My Italian

"What did you say?"

The news was so shocking that Johannes IV stared wide-eyed and couldn't help but stand up. As for the other princes and nobles, they also all had shocked expressions on their faces.

Facing the majestic aura emanating from Johannes IV, the messenger was so frightened that he did not dare to let out the air.

Seeing the messenger frightened like this, Matthias, the prime minister, patted his shoulder to give him encouragement.

"How many Sudanese are attacking, when did you know it, and whether Motma was lost."

Facing the successive questions of Johannes IV, the messenger stuttered to explain what he knew.

And with his narration, everyone knew that the number of Sudanese who attacked this time was as high as 80,000. Seven days ago, they suddenly appeared at Motema first, and the Motema defenders hurriedly sent someone to inform Governor Yugudis, and he and more than a dozen comrades were sent by Governor Yugudis to report.

With the report of the messenger who sent the message, no one spoke in the hall for a while, and the atmosphere suddenly became quiet.

However, this situation did not wait long, because Motma is 120 kilometers west of Tanner Lake, and the goal of the Sudanese must be here. This is one of the three major granaries in Abyssinia, and it is also the largest granary. Naturally, such a place cannot be taken away by the Sudanese.

"We cannot ignore the threat of the Sudanese, we must drive the Sudanese out, or our homeland will be taken by infidels."

The first to stand up was Duke Bahir Dar, whose territory was on the west bank of Lake Tanner. Although it has only a territory of less than 5,000 square kilometers on the west bank, its richness makes the Duke of Bahir Dar firmly in the middle of the prince.

He was also the first group of people who fell to Johannes IV, and he could also be a veteran. However, seeing the possibility of the Sudanese threatening the territory, the Duke of Bahir Dar jumped up and stood up immediately.

As the Duke of Bahir Dar spoke, several princes with nearby territories immediately followed.

"Yeah, the Sudanese are aware of the threats we threaten, and we can't just sit idly by."

"Yes, these Sudanese are like robbers. As long as they pass by, nothing will be left. Property, livestock, and people are like locusts."

One after another, there was no peace in the disturbed hall. However, these princes who spoke were basically weak, and the most powerful among them was the Duke of Bahir Dar.

King Johannes IV watched their performances with cold eyes. Facing the cold eyes of the emperor, those princes and nobles who shouted like sparrows gradually felt that the atmosphere was wrong and stopped speaking.

"Now, gentlemen, we are in a very bad situation. There are Italians to the north and Sudanese to the west, but we Abyssinians are not afraid of our enemies. This time we have to work together to ensure our independence. "

Well, Johannes IV couldn't sit still. With the invasion of the Sudanese, the tide of war turned against him. He must send troops and give priority to solving one of the enemies in order to restore the situation.

Of course, choosing your opponent is very important. If you choose not well, you will lose the whole game. In fact, there are not many choices for him. Either the Sudanese or the Italians will be played first. It is much easier to choose between the two.

In fact, no matter which one he played, Johannes IV knew how bad the situation he faced this time.

However, considering his current position and his level of preparation, he actually has only one choice, and that is the Italian.

Thinking of this, Johannes IV felt a little regretful. He should have dealt a heavy blow to those Italians in Mara. At that time, he blamed himself for being too hesitant to let the Italians occupy Mara.

However, if you want to deal with the Italians now, you must use some tactics. He is not an Italian opponent. The old adage teaches that in the face of a bull, don't wrestle with it.

Johannes IV carefully sketched the plan in his mind, thinking hard about how to make himself win.

In the face of the sudden contemplation of Johannes IV, no one else made a sound.

As if after a long time, Johannes IV finally moved.

I saw him stand up and speak to his son-in-law.

"Monelik."

"arrive."

"You lead your own troops to besiege Mara, and I have Alia lead 20,000 people to cooperate with you."

Johannes entrusted the most important task to his son-in-law, because Menelik's troops were the most powerful besides him. And in order to convince the Italians that the main force of Aji's army was besieging Mara, he also asked his son to assist with 20,000 people.

"As ordered."

In the face of the task given by Emperor Johannes, the Lord of Shao did not talk nonsense and agreed.

Menelik was so happy that Johannes IV didn't say anything, but stepped forward and patted him on the shoulder.

"Your mission is very important, and you need to convince the Italians in Mara that they are encountering our large force."

Although Johannes seemed to be a bit talkative, Menelik answered very seriously in view of the importance of his mission.

"Okay, I will launch a ferocious offensive and make the enemy panic and ask for help."

After receiving a satisfactory answer from his son-in-law, Johannes spoke openly to the remaining kings. "Others come with me and let the Italians know how good we are."

That's right, Johannes' plan is very simple, that is, to fight around the point. Although simple, it is very practical. And the staggered terrain of the ravines around Mara is also suitable for hiding large troops.

Since it's so suitable to fight around the point, then why not Johannes.

Following the order given by Johannes, the princes and nobles present immediately got up and left. It took time to rectify the deployment of the army. In addition, it was necessary to carry food and grass and investigate water sources in advance.

While the others were leaving, Menelik II was also about to leave, but he was stopped immediately.

"His Royal Highness Menelik, His Majesty the Emperor has invited His Highness."

Menelik stopped and followed the visitor to a small garden. Here he saw his father-in-law, but unlike before, his face was more sad at this time.

"Monelik, here you are."

"Yes."

Johannes didn't speak until Menelik walked up to him, but he didn't say why he was invited.

"This is the courtyard that I ordered to build when I was appointed by Your Majesty as Governor. It's been more than 20 years in a flash. I didn't expect that I would actually inherit His Majesty's seat after his death."

Menelik, of course, knew who Johannes IV was talking about as His Majesty, the former Emperor Tevodros II, the very capable emperor who unified the long divided Abyssinia.

"At that time, I was imprisoned in the palace by His Majesty. It's just a pity that His Majesty died at the hands of the British."

Menelik also lived through that era, but as a prisoner. After his father, Haile Malakot, died of a serious illness, in order to prevent the resurgence of the Shoa separatist forces, he, the young master of Shoa, was imprisoned by him as a hostage.

Facing Menelik's words, Johannes IV looked at the view of the garden. "Yeah, His Majesty is too rigid, and he doesn't want to do things that bow his head at all. Even in desperate situations, he is still reluctant to let go. But at that time, I did something sorry for His Majesty for the sake of power. And more and more like Your Majesty."

What Johannes IV said was that he was promoted all the way to Governor Tigray by Twodros II, but he betrayed him when the British called.

Having said this, Johannes IV turned to stare at Menelik, "I hope you promise me one thing."

Facing the words of Johannes IV, Menelik said calmly. "Please say, if I can do it then I can do it, and if I can't do it then there's nothing I can do."

"you can."

Johannes IV looked at Menelik and continued. "If you take the throne, try to keep Alia and let him live happily in Tigray."

"This is no problem. After all, I am my son-in-law. I can't let my daughter be a widow."

"thanks."

"You're welcome."

The conversation between the two came to an end. Although no one said it explicitly, both of them knew that this was Johannes IV, making some preparations to prevent accidents.

And Menelik agreed to the emperor's request, admitting that he would not move his territory after his death, at least he needed to keep Tigray for his son-in-law, Duke Alia Selassie.