Law of the Devil

The farce in the auction house was finally over. Du Wei tried to figure out Prince Chen's intentions, but he didn't have a clue.

The most important thing is that it has been the second day since I returned to the imperial capital, but I haven't seen this Prince Chen.

According to the rules of the Roland Empire, when a "foreign minister" like Du Wei returned to the imperial capital, he didn't just meet the emperor immediately. He had to go through official procedures and hand over official documents, and then waited for the summoning of Prince Chen. It's not that you can just run to the palace and knock on the door to enter, and see you whenever you want. Although Prince Chen has not formally enthroned as the emperor, he is no different from the emperor now.

Of course, popular figures like Du Wei are often not so complicated, as long as they send someone to the palace to deliver the news, they can be summoned immediately. But this time when Du Wei came back, he had already sent someone to the palace, but there was no order to summon him from the palace.

The meaning here is worth savoring...Prince Chen seems to be procrastinating and doesn't want to see himself right away?

Thinking about the matter of today's auction, he was like being put on by this highness, and Du Wei felt a little uncomfortable in his heart. He wished to see this highness to question him face to face. One was caught off guard.

After the auction ended, many guests dispersed. Du Wei didn't have time to feel pain about the 16 million gold coins. The first thing is to send someone to the palace to inquire about the news. Ask when His Royal Highness the Regent summoned himself.

I have also spent my money, and the things you told me have been done, if you still don't see me. It would be too much! After all, I was called back to the imperial capital by you! Always leave me alone. But a little too unkind.

I haven't finished thinking about it here. Zach has already come to report one thing: someone is coming from the temple.

Du Wei frowned when he heard this: "Why did the temple send people here? Isn't this a headache enough? What tricks are they trying to play?"

Zach then explained. It turned out that the temple sent people here this time for nothing else, but simply to ask for money.

after all. It was Du Wei who "bought" the Pope's decree. The amount of 16 million gold coins should be paid to the temple in full.

Du Wei's face was even more unhappy: "The auction was finished at noon. Come to ask for money in the afternoon? How can it be so fast!" Finished. He pondered for a while. Said: "You go and tell the people in the temple. No matter who they are. No matter how rich you are, more than 10 million gold coins will not be piled up in the warehouse like this. It will take me a few days to raise them. Only then can we give them together. Send it to the temple! Let them give me a few days to mobilize the cash. Then I will send someone to send it there myself."

Zach went down and replied to the people in the temple. After a while, he ran to tell Du Wei again. Said that the people of the temple had agreed to leave, and before leaving, they said that Du Wei would have three days to raise funds. Please also ask Duke Tulip to think about the disaster-stricken people in the south and raise all the money as soon as possible. After all, the money is for the pope to use for disaster relief.

After hearing this, Du Wei felt more useless in his heart.

Come back by yourself. Yesterday, I just got a flashy triumphant ceremony. Although the ceremony is very face-saving, it is really good that this kind of face-saving project can't be exchanged for a copper coin. And return the house of Luo Lin's family. It is nothing more than returning the original real estate property that was copied from the house. Although this carrot looks huge. In fact, I didn't get any benefit. Today, however, more than 10 million gold coins were stolen in one day... almost half of Du Wei's property. One in and one out. It is really a big loss. How can Du Wei not be annoyed?

After waiting in the shop for a while, Du Wei sneered in his heart. If this Prince Chen doesn't summon him again. Give yourself a confession, then get angry yourself. It's not so easy to bully!

He was thinking fiercely in his heart. Finally, the people sent to the palace in the afternoon came back. Good news: His Royal Highness the Regent summoned the Duke of Tulip.

Along with the return, there is also a court messenger. The envoy was very polite when he met Du Wei, after all outsiders didn't know about today's auction. I only know that this young duke is now the number one popular person. Special respect to Du Wei.

As soon as Du Wei heard that Prince Chen had summoned him. Immediately there was an eyebrow raised. He was no longer polite to the court envoy, so he ordered people to prepare a carriage to go to the palace.

The court envoy was taken aback. He is an old man in the palace and he is familiar with the rules. It stands to reason that a courtier like Du Wei will be favored even more. Received a summon from the palace, especially the first "official" summon of this kind of foreigner Huidi to enter the palace to face the emperor, and always have to go back to take a bath and change clothes. Don the Duke's full formal attire. Wear a staff and medal. Then you can enter the palace, which is also etiquette.

But the Tulip Duke is fine. Just such a casual robe. He also looked unhappy.

The court envoy heard Du Wei say that he was about to leave. Quickly stopped. He hesitated and said: "Duke Tulip...it seems that there is no need to worry too much..."

As soon as he said this, Du Wei immediately stared. Do you think you are in a hurry? My sixteen million gold coins are gone, so how can I not be in a hurry!

"This...according to the rules, are you first, first...have you got dressed?" the court envoy sighed.

Du Wei stared: "Do you see that I am not wearing any clothes?"

The court envoy was taken aback, and hurriedly said: "Of course not, it's just..." He saw Du Wei's impatience, and was about to raise his words to remind Du Wei of the etiquette issue, but Du Wei said angrily: "That's not enough. Let's go, I am a magician, and I can't control the rules and the like."

After finishing speaking, he went out first. Seeing that Du Wei was very angry, the court envoy thought that it was none of his business, so why bother to offend the celebrity, so he bowed his head and followed out.

I went all the way to the palace in a carriage, and got the order of the regent to enter the palace. There was also this court envoy in his entourage. When going in. The Royal Forest Army recognized Duke Tulip's chariot and horses. That is, a random check. Make a show. Just let Du Wei in.

After entering the palace, Du Wei got out of the car before someone came up to deliver the order. Say the regent is in the garden of the palace. Please meet Duke Tulip right now.

The garden of the Royal Palace of the Roland Empire. It can be regarded as a strange scenery on the entire continent. Any wealthy family. The garden is naturally decorated with colorful flowers. All kinds of precious flowers and trees are available. But he was the emperor of the Roland Empire. The garden in the palace seems extremely shabby.

Not for anything else. Just because it is in the garden of this majestic palace. Instead, only one plant is grown: .

Thorn Flower.

This thorn flower is the totem of the royal family of the Roland Empire. But in fact, this kind of flower is not very beautiful. As the name suggests, nature has thorns, and thorn flower is a thorny vine-like plant that grows in arid areas. On the thorny branches full of barbs. Just a few small white flowers dotted with it. It's not really beautiful. The only thing worthy of praise is the tenacious vitality.

Poor majestic palace. In order to conform to the tradition of the "thorn flower family". By tradition. But only such a plant is planted in the palace garden. It's really depressing: a large piece of thorny thorns, what's so good about it?

When Du Wei came to the garden, he heard a series of clear and melodious children's laughing voices from afar. From a distance, I saw around the garden, a group of court warriors wearing golden armor guarding the surrounding area, after the notification. Du Wei walked in alone.

It's winter now. There was really nothing to see in the garden. The withered thorns looked decayed. But in the garden, I saw two children in fancy clothes playing and chasing each other, while a few maids from the palace watched nervously. I was afraid that the child would accidentally run into the flowers and be stabbed by thorns.

Du Wei finally saw Prince Chen. This is the young regent of the empire who has cost himself more than 10 million today. A simple and elegant white robe. He was looking at the two children playing with a smile on his face.

Du Wei looked at it twice. Looking at Prince Chen's appearance...

Not seen for a year and a half. The Prince Chen looked a lot more mature and stable. The two had met a few days before the coup. At that time, although Prince Chen was also unpredictable. But after all, the vigor of the young people is still obvious. But I didn't expect to see this young regent in less than two years. It seems that the temperament has been restrained. The majesty of the whole body does not look like a young man in his thirties.

Those eyes are still as bright as before. It's just that the vigor inside has completely turned into a kind of calmness after precipitation. The only thing that hasn't changed is the smile on his mouth, which is still as warm as before. Make people feel close.

Seeing Du Wei approaching from a distance, Prince Chen smiled slightly, and took the initiative to laugh loudly: "Du Wei, you are here. Come and let me have a look. Well, I haven't seen you in the northwest for two years. You seem to have grown taller again, don't you?" Less."

The tone of these words is extremely affectionate, like the tone of a good brother who has not seen him for two years. He greeted in such an affectionate tone. It made Du Wei's original anger unable to be released immediately.

Helpless, Du Wei had no choice but to suppress his anger. He strode over, and then gave a salute. Coughed: "Your Highness."

Prince Chen looked at Du Wei carefully, then sighed suddenly, and his tone was even more gentle: "Du Wei... my friend, after two years of wind and frost in the northwest, you look darker than when you were in the imperial capital. Some."

Du Wei smiled lightly, and said with a pun: "It's always cold and windy in the northwest, and the environment is harsh. Of course I have to work harder."

Prince Chen patted Du Wei on the shoulder, and then cast a slightly apologetic look. With Du Wei's current status and status, I am afraid that the entire continent, except his elders. The only one who is qualified to pat Du Wei on the shoulder like this is the Regent.

"Thank you for your hard work...I will remember your sacrifice in my heart." Prince Chen smiled lightly, and before Du Wei could speak, he pointed at the two children who were playing and said with a smile: "Come on, look Look, this is my son and daughter."

Most of the royal family and nobles married early. It is said that Prince Chen got married at the age of sixteen and became a father at the age of eighteen. Du Wei also knew this. Prince Chen is twenty-six years old this year. He already has a son and a daughter. The son is eight years old and the daughter is six years old. It's just that Du Wei has never seen it before, and only saw it here today.

The pair of children saw Du Wei standing beside their father. They lived in the court for a long time. Outsiders are rarely seen. His Highness Chen rarely took them to meet those noble ministers. And seeing a handsome young man like Du Wei standing beside his father. Both children stared at Du Wei curiously with a pair of big eyes.

But the boy on the left is a bit older after all. At the age of eight, he had already begun to receive court etiquette education, so he was slightly taken aback. I remembered the teaching of the court etiquette master in my heart. But seriously, he took two steps closer. Then he bowed slightly to Prince Chen. Although there is still a bit of childlike innocence on the face. But it has changed a serious look. He called Father to Prince Chen, and then turned to look at Du Wei.

"This is Grand Duke Tulip." Prince Chen nodded. The eight-year-old little prince immediately showed a typical smile trained by court etiquette masters. He bowed to Du Wei. The immature voice tried to be serious: "His Excellency the Grand Duke Tulip. Hello, I am Charlie Augustine."

Du Wei watched the eight-year-old child act like an adult, and sighed inwardly. He also bowed his body slightly: "Hello, Your Royal Highness."

It's the six-year-old little princess next to her. But it seems a little timid. Hiding behind the little prince. Show half of your body. Looking at Du Wei. Suddenly, she spoke in a childish voice. The sweet voice said: "You... are you the Magical Duke who built a city in three months?"

The child's speech was a little stuttering, and his tone was soft and sweet, but Du Wei couldn't help but think of his little wife at home. Look at this little girl who is as beautiful as a doll. Could not help showing a gentle smile. He smiled softly: "But it's the Duke. It's not some magical Duke."

Little Prince Charlie frowned. Pulled his sister out from behind. Then coughed. Said: "Karina, have you forgotten the etiquette!"

The little girl stuck out her tongue. But he stood up cleanly and obediently. A palace salute was given to Du Wei. Although Du Wei doesn't like these complicated etiquettes. But in front of the Regent on the ground. I had to pay back half a gift.

The pair of sons and daughters of Prince Chen were born extremely beautiful. Little Prince Charlie inherited Prince Chen's seventy-eighth appearance. The birthplace is extremely handsome. Especially those eyes. It also won the essence of Prince Chen. I didn't feel it when I was playing just now. Quiet now. At a young age. But it has already revealed a bit of royal demeanor from strict training.

But little Karina. Probably young. The face is still a little round with baby fat. Pink and cute. A light golden curly hair. More like an elf angel. A pair of big blue eyes. The eyes are so pure that people can't help but feel a little love in their hearts. .

"Duke Tulip..." Karina looked at Du Wei timidly. Finally, under Du Wei's gentle smile. Let go of the timidity in my heart. He tentatively whispered: "I. I heard that the Northwest is very interesting. Can you tell me the story of the Northwest? You...you built a city in three months. Is it true?

Du Wei nodded with a smile. Squat down. Couldn't help reaching out and scratching Karina's nose lightly. He smiled and said: "It's true. If His Highness is interested, you can go and see for yourself when you grow up in the future."

Little Karina had her nose scratched by Du Wei. There was some flush on her pink and tender face. Take a step back. A pair of big eyes looked at Du Wei flickeringly. But he was a little disappointed and said: "I have to wait until I grow up..."

Prince Chen laughed. Then he glanced at the attendant next to him: "Take them down. It's getting late. Today's class should also start. I still have time to talk with Grand Duke Tulip."

subsequently. The attendants on both sides came up. I will take this pair of princes and princesses down. Little Prince Charlie is still full of etiquette. He bowed slightly to the two of them. Only then did I leave. Little Karina looked at Du Wei curiously. With a look of reluctance. He was carried down by the court maid.

Wait for the child to leave. Only Du Wei and Prince Chen were left in the garden. The guarding warriors also stood far away. Only then did Prince Chen turn his head to look at Du Wei with a smile: "How about my pair of sons and daughters?"

Du Wei nodded: "Smart and beautiful. Your Highness. You are very blessed."

Prince Chen's eyes narrowed. Suddenly Youyou sighed: "Being born into a royal family... may not be a blessing."

finished. He shook his head. Laughing self-deprecatingly: "Looking at how close they are now. I remembered when I was a child... um. At that time. My elder brother once took me to ride a horse... Hehe."

Speaking of the eldest prince who died on the day of the coup d'etat. Du Wei closed his mouth. Not a word.

Prince Chen's tone suddenly changed. Staring at Du Wei. In a very serious tone. Shen Sheng said: "Du Wei...can you promise me one thing? In the future...you will help me to teach my pair of children well. Okay?"

Du Wei was taken aback: "Your Highness, you mean..."

There was a trace of complexity in Prince Chen's eyes. Then he smiled lightly like a cover-up: "My son Charlie is already eight years old. He has already hired a court teacher to teach him. But, Du Wei. After all, you also have the title of court scholar. And I know you are very knowledgeable and talented. .Plus you are not very old. You are only seven or eight years behind him. If you are willing to teach this child, it will be much better than those old scholars with white beards. After all, children are against those old guys. Somewhat resistant."

Du Wei's heart skipped a beat. He is carefully considering what His Highness means by saying this. Prince Chen has already continued: "My son. Smart is still smart. I expect a lot from him... well. I want to ask you to be his teacher in the future."

In this sentence. It has several meanings.

I have great expectations... Does Prince Chen want to make this little Charlie the heir to the throne?

Let yourself be the prince's teacher. In the future, it will be a generation of emperors. This position is very lofty.

Du Wei smiled: "If Your Highness is reassuring to me, of course I dare not refuse... It's just that I have been in the northwest all year round. I'm afraid I may not have time to teach His Highness the Prince in the capital..."

Prince Chen shook his head. Looking at Du Wei with a half smile but not a smile: "Hey, my Grand Duke Tulip... Have you decided to live in the Northwest for the rest of your life? The bitter cold place in the Northwest. If you change any lord, you have already chosen a governor to manage it yourself. It's an excuse to go back to the imperial capital to enjoy the blessings. It's you. It seems that you have a good time in the northwest. I have been away for two years. I haven't come back once."

Du Wei looked at Prince Chen. He smiled lightly and said, "Your Highness, you were joking...the current situation in Northwest China. Even if I want to come back, will you allow me? Of course. Some people probably wish I could come back."

The two looked at each other and smiled. They all stopped talking.

Then Prince Chen and Du Wei walked side by side in the garden. Prince Chen was silent for a while. Then he said slowly: "When the situation stabilizes in the future, you will always come back. Du Wei. I have high expectations for you. You are in my heart. You are far more than just supervising talents in a province."

High expectations? Du Wei smiled bitterly in his heart. I wish you had lower expectations of me! When in the northwest. The mountains are high and the emperor is far away. Lao Tzu is the biggest. Is that so carefree? Instead, he returned to the imperial capital. In just one day, I suffered a big loss.

Looking at Du Wei's face. Prince Chen guessed his mind. Just stopped. He whispered: "Well... okay. Actually, you don't need to say it. I also know what you want to say. What happened today. I didn't tell you in advance. I sent someone to do it. You probably feel very sorry for me now. Dissatisfied."

Even Du Wei was dissatisfied. But how easy it is to say it out of his mouth, he curled the corner of his mouth. He said lightly: "Don't dare. You are the regent, and as a subject, I should share the worries of His Highness."

Prince Chen laughed, then looked at Du Wei, and said, "Okay, I won't let you pay for the 16 million gold coins yourself, so you can rest assured. So, don't worry about it now. Face. I ordered you to do nothing, so I will pay the money."

oh? Public money consumption? Only then did Du Wei look a little better, but he was still vigilant in his heart. Based on his understanding of His Highness Chen, if the other party took the initiative to give benefits, it was not a good sign!

Sure enough, the two walked a few more steps, but Prince Chen changed the topic to the situation in the northwest.

"The last time I had a fight with the prairie people, I heard that you defeated the cavalry of the prairie people under the city of Giliat. The golden wolf head led 20,000 elites, plus a big shaman, and they were all defeated by you. You I was really pleasantly surprised to be able to achieve such a big victory by fighting more with less... Du Wei, I have discovered another advantage of you. People from the Luo Lin family are indeed talented in military affairs. I have read it, but after all, the things on paper are not detailed enough, tell me about the battle under the city of Gilliat."

Mentioning the "Luo Lin family", Du Wei couldn't help being a little embarrassed. After all, he has now changed his clan to the Tulip family in name.

Fortunately, he knew that Prince Chen didn't use this matter to mock himself. He pondered for a while. Then the prairie people sneaked through the ground, and the battle under the city of Gilliat passed by, and they said it one by one. .

Speaking of the Northwest Army's collusion with the prairie people. The first soldiers surrounded Roland, the capital of the Desa province, and the prairie people took the opportunity to sneak in. How can I force the Northwest Army to retreat ten miles. And how to dress up in disguise. The soldiers led the troops out of the city in several groups, defeated a small group of prairie cavalry on the way, and learned that Gilliat City was besieged. Then how to fight in the city...

Let's talk about these things one by one. Du Wei himself has a good eloquence. Also said to be very exciting. Prince Chen listened intently and did not interrupt.

After finishing speaking, Du Wei added: "Your Highness, this victory actually has a lot of luck in it. If I hadn't accidentally defeated a small group of prairie cavalry on the way and got the news, I'm afraid it would be too late to rescue the city of Giliat." Then the city may have been breached. And...Governor Bohan of Nulin Province also sent reinforcements in time. In that battle, the reinforcements sent by Governor Bohan were also loyal to the empire. Bloody sacrifice..."

"I know these things." Prince Chen waved his hand. After interrupting Du Wei, he suddenly asked, "But I've always been a little puzzled... The grassland people are doing well. Why did they sneak in? Why is their target the city of Gilliat?"

Du Wei was taken aback for a moment, he knew very well that the prairie people came to look for the monster under the order of the Daxue Mountain Witch King. But this matter. He didn't intend to tell Prince Chen the truth. Think about it. He found an excuse to fool around: "I don't know about this either. It must be related to the collusion with the Northwest Army. I want to take advantage of the time when the Northwest Army is besieging Loulan City. Sneak attack us and loot."

"It's just for looting. They won't send their main fighter, Golden Wolf Head, and 20,000 elite cavalry." Prince Chen shook his head. Think for a while. Said: "This matter is a bit strange, always check the ground."

Du Wei didn't answer the question either. Stand aside quietly.

There was a moment of silence. Prince Chen suddenly smiled, and looked at Du Wei: "Also, I heard that you used some powerful new weapons when you broke down the prairie cavalry under the city of Giliat. Um... that's a A pot that can explode. Right? I heard that when it exploded, the flames shook the sky. It is powerful. And it can be used by ordinary people. Such a weapon is also an important reason for the defeat of the prairie people. Right?"

talking. Prince Chen narrowed his eyes. Looking at Du Wei with a smile.

Du Wei's heart sank. Secret channel is not good. But that gunpowder pot. During the battle under the city of Gilliat that day, tens of thousands of people on both sides looked at the ground. I can't hide it either. He had no choice but to smile bitterly and said: "That's right...that ground is indeed a new gadget, but its power is not as powerful as the rumors. It's just that it was used suddenly once, and the fire and movement were a bit scary. It just frightened the horses of the prairie people. "

"I'm afraid...it's not that simple." Prince Chen smiled lightly, and glanced at Du Wei with a half-smile.

Du Wei's heart moved, and he heard Prince Chen continue: "I heard that the thing you made can be thrown in the crowd, and the power of the explosion can kill the surrounding enemies. That day, the grassland people ate a lot of ground. What a loss! And...and you got a team of mages riding brooms, throwing this weapon down from the sky, the effect is surprisingly good, right?"

The more Du Wei listened, the more he frowned secretly. He vaguely understood what Prince Chen meant, and he felt a little dissatisfied in his heart, so he simply closed his mouth and did not speak.

"well……"

Prince Chen suddenly sighed faintly, then looked into Du Wei's eyes, and said with a sincere voice: "Du Wei, I know, it sounds like you're begging for this new weapon, and it's a little too much to say. But you You are a smart person, you should understand the current situation... the situation in the Northwest is imminent. Within three to five years, there will definitely be a big battle! At that time, facing the Northwest Army and the prairie people, it will not be your Tulip family alone. I can withstand it! I have been secretly reorganizing my armaments since last year. If your new weapon can be equipped by the army of the empire, it will definitely have the greatest effect in future wars! Moreover, with this Sharp weapons can also reduce the casualties of soldiers of our empire."

How could Du Wei not know these truths?

It's not that he refuses to give gunpowder to Prince Chen to equip the army. After all, in the northwest, he has already given a batch of gunpowder to Governor Bohan. Since he can give it to Bohan, it's not that he can't give it to Prince Chen... but I am really angry! .