Vol 7 Chapter 316: Heavy punch

Old Rovere walked on the long corridor. He was wearing a robe and a holy crown representing the authority of the cardinal. The scarf embroidered with a golden cross hung on his shoulders. The cross stick in his hand was slightly heavy. But this makes his footsteps look more stable and powerful.
From the age of 14 with his uncle to Rome, Giuliano della Rovere was fascinated by the city.
At that time, he wandered around the streets of Rome all day and night, fascinated by the beautiful scenery of the seven hills, and at the same time was attracted by the weird things that happened in Rome.
Here he had his first mistress, he was 15 years old that year, and that woman was a prostitute nearly 30 years old.
Then she, like all the nobles who came to Rome in pursuit of life and death, was completely immersed in the extravagant enjoyment.
It was not until he was completely tired of all this that he began to seriously consider the future his uncle had arranged for him.
He became a young bishop, and then soon became an archbishop. Giuliano della Rovere, who had tried the taste of power, began to spurn the depraved lives of the past, and he had new goals.
He wants to one day inherit his uncle's wishes and become the leader of the Vatican, and he has been fighting for this ideal for nearly 40 years.
During these 40 years, he tasted the sweetness of power and tried the bitter fruit of failure.
Once he became a man of the Vatican in the shadow of his uncle, but the failure of the power struggle forced him to flee to France. At that time, he almost lost his confidence and thought he was going to live in exile in a foreign country.
Then he seized the opportunity to return to Rome, and the moment he stepped on the steps of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican again, he vowed to become the Pope!
Now his wish is about to come true. Although this is somewhat different from what he originally imagined, this crucial step has already been taken.
Most importantly, what will happen next.
When Massimo found him and asked him to retain the title of Pope Alexander VI, the old Rovere felt that it was simply absurd.
He didn't think of the absurd time when the three popes coexisted, and it was completely different from now.
So he immediately rejected this absurd proposal without hesitation, and warned Masimo not to disclose this random thought that might cause controversy.
At the same time, he hinted at Massimo, conveyed his harsh refusal to Alexander, and reminded him that although he cares about the future of his children, this is not a guarantee for his absurd conditions.
At that time, Masimo listened to his reprimand very politely, until he finished speaking, he said a word respectfully.
It was this sentence that drove the old Rovere into shock, suspicion, and then a long period of confusion, and then after some thoughtful power, he completely changed his previous attitude.
Now he is about to explain this decision to the entire cardinal group. He also knows that this will inevitably cause an uproar, but whether it is the temptation of the pope's throne or the amazing news that Massimo revealed to him, the old Rovere is both shocked. However, my heart is full of expectations.
Seeing Massimo who was waiting for him to pass by not far away, and then nodded in greeting, Old Rovere nodded without a trace. At the same time, he also noticed the cardinals who knew him well.
Those people all looked calm, but the slightly subtle atmosphere still seemed to indicate that something strange would happen at today's cardinal meeting.
The old Rovere and the cardinals who greeted him greeted him in a low voice. They just casually said some non-marginal gossip, but everyone consciously or unintentionally surrounded the old Rovere's side.
This made the other cardinals realize that today's meeting may not be simple, and that something unexpected may happen. The addition of Massimo and Julio de Medici shocked the cardinals.
"Did something happen?"
This is almost a question shared by all cardinals who don't know what happened, and some people vaguely guessed what might happen, but felt that it was a little bit unexpected.
Under the huge arched dome, cardinals are sitting around the oval-shaped altar. Since Alexander VI was exiled, the Vatican has restored this way of discussion in the ancient Roman era.
It's just that the quarrels and conspiracies continue, but the Vatican did feel tired and bored during this time.
Perhaps it is time to end this situation completely. Many people have already had this idea in their hearts, but Alexander VI is like a stumbling block in front of them, and there is no way to move him away.
When the old Rovere walked into the chamber, many people stood up and greeted him. At this time, people could clearly feel his growing authority and influence.
As long as Alexander VI is alive for one day, he can't even think of becoming the pope in a fair way.
So people believe that this should be Giuliano della Rovere’s biggest worry now.
Old Rovere looked good today. He, who had always been unsmiling, showed a rare smile to talk to people, and then he walked to the position where he was used to sitting.
When he sat down, people noticed that he nodded slightly to two people.
It was Massimo and Julio de Medici who had just come in with him.
The Medici family did not lose power completely because they were driven out of Florence. Giulio and his brother Giovanni de Medici are still the hottest figures in the Vatican, and his brother is now in France, so Julio Became the representative of the Medici family in the Vatican.
Although the actions of the old Rovere were not great, they were enough to make many people wonder. They asked each other secretly but to no avail. They just watched the words and actions of the old Rovere and his people, and the cardinals could not help but be careful. .
One by one, the issues were raised by reports from various places, but at this time the cardinals were no longer in the mood to quarrel as before, and everyone's attention was focused on the old Rovere.
Finally, they saw a cardinal stand up from the old Rovere, and instantly all eyes were on him.
"We've had enough," the cardinal gave everyone a headshot as soon as he spoke. "The Pope has been away from the Vatican for too long. The Vatican without a Pope is as distracting as a kingdom without a king. It’s time to solve this problem completely."
coming!
Many people quickly flashed this idea in their hearts. They knew that this would come sooner or later. Just looking at the old Rovere, many people were thinking about the intricate relationship between him and Alexander VI.
The two are old enemies and rivals, but because of a very special person, they have become inexplicable relatives. Their daughter is the wife and lover of the same man. In the future, their grandson will be both the same father and brother, or the enemy of life and death.
It's just this kind of relationship that has made matters between the two of them extremely complicated, not to mention that Alexander is even more involved.
"Dear Bishop, please allow me to remind you that there is a condition for re-election of the pope." A cardinal stood up. Although the man was speaking to the bishop who spoke before, his eyes fell on the old Rovere involuntarily." We must first solve the problem that the Pope is still alive today. How do you think this problem should be solved?"
"We cannot force the pope to abdicate. Although there have been precedents such as Benedict IX in the history of the Holy See, the pope today is not Benedict IX, so he should not suffer such unfair treatment."
This kind of answer surprised the bishop who raised the question and the others. They whispered and were full of doubts. They didn't know why the bishop who first provoked this sensitive topic was so inconsistent and slapped himself.
Can't drive away the predecessor, then how come the latecomer is in position, is it...
Some of the people who were discussing made a soft whisper, and then more and more people realized the real thoughts of the person who made this suggestion.
The old pope cannot be dismissed, but it does not mean that a new pope cannot come up. In history, the Holy See has seen the spectacle of two or even three popes standing side by side on more than one occasion, but this is also a shame to the Christian world.
Could it be that the old Rovere had been so frantic in order to become the pope?
Many people looked at the old Rovere in surprise.
They can understand why he is so anxious. It is said that Alexander VI, who is currently in Iberia, is physically fit, and even looks visibly old before the sweep. If this continues, no one knows how he can live. how long.
In addition, rumors about the prediction that the Pope was nearly assassinated not long ago also caused the Vatican to be caught in disputes. Many people are speculating about who wanted Alexander VI's life, but the failure of this assassination would make that Alexander vigilant. Many, then it is much harder to make the pope die suddenly.
Therefore, it is understandable that the old Rovere seemed anxious at this time. After all, who knows whether he has survived others these days?
Only two popes will appear, which makes it difficult for the cardinals to accept even if they think about it.
And then, as people guessed, the cardinal who was clearly arranged to rush to the forefront by the old Rovere made this amazing suggestion: "Keep the title of Pope Alexander VI and give him due respect, but ask him to promise never Returning to the Vatican, and this title begins and ends with him, and then we elect a true pope to continue to lead the entire Christian world."
Although I had thought that this would be the case, there was still an uproar in the chamber after hearing this suggestion.
Many people stood up and expressed their strong opposition. They first stated that they did not object to the old Rovere being called the pope and were looking forward to this result. However, if the old Rovere must become the pope as soon as possible, then they would rather discuss the destiny of ousting Alexander VI. Methods that will not pass.
It's just that then things will turn into an endless debate, so now it seems that waiting is still the only way.
Constantly exert pressure to force Alexander VI to abdicate himself, or simply wait for him to die.
As for the proposal to retain the title of Pope, those people said they would never agree to it.
While arguing constantly, some people were also secretly wondering how old Rovere would make this obviously unsuccessful suggestion, or whether there was another Alexander who was influencing something.
People noticed that Massimo and Julio de Medici and their people just watched indifferently but did not join the argument.
This was obviously abnormal, and gradually they discovered that Old Rovere seemed to disagree with this strong opposition.
Is there any unexpected method? People can't help but speculate like this.
Then they saw the silent old Rovere slowly standing up.
The chamber suddenly fell silent, and all eyes were on the most powerful pivot of the Vatican today.
Old Rovere looked at the bishops who were waiting for him to speak for a moment, and then slowly said in a not loud tone: "I know that many of you are puzzled by this proposal, and even think it is ridiculous, and I I admit that it sounds absurd, but what I want to tell you is that this proposal may be related to the future of the Vatican."
No one spoke, everyone was waiting for Old Rovere's explanation.
Massimo also looked at Old Rovere, but there was a rustling smile on the corner of his mouth.
Old Rovere's gaze flicked over Massimo and Little Medici not far away.
When Massimo revealed the news that made him difficult to refuse, the shock in the old Rovere's heart was indescribable.
At that time he suddenly discovered that even though he had always felt that he had valued Alexander very much, it was only at this time that he really realized that he still didn't know his son-in-law before.
"If I knew that it would become like this, would I still choose that Alexander to be Barendi's husband?"
Old Rovere had thought about this more than once, but now he felt that his original choice was probably one of the wisest decisions in his life.
"As we all know, since Avignon, the church has never seen too many popes coexist," the old Rovere said calmly. "That was also the shame of the entire Christian world. At that time, the Holy See suffered unprecedented humiliation and contempt. "
The words of the old Rovere drew a round of approval. At the beginning, the French established the pope in Avignon, which caused the shame of the coexistence of the three popes. Even after several centuries, it is still one of the greatest shame in the history of the Holy See.
But the old Rovere mentioned this at this time, doesn't it seem out of place?
People looked at him silently, waiting for him to continue.
"But," the old Rovere said with a strong voice suddenly, "If you do so, there will be enough returns, and it will even allow the Vatican to regain the precious wealth it once lost, and allow future Roman bishops to enjoy the supreme glory again. Then it's worth it."
People looked at the old Rovere in amazement and didn't know what he was talking about, but many people had already guessed that he would suddenly change his mind and even support Alexander VI to retain the title of Pope. Perhaps it was because Alexander VI had enough in his hands. A bargaining chip for him to make concessions.
"My lord, what makes you think that doing so is more beneficial to the Holy See and even later generations, rather than splitting the Holy See?"
Someone finally stood up and raised the question.
Looking at the bishop, the old Rovere didn’t speak immediately. He looked at other people again and then slowly said:
The pope assured me that if he secures his pope title, then he will have a triple crown after he is called. Hope to return to the Vatican."
"my God?!"
"What did I hear!"
"Is this true, the missing triple crown? The Pope's crown?!"
In an instant the chamber was blown apart by a crater concentrated by a heavy artillery shell. Cardinals could no longer care about decency and majesty. Some people could not stand up and ask questions, while others whispered to discuss the sudden changes. Countermeasures.
"My Excellency, I have to ask you to explain the true meaning of your words again in the name of the Cardinals." After a while of discussion, an elderly cardinal was elected. "Can I understand this, Pope Not only do you know, but you might also have a triple crown that was stolen from the time of Clement V and never fell again?"
Old Rovere did not speak but nodded silently, which instantly caused an uproar in the chamber.
No one knows the significance of the triple crown better than these cardinals.
The rise and fall of countless kingdoms in history, the rise and fall of countless monarchs, the heads of people billowing under the crowns, blood flowed into rivers, which also made those crowns seem extremely heavy.
But even those noble crowns that gather countless honors and ambitions cannot be compared with the triple crowns of the Bishop of Rome.
It is a symbol that proves the supremacy of the agent of Christ walking in the world. It is the most unique and noble one among the countless crowns in the entire Christ world.
When the triple crown was lost, the then Pope Clement V was even thought to be punished because of his lack of virtue.
This is also the main reason why Clement V died in depression shortly afterwards, and after that, although the Holy See remade the pope’s new crown, and even specially ordered it to be a legal crown, everyone knew that, The gorgeous crown studded with precious stones and gold can never be compared with the triple crown.
It is a symbol of the status of the bishop of Rome, and is regarded as the link between Christ and the world.
After the loss of the triple crown, a rumor began to circulate in the European continent: who can find the triple crown, it means that this person is recognized by God and Christ.
Now, suddenly hearing the whereabouts of the Triple Crown, the bishops who had been scheming in the past were finally unable to hold back their breath.
The low voices of discussion came and went one after another in the chamber. Many people had not yet calmed down from the shock because of this unexpected scene.
The old cardinal turned back and raised his hand to signal for silence. Then he turned his head and looked at Old Rovere: "So, when did you know about this? And has the triple crown been taken away from Rome by the pope?"
The words of the old cardinal immediately caught the attention of the bishops, who stared at the old Rovere, hoping that he could say more soon.
"I didn't know the time yet. As for the current whereabouts of the Triple Crown, I don't think anyone but the Pope knows where it is." Speaking of the old Rovere, he paused. "Maybe even the Pope himself may not know it. I think we all It is clear that someone will use all means for the triple crown, so I believe the pope should hide it in a place where others will never find it."
Old Rovere's words calmed down some already fiery people.
Only then did they remember that if the triple crown was really in the hands of Alexander VI, then he dared to use it as a bargaining chip to make it public. Unless he had complete certainty, he would never dare to take such a huge risk to tell the secret.
So what makes him feel confident?
Everyone thought of one person instantly!
Alexander Juliante Gombray, this man is undoubtedly the reason why Alexander VI dared to use the triple crown to blackmail the Vatican.
His grandsons are enough to guarantee that the new Castilian king will stand firmly on his side, and the retention of the title of Pope also has extraordinary significance for the Gombre who now places Alexander VI in Madrid.
But wait a minute, isn't the wife of Gombray the daughter of the old Rovere in front of him? What role does the old Rovere play in this drama that has already shocked everyone?
Thinking of this, the eyes of the bishops looking at the old Rovere became weird.
This is a conspiracy, and many people have this idea in their minds.
Or simply say it was a shameful bargain with the pope's throne and crown, they thought angrily.
Seeing the gazes cast by the bishops, Old Rovere coughed indifferently, and then he looked at some people who had been on the sidelines since the beginning.
Then he couldn't help but sigh in his heart, wondering when Alexander had already had that kind of influence in the Vatican.
Old Rovere knew it would be a long argument, but he was ready.
When Maximo revealed to him about the triple crown, he also brought him a gift that surprised him.
That was a letter from Barendi to him, and along with it, there was a list of belongings that was generous enough to make anyone drool.
"Use the money to seal or pry open the mouths of the bishops. I believe you are no stranger to these methods. UU reading www.uukanshu.com"
Even if he provided his father with a large sum of money for bribes, Barendi's letter still contained such a cold tone.
This made Old Rovere finally realize that it is impossible to repair the relationship with his daughter. They will be more alliances and collaborators in the future, the only ones are not father and daughter.
From the whispered discussion at the beginning to the loud arguing in the chamber, everyone tried to let others hear their own voice, and everyone wanted to express their own opinions on this matter.
"Okay, it's time for us." Massimo, who had been watching the show, smiled and said to Julio de Medici next to him.
"Of course, but I would like to remind the bishop before that, please don't forget about the marriage contract between Princess Estreis and my nephew Giovanni the little..."
"Don't worry, Master Bishop, this matter is on my body." Ma Ximo responded, and then joined the battle group with an indomitable momentum.
This day is October 12, 1502.
Also on the same day, in Aragon, the battle of Roman town started!