Sarumbonelli Solom stared at the bronze vase on the bench in front of him, with a fake flower in it, the stem and leaves of solid gold, and the flower with beautiful silver leaves Dyed with bright red rose juice, the craftsmen used the best technology to color, and a red gemstone was inlaid in the stamen.
"It's beautiful... made beauty—false, but it's beautiful."
Salon Bonelli gently picked up a magnifying glass. After the magnifying glass, his eyes were extraordinarily huge. He walked around the table and carefully observed the artwork in front of him from all angles. When he dropped the magnifying glass, he looked relaxed: "Very good, I want it, what's the price?"
Standing in the room, a fat man was obviously a little restrained. Although he was the owner of the largest jewelry store in the imperial capital, his expression was full of respect and seniority at this moment. Words quickly flowed out of his mouth: "Oh, my esteemed lord, you are indeed the only one who has a bright eye! This is a good thing I got from the East last year! Look at the patterns on this bronze vessel, This is a totem belonging to an ancient dynasty that has been extinct in ancient times. I have found a few heraldry experts to identify it. The history of this thing is at least 4,000 years old, and the pattern of the totem fully shows that the vase's The first owner was an ancient king with a noble bloodline. Moreover, according to a large number of documents, I can have sufficient evidence to show that the owners of this vase in all dynasties were either rich or noble…”
Having said that, the fat jeweler wiped the sweat from his forehead and said cautiously, "The only flaw is that there is a small gap on the bottle ear on the left, but please don't mind, this gap is actually from some kind of gap. To a certain extent, it proves its ancient history and value. You see, such a good thing... "
"Quote your price." Salon Bonelli looked indifferent, he took a silk scarf and gently wiped the magnifying glass, frowning: "You should know that my time is very precious, so don't waste it. it!"
"Ten thousand gold coins." The jeweler reported a number.
Salon Bonelli's brows tightened, and a mocking smile flashed in his eyes: "Ten thousand gold coins? Sir, I think you should be very clear that the real value of this thing is what you reported. More than five times that number. Are you trying to bribe me?"
The jeweler's forehead sweated more, and on his face full of smiles, the fat was crowded into a ball: "Sir, I don't dare to think like that. But you know, the real good things should be in the knowledge of the goods. In the hands of people, this is a truth in the collecting world.”
"Again, my time is precious." Sarum Bonelli snorted.
"..." The jeweler finally didn't dare to go around any further, and said quickly: "That's right, I opened a jewelry store last month, but the Countess of Randolph ordered a diamond necklace from me. My servant made some mistakes... In short, I couldn't deliver the necklace on time. And the compensation plan I proposed, the Count seems to be very dissatisfied, he asked me to take out 30% of the store's shares as compensation, I think...that's a bit too much for a diamond necklace, so..."
"So you came to ask for my help? Use this bronze vase?" Salon Bonelli smiled contemptuously: "But the version of the story I heard seems to be a bit different. I heard that the Countess gave you some materials to ask you to I ordered a necklace, and the materials handed to you included a precious water orchid diamond. The orchid diamond was a gift from a magician to the Countess, and it was priceless... But you lost that thing? Oh, Or you didn't lose it, but took it for yourself..."
The jeweler coughed twice: "My lord, I'm a businessman with credibility, I... One of my goddamn servants lost something, I've already punished that guy severely, but the earl won't forgive me. …”
"Okay." Salem Bonelli sighed: "I don't want to know the true version of the story, Earl Randolph, I will go and talk to him." He said, picked up the vase and put it in the In his hand, after looking carefully for a while, he suddenly smiled: "I want this vase, just as you said, 10,000 gold coins... Oh, by the way, do you accept installments? You know, I'm not A corrupt official, my salary is limited."
"All collectors know your noble character." The jeweler quickly praised: "Of course there is no problem with staging!"
He immediately took out some documents from his arms and put them on the table with a respectful gesture: "Here are some documents, all the experts who have identified this vase have signed their names below to prove this thing. value, and then, finally, this is your document, as long as you sign your name below, then you can legally own this collectible.”
The jeweler didn't even mention the details of the payment.
A new name was soon signed on the document—not Salon Bonelli, of course, but the name of his housekeeper.
The jeweler seemed to be relieved, heaved a long sigh, and then said goodbye. When the servant brought the coat and hat, the jeweler grabbed the hat and gestured to bend over his chest: "Thank you very much, and praise you for your vision, Your Excellency Prime Minister, You are a very good collector."
After that, the businessman said goodbye and left.
Lord Chancellor...
That's right, Sarumbonelli Sorom, the current Prime Minister of the Byzantine Empire.
The Imperial Chancellor just celebrated his sixty-third birthday yesterday.
He was born into a famous family, and the surname "Solom" was also a first-class wealthy Wang family in the Byzantine Empire. He was the sixth prime minister in the history of this family.
It is a pity that Sarum Bonelli, perhaps among the six prime ministers in the history of the Sorom family, was in the most embarrassing situation.
No, even looking at the entire history of the Byzantine Empire, his prime minister is somewhat nominal.
"Superfluous Sabo", this is a joking nickname for the prime minister of the empire. In fact, the Prime Minister himself is very aware of his nickname, and also knows that many nobles always like to use this nickname to refer to themselves when they mention themselves behind their backs.
"Superfluous" - this adjective describes the situation of the Prime Minister very accurately.
Everyone knows that the current emperor of the empire, His Majesty Cantos, the Great Spear Emperor, is a strong and very stubborn guy. The most important thing is that in his early military career, he is an emperor who prefers martial arts, and has always been insufficient for civil servants. close. Therefore, among the upper-level bureaucrats of the empire, those young eagle-type generals or eagle-type military officials are more likely to gain His Majesty's appreciation.
Of course... but that's not the most important reason.
The prime minister of an empire often needs to fill in the vacancies for the emperor, contribute wisdom to His Majesty, and help the emperor to govern the empire... But it is clear that by the side of Emperor Cantos, someone has already undertaken these tasks in place of the prime minister.
That guy, obviously a Bai Ding who has no official position and no title, is more trusted by the emperor than any prime minister in history. Almost every major decision of the emperor about the empire has that person in it.
That guy almost robbed the prime minister of all his powers, but the real prime minister, Sarum Bonelli, couldn't do anything about it.
Because... that person is the guy in the entire imperial capital that no one dares to provoke.
Cavie Hill!
It is because of the existence of the emperor's most trusted fellow, the prime minister Sarumbonelli, that it seems redundant.
Although the emperor didn't hate him, he definitely couldn't trust him. The emperor will not ask his views and opinions when faced with major issues-everyone knows that almost all major decisions concerning the country, the Lord Sarumbonelli, seems to have no part in it. All decisions were made in the small study room in the palace, and were directly decided by His Majesty and Caviehir after discussing them.
Salon Bonelli, the only function of his existence is to appear at some major ceremonies, and he is just a chancellor.
As for the daily work, the emperor will hand over the decisions negotiated with Caviehir to him to complete—yes, he has no decision-making power or even suggestion power. He just needs to be an obedient responder, and then Everything is best to be obedient.
It is conceivable that such a prime minister is undoubtedly very shameful and disgraceful.
In the history of the Empire, no slaughter has been more cowardly or cowardly than Salem Bonelli.
He is the prime minister of the empire, but in fact, the chief ministers of the various ministries don't really take this guy seriously, respecting him on the surface, but despising him behind his back.
For all these years, Salon Bonelli has been peacefully passing through this strange situation. He has never fought for himself, and has never tried to regain his power. He seems to be content to hang on. The title "prime minister" served as an empire's most famous mascot.
Of course, in the midst of all that contempt, it's strange that the only one who has consistently shown enough respect for Sarum Bonelli over the years - real respect, not that kind of feigned disguise - the only one The person who has shown such respect to him in front and behind should be Sarum Bonelli's greatest enemy: Cavie Hill!
Cavie Hill once said a word: Sarum Bonelli is the most intelligent person among the officials of the entire empire, and among the people he knows.
We can interpret this as a kind of sympathetic compliment from the victor to the loser - but, is it really so
Perhaps there is a detail that everyone has overlooked!
Salem Bonelli is sixty-three years old! But in fact, he has been in the position of prime minister for a full twenty-two years! !
Prime Minister for twenty-two years!
This time was the longest among the six prime ministers in the history of the Sorom family!
Even in the history of the entire Byzantine Empire! As a prime minister for twenty-two years, this world can also be ranked second in terms of the time of all the prime ministers of the empire in all dynasties! !
The number one is an ancient prime minister, who has been in power for twenty-five years.
However, we can believe that with the age of Lord Sarum Bonelli and his current physical fitness, coupled with his continued desireless state... He may have a chance to break this record in the future.
What is even more surprising is that in twenty-two years, he has never had a conflict with Cavie Hill! Sarumbonelli has never expressed any apparent hostility to this guy who has robbed him of all his powers.
No, of course he wasn't friends with Cavie Hill.
A guy like Cavie Hill has no friends either.
However, for a long time, the Prime Minister showed no resistance to Caviehir's various actions.
In fact, twenty-two years ago, after the previous prime minister died of illness, His Majesty the Emperor chose Saran Bonelli, who was only forty-one years old at the time, as the new prime minister for three reasons.
The first one, he was born in the Sorom family, and his background and qualifications are enough to hold this position.
The second reason is that the Sorom family has always been incompatible with the imperial warlords. In terms of loyalty, Saren Bonelli is not picky.
The third reason is simpler and more obvious.
Because... he is obedient enough!
The Emperor is a tough man, and his modesty will only be shown in front of Caviehir, so the Emperor doesn't need a prime minister... no "real prime minister".
Then, the obedient Sarum Bonelli is the most suitable candidate.
In fact, for twenty-two years, he has played the role of the mascot so well that at any major state conference, he generally doesn't give advice or compete for attention.
His biggest hobby in his life is collecting all kinds of cultural relics and antiques.
Because of his "obedience" and cooperation, although the emperor did not rely and trust him enough, he gave him enough connivance and tolerance. Therefore, Salon Bonili occasionally used his identity to get some oil and water, or accept some bribes, and the emperor would hardly have any accusations against him.
On the one hand, the emperor does not rely on him, and only needs him to play the role of a prime minister. On the other hand, in addition to major state resolutions, in some other small affairs, the emperor almost complied with his needs, showing connivance...
Collecting antiques and cultural relics, this hobby, is very expensive.
※※※
After sending off the great jeweler who came to ask for help, Sarum Bonelli changed into a comfortable loose robe under the service of his servant, and then his butler, an old servant who had followed him for forty years, sent a gift slip.
This is when the Prime Minister celebrated his birthday yesterday and received all the gifts.
"It's ironic, my dear butler, isn't it?" Sarum Bonelli took a look at the gift list, which was accompanied by letters of congratulations, each filled with warm words. - God knows, the guys who wrote these letters, these nobles, all called themselves "superfluous" prime ministers behind their backs.
The housekeeper did not speak, but silently handed the letters one by one to the prime minister for review: According to etiquette, the prime minister should select some people who he thinks are important and worthy of his own attention among these congratulatory letters, and write them down in his own hand. A letter of thanks - this is an important etiquette among high-ranking nobles.
"No, my butler, I'm sarcastic, not what these guys say about me behind my back." Sarum Bonelli curled his lips. Although he was sixty-three years old, his teeth were still intact. He was weird. A smile: "I know very well what these guys are talking about behind my back, I know it all. Hmm... 'Oh, that extra guy' 'Oh, the prime minister who can't speak'' ah, that only makes money, only The chancellor sitting at home mediating disputes between jewellers and petty nobles, 'Hmph, do they think I don't know. But I don't care about that, my dear steward, I don't care at all."
When the Prime Minister said this, he took out one of the letters, his eyes changed a little, and when he saw the signature on the envelope, a strange smile appeared on the corner of his mouth: "What I mean by irony is: I am as old as I am. The old man, birthday is really not a thing to celebrate. Is it not? I am sixty-three years old, and the last time I had my birthday, I was a year older, and I was one step closer to death—God knows why Everyone thinks this is something to celebrate. Celebrating what? Celebrating one step closer to death? Or celebrating one year less of your life?"
But speaking of this, the Prime Minister still smiled: "Look, there are still people who understand what I mean, look at what is written in this letter, it is not a boring congratulations, nor is it a mockery of pretending to respect, ah, look With the words above 'I feel sad during these depressing days. I know it's frustrating to see the time in my life go by, but I hope you have a great time in the days ahead.' Haha! Much more Wonderful congratulations. It seems that the world is not without smart people."
The Prime Minister held the letter, and the smile on his face gradually deepened: "The signature below is... Oh, Dear Mr. Cavie Hill. Ha!"
The Prime Minister seemed to be in a very good mood. He immediately picked up a pen and wrote a thank-you letter in a swish swish. The content of this letter was equally brief, and… it was equally bizarre and out of place.
"Dear Mr. Cavie Hill, thank you for your letter of congratulations.
What I'm going to say is: I still don't like you guy! "
After signing his name, the Prime Minister handed the letter to the housekeeper: "Send someone to send it over, now, immediately, immediately."
The steward didn't ask any questions, and in fact, his character was the same as that of the prime minister: he never seemed to argue.
The servant in the house sent the letter, and in less than an hour, he actually brought back a reply from Cavie Hill.
The content of the reply from Cavie Hill was even simpler, with only one sentence: "Dear Prime Minister, so am I."