Poor Hanmoye was thrown away by Du Wei for two full days. Hanmoye was very angry at the beginning, but he was an experienced politician after all, and then he controlled his anger very well, and even issued a strict order to strictly prohibit his subordinates from causing trouble in the Duke's mansion.
Otherwise, those rude and tough prairie warrior followers under him would probably have fought with the guards of the duke's mansion long ago after holding their breath.
Now, under Hanmoye's strict order, these grassland people are still peaceful. It's just that the dignified envoy of a country actually has to pay for it himself, and send people out to buy food in the surrounding restaurants every day... This kind of treatment is probably the first time in history.
At that time, the restaurants around the Duke's Mansion, after getting hints from His Excellency the Duke, raised their prices three times one after another in the face of these "fat sheep" that came to their door, which was considered a small profit.
"They have been very honest these two days." Du Wei stood on the tower, hid behind the window sill, and looked at the tents below. The prairie warriors were guarding outside the tent, while Hanmuye stayed in the tent honestly every day, but sent people to ask Made routinely every day, "Duke, is the magic experiment over? Can we start the meeting?" .
Every time the other party asks this question, Made will reply perfunctorily, "After the Duke is done with his work, he will naturally come to see the distinguished guest."
But then, I will add a sentence intentionally or unintentionally: "My lord duke said that the agreement drafted before, please think about it more. Anyway, nothing happened recently. If you have any constructive opinions, you may wish to offer your thoughts. Clearly, when His Excellency the Duke has time to meet, he can bring it up immediately, without wasting the time of both parties."
That means: we ask for a price, and you pay back the money on the spot, but in the end you still have to make a condition.
But it seemed that Han Moye was not in a hurry, and seemed to have the determination to spend with Du Wei.
"It seems that trying to provoke him is not very effective." Du Wei sighed, and looked at Philip beside him: "Do you have any other clever tricks?"
Philip thought for a while, then smiled and said, "My lord, we are just testing each other's bottom line. Looking at it in the past two days, the results have actually been pretty good."
Du Wei rubbed his nose, nodded and said, "You're right. If the prairie people are really tough, he can't bear our negligence. It seems that they don't want to fight."
"I don't want to fight the land. It's just that they were wronged this time. Their army ran to our territory. It's their fault anyway. However, it seems that they don't want to make any compensation. Fight and I don't want to fight, so the grassland people are willing to spend it like this."
"So... why don't we be tougher?" Du Wei touched his chin. Smiling very slyly.
"I think it's almost done." Philip was a little worried: "After all, we don't have the strength to really start a war now. If we really pissed off the opponent..."
"But you have to get some benefits and compensation." Du Wei shook his head.
There is no good way for Philip, the staff member. This drag word tactic. Already a good strategy. Anyway, I don't want to fight, and the other party doesn't want to fight either. And he set a "harsh" condition, which is already very tough, when the time comes. To the outside world, no matter whether it is the main war faction or the main peace faction, they have nothing to say to Du Wei.
How about... brainstorming
Du Wei also understands the truth that the three cobblers are better than Zhuge Liang. Although Philip's growth has been astonishing, but after all, he still thinks about problems in an orthodox way. It's not his specialty to take a slanted sword.
As a last resort, Du Wei simply called several generals under his command to discuss.
Longbottom, Dardanelle, and even the heroic 250-year-old Al Qaeda Jr. (now promoted to Longbottom's deputy) who was quite heroic in the battle of Giliat, Uncle Alpha, the head of the old smoke guard, etc. …
"I'm here today to discuss how to deal with this Hanmuye." Du Wei looked at the generals under his command and said with a smile, "I know that this kind of government affairs strategy is not your specialty, but... brainstorming, say Maybe our way of thinking is too routine, but you guys can come up with some fantastic ideas."
Several generals with rough lines thought for a while, but it was the little two hundred and five, Gaida, who spoke first.
The man looked murderous, and said in a low voice: "Your Excellency... don't they send people to the city every day? We can send people to pretend to be thieves or local snakes, teach them a lesson, and injure a few , kill a lot of people when necessary, and see if this guy can still hold his breath!"
Du Wei glanced at the little Erbaiwu, sighed helplessly, picked up a pen and handed it to the little Erbaiwu: "General Al Qaeda, take this pen, there is a corner over there, go and squat there Let's draw circles and play..."
Then Du Wei looked at Longbottom: "Dear General, do you have any suggestions?"
"Otherwise, find someone to pretend to be an assassin and assassinate this Hanmoye, whether it be poisoned or assassinated... This guy is very difficult to deal with. Even if he is not really killed, let him be seriously injured or seriously ill, the prairie people will send another An envoy might be easier to deal with."
Du Wei stared at Longbottom, handed him a pen, and pointed to the corner of the wall: "Dear general, go and draw with Gaida..."
When Du Wei looked at Lao Yan, Lao Yan did not wait for Du Wei to speak, and directly smiled wryly: "My lord... please give me a pen too."
Dardanelle thought for a while, then suddenly said: "Perhaps... I have a way. However, I'm afraid I need the cooperation of General Longbottom."
"Oh?" Du Wei's eyes lit up.
Dardanelle then said a weird idea:
"Right now Hanmoye is stubbornly refusing to speak, and everyone is competing for patience. Your lord, your strategy is right to leave him alone. But Hanmoye is not a fool. The key point is that we don't have enough chips in our hands. He understands that the empire is unwilling to go to war. So if we leave him alone, he will have nothing to worry about. And if we drag it down day by day, we will not do any good.
My lord, with all due respect. In this negotiation, no one wants to fight, so at least the two sides have agreed on this point. Then there are two biggest problems.
This is the first, we can't offend the war faction of the landlords of the imperial capital! Therefore, peace talks must be negotiated. But it's better for the other party to bring up the "and" instead of us. If we take the initiative to seek peace, then the main combat faction in the imperial capital will probably blame you for being weak and traitorous, leaving a stain on your future political career. It is best if the other party initiates a "summation". In this way, we pretend to be tough. Then accept. On top of public opinion, it will also be supported. The other party gave us a step up. We followed the trend, and the main combat faction in the imperial capital no longer attacked us. "A smile flashed in Du Wei's eyes, and he took a deep look at Dardanelle: "Go on. "
Dardanelle coughed and continued: "Just now it was number one, now it's number two... Uh, is this the second problem? It's a benefit! From a logical point of view, the other party is at fault this time. We need peace talks If so, the other party should pay some compensation. The more compensation the other party pays. Then you, as the negotiating envoy, will have more face. Speak out and let the grassland people bow their heads and pay compensation. You can also earn fame and political achievements But the problem now is that the other party doesn't seem to want to pay any price. He just wants to delay. He knows we won't be able to fight. So no matter how tough we pretend, he won't be afraid. This Hanmuye's plan. What is it? I don't want to pay the benefits. I just want to deny this matter. But in this way, my lord, as an envoy, you have not received any compensation, but it is too unreasonable. No matter how you want the other party to pay the price. We have no The benefits can be reaped. It is absolutely impossible."
Du Wei laughed even more strangely: "Well, the two problems you mentioned are actually one: how can the grassland people take the initiative to seek peace and pay compensation."
Dardanelle smiled strangely. Scratched his head. He smiled and said: "That's what it means. But... what you gain is bound to lose. This matter, if we simply ask for compensation, they will definitely not agree. Why not... use the exchange method! Make a deal with the other party, as long as the deal Content. We took advantage of it. We got practical benefits. That’s it.”
Du Wei nodded and looked at Dardanelle: "You don't have to hide it, just say it directly. What exactly are you thinking?"
"My lord, have you forgotten, on the grassland. There is also an imperial cavalry division! An army of 20,000 cavalry is not too many, but it is not too small! The empire spends a lot of money every year to feed such a cavalry , but the main cost is wasted on long-distance supplies. For the grassland people, this army stationed on the grassland is also a thorn in their eyes. A nail in the flesh. But in my opinion... this army , it really doesn't make much sense to exist! Why don't you... get rid of it!"
After saying this, Longbottom suddenly cried out. Glaring at Dardanelle: "What are you talking about! Withdraw?! What are you kidding! If there is no army of 20,000 people, those guys on the grassland will be even more unscrupulous when they do things!"
Dardanelle smiled, looked at Longbottom, and said in a calm manner: "General, if it was when you commanded that army on the grassland, the grassland people might still have scruples under your prestige. ... But now, according to my information, the effect of the 20,000 people is really limited! The general you will succeed is far worse than you. The 20,000 people are not only disgusting to the grassland people , it’s really not very useful, and it also consumes a lot of military expenses every year! To feed a legion’s military expenses, to feed 20,000 cavalry... Isn’t it ridiculous to do this?! If you are in charge of 20,000 cavalry Commander-in-Chief, with your methods and army management, I will not hesitate to agree to continue to support 20,000 people! Even if it costs the military expenses of a legion, I think it is worth it! But now... it is not worth it!"
Longbottom was silent for a while, although he was a little unwilling to admit it, he had to sigh: Dardanelle's words were indeed right.
"Negotiating things like this, don't just ask hard. If the other party makes a big step, we must first make a small step. We are now waiting for the other party to give us a step, maybe he is also waiting for us to give him a step Well." Dardanelle thought about this, thought for a while, and said: "I think this matter is an excellent opportunity for the Duke! We can propose a condition: withdraw the 20,000 people from the grassland! Of course... The transaction of withdrawing troops must not be made public! This kind of thing can only be a secret transaction. Otherwise, it will be revealed. Those people who don’t know the truth and the public opinion in the imperial capital will probably call us a traitor! We can secretly ask the other party to withdraw our troops. In name, just ask them to pay more compensation.”
"What else?" Du Wei looked at Dardanelle with a smile.
"Also... I think if we can take the opportunity to get the 20,000 cavalry in our hands... that would be the best! I heard that the big bosses of the Imperial Command. In fact, there was a plan to withdraw the 20,000 cavalry a long time ago. Think about it. After all, the military expenditure is too huge. And the actual effect is low... If we take the opportunity to propose... we will receive 20,000 people... "
"No, no, no!" Little Two Hundred and Five Gaida shook his head: "Looking at the thousand-year history of the empire, only the private army has been incorporated into the official army! How can the official army be relegated to the private army! This kind of thing, the military will never agree !"
Dardanelle laughed and said: "So I said, this matter depends on General Longbottom! We are against the imperial capital. Of course we can't directly say that we will receive 20,000 people. After all, it is a dignified army. Army. This is too shameful in name. The military leaders will never be willing to lose face. So, we might as well say to the imperial capital: Duke Tulip is loyal to the country. He is willing to bear the military expenses of 20,000 people! At the same time. Apply to the military. It is said that the Desa Province has insufficient military strength and is located on the frontier. There is a shortage of troops. So please order an army of 20,000 people to be stationed in our Desa Province. Become a border area Officer army! My lord, you think, as long as an army of 20,000 people stays on our territory. Their food, clothing and shelter are all provided by us. They will be squeezed to death by us! Time is one, slowly It will be controlled by us. Although it is still an official army in name, in fact, it has become your private army."
Du Wei's eyes became more and more serious.
Dardanelle took one last look at Longbottom and said with a wry smile: "There is one more detail... I'm afraid General Longbottom will need to sacrifice a bit."
"What… "
"I know, General, that you hate the High Command of the Imperial Army. You once swore never to return to the military. But... in order to help the Duke complete the great cause of the Northwest, you have to break your oath this time." Dardanelle turned his head Looking at Du Wei: "Your Excellency, you only need to propose that you bear all the military expenses, and at the same time, you write an official document in your name. The letter only says that you are loyal to the country, and you will not hesitate to cede your confidant and beloved general for the sake of the empire. Do your best I recommend General Longbottom as the commander of this cavalry! The imperial military has long been devastated by military expenses. I will definitely agree to your request! At that time... 20,000 people will be here, and the soldiers will be paid by us. ...Plus, General Longbottom was originally the old commander of this army. With his prestige, he will soon be able to regain control of 20,000 people! Even if their banner is still the thorn flower... but the heart is already the land of tulips !"
at last. Dardanelle concluded: "Actually, we did this. The imperial military and the regent must know our intentions. But, first of all, the regent is extremely fond of the duke, and this time he made it clear You are fully responsible. The burden of the 20,000 people. The imperial capital has long wanted to get rid of it! Therefore, this kind of incorporation in a disguised form. The military command of the imperial capital does not lose face, and it can get rid of a big burden. Most likely it will agree! And the grassland For the people, we make withdrawal as a condition. Let them compromise. On the basis of the negotiated contract, let them bleed a lot. It is much easier to think about it! As for you, Mr. Duke, you have completed the negotiation without falling into the prestige of the empire. At the same time, Got a 20,000-strong subway cavalry army! Kill three birds with one stone! Why not do it?"
This eloquent speech made everyone around me dumbfounded! Even Philip looked at Dardanelle in surprise.
This Dardanelle is usually quiet. Although he is very responsible as the city guard, he is just doing things calmly. But I didn't expect that he actually had such talent and could come up with such a strategy
Du Wei, on the other hand, laughed a few times, and said lightly: "In this case, why not try it. Philip, you can help me draft a letter to the imperial capital... Well, everyone else should leave, Dardanelle stays. Come on, let’s talk about this matter.”
When everyone was sent away, only Du Wei and Dardanelle were left in the room. Du Wei sighed, stared at Dardanelle, and said in a low voice: "My friend... I'm afraid you didn't come up with this plan!"
Dardanelle chuckled, and said: "Your Excellency is right. I, Dardanelle, don't have such a good mind. Um... this plan. It was the Marquis who came up with it. She knows that you are mostly negotiating things recently. Worrying. So I called me over last night and told me such a way, so that I can find an opportunity to report it to you. She said that she is an outsider after all, and she is a woman. It is not good to speak directly about such important national affairs. "
Du Wei seemed a little absent-minded. Hmm, didn't say much.
Dardanelle suddenly thought of something, and his face changed slightly. Suddenly he knelt down on one knee: "My lord, are you blaming me again? I have already pledged my allegiance to you. I just want to convey these words. It's not that I still have nostalgia for the Liszt family, but I just feel that the Marquise's plan is very It is subtle, so I am willing to convey it. Since I, Dardanelle, have pledged my allegiance to you, I will never be half-hearted!"
Du Wei quickly helped the old friend up with both hands. He said sincerely: "My friend. You have misunderstood. The two of us are close friends. How could I have the slightest doubt about you? I was absent-minded just now, and I was just lamenting the cleverness of the Marquis. Such a plan, Really amazing. Although she is a woman, she is very admirable! With a woman, she can manage the Liszt family to the present scale. The Marquise... people dare not look down upon her!"
paused. Du Wei looked at Dardanelle: "Well, let's do this. The Marquise gave me such a good idea. I can't say nothing. You help me to thank her and ask her if there is anything she can do to help." Things. Well... In the future, our family will do business in the north. We will trade with the Liszt family. The price will be 10% higher."
Dardanelle smiled slightly: "I think so. The Marquise probably doesn't care much about the money. The Liszt family is originally rich... um, my lord. If you want to express your gratitude, you might as well go see the Marquise in person."
"Hey!" Du Wei laughed dryly: "Dardanelle, do you also want to marry our two families?"
Dardanelle said sternly: "My lord, I really think so, but it's not because I came from the Liszt family, so I have no selfish intentions. I just think it purely. You are a rare talent in the world. And The Marquise is so beautiful... Uh. Although there is a little difference in age. But I think the Marquise is quite sincere to you. And she really helps you. If the two families get married, it will be of great benefit to your career."
Du Wei patted Dardanelle's shoulder: "I understand. You are not selfish, I know. Well... just. My marriage... I don't want to settle so early. And... political marriage I don't really like the matter. In fact... apart from marriage, I am willing to fully cooperate with the Liszt family. We must form an alliance. Is marriage the only channel?"
Dardanelle shook his head. Obviously not agreeing with Du Wei's point of view, he said seriously: "Although this is your private matter. But as a duke, you have a different status. Marriage is naturally involved! With all due respect, if you are just a commoner, who do you want to marry? Naturally, it is your private matter. But as your lord, your marriage is no longer a purely private matter. Now it seems that your marriage with the Liszt family is really the best choice... In fact, to tell you the truth Colleagues, although they didn’t say anything, most of them actually approve of your marriage with the Liszt family. I once talked with Mr. Philip, and even he faintly showed some approval. It’s just that everyone knows you I'm just ashamed to say what I think about Mage Vivienne. And... my lord, to be honest, you have already passed the bar mitzvah! Within the empire, most of the nobles get married early, and most of them will get married after the bar mitzvah. Even if you don't get married, you will make a marriage contract first. And you have a prominent status, but you don't even have a marriage contract so far... This is a bit inappropriate."
Du Wei was silent.
Dardanelle in front of him had a sincere face, obviously speaking from the bottom of his heart.
It's just that Du Wei knows his own affairs.
He is not some innocent boy. As for women, he doesn't mind a few one-night stands. Not even a conservative person. Mrs. Liszt is beautiful and moving, of course he is tempted. It's just that most of them are only tempted by the beauty of the Marchioness, which is purely a desire of the flesh. If you play ambiguously and be lovers, you can accept it.
marry? Then forget it.
The only thing that made him want to stay together for the rest of his life was that innocent little stammer.
As for last night, I almost got the female prisoner of Ailu executed on the spot, but let go at a critical moment. It was also out of an inexplicable affection for Vivienne, a girl.
More importantly, although Du Wei is not a pure sentimentalist, he is not the kind of animal who can't control his lower body.
That female assassin last night, it's nothing to push him down. But the problem is... after the overthrow, how to solve the troubles behind
After all, the other party was from Daxue Mountain and a disciple of the Witch King. I have enough troubles now, if I "defile" a disciple of the Witch King, the troubles I will cause will not be small!
Damn... Others can be as beautiful as clouds after time travel, but I just play with innocence. Speaking of it, it's really ridiculous.
Mrs Lister... Mrs Lister...
Du Wei thought and thought, and suddenly smiled: "In this way, it is not sincere enough to ask you to convey my thanks. How about this, let someone go to see the Marquis and say that I want to invite her to dinner tonight."