The farce of the auction house is finally over, and Du Wei figured out Prince Chen's intentions, but he didn't have a clue.

The most important thing is that it has been the second day since he returned to dìdū, but he did not see this Chen prince.

According to the rules of the Roland Empire, Du Wei, a "foreign minister", returned to dìdū, and when he saw the emperor, he did not say that he would see him, but he had to go through the formalities and hand over the official document, and then wait for the summons of the prince Chen. It's not just a casual way to go to the palace and knock on the door to enter, and see what you want. Although Emperor Chen did not officially ascend the throne as emperor, he is no different from the emperor now.

Of course, a popular figure like Du Wei is often not so complicated, as long as he sends someone to the palace to deliver the news, he can be summoned immediately. But when Du Wei came back this time, he had already sent someone to the palace, but there was no order to summon him in the palace.

The meaning of this is worth savoring...... Prince Chen seems to be pushing and doesn't want to see him immediately?

Thinking of today's auction, he was equivalent to being put on the spot by His Highness, Du Wei felt a little unhappy in his heart, and he couldn't wait to see this Highness face to face and question him immediately, thinking that he didn't summon himself before he came, just to catch himself off guard in the auction.

The auction ended, and the crowd dispersed. Du Wei didn't have time to feel the sixteen million gold coins in his heart. The first thing to do was to send someone to the palace to find out the news. Ask when His Royal Highness the Lord Regent summoned him.

Lao Tzu's money has also been spent, and you have done the work, if you haven't seen me yet. After all, I was called back by you! But it's a little too unkind.

There's not enough to think about here. Zach had already come to report something: someone from the temple had arrived.

When Du Wei heard this, he frowned: "What did the temple send people to do? Isn't this a headache enough? What tricks do they want to play?"

That's when Zach explained. It turned out that the temple sent someone this time not for anything else, but simply to ask for money.

After all. It was Du Wei who "bought" the Pope's decree. Sixteen million gold coins should be paid to the temple.

Du Wei's face was even more unhappy: "The auction will be finished at noon." Come in the afternoon to ask for money, how can it be so fast!" He groaned for a moment. "Go and speak to the people of the temple." Whoever it is. No matter how rich you are. More than 10 million gold coins will not be piled up in the treasury like this. I'll have a few days to raise it. Let's give them a few days to raise cash. Then I'll send someone to deliver it myself. ”

Zach went down and replied to the Templars. After a while, he came to tell Du Wei again. He said that the temple people had promised to leave, and before leaving, he said that he would give Du Wei three days to raise funds. Duke Tulip was also asked to keep in mind the people affected by the disaster in the south, and he had already raised all the money. After all, the money is for the Pope to use for disaster relief.

When Du Wei heard this, he felt more and more cowardly.

Come back on your own. Yesterday was just a flashy triumphal ceremony, although the ceremony made people very face-saving, but this kind of face-saving project can not be exchanged for a copper plate is really beneficial. And return his own Rollin family house. It's just to return the original property of the house. Although this carrot may seem huge. In fact, I didn't get any benefits. But today, more than 10 million gold coins were swept away in one day...... It's almost half of Du Wei's belongings. This one in and one out. It's a big loss. How can Du Wei not be annoyed in his heart?

After waiting in the shop for a while, Du Wei sneered in his heart. If this Prince Chen doesn't summon him again. Give yourself an explanation, then start a fire yourself. It's not that easy to bully either!

He was thinking to himself. Finally, in the afternoon, the people sent to the palace returned. Brought good news: His Royal Highness the Prince Regent summoned Duke Tulip.

With him came a palace envoy. This envoy was very polite when he saw Du Wei, after all, outsiders didn't know about today's auction. I only know that this young duke is the number one person who is now popular. Extra respect to Du Wei.

Du Wei heard that Prince Chen summoned him. Immediately raised eyebrows. He was no longer polite to this palace envoy, so he ordered someone to prepare a carriage to go to the palace.

The palace envoy was taken aback. He is an old man in the palace, he is familiar with the rules, and it stands to reason that a courtier like Du Wei will be favored again. After being summoned by the court, especially the first "official" summoning of this foreign minister to the emperor to face the monarch, he always had to go back to bathe and change his clothes. Dress up in the full formal attire of the Duke. Wear a scepter and medal. Then you can enter the palace, which is also etiquette.

But this Tulip Duke is good. It's just a casual robe. still looks unhappy.

The palace envoy heard Du Wei say that he was leaving. Quickly stopped. He said, "Grand Duke Tulip...... I don't think there's a need to worry too much about this......"

As soon as he said this, Du Wei immediately glared. Lao Tzu's 16 million gold coins are gone, how can he not be in a hurry!

"This ...... According to the rules, do you come first, that first...... How about getting dressed?" sighed the court envoy.

Du Wei's eyes widened: "Do you see that I don't have any clothes on me?"

The palace envoy was startled, and hurriedly said: "Of course not, it's just ......" He saw Du Wei's impatience, and was about to raise words to remind Du Wei of etiquette, Du Wei had already said angrily: "Let's go, I am a magician, and I can't control any rules and the like." ”

After saying that, he went out first. The palace envoy saw that Du Wei was not angry, and thought that it was none of his business, so why bother to offend this red man, so he bowed his head and followed.

He rode all the way to the palace in a carriage and was ordered by the regent to enter the palace. And there was this retinue of the palace envoy. When you go in. The Guards recognized it as Duke Tulip's chariot. That is, I checked it at random. Make a show. Let Du Wei in.

After entering the palace, Du Wei got out of the car before someone came up to give the order. Said that the regent was in the palace garden. Ask Duke Tulip to meet him now.

The gardens of the Royal Palace of the Roland Empire. It's a strange sight on the whole continent. But all the rich and noble. The garden is naturally decorated with purple and red. There are all kinds of precious flowers and trees. But he is the emperor of the Roland Empire. The garden in the palace looks extremely shabby to say.

Not for anything else. Just because of this palatial palace garden. Instead, only one plant is grown:

Thorn flowers.

This thorn flower is the totem of the royal family of the Roland Empire. But in fact, this flower is not very pretty. As the name suggests, nature is thorny, and the thorn flower is a thorny vine-like plant that grows in arid zones. Full of barbed thorns on the branches. It's just dotted with some small white flowers. It's really not pretty. The only thing to praise is the tenacity of vitality.

Poor palatial palace. In keeping with the tradition of the "Thorn Flower Family". According to tradition. But there is only one plant planted in the palace garden. It's really a bit depressing: a large patch of thorny thorns, what's there to see?

When Du Wei came to the garden, he heard a series of crisp and pleasant children's laughter from afar. From a distance, I saw a group of court warriors in golden armor guarding the garden, after the report. Du Wei walked in alone.

It's winter. There's really nothing to see in the garden. The withered thorns are decaying. However, in the garden, I saw two children in Chinese costumes playing and chasing each other, and several court maids next to them were watching nervously. I am afraid that one of the children will accidentally run into the flowers and be stabbed by thorns.

Du Wei finally saw Prince Chen. This young regent who today cost himself more than 10 million dollars to the empire. A simple and elegant white robe. He was smiling at the two children playing.

Du Wei looked at it twice. Looking at the appearance of Prince Chen......

Not seen for a year and a half. This Prince Chen looks much more mature and stable. The two met a few days before the coup. At that time, Prince Chen was also unfathomable. But after all, the vitality of the young man on his body is still obvious. I didn't expect to see this young regent for less than two years. It looks like it's already restrained. is majestic, not at all like a young man who is less than thirty years old.

Those eyes were still as bright as they had been before. It's just that the sharp energy inside has completely turned into a kind of calm after precipitation, and the only thing that hasn't changed is the smile on the lips, which is still as warm as it was at the beginning. It makes people feel close.

Seeing Du Wei coming from afar, Prince Chen smiled slightly, and took the initiative to laugh loudly: "Du Wei, you are here." Come and show me. Well. Not seen in the Northwest for two years. You look like you've grown a lot taller. ”

The tone of his words was extremely affectionate, as if he hadn't seen a good brother for two years. He greeted him with such an affectionate tone. It made Du Wei's original anger unable to come out immediately.

Helpless, Du Wei had no choice but to suppress his anger. He strode over, and then saluted. coughed: "Your Highness." ”

Prince Chen looked at Du Wei carefully, and suddenly sighed, and his tone was even gentle: "Du Wei...... My friend, after two years of wind and frost in the northwest, you look a little darker than when you were in dìdū. ”

Du Wei smiled faintly and said with a pun: "There is a perennial cold wind in the northwest, and the environment is harsh. Of course I'm going to have to work a little more. ”

Prince Chen patted Du Wei on the shoulder, and then cast a slightly apologetic look. With Du Wei's current status, I am afraid that the whole continent will be left behind his parents. The only one who is qualified to pat Du Wei on the shoulder like this is this regent.

"Thank you...... Your sacrifice is in my heart. Prince Chen smiled lightly, and then without waiting for Du Wei to speak, he pointed to the two children who were playing, and said with a smile: "Come, look, this is my son and daughter." ”

Most of the royal family and nobles married early, and this Chen prince is said to have married at the age of sixteen and became a father at the age of eighteen. Du Wei also knew this. Prince Chen is twenty-six years old this year, and already has a son and a daughter, a son is eight years old, and a daughter is six years old. It's just that Du Wei has never seen it before, and he only saw it here today.

The pair saw Du Wei standing beside their father. They lived in the court for a long time. Outsiders are rare. His Royal Highness rarely took them to meet those noble ministers. And seeing such a handsome young man as Du Wei standing beside his father. Both children stared at Du Wei curiously with big eyes.

The boy on the left, after all, was older. At the age of eight, he had already begun to receive court etiquette education, and he was slightly stunned. I remembered the teachings of the court etiquette master. But he took two steps closer. Then he owed a slight debt to Prince Chen. Although there is still a bit of childlike innocence on his face. But it has changed to a serious look. He shouted at Prince Chen, and then turned his head to look at Du Wei.

"This is the Grand Duke of Tulip. Prince Chen nodded. The eight-year-old prince immediately had a typical smile on his face. He owed a debt to Du Wei. The immature voice tried its best to make a serious appearance: "Your Excellency Grand Duke Tulip." Hello, I'm Charlie Augustine. ”

Du Wei sighed as he watched the eight-year-old make a chéngrén look. also owed slightly: "Hello." His Royal Highness. ”

It's the six-year-old princess next to her. But it seems to be a little timid. Hide behind the little prince. Half of your body is exposed. Looked at Du Wei. Suddenly, he spoke again. A sweet voice said, "You...... Are you the magical duke who built a city in three months?"

The child's voice was a little stammering, and his tone was soft and sweet, but Du Wei couldn't help but think of the little wife in his family. Look at this beautiful little girl who looks like a doll. I couldn't help but smile gently. Laughed softly: "But it's the duke." It's not some magical duke. ”

Little Prince Charlie frowned. Pulled his sister out from behind. Then he coughed. "Karina." Have you forgotten the etiquette?"

The little girl stuck out her tongue. But he stood up cleanly and obediently. A court salute was applied to Du Wei. Dewey didn't like these cumbersome etiquette though. But in front of the regent. I also had to return the half-salute.

The sons and daughters of Prince Chen were born extremely beautiful. Prince Charlie Jr. inherited Prince Chen's appearance of seven or eight points. Born extremely handsome. Especially the pair of eyes. It is even more deeply won the jīng marrow of the prince of Chen. I didn't think it was when I was playing just now. It's quiet now. Young. But it has already revealed a bit of strict training to come out of the royal manners.

It's little Karina. Probably young. The face is still a little round and baby fat. Pink and cute. A pale blonde sè curly hair. It's more like a little jīng spirit angel. A pair of big blue eyes. The eyes are so simple that people can't help but feel a little love in their hearts.

"Grand Duke Tulip......" Karina looked at Du Wei timidly. Finally under Du Weiwen and a smile. Leave behind the timidity in my heart. tentatively whispered, "Me." I've heard that the Northwest is fun. Can you tell me the story ......of the Northwest? You built a city in three months. Is it true?

Du Wei smiled and nodded. Squat down. I couldn't help but reach out and gently scratch Karina's nose. Smiled: "It's true." If Your Highness is interested. When you grow up. You can go and see for yourself. ”

Little Karina was scratched by Du Wei's nose. The pink little face is a little red. Take a step back. A pair of big eyes sparkled and looked at Du Wei. But he was a little disappointed and said: "I have to wait until I grow up......"

Prince Chen laughed. Then he glanced at the attendant next to him: "Take them down." It's not early. It's time for today's lesson to begin. I still have time to talk with Grand Duke Tulip. ”

Subsequently. The attendants on both sides walked up. I want to take this pair of princes and princesses down. Little Prince Charles still did enough etiquette. owed a slight debt to the two of them. Only then did he leave. Little Karina looked at Du Wei with curiosity. A reluctant look. was hugged by the court maid.

Wait for the child to leave. There were only two left in the garden, Du Wei and Prince Chen. The escort warriors also stood far away. Prince Chen smiled and turned his head to look at Du Wei: "How are my two children?"

Du Wei nodded: "Smart and beautiful." Your Highness. You are blessed. ”

Prince Chen's eyes narrowed. Suddenly, he sighed: "Born in a royal family...... It's not necessarily a blessing. ”

After speaking. He shook his head. He smiled self-deprecatingly: "Look at how close they are now." I just remembered when I was a kid...... Well. At that time. My eldest brother once took me on a horse...... Hey. ”

Speaking of the coup d'état, the eldest prince was killed. Du Wei closed his mouth. Silent.

Prince Chen's tone suddenly changed. Staring at Du Wei. In an extremely serious tone. He said in a deep voice: "Du Wei...... Can you promise me one thing? ...... Help me to teach my children well. Okay?"

Du Wei was stunned: "Your Highness, what do you mean ......?"

A hint of complexity flashed in Prince Chen's eyes. Then he smiled lightly: "My son Charlie is eight years old. He has already asked court teachers to teach him. Not really. Du Wei. After all, you also have the title of court scholar. And I know you're a very knowledgeable person. Plus you're not that old. He was only seven or eight years old. If you will teach this child. It's better than those old white-bearded scholars. After all, little kids are right for those old guys. There is always some resistance. ”

Du Wei's heart moved. He was carefully considering what His Highness meant by this. Emperor Chen has already continued: "My son. Smart is still smart. I expect a lot from him...... Well. In the future, I would like to ask you to be his teacher. ”

In this sentence. There are several layers of meaning.

Expectations are great...... Could it be that Prince Chen wants to make this little Charles the heir to the throne?

Let yourself be the prince's teacher. In the future, it will be a generation of emperors. It's a very noble position.

Du Wei smiled: "If Your Highness is at ease with me." Of course, I didn't dare to refuse...... Merely. I'm in the Northwest all year round. I'm afraid I don't have time to teach His Royal Highness the prince in dìdū......"

Prince Chen shook his head. He looked at Du Wei with a smile: "Hey." I'm the Grand Duke of Tulip...... Have you decided to live in the Northwest for the rest of your life? Changed any liege. They have long since chosen a governor to govern themselves. I excused myself to go back to dìdū to enjoy happiness. It's you. It was like a pleasure to stay in the Northwest. This goes out for two years. I didn't come back once. ”

Du Wei looked at Prince Chen. He smiled faintly and said, "Your Highness, you are laughing...... The current situation in the Northwest. Even if I want to come back. Do you allow it again? Absolutely. Some people. I guess I wish I could come back. ”

The two looked at each other and smiled. They all stopped talking.

Then Prince Chen and Du Wei walked side by side in the garden. Emperor Chen was silent for a while. Only then did he say slowly: "In the future, when the situation is stable." You always have to come back. Du Wei. I expect a lot from you. You are in my heart. But it's far more than just supervising a provincial talent. ”

High expectations? Du Wei smiled bitterly in his heart. I wish you had lower expectations of me! The mountain is high and the emperor is far away. Lao Tzu is the biggest. Instead, it went back to dìdū. It's only been a day and I've suffered a big loss.

Looking at Du Wei's face. Prince Chen guessed what he was thinking. He stopped. Whispered, "Hmm...... All right. Actually, you don't have to say it. I also know what you're trying to say. Today's thing. I didn't tell you beforehand. And they sent someone to do so. You're probably dissatisfied with me right now. ”

Even if Du Wei is dissatisfied. But how easy to say in his mouth, he pursed the corners of his mouth. Said lightly: "Don't dare." You are the regent, and as a courtier, I should share the worries of His Highness. ”

Prince Chen laughed, then looked at Du Wei and said, "Okay, the sixteen million gold coins, I won't let you pay out of your own pocket, you can rest assured." So, don't be so bitter now. I did the slightest thing I told you to do, and I will come out with this money. ”

Du Wei looked a little better, but he still had a good understanding in his heart, and with his understanding of His Royal Highness Chen, the other party took the initiative to give benefits, so it was not a good sign!

Sure enough, the two walked a few more steps, but Prince Chen shifted the topic to the situation in the northwest.

"The last time I had a friction with the steppe people, I heard that you defeated the iron cavalry of the steppe people under the city of Gilliat, that golden wolf head with 20,000 jīng rui, plus a great shaman, were all defeated by you, you fought more with less, and you can still achieve such a big victory, it really surprises me...... Du Wei, I have discovered another merit of yours. You people from the Rollin family are really talented in military affairs. Although I have read the battle report, but after all, the things on paper are not detailed enough, so tell me about the battle under the city of Gilliat. ”

At the mention of the "Rollin family", Du Wei couldn't help but be a little embarrassed, after all, he has now changed his name to the Tulip family.

Fortunately, he knew that Prince Chen was not using this matter to ridicule him. There was a deep groan. Then he told the steppe people sneaking in, as well as the battle under the city of Gilliat, and told them one by one.

talked about the collusion of the Northwest Army with the steppe people. The pioneers besieged Roland, the capital of the province of Desa, and the steppe people took the opportunity to infiltrate. How did he force the Northwest Army to retreat ten miles. And how to disguise yourself. The soldiers led their troops out of the city in several ways, and halfway routed a small force of steppe cavalry, and learned that the city of Gilliat was besieged. And then how to fight the city......

Let's talk about these things one by one. Du Wei himself is a good eloquent. It is also said to be very jīng color. Prince Chen listened attentively and did not interrupt.

After speaking, Du Wei added: "Your Highness. This victory. In fact, there is a big element of luck in it. If I hadn't accidentally routed a small force of steppe cavalry on the way and got the news, I am afraid that it would not have been too late to rescue the city of Gilliat. Then the city may be breached. And...... Governor of Bohan in the province of Nurin. Reinforcements were also sent in time. In that big war. Reinforcements sent by the governor of Bohan were also in the service of the Empire. Bloodshed and sacrificed ......"

"I know that. Prince Chen waved his hand. Interrupting Du Wei, he suddenly asked, "But I've always been a little confused...... Prairie people are good. Why are they sneaking in? Why are they targeting the city of Gilliat?"

Du Wei was stunned for a moment, he knew that the grassland people were ordered by the Witch King of the Great Snow Mountain to find the demonic beast. But this thing. He didn't intend to tell Prince Chen the truth. I thought about it. casually made an excuse and fooled the past: "I don't know this either." Presumably it has something to do with the collusion with the Northwest Army. I want to take advantage of the Northwest Army's siege of Loulan City. Sneak up on us, plunder. ”

"It's just plundering words. They will not send their main general, the Golden Wolf Head and 20,000 jīng sharp iron horses. Prince Chen shook his head. I thought about it for a while. said: "This matter is a little strange, and it must be investigated." ”

Du Wei didn't answer either. Stand quietly aside.

There was silence for a while. Prince Chen suddenly smiled and looked at Du Wei: "Also, I heard that when the steppe cavalry was broken under the city of Gilliat. You've got some powerful new weapons. Well...... That's a jar that can explode. Right? I heard that there was an explosion, and the fire shook the sky. Powerful. Moreover, ordinary people can use such weapons, which is also an important reason for the rout of the steppe people. Right?"

said. Prince Tatsu squinted. He looked at Du Wei with a smile.

Du Wei's heart sank. The secret passage is not good. But that kind of gunpowder jar. When the battle under the city of Rì Gilliat, tens of thousands of people on both sides watched with their eyes. I can't hide it. I had to smile bitterly: "Not bad...... It was a new thing, but it wasn't as powerful as it had been said. It's just that it happened suddenly, and the fire and movement were a little scary. It just frightened the steppe people's war horses. ”

"I'm afraid...... It's not that simple. Prince Chen smiled faintly, and glanced at Du Wei with a smile.

As soon as Du Wei's heart moved, he heard Prince Chen continue: "I heard that you made that kind of thing and threw it in the crowd, and the power of the explosion could kill a group of enemies around it. When the people of the steppe suffered a great loss! Moreover, ...... And you've got a team of broomstick magicians and thrown this weapon down from the sky, and the effect is surprisingly good, right?"

The more Du Wei listened, the more he frowned secretly, and vaguely understood what Prince Chen meant, he was a little dissatisfied in his heart, so he simply closed his mouth and didn't speak.

"Alas......"

Prince Chen suddenly sighed faintly, then looked at Du Wei's eyes, his voice was sincere, and said: "Du Wei, I know, I opened my mouth like this, just like you begging for this new weapon, it is a bit too much. But you are a smart person, you should understand the current situation...... The situation in the northwest is on the verge of breaking out. Within three to five years, there will inevitably be a big war! When the time comes, in the face of the Northwest Army and the steppe people, it is not something that your Tulip family alone will be able to withstand! I have been secretly reorganizing my armaments since last year. If this new weapon of yours can be equipped by the Imperial Army, it will definitely have the greatest effect in future wars! Moreover, with such a sharp weapon, it can also reduce a lot of casualties among our Imperial soldiers. ”

How did Du Wei not know these big truths?

It's not that he refuses to give gunpowder to Prince Chen to equip the army, after all, in the northwest, he has already given a batch of gunpowder to Governor Bohan, since he can give it to Bohan, it is not that he can't give it to Prince Chen...... It's just that he is really angry in his heart!