Time is like quicksand, it will always pass through the fingers without realizing it, and this sentence is even more apt for de Charlon.

It's been a long time since he set out in France, but he doesn't think his mission has progressed much.

In Rome, although it was perceivable that the attitude of Borgia and his son towards him was completely different from before, Alexander VI was obviously a very difficult negotiator, and he always knew how to delay and how to bargain at critical moments, which made the negotiations between the two sides somewhat difficult.

De Charlain himself did so on his own initiative for two reasons, one was that he was really curious about the man who was famous even at the French court, and because he had indeed saved him and decided to visit him as soon as possible, and because he wanted to use this short time to dry the Pope a little, at least to make him realize that the French court did not necessarily need the support of the Vatican.

However, it was not until he arrived in Pisa that de Charlain realized that his impromptu trip seemed to have unexpected gains.

Pisa certainly could not compare with Rome in size and prosperity, and it should not even be comparable to Florence in de Charlon's memory, but after a few days of visiting, he was surprised to find that this small seaport city has more attractive characteristics than other places.

The city seems to be busy, or rarely seen wandering the streets, and while there are as many visitors from other places as elsewhere, locals rarely show the xenophobia that is more or less prevalent everywhere.

Pisan people will warmly invite anyone who is willing to talk to the locals to eat with them, and they are more willing to deal with them, and when a foreigner tries to ask for help, it is rare to go unanswered, and it is often the case that the locals' enthusiasm for the foreigner can quickly make you forget that you are not in your hometown.

De Charlain saw people from many places, and in addition to some of the nearby cities, he also saw merchants from more distant places such as Sicily and Barearic, or from faraway places in France and the Low Countries.

The Pisan people saw the strangers as the source of the city's prosperity, and the outland merchants did allow de Charlaine to see a lot more active commerce here than elsewhere.

One of the things that impressed Sharon the most was the exchange.

This small shop looks like a bustling tavern, but instead of the drinks that make people drunk, they sell the dreams of wealth that will make them completely crazy.

Sharon felt that Cambrai was really a little different, at least this exchange made him seem to see the magic of wizards, everyone poured into the façade as if they were enchanted, and then many people came out in a daze, but some people came out with ugly faces, or even lost their souls.

But after all, such people are a minority, just like the guys at the exchange shouted, the vast majority of people have the opportunity to become the rich man of their dreams as long as they walk here.

Charlen gradually understood why Alexander attached so much importance to Pisa, and even revealed in the conversation between the two that he could cooperate with the French for Pisa.

Charlain was initially not interested in working with Alexander, and Montina may have been an uncomfortable problem for Caesar, but it was nothing in the face of the mighty French army.

Although it was also heard that Alexander had been expanding and repairing the new castle of Montina since he entered Montina, Charlain still believed that as long as the French army controlled Milan and contained Venice in the east, even if it did not land in Naples, it would not be possible to stop the invasion of the French army in Montina or anywhere else.

However, his travels in Pisa have changed his mind somewhat.

Although Scharon was a very pure knight, he was not a reckless person, on the contrary, it was because of his wit that King Charles VIII of France would appoint him as the Roman guard, and this time he was able to come to Rome to negotiate, which shows that he is not good at just fighting and killing.

Charlen hoped that Pisa would be saved, at least not too much damage and repercussions in the process of being conquered.

He thought this because he saw the enormous potential of the city, which, although it did not seem as large or rich as Rome or Florence, seemed to be on its way to becoming an economic center on the western shores of the Mediterranean.

The other was Naples, which, according to the French court, was accumulating wealth at an impressive rate during the two years, which soon attracted the attention of Charles VIII and his successor, Louis XII.

And it all seems to have something to do with the earl.

Charlain felt compelled to get along with Alexander, and as a vassal of the two kings, Charles and Louis, or rather the last of the Valois dynasty and the first side of the kingdom, Charlain knew better than anyone else that the French court was not very lenient in its finances today.

In order to invade Italy, Charles VIII spent almost all the money at his disposal, but the loss of a large amount of booty due to a series of fiascos made his expedition a loss-making transaction, and with Charles's death, the large amount of money needed for the new king to ascend the throne was already a headache, and Louis XII's equally huge ambition once again made the French treasury face the dilemma of having to pay for it violently.

Charlen was fascinated by the wealth of Pisa, but it soon became clear to him that the wealth here was intangible, or rather unlike the rest of the world, that it was not a shrewd sculpture and a visible florin, but a rich business environment that could only be found in this place.

It would be a pity to lose a good source of finance because of the destruction of this environment as a result of the invasion.

So in the past few days he has visited Tomneo, the Duke of Pisa, and the Medici brothers, whom he unexpectedly met as guests.

Despite its proximity to Florence, the Medici brothers were in Pisa protected for up to 60 days, according to the protection laws that had been in vogue among the Italian city-states for many years, during which time no one was allowed to trespass on their safety, which is why the Medici brothers were in no hurry to leave Pisa.

However, in Charlon's view, the reason why the Medici brothers had been stranded in Pisa was not to try to convince anyone to join them against Florence, but rather that they seemed to be more interested in Alexander.

It was clear that the brothers were planning to seek help from Alexander.

But a sudden decision by Caesar disrupted Sharlon's plans to continue observing the city for a few more days.

Caesar found Scharon and conveyed to him the invitation of Alexander VI, it seems that the Pope has been thinking about giving up some of the previous somewhat stubborn demands after these days, which makes Scharren a little overjoyed, he did not expect Alexander VI to become much more rational so quickly, so according to Caesar's request, he decided to leave Pisa after 4 days.

So although Caesar later offered Lucrezia a special gift before leaving, Charlon didn't pay much attention to it.

Lucrezia was naturally a little unhappy that Caesar was suddenly leaving, and she asked Caesar if he had encountered something here that made him unhappy, or if Alexander had expressed to him that he did not welcome him.

Knowing that this was not the case, Lucrezia tried to persuade Caesar to stay longer, but after knowing that this decision could not be changed, Lucrezia could only sullenly agree to go with him in two days to see the gift he had given.

In the evening, Lucrezia told Alexander the news.

"I'm going to see what Caesar has given me, but we're not going out of the city, it's in Pisa." Lucrezia made a point of explaining where she was going, because she knew that Alexander was actually very concerned about this, "Don't worry, Caesar will be gone soon, and it may be a long time before I see him again, so promise me to make him happy by following him before he leaves." ”

Seeing Lucrezia with a hint of pleading, Alexander nodded helplessly: "Okay, for the sake of him leaving, I agreed, but you know that he has been thinking about snatching you away from me." ”

"That's also because I'm his relative, in fact, if you can get along with him, he will care about you so much."

"Oh." Alexander replied noncommittally.

Lucrezia wondered what Caesar had given her, but a series of questions were exchanged for Caesar's mysterious smile.

At last two days had passed, and Lucrezia, who had been in a hurry, got up early and waited in the house, and she sometimes asked people to see if Caesar was coming outside, and asked the nanny to take Estelles out to see, until it was almost noon, when the servant reported that Caesar had arrived, that she took the child in her arms and went to the door with some urgency.

To Lucrezia's surprise, Caesar was wearing a long robe on such a hot day, which made him look hot.

Seeing Lucrezia holding Estelles, Caesar couldn't help but show a hint of joy, although he had imagined that it would be perfect if he could take Estelles with him, but he also knew that Alexander valued the child.

Now seeing Lucrezia destined to carry a child made Caesar feel that God was favoring him.

Lucrezia's house was protected by hunting guards, who were ordered to follow Lucrezia at all times, so when Caesar and the others walked out of the house, they found that several hunting guards had gathered around them.

"Are they always with you," Caesar looked at the soldiers, "or do they treat you like a prisoner?" ”

"Of course not, Alexander just wanted to protect me," Lucrezia said with a little amusement, arguing for her man, "or rather worried about your bad idea." ”

"We're just going to see your gifts, is there anything to worry about in the city," Caesar said, stretching out his finger and gently poking Estelles's tender cheek in Lucrezia's arms, causing Estelles to let out an angry "Ahh ”

"It's a pity that it's a daughter," whispered Lucrezia, a little reluctantly, "and Alexander longed for a son." ”

"We're not going to talk about him today," Caesar's face flashed with displeasure, "Well, we're just going to the University of Pisa now, so if the soldiers want to follow, let them stay away, that's fine." ”

Lucrezia nodded, then turned back to give the order to the hunters who were taking the lead, and though they were a little reluctant, the hunters slowed down and were a little farther behind.

It is not far from Palazzo Lucrezia to the University of Pisa, and it is not far to walk by a stone bridge across the Arno River to see a pale white house under the famous bell tower, where the façade of the University of Pisa is located.

"This place is not suitable for these soldiers, remember that in the Pepin era there was a rule that soldiers were not allowed to enter the university, and the French even allowed the university to have its own powers," Caesar glanced at the hunters not far behind him, and then ordered his own retinue, "You stay here and wait for us to come out, remember to be careful, this is the University of Pisa." ”

Seeing that Caesar's retinue stayed, the hunters remained at the door, albeit reluctantly, at Alexander's insistence.

Soon, however, two hunters slowly patrolled along the edge of the white building.

Lucrezia asked the nanny to carry Estelles and follow Caesar down the hallway, and although she didn't know what Caesar was going to give her, the thought that this was the University of Pisa made her feel a little excited.

A door appeared at the end of the hallway, and as Caesar gently pushed it open, Lucrezia saw an easel covered with a curtain facing the door.

"A painting?"

Lucrezia was a little curious but not surprised, as many people had painted her portraits before, including some of the most famous artists.

"A special painting." Caesar motioned for Lucrezia to lift the curtain herself.

Lucrezia walked over and pinched the edge of the cloth and lifted it gently, and as the curtain fell, a startled portrait appeared in front of her.

The solemn, solemn, and religious image makes people feel awe from the bottom of their hearts, and the expression of the Father, who is surrounded by angels looking down on the nether world, reveals a kind of love that is very different from the images in other paintings, and his eyes are fixed on the Son who is held in the arms of Mary.

When she saw the innocent and familiar face of the Holy Son on the screen, Lucrezia couldn't help but look back at Estelles, who was following her in the arms of the nanny.

But what she saw was not only her daughter's lovely face, but also the surprised and stunned eyes of the nanny.

Lucrezia couldn't help but follow the nanny's gaze to Caesar, who was standing on the other side behind her.

Then she was stunned to find that Caesar had taken off the tightly covered robe, revealing a short piece of armor covering her body!

"Caesar?!"

Lucrezia seemed to realize something, but before she could speak, Caesar had already drawn his sword and pointed it at the frightened nanny.

"I don't think I'm going to kill people in front of children, but if you don't listen, I don't care about that."

"Yes, sir."

The nanny shuddered as she watched as Caesar slowly took Estelles from her hand and handed it to Lucrezia, who was also stunned.

"Caesar, what are you going to do?" By this time, Lucrezia already knew that the so-called gift was obviously a trap, although she knew that Caesar would not hurt her, but looking at her brother's strange and terrible appearance, Lucrezia was still frightened, "You scared Estles." ”

"Rest assured, she won't be scared soon."

"What did you say?" Caesar's words made Lucrezia's face change greatly, and she couldn't help but step back and hold the child tightly in her arms, "What are you going to do to my child?" ”

"God, Lucrezia, sober up, do you think I'm going to hurt her," Caesar looked at Lucrezia helplessly, "Our whole family will treat her well, but you have to go with me." ”

"You're going to let me go back to Rome with you?" Lucrezia had understood Caesar's purpose, but she couldn't help but be a little confused.

"Yes, I don't have time to explain now," Caesar said, glancing back at the nanny, and then, in Lucrezia's exclamation, he suddenly waved his hand and knocked the woman unconscious with the hilt of his sword, "I said I wouldn't kill in front of a child." ”

"You're crazy Caesar, there's no way you're going to escape, the huntsmen are outside."

Lucrezia seemed to have suddenly come to her senses, and she tried to dissuade her, but Caesar dragged her way out of the door, and before leaving, Caesar did not forget to remove the trinity that was tightly bound on the easel.

"So I've been prepared for a long time, but our esteemed knight of Charlaon may be a little wronged, but it's nothing, after all, the Fichet next to the Duke of Orleans should have arrived in Rome, and he is the real French envoy."

Listening to Caesar talking to herself as she walked through the corridor, Lucrezia, who was being dragged, couldn't help but be at a loss, she didn't know whether to follow Caesar or immediately shout for help, but the thought of calling for help would attract the huntsmen and even cause a fight, she was too frightened to make a sound.

Caesar was clearly prepared, and he pulled Lucrezia to a room on the other side of the corridor and pushed the door open, and Lucrezia saw a woman in the room.

It was a young woman about her age, and although she didn't look like her, Lucrezia noticed that the two looked similar in size.

"That's her, now you change your clothes," Caesar hurriedly commanded as he entered the door, and at the same time he said to Lucrezia in a daze, in a somewhat cathartic tone, "What does Gombray think I've been doing in Pisa these days, just spending all day drinking?" I've been looking for a woman who is as imaginary as you, and then looking for an opportunity to be your stand-in, Lucrezia Don't forget how you got to Pisa by him, and my father was sick because he thought you were about to get sick. ”

Lucrezia's eyes couldn't help but moisten when she heard the mention of Alexander VI, she had always buried her thoughts of her relatives deep in her heart, and even sometimes kept asking Alexander for it in order to compete with that strong longing, hoping to erase that longing with fierce love.

But now Caesar's words made her suppressed feelings burst out in an instant.

"I'll go back to Rome with you," said Lucrezia excitedly, "but make sure to send us back later, or Alexander will go mad." ”

"Don't worry, I'll send you back when the time comes, or you should write to Cambrai and ask him to pick you up in Rome, knowing that only then will you have a chance to be his wife and not his mistress, and for this you must leave with me, otherwise you will have to be his mistress for the rest of your life."

Caesar's last words completely touched Lucrezia, and she immediately nodded and began to exchange clothes with the woman opposite.

The afternoon sun had gradually shifted the shadows of the porch of the University of Pisa, and the impatient hunters began to feel a little uneasy.

One of them offered to enter the university to have a look, but was shut out, but just as they were about to clash with the janitor, Caesar's entourage saw Caesar and Lucrezia appear in the hallway of a high covered bridge.

The brother and sister seemed to be talking something as they walked slowly, and the sight quieted the hunters, and although they didn't see the nanny with the child in their arms, it was reassuring to them.

At the same time, in front of the gates of Pisa, a group of merchants was heading out of the city with a full wagon.

There are so many caravans, especially after the tariffs have been lifted, that they come and go almost every day.

The city gate was in front of him, and a look of coldness flashed in the eyes of a thickly dressed man.

The simple examination passed quickly, but for the man it seemed like a long time had passed, until a whistle sounded and the man let out a long breath.

The carriage slowly walked through the city gates, and when he stepped out of the shadow of the city gates, the man finally let out a long breath.

"Escaped."

Just as Caesar let out a low whisper, he heard the same voice not far away asking:

"Escaped?"

Please remember that the first domain name of this book is:. Nine Heavenly God Emperor mobile version reading website: