Vol 4 Chapter 187: The initial success of the alliance

Nomelo did not stay in Pisa. He had to return to Rome as soon as possible to report the news he had just received.
However, the secretary was a trustworthy person after all. He told Alexander that he had encountered Machiavelli on the road before, and at the same time, he made a request for the Florentines to be summoned separately.
Alexander was a bit surprised. Of course he did n’t know that Machiavelli had a ghost in his heart. In his memory, this Florentine should be very good at the wind and the rudder, so how much did he feel that he entrusted Nomelo to see if he should ask for an audience Somewhat weird.
Of course, Machiavelli has something he should worry about. For him, he thought that he could win the earl's favor in the effort to resolve the crisis for Pisa, but it almost became an embarrassment to the earl, and may even threaten his life. A major event for safety.
This is enough to make Machiavelli uneasy. What's worse is that what happened in Pisa also made him feel like he was involved in a conspiracy. Especially the Venetian kidnapping even led to the accident of Tomnio's death. Machiavelli was very worried if he could make a clear statement about his previous actions.
So when he came to the Palace of Lucrezia with anxiety in his heart, he didn't have the enthusiasm when he first arrived in Pisa, and he had to secretly sigh in his heart. He also clearly remembered the first time he saw Alexander and Lucrezia What it looked like at that time, he would never have imagined such a situation at that time.
Machiavelli still wears the crimson robe he usually likes, although he does n’t want to admit it, but in his heart he always feels that crimson is closer to purple than any color, and his biggest dream in his life is to be able to wear purple one day. robe.
Alexander was very enthusiastic when he saw Machiavelli, and he was not very concerned about the illustrious thought giant who was a reputation for later generations. Alexander actually did not care much, but because he was a good mixed man in Florence, Alexander wanted to know more from this person. Issues.
"I heard that the Venetians are negotiating with Florence. These are what Nomelo told me. I really want to know why you have disclosed such important things to the Pope's secretary?"
Alexander is really a bit strange. In his impression Machiavelli is still very loyal to Florence. Perhaps it is a bit too much to describe him as a national supremacy, but at least he should not be a person who betrays the interests of Florence.
But this person surprisingly revealed to Nomelo some details about the collusion between Venice and Florence. When Nomelo told him this, Alexander began to even think that the Florentines were lying on purpose.
But when he heard that the Venetian was about to borrow from Florence, Alexander felt that what he said was probably true.
The Venetians are not less obsessed with Romagna than today's Genoa or later Caesars, and even stronger in some places. Although they put most of their energy on the sea, they are well aware of the maritime trade. If prosperity cannot be based on opening up inland markets, then perhaps the more prosperous the trade, the higher the costs and costs they will have to bear.
Because of this, the Venetians did not hesitate against Genoa, against Milan, against the Holy See, against France and the emperor in Vienna.
In short, Alexander always felt that the Venetians were like African honey badgers who were so energetic that they even dared to provoke lions. In their eyes, there was no compromise but confrontation.
As for their war with Ottoman, Alexander thought that it was not so difficult to understand. After all, the Ottomans posed a great threat to them at sea. If this threat cannot be lifted, then the maritime empire that prides the Venetian will fall apart At that time, the decline of Venice began.
"A large sum of money," Machiavelli had been wondering how to explain to the count the accident that had happened before. Now that Alexander was interested in Florence, he decided to put the explanation first. "I think Venice People should hope to take this opportunity to increase their influence on Florence. You know that since the monastery ... life in Florence has not been easy. "
Alexander knew that Machiavelli said that the monastery was obviously not Mahimo. While feeling the influence of Savonarola on the city, he also realized that Sazi seemed to be unstable in Florence's rule.
"The governor wants to get help from the Genoese?"
"Yes, I'm not at all assured about the Holy See. After all, the Medici family has a deep influence in the Vatican."
"So when will this loan be cashed?" Alexander didn't pick up the topic about the Medici family. He said that he was a little reluctant to mention the family now, because when he thought of the whimsical idea proposed by Julio Medici Thought, he felt a little uncomfortable.
It felt like someone had suddenly taken his daughter from his arms.
Sazi sought the help of the Venetians, which did not surprise Alexander. In fact, as long as you reflect on history, you will know that the relationship between Florence and the Holy See is always bad.
Whether it was Medici, Savonarola, or the later Republican government, although the Florentines beat you to death, the attitude of all Florentines was surprisingly consistent on the matter of opposing the Pope.
This strange phenomenon didn't change until Giovanni de Medici became Pope, but it was many years later.
Although Florence seems to have easing relations with the Holy See, in fact, there is a dark tide between the two parties, and conflicts may erupt at any time.
"But why did you tell us this news?" Alexander asked.
"Adult, Pisa and Florence are conflicts between brothers, but they are completely outsiders with the Venetians," Machiavelli tried to make his words sound as credible as possible. "In fact, I would rather see Florence surrender to the sword of Pisa, I do n’t want to see the gold coins bow to the Venetian. "
Looking at Machiavelli's face, Alexander wanted to say that he really believed him, but in the end he gave up the effort.
"Okay, let me talk about the specifics, and I want to know why you must see it alone. Only the Venetian thing will not let you do that."
There was a hint of embarrassment on Machiavelli's face, or he had deliberately wanted sympathy, but because he had been thinking about it for a long time, he still tried to be careful about what happened to Calgino and what happened afterwards.
Alexander looked at Machiavelli in surprise. He had always thought his luck was good, but now he suddenly felt that his luck had become better since he met this person.
"You mean you deceived Calgino and changed his idea of ​​attacking Pisa?"
"It's such an adult, but I really didn't expect you to encounter it."
"So who is defending my bohemians in the wild?"
"That's Cargillino. Please trust me, Master. I won't be hostile to you. Everything I do is to protect your interests."
Machiavelli feels the need for a good explanation, otherwise the earl may be annoyed by the previous setbacks.
Alexander listened to Machiavelli's narration with interest. He sometimes interrupted and asked a few times, and sometimes asked the same questions repeatedly.
Machiavelli does not know that this seemingly tiresome inquiry is actually testing whether his words are true, but fortunately he is almost always telling the truth, except for the little idea in his own heart, he put the whole thing Things are very frank.
When he finally finished the narrative, the Florentine seemed to exhale slightly.
Of course, Alexander would not be deceived by this little trick. He knew that Machiavelli should still have nothing to say to him, but there might not be any major discrepancies in the entire course of things, because even if he was lying, It would not be possible to fabricate such almost absurd reasons.
And thinking about Calgino's strange behavior carefully, Alexander really couldn't think of anything more reasonable than this explanation.
Alexander looked at Machiavelli curiously. He knew that this man would write several famous books in the future, and this man ’s fascination with conspiracy and is well known. Perhaps because of this, Alexander ’s view of Machiavelli It's actually not very good.
He always felt that this person was too keen on utilitarianism, which can be seen from his first following Savonarola, and then turning to allegiance to the new government.
As for saying that in the future he will be brazenly trying to show loyalty to the restoration of the Medici family, but eventually he was discouraged because of the cold encounter, because it was not yet happening, and Alexander would not care.
But now Alexander is somewhat interested in this person. At least he feels that a person who can bring him such good luck would be a pity if he gave up easily.
But more importantly, Alexander heard some rather obscure things from Machiavelli's words.
"Pisa and Florence are conflicts between brothers."
"Would rather see Florence surrender to Pisa's sword."
Such words come from a Florentine, and it always makes people feel strange.
Is this the lead party?
This thought flashed through Alexander's heart. Although he felt a little weird, he still thought he should get to know this person again.
Machiavelli was in a good mood when he left Lucrezia Palace.
Alexander didn't reward him, but he didn't punish him, which made Machiavelli worry about it but let go.
Machiavelli is loyal to Florence, he hopes that his country will be able to survive the difficulties in this turbulent era, but he also clearly understands how difficult this is.
In the past, Florence and Pisa were indeed like brothers, but that was a bad brother and a weak brother, but now the situation seems to have changed, so even if the status of both parties changes, it is actually nothing.
And this does not change the fact that the two city-states are brothers.
Machiavelli thought that there was nothing wrong with his choice. He nodded slightly, and when he walked out of the garden of the Lucrezia Palace, he looked up and looked closely at the new badge on the porch.
"Estrese," the Florentine murmured in the mouth the name of the new Duke of Pisa, and thought about it thoughtfully before turning to walk back and forth.
But he didn't walk out a few steps and unexpectedly saw a figure approaching.
Seeing the man, Machiavelli's original calm face quickly flashed a surprise and anxiety.
"Master Machiavelli, I never expected to meet you."
Sweaty Uliu greeted him from a distance. He stopped at the spot and performed a Moorish elbow salute, then walked over to the Florentine, and then in Machiavelli. Stopped in front of him.
"I didn't expect it," Machiavelli looked at the Moors. If he said he was in awe of Alexandria, then Uliu was another mood. "I remember you said that you would mention me in front of Lord Earl, Say a few words for me to serve beside him. "
"I remember there was such a thing, it was still after the battle of Livorno," Uliu seemed to think about it before thinking of such a thing. "But only so many things have happened in Pizza, and you are in a hurry Go back so let this matter go first. "
"But at the time you said to me that it would be better if I could do some other work for the count in Florence," Machiavelli said angrily. "For this, I told you a lot about Florence, but just now I Seeing the count, he seemed to know nothing about it. "
Uliu's sweaty dark face showed surprise, and he looked at the Florentine in surprise.
"Master, how can you say such a thing." The Moors said in a very harsh tone, which is very different from his usual attitude towards those nobles. Not only was the respectful politeness disappeared, but there was even a slight tone in his tone. 'S question: "How can you suspect that my master is instructing you to do things related to conspiracy in Florence, maybe someone will use spy and whistleblower, but my master will never be involved in such a mean behavior."
Machiavelli looked at Uliu in amazement, at this moment he was duel with the Moor, but he doubted that if he pulled his sword, Uliu might immediately pull out a musket, but he saw it with his own eyes Used this Moor with a gun.
"A monarch with a good name always tries to avoid the suspicion of using conspiracy, because it will make his reputation tarnished, but a clever monarch will be very alert while avoiding such detrimental things while enjoying passing The benefits gained by conspiracy and tricks are a very admirable means of rule. "
After returning to the dwelling, Machiavelli wrote this paragraph in his diary.
The encounter with Machiavelli did not make Uliu feel as sentimental as the Florentines. He hurried into the Lukrezija Palace, and even the badge on the porch did not have time to see clearly.
He brought news of Old Rovere.
Uliu ’s return made Alexander very happy. The Moorish performance in Rome made him somewhat surprised, at least this can be seen from Barrendi ’s meeting in Pisa.
It was just the news brought back by Uliu that made him somewhat unhappy.
"Master Cardinal thinks you should marry Miss Ballendi as soon as possible."
In a separate room, the Moors were very careful to say that he noticed that the old man's complexion didn't seem to look good for a moment, and Uliu immediately shut his mouth cleverly.
The room fell silent for a while.
"The cardinal only ordered this thing?" Alexander asked after a while.
"Yes, this is the only thing, but Cardinal Lord seems to value this. He repeatedly told me to convey his meaning to you."
"marry?"
"Yes, I am getting married as soon as possible. For this cardinal, I am willing to discuss with you about the future share of Genoa in the FTA."
Alexander's face was not very good-looking, and his face cleared instantly. He first looked at the Moors standing respectfully, and after seeing him silently nodded as if to emphasize that there were no wrong words, Alexander's thoughts became active.
He knew that the old Luo Weilei meant more than just asking him to marry Barenti. The real key was the latter sentence of Genoa's share in the trade union.
It was Genoa, not Rovere. The surprise in this statement made Alexander notice the change in the attitude of Old Rovere.
For a long time, Genoa ’s real participation in the FTA is actually some chambers of commerce led by the Rovere family, not the city of Genoa.
Although this scale is already very large, it is always different from the investment of the entire city such as Pisa.
In fact, whether it is Genoa or Naples, it is the private chamber of commerce that participates in the trade union. On the contrary, Taranto, which was quite opposed at the beginning, joined the Free Trade Association in the name of the city under the auspices of the count of Taranto.
Will Old Rovere confuse the family with Genoa?
This seems unlikely.
The old Rovere would say so, apparently already aware of the threat posed by the Calgino family to the Rovere family, so he was prepared to take action.
Marrying Barendi and deciding to give up some share in the alliance became an exchange condition for the old Rovere hoping to get help from the trade alliance.
So does the FTA have the ability to help Genoa, which may be turbulent due to civil strife?
Alexander knew that there was!
The inland trade market for almost the entire winter in exchange for the blockade of the port of Amsterdam, and the agreement with Ashurk, using the high prices of commodities caused by pirate harassment, are beginning to bear fruit.
While making a large profit for the FTA, it also makes the influence of the alliance in a far-reaching direction.
Alexander sometimes wondered what kind of monster the free trade union would develop into in the future. Like the Hanseatic League, a monster that could determine the fate of a kingdom, or a mysterious group like those in the legend, was secretly A shadow empire that affects the direction of the entire world.
These possibilities may seem too far away now, but Alexander cannot but carefully examine this possibility in advance.
Now Lovere has put forward conditions for him to exchange a marriage and several benefits for the support of the alliance.
Alexander knew that this would be the first time since the establishment of the Trade Union that it directly intervened in the internal affairs of its members.
And it is certain that with the expansion and strengthening of the alliance, this kind of thing will never be the only one.
"Master, I also met Mr. Grogening and Mr. Palace in Rome," Uliou said. "Both of them are very concerned about your war with Genoa, and Mr. Palace promised to offer you enough help. "
Alexander snorted, and he could guess how much Kozzach and Grogening thought.
Obviously helping Alexandria is more in their current interest, especially after the currency issued by the Holy See began to be implemented in Florence, as the initial worry that the basic gold consumption may not be able to make ends meet did not appear, even the most pessimistic people Knowing that what they want to do next is to sit back and watch their wealth grow day by day.
Such a situation should be enough for those two people to find it helpful to help Alexander.
In addition, Alexander believed that those two people should have noticed the attitude of the Pope and Old Rovere.
"Uliu, you did well, even better than I thought."
Alexander was not stingy with praise, and he was indeed satisfied with the Moors.
Although it is not clear what Uliu's experience was in Rome, Alexander could also imagine his difficulty.
Uliu did not disappoint him, at least from the news he brought back, so that Alexander could get a general understanding of the situation in Rome today.
"Uliu, you probably can't think of how important the news you sent someone back," Alexander said to the Moors. "The news you brought back about Sudan's possible entry into Bucharest has given me the bargaining power to trade with the Pope. I should reward you for this too. "
Uliu bowed respectfully, his face showing joy, his thick lips slightly shaking with joy.
"Do you like money, Uliu?" Looking at him like this, Alexander couldn't help asking, "I remember my money was kept by you before."
"Master ~ EbookFREE.me ~ these are all your money," the Moor immediately vowed to prove his innocent posture, and then he laughed again. "But if you are willing to reward me, I hold the money I ’ll be even happier. You know that you always spend money on your money, so I ’ll save a little, maybe we will need it one day. "
"Uliu, you don't want to talk about this unlucky" maybe "in the future," Alexander shook his head. "You know that our future will either be brilliant or sink, there will be no third way."
Uliu didn't care about his lips, and then looked at Alexandria. He knew that his master should have other orders.
Sure enough, after a little deep contemplation, Alexander said to Uliou: "I need you to go to Montina, you know Barenti is there now, but I am here."
Seeing the owner's slightly helpless look, Uliu immediately grasped the experience.
Just the thought of the lady of the Lowry family, and then think about bringing her the news of the upcoming marriage, but the father who is a fiancé is in Pisa with the mother and daughter of the lover. The last moment became dim.