Alexander VI walked through the portico supported by tall Romanesque columns, through which sunlight shone in, separating the ground from long strips of regular light and dark.

Alexander VI felt that his mood was like these clear shadows on the ground, one moment it was sunny, the next it was dull.

Constantine's becoming Duke of Milan was a big blow to Alexander VI, he did not expect that in the end supporting Alexander would support his brother-in-law to seize the throne of the Duke of Milan, and more importantly, Maximian also supported this proposal, which meant that the old Rovere had colluded with the emperor.

Alexander VI felt the crisis, he knew that the old Rovere had always coveted the papal throne, and even in some public occasions did not hide his desire to become the pope, Alexander VI believed that if the position of pope was not for life, in the current advantageous situation, perhaps the old Rovere had forced him to the palace.

For a time, the Pope felt that he had become a loner in the Vatican, and although he still held the highest priesthood in Christendom, his enemies were unusually powerful.

When you think of this, Alexander VI can't help but think of Caesar.

Caesar was now on the island of Elba, and he had sent someone to visit him, and after learning that his son had not been treated unfairly, Alexander VI had thought that perhaps he should be allowed to stay in that place for a few more years, at least until Alexander felt that he was no longer a threat, and then find a way to free him from there.

But now Alexander VI felt the need for Caesar too much.

When Alexander VI was able to show everyone his prestige as the spokesman of God in Christendom, the papal army played a role that could not be ignored, Caesar as his son and commander of the papal army, although the glory of that period was too short, but it was enough for those secular monarchs to take into account the attitude of the Vatican, or Alexander VI himself, on many matters.

However, with Caesar's imprisonment on the island of Elba, Alexander's army not only took control of Romagna, but also became the protector of Rome and the Vatican, which seemed to be no different from before, but the fact that Constantine became Duke of Milan deeply stimulated the pope, and Alexander VI realized that he still needed Caesar to control an army of his own for him.

Seeing the private secretary Nomelo walking briskly from a distance, the Pope stopped, he stood hunched in the sunlight between the two Roman columns, the afternoon of the season was the time to feel drowsy, but looking at Nomelo in a hurry, the Pope realized that maybe something had happened again.

"Your Majesty, the French have waged war in Lombardy," Nomelo could not wait to report to the Pope what he had just heard, while he was still some distance away, "Constantine della Rovere has fled from Milan, and now the French army is gathering in Milan, and there is news that they may march into Romagna next." ”

Alexander VI was slightly stunned, as if he wanted to straighten up, or to listen more carefully, but then he waved his hand and beckoned Nomelo to walk with him through the colonnade and into the garden and sit down: "Tell me what happened, I know that Louis has started another war, but have the Milanese not resisted?" ”

"I heard that little Rovere was afraid that the Milanese might rebel after the arrival of the French, so that he might have to be the same as the Medici family, and perhaps not as lucky as Medici, so he fled from Milan overnight with his own men as the French approached, and it is said that he had fled his territory in Ferrara."

"This is a brave knight," Alexander VI did not hide his schadenfreude when he heard the news, and then he asked Nomelo to help him to his feet and paced slowly in the garden, "We will have to send someone to contact Louis, but I believe he must have sent someone, but that does not prevent us from being more active." ”

"Your Majesty, what do you think Louis will propose?" Nomelo asked cautiously, feeling the weight of the weight almost completely supporting his wrist, mixed with obvious tremors, Nomelo couldn't help but secretly worry about the Pope's aging body.

"I don't understand why Louis suddenly started a war at this time, you must know that even if little Rovere escaped, he still has many enemies, I believe that the emperor will not let go of this opportunity, and although the British sent not many troops, it is enough to pose a threat, and there is Aragon, isn't Louis not worried at all?"

"Your Majesty, this is exactly what I reported to you, there is news that Aragon has negotiated peace with the French," Nomelo reported in a low voice, feeling the Pope's hand holding his wrist suddenly tighten, and Nomelo immediately stopped, "So Your Majesty, what should we do?" ”

"Are you asking if you should ally with Louis again?" Alexander VI's voice was a little erratic, he let go of Nomerlo's hand and walked slowly in the garden alone, looking at a vibrant garden, but his mind had already drifted to some unknown place.

"Nomelo, you should probably pay a visit to Caesar," Alexander VI said abruptly, turning to Nomerlo, "I haven't heard from him for a long time. ”

Nomelo nodded silently, he was almost aware of the Pope's decision by this time.

The news of Constantine's abandonment of the city and his escape spread like a whirlwind throughout Rome, and the elder Rovere, who had heard the bad news, had not even had time to be angry at his son's actions, when a messenger from Montina had already arrived at the door.

To the surprise of old Rovere, this messenger was actually the Machiavelli who was very much used by Alexander, and seeing this Florentine man, old Rovere already knew what kind of trouble he was going to face next.

"Dear Cardinal, I have to tell you with regret that the Duchess is extremely angry at the actions of the Duke of Constantine," Machiavelli said eagerly after saluting old Rovere, "Madame has decided to reconsider her relations with Ferrara and her responsibilities as an ally if necessary, and although it is unfortunate, this decision is entirely a consequence of the actions of the Duke of Constantine, and the Duchy of Romagna-Tuscany has no moral responsibility. ”

Old Rovere looked at the eloquent diplomat in front of him with a gloomy face, Konstantin's actions did surprise him, and even felt incredible, after all, in his mind his son was fearless, but now he made a move to abandon the crown and throne and abandon the city and flee, I heard that he had fled back to Ferrara, did he think that Ferrara's walls were stronger than Milan?

The present situation was that the Duchy of Romagna-Tuscany was about to face almost the entire French attack alone because of the escape of Constantine, and in this respect the anger of the elder Rovere was perfectly understandable to his daughter, and even the anger in his own heart was no less than that of Barentine, because he realized that perhaps this incident would become the beginning of another crisis.

"My lord, my duke is not in the country now, and the French army is threatening the borders of the Duchy of Romagna-Tuscany," said Machiavelli to old Rovere in a low tone, "and in this case, I think it is necessary for me to bring back to the Duchess a promise sufficient to reassure her, which is vital to the stability of our alliance." ”

Machiavelli's words made old Rovere frown, he did not blame this man for his unreasonableness, in fact, the Duchy of Romagna-Tuscany, also known as Romethea, was indeed facing a great crisis now.

This danger of possibly even annihilating the country is unbearable for anyone, and it is his son Konstantin who is responsible for this situation.

And what made the elder Rovere even more annoyed was that with the French successfully occupying Milan at almost no cost, the pro-French forces in the Vatican, which had been temporarily dormant due to the defeat of the French, were also rapidly activating.

The corners of Old Rovere's mouth moved, and no one heard him secretly curse in the native language of Genoa, something that he should never have said in his status.

"It is necessary, I will abide by the agreement with Romethea," although it is father and daughter, but old Rovelle did not expect to be able to get Barondi's understanding because of this, he is too familiar with his daughter, which is why he appreciated this daughter in the first place, calm, utilitarian, and will not affect the pursuit of goals because of feelings, until now this character he admires the most, has become the source of Barondi's criticism of him.

"I would ask Konstantin to reconsider organizing Ferrara's army to join the fight against the French, but that may take time."

Old Rovere couldn't help but curse again when he said this, he had decided to write to Constantine immediately to ask him how he had made such a stupid decision, but he did not directly answer Machiavelli's conditions, at this time old Rovere thought of the possible worse consequences of Constantine's actions.

The troubles that Constantine had brought with his hasty escape from Milan soon became apparent.

Just two days later, an envoy from Venice suddenly arrived at the Vatican, and after some secret talks with several cardinals, the Venetian suddenly announced at a gathering of nobles in Rome that in order to prevent Milan from falling into the hands of Louis XII, he would reconsider the legal heir to the title of Milan, and Venice would send an army into the Lombardy region.

The announcement shook Rome instantly, and many people realized that it was a consequence of Constantine's escape from Ferrara.

On the contrary, there were voices in the College of Cardinals in favor of Louis XII becoming Duke of Milan.

For a time, all parties in the Vatican were agitated.

Machiavelli's trip to the Vatican apparently consisted of more than a visit to Rovere Sr., and after receiving an unsatisfactory promise from Rovere Sr., Machiavelli began to be active in the Vatican frequently.

He wanted to find enough help as soon as possible, while keeping an eye out for those who might pose a threat to the Duchy of Rome.

And of these, Machiavelli was most concerned with Pope Alexander VI.

When Nomelo left Rome with the papal letter, Machiavelli was in the residence of Cardinal Mahimo listening to the disagreements in the cardinal body over the events in Milan.

The Venetians' sudden announcement of interest in the Milanese title was a surprise, and Machiavelli, although active in Rome, was clear that many people were no longer optimistic about Constantine.

Especially when Alexander VI suddenly and openly added the health and good fortune of King Louis XII to the prayer at the Mass on the first day, many people realized that there was already a rift between the Duke of Rometesia and the Pope, which would probably be difficult to bridge.

Machiavelli was keenly aware of the danger, and the next day he hurried to find Mahimo, who had just returned to Rome from Bologna, and after inquiring from him about some movements within the Order of Cardinals, Machiavelli was even more sure of his suspicions.

"The Pope is tempting, he may be about to change his mind, no, I'm sure he has decided to work with the French again."

Machiavelli went back and forth anxiously, and seeing that Massimo seemed to be a little disapproving, he stopped and said hurriedly: "It is very bad now, perhaps the Pope has sent someone to contact the King of France, and if then we must find a way to stop him, or at least prevent him from declaring the legitimacy of the French march into Rome." ”

"Maybe you're right, but maybe you're too careful, knowing that his granddaughter is the Duchess of Pisa," said Massimo with some suspicion, "and it won't be a good thing for him that Pisa will be spared once the French march into Rome." ”

"Maybe you're right," Machiavelli's nervousness calmed a little by Massimo's words, and he had to admit that Massimo was right, but then he immediately became suspicious of this thought: "No, we must not take it lightly, knowing that it is Alexander VI, and his greed for power is beyond your imagination now. ”

Machiavelli walked back and forth angrily, until he suddenly stopped and turned to look at Massimo, with a strange look on his face: "Do you think he will guarantee Estles' position as a condition in exchange for the French?" ”

Machiavelli's words made Massimo stunned, and he moved his lips to speak, but suddenly realized that he didn't know what to say.

It was evident that he realized that Machiavelli's words were not speculation, and that it seemed to be a good deal to give up a cheap son-in-law who was obviously in a bad situation, after being promised a title that would guarantee his grandson.

"I'm going to see the cardinal." Massimo muttered, stood up, and hurried out.

Machiavelli knew that he was talking about old Rovere, but he was not optimistic about Massimo's visit, thinking about the perfunctory attitude of old Rovere to himself before, looking at Mahimo who was walking away, the Florentine people's eyes could not help but show deep worry.

The first week of the beginning of April was spent in this strange atmosphere, and after hearing that Alexander VI openly prayed for Louis XII at Mass, many immediately understood that the Duchy of Romagna-Tuscany had lost the support of the Pope.

Elba, an island located on the Tirenian Sea, about 2 fata off the coast of Tuscany, is the largest island in the Tirenian Sea after Sardinia and Corsica.

However, it will be a few hundred years before the island becomes famous, and by that time it has become famous for imprisoning a Corsican demon.

Today, Elba is not a very comfortable place, scattered throughout the island with poor and dilapidated villages and towns, and other than a modest town on the east side of the island and the mainland.

At the top of the town formed by the hillside, there is a villa that has just been renovated, the villa was designed by the famous master of the art Bramont, who was not only responsible for the construction of the world-famous Chapel of Tambière, but also the designer of the Château de Montinaneuv, and now under the personal design of this master, on the top of the hill of the town of Iron Port on the island of Elba, there is a rather magnificent hilltop villa called "Mill".

When Nomelo entered a large room of the villa, he saw Caesar wielding his beloved armor-piercing sword in the empty room.

Caesar's movements were not fast, but they were powerful, and with each swing he could hear the wind of the blade slashing through the air, and even though it was only April, his sweat-soaked hair showed that he had used all his strength in every movement.

"You've never given up on ambition, have you?" Standing in the doorway and watching for a while, Nomelo finally spoke.

However, although Caesar had seen him, he did not mean to stop, he wielded the armor-piercing sword with greater force, and with the powerful swing of his arm, sweat flew out of his forehead, landed on the sword and bounced out in all directions.

"Your Majesty wants me to bring you a letter."

Nomerlo's words finally hit Caesar's hands, and he slowly stopped and turned to look at the secretary's face: "What did he ask you to do, to ask for my forgiveness, or did he want me to believe that he was doing this for my own good?" ”

"Your father promised the Duke of Rometesia out of desperation, you did anger that man, and we all know that if it weren't for the fact that you were Lucrezia's brother, perhaps your tombstone would have been covered by the grass by now." Nomelo said helplessly, and then he walked up to Caesar and took out the letter, "But now you have a good chance, knowing that this may turn you over." ”

Caesar looked at Nomelo and slowly took the letter from his hand, and Caesar's breathing began to grow rapid as the contents of the letter fell into his eyes.

"It's true, the French are coming?"

"Indeed, Louis's army is approaching the borders of Rome," Nomelo whispered in his ear as he leaned over the view of the guards outside the house, clinging to Caesar's ear, "you have such an opportunity now, tell me what you are going to do?" ”

Looking into the eyes of Nomerlo, Caesar looked around, and then sighed softly: "I used to hate this place, but I must admit that this place is very good, but I don't know who will be the master of this place after I leave." ”

After saying that, he forcefully inserted the armor-piercing sword in his hand into the scabbard.

"But if I had to choose between a long-lived prisoner and a short-lived ruler, I would choose the latter, even if it was only for a moment."

On April 11, 1501, Caesar Borgia commanded his men to raid the defenders of Montina on the island of Elba, and taking advantage of the confusion, he led 60 loyal guards to capture a ship, and then left the island of Elba and headed for Italy!

Almost simultaneously, on the northern border of Roman Thea.

On April 12, after a brief confrontation between the two armies, the French left flank, Count Boweken, launched an attack on the Roman army south of Parma, kicking off the Third Romagna War!

Wonderful Book House