Vol 7 Chapter 267: Madrid Day 1

In a place slightly north of the city, there is a gentle hillside. This hillside is not very high and the hillside is very gentle, but it occupies a large area and is enough to build a large house.
The castle of El Pardo is built on this hillside. Although compared with the castles in other places, the history of the castle of El Pardo is not too long, only about a century, but here is Castilli Asia is the most luxurious palace built in recent centuries.
The Moorish invasion left the Iberian Peninsula in the smoke of war for centuries.
Therefore, the castle here is more military than the purpose of life, so when building the castle, the locals rarely consider whether the people inside are comfortable and convenient.
Rough stone, sturdy architecture, even considering that once the castle falls, it should be built very narrowly for resistance, so that two people must walk sideways to pass through the corridors and portals. The castle styles on the Iberian Peninsula are mostly For the purpose of practicality, not enjoyment.
But El Pardo Palace broke this convention.
Perhaps it was because the threat of the Moors was not so great at that time. When Enrique III decided to rebuild the El Pardo Palace, he strengthened the castle’s defenses while taking more into account the comfort of the palace.
Today’s El Pardo Palace is not as well-known for its large collection of Spanish wool tapestry fabrics as it was later. It is now the seat of Madrid’s City Hall, and although it is prosperous, most of the buildings still look tattered. Compared to other places here, El Pardo Palace is undoubtedly a paradise.
Of course, the new palace, which is truly known as the mother of Versailles, will not appear until a long time later.
Alexander is now in the Palace of El Pardo. Opposite him, standing is the Mayor of Madrid, wearing a half-length cloak and a chest his chest.
A little behind the mayor, a large group of Madrid nobles stared at the scene before them.
Alexander is now standing on the steps in front of the throne that is slightly higher than the ground. This one that can be stepped up with a slight lift can be placed on three seats side by side. If it is the past, the seats of the mayor and the archbishop are on the top. But now there is only one chair.
Alexander looked at the people in front of him. He knew that these Madrid aristocrats had their own thoughts. They seemed to fully support the mayor of Madrid who greeted him, but they were also able to fly.
But he doesn't care about this, he must win Madrid, even if he wants to take some risks, he must come in person.
Regardless, when he walked into the city, Castile's future would change.
He would think so because he knew more about the future of the city of Madrid than others.
When the Isabella and his wife came to Madrid, they were warmly welcomed by the residents of the city.
But even so, the locals just show respect to the queen.
They didn't know, but from that moment on, the Isabella and his wife had a dim plan.
That is, one day, in the middle of the two countries, a new center of power can be established that can control Castile and Aragon at the same time.
In the future, a unified kingdom needs a radiating quadrilateral, not a capital that is geographically skewed and at the same time affected by the inherent forces of the two countries.
In this regard, neither Vallaridod nor Zaragoza met the requirements.
Madrid clearly meets these conditions, but Isabella at the time has not yet gained a firm foothold, and the battle for the throne with Juana involves her mind, so this idea can only be kept in her heart temporarily.
Moreover, the establishment of a new capital was not accomplished overnight. The final accomplishment of this feat in history will be achieved by her great-grandson more than 30 years later.
However, Madrid’s position in the future Kingdom of Spain is beyond doubt.
Alexander also agreed with this idea, and he even felt that Isabella did have a vision that no one else had.
The southern and western coastal areas centered on Seville are rising rapidly with the development of new colonies, while the north is much behind.
This gap is not visible for the time being, but it will get worse over time, and later it will become the source of intense conflicts between regions.
If you go further and think about it, those cities in the original Kingdom of Aragon will become richer and richer, which will gradually increase the gap between them and Castile. Unstable unity causes huge hidden dangers.
Alexander didn't want to let the stubborn and reluctant Catalans entangled in trouble in the future. If a stable supply of mercenaries became a big problem, it would be too bad.
Therefore, Madrid is bound to become the most important power center of Spain in the future and the key to the largest economic lifeline in the north.
Only in this way can we, together with Seville in the south, drive the entire future kingdom of Spain.
Alexander always felt that the Spaniard drew a good hand in this era, but played the worst result.
While other countries are still fighting to death on the mainland, the Spaniards have established strongholds and trading posts one after another in the new world.
In fact, this can be said to be a feat ahead of the entire era.
But the Spaniards obviously failed to use their wealth and take advantage of their advantages later.
Except for looting and squandering, they never regarded the New World as their own country and territory. Even if they sent people to establish permanent settlements in those places, it was just to facilitate more efficient looting of gold from the local area. Pepper, and all kinds of precious treasures coveted by the nobles and old ladies.
For a long time, the Spaniards did not consider the New World as part of their country, which made them even more never thinking about managing the land properly.
This is a very sad situation. The Spaniards have simply missed the opportunity God gave them.
Now in the El Pardo Palace in Madrid, Alexander's mind has drifted to the distant future and another piece of land.
It wasn't until Gonzalo, who was standing next to the steps, signaled to him slightly, that Alexander took his mind back.
Looking at the Mayor of Madrid opposite, Alexander smiled: "Mayor, you made a wise choice. I believe you will not regret this choice, because it will bring you and everyone unexpected in the future. Return."
The mayor's face immediately showed a respectful look, and he turned slightly to look at the nobles standing behind him, which caused the nobles to salute the nobles together and send out various responses.
Alexander knew that these people's thoughts at this time might not be as good as they said. This may seem sincere and enthusiastic from the mayor's letter, but in fact, as long as you carefully examine it, you will find that it is actually more vague invitations. It can be seen in the letter.
But Alexander doesn't care about it, all he wants is Madrid.
The far-reaching significance of occupying Madrid is definitely more than just occupying a city.
If Seville is the wealth capital of the southern and coastal regions of Castile, Madrid is the top priority of the north and the interior.
This is gradually revealed even at this time.
It's just that there are still many people who don't really realize this important. After all, people pay more attention to those places that have abundant resources or have roads and ports in all directions.
Madrid seems to have nothing to do with these.
Alexander even suspected that the Isabella and his wife were deliberately concealing their attention to Madrid. After all, the relocation of the capital would involve too many aspects.
"His Royal Highness, I don't know what you think about what happened in Baria Lidod." The mayor asked respectfully. The nobles beside him immediately held their breath at this moment, and everyone stared at it with urgent eyes. Alexander.
Alexander clearly felt the excitement of these people, but also the anxiety of worry.
For the nobles in Madrid, their current situation is actually very embarrassing.
The death of Isabella completely lost their backing. These nobles far away from Vallitod are always outside the center of power. The only thing that gives them a glimmer of hope is Isabella's gradual attention to Madrid over the years. .
But now not only Isabella died, Ferdinand even imprisoned Juana, which is a huge blow to the Madrid people.
Ferdinand may still attach great importance to Madrid, but people know that he cannot trust Castilians like Isabella.
It was at this time that the Madridians, who had lost their backers and hopes and became helpless, suddenly saw a new dawn.
The appearance of the Duke of Rometesia originally gave the Castilians a new choice, but now the Duke is close to him.
So when they just heard that Gonzalo led a few troops into Madrid, these Madrid nobles made the most wise choice for them.
And their slogan for making such a choice is "for God, the kingdom and the royal family".
After hearing this declaration of faithful piety and loyalty to the monarch, Alexander's first reaction was: "This is not one, but a bunch of slippery heads."
In one room, Alexander looked at the bare wall with interest.
This is after the ceremony of welcoming the Duke of Rome Thesia, the mayor surrendered the main palace of El Pardo as his residence.
But he himself did not move out of the palace, but found himself a nice room in the wing on the right of the palace.
Even Alexander was somewhat surprised by how well-behaved the Lord Mayor was.
He knew that the mayor must have guessed that he might not worry about his safety, so he asked him to feel at ease in this way.
It’s really hard to hate such a smart and well-informed person. Even if he knows that this is actually a sleek trick, Alexander still thinks that the Lord Mayor can get this position, indeed, not just because of simple Luck, and origin.
Madrid Mayor Juan Fernando Don Bandraz stood respectfully not far from Alexandria.
The position he stands in is very skillful, neither too far away to make people feel distant, nor too close to make people uncomfortable.
Now he stood there quietly, silently looking at the duke who seemed to be interested in this palace.
Don Bandraz has been secretly observing this young duke who may become a king in the future. He soon discovered that the duke’s interest in this palace is not so much because of its wealth, it is more appropriate than pure curiosity. .
This can be seen from the fact that he didn't even look at the valuable utensils displayed in the room, but was very interested in some fabrics.
"Where did these fabrics come from, Mayor?" Alexander asked casually.
Don Bandraz's heart moved. He didn't know why the Duke was so interested in these things. Although these fabrics were indeed expensive, they were obviously not enough to attract such attention.
"There are places like your Royal Highness in the north, Navarre or Galicia," Don Bandraz thought after answering and added, "Of course there are wool fabrics from farther north, and most of them are expensive. , I mean from the lowlands of the Netherlands."
That's right, Alexander nodded slightly.
In this era, the lowland areas have almost the largest wool industry in Europe. Some of these areas have gradually formed a nearly complete industry from sheep breeding, to wool collection and processing, and finally to the production of finished products in workshops. Chain.
The huge power behind this industry, and the interest groups formed because of the various connections related to it, spread out like a huge cobweb to the whole of Europe.
If history continues in that way, gradually this kind of power will form a brand new aristocratic capital class.
When the strength is reached to challenge the old forces, this emerging aristocratic capital class will first appear in the face of pursuing church reform, and then finally disagree from pure faith and challenge the secular world.
Thinking of this, Alexander stroked the slightly rough fabric in his hand and sighed slightly.
Of course, these will probably not reappear now.
Thinking of Martin Luther who died somehow in Toledo, Alexander felt that the world had become a little crazy.
But thinking about what if that person is alive, Alexander felt that there might not be a chance for him to show up again.
In other words, there is no need for him to appear again.
"My Lord Mayor, I think you need to make some important preparations."
Alexander glanced at Don Banderas and saw that although his face was confused, but still listening, Alexander nodded in satisfaction.
He does need such a person now. Although sophisticated, slippery, has his own fat calculation, and may not be reliable at critical times, as long as he can always show strong strength, this person will do his best for him without hesitation. .
Even when faced with some difficult problems that even his cronies would hesitate to make, this person can do things successfully without saying a word.
Such people may never gain the trust of the monarch, but they cannot do without them.
And it is such people who are more likely to be reused by the monarch than those who claim to be loyal and upright.
"His Majesty the Pope may come to Madrid soon."
Alexander gave the answer that Don Bandraz expected.
Seeing the mayor calm down quickly despite the accident, and then earnestly waiting for him to continue to give orders, Alexander pondered and felt that he could reveal to him some more important news without causing any danger.
"His Majesty the Pope will hold an important prayer ceremony in Madrid this time, and will also conduct a public sermon, so this is very important."
No matter what he thought, Don Bandraz immediately showed his comprehension.
He knew that although he did not reveal more important things, the Duke was willing to tell him this, which was obviously an attitude of trust in him.
It's just that both sides know that this trust is actually guaranteed by Alexander's strength. Once he is at a disadvantage in the fight with Ferdinand and then fails miserably, the Madridians will not mind stabbing him from behind.
But before that, Don Bandraz will do his best to serve Alexander.
There were hurried footsteps outside, and Gonzalo walked into the room.
Don Bandraz, who had to say something more, immediately said goodbye.
Seeing the back of the mayor of Madrid walking out, Gonzalo was silent for a while.
He doesn't actually like this person very much. He didn't like the rumors he heard before, and now he even dislikes it.
"Do you think he can be trusted?" Gonzalo looked back at Alexander. "I have controlled the entire city's army, but I can't guarantee your safety here."
"But before you even dared to enter Madrid with fewer soldiers, didn't you?"
Alexander Gonzalo is very satisfied, after all, this man is known as the "Great Gonzalo" in the future.
"I can bring fewer people into Madrid than before," Gonzalo didn't mind. "But you are different from me. No one can guarantee that there is no best friend of Ferdinand in Madrid."
To Gonzalo's concern, Alexander nodded in agreement.
In fact, since the Isabella and his wife are considering Madrid as the capital of the future unified kingdom, it is impossible for them to only consider Castilians when arranging officials in Madrid.
If that were no different from Barri Dodd, Ferdinand could not agree to such an arrangement.
Therefore, among those nobles, there are probably confidants arranged by Ferdinand, or at least Castilians who have taken refuge in him.
"How are the guards of the palace arranged?"
"We have completely replaced our people," Gonzalo said with a smile. "El Pardo Palace was once a rigorous fortress after all, so unless a large number of enemies are besieging it, even if someone wants to rebel, It will not pose too much threat to the palace.
Gonzalo's confident words seemed to have infected Alexander, and he smiled softly and started to say something.
At this moment, a fierce cannon interrupted him!
The sound of the gun was extremely loud, apparently near the palace.
The two people who were relatively shocked for a while couldn't help but stun, and then uttered a low voice at the same time: "Rebellion!"