Of course Maximus understood what Du Wei meant.
Although the bishop is also kind and noble, although he wears old robes and lives a simple life. But according to Du Wei's thinking, it is correct: the more this kind of person, the more difficult it is! Either he is a true saint, or he has great plans!
Du Wei has never believed that there are any saints in the world... How about Matthews? The holy man who has been beautified to the extreme in the scriptures, one of the founders of the temple, and today he knows the true face of Michus, I am afraid that if it is spread, no one will believe it!
This Maximus is nothing more than a politician in the temple.
Maximus knew that in order to get Du Wei's support and let the Lord Duke bet on him, what he had to do now was to show his strength and find a way to let the other party understand that betting on him could get a lot of money. reciprocated.
"My lord duke." After pondering for a while, Maximus said slowly: "I believe you should have a certain understanding of the rules for succession to the Pope's position in the temple."
"Yes." Du Wei nodded: "According to the rules of the temple, you should also be one of the heirs. However, what I want to say is that, after all, there are eight archbishops in total, and you may not necessarily be the final victor."
"Almighty gods above." Maximus looked compassionate: "It's not that I, Maximus, are greedy for power. But I am determined to dedicate my life to the gods and the temple. I can't bear to see those Yeni sects The guys have defiled the temple! Their misconduct will only discredit the temple."
Du Wei was expressionless. Waiting for the bishop to continue.
"The battle between the Yeni faction and our Mosha sect has been going on for a long time. It is above the battle of this generation. Especially in the past two years. What they have done has become more and more excessive. Now the eight major dioceses on the mainland The Yeni faction occupies five. Although our Mosha faction only controls three dioceses, but in terms of political performance, it is far ahead of them. The methods used by the Yeni faction to promote the doctrine are too tough and bloody. Over the years. They advocate the use of severe torture to erect the majesty of the church and take drastic measures against heresy. There was a case in the southeast diocese six years ago. They burned six people to death in the name of purifying heresy. Three years ago in the southwestern diocese , They hanged a nobleman on the charge of offending the gods. These methods are too drastic. They have already aroused dissatisfaction from many quarters. Especially three years ago, they hanged a nobleman. The aristocratic class regarded it as a kind of demonstration against them. In the diocese controlled by the Yeni faction, there will always be some friction with the imperial officials, such as in the past few years. Because of the taxation problem in the south, they criticize the taxation policy of the empire Accusing the imperial taxation of being too heavy. As a result, the people gave most of their income to the imperial official taxation, which led to a sharp decline in their religious taxation and contribution tax. The relationship between the land was once tense. Moreover, the creed of "theocracy above all else" advocated by the Yeni sect was naturally disliked by the royal family."
"Of course." Du Wei shrugged: "What you said. Although I don't know much about it, I have heard it."
"Our Mossas, over the years. Although there are only three dioceses under our control, they only account for a minority. But the reputation inside the temple has always been much higher than that of the Yenis. Especially in the elders. Supporting us is to occupy But speaking of it, an incident in the past two years has brought us a huge blow, if not for that accident. I am afraid that the situation of our Mossas would not be so embarrassing now."
Maximus said this. Sighed. He glanced at Du Wei: "Your Excellency, you must have heard of the name "Hussein", right?"
Du Wei's heart skipped a beat. A surprised expression appeared on his face: "Hussein. Of course I have heard that he is the most wanted criminal in the temple! The most powerful genius knight on the mainland. Later he betrayed the temple. Right?"
"It's Hussein... alas. Because of his affairs, our Mossah faction has been implicated a lot. It can be said that because of Hussein's rebellion, the strength of the Mossah faction has been greatly damaged. Originally, His Majesty the Pope Support our Moza sect. But later because of this incident... "
"What does Hussein have to do with you?" Du Wei asked.
Maximus smiled wryly: "My lord, Hussein became the knight commander of the Holy Knights at a young age. He became one of the three leaders of the Holy Knights, the most powerful armed force under the temple. In this way Qualifications, besides his own talent, young and promising, there are other reasons." After a pause, he said slowly: "Hussein... He was born in our North Central Diocese, judging from his background. Yes Belongs to the Mosa faction."
This Du Wei has never heard of it. Although Hussein has always been by his side, this indifferent man seems to regard the betrayal of the temple as the greatest pain in his life, and he is rarely willing to mention his own affairs in the temple. He doesn't say it himself. Du Wei rarely asks.
"Hussein was born in the diocese under my jurisdiction. He was selected and sent to the training of the Holy Knights at a very young age. Speaking of which, he stepped up to the position of Grand Knight Commander step by step. Of course, our Mosa was indispensable in the process. After all..." Maximus smiled wryly: "Although the elders have maintained neutrality for thousands of years, the Holy Knights have long since ceased to be within the sphere of influence of the Montenegrin faction. Everyone knows that To control power, you must first master force. The Holy Knights are the most powerful force in the church. For hundreds of years, both we and the Yeni faction have tried their best to infiltrate the Holy Knights.
After all, the Knights are different from the Elders. The Montenegrin faction controls the seats of the Elders, making it difficult for others to infiltrate. To enter the council of elders, the pope must first be nominated, and then the council of elders will vote whether to accept it. The Montenegrin faction is very united. Outsiders who want to enter the elders' group to obtain a seat, first of all, they cannot pass their vote. But the knight order is different, each knight is selected and trained from an early age. And we only need to select some gifted children in our own parishes. Fixedly choose to send in, according to the rules of the temple. No one can stop it. As long as the teenagers we choose. Really talented and became a holy knight. Then no one can say anything. Moreover, because of the agreement reached between the empire and the temple hundreds of years ago, the holy knights were not allowed to be stationed in the imperial capital, and could only keep a small part in the temple. Most of the holy orders are scattered in various parishes guarding local churches. In this way, the Holy Knights will inevitably be radiated by the local church. It is difficult to remain completely neutral. After so many hundreds of years, although the Holy Knights cannot be said to be completely infiltrated. But among the senior knights. There are always representatives of several genres. For example, this time they sent the seventh-level knight to assassinate me. "Maximos sighed: "Speaking of Hussein. He was indeed one of the most talented among the group of teenagers we selected back then. It quickly came to the fore in the North Central Parish. Became one of the most talented. After that, he ranked first in the selection competition and entered the headquarters of the Knights of the Imperial Capital Temple for strict training. After that, it skyrocketed all the way. We Mossas all regard him as the hope of our faction!
The original two major knight commanders of the Holy Knights are all neutral personnel loyal to the Pope and belong to the Montenegrin faction, and if a Mosa faction can serve as the knight commander. Then it means that we are in the battle for the Holy Knights. Overwhelmed the Yenipai! Turns out... you get the idea. Hussein suddenly got into big trouble. He was personally ordered to be hunted down by His Majesty the Pope because of this incident. The Yeni sect attacked the Moza sect aggressively inside the temple. Our situation is very passive. Most importantly, because of Hussein's rebellion. The pope was furious. Personally ordered a cleansing within the Holy Knights. And the Yeni faction took the opportunity to suppress us, making the process of cleaning the ground difficult. Our holy knights of the Mossas have suffered a great loss. That's okay... What makes us feel helpless. In the process of hunting down Hussein... "Du Wei heard this. Be extra careful.
"During the hunt for Hussein, Lord Murray, the presiding judge of the court at that time, personally led the team, and several eighth-level holy knights led people to participate in the hunt. But... to tell you the truth, Lord Murray, the presiding judge , is also the backbone of our Mossas. And among the holy knights who participated in the hunt, such as the eighth-level knight Gofit. There are also several sixth-level knights and seventh-level knights, all of whom our Mossas spent many years It was cultivated with painstaking efforts... As a result, Lord Murray died during the hunt for Hussein. Goffett and others also sacrificed. Our strength was greatly traumatized. The Yeni faction took the opportunity to praise their people Go up. Served as the new presiding judge. In this way. Inside the temple. The important position of the presiding judge has become their person... "
Du Wei nodded.
In the process of chasing and killing Hussein, a presiding judge died in the temple. Du Wei knew it. As for the number of holy knights who died, one of them did include a guy named Gefei Te, this Gefei Te. It also has a great relationship with Du Wei. It was in the snow that Du Wei found Gofetter's tomb and saw the suicide note and diary left by the dead holy knight before he understood what happened. And Gofetter. It was also when Gandolf in green robe "molested" Mrs. Lister for the first time, he came forward to drive away the holy knight in green hat.
He knows these things. It seems that what Maximus said should be the truth.
"Honorable Bishop." Du Wei smiled and said, "I believe that what you said is true... But, I don't understand. If what you said to me is true, then you and your Mosa Pai, now in the temple, should be in a very dangerous situation, and he is also at a disadvantage in the struggle with the Yeni faction. Under such circumstances, do you think that as a smart investor, you should bet on a Is it a power that is about to fall? Oh, please forgive my wording, but if you can't explain the question in my mind, I'm afraid I can't make any decisions."
Maximos smiled instead and looked into Du Wei's eyes: "You are a smart man, Your Excellency the Duke! I have no doubts about this. I think I have reasons to convince you precisely because of two reasons: first Smart people know that adding icing on the cake is easy, but sending charcoal in the snow is often the most touching. At this time, if you choose to support the Mosas, then the Moss will become your most loyal friend in the future! Of course, this is only a small part The reason. Believe me, the second point I will say next, you will definitely be tempted. This second... You think about it. Since the Yeni faction is really winning, why are they so anxious to openly ambush me on the road? To make such a move. Once the failure is exposed, it will inevitably cause an uproar. But they still chose to take the risk. Naturally, it is because they are aware of the danger! Because as soon as I reach the imperial capital, I can reverse the whole situation!"
Du Wei nodded involuntarily.
Indeed, the more extreme measures the Yenides took to kill Maximus. The more anxious you are. The more it shows, they are afraid of letting Maximus return to the imperial capital!
"Do you have any bargaining chips in your hand?" Du Wei laughed.
"There is a little bit." Maximus smiled slightly: "Just, please forgive me. This is related to the top secret of the temple. I can't say it clearly."
Du Wei was silent.
He thought carefully for a while. Finally sat up straight. Then suddenly whispered: "How much do you want me to bet?"
Maximus smiled: "Your Excellency, I know you are not a believer yet. So I thought... If I could have this opportunity, it would be my greatest honor to preside over your baptism ceremony in person!"
Du Wei laughed: "My dear bishop, you've got your idea on my head!"
Indeed, Du Wei, as the duke who commands all military and political powers in a province, is also a famous great magician in the empire. Leaving aside his real strength. But basically. general point of view. Because of his outstanding performance on the day of the coup, he has already regarded this young young duke as the top powerhouse in the mainland!
such a person. as a duke. Holding real power, deeply trusted by the royal family. He also has superb personal strength - but he is not a believer in the temple! ! If this time. If someone can convince him to join the religion...
Such a feat. It is much bigger than you spread 10,000 ordinary people to believe in religion! !
As a bishop, the main duty is to preach the doctrine. Let more people believe in the temple. This is also an important merit criterion. But no matter how many ordinary people you recruit into the church. It is far inferior to pulling a prominent figure! And Du Wei... is now on the mainland. Besides the Regent, who is more popular than him
Du Wei did not immediately agree. Instead, he continued to ask, "What else?"
"I heard that it is in your territory. The attitude towards the religious places of the temple is not very friendly." Maximus smiled and said, "I don't think I need to talk about the previous things. I will personally send some priests in the future." Personnel. I came to your territory to spread the teachings. My lord, my request is to treat our Mossas religious staff. You should show some friendly attitude."
"Haha! Do you want to bring my Desa province into your parish?" Du Wei laughed.
"Exactly." Maximus did not hide. He said bluntly: "According to the practice of the temple. For a piece of virgin land that has not been developed. Whoever can make achievements there first will be included in whose parish. The previous teaching staff in your territory are nothing more than It's just some small characters sent by the imperial capital. Then in the future, I will send people directly from my North Central Diocese... "
"But you have to understand one thing. Desa province is poor and not rich. My people don't have much money to pay religious tax and contribution tax." Du Wei frowned.
"In order to express my friendship, I am willing to exempt the province of Desa from the religious tax for three years. As the archbishop of the diocese, I still have these rights, and after three years, if..." Maximos smiled slightly: "Of course, It’s just a hypothesis right now. Assuming I can get that seat, the tax exemption will be extended.”
"Hmm." Du Wei nodded: "Okay, you want me to become a Christian, and then agree with your people to preach in my territory, and officially put my territory into your parish... What else? You should There are more demands."
Maximus smiled, and he smiled lightly: "Your Excellency, you see, I am not a greedy old man. I don't have too many demands. If you can promise me these two points, I am already Much appreciated. Of course... if you're being generous, I'll just add one small extra request, a small one."
"Say it."
Maximus' eyes flickered: "According to the decree of the temple, all holy knights stationed in the diocese are controlled by the local archbishop. The local diocese is obliged to infuse fresh blood for the holy knights every year. Although... the holy knights are directly Allegiance to the Pope. But after all, an army stationed in a local area will not remain too pure after a long time. Therefore, I think I can do my best to control the holy knights in my jurisdiction. It's just... I need more. Well... I mean. When the time is right. Once I encounter great difficulties and crises, I need your army to assist."
Du Wei frowned: "Are you crazy? According to all laws and regulations, any other army must not interfere in any disputes within the temple! You want the imperial officials to be involved in the affairs of the temple? In that case..."
"No, no, no, you haven't understood what I mean. What I mean is... Once there are some urgent or "special" situations, I think I can give you a name." Maximos laughed: "For example, let a certain army under your command wear the armor of the Holy Knights and get the name of "Holy Knights". What do you think?"
Du Wei was really shocked this time.
"You...Master Maximus, are you sure you want to do this? This way of doing it. It's far beyond the bounds!" Du Wei reminded.
"Are you crossing the line?" Maximus showed a trace of determination on his old face: "The Yeni faction dares to publicly publish a false name and try to kill a bishop without the Pope's permission. Isn't such an approach beyond the line! "
"But you don't have this power." Du Wei shook his head: "You are just a local bishop. Forming a Holy Knight Order must be ordered by the Pope himself! Local bishops can only restrain the existing Holy Knight Order, but they are not allowed to form new ones." ! My lord bishop. Even if you give me this name, it is not legal."
"Your Excellency, that's why I said it was a "special" time." Maximos said lightly: "I mean. If one day in the future, I succeeded that position. But the Holy Knights under my command are not enough To suppress those Yeni sects who are dissatisfied with me, I need more power! Then, if I am the "Pope", then I have the power to authorize the formation of a new holy knight order immediately!"
Du Wei took a deep breath. He suddenly felt that this seemingly peaceful old guy in front of him. You are so courageous!
He immediately laughed: "Of course! If the Pope ordered it, then it is legal. If I become a believer, then I will do my part when I receive the Pope's order, and I will naturally serve the place."
The two looked at each other and laughed for a while. Du Wei suppressed his laughter and put on a serious face: "My lord, you made your request... Then, what I want to ask is. In this investment, if you win in the end, what can I gain? What about it? Hehe! Don’t talk about getting your friendship. I’m a vulgar person, and what I expect are some real benefits!”
"You have already benefited." Maximos smiled lightly: "Your Excellency, think about it, if you have a holy knight order under your command... then your situation in the northwest will be greatly improved! I know. You now The biggest enemy. It should be Lugao of the Northwest Army. Right? Well, one day in the future, when your army is fighting the enemy, the opponent will be surprised to find that your army is hanging Under the banner of the Holy Knights! At that time, if they fight with you, it is tantamount to making an enemy of the temple! Fighting the Holy Knights is tantamount to declaring war on the temple! I think... such a benefit can no longer be used with money or other Let’s weigh the conditions.”
"I need a guarantee from you," Du Wei said.
"I accept." Maximus smiled: "If I become the Pope, then you, Duke Tulip, will receive a sacred badge issued by the Pope himself! Possessing such a badge will allow you Have a legal and lofty status! At that time, in the northwest, your will was equal to the will of the temple! To be an enemy to you is to be an enemy to the temple. This is my final promise."
very good!
Du Wei suddenly laughed maliciously in his heart!
How cool it is to hang the banner of the Holy Knights on one's own cavalry division! It's like wearing a god's robe! Only allow me to hit you, not allow you to hit me! Otherwise you are declaring war on the great Temple of Light!
In the room, two people met each other and smiled, each harboring ghosts.
After dinner, Du Weike politely sent the bishop back to rest, and he himself immediately found the guard Elder Yan.
"Get out of the boat and disembark immediately! Then hurry back to Loulan City immediately, without any delay along the way!" Du Wei looked at the loyal chief guard and said in a deep voice: "Go back and find Rodriguez Knight, tell him, this time I returned to the imperial capital, I underestimated it before I set off, and now the imperial capital is facing major changes, I need strong support! Well, you pass on my order, please Knight Rodriguez immediately come to the imperial capital with light packs and fast horses Listen to it!"
Lao Yan accepted the order and went out. When he returned to the room, QQ looked at Du Wei and sighed: "You have to be careful, trading with people from the temple is undoubtedly seeking skin from a tiger!"
Du Wei laughed: "Seek skin from a tiger? Hehe, let's see, did they seek my skin, or I sought his skin!"
Under the starry sky at night, the boat went all the way downstream on the river. The closer it was to the imperial capital, the more excited Du Wei was.
Originally, I thought nothing major would happen during this trip back to the imperial capital, but now it seems that the last time I returned to the imperial capital, I experienced a palace coup. And this time... is it going to experience a coup in the temple