Chapter 318 Chapter 288 Who seeks whose skin?

Of course Maximus understood what Du Wei meant. Although the bishop is also kind and noble, although he wears old robes and lives a simple life.But according to Du Wei's thinking, it is correct: the more this kind of person, the more difficult it is!Either he is a true saint, or he has great plans! Du Wei has never believed that there are any saints in the world...how about Mi Hughes?The holy man who has been beautified to the extreme in the scriptures, one of the founders of the temple, and today he knows the true face of Michus, I am afraid that if it is spread, no one will believe it!

This Maximus is nothing more than a politician in the temple. Maximus knew that in order to get the support of Du Wei and let the Lord Duke place a bet on him, what he had to do now was to show his strength and find a way to let the other party understand that betting on him could get a lot of money. reciprocated. "My lord duke." After pondering for a while, Maximus said slowly: "I believe you should have a certain understanding of the rules for succession to the Pope's position in the temple." "Yes." Du Wei nodded: "According to the rules of the temple, you should also be one of the heirs. However, what I want to say is that, after all, there are eight archbishops in total, and you may not necessarily be the final victor."

"Almighty gods above." Maximus looked compassionate: "It's not that I, Maximus, are greedy for power and position, but I am determined to dedicate my life to the gods and the temple. I can't tolerate those who see the Yeni sect The guys have defiled the temple! Their misconduct will only discredit the temple." Du Wei remained expressionless, waiting for the bishop to continue. "The battle between the Yeni sect and our Mosa sect has been going on for a long time. Based on the struggle of this generation, especially in the past two years, what they have done has become more and more excessive. Now the eight major dioceses on the mainland , the Yeni faction occupied five. Although our Mosha faction only controlled three dioceses, but in terms of political performance, it was far ahead of them. The Yeni faction's methods of promoting doctrine were too tough and bloody. Over the years, They advocate the use of severe torture to erect the majesty of the church, and take drastic measures against heresy. In a case in the southeastern diocese six years ago, they burned six people to death in the name of purifying heresy. Three years ago in the southwestern diocese , They hanged a nobleman again on the charge of violating the gods. These methods are too drastic and have already caused dissatisfaction in many quarters. Especially three years ago, they hanged a nobleman. The aristocratic class regards them as a kind of demonstration. In the diocese controlled by the Yeni faction, there will always be some friction with the imperial officials. For example, in the past few years, because of the taxation problem in the south, they have pointed fingers at the taxation policy of the empire. , accusing the imperial taxation of being too heavy, causing the people to hand over most of their income to the imperial official taxation, which led to a sharp decline in their religious taxation and contribution tax. The relationship between them was once very tense. Moreover, the creed of 'theocracy above all else' advocated by the Yeni sect was naturally disliked by the royal family."

"Of course." Du Wei shrugged his shoulders: "Although I don't know much about what you said, I have heard it." "We, the Mossas, have controlled only three dioceses over the years, accounting for only a minority. But the reputation inside the temple has always been much higher than that of the Yenis. Especially in the elders, the ones who support us are the occupants. But speaking of it, an incident in the past two years has brought us a huge blow, if not for that accident, I am afraid that the situation of our Mossas would not be so embarrassing now." When Maximos said this, he sighed and glanced at Du Wei: "Your Excellency, you must have heard of the name 'Hussein', right?"

Du Wei's heart skipped a beat, and he made a surprised expression on his face: "Hussein, of course I've heard that he is the most wanted criminal in the temple! The most powerful genius knight on the mainland later betrayed the temple ,Right?" "It is Hussein... well, because of his affairs, our Mossah faction has been implicated a lot. It can be said that because of Hussein's rebellion, the strength of the Mossas faction has been greatly damaged. Originally, His Majesty the Pope was They are very supportive of our Mossas, but later because of this incident..."

"What does Hussein have to do with you?" Du Wei asked. Maximus smiled wryly: "My lord, Hussein became the Knight Commander of the Holy Knights at a young age, and one of the three leaders of the Holy Knights, the most powerful armed force under the Temple. There are other reasons for his qualifications besides being talented and young and promising." After a pause, he said slowly: "Hussein...he was born in our North Central Diocese, judging from his background , belonged to the Mosa faction." This Du Wei has never heard of it.Although Hussein has always been by his side, this indifferent man seems to regard the betrayal of the temple as the greatest pain in his life, and he is rarely willing to mention his own affairs in the temple.He didn't say it himself, and Du Wei rarely asked.

"Hussain was born in the diocese under my jurisdiction, and was selected and sent to the training of the Holy Knights at a very young age. Speaking of which, he stepped up to the position of Grand Knight Commander step by step. Of course, our Mosa was indispensable in the process. The support of the faction. After all..." Maximus smiled bitterly: "Although the elders have maintained neutrality for thousands of years, the Holy Knights are no longer the sphere of influence of the Montenegrin faction. Everyone knows, To control power, you must first master force. The Holy Knights are the most powerful force in the church. For hundreds of years, both we and the Yeni faction have tried their best to infiltrate the Holy Knights.

After all, the Knights are different from the Elders. The Montenegrin faction controls the seats of the Elders, making it difficult for others to infiltrate.To enter the council of elders, the pope must first be nominated, and then the council of elders will vote whether to accept it.The Montenegrin faction is very united. If outsiders want to get a seat in the elders' group, they will not be able to pass their vote in the first place.But the knight order is different, each knight is selected and trained from an early age.And as long as we select some talented children in our parish and send them in regularly, according to the rules of the temple, no one can stop them.As long as the young man we select is really talented and becomes a holy knight, then no one can say anything.Moreover, because of the agreement reached between the empire and the temple hundreds of years ago, the holy knights were not allowed to be stationed in the imperial capital, and could only keep a small part in the temple. Most of the holy knights were scattered in various parishes to guard the local churches.In this way, the Holy Knights will inevitably be radiated by the local church, and it will be difficult to maintain complete neutrality.After so many hundreds of years, although the Holy Knights cannot be said to be completely infiltrated, there are always representatives of several schools among the high-level knights.For example, the seventh-level knight they sent to assassinate me this time. "

Maximus sighed: "Speaking of Hussein, he was indeed one of the most talented youngsters we selected back then, and he quickly stood out in the North Central Diocese and became the most talented one. After that, he ranked first in the selection competition and entered the Knights Headquarters of the Imperial Capital Temple for rigorous training. After that, he went up all the way. We Mosha sect regard him as the hope of our sect! The original two major knight commanders of the Holy Knights are all neutral personnel who are loyal to the Pope and belong to the Montenegrin faction. If a Mosa faction can serve as the knight commander, then it means that we are in the battle for the Holy Knights. , overwhelmed the Yenipai!As a result... As you know, Hussein suddenly ran into a catastrophe and was personally ordered to be hunted down by His Majesty the Pope. Because of this incident, the Yeni faction attacked the Mossah faction inside the temple, and we were in a very passive position.The most important thing is that because of Hussein's rebellion, the Pope was extremely furious and personally ordered a purge within the Holy Knights, and the Yeni faction took the opportunity to suppress us, so that during the purge process, our Holy Knights of the Mossas suffered a great loss.Forget it... what makes us even more helpless is that in the process of hunting Hussein..."

When Du Wei heard this, he paid special attention. "During the hunt for Hussein, the then presiding judge Murray personally led the team, and several eighth-level holy knights led people to participate in the hunt. But... to tell you the truth, the presiding judge Murray My lord is also the backbone of our Mosas faction, and among the holy knights who participated in the hunt, such as the eighth-level knight Gofit, and several sixth-level knights and seventh-level knights, all of them have been spent by our Mossas for many years. It was cultivated with painstaking efforts... As a result, in the process of chasing Hussein, Lord Murray died, and Goffett and others also sacrificed, which caused great trauma to our strength. The Yeni faction took the opportunity to return their People took it up and served as the new presiding judge. In this way, within the temple, the important position of the presiding judge became theirs..."

Du Wei nodded. In the process of chasing Hussein, a presiding judge died in the temple, and Du Wei knew about it.As for the number of holy knights who died, one of them did include a guy named Gofeet. This Gofette also had a great relationship with Du Wei. Du Wei found Gofette's grave in the snow. It was only after seeing the suicide note and diary left by the dead holy knight that he understood what had happened.And Gofetter was also the holy knight who came forward to drive away the green hat when Gandolf in the green robe "molested" Mrs. Liszt for the first time. He knew these things, and it seemed that what Maximos said should be the truth. "My lord bishop." Du Wei said with a smile: "I believe that what you said is true...but, I don't understand. If what you said to me is true, then you and your Mo Sapai, now in the temple, should be in a very dangerous situation, and he is also at a disadvantage in the struggle with the Yeni faction. Under such circumstances, do you think that as a smart investor, you should bet on A power that is about to fall? Oh, please forgive my wording, but if you can't explain the question in my mind, I'm afraid I can't make any decisions." Maximos smiled instead and looked into Du Wei's eyes: "You are a smart man, Your Excellency the Duke! I have no doubts about this. I think I have reasons to convince you precisely because of two reasons: first Smart people know that adding icing on the cake is easy, but sending charcoal in the snow is often the most touching. At this time, if you choose to support the Mosas, then the Moss will become your most loyal friend in the future! Of course, this is only a small part The reason, I believe the second point I will say next, you will definitely be tempted. This second... think about it, since the Yeni faction is really winning, why are they so anxious to openly ambush on the road Me? If I make such a move, once the failure is exposed, it will inevitably cause an uproar, but they still choose to take the risk, naturally because they are aware of the danger! Because as long as I reach the imperial capital, I can reverse the whole situation!" Du Wei nodded involuntarily. Indeed, the more extreme measures the Yeni faction took to kill Maximus, the more anxious they were, the more they showed that they were afraid of letting Maximus return to the imperial capital! "Do you have any bargaining chips in your hand?" Du Wei laughed. "There is a little bit." Maximus smiled slightly: "Just, please forgive me, this is related to the top secret of the temple, but I can't say it clearly." Du Wei was silent. After careful consideration in his heart for a while, he finally sat up straight, and then suddenly said in a low voice, "How much do you want me to bet?" Maximus smiled: "Your Excellency, I know you are not a believer, so I think... If I have this opportunity, it will be my greatest honor to preside over your baptism ceremony in person!" Du Wei laughed: "My dear bishop, you've got your idea on my head!" Indeed, Du Wei, as the duke in charge of all the military and political powers in a province, is also a famous great magician in the empire, leaving aside his real strength, but basically, the general opinion, because of his outstanding performance on the coup day, They have already regarded this young juvenile duke as the top powerhouse in the mainland! Such a person, as a duke, holds real power, is deeply trusted by the royal family, and possesses extraordinary personal strength—but he is not a believer in the temple! !If at this time, someone can persuade him to join the religion... Such a feat is far greater than spreading 10,000 ordinary people to believe in religion! ! As a bishop, the main duty is to spread the teachings and make more people believe in the temple, which is also an important merit standard.But no matter how many ordinary people you can recruit, it is far inferior to attracting a prominent figure!And Du Wei... Now on the mainland, besides the Regent, who else is more popular than him? Du Wei didn't agree immediately, but continued to ask: "What else?" "I heard that in your territory, the attitude towards the temple religious institution is not very friendly." Maximus smiled and said, "I don't think I need to talk about the previous things. I will personally send some priests in the future." Personnel, come to your territory to promote teachings. My lord Duke, my request is that you should show some friendly attitude towards the teaching staff of our Mosha Sect." "Haha! Do you want to include my Desa province in your parish?" Du Wei laughed. "That's right." Maximus didn't hide anything, and said simply: "According to the practice of the temple, for a piece of virgin land that has not been developed, whoever can make achievements there first, the land will be assigned to him." The diocese. The teaching staff in your territory before were nothing more than small characters sent by the imperial capital. Then, in the future, I will send people directly from my north-central diocese..." "But you have to understand that the land in Desa Province is poor and not rich. My people don't have much money to pay religious tax and contribution tax." Du Wei frowned. "In order to express my friendship, I am willing to exempt the province of Desa from the religious tax for three years. As the archbishop of the diocese, I still have these rights, and after three years, if..." Maximos smiled slightly: "Of course , It’s just a hypothesis now. Assuming I can sit in that position, this tax exemption will be extended.” "Hmm." Du Wei nodded: "Okay, you want me to become a Christian, and then agree with your people to preach in my territory, and officially divide my territory into your parish...other than that? You There should be more demands." Maximus smiled, and he smiled lightly: "Your Excellency, you see, I am not a greedy old man. I don't have too many demands. If you can promise me these two points, I am already Very much appreciated. Of course... if you are generous, I will only need to add a small additional request, a small request." "Say it." Maximus' eyes flickered: "According to the decree of the temple, all holy knights stationed in the diocese are controlled by the local archbishop. The local diocese is obliged to infuse fresh blood for the holy knights every year. Although... the holy knights are Those who are directly loyal to the Pope. But after all, an army stationed in a local area will not be too pure after a long time. Therefore, I think I can do my best to control the holy knights in my jurisdiction. But... I still need more. Well... I mean, when the time is right, once I encounter great difficulties and crises, I need your army to assist." Du Wei frowned: "Are you crazy? According to all laws and regulations, any other army must not interfere in any disputes within the temple! You want the imperial officials to be involved in the affairs of the temple? In that case..." "No, no, no, you haven't understood what I mean. What I mean is... Once there are some urgent or 'special' situations, I think I can give you a name." Maximos laughed : "For example, let a certain army under your command wear the armor of the Holy Knights and get the name of 'Holy Knights'. What do you think?" Du Wei was really shocked this time. "You...Master Maximus, are you sure you want to do this? Such an approach has gone far!" Du Wei reminded. "Are you crossing the line?" Maximos's old face showed a trace of determination: "The Yeni faction dares to publicly publish a false name and try to kill a bishop without the Pope's permission. Isn't such an approach beyond the line! " "But you don't have this power." Du Wei shook his head: "You are just a local bishop. The establishment of the Holy Knights must be ordered by the Pope himself! Local bishops can only restrain the existing Holy Knights, but they are not allowed to form new ones." ! My lord bishop, even if you give me this name, it is still illegal.” "Your Excellency, that's why I said it was a 'special' time." Maximus said lightly: "I mean, if one day in the future, I succeed that position, but the Holy Knights under my command are not enough. To suppress those Yenites who are dissatisfied with me, I need more power! Then, if I am the Pope, then I have the power to authorize the formation of a new holy knight order immediately! " Du Wei took a deep breath.He suddenly felt that this seemingly peaceful old guy in front of him was really courageous! He immediately laughed: "Of course! If the Pope ordered it, it would be legal. If I become a believer, then I will do my part when I receive the Pope's order, and I will naturally obey it." The two looked at each other and laughed for a while. Du Wei stopped his laughter and put on a serious face: "Master Bishop, you have made your request... Then, what I want to ask is, in this investment, if You won in the end, what can I get? Hey! Don't talk about getting your friendship. I am a very vulgar person, and what I expect is some real benefits!" "You have already benefited." Maximos smiled lightly: "Your Excellency, think about it, if you have a holy knight order under your command...then your situation in the northwest will be greatly improved! I know, you The biggest enemy now should be Lu Gao of the Northwest Army, right? Then, one day in the future, when your army is fighting the enemy, the opponent will be surprised to find that your army Hanging the banner of the Holy Knights! At that time, if they fight with you, it is tantamount to making an enemy of the temple! Fighting the Holy Knights is tantamount to declaring war on the temple! I think... such a benefit can no longer be used with money Or other conditions to measure it.” "I need a guarantee from you," Du Wei said. "I accept." Maximos smiled: "If I become the Pope, then you, Duke Tulip, will receive a sacred badge issued by the Pope himself! Possessing such a badge will allow you Have a legal and lofty status! At that time, in the northwest, your will was equal to the will of the temple! To be an enemy to you is to be an enemy to the temple. This is my final promise." very good! Du Wei suddenly laughed maliciously in his heart! How cool it is to hang the banner of the Holy Knights on one's own cavalry division!It's like wearing a god's robe!Only allow me to hit you, not allow you to hit me!Otherwise you are declaring war on the great Temple of Light! In the room, two people met each other and smiled, each harboring ghosts. After dinner, Du Weike politely sent the bishop back to rest, and he himself immediately found the guard Elder Yan. "Get out of the boat and disembark immediately! Then hurry back to Loulan City immediately, without any delay along the way!" Du Wei looked at the loyal chief guard and said in a deep voice: "Go back and find Rodriguez Knight, tell him that this time I returned to the imperial capital, I underestimated it before I set off, and now the imperial capital is facing great changes, I need strong support! Well, you pass on my order, please Knight Rodriguez immediately come to the imperial capital with light packs and fast horses Listen to it!" Lao Yan accepted the order and went out. Back in the room, QQ looked at Du Wei and sighed: "You have to be careful, trading with people from the temple is undoubtedly seeking skin from a tiger!" Du Wei laughed: "Seek skin from a tiger? Hehe, let's see, did they seek my skin, or I sought his skin!" Under the starry sky at night, the boat went all the way downstream on the river. The closer it was to the imperial capital, the more excited Du Wei was. Originally, I thought nothing major would happen during this trip back to the imperial capital, but now it seems that the last time I returned to the imperial capital, I experienced a palace coup.And this time... is it going to experience a coup in the temple?