible, while paying close attention to those who might pose a threat to the Principality of Romanthea.
Among these people, Machiafli is most concerned about Pope Alexander VI.
When Nomelo left Rome with the Pope's letter, Machiafli was listening to the various differences in the Cardinal's group due to the changes in Milan in the residence of Cardinal Mahimo.
The Venetian suddenly announced his attention to the title of Milan, and although Machiafli actively mediated in Rome, it was obvious that many people were no longer optimistic about Constantine.
Especially when Alexander VI suddenly opened the prayer for the health and good luck of King Louis XII at the Mass on the first day, many people realized that there was a trace of probably difficult to bridge between the Duke of Romanesian and the Pope.
Machiafli keenly sensed the danger. The next day he hurriedly found Machiamo who had just returned to Rome from Bologna. After inquiring about some movements inside the Cardinal regiment from him, Machiafli became more sure of his guess.
"The Pope is tempting, he may be planning to change his mind, no, I can be sure that he has decided to work with the French again now."
Machiafli turned around the circle anxiously. Seeing Machimo seemingly disapproving, he stopped and said anxiously: "It's already bad now. Maybe the Pope has sent someone to contact the King of Dharma. If that happens, we must find a way to stop him, at least to prevent him from declaring the legitimacy of the French march into Rome."
"Maybe you are right, but it may be that you are too careful. You should know that his granddaughter is the duchess of Pisa," Mahimo said skeptically. "Once the French march into Rome, Pisa will definitely not be spared. This is not a good thing for him."
"Maybe you said it right," Machiafli's nervousness slightly calmed down. He had to admit that Machiafli said it right, but then he immediately became suspicious of this idea: "No, we cannot take it lightly. You must know that it was Alexander VI, and his greed for power is something you can't imagine now."
Machiafli walked back and forth again in a panic, until he suddenly stopped and turned to look at Machimo, with a strange look on his face: "Do you think he will use the guarantee of Estrece's status as a condition for exchange with the French?"
Machiafli's words made Mahimo stunned. He moved his lips to speak, but suddenly he suddenly realized that he didn't know what to say.
It was obvious that he realized that Machiafli's words were not random speculations. After getting the promise to guarantee the status and territory of his grandson, it seemed that it was a good deal to give up a cheap son-in-law who was obviously in a bad situation.
"I'm going to see the Cardinal." Mahimo muttered and stood up and walked out hurriedly.
Machiafli knew that he was talking about Lao Lovery, but he was not optimistic about Machimo's visit. Thinking about Lao Lovery's perfunctory attitude towards him before, looking at Machimo who was walking away, deep worries appeared in the Florentine's eyes.
In the first week of early April, everyone spent the atmosphere full of strangeness and strangeness. After hearing about Alexander VI's open prayer for Louis XII at the Mass, many people immediately understood that the Duchy of Romagna Tuscany had lost the support from the Pope.
Elba Island, an island located on the Tyrenean Sea, about 2 Faris off the Tuscan coast, is the largest island on the Tyrenean Sea after Sardinia and Corsica. The warm climate and pleasant scenery on the island make it a beautiful sea garden on the Tyrenean Sea.
However, it will take hundreds of years for this island to become truly famous. At that time, it was once famous for imprisoning a Corsican demon.
Today, Elba Island is not very comfortable. The villages and towns on the island are scattered and scattered. Except for a slightly larger town located on the east side of the island and the mainland, other places are not worth mentioning.
At the highest point of this town formed along the hillside, there is a villa that has just been repaired. The designer of the villa is the famous artist Blamente. This famous master is not only responsible for building the world-famous Tambiedo Chapel, but also the designer of Montina New Castle. Now, under the guidance of this master, a rather magnificent mountaintop villa called "Milling" appeared on the top of the mountain in Tiegang Town, Elba Island.
When Nomero walked into a large room in the villa, he saw Caesar waving his beloved armor-breaking sword in this empty room.
Caesar's movements were unhappy, but they were quite powerful. Every time he swung down, he could hear the sound of the sword blade slashing through the air. Although it was only April, it can be seen from his sweat-soaked hair that every movement was full of strength.
"You have never given up on your ambitions, have you?" Standing at the door and looking for a while, Nomero finally spoke.
However, although Caesar had seen him, he had no intention of stopping. The power of his wielding armor-breaking sword became even greater. As his arms swung vigorously, sweat flew out from his forehead, landed on the sword and bounced away around him.
"Your Majesty wants me to send you a letter."
Nomero's words finally made Caesar's hand pause. He slowly stopped and turned to look at the secretary's face: "What did he ask you for my forgiveness, or do you want me to believe that he did this for my own good?"
"Your father promised the Duke of Romanesia out of helplessness. You did anger that person. We all know that if it weren't for your brother Lucrezia, your tombstone might have been covered by weeds." Nomero said helplessly, and then he walked up to Caesar and took out the letter. "But now you have a good chance, you must know that this may make you turn over."
Caesar looked at Nomero and slowly took the letter from him. As the content of the letter fell into his eyes, Caesar's breathing began to become rapid.
"Is this true, is the French coming?"
"It's true that Louis' army has approached the border of Romanthea," Nomero blocked the view of the guards outside the house, and pressed against Caesar in his ear. "You have such a chance now, tell me what you are going to do?"
Looking at Nomero's eyes near him, Caesar looked around and then sighed softly: "I used to hate this place, but I must admit that it is very good. But after I leave, I don't know who will become the owner of this place in the future."
After saying that, he inserted the armor-breaking sword in his hand into the scabbard.
"But if I were to choose between a long-lived prisoner and a short-lived ruler, I would definitely choose the latter, even if it was only for that moment of glory."
On April 11, 1501, Caesar Porgia commanded his subordinates on Elba to suddenly attack the Montina defenders stationed on the island. Taking advantage of the chaos, he led 60 loyal guards to seize a ship, then left Elba and headed towards Italy!
Almost at the same time, on the northern border of Romanesia.
Chapter completed!