Kingdom's Bloodline Chapter 739

   "Little brat, you are kidding about nmd—"

  Facing the yin and yang Thales, Earl Aitchison Lasia couldn't bear it, and stood up out of control.

   "Father, sit down!"

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

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

   Earl Aitchison's nose flared and his breathing was short.

  He stared at his eldest son in disbelief, then looked at Thales angrily, flung off his sleeves angrily, and turned 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 complexion changed.

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

   Another family or group that is richer and more powerful, entitled to leave more for future generations, without having to worry about keeping itself alive?

  For example... the Canxing family?

   While thinking, 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 make such a rude and low-level act of directly assassinating the old duke—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, shaking his head expressionlessly:

   "You misunderstood, Your Highness, what I am asking is: No matter in the past or now, what reason 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 do we **** on our own dinner plates and sink into the south bank? confusion?

   "Besides, you and I both know very well that in this era, with His Majesty's temper, 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 Territory.

"Whatever the four-winged monitor lizard wants to avoid the most is to fight for power and gain beyond its means, get involved in dangerous political struggles, and end up in a bleak end—there are cold castle Arend in the distance, and the seven servants of the stars nearby. It is a lesson for others.”

  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 sentence.

   "So I thought at first that you did this because of the old debts of the State Council: 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 when he heard the words, 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 observed the other party 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 they are all 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 people flashed in his mind.

"But you, Lashia, 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 Brennan The judge's notes, no one else can follow, no evidence to point to..."

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

   Earl Aitchison chimed in unhappily:

"that is!"

"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 those who were There are more, bigger, and more complete people my father persecutes, reluctantly, and obediently."

  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 the clues, even I can't catch it with all my strength handle."

  Thales is decisive.

  Earl Acheson 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 even Thales had no time to remind him not to forget to add sugar.

  Eddie snorted in disdain:

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

  Thales fell silent, staring quietly 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 Emerald City Notary Office."

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

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

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

"This piece of wasteland in the South Bank Territory is located in the southwest of Shimmering Sun 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 force his whole family to sell themselves in accordance with the cruel and backward ancient imperial law. Be a slave and pay back the money from generation to generation.”

  Nor did he go back to the barbaric and ancient primitive practice, asking him to chop his hands and feet to pay off his debts.

   Speaking of this, Thales couldn't help thinking 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, provide services, and help the lord sell the land to repay the debt. There are great nobles."

  Thales' words were not without sarcasm, while Lasia 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 Zedi flag," Thales tilted his head, "As for this little lord who is bankrupt, maybe there will be more How many generations have you still been related to you?"

   Lashia and his son were stunned.

  Thales raised his teacup unhurriedly and observed them calmly.

   One second, two seconds, three seconds.

  Finally, the earl himself could not restrain himself first, why:

   "In fact, this land was long ago..."

   But Thales put down the teacup with a bang and interrupted him:

   "The Queen's Day and the Emerald Celebration, this is a grand occasion of the year in the South Bank. 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.

   "Those of you who believe in the Qiulanzi branch of the setting sun are notoriously simple and plain, your whereabouts are mysterious, you are not sociable and you don't like to show off."

  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 Battle of the Front Banquet, 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. Friar—until this year."

  Thales smiled slightly, and after laughing, he said solemnly:

   "But it's not because your family has a dull personality and is not sociable, let alone some beliefs that endure hardships and stand hard work—that's just an excuse created intentionally. As for the real reason..."

  The prince looked at the notarial certificate on the table and paused for a moment:

   "It's poor."

  The prince sighed softly, empathizing with him, sincerely.

  The study room became quiet again.

  The two guests looked away.

   Earl Acheson put his fists on his knees, clenched and trembling.

  Eddie lowered his head, his expression unpredictable, and he didn't say a word.

"I don't know when it started, 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. The vassals and lords at all levels are unable to make ends meet. "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 sigh, "but because my invitation came too hastily, too urgently, and the time limit was too short, so they had to find excuses and rush to attend The team rules, costumes and accessories required for Qi to enter the palace to have an audience..."

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

   "I guess, they didn't make it all up."

   Wow!

  At this second, Earl Aitchison 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 he finished helping his father, and then pressed the other'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 little 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: Frugality is a virtue, and it should not be ashamed of it."

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

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

   "Please forgive me, I didn't mean 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 changed drastically in response to the times: industrial and commercial development, immigration gathering, common people leaping, and upstarts. , land transfer, resource development, sea trade is booming, taxation has doubled, and Emerald City, as the main city, is advancing at a rapid pace, and it is a hundred times richer than before."

  Thales paused and looked at the two guests:

   "However, it is located in the southwest of the Emerald City, but the terrain is complex and densely covered with jungles, the remote countryside is poor in resources, and the naturally closed and conservative swamp land is stagnant in comparison, and even declines step by step, and the scenery is no longer there."

  As soon as this remark was made, 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 completely destitute, was reduced to a lawsuit by several farmers who had the same copper coins and their own family land, but only ended up losing both..."

  Thales stuffed the notarial certificate back into the drawer:

   "It's just the most obvious and typical epitome projected by your Lasia family on the low-level nobles."

  Boom!

  Thales closed the drawer heavily.

   It seems that the topic of this round has also been closed.

   Having said this, Earl Acheson 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."

  Thales saw that the fire was ready, and 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 elder brother, the duke, you were also ready to move."

  The father and son of Earl Lacia 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 it is a **** battle between different groups and different classes in the Emerald City and even the South Bank Territory. Showdown of power."

  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 leader.

"But compared to the family that fell in that struggle back then, the Four-winged Monitor Lizard is cautious. You never attack directly, you only use your strength in secret, and you weigh and think twice on the way, and even changed in time after the death of the old duke. , Changing the family, after all, you are in the right position. Although you have not won a complete victory, you have not made enemies with the final winner, and you will not 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's Zhan En who has seen through your vacillations, or whether the backward rule and lifestyle of the marshland lords really can't keep up with the pace of the times, or whether it's the Lasia family's attitude towards the new duke's ruling. Wrong prediction—you didn't get the toast that Jen came on stage."

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

  The medicine is wrong.

"Even Vola Land is gradually changing. Under the insistence of the young rulers, the Karabyan family has slowly become rich by taking advantage of the convenience of the Emerald City. But the marshes are still the same: Maybe outsiders don't know, but you who are getting worse, have long since It has become the poorest and most glaring part of the kingdom's richest south bank territory, and the difference between the rich and the poor is even better than the famous poor or border areas such as the northern border, cliff land, and blade."

   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 you lose, It can also stop the loss in time, and the injury is limited."

  Thales changed his voice, his eyes burning:

   "Of course, the above are just my guesses. If what I said is wrong, please feel free to make corrections."

   Lacia 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, but just focused on approving 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 several minutes, Earl 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 aristocratic arbitration to lock up Duke Jann and pursue the old case of Kevin Dill. I wonder if there is any progress now?"

  Thales' expression tightened.

   "However, 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 Master Federico wishful thinking and turning black and white?"

  The 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 seem that easy.

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

   "It's been a long time since this case 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 were burning:

   "And the festivities are 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.

only…

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

   His smile disappeared:

   "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 count himself said cautiously, "what does that mean?"

  Thales couldn't help laughing.

   "Since you have seen it, don't pretend to be blind." He turned his face to the side, showing his bruises, "Guess who in the Emerald City beat it? Who has the guts?"

   Lasia and his son looked at each other.

   "Since there is no possibility of reconciliation between His Highness and Duke Zhan En, why don't you make up your mind, do business in business, and settle the battle quickly?"

  Eddie turned around and stared at the wound on Thales' 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 eldest lady when she became "Faceless Cork".

   "No, it wasn't Xi who slapped me..."

  Facing the curious eyes on the opposite side, Thales had an idea, and 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, lost all his majesty, and lost his reputation."

  His face turned cold:

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

  Lasia 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 has a serious face:

"So I have decided: the Emerald City must restore normal order as soon as possible—under my rule, of course, and only under my rule," His Royal Highness's words made the two guests feel like they were sitting on pins and needles, "Facing this goal, whether it is Zhan Enfederico and even Palazzo Renaissance don't matter, at least not anymore."

   "But Your Majesty..."

   "No but!"

Thales' tone was resolute: "As long as the Emerald City doesn't look the same for a day, the two Kevin Dills will continue to be locked in Kongming Palace until the end of the Emerald Festival, until the Renaissance Festival comes, and until the end of the day." When the severe cold came, they were locked up and died of old age, their bones turned into 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 prince's dominance kept the two guests silent for a long time. They had complex expressions and frequently exchanged glances.

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

   "You are not with His Majesty, are you, 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'm with him," Thales' answer was very standard, but he changed his subject halfway, "But what your majesty wants is definitely not a dilapidated Emerald City, at least not in 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, push all those who are loyal to Zhan En to my opposite, and completely cut off the possibility of Zhan En's return—now, 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.

  Finally, the earl hesitated:

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

   But Thales did not 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 a certain person 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, the problem will not be solved."

  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 the 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 wanted.

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, a sin-free asylum? Or did you give Karabyan? To Aarond? To the Black Lion family? To the four-eyed skull?"

  Every question from the other party made Thales frown. 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, who has always been full of emotions and anger, now looks like he is ten years older:

   "Your Highness, you know the past of the Lasia 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 Karabiyan, the wise minister of the former kingdom. Six centuries ago, the Black Eyed Expedition to Extre, took away most of the young and strong in the kingdom, and As for when the marshes are in chaos and the south bank is unstable, Xingchen has no soldiers to use."

  Thales frowned slightly.

   "The Zhixiang, who was in power in the supervisory country, had no choice but to call on the ancestors of Bodman to go to the Zedi, and to win over with tenderness, in order to stabilize. The ancestors were also 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. The ancestor finally lived up to his mission and stabilized the situation."

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

   "The 'Monitor Lizard' is extremely talented. Now, he must be a famous minister like Gilbert Cassel."

   Ke Aitchison sneered:

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

  John I.

   "Black eye?"

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

certainly.

  Thales knows this history.

  Full of confidence and ambition, starting from the north, the Star Cavalry who "reappeared the conquest of the empire" suffered countless casualties under the Cold Fort.

  The seemingly divided Kingdom of Exeter is not only safe and sound, but the ten grand dukes have also reunited as one, united and closer than ever.

However…

   "How can the powerful and proud Black-Eyed King tolerate failure? How can he return without success 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's the meaning?"

   It was the eldest son of the earl who answered him:

   "The Black Eye Northern Expedition, in the eyes of outsiders, cannot fail to make every single contribution."

   Aitchison nodded, with complicated eyes:

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

   "Black Eye," Thales reacted, "He took the credit for conquering the land 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 Heimi who is a foreign mistress. She slanders the king: let the ancestor of Bodman, who has made great achievements and is highly praised, to cut off the seat, write a letter to report, and blame the prime minister for the failure of the war. It is said that the Northern Expedition failed and failed, all because of Lord Halwa's war-weariness, inattentive supervision of the country, and insufficient support from the rear, which delayed the military aircraft..."

  Thales was stunned.

   "But..." the prince subconsciously said.

   "The ancestor 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, "Not to mention that 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, Aitchison 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 used tricks , and even try their 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 the double-star cross flag The majesty of iron and blood represented..."

   "He has no choice." Eddie said coldly.

no choice.

  Thales frowned.

   "If I remember correctly," the prince couldn't help but said, "John I himself was also taught by Halva since he was a child, so he can be regarded as a student of wisdom?"

   "Exactly." The eldest son of the earl said disdainfully, "But the relationship between teachers and students is nothing like a pillow, and the truth is always more absurd than common sense."

  Thales was silent when he heard this.

   Earl Aitchison nodded slowly, not without sentimentality:

   "In this way, in the history books, the ancestors of Boardman 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 John I was determined to be wise from the beginning, and he was specially sent to disintegrate the swamp tribe and expand the territory.

   "However, Halwa, the wise minister, was accused of being weak in ministers, ineffective in supporting the 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 teachers and students, and because he served the king for many years, Halwa was exempted from punishment, and his title was not taken away. He just let go of his position as a minister and let him return to his hometown to retire. "

   Show mercy...

  Thales had a serious expression.

"In this way, Halwa, the 'wisdom minister' who witnessed the final battle and served two generations of kings, was alone, lying dizzily and weakly in the dilapidated carriage driven by the old servant, surrounded by thousands of citizens who were cursing and rotten eggs In the process, he died of illness on the way back to his hometown."

  The earl sighed with emotion:

   "Karabiyan has declined since then, and it was not until King Taiping succeeded to rehabilitate the old ministers 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 his last letter, Bodman still felt guilty for it all his life. When he was dying of illness, he burst into tears and regretted the past, so he just made a will to write the truth, in order to live in the future. After the death of Heimu, he restored the innocence of his teacher and atones for himself."

  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 was just told from the Lasia family's point of view, Thales was slightly dazed.

   Even more emotional.

such a pity.

  Thales thought silently.

   Unfortunately after hundreds of years...

  Some people only remember that Heimu selected talented people to seize the marshes skillfully, remember that Heimu raised the army to reconquer the Northern Expedition, remembered that Heimu was brave and good at fighting and overwhelmed the heroes of the Northland, and remembered that Heimu had countless romantic lovers...

There are also people who only worship Heimu for his intelligence and scheming, some people are obsessed with Heimu's heroic 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, forging the nine-star crown, suppressing The stars intimidate the heroes, showing the 'last majesty of the empire'...

  Thales sighed softly.

  But no one remembers that in that unimaginably crazy era, in order to cover up the black purpose, the military and arbitrariness, in order to satisfy the king's self-willedness and great success, 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, wrong and right are no longer the key.

  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, the wise minister, the Fuxing Palace, and the barbaric tribes in 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.

   "It is often said 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 ironic:

"But if I occupy the fertile land of the kingdom, if I sit on the seven harbors of the East Sea, if I command the polar sun fleet across the seven seas... Then I will naturally be able to dance with long sleeves and move freely. Move faster than a good horse in the Northland! Even if you are loyal to two kings back and forth, and betrayed four times and returned three times, there are still people who politely treat them as guests! Let the historians describe betrayal as shrewdness, and say nothing The letter said that it is to judge the situation and change the capriciousness into "flexible life"!"

   "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, but could only squeeze out a smile.

  I saw the earl shaking his head with his tusk:

   "A nobleman like you with the blood of the emperor and the crown of the crown is naturally a high-level man, and he doesn't care who is in power here."

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

   Earl Lasia nodded:

"We are just lizards living in remote swamps, without claws or teeth; we can only dive deep into the swamp and hide high tree branches to avoid danger when the wind blows; All I can do is spread out its four wings nervously, pretending to be huge, and pretending to be a fake."

  Thales' smile gradually disappeared.

   "When the chips are insufficient, you have no choice, let alone 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 Bodman was named by the wise minister and went to the dangerous and unknown swamp, he had to go."

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

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

   Before he could finish speaking, Earl Aitchison interrupted him with a cold snort and looked at his son.

  Eddie kept a straight face, and was also silent for a moment, before speaking 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 seek 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 promise 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, even if you don't abide by it, it doesn't matter."

  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 Aitchison 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, the Duke of 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 earl 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.

   "This city of queens, city of wealth, 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 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 from Heimu."

  Thales raised his eyebrows and nodded seriously:

"certainly."

   "Because lizards are not clawless or 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 spoke solemnly:

   "Of course, I remember."

   "It doesn't matter 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."

  The door is closed.

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

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

  Just keep working hard, and the goal is in sight.

  Thales lowered his head in disappointment.

   That's right.

   Reason told him that in this round of contest, 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.

   Far from it. (end of this chapter)

Chapter end