Kingdom’s Bloodline

That's why Your Highness is saying that Jen, with Kevin Dill's power and credit as a guarantee, strung together a new chain of interests...

A quarter of an hour later, Federico sat across from Thales, crossed his hands, and thought carefully.

...Wrapping the Emerald City airtight, and you taking him down will damage the ruling order and institutional foundation of the Emerald City, which in turn will affect the status quo of the industry, sources of funds, and market conditions, and even endanger public safety and public confidence.

Thales nodded with a sigh:

When Emerald City wants to preserve its own way of life, it must protect the Duke's family. Even if it is as strong as the central kingship, it will not be able to overthrow Kai on its own without moving a single bit of Emerald City and without affecting the existing structure of interests. Wendir's reign.

Federico looked solemn:

And if His Royal Highness insists on going his own way and is determined to carry out the arbitration and find out the truth of the year...

Thales snorted softly:

What the Emerald City has to bear is not only the loss of economy and interests, but also the overall decline of civilization and system, which is not in the interest of everyone, including my father.

Federico was silent for a while.

Well, using the entire Emerald City and even the South Bank as a hostage to make you throw a mouse, this is indeed something that Zhan En can do.

He shook his head:

Unfortunately, this is the field where he has stolen the position of city lord and has been immersed in it for many years. I am ashamed of myself, and I can't defeat him in this area.

Thales' hopes fell through, and he couldn't help wondering:

Even if you replace him as the city lord, ensure that Kevin Dill's prestige remains unchanged, and declare that everything is business as usual, in order to restore the confidence and order of Emerald City?

Federico's eyes moved slightly.

Thales tentatively said:

Even if I use my power to weave the truth, wash off the stigma on you and your father, and tell the entire kingdom that you are the orthodox successor to Iris?

Federico looked back at Thales:

And that's why you tested my ambition before?

Thales smiled politely.

Federico's eyes flickered for a few seconds, but after a few seconds, he still shook his head slowly.

Of course I can ascend to the position of city lord, but the problem is, Your Highness, neither you nor His Majesty will allow 'business as usual'. I can't give Zhan En the same guarantee and protection, and the confidence and order of the Emerald City will also be reduced. There is no way to recover.

Having said that, he cautiously looked at Thales:

Unless you can promise: From money to personnel, from the army to taxes, not a single cent of the Emerald City will be moved?

Thales scoffed lightly.

How can it be.

Isn't that why he came here?

If I can do it, why should I come to talk to you, Thales said disdainfully, Why don't I just knock on the opposite door and ask Jann Cavendir to re-ascend the city lord? Everyone is satisfied, everyone is happy?

Of course, whether you Federico is satisfied or not is unknown.

Exactly.

Federico thought about it seriously, and couldn't help feeling:

As expected of Zhan En, with the power of the Duke and the foundation of generations of ancestors, he has dual identities in Emerald City: one is the ruler based on the old world, and the other is the reformer who brings the new order, thus occupying the Take advantage: In the old world, there was no existence stronger than him in the Emerald City that could fight against him. He has layers of restrictions.

Hearing the other party's emotion, Thales frowned.

Seeing you so happy, Fei De, I am very happy too. But maybe I need to remind one more thing: If I stand by and let the situation develop, then the Emerald City will only collapse from now on, no need to mention it. .And if I compromise and have to give in for the sake of the overall situation of the Emerald City, then my original intention will come to naught, but as for you...

The arbitration concerning my father's case, you naturally have to compromise as well, Federico calmly took the prince's words, Jane will escape punishment,

And I lost everything, and even became a gift for you to make peace with Zhan En.

Thales raised his eyebrows and raised his teacup to him.

Exactly.

So, for your own sake, any new ideas?

Federico didn't speak immediately, but thought carefully.

Thales waited patiently.

Since everyone is going to die, there is no rush for a while.

About my father and my uncle, Your Highness, you are right, Federico said a few seconds later, their political differences back then began with different positions and because of different people they cared about. .”

He continued:

My uncle set an example by forcing the nobles and vassals to sacrifice and change. He firmly believed that the replacement of power would eventually lead to the rebirth of the Emerald City and even the South Bank Territory. However, my father insisted on laying a solid foundation and taking every step at a time. Nothing should be rushed.

Federico was talking, lost in thought:

As brothers and blood relatives, they should have cooperated well and cooperated with each other to protect Emerald City through difficulties.

Seeing that the other party was distracted again, Thales couldn't help coughing:

Fad?

Sorry, Federico came back to his senses, Don't worry, my lord.

Immediately, his eyes lit up, and he was confident.

Just imagine, if the Emerald City is really as interlocking and integrated as Zhan En said, if the new order created by him and his predecessors in the past is really so powerful and invulnerable, then how did he fall into the current predicament? As for using the Emerald City as a threat, using this last and most powerful bargaining chip to threaten you with an ugly posture?

How to say? Thales rolled his eyes.

Federico smiled coldly:

Your Highness, you might as well recall how we defeated him before, making Zhan En ashamed and unable to sit on the seat of the city lord?

How did you beat Jann?

Thales was thoughtful upon hearing this.

You dig up old accounts, accuse him of murdering his father and framing his relatives, deny his inheritance rights, and question the legitimacy of his title of city lord and duke.

Prince recalled:

And I, I invoked the law of the stars, carried out the old rules of the nobility, and forced him to give up the position of city lord and accept arbitration.

Federico nodded slowly.

In Jayne's view, he skillfully used the power of the Duke of Cavendir, made a guarantee, replaced the old with the new, and forced the South Bank leader from the nobles and vassals to countless people to turn around, and successfully pushed the Emerald City forward. Rolling innovation, Then he climbed into the car, hid behind the scenes, and let the Emerald City go, as if it would make him invisible from the wind and rain.

Federico stared sharply.

But he forgot one thing.

Kevin Dill, known as the Scarlet Iris, stood up with a smile on his face, but he couldn't feel any warmth:

The power that Kevin Dill uses to guarantee and win trust, and even to coerce and reform, still comes from the kingdom's old enfeoffment jurisprudence. of earth and rock.

Thales frowned.

The so-called queen of the city, the Emerald City is actually far less trendy, advanced, and civilized than Zhan En boasted. In fact, this city is just a way for the powerful old power rooted in this land to rob other weaker land dignitaries. , feeding and feeding new industries and classes, endowing them with new rights, coaxing and cheating, all the way to the lake, it’s just a rickety castle in the air.”

Federico started pacing in the living room, but the words he spoke became more and more harsh:

What he is proud of, the so-called new chain of new order and new chain created by relying on the Emerald City, is just a hybrid monster mixed with old and new, and the oldest and most decadent among them is also the least innovative...

Nothing is better than the Duke of South Bank. Thales murmured after thinking about something.

Federico nodded.

Jane, or the power he represents, just hides and hides, but there is no essential change: the reason why he missed and stepped down this time is that he inherited the throne of the duke from the blood of his surname, which we regard as the most traditional, original and most Falling behind, also faltering in the way he least valued, becoming no longer stable and reliable.

He paced slowly and sneered lightly:

And we didn't even use any more advanced, trendy and advanced weapons, any system reforms, any commercial tools, and any interest transactions, all of which were unnecessary. In fact, all we did was take an old legal shovel that couldn't be more ancient, Find the part of his dual identity that belongs to the old powerful, avoid the hardest and brightest patch on the throne, and pry the most decayed and old soil underneath.

Thales' eyes moved, thoughtful.

You mean, we continue to use the old legal principles of inheritance, ethics, morality, blood relationship, etc., to pry again?

But Federico shook his head in denial.

The soil has been loosened, he said excitedly. What we need to do is to let the rotten and smelly moths inside be exposed to the sun, and it will be enough in broad daylight.

Speaking of this, Federico's eyes were like hidden blades, and his eyes were piercing: Let Zhan En, or let Emerald City itself, do the rest for us.

It is better to die because of friends than to die because of enemies.

But Thales couldn't help frowning:

What do you mean? How to do it?

Federico turned his head and smiled coldly:

Your Highness, do you still remember that at the beginning of Jen En's resignation and the change of power in Emerald City, I wrote to you to suggest that Miss Cecilia be appointed as the regent of Emerald City?

Thales was taken aback:

Yes?

Federico nodded.

It's not too late, you can just announce that Ren Xilai is the regent, or even the acting city lord, he said sharply, Just say to the outside world that you have finally stabilized the overall situation after the turmoil, and now it's time for the wind to shine Yue, don't love power and position, hand over the Emerald City to Kevin Dier, and let Miss Xilai worry about the city affairs.

What?

Shocked, Thales was stunned for a while.

I thought you had some clever plan that could change the balance of the situation and force Zhan En to make concessions on his own, but the result was...using his sister?

It's also my cousin, Federico said with complicated eyes. He walked to the back of Thales's seat and stopped, I said, Your Highness, we don't need any advanced, trendy, advanced and complicated things when facing Jann. The political means or weapons, but the simpler and more direct the better, making use of strengths and avoiding weaknesses, rather than using the weak to make the strong.

Thales didn't look back, he shook his head in disbelief.

First of all, Fei De, you have to know, whether it's you seeking the straight through the curve and using extraordinary means to pull Jann from the position of city lord, or I tried my best to make the Emerald City temporarily agree and get used to the rule without Jann , we managed to defeat him in the Emerald City.

That's right, Federico nodded, rubbing the back of Thales's chair, and said with emotion, It's not easy.

Secondly, you underestimated Xilai, Thales said as rationally as possible, This girl is close to her brother, and she wholeheartedly wants to save Zhan En from the prison. It may not be wise to hand over power to her: if she The first order after taking office is to summon Zhan En to participate in government affairs, so that he can actually return to the center of power?

It makes sense, but because of this, Federico unexpectedly nodded in agreement with Thales's words, and he pondered, So, Your Highness, you must not give up the most crucial bargaining chip—the assassination of the Duke of Leinster. , about the aristocratic arbitration of the conflict between me and Zhan En. As long as this matter is still in your hands, as long as you can still decide how to investigate, how to arbitrate, and to what extent it will be pursued.

Thales frowned.

In fact, instead of giving up, you have to make a big fuss, pay close attention to the investigation, pursue it with all your strength, and pay attention to every detail of the old case back then, so that Jann can know that you are not giving in, but pressing forward: his future will still be determined. In your hands, it is up to you to decide whether he is a patricide, a felon, or innocent, a person who steals a high position, or an orthodox duke.

Federico resumed pacing.

Then, you might as well explain to my cousin in this way: the emerald city's predicament has left you devastated and His Majesty furious. If the situation continues like this and doesn't improve, then Zhan En's life may be in danger...

What?

Taylor's eyes widened.

Therefore, for the sake of her brother's life, I would like to ask Miss Xilai to help you regardless of past suspicions. As long as she overcomes all difficulties in the position of city lord, whether she sells her property or comes forward to borrow money, as long as she can stabilize the rule of Emerald City and keep the The kingdom's cash cow...

Federico's footsteps sounded behind Thales, and there seemed to be an incurable poison in his voice:

Then maybe you, no, no, no, it should be said that His Majesty the King will be satisfied, and thus treat her own brother more 'fairly' when arbitrating for us, at least let him save his life?

At that moment, Thales felt the hairs all over his body stand on end.

He vaguely guessed the other party's intentions, which made him even more uneasy.

What are you doing?

In this way, Na Xilai will definitely do everything he can to deal with all the difficulties and problems he is facing now...

But in that case...

At the same time, don't forget that you have to let Zhan En—of course, from your highness—know that your sister is fortunate to be the city lord, and let him know what the female city lord is doing at the moment. ’ Federico narrowed his eyes.

Thales was completely stunned.

If Jen knew...

What are you talking about?

Federico smiled slyly.

Jane has exhausted all kinds of traps, ghosts and tricks to threaten you to give in, otherwise he would rather the Emerald City collapse than you wish, he said patiently, but if the person sitting in the seat is his sister, then Will these backhands left by Zhan En still work? Will he still be willing to sit on the sidelines and watch the Emerald City sink with a smile while waiting for you to compromise with him?

Federico's voice was low, but the words he spit out were extremely clear:

If the carriage wants to ensure the safety of its bright and beautiful parts, it will have to reluctantly replace the old part inside... If the Emerald City wants to maintain its self and independence, it will have to abandon the Calvin Dill bloodline... ...when the duke's dual identities of 'protector' and 'ruler' conflict with each other...

Federico said coldly:

Zhan En, can he still sit in the car so indifferently, detached and independent, without leaving any leaves on his body?

In the extreme silence, Thales took a hard breath.

No, if I were Zhan En, I would stand still, Thales shook his head vigorously, Let my sister suffer from a lot of trouble in her seat, and even make countless enemies, even if her reputation is ruined, I will not care, unless the prince first takes the matter of arbitration. Concede, promise it's over, and let me get away with it.

Federico walked across to Thales and shrugged:

Then it depends on Zhan En himself. See if he is so cold-blooded that he would rather choose power and let his sister do her best to fight against the Emerald City he built...

At that moment, his voice was as cold as ice and snow:

...Or do you really cherish the blood and family relationship, and are willing to stand up on your own, clean up your own baskets, take back your own traps, and even... run counter to the carriage you built?

Thales clenched his fists.

I always feel that there is something you haven't told me about Zhan En and Xilai, about this seemingly ordinary move.

Federico turned around and smiled.

Since birth, Xilai has inherited the weakness of her uncle's lineage. Like her brother, she has been deformed since she was a child...

Federico paused and changed his words:

She was weak and sick, and almost died young. In order to save her daughter's life, the duke's uncle and aunt even did not hesitate to ask the gods and witches, causing public opinion, and even giving excuses for political opponents to attack. My father also spared no effort to show compassion for his niece. I visited famous doctors all over the place, and even Zhan En went to Donglu to study and seek medicine in those years, to a large extent, it was because of this little sister, the treasure loved by everyone in the family.

Now, the relatives of the previous generation are gone, Federico's eyes moved, Do you think he will inherit their behest and take pity on this sister who was once protected by the whole family?

Thales frowned.

Sure enough, the one who knows Kevin Dill best and can hurt Kevin Dill the most...

Only themselves.

The most ironic thing is, whether he would rather abandon his blood relatives for the sake of family tradition, or sacrifice the interests of the family for the sake of blood relatives...

While talking, Federico was lost in thought again:

The so-called family is made up of blood relatives one after another.

He said quietly:

When Zhan En made a choice between the family and the blood relatives, did he maintain the family or destroy the family? Did he protect the blood relatives or harm the blood relatives?

Thales raised his head and looked directly at Federico.

He suddenly felt that everything in front of him was a little familiar.

You are forcing Jann to make a choice, Thales said in a daze, bad, or worse.

Federico's skinny smile:

His Highness has eyes like torches.

This time, Thales was silent for a long time.

I once promised Jann not to involve his sister.

Then he must have foreseen today's situation at that time, so he will take advantage of your promise-worthy character to block this road, Federico said unhurriedly, but if you follow the rules, you will really follow his way .”

Thales sighed.

But if you really want to take this move, it would be too low, too despicable.

Is it more vile and despicable than Zhan En dragging the entire Emerald City to bury you to threaten you?

Federico snorted disdainfully.

Honorable Your Highness Thales, from the predicament of having nothing and no name, I overcame all difficulties and fought all the way back to Emerald City, only to struggle for the situation I am in, so I know very well: If we follow the rules, we will never win against Jaen of.

Because just like all the powerful men who have ruled for a long time in this world, he looked condescendingly at Thales in the chair, he has already unknowingly turned the 'rules' into his own weapons and pawns, you If you follow the rules, you will definitely lose.

He narrowed his eyes:

Sit back and wait for the entire Emerald City to kill itself, and your wishes come to nothing, or force Kevin Dill to mess up to take care of the overall situation. His Highness is well-known, and he must have an answer.

Thales breathed in a daze and remained silent for a long time.

Well, if His Highness is upright and really unwilling to break the promise, and you are worried that Xilai will hand over power to Zhan En, then you might as well make a gesture first. Seeing this, Federico had to retreat, Please ask Xilai to participate in government affairs as a consultant, and then tell Zhan En that you plan to give up your position to her, and see how he reacts?

After a few seconds, Thales looked up with difficulty and looked at Federico.

The latter had a good time, and slowly sat down on the seat that belonged to him, his clothes were still thin and his body was thin.

Your Highness, are you willing to trust me?

At that moment, Federico Kevin Dill looked at His Royal Highness with a smile, but the light in his eyes was extremely cold:

Even if you want to seek the straight from the curve and use power to weave the truth?

After an unknown period of time, Thales walked out of Federico's room in a daze under the strange eyes of the Jade Sergeants and Star Lake Guards.

Your Highness?

Under Glover's worried eyes, he walked in the corridor in a daze, feeling the emptiness of Kongming Palace at the moment.

Your Highness! Your Highness Thales!

Miranda's voice sounded in a hurry, and Thales turned around in a daze.

Your Highness, I am very sorry to disturb you!

The female swordsman led Kong Mutuo and the others with a dignified expression.

But just now, a very, very terrible thing happened in Emerald City, and I want to report to you...

Why, you owe money again, Thales said blankly, or is he dead again?

Miranda froze for a moment.

You, how do you know?

Is he really dead? Glover asked in surprise.

Everyone looked at each other in blank dismay.

Grass, really dead again.

Thales' complexion was gloomy, he pressed his forehead, and snorted in pain.

Grass fuck.

Apart from good things, what kind of moths are there in this broken city?

Even if Miranda told him now that there is a magician in Kongming Palace, he would not be surprised.

Thales mocked himself sarcastically and feebly.

No, there is already one.

Just sleep on his bed.

Your Highness?

No, cheer up, Thales, you still manage a city.

Thales took a deep breath, tried to adjust his mentality, and turned to his subordinates.

Tell me, who is the dead?

To make Miranda lose her composure in such a way, and rush to report over Mallos, the person who died must not be an unknown person.

An old judge with a lot of experience and high morals, so he has a lot of influence. Miranda paused for a moment, Speaking of which, you have seen him before.

Thales' eyes changed, and he was suddenly moved.

I've met—Inquisitor Brennan?

Miranda nodded gravely.

What are you doing?

Thales was completely awake, he straightened his clothes, and quickened his pace:

Is it Lausanne II?

I don't know yet. But the deceased this time, the old judge...

Miranda hesitated:

He left a suicide note, as well as old scrolls.

Thales frowned.

What do you mean? What eucalyptus?

Miranda and Glover looked at each other.

The death of the Duke of Leinster, Your Highness, the female swordsman whispered, maybe something really strange.