Chapter 6 Chapter 6 The Great Merger

The Kingdom of Zrunagra also has an alias called "The Country of Wild Grapes". It is said that the mountains of this country were once covered with wild grapes, and the royal family's coat of arms even used the fruits and leaves of grapes as marks.Compared with Mafar, the summer in this country is obviously much longer. From March to November, the fields are colorful and full of vitality because they are full of various crops.For people living in northern countries, such a natural scene is nothing short of a miracle. "It's really a rich country. This country can become a part of Mafal. It can be said that it is the shelter of heaven."

Kallman was riding on the horse, and the strong sunlight made him squint his eyes; he turned his head and said to Lidvan, the next Black Sheep Duke who followed him two steps behind.Then proudly asked a question: "Lidwan, what position do you think is better to position this country among Mafal?" "It's really hard to measure the subject, but His Majesty must have already made up his mind!" "Yeah, the name Mafar Zrunagra United Empire is indeed too long." Kalman only made such an answer.But from such a short answer, it can be roughly seen that he did intend to set Zrunagra as a place in Mafar.Still, can a country as large as Zrunagra, with its eighty states, be managed as a single place?Lidwan couldn't help being a little suspicious, but Kallman seemed to have read Lidvan's mind, and then he went on to say, with an extremely bold and fearless expression on his face:

"If a boy is born between me and Yadelhodo, I will immediately make him the crown prince and give him the title of Prince Zrunagra. Since then, generations of princes have also followed this title, In this way, the name of Zrunagra will remain in history and tradition forever!" After hearing these words, Li Dewan couldn't help but want to yell "Ah!" impulsively.It wasn't until this moment that he finally understood how amazing Kallman was as a conqueror.On the surface, it seems to be respecting the name of Zrunagra, but in fact it is completely buried in the past history.Lidwan couldn't help being puzzled. The Karman in front of him was obviously not only a heroic monarch, but also possessed an aura of strength and unparalleled aura.Facing such a monarch and such an old friend, Li Dewan really didn't know how to give him a proper evaluation.In Lidwan's eyes, Kallman at this time is like the sun in a sunny day, and nothing can cover his dazzling light.

However, on this day, there was a piece of news that was not considered auspicious, and it was secretly transmitted from the imperial capital Onogur to the frontline camp. According to sources, Kalman's lover, Ephemia, the court lady, was bedridden with a high fever.Although she is only a small female official, her status as the emperor's lover has long been an open fact, so Lacusta, the prince of the steel sparrow who was in charge of staying in the imperial capital, immediately arranged for a doctor after learning of her condition. And a maid with considerable nursing experience to take care of Effimia.Another and more important point is that she already has a small life that continues the emperor's lineage in her belly. Before the expedition, Karman entrusted her to La Costa to take care of her, so La Costa can't be careless.When Kalman received the news, he frowned for a while, but he didn't worry too much. No, it should be said that he couldn't keep worrying blindly from his standpoint, because there was still a series of things he had to do in front of him. Something to do, or something to think about.

In addition, Prime Minister Song Ertan also stayed in the imperial capital Onogur.This man is an out-and-out cunning and cunning.At least, Kalman didn't believe this squirrel-faced man from the bottom of his heart.And Song Ertan will come to the front line from the mainland of Mafar recently, saying that he came to report to the monarch on internal affairs and give advice on the management of the new territory.Although it is too early to say at this time, there should be a need sooner or later. "For Song Ertan, an old and cunning guy, I never expected him to show any loyalty from the beginning."

"If this is the case, please forgive me for making bold and false statements. Why do you still use them so much, Your Majesty?" "It's useful to keep him, that's the only reason." In fact, Kalman may not be completely frank, because if keeping Song Ertan is useful, then the real problem should be what kind of use this use refers to; perhaps it can be said negatively that the reason why Kalman let This squirrel-faced man took over the position of prime minister since the late emperor just to wait for the day when he rebelled. "Forget it, we don't need to take Song Ertan's matter as a topic right now? Anyway, we will see his face soon. It's rare that the sky is cloudless and clear. Let's not talk about this shadow Go up, make a cloud of smoke in my heart."

Karman smiled with his head held high, and then slightly accelerated the pace of his mount. The military attache, Filence, and other attendants hurriedly followed behind the monarch.Lidwan did not follow, he kept the mount under him at the same pace, letting his body and mind slowly sway along with the saddle.This is really a warm and comfortable southern summer.The dazzling sun is shining from the cloudless sky to the ground with the chirping of small birds.2. The bloody smell of three days ago only exists in people's memory at this time, and the cruel killing and scrambling in the world seems like an illusion.

"...leave here and go to a foreign country!" Ridwan often has such thoughts.Because if he continues to stay in Mafar like this, maybe one day he will be involved in the vortex between Karman and Munchell competing for the throne.Although Lidwan often thought about how to stop the fight between the two of them, somehow, Lidvan firmly believed that this fight would be inevitable. Since it is inevitable, the only way not to face it is to leave here and go to a foreign country.This is Lidwan's idea, and it is also a bad habit of his.Just a few days ago, Princess Angelina severely criticized Lidwan for this bad habit, criticizing him for wanting to leave all his affairs behind and leave the troubled world behind every time he was tired of the world. , Li Dewan was really speechless at that time.

Princess Angelina's situation is actually somewhat similar to that of Lidwan, even more embarrassing than Lidwan's, but she cannot escape from it, and she has never tried to escape from it. "She is such an amazing woman!" Li Dewan thought ecstatically, but then he realized that he had started to keep pace with Kallman again at some point. "Lidwan." "Yes, Your Majesty." "Do you take the emperor's orders seriously?" This question really startled Lidwan. "Of course, Your Majesty." "Very good, then you will formally engage Princess Angelina within this year!"

"His Majesty!" "The ceremony will be ready in the spring of next year. At that time, as the heir of the Black Sheep Principality, you must hold it in a grand manner. Do you think it's okay, Munchell?" The emperor turned his head to the opposite side. It turned out that Angelina's elder brother had come to the emperor's side at some time. He rode forward and replied to the emperor: "I will obey your majesty's order." The emperor nodded , and then asked another question to the Duke of the Golden Crow: "What do you think should be done about the remuneration of the Yarudi army?"

The emperor asked as if nothing had happened, but for Munchell, this was not a simple question, because the emperor was guessing how he would answer. "The subject believes that the real point may be to give the reward to whoever in the Yarudi Army." Munchell's answer is full of hints-because if it is just to pay Yerudi, there is no special meaning in essence.Munchell understood that what Kalman really meant was to weaken the power of Yerudy as a whole by giving the reward itself. "Obrahit is a brave general, not only deeply trusted by the soldiers, but also worthy of respect. For a monarch, it is indeed an honor to have such a famous general under his command But because of this, once he is appreciated, some people will not be able to treat him calmly." "What His Majesty said is true." Munchell's answer was extremely short, because he didn't need to say more.If anyone was unhappy when Obrahit gained fame and honor, then this person was probably Lasalle, one of the nine-pillar generals.From Lassalle's point of view, when Obrahit was building brilliant military achievements, he was guarding the embassy in the imperial capital of Mafar, which made it impossible for him to look at this matter calmly.Perhaps it is precisely because he has superior abilities and is more confident in his own talents, so he often appears restless and frivolous at times. If you want to weaken Yerudi's overall strength, then the best way is to create a gap between Obrahit and Lasalle.If you want to talk about strategy, Obrahit is not as good as Lasalle.If Obrahit is expelled from the Yerudi Kingdom because of La Salle's relationship, then Karman can recruit Obrahit to become the general of the Marfar Empire.It would be a pity if Obrahit was unfortunately pushed into the abyss of death, but for Mafal, it might have positive benefits.Because in the end it was the Yeludi Kingdom that lost a loyal general.Even if Obrahit turns around and denounces Lassalle in the end, it means that Mafar has eliminated a dangerous conspirator, and it is also a satisfactory result. The Yarudi army is stationed in front of the capital of Zrunagra, Karroza, and is about to part ways with the Mafar army and return to the country.The one-armed general then came to the base camp to give his farewell speech.After Kallman stated some words of thanks, he added nonchalantly: "If you are my subject, then you will not be just a nine-pillar general now, and I should give you a more important position." "This subject is just a warrior. Your Majesty loves him so much. I really can't bear it. If this subject is lucky enough to be born in Marfar, he must have served His Majesty Kallman with all his loyalty." A gust of wind blew, causing the one-armed general's empty sleeve to flutter.But Obrahit itself was as solid and thick as a rock, giving no chance for anyone to take advantage of it. "However, I was born in Yerudi. It is a pity that there is only one national border, but I am in a completely different position from His Majesty Karman. However, I still hope that I can be a complete Yerudi in my lifetime until I die. until." "So, even if I want to give you any reward out of good intentions, it may cause you trouble in turn?" "Besides the king of the Yerudi Kingdom, I have no other reason to accept rewards from others, no matter how noble the other party's status is. I am not talented, and the only thing I want to ask His Majesty to grant is to me, the Yerudi Kingdom and the Yerudi Army. friendly pledge." "This is really a great request! Well, I understand, your ambition, I will remember it in my heart." As Karman answered, he whispered in his heart: "Are you only loyal to the king of the Yerudi Kingdom? Well, when I become the ruler of the Yerudi Kingdom one day, I will definitely come back and ask you to be loyal." Thus, the Battle of Zrunagra's Succession ended with the overall victory of the Mafar Empire, perhaps it should be said that the overall victory of Emperor Karman. It looks like it's over. Under the siege of the Mafar army, Kalroza, the capital of Zrunagra, which was finally forced to open the city gate, was shrouded in a gloomy mist at this time.King Danilo IV summoned the Secretary-General Juraj to the hospital bed, and after discussing with him some unknown content, he ordered the Secretary-General to step down first, and then he summoned his daughter Yadel Hodo.Yadelhodo, who had been hiding in the room since the king fell ill, finally opened the door and was face to face with his father. "Yadrhodo, I have only a few days left to live, and I will not die soon. I want to hand over the power of our Zrunagra to Karman, so that at least the peace of the people can be ensured. " Facing her father's words, the princess replied very calmly, almost indifferently: "Besides doing this, there is no other better way to do it in big letters." "Regarding this point, if you can agree to your marriage with Karman, then Zrunagra can at least maintain the status of the state transfer, so you must agree no matter what?" "OK." "You agreed, didn't you?" "Yes, since Emperor Karman can also serve as the king of Zrunagra, then I, as Princess Zrunagra, should also be able to become the female emperor of Mafar." Although Princess Yadelhodo's voice was calm, the content of these words had unfathomable clues.Danilo IV seems to have re-acquainted with this daughter now.The eleventh-ranked daughter has always been considered to be just an ordinary royal child with a beautiful appearance but lack of individuality, mediocre ability to learn skills, and no special features in playing games. Now, perhaps because of the death of her father, she has a little bit of confusion. Change. "Father, please don't worry. As long as I, Yadel Hodo, is here, the bloodline of my Zrunagra royal family will definitely be passed on to future generations, and it will be in the most honorable and inviolable form. You can rest assured in this way Is it? Father?" "Yadell Hodo, you..." Faced with her father's blank face, Princess Yadelhodo showed a beautiful smile like a rainbow.The father suddenly understood now that it turned out that her daughter's behavior at this time was not because of a change, but because she actually showed her true face. "Until now, my daughter has never encountered anything that she is really interested in. Whether it is learning skills, playing games, or falling in love. However, as a woman like my daughter, if she can get along with the hero of Mafal Emperor Kalman is the opponent in the battle of wits, so the daughter's life is not in vain." "you……" Although his body was extremely weak, but his mind was very clear, Danilo IV could only repeat the same sentence meaninglessly at this time.Because for so long, he didn't realize that this eighteen-year-old daughter had such ambition and talent. Not long after, the train of thought finally settled down.The old king stretched out his brown and bony hands, and took his daughter's extremely fair hands.Danilo IV exhausted all his strength, and said in an airy voice: "Yadell Hodo, my daughter, you must listen carefully to your father's last words." The daughter corrected her posture and expression: "Yes, father, my daughter will listen carefully." "My father overlooked your true talents and treated you like any other brother or sister. It was my folly that you wasted precious days. It must have been a time of regret?" "Father..." "Father doesn't dare to ask for your forgiveness until now. The only thing I hope you can do is to remember the old man's advice. Emperor Karman is a heroic man. If he is brought down, it may give this man The world brings misfortune. You have to look forward and backward in your actions, and don't let yourself be far away from happiness, you know?" "...Yes, my daughter understands, please rest assured father." Yadelhodo was silent for a moment before answering.The king's extremely weakened eyes unexpectedly flashed a faint light again, as if he had sensed something, but he didn't say it out loud.The hand that was holding her daughter was loosened, and her weakened eyes were closed, as if she had sunk into the abyss of fatigue. On June 25th, the gate of Karroza was finally opened, and the Mafar army entered the foreign capital.Karman first parked his horse in the royal palace "Qingquan Palace", and then led only a few personal attendants including Ferienz to visit more than 200 rooms in the palace.At this time, he walked into a room on the second floor facing the atrium, and saw an old man sitting on the bed, staring intently at the young conqueror who walked in. "Are you His Excellency Karman, Emperor Mafar?" "That's right. You're..., oh no, aren't you..." "I am King Danilo of Zrunagra. Nice to meet you for the first time." Karman accepted the bow of the subjugated king with some embarrassment, and then advised him to lie down. "Let's meet again at the next opportunity. Now, please rest well. If the doctor is not here, let me send Mafar's imperial doctor." "No, please let me ask you one thing to your face. Why are you so eager to pursue something that will be yours in peace after a while? I know it's useless to ask. , but I still hope you can tell me." The feeble eyes of the old king are attracting the young conqueror with a strange magnetism.Karman nodded, and then corrected his posture according to the etiquette for the king. "I know that I am impatient, and it is only natural for me to be criticized for being domineering or slandered in the future. However, I no longer have any other methods other than my own way of life. If it is King Danilo, the choice may be Is it another way? But I only have this way." No matter how long it is to say, it is useless, so when Kalman was silent, until the old king spoke again, there was an indescribable atmosphere of silence. "Then, I will entrust everything about Zrunagra, including my daughter Yadel Hodo, to His Excellency Karman. My only request is that innocent people will not be shed and sacrificed." "I promise you this, don't worry!" The young conqueror replied clearly and clearly, but sighed softly inwardly: "If Danilo IV used the words of aggressors to condemn, I would feel better." ... Soon, Danilo IV issued an order stating that the ruling power of Zrunagra would be transferred to Karman II in "peaceful and friendly circumstances". Baron Pavao, the general who defended the city of Raguzas, had originally kept the city gate tightly closed when facing the invasion of the Mafar army, intending to fight to the end.However, when Danilo IV issued this order, he sighed a long time and said: "I will never fight for anyone again." After that, he opened the city on July 1. Door. As a result, the organized armed resistance in Zrunagra came to an end.As the agent of Danilo IV, Kalman temporarily served as regent, but Zrunagra's crown has been confirmed to be officially worn on his head sooner or later, which is the so-called "two crowns on one head". "The state is the property of the king, but the people are tax-paying animals." If you want to put it a little more extreme, then the countries in the Middle Ages were indeed in such a political state.The so-called benevolent government, at best, is to reduce the taxes of the people, prevent foreign soldiers from trampling on the people's homes, and prevent the people's houses from being burned down by the enemy. The discipline of the Mafar army was very strict. On the day they entered the city of Kalroza, the capital of Zrunagra, they executed two soldiers who committed the crime of looting, and hung the heads of the dead in front of the city gate. To serve as a warning to others.In this way, the discipline of the Mafar army became stricter, and the people of Zrunagra breathed a sigh of relief. On the day after entering the city of Karloza, Karman issued the following order to Zrunagra's court clerk Juraj: "The rent and tax of the people of the whole country will be reduced by 10% unconditionally. The part greatly reduced from the palace expenses and military expenses should be enough to pay for Zrunagra's financial expenses." The following sentence may fully demonstrate Kalman's assertive side: "If you can't pay, kill two or three big nobles... No, there is no need to put it into practice, as long as you let this word out first, then the big nobles will come over automatically wagging their tails." After a few days, it turned out that Kalman's judgment was indeed correct. "The son-in-law sent by Mafar himself." The people in Zrunagra whispered in private, but the tough attitude shown by Karman when running the new territory was not at all like a son-in-law who was recruited into the door.In any case, Kallman must complete the establishment of dominance and the stability of order within this year.Because once winter comes, all soldiers and horses must be withdrawn to Mafar's own country. In this case, there will be a cliff of ice and snow standing between the old territory and the new territory, so at this time, it is absolutely impossible to revel in the joy of summer. Among the splendor. "If I die, how many people will applaud?" After the Zrunagra Succession Campaign, twenty-four Zrunagra's royal family and important ministers were about to be sentenced to death. After Kallman signed the death penalty execution document, he couldn't help saying this sentence in self-mocking.At least for the Kingdom of Zrunagra, Kallman will be a catastrophe with a human body, no, it should be said that it is already a catastrophe.In essence, the kingdom of Zrunagra no longer exists.Even the chief secretary of the palace, Juraj, although he didn't know what he really thought in his heart, had been handling state affairs for Karman on the surface as if he didn't care. Zrunagra's inner prince, Princess Yadelhodo, appeared in front of Karman near the evening of June 26.The veil of dusk has not yet shrouded the earth, and the bright summer sun is like vaporized gemstones, adorning the mountains and fields of the southern country dazzlingly. Among the buildings of Zrunagra, the biggest difference from Mafar is that the balcony of the building itself is very wide, and there is a pergolas with an open design for sunshade on the balcony.The flowers of vines and the graceful stems of grapes are entangled on this pergola, which makes the wide balcony ground have a little bit of cool shade.Under the cool shade of the vines, the beautiful princess bowed her head and said to the conqueror: "I am Yadel Hodo, daughter of Danilo." "You came just in time, and you don't need to worry about everything at present. If there is any inconvenience for you, please feel free to speak up." "There is no inconvenience, but there is something I would like to ask His Majesty the Emperor. Now, Your Majesty has controlled this country with your own strength, do you still intend to use Yadelhodo as your Majesty's spouse?" "Well, there is such a plan..." "Although I am a subjugated person now, please allow me to propose the conditions for marriage, Your Highness Karman." "condition?" Karman stared at the princess of the ruined country with great interest.Princess Yadelhodo is indeed beautiful.Her beauty is completely different from ordinary man-made, and there is a color that belongs to a different dimension between her gestures and gestures.Just when Kallman couldn't help admiring the princess's beauty, the princess' voice then flowed into Kallman's consciousness: "Yes, please allow me to report. With your highness Karman's might, this will not be a difficult task. In any case, your highness, please destroy the Yerudi Kingdom in the near future." "Destroy the Yerudi Kingdom?" Kalman's question was blurted out immediately, showing that he was indeed shocked in his heart.Kalman moved his gaze away from Yadelhodo's neat face like an artistic sculpture. After a short silence, Kalman continued to speak: "Yerudi is an ally of my Mafar, and a partner who jointly raised troops to conquer your Zrunagra. Of course, from your standpoint, Yerudi and Mafar are both your enemies, but Yale Shouldn't Di be less guilty than Mafar?" "I don't think so." "Oh? Why?" "If the act of aggression itself came from their own ideas, then all of this can be a different matter. However, Yerudi is following others' ponytails, trying to share the spoils of war together. Such a greedy and inferior nature is exactly what I want Abominable." Yadelhuo asserted calmly, and his words were full of bitter and intense condemnation: "According to their bad nature, I'm afraid they will attack Mafar one day sooner or later, but it is still unpredictable at present. This is why I made such a request specifically. Please destroy Yerudi, Your Highness, this is Yadell He Duo's only wish." "Well, you are right. What you said is acceptable both emotionally and rationally. Well, I will take your words to heart." Despite the promise on the surface, Kallman didn't really accept what Yadel Hodo said in his heart.Mafar will be eliminated sooner or later, and Yerudi will be annexed. This is something that has been predetermined in Karman's hegemony, and there is no need for Yadel Hodo to instigate it.If Kalman told Yadel Huduo what he had planned, so that she could feel at ease first, would this matter end here?In fact, it is not so simple.If Yadel Hodor were to seek revenge on the enemies who wiped out her homeland, the first step should be to create a rift in the alliance between Mafar and Yerudi.Isn't the condition she stated now based on such an attempt?Although in front of Kallman, she played her acting skills as if nothing had happened, pretending that she was a simple woman who was only interested in revenge and didn't care about other things. "Hey, if such a princess is kept in the inner courtyard of the palace, it will be really messed up." Karman thought so in his heart.Although this beautiful princess did not stimulate Kallman's emotions as a man, Kallman's interest in this princess far exceeds the difference between genders. "This princess will not be the woman I like, but maybe she will be a respectable enemy in the future." Kalman has always been remarkably relentless in his analysis of the psychology of others, even his own.Although he didn't feel the slightest struggle about the fact that he had to choose a woman who was not his favorite as the imperial concubine, he said to himself again: "It doesn't matter, anyway, I have Effimia. Marriage and love are two different things." Once you are the king of a country, getting married is part of the policy.This kind of understanding should be the self-consciousness that the country's leaders must have. Princess Angelina held a summer apple in one hand while walking alone in the "Qingquan Palace".Although Angelina was not wearing a war robe at this time, she still wore a sword around her waist and was wearing the same clothing as a man.The hair that looks like the winter sun is floating on the shoulders, and the eyes are full of vitality, which unknowingly attracts people's attention.Even so, her demeanor was childish.She brought the apple in her hand to her rosy mouth, and after making a crisp gnawing sound, a healthy tooth shape appeared on the apple immediately.The sour taste of green fruit diffuses between the tongue and teeth, making people feel a refreshing taste. "Princess, it looks like you are in good spirits!" Holdy greeted amiably.Standing beside him was Ridvan, who was greeting the princess silently with his blinding eyes.Angelina returned the kindness of the two men with a fair smile.From the point of view of a friend, Holdy is far more interesting and knowledgeable than Lidwan, Angelina thought in her heart. The three of them went for a walk in the garden together.After exchanging some boring conversation with each other, Holdy finally brought up a slightly meaningful topic: "However, no matter how good the weather is, it is impossible to last forever. I don't know what is the current situation in our lovely motherland Mafar? Especially the lives of the people." Angelina furrowed her well-shaped eyebrows. "You mean it's going to rain?" "According to the order, before it rains, there will be dark clouds first!" "Halty, according to you, you think there are dark clouds now, don't you?" "It stands to reason that now shouldn't be the season for dark clouds to appear!" Holdy pressed his palms to the top of his shiny head.After hearing what he said, Princess Angelina and Lidwan couldn't help but exchanged glances over the head of the shorter Holdy. In fact, Lidvan was able to understand what Holdy was trying to say.After the young and promising emperor ascended the throne under the circumstances that everyone expected, the future of the Marfar Empire can be said to be bright and bright.Although he took advantage of the internal disunity of Zrunagra to seize the land of the country, such behavior can be said to be extremely overbearing; but he strictly prohibited the soldiers from any looting atrocities, and limited the scope of rectification to the In the palace, the original tyranny of Zrunagra was also revised, and an extremely stable ruling system was established in a short period of time.At this moment, no matter whether it is at home or abroad, there should be no dark clouds. Even so, the reason why Princess Angelina and Ridwan felt the existence of the dark cloud may be because they knew something unnecessary and useless, that is, Angelina's brother Munchell the Golden Crow Contradictory rivalry with Emperor Kalman.No, perhaps it is not known, it should be said that it is just suspicion.But even a princess as courageous and daring as Angelina could not help but feel timid to clarify this doubt to her brother. "If you can't even be satisfied with the status of Duke, then the only thing you want is the throne." Angelina asked herself this question more than once, but each time she got the same answer.What my elder brother covets is the status of the emperor. Is my elder brother a person who worships status and power so much?No, Angelina is sure that her brother is not such a person. Although I don't know what kind of thoughts are in my brother's heart, but according to Angelina, my brother is in love with a beauty named Ambition, a beauty who only lives in dreams and does not exist in the real world.Because of this, her brother will never be able to truly fall in love. Thinking of this, Angelina couldn't help but sigh with regret. Angelina put the core of the green apple on her fingertips and rotated it, as if it was a crystal ball that could present everything.Angelina's suspicions were not only aimed at her brother Munchell, but even Emperor Kalman, she also felt a little unbelievable. The first change felt in Emperor Kalman began with the death of the late Emperor Boguda II.When a person undergoes a major transformation, there should be a certain fact as an opportunity for his transformation.Even if the death of the father was this opportunity, it should not be so simple that caused such a drastic change in Kallman. Could there be other unknown inside stories? Angelina does not see the stormy tension between Kalman and Munchell as fate.Although they happened to be born in the same country in the same year, the road was chosen by their own will.People are not manipulated by fate, their own destiny is woven by their own hands, and even the color is chosen by themselves, whether it is white, golden yellow, or bloody red.
On July 5, Song Ertan, the prime minister of Mafar, led a convoy of ten carriages through the gate of Karroza.In addition to the convoy, there were also 120 cavalry guards.Such a fuss aroused the disgust of General Eliasson and others, and he whispered to Lidwan, "He just wants to avoid the killing of some enemies. In fact, the most terrifying thing is his own. You have a bad heart." However, no matter how disgusted some people are, Song Ertan's squirrel-like figure did appear in the "Qingquan Palace" at this time, and he had an audience with the emperor. "Congratulations, Your Majesty has finally become the monarch of the two countries. Such an unprecedented great achievement is beyond praise!" After saying these words that were perfectly blended with flattery and ridicule, Song Ertan let out a wonderful laugh.But just when Kallman's youthful face was about to be covered by the shadow of displeasure, the laughter stopped suddenly, completely, without even a lingering sound.Song Ertan then bowed extremely respectfully, completely hiding his heart. 这时，卡尔曼的内心有个冲动在蠕动，他恨不得将宋尔坦脸上那层皮肤给撕扯下来。如果他是一个暴君的话，一定会立刻把宋尔坦处决掉，理由很简单，只因为他是“一个令人讨厌的家伙”。但是，宋尔坦身为一国宰相，宫廷内外的情势都由他处理，这样的经验和才能却也是相当难能可贵的。 宋尔坦抬起头，脸部表情产生了一些变化。 “败禀陛下，微臣自帝都带来了一个难以启齿的不幸消息。” 宋尔坦的眼睛忙碌地左右转动，意思是要求陛下屏退其他不相关的人。这个时候，在皇帝身旁的只有金鸦国公蒙契尔一个人，皇帝用眼神表示了“不用”。宋尔坦于是有些失望似地，嗳嗽一声之后便开始说道： “那么，请容微臣启奏。艾菲米雅女官亡故了。在微臣自帝都出发当天的早上，终于一病不起……” 在这瞬间，卡尔曼的嘴唇挤不出一点声音，他的面容也完全失去了生气。在他身旁的蒙契尔甚至怀疑皇帝是不是要倒下去了。不过卡尔曼虽然踉跄了一下，但是并没有倒下去。他勉强支撑着自己的身体，脚底下用力踩住兹鲁纳格拉的土地，像棵榆树般强劲地站立着。卡尔曼一面调整自己的呼吸，抑制住心脏的鼓动，继续听完宋尔坦冗长的报告之后，他命蒙契尔和宋尔迪一起退下。门扇于是开了又关，在这个空无一人的房间内，这个手中握有两顶皇冠的男子，竟茫然不知所措地呆立着。 “我是多么地愚蠢哪……” 到了此时此刻，卡尔曼这才顿悟到一个事实，原来他过去一直将自己内心最柔软的部份托付给艾菲米雅，托付给这个温顺又恭谨有礼的女子。虽然当初的出发点不过是年轻王族与侍女之间司空见惯的肉体关系。但是，在这些日子当中，他两人之间已经发展出一种绝非是司空见惯的心灵契合，尽管如此，在卡尔曼的意识当中，却还总以为这只是男女的情事，从没有考虑过与她正式结婚，甚至还以为艾菲米雅对于这样的关系也应该会感到满足。对于卡尔曼来说，艾菲米雅是一个非常重要的女性，但是除此之外，还有另一个因素是更为重要的，而且这个因素原本应该是存在的。 “报应啊！难道这就是弑杀亲父的报应吗？但是，就算是天帝，也没有权力从我身边将我所爱的人夺走啊！要杀的话就杀我好了！” 卡尔曼痛苦地抱住自己的头。哀叹声和诅咒声化成低沉的音律，从地面上匍匐而过。 “杀我吧！杀了我……” 就这样，马法尔的皇帝卡尔曼二世失去了原本该可以成为他后继者的儿子或女儿，在还没来得及出生之前就失去了，同时，也失去了他孩子的母亲。除此之外，卡尔曼更失去了那颗原本存在于霸王的心理当中，属于凡人追求幸福的心。艾菲米雅的笑容是多么地优雅、柔婉，但是她竟然将这一切全部带走了。 卡尔曼在不久之后抬起了脸，从那僵硬干燥的嘴唇当中，吐出僵硬又干燥的独白： “加速举行和亚德尔荷朵公主结婚的仪式。既然已经变成这种状况，还是加快些比较好。没错，这样也好，这么一来，艾菲米雅就不必像见不得人似地永远躲在阴影底下了……” 另一方面，宰相宋尔坦从皇帝御前退下，并与蒙契尔道别之后，他凝视着那道重新被关上的门扉，好像在沉思什么似地。片刻之后，他点了点头，然后走近此时正站在门旁的侍从武官菲连兹少年身边，命令他把耳朵凑过来。菲连兹讨厌这个宰相的程度并不下于皇帝，但此时也只得勉强地依照命令行事，当他听到宰相低声对自己所说的话时，不禁大吃一惊。 “……毒药？” “这件事情还不能让陛下知道，懂吗？而且要切记多说无益，不得对他人提起。” 经宰相这么一交代，菲连兹点点头，但少年知道自己的脸色已经是一阵青、一阵白。 宰相告诉菲连兹，皇帝卡尔曼二世的情人艾菲米雅女官，真正的死因可能不是病死，而是遭毒杀身亡。宰相一面说，一面凝视着菲连兹，两眼里闪耀着青白色的火苗，两道像蛇一样细细的火苗。但是这幕情景，也有人在走廊的一角正默然地注视着，这人便是金鸦国公蒙契尔。 无论艾菲米雅的死是一件多么令人悲叹的事，对马法尔帝国来说，这只不过是皇帝个人的私事。如果艾菲米雅确实生下了男孩，而且这男孩披立为皇太子的话，那么就算艾菲米雅并没有被册封皇妃，这名女官的死仍然算是帝国的朝政大事，因为她的死就等于是下任皇帝母亲的死。然而事情并非如此。艾菲米雅的死在帝国例行的记载当中，不过是区区一名女官的死，记载上只是这么写着：“在这一年当中死亡的宫廷有关人员，为侍从一名、女官三名、随从武官一名”，甚至连个人的姓名也不被列入。 卡尔曼并不像兹鲁纳格拉的末代国王达尼洛四世那样是个大情圣，而是一个拥有平凡的女性观与健康肉体的人。艾菲米雅当然不是卡尔曼的第一个异性，在她之前，也有其他女性是卡尔曼曾经热爱过的。卡尔曼从来没有想像到，艾菲米雅的死竟然会带给他如此强大的打击。当然，这样的打击完全不同于父王过世时所带给自己的冲击，两者的性质全然迥异。在这个时候，他所深切感受到的，不是个人的软弱，或者是合理的悲哀，而是他自己的愚蠢。 但是，卡尔曼将这一切悲叹与后悔全部深埋在自己的内心，为了弥补失去艾菲米雅之后的心灵空洞，他更是一心一意地专注在成就霸业上。 对于卡尔曼这个侵略者，兹鲁纳格拉的人心并没有产生负面的趋向，最主要的原因便是外来的侵略者并没有大肆进行掠夺。 事实上，严格惩戒掠夺、暴行，和破坏行为的最后获利者不是别人，而是征服者，其中的好处不仅仅是安定了彼征服国的人心；试想，如果田地被践踏、烧毁了，那么农作物就无法长成，家畜如果被杀害了，就无法继续繁殖，供水管路如果被破坏了，那么农地和牧场就无水可用。只要能够节制破坏的层面，维持土地原有的生产力和居民的勤劳意愿，那么整体的经济能力就不会受损，而赋税的征收也将更为容易。所以，施行德政的最后获利者便是统治者，凡是贤明的统治者一定都深谙这其中的道理。 从最初一开始，卡尔曼就没有想要使兹鲁纳格拉荒芜，将征服地搜刮一空的意思。为了让兹鲁纳格拉成为供养马法尔强兵的后方补给，一定要将该国的农业生产力与过去所蓄积的财富保存下来。只要根基不受到破坏，那么就不需要插手或干涉兹鲁纳格拉的民众生活和下层社会的构造。最多只要将眼里所看到的偏差现象给纠正过来就足够了。 就这样，当马法尔的征服事业已经转成新领土统治，而统治步骤已经从军事转为文治的时候，马法尔的大军暂时就没有留在兹鲁纳格拉的必要了。而且，军队对于生产事业并没有帮助，二十五万名的庞大兵员总不能一直老待在这里吃闲饭。如果要防御兹鲁纳格拉的领土遭受他国侵袭的话，只要靠兹鲁纳格拉旧有的军队就足够了。所以马法尔军现在的作用，只是在牵制兹鲁纳格拉军，避免这些旧有兵员将矛头指向皇帝卡尔曼就行了。 到现在为止，所有的步骤都进行得非常顺利，这一切仿佛在催促着马法尔军撤出兹鲁纳格拉。于是皇帝卡尔曼决定，只让直属军三万六千名，与龙牙公国军一万八千名和自己一起留下来，其余军队分两梯次回归马法尔本国。此外还决定龙牙国公渥达留下来担任皇帝顾问，而金鸦国公蒙契尔随同本公国军队一同回国。原本皇帝卡尔曼是希望蒙契尔能够留下来，但是蒙契尔回答：“臣下一向不太能适应热的天气，而且一方面也挂念着领地内的事情。”之时，卡尔曼便笑了笑，同意让他回国去了。因为就算蒙契尔和金鸦公国军会合，也不再有显露叛意的余地了。 现在，耶鲁迪已经被扯了进来，成为马法尔征服兹鲁纳格拉的共犯，接下来只要亚德尔荷朵和卡尔曼缔结婚姻关系的话，其他各国也没有插手的余地。这一切都是因为卡尔曼武断的迅速行动以及巧妙的文治手腕，才没让其他各国有丝毫可乘之机。虽然札拉和利斯阿尼亚等他国的王室与兹鲁纳格拉也有政治婚姻关系，但是这并不能构成他们对马法尔滋生事端的理由。 “如果事先能够与兹鲁纳格拉缔结攻守同盟的话，现在也不至于让卡尔曼那家伙独享整块大饼哪。早知道就应该先下手为强、先发制人了。” 到现在才这么唉声叹气，这根本就是所谓愚者的智慧，丝毫没有一点助益。只能在远处流着口水，任凭马法尔独占美味丰富的猎物。至少在表面上，并没有任何一个国家，企图采取什么动作。 即便如此，如果光凭这表面上的迹象而以为万事已经圆满收场的话，那么就未免显得太过天真了。战场上的胜利并不一定意味着外交上的胜利。潜在的敌国现在一定更加强了警戒心。 金鸦国公蒙契尔一面在准备着回国的诸多事宜，另一面却也在仔细观察着卡尔曼的新领土支配政策如何顺利地进行。他手里一面寻找着适当的礼物，好带回去送给帕萨罗威兹侯爵加的依德利达公主，但是真正的心却是神游在策谋的庭园里。 “如今要单凭一国的力量来对抗马法尔已经是不可能的了。接着下来，拉萨尔那家伙的企图大概是要筹组一个对抗马法尔，不，应该是说对抗卡尔曼的多国联盟了。对皇帝来说，这可是他的外忧，至于内患方面，国内的敌人该会有何蠢动呢？” 其实所谓的内患，最大的敌人便是蒙契尔本身，但是此时在他的思考当中，并没有把他自己列入计算的范围当中，因为依照他的思考方法，怎可能把自己和那些区区不成气候的小敌相提并论。 “啊，就这个了！” 蒙契尔脱口而出，这并不是因为策谋已经拟订妥当，而是要送给依德莉达公主的礼物已经决定好了。那是一条银线上系着四个银铃的风铃，每当有微风吹送的时候，就会发出清澄悦耳的响声。 “如果公主会喜欢就好了……” 当蒙契尔正在挑选礼物好送给小公主时，卡尔曼这方面正与亚德尔荷朵公主交换着极为平淡无味的对话。 “亚德尔荷朵公主，这一次为了报酬耶鲁迪协助马法尔征服成功，朕已经决定将兹鲁纳格拉的十州赏给耶鲁迪，你以为如何呢？” 听到这话的时候，亚德尔荷朵的眼眸仿佛两把锐利的刀刃，闪烁着尖锐的光芒。 “赏给耶鲁迪十州？这样的行为不等于是拿着金币往盗贼手里堆吗？” “你很不高兴是吗？” 卡尔曼淡淡一笑，手指尖轻弹着银杯的边缘。 “就如同你的愿望，那耶鲁迪迟早也会成为我国的一部份。如今赏给他们十州，其实不过是先将土地借给他们几年而已。如果他们要大作白日梦，以为可以从此就建设起一个大耶鲁迪王国的话，不妨就让他们去作吧。人说画饼充饥，就算他们在纸上画满了美味的料理，也并不表示他们的肚子就会因此而饱起来啊！” 为了对眼前这个即将成为人夫的男子所说的笑话作回应，这个即将成为人妻的女子于是在她那艳丽的红唇旁绽放出一个娇媚的微笑。一个美男子与一个美女子，这对尊贵的男女在不久之后，即将要在夫妇的卧床上，以列国的兴衰与策谋作为临睡前的枕边细语吧？ 七月七日这一天，一份以马法尔皇帝卡尔曼二世的名义所发布的宣言公开对天下昭告，兹鲁纳格拉八十州土地当中的七十州，正式与马法尔本土合并。这便是世人所谓的“大合并”。 经由这次的大合并，马法尔帝国的疆域高达二百州，版图之大乃为空前所未有。卡尔曼的威名足可以和马法尔的建国始祖阿尔巴德征服帝相匹敌。 “卡尔曼大帝一夏征服一国。英武声誉无与伦比。诸国列王双膝及地，对于卡尔曼大帝之丰功伟业，无不战栗胆寒……” 史官于年代志上如此振笔记载。然而马法尔帝国的声誉对于邻近列国来说，却是个仿佛梦魇般挥之不去的恶名。卡尔曼征服兹鲁纳格拉的俐落手腕，让邻近诸国无不感到战栗不安，另一方面也使得他们更升高了对于马法尔的敌对心理。
在马法尔帝国的都城奥诺古尔。短暂的夏日阳光正逐渐融合在一片水色的幕霭之中，家家户户的窗口散发着一盏盏温暖的灯火。这真是一个恬适而难得的北国之夏。但是在耶鲁迪大使馆内一个门窗紧闭的会议室之中，却弥漫着一股寒冬的气息，大使和客人们正围着一个坚木材质的圆桌旁坐下。 “各位大使阁下都到齐了吗？好，那么请让我来开始这次集会，共同商讨各位列席大使的祖国安宁。” 耶鲁迪大使拉萨尔非常平静地发表宣言。在烛光的照耀下，脸色仍显得铁青的这六名男人，听了这番开场白之后，脸部愈发僵硬，纷纷将视线集中在这名年轻主办人的身上。 驻在马法尔帝都奥诺古尔的七国大使，此时都齐聚在这个会议室当中。除了耶鲁迪之外，还有札拉王国、利斯阿尼亚王国、库尔兰特王国、鸟鲁喀尔王国、拉沃泥亚大公国、以及西方骑士团领国。除拉萨尔之外，其余六名都是即将进入初老阶段的五、六十岁人，拉萨尔的年龄和他们有着相当大的一段差距，同时也是他们之中最诡计多端、老奸巨猾的一个。 “在我们今天的集会上，原本还有一个人应该会出席，可是如今不见他的踪影，那就是兹鲁纳格拉的大使札伊歇尔公爵。由于某个不明人物的阴谋，他身为外交家的生涯很不幸地遭到中断。作为一个曾经与他同在一个任地的大使，请容我冒昧地为他祈求冥福。” 拉萨尔低下了头，其他六国的大使也纷纷端正自己的姿势，以本国的仪式为死者祈祷。札伊歇尔公爵生前的交际作风颇为傲慢，一直是各国大使所讨厌的对象，但是既然人都已经死了，活着的人又何妨表现一下礼仪。 事实上，拉萨尔正是杀害札伊歇尔公爵的真正犯人。札伊歇尔公爵死后，拉萨尔竟然还将他拿出来当道具利用，所谓恬不知耻正可说是他的写照吧。在这个年轻策谋家的心中，根本没有畏惧死者灵魂的观念。活着的人尚且无法控制这世上的人，死者又如何能够加以插手呢。 “……不过，札伊歇尔公爵在祖国还没遭受马法尔军的马蹄蹂躏前就过世了，就这一点来说，或许要比在座的各位大使来得幸运也说不定。” 耶鲁迪大使的言论，引起了札拉大使的不平： “为什么我们比较不幸呢？我们的祖国都还安然无恙不是吗？或许马法尔在征服兹鲁纳格拉之后，会就此而满足了也说不定哪！” “卡尔曼并不是一个这么容易满足的人。今年碰巧是兹鲁纳格拉遭殃，有谁敢说明年不会轮到札拉吗？” 札拉的大使闷声不响了。其他各国的大使们则就着自己所坐的位置与个人体格，有些不安地稍稍转动身体。他们的国家在过去对于马法尔的态度并非经常保持友善，如果卡尔曼有意思的话，何患没有侵略的借口呢？ “马法尔的版图如今已高达二百州。并吞了物产丰饶的兹鲁纳格拉之后，更确立了以南方物产供养北方强兵的体制。这个事实所蕴藏的可怕意义，想必是各位贤明大使早已知道的。” 拉萨尔所说的话并非完全正确。但是经他这么一指明，有半数大使吓得呆若木鸡，因为他们从来没有想到这深一层的含义。见到这幅景象，拉萨尔不禁在胸中冷笑，这群认不清事实真相的笨蛋，真是活该要被我耍弄。 “如今单凭一国的力量已经无法对抗马法尔的强势。此时此刻，正是各国要摒弃私心，筑起一道防御的铜墙，为阻止马法尔向外膨胀而同心协力的时候。今日邀请各位列席这个集会，就是为了要商讨有关的事宜。” 这时，有把椅子发出响声。体格魁梧的库尔兰特大使，有些无聊地重新将身子挪好之后，便怀疑地对着年轻的主办人提出问题： “不过，耶鲁迪不是配合马法尔征服了兹鲁纳格拉，而且还分得十州土地吗？换句话说，耶鲁迪根本就是马法尔的共犯。你们耶鲁迪吃到了甜头，现在却反过来若无其事似地召开这次集会，这不是太奇怪了吗？” “如果无法相信耶鲁迪的话，试问您今日为何应邀前来参加呢？库尔兰特大使？” 还未等对方回答，拉萨尔又紧接着说道： “不，请不要误会，我没有盘问或者讥笑您的意思。今天我们大家之所以齐聚在这里，就是因为担忧马法尔的强势与皇帝卡尔曼的野心，只有这个原因。如今我们好比是搭乘同一条船要渡过大河的同志，争吵只会让我们面临覆舟的命运。” 藉由这个巧妙的比喻，将六国大使对于事态的认识诱导到预期的方向时，拉萨尔重新环视眼前的这一群人。 “在此，请容我提出一个提案，就让我们共同缔结对抗马法尔的七国同盟条约，不知各位大使以为如何？” “七国同盟？” 六个大使面面相觑。在这个大陆上，曾经有过无数次的二国，或者三国缔结同盟的例子，但是，七国为对抗一国而立定盟约的情形却是从来没有过。这样的大联合要能够实现，必须要在各方利害关系都相当一致的情况下。而马法尔如今日复一日的明显兴隆，不正是促使各国利害一致的导因吗？ “或许各位大使会认为凭什么要让耶鲁迪来主导，心里面可能会感到有些无可奈何也说不定。但是我们这个同盟成立的性质并不是要由哪一国掌握主导权，而是由各国基于平等的立场，彼此遵守信义的原则，来共同对抗马法尔的威胁，耶鲁迪的角色只是对各国提出呼吁。如今要防止马法尔的膨胀，并维护列国的和平，除了这个方法之外，别无其他，请各位驻在大使明察。” 一条像是用血勾勒出来的赤色疤痕，正愈来愈明显地浮现在这个年纪最轻的大使脸颊上。大使们像是被催眠了似地，一个劲儿地点着头，最后全部赞同了拉萨尔的意见。六国大使深信，不管马法尔再怎么强势，卡尔曼有多大称霸天下的野心，七对一的话一定会赢，而且这正是自己国家要继续生存下去独一无二的途径。 在拉萨尔的诱导与煽动之下，大使们于是沦为拉萨尔为达成一己之野心与策谋的活道具。 至此，该有的道具都备齐了。这个属于卡尔曼的灿烂夏季还能够持续到什么时候呢？拉萨尔用指尖一面勾勒着脸颊上的疤痕，一面提出了另一个提案： “本次集会盟约是在故人亡灵的见证之下成立的。因此，我们想把这个盟约命名为札伊歇尔盟约，不知道各位是否有其他异议？” 就在没有人提出异议的情况下，后世所谓的札伊歇尔盟约成立了；时间是在七月八日的晚上。在这一年，大陆历一○九二年的夏季，发生了许多历史上前所未有的事件，年代志上也因此需要更多的篇幅来记载。