At the beginning of December 1835, the first snow of the year fell in the Holy City.

The snow had been falling for a day and a night, and the north wind was howling, and on such a cold day, the city was quite deserted inside and outside, except for the wails of the relatives of the slums who had died because of the heavy snow and poverty.

The city's population had been reduced by at least half due to war and economic recession, as there were rumors that the army was going to recruit strong men into the army, and the city's docks were even less than half of the idle personnel.

Inside the palace, Carlos II takes two pills under the watchful eye of his prince Philippe Soren.

"Father, you have angina, you must pay attention to rest, and if you feel unwell, remember to take medicine immediately. Philip said with concern.

"What kind of medicine is this?" asked Carlos II.

"Nitroglycerin, a new drug that works wonders for angina, is generally effective in just a few minutes when you hold it in your mouth. How do you feel now?" asked Philip.

Angina pectoris is a physical problem that occurs after the age of 40 of Carlos II, as long as he is overworked and emotional, especially in the past two years.

"I'm feeling better, Philip, thank you. Touching the anterior sternum, Carlos II wondered, "This medicine is really magical, and it works so quickly?"

"This is a new drug from the University Hospital of Poitou, and the price is fair. "In fact, it was originally the main ingredient in explosives, and it is said that someone accidentally ingested it, so it was accidentally discovered that it was effective in treating angina." ”

Carlos II's original look of joy disappeared: "This is also a new invention of that count?"

"It must have something to do with it, you know, and he's also the president of Poitou University. Philip replied cautiously.

Philip knew that Sean Connery's name frequently appeared in various public and secret documents of the Emperor's imperial case. The Emperor didn't have much of a negative opinion of Sean originally, but when the Genoese increasingly showed some sort of separatist tendencies, the Emperor didn't have a good opinion of any Genoese.

The relationship between the Holy City and the southern province of Genoa was now delicate, and the Genoese were still paying taxes, which represented submission, but the taxes were decreasing every month, and generally remained at the level of 1833.

Carlos II didn't even dare to persecute the Genoese too much, as the Genoese were still sending supplies north in addition to paying their taxes normally, even if this was also a commercial practice. There are not many provinces that can pay taxes normally.

What angered Carlos II the most was the formation of the Genoese National Army, and it seems that the Genoese had no intention of immediately committing these three divisions to the northern theater. If the Genoese were willing to throw their army into battle, he did not hesitate to reward such patriotic and loyal acts.

"Philippe, what do you say about transferring the Genoese National Army to the north bank of the Long River?" asked Carlos.

"This is certainly a good thing, but the Genoese are afraid that they will not agree. Southerners have always felt that they are a special kind of people in the empire. Philip said.

"A group of rebels! Who gave them the power to form their own army? I heard that they still wanted to engage in the 'Southern Alliance'! Is it a natural result that they enjoy a peaceful life? Millions of soldiers of the empire are fighting against the enemy, and there are countless casualties every day, and they are hiding in the safe south, scheming, and do not want to serve the country! Scavenging vultures, national moths!"

Carlos II was furious, and he felt the back of his sternum begin to ache again.

Philip waited for the emperor's anger to decrease a little before he said: "It's nothing more than to lure them, selfishness is human instinct." ”

"How is your sister doing?" asked Carlos II suddenly.

Princess Elizabeth married Henry Darnell, the youngest son of the late Duke of Darnell, in March, who had previously been knighted by the emperor at his behest of the emperor.

But this man was an opium ghost, and he died of an opium overdose on two happy occasions in a year, leaving Princess Elizabeth, who had just been married, a widow.

It's a shame.

In the upper class circles of the Holy City, Elizabeth was generally sympathetic, and there was a lot of criticism for Carlos II and the Empress, who presided over the marriage.

Yes, the Darnell family's vast wealth and fortune fell into the hands of the royal family.

"My sister now lives in a convent and is in good health, and the abbot told me that she finds comfort and relief from the scriptures. Philip looked melancholy.

"The monastery is not a good place to live, she is still very young, and there is still a long way to go. Carlos II said, "I heard that the Count of Rocky Hill is still unmarried?"

Philip exclaimed, "Father, you can't do this!"

"What? even you're going to oppose me?" Carlos exclaimed, staring at his son, "Jean is not your role model!"

"Father, whether this is done or not, but where do you put Elizabeth's personal happiness, she is your most beloved and only daughter, she is pitiful enough, please let her go!" begged Philip.

His Highness fell to his knees.

Carlos II stood up and walked over to a large portrait on the side of the Imperial Study. This is a family photo.

Sitting in a high-backed chair was the Founding Emperor Carlos I, with Carlos I's Empress in his left hand, and his father behind him, the then Crown Prince, the second Emperor Ike Soren, and Carlos II's mother on his right.

And Carlos II was only five years old at the time and was sitting on his grandfather's lap.

Carlos II's favourite family portrait was made in 1775 by the famous court painter of the time. This represents the glory of the past, as well as happiness.

Carlos II stood in front of the painting for a long time, then turned back and asked:

"Philip, my son, what do you see in this painting?"

"The glory of my great-grandfather, and happiness. Philip said.

"No, more important than glory and happiness is inheritance. Carlos II said, "Because glory belongs to the past, happiness belongs to the individual, but inheritance is eternal." As long as the sun rises, the Saurons should be the most respected family in Europa. ”

Carlos II suddenly crouched down and looked at his son who was kneeling on the ground: "Tell me, do you want to be emperor?"

Philip was shocked that this earth-shattering thought came out of his father's mouth for the first time, and it was enough to make his mind go blank.

The only trace of sobriety left him did not dare to look directly at his father, only to hear his father's voice ringing in his ears leisurely:

"What is the happiness of a daughter for a family, and even more so for an empire, such sacrifices are insignificant. If you want to be an emperor, then you have to make this determination, otherwise don't even think about it, indecision is a big taboo. ”

Carlos II did not persuade his son, and turned to leave, the door of the study slamming behind him.

In the evening, someone reported to Carlos II:

"Your Highness spent two hours in your study, then returned to his chamber for a light meal, and is now a guest at Duke Hermann's private residence in the Holy City. Your Majesty, Duke Herman is on your orders to raise military funds in the Holy City. ”