After enjoying a hearty lunch together, the two nobles and their wives sat in the courtyard in the afternoon sun and played cards and chess. After about the 10th century, chess spread to various parts of Europe through the Arabs, and by the end of the 11th century, it spread to all European countries. By the 16th century, chess had finally become its later style and system. The earliest surviving chess game was published in 1497.

While the four were playing cards, the Duke of Richmond spoke to Isabel about the new heraldic pattern designed by the Earl of Surrey himself. Isabel looked at the cards in her hand and said consciously, "Your Highness, you once told me that His Majesty is very fond of playing card games, right?" ”

The Earl of Surrey, who was sitting across from Isabel, raised his eyelids and glanced at her, subconsciously thinking that he did not speak. And the Duke of Richmond, who was sitting on Isabel's right hand, nodded after playing a card and said, "Yes, Your Majesty not only loves to play cards, but also always likes to be a winner." ”

"Winner?! Well, it seems that the nobles and court ministers, while learning to play cards, also learn how to make His Majesty the king the biggest winner. Isabel said in passing, but never bothered the Earl of Surrey's reaction.

Mrs. Surrey, who was sitting across from the Duke of Richmond, just thought of something and said, "Isabel, Your Majesty plays less cards now. His Majesty's mood, like Windsor, grew worse and worse. ”

Isabel glanced at Lady Surrey and chuckled softly, "Windsor, which was once prosperous in the Middle Ages, is now filled with the smell of merchants. Frances, why don't you and Lord Surrey buy a house on Strand Street and move to the City of London? ”

Previously, Isabel earned 10,000 pounds for the Earl and Lady of Surrey, making this high-class aristocratic couple one of the wealthy aristocratic families in London in an instant. Mrs. Surrey couldn't help but smile when she heard her words, "Isabel, Henry and I still like to live in the country. Of course, it is possible to buy a house not far from the city of London. ”

"Not far from the city of London? Well, I thought, how about Richmond, southwest of London? Isabel smiled a little merrily, and did not seem to have the slightest interest in talking about the new coat of arms of the Earl of Surrey.

Henry VII built a palace in Richmond, which was named Richmond Palace in 1501 in recognition of his early kingdom and his ancestral home at Richmond Castle in Yorkshire. The town surrounding the palace was also renamed Richmond by Henry VII. Today, Richmond is a region located in the southwestern part of Greater London, England, and one of the more affluent suburbs of London. Richmond is located close to the River Thames and has many parks and open spaces, including Richmond Park and many conservation areas.

After Elizabeth I became queen, she spent most of her time in Richmond Palace. This was mainly because she enjoyed hunting wild deer in the "Richmond New Park" (now Old Deer Park). On March 24, 1603, Elizabeth I died at Richmond Palace.

The two male aristocrats in the room listened with great interest to the conversation between Isabel and the two. Seeing the two ladies get farther and farther away from the topic, the Duke of Richmond coughed lightly and brought the topic back to the previous topic, "Isabel, what do you mean by the cards you just mentioned, the winner?" ”

Isabel glanced at him and nodded slowly, "Your Highness, I mean, His Majesty's health has deteriorated. Therefore, His Majesty should be happy in many matters and make His Majesty the biggest winner. ”

After speaking, he suddenly turned his gaze to the Earl of Surrey opposite, "Your Excellency, do you think that's the case?" ”

The Earl of Surrey, who was always reckless, understood what she meant, and sneered, "Madam, your good companion, Her Majesty Queen Catherine, will make Your Majesty happy, even though Your Majesty can no longer give birth to a prince with her." ”

Isabel was well aware of one thing, that is, Henry VIII was dead in less than two years. However, she could not tell these words to a second person other than herself. After thinking about it, he said to the Earl of Surrey, "Your Excellency, it seems that I can only tell you the truth. ”

"The facts? What facts? ”

"Your Excellency, I mean your new coat of arms."

The Earl of Surrey stopped playing the cards in his hand and stared at each other with straight eyes, "New coat of arms?" Ma'am, I still don't understand. Could it be that my new coat of arms will make His Majesty very angry?? ”

Isabel shook her head, "Your Excellency, your lady said that the heraldic design you drew was not approved by His Majesty the King or the Heraldic Academy. Don't you think this will be a piece of evidence against you? ”

"Accusations?" The Count of Surrey laughed, "Madame, since I returned from France, I have not heard of a nobleman who intends to accuse His Majesty of my defeat in battle. Therefore, I am sure that the new ministers or families of the court will not accuse me of the coat of arms. ”

The Duke of Richmond sat quietly on the bench, glanced at the people present for a few moments, and said, "Your Excellency, what Isabel said is, don't anger Your Majesty because of a small matter, and bring unknowable results to yourself. ”

"Smack!" With a thud, the Earl of Surrey threw the cards in his hand towards the table, stood up and took two steps away. When he returned to the crowd again, he said in a firm tone: "I am the godson of Your Majesty, and even if you lose the battle in France, Your Majesty has not accused me. I don't believe Your Majesty will throw me in prison for a new coat of arms. ”

Isabel finally couldn't help it, put down the cards while looking at the Earl of Surrey and blurted out, "Your Excellency, His Majesty's health is very bad, and the first thing that comes to mind is to let his son Prince Edward succeed to the throne smoothly. Therefore, His Majesty will eliminate all people or things that can hinder Prince Edward's succession. Sir, do you understand what I mean? ”

None of the others present spoke, in fact, they knew very well in their hearts that Henry VIII was sick and dying, but no one wanted to admit this fact. The Earl of Surrey pondered whether his new coat of arms would really anger the ailing Henry VIII.

He looked hesitantly at Madame, then at Isabel and said, "Madame, do you have any good suggestions?" ”

Isabel's eyes were fixed on the Earl of Surrey, and her lips squirmed slightly, "Your Excellency, you can give the new coat of arms to your father at once, and let your father decide. Or, don't let anyone other than a few of us know about it, especially the Seymour family. ”