Iron Powder and Spellcaster

[Capital of the Van Republic, Plainfield Castle]

[Imperial Consulate]

Melodious sonatas flowed from the string instruments and harpsichords in the southeast corner of the hall. Waiters carrying heavy silver plates and crystal wine glasses moved around silently. Foreign affairs and intelligence activities were going on at the same time.

Since there are various receptions during the Alliance Conference, there are naturally various intelligence activities - whether it is the public opinion representatives of the republics or the foreign envoys coming from afar, they are all aware of this.

Each of them was part of an intelligence operation but avoided talking about it.

Each of them aspired to manipulate intelligence activity, yet all sought to contain it in one way or another.

For the dignitaries currently in the Saint-André Hall of the Imperial Consulate, seemingly contradictory dualities coexist in them in opposition and unity.

But there are also undercurrents simmering between alliance representatives and foreign envoys that remain untouched.

At the edge of the banquet hall, two young people who didn't care about the reception were taking the opportunity to drink the unlimited wine provided by the Imperial Consulate.

"The Van people are not very good at fighting, doing politics or doing business." One of the young men emptied his wine glass, wiped his mouth, and said happily: "Only in the matter of wine making, I will never say anything about them. Bad words.”

The young man who made rude remarks without scruples was short, with almond-shaped eyes, a large forehead, and two mustaches on his upper lip that clearly showed he had been carefully maintained. There was a cynical smile on his lips, but his eyes were as innocent as a child's. There was always a strange sense of incongruity in the gorgeous and exquisite dress he wore, and he couldn't tell what was wrong with it.

By the way, he also generously wore a top hat with exaggerated decorations, even when he was indoors.

"Mr. Mawei, you haven't answered me yet!" Another young man drank a glass of wine and immediately picked up another glass of wine, burped and asked curiously: "Why do you want to humiliate the emperor?"

…

[three months ago]

[Eternal City]

[Burbage Brothers Theater]

"Romulus and Remus" is in act 2, scene 5.

"Romulus and Remus" is the hottest new play in the capital, and the Burbage Brothers Theater is almost full. No matter high-ranking officials or noble ladies, it is fashionable to watch this drama live.

The success of this play also made the playwright Ma Wei, who was only slightly famous in a small circle, rise to fame.

In Act 2, Scene 4, Romulus has just killed his twin brother Remus. After a brief stage adjustment, the second curtain opened again, and the next fifth scene was entirely Romulo's monologue.

I saw the actor who played Romulo pull out the dagger from his brother's corpse, slowly walked to the center of the stage, stared at his bloody hands, raised his head, and looked sad:

"Listen! The night owl is crying, it is tolling its death knell, saying a sad good night to people. My twin brother lies there quietly, life and blood flowing from his body. I killed him, It was I who thrust the dagger into his chest with my own hands."

"Can all the water in the sea wash away the blood on my hands? No, I'm afraid the blood on my hands will dye the boundless blue sea water into a bright red."

After saying that, Romulo lowered his head again.

Usually when this part is played, the audience will always give some response. For a small theater like the Burbage Brothers Theatre, where the stage and the stage are only an arm's length away, the interaction between the audience and the actors is an important part of the performance.

However, there was silence in the audience today.

Romulo stood on the stage for a moment, then suddenly took a deep breath, threw away the dagger in his hand, tore open his clothes, and shouted impassionedly:

"But would I be ashamed of it? But would I feel guilty of it? But would I regret it?"

"No! Never! I will never feel ashamed, guilty or regretful about this."

"If a person is slightly hurt, he will seek revenge; if a person is greatly hurt, he will not be able to take revenge even if he wants to. When I take the crown of Remus, I must kill him. Because either do not do it or do it. Just do it!"

"Even if it happens again, I will never spare Remus' life!"

The actor who played Romulo was fully committed and gave the audience perhaps the best performance of his career.

However, after the sonorous and powerful monologue ended, the audience not only did not burst into cheers, but became even quieter.

Audiences who have watched this play have discovered that what the actors just read were not the original lines.

The original lines were supposed to be about Romulo's regret, pain and despair for killing his twin brother, creating a tragic image of having to kill his brother as a last resort.

This is definitely not today’s cold confession of “either don’t do it or do it or never do it”!

Sitting in the first row of the auditorium, theater owner Richard Burbage's clothes were soaked in cold sweat. His knees were shaking unconsciously, and his neck and back were so stiff that they were numb. He wanted to turn his head and look behind him, but he didn't dare to make any move.

Generally speaking, in the Eternal City, where citizen culture is well developed, discussing royal secrets is not a serious crime. Even from the beginning of recorded history, the inhabitants of the Eternal City have taken pleasure in arranging what little emperors, empresses, and lovers had below their belts. Emperors of all dynasties also turned a blind eye because they knew that imperial power could not silence the citizens. If you really break your skin, you will only be humiliated even more obscenely.

That's why plays like "Romulus and Remus", which are obviously allusions to the reigning emperor, are popular among nobles and commoners alike.

But what happened today went far beyond the scope of "joking".

Because the supreme emperor of the empire is currently sitting in the box on the second floor of the theater facing the stage.

…

The young man who asked the question was thinner and much younger than Ma Wei, and his voice was still childish. He looked like a young man from a noble family who was new to society. But her hair was disheveled, and although the fabric of her clothes was good, it was wrinkled and very untidy.

After hearing the other party's question, Ma Wei, who had already picked up another glass of sweet wine, put down his glass, suppressed his smile, and corrected the other party seriously: "Mr. Aaron, I have never humiliated the emperor. In fact, I am His Majesty's most loyal and fanatical Admirer. I think His Majesty will eventually become the greatest Emperor the Empire has ever seen."

The questioner, known as Aaron, frowned and looked at Mavi for a while, trying to tell whether the latter was lying.

Unfortunately, no evidence of lying was found. Aaron seemed a little discouraged, but soon raised a new question: "How can we explain the change of scene on the spot? Isn't it a deliberate humiliation?"

"So what if I change my play on the spot?" Ma Wei was confused: "I often change my play on the spot."

"Then that... then why did you change it to that way?"

Ma Wei picked up the wine glass and replied proudly: "I just told the truth."

"Truth?" Aaron was a little angry.

"Otherwise?" Ma Wei asked back: "Do you think His Majesty will feel pain and regret for executing Archduke Karl?"

"You don't know the emperor, how do you know he doesn't have one?"

Ma Wei laughed: "Do you know His Majesty well enough to know that His Majesty has regretted it?"

Aaron was speechless. After a while, Aaron said unconvinced: "If the emperor is given another chance, he will definitely forgive his brother."

"Why do you have such childish thoughts?" Ma Wei showed a sympathetic smile: "Your Majesty executed Archduke Karl because Archduke Karl must die."

"Why?"

When asked about his itching, Ma Wei simply put down his wine glass, pulled Aaron to sit down at the table, and asked a series of overwhelming questions: "Do you know how many important palace ministers supported Karl during the war of succession to the throne?" Grand Duke? How many local princes support Archduke Karl? What kind of difficult situation does His Majesty face? "

Aaron couldn't answer it at all.

"Let me tell you!" Ma Wei was very interested, asking and answering questions: "At the beginning of the war, the important officials in the palace were almost all on the side of Archduke Karl. Of the seven electors, three supported Archduke Karl's accession to the throne, and three stood on the fence and did not express their stance. The only one who publicly supported His Majesty was the Duke of Lothair.

As for the nobles in robes who fled from the south, they all supported Archduke Karl wholeheartedly. Because they believed that only Archduke Karl could lead them back, and His Majesty, who had no choice but to borrow money from the southern rebels to pay military salaries, was not worthy of trust.

What a dangerous and desperate situation it was! However, His Majesty used both horizontal and vertical tactics and worked step by step to finally reverse the defeat and turn defeat into victory - what a glorious and legendary victory it was! Sooner or later, I must write a long epic based on His Majesty's experience..."

Ma Wei spoke with great joy, while Aaron was confused.

After a while, Aaron sorted out his thoughts and asked: "Of course I know that the emperor's victory is great, but what does this have to do with the death of Archduke Karl? Didn't Archduke Karl surrender?"

"Humph." Ma Wei sneered: "It is true that Archduke Karl surrendered, but it does not mean that others are willing to surrender. As long as Archduke Karl is still alive, sooner or later there will be traitors who are unwilling to fail and want to rescue him; as long as Archduke Karl is still alive, sooner or later, There will be traitors who will rebel in his name.

Archduke Karl's survival means that anyone dissatisfied with His Majesty's rule has another option. So instead of leaving hidden dangers, it would be better to simply kill them and put an end to them completely. Therefore, Archduke Karl must die. This has nothing to do with His Majesty's subjective wishes, but a necessary decision to defend the imperial power. "

Aaron was speechless. After a moment of silence, Aaron whispered: "The emperor is actually not what you think. He can also laugh and be happy, but people don't understand him..."

"Tenderness, kindness, these weak emotions are reserved for people, not the emperor." Ma Wei interrupted the other party impatiently, his cheeks flushed, and he said energetically: "As the supreme authoritative monarch of the empire, the emperor Must transcend mortals. Morality, religion, law, these are things that restrain the subjects, and should not be used to restrain the emperor. The emperor must abandon those shackles and use power skillfully and decisively like a skilled swordsman wielding a sword. Only by fulfilling the duties of a monarch can one achieve immortal achievements.

In my opinion, Your Majesty is the most ideal monarch. He is not afraid to use any means necessary. The mediocre people insult His Majesty as an 'oathbreaker', but I regard 'oathbreaker' as a compliment. And the scene I modified temporarily is the most enthusiastic hymn dedicated to His Majesty! "

Aaron was stunned and couldn't answer the question at all.

After finishing his long speech in one breath, Ma Wei picked up the wine glass and drank it cleanly. Then he cleared his throat and added: "Your Majesty must understand me! You see, he didn't punish me, right? If Your Majesty wants my life, can I still sit here and drink wine?"

"But the emperor didn't reward you." Aaron smiled so hard that his eyes narrowed: "And if you weren't afraid, why did you leave the imperial capital and come to the south?"

Ma Wei's face, which was originally flushed from drinking, seemed to get even redder. He argued: "Of course Your Majesty cannot reward me. After all, His Majesty still has to rule those mediocre people. But in his heart, Your Majesty must still appreciate me!"

Aaron's smile grew wider: "Then why did you escape from the Imperial Capital? Aren't you already very famous in the Imperial Capital?"

Ma Wei's breath stagnated, he held his forehead slumped, and sighed: "The reason why I ran away is similar to the reason why Your Majesty executed Archduke Karl. Although Your Majesty doesn't want me to die, but... there are too many idiots in the emperor who want to I want to use my blood to please Your Majesty...sigh..."

Aaron was so happy that he almost fell off his chair.

Ma Wei picked up another glass of wine and drank it silently with tears. The wine seemed not so beautiful anymore.

Aaron hesitated for a moment, then smiled and reached out to pat Ma Wei on the shoulder: "Don't worry, you will be able to return to the Eternal City sooner or later. If it doesn't work... If it doesn't work, I can help you say something nice."

Ma Wei looked Aaron up and down, and said rather insulted: "Looking at you, you look like you have never seen the world. You want to eat every dish, just like me!"

Aaron became angry: "I eat every dish once, that's because... that's just because I'm too hungry!"

"Okay, okay, don't explain." Mawei laughed nonchalantly, already getting rid of his annoyance. He reached out and brought the food plate placed on the inside of the table to Aaron, picked up two bottles of wine, and put them in A bottle was quietly put into the inner pocket of his clothes: "High-quality wine for free. If you don't drink it, it's free."

The two retaliated and wasted some of the empire's public funds.

Aaron suddenly remembered something was wrong and pushed Ma Wei hard, who almost choked to death.

"You lied to me!" Aaron's voice rose.

Ma Wei slapped his chest hard and coughed repeatedly: "What?"

"Not only did you change the scene in Act 2, Scene 5, you also changed the last scene! The original ending of "Romulus and Remus" had Romulus building the Eternal City and defeating the Epilians. Witnessed by his subjects, he was taken away by the strong wind and ascended to heaven. But the last scene you changed made Romulo murdered by the nobles!" Aaron was furious: "You deliberately changed the good ending into a tragic ending, and you said it wasn't. Are you humiliating the emperor?"

…

Romulus and Remus, Act V, Scene IX.

The dying Romulo lay on his side, his robe stained red with blood, and the dagger stuck in his chest was the same one he had used to kill his twin brother.

"Eternal City! Eternal City!" the dying Romulo cried out sadly: "You incompetent people! You can kill me! But who of you can inherit my career? You are not killing a king. , you are killing the glory and greatness that belongs to the Eternal City! This city will definitely experience disaster, and by then, you will think of me again.

The gods were not qualified to judge me, so they dismembered my body and buried it on seven hills. Don't blind me, I will watch all this until the next true king comes. At that time, he will give me the most fair judgment. "

The trumpets sounded and the curtain slowly closed.

The audience was still silent, and no one dared to look back at the central box on the second floor. Theater owner Richard Burbage, his face as pale as a sheet, was praying desperately.

I don’t know how long it took, but someone’s crisp applause came from the second floor of the theater. It wasn't loud, but it was certainly a signal.

The whole theater burst into applause and cheers.

When the curtain opened again and Ma Wei and the actors came on stage to pay their respects, the boxes on the second floor of the theater were already empty.

…

"Change a good ending into a tragedy!" Aaron asked aggressively: "And you said you weren't deliberately humiliating the emperor?"

Ma Wei was stunned after hearing this, but instead of rushing to explain, he poured himself a glass of wine silently: "I really had no choice but to change it to that ending."

"Is it forced?" Aaron was shocked and angry.

Ma Wei picked up the wine glass and sniffed it gently, with a proud and chic smile on his face. He replied in the tone of a martyr who sacrificed his life for righteousness: "Because the artistic achievement of tragedy is high!"

At the same time, everyone in the St. Andrew's Hall clearly heard the master of ceremonies' high-pitched announcement: "Prince Richard - is here!"

Everyone couldn't help but turn their attention to the main entrance.

The heavy door slowly opened, and the elegant Prince Richard led a group of attendants and walked calmly into the banquet hall.

Perhaps because he was out of the shadow of the emperor, the young prince glowed with confidence and energy that was rare in the palace.

Among the prince's entourage, a handsome and tall blond military attaché stood out.

[Man's promise! ]

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