Vol 4 Chapter 129: False Fire

Ronzo Sabbatini walked blankly on the street. He looked like a walking dead without a soul. Sometimes someone hurried past him and bumped into him, he stumbled past, but in the eyes It was empty, as if the soul was not in this body at all.
Several people ran past Sabbatini holding a bust. His gaze stopped and turned around, his gaze fell on the head of the bust held by those men.
The head of the head has been smashed in half, but from the outline of the torn chin, it can still be seen that there should be a rather majestic face.
Sabbatini watched the few people happily talking about something while running towards the city hall. He knew that these people were going to smash the statue in public, and many of the citizens who went with them towards the city hall. Either participate in the feat of this false fire, or just watch the bustling.
Sabbatini had already seen it. When the fire ignited, the young man from Bologna felt as if something had thrust into his heart.
He saw several familiar paintings. Those were previously placed in the city hall ’s art corridor for everyone to watch, and several were originally placed in the University of Florence. This university, sponsored by the Medici family, has Almost all of Europe has the best art and humanities education system to date.
But now these precious masterpieces of art are being thrown into the fire, and in the hot flames rising from the sky, the canvas burns and twists instantly, and then turns into a scorched black debris gradually scattered in the ashes that have also been burned beyond recognition.
Sabbatini didn't know whose fault was it, were those citizens, or really the sin of art as they hated?
But how can art be guilty?
Sabbatini didn't understand that he had visited many famous masters, but these people either avoided talking about art, or rebuked Sabbatini with a dumbfounded voice.
As for the Botticelli most admired in his mind, Sabbatini was completely disappointed, because the original master not only did not give him the skills to knock on the door of the art hall, but also warned him not to be attracted by those Bewildered by the depraved things, he later said very harshly to him: "Young people should be down-to-earth to do something that really sublimates the soul, rather than wasting a limited life in love or pursuing the art of vanity. Quality. "
This made Sabbatini really at a loss. Sometimes he even felt that the masters were all confused.
As for the neighbors who were close to each other, Sabbatini now rarely talks to them like he did when he first came here, because he found that some of them seem to have the bad habit of whistleblowing.
Sabbatini was fortunate to be a companion of James Columbus, which means that he can not only earn some money to feed himself, but also eat from time to time. Now it is difficult for Florentines to see better food.
The days are getting harder and even more difficult. The price of dark bread is already scary, and the meat is less. The fish is rare. Some wealthy people have already started to live by selling things. As for ordinary civilians, they can not only starve. There is no extra food for them to enjoy.
There was a loud noise coming from the far square with the wind, and the loud noises followed one after another, and Sabbatini seemed to hear someone cheering.
He guessed that it should be what the consul was doing, but he was not interested in this, and even wanted to stay away from that terrible bonfire.
But that huge fire was really too big, and the flames that rose from the sky even exceeded the roofs of many buildings. Even if they were far away, they could see the sky, and they seemed to devour all the flames.
A few people ran towards the square with objects defined as secular "roots of sin".
At this time, the passionate personality of the Florentines has exerted a terrifying and destructive power.
Sabbatini saw someone on the street banging a hammer on some sculptures on buildings, while others were pointing at the door of a certain family, and it was disgusting to blame the master for the pattern on it.
And some excited women, with big scissors in their hands, stared at each passerby with bright eyes, and when they found the target, they would rush over, accusing those who were slightly gorgeous or gaudy. The woman violated the anti-secular simplicity decree, waving the scissors without hesitation, clicking a few times, and then cutting the dresses that made them hate into a popular beggar outfit.
The false fire is not only burning in the Town Hall Square. At this time, the whole city is burning a huge false fire. It ignited the flame that people suppressed for a long time, and then this flame began to face the city ’s Every corner spread out.
When Sabbatini returned to the compound, it was rare to see James actually at home, and he looked like he was packing to leave.
"I'm leaving, lad, someone has already taken over the exchange," James Columbus patted Sabbatini's arm. "It's been a great time with you this time."
"You are leaving Florence, this time?" Sabbatini asked unexpectedly. "Did you just look outside and leave?"
"I'm here to do business, it has nothing to do with me." James showed an indifferent look. "I made enough money this time. In addition to the money, I also bought a lot of art. I have sent people before. I ’ll say goodbye. I have to say that I came to Florence this time. My brother, Christopher, probably did n’t get as lucky as I did. "
Listening to James's words, Sabbatini was a little excited, and he went over to reach out and hold the package that James was packing.
"I know you're here to make money, I'll be your accountant, so I know you made a lot of money while the Florentines were in a mess, and I know your artworks," Sabbatini was anxious. Say "Then you can't stay longer, why don't you buy more art because you are rich, those things are very valuable, and now the Florentines are almost dead, they will be willing to sell you, and then you can If you sell it to other people, you still make money. I beg you to buy all those artworks, at least you can save something! "
"Hi! Are you telling me what I should do!" James shoved away from Sabbatini and then pressed his chest tightly to the wall behind him. "I'm not a philanthropist, I can't control that. Many, the Florentines are crazy themselves, they are destroying the masterpieces they have created, what does this have to do with me? "
"But is there no reason for you?" Sabbatini questioned angrily. "We all know what you did. You bought the goods at a low price while the Florentines were in trouble and lured them." Use those goods to make high-interest mortgages to your transactions, and then you sell those goods to other cities, and at the same time use high interest to the blood of the desperate businessmen. When they are about to go bankrupt, you force them to use their hands. The debt of the artwork in here, now Florence will become like this. You are responsible. "
"So what!" James punched the wall beside Sabbatini's head. "I will do it if I don't do it, not to mention I don't just make money from them. I gave them a chance." You ca n’t see that some of them have become rich, although there are only a few of them, but those people are helping the city right now. I have done enough. "
"But it's not enough," Sabbatini showed a painful look. "You should go and see. They are burning paintings and books. I saw someone take the collection of the University of Florence to the square and throw it into the fire. Seeing them smash a large number of carvings, do n’t you think this is a crime? "
"You are too young, young man."
James released his hand and walked to the window. Even in the large yard, he could clearly see the flare of the sky rising from the direction of the city hall in the distance. Those buildings under the fire were as if they would be swallowed at any time. Precarious.
"We are businessmen and we only care about making money. We can't control this kind of thing," James shook his head. "They are really mad. It has to ruin many precious things, and once ruined, there will be no more."
"So you should stay, don't you? You have money and backers. You can ask the finance officer to let him allow you to buy those artworks and books, which will increase the income of the Florence government. He will promise you not Did you see James seem to be shaken, Sabbatini hurriedly encouraged "You will become the benefactor of this city, and when the destruction is over, you can even come back and sell those things to them again, believe that time The Florentines will adore you as a hero. "
Sabbatini's words seemed to impress James. He looked at the young man in front of him a little unexpectedly. He didn't seem to think he had such a clever idea.
But James still shook his head and rejected the sounding suggestion.
James is very clear about his purpose of coming to Florence this time. He made money and became a rich man. He even started collecting art to prepare people in his hometown to say that he has taste. But all this was done under the advice of Alexander. .
It is also because of this that he understood more clearly that if he really helped the Florentines as Sabbatini said, then it was Alexander's anger that awaited him.
This is what Alexandria needs for tyrannical people, a sluggish market, and a chaotic government.
Florence, which has almost collapsed, is the result of Savonarola's rule, but it is also the ending made by Alexander.
"Listen to me saying Ron is left," James persuaded patiently. "Some things are not something we can stop. You and I are just small people. The role is too small. The only thing you can do now is to pray to God for this kind of confusion End early, even the annoying pope, as long as he can end it all is good. "
Sabbatini slowly squatted and leaned against the wall, holding his head in both hands, making a deep cry.
A piece of paper was handed to Sabbatini.
"Hold this, be careful yourself during this time, I think Florence is going to have a big event soon, you have to be careful these days, if you need it, you can take this piece of paper and go to the Saki Consul, he should be able to help you."
Sabbatini took the paper signed by James blankly and looked up at him.
"Don't worry too much, this situation will always pass, Florentines are easy to be impulsive, but sometimes this is not necessarily a bad thing, is it?"
James smiled, then picked up the packed backpack on the bed and carried it on his back.
"Okay boy, I'm gone. I hope you will be a great artist when I see you next time, and I will put your share of money on the table. Of rewards. "
Sabbatini stood up and looked at James helplessly. Although he was still depressed, he reached out and gave James a hug.
"Are you going back to Genoa?" Sabbatini asked smoothly.
"No," James smiled strangely. "Someone arranged a new job for me. I'm going to Castilla."
Seeing the door slamming shut, Sabbatini turned a little lonely.
Now he is a person again. Unlike when he came to Florence with hope and passion alone, Sabbatini suddenly had an indescribable loneliness.
He looked at the paper in his hand and put it away. He walked to the window and looked towards the city hall. Looking at the blazing fire, the young art apprentice could not help crying.
The fire on January 17 burned for 2 days!
When the night fell, the whole city was shrouded in fire. According to some travellers, the fire in the city can be clearly seen in the town of Berrogado, which is far from the outskirts of Florence.
In these two days, no one can say exactly how much the fire burned. People only saw that the people's guards kept throwing all kinds of things that were identified as secular fallen items into the fire. As for those that cannot be burned or are too bulky, they will be smashed and destroyed immediately.
The culmination of this ceremony was the feat of the famous art master Botticelli who personally put several of his precious works into the fire.
When the flames engulfed the paintings in an instant, Botticelli shed tears, but soon he became firm again. Under the watch of countless people, he walked to the consul, and after receiving the blessing, he went to the square. The people and Savonarola raised their arms tightly together, expressing their solidarity.
Neither Sabbatini nor James saw this moving scene.
The two of them stayed alone in the house of the big yard, still with a complex mood of sadness and helplessness but with hope, waiting for James to say what was going to happen.
The other has already boarded the boat on the pier on the Arno River and quietly left Florence.
As he said to Sabbatini, James paused a bit in Pisa. He did n’t see anyone except the meeting with the people in Pisa ’s exchange, and he boarded a road leading to Castilla Sea boat.
On January 20, the fire that shook Tuscany and Romagna was finally extinguished.
When he heard the news, Alexander VI, who was attending the carnival festival ball the next day, was stunned in public for a long time, so that Julia Farne had to move his sleeve gently before waking The pope.
"How dare he ..."
This was the first sentence spoken by Alexander VI. Although he immediately closed his mouth, according to some people who heard it just a short distance away, when the pope said it because it was too Excited voices are trembling.
"That Savonarola is crazy."
This is the only comment from Old Rovere after hearing the news.
This sentence has almost become the thought of most people after hearing the news of the false fire.
Alexander was negotiating with Ashurk when he heard the news.
Ashurk is still very willing to participate in the establishment of large-scale sugar cane plantations in Crete.
Especially when it was heard that Alexander had already started to recruit workers before this, Ashurk felt that it was a bit cunning.
At this time, the Ottomans only thought that Alexander was clearly prepared. Even without his participation, Alexander must have done so.
It's just that Crete is still under the control of the Venetians, and the Venetians' emphasis on this maritime colony is obvious.
"So you need your good words in front of the Sudan," Alexander did not conceal the request to Ashurk. ​​"Ottoman's navy can contain Venice's maritime power, at least to make the Venetians' life at sea difficult."
Ashurk still agrees with Alexander ’s suggestion. He feels that it does not even need to be made as a request, because he believes that Sultan ’s ambitions for Crete are enough to start a war.
But of course he wouldn't say this idea. In the eyes of the Ottomans, this can be used as a bargaining chip.
But Alexander was not as optimistic as Ashurk.
He knew that Bayesert II was more keen to conquer Europe on land. Although the Ottoman Empire ’s navy had threatened the European coast at sea, at least until the Suleymanian era, Ottoman talents would really do well to those on the Mediterranean Preparation for the island.
Before then, although the attack on the Mediterranean islands was also extremely fierce, the real focus of the Ottomans was still land.
So now he really needs Ashurk's lobbying.
The use of Arab pirates to crack down on European maritime trade is not really Alexander's idea. As early as many years ago, Mohammed II, who had mastered a large area of ​​the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, did so.
But this time Alexander needed a more severe method than that of Mohammed II. Even when necessary, he hoped that the Ottoman navy could launch a threatening attack on the mainland of Europe.
Alexander was not worried that doing so might cause the Sudan to change his mind, because he knew that for Bayset II, there was nothing more meaningful than the invasion of the European continent from Greece.
Because he was born in Thrace in the early years, the political opponents of Bayesert II once questioned his inheritance rights, and many old people even more recognized Gemal, another son of Mohammed II.
Although Bayesett II finally won and drove out Jemal, demonstrating his determination to conquer the whole of Greece and the Balkans, Bayesett II stubbornly refused to use other methods to invade Europe.
In fact, at this time, neither the Ottomans nor the Europeans were really prepared for a real decisive battle with the enemy.
It will take at least another half a century or so before the two sides will fight an unprecedented maritime battle in Lepanto in the Greek Gulf in order to fight for hegemony in the Mediterranean.
Negotiations are difficult, and both sides already know each other's cards.
Alexander needed the Ottomans to create an almost monopolistic maritime trading environment for him.
And Ashurk will rely on Bayesert II to exert influence on his favor in Sudan.

It ’s the key to getting the Cretan land and forcing the Venetians to agree to our rights in Crete,
Alexander reminded Aschulke seriously.
We all know that it ’s not easy to force the Venetians to follow this. It will require your efforts in front of Sudan. "
Ashurk slightly raised his eyebrows, he certainly knew it was not a good job, but considering the huge profits that could be as high as millions of dinars, the Ottomans nodded seriously and expressed their willingness to accept the task.
Seeing Eshkol readily agree, Alexander was finally uncomfortable because Zuo Sha left and finally relaxed. Just when he was going to suggest to continue to discuss the next articles, Uliu held a letter from The letter from Pizza pushed the door and walked in.
Seeing the letter, Alexander had realized what was happening. When he saw the signature of James Columbus on the envelope, he took the letter and tapped it twice in the palm of his hand before picking up the paper knife beside him. Open the wax seal.
The letter was not long. James did n’t mention anything in the letter that might arouse suspicion from others. In addition to reporting his future itinerary to Alexander in a casual tone, he only said that it made him It was a shocking event.
"A few blocks away, you can see the fire higher than the roof. The snow on the street melted into a stream because of the heat, and people had to walk on the mud to the square," James In the letter, an intimate person described it as "Many people stand on the rooftop and watch the excitement. They obviously don't know what this huge bonfire is burning. As for the monks in the monastery, those who are silent now It ’s almost being dumb. Even when I leave, I can see many monks praying incessantly to the huge fire. "
Alexander looked at the letter silently, although he already knew what was going to happen, but when he saw James's description, he still had a kind of unspeakable suppression.
Ashurk noticed the strangeness of Alexander ~ EbookFREE.me ~ He looked at the letter doubtfully, not knowing what kind of news would make Alexander such a brave person change his face.
"It's Florence," Alexander thought about it and thought there was nothing to hide, so he handed the letter to Ashurk. ​​"This is a catastrophe."
The Ottomans took the letter suspiciously and watched carefully, and gradually Ashurk's face showed an incredible expression.
"All burned?"
"All burned," Alexander nodded slightly. "So many predecessors' hard work, so many art treasures, just burned to ashes."
After shaking his head, Alexander shook his head helplessly. He had the opportunity to save those masterpieces of art like priceless treasures. Even if he worked hard, he might be able to stop the fire of false fire.
But in the end Alexander chose to watch, because he needed this fire!
"Prepare for me," Alexander whispered to Uliu who was standing beside him. "I want to see the pope."