Eagle Byzantium

During this time, the emperor's attention was completely attracted by the elusive Bohemond, and he ignored the Plani ancestors and grandchildren on the island of Lesbos. Therefore, the little sunfish and his grandfather were in Smyrna on the Bank of Bari. Under the operational cover of branch staff, dressed as incense The guests blended into a small pilgrimage group, and with the help of bribes, they passed through Pamphylia without any obstacles, and then boarded a ship carrying out secret trade (a private transaction between the Brenus couple and the Gawain couple). ships), came to Alamein Fort.

Nicodemea, the little bird in the palace, was still concerned about this matter. He submitted a letter to Mesemna to inquire. The report he received was that Norman bandits sailed on Pisa ships and had attacked the port of Mytilene. At that time There are only a dozen or so bow and arrow soldiers, so they are among the many The brutal Norman knights carefully chose "avoidance tactics". However, when a large group of defenders from Mesemna Castle arrived, they found that the whereabouts of Plani's grandson and Bohemond were unknown at the same time. Man was killed by bandits and perhaps robbed.

As for the newly-appointed palace guard, young Pukripps, was found dead in the hall of the manor. His throat was slit with a sharp dagger. There was a bloody corpse next to him, with his face completely ruined and his clothes It was burned to pieces, and it seemed certain that it belonged to the uncle of the dead guard.

"I once advised this stupid fellow countryman not to pay too much for his nephew." The little bird who received the report was angry at first, and then sighed, "That old Pulani, the mentor of the former empire, began to suffer a lot after the emperor ascended the throne. He must be dissatisfied with His Majesty! If his body is not found, he may have secretly defected to Gawain."

The little bird's guess was correct. When Maglendius arrived, Anna in the palace immediately resumed his honorary title of "mentor", and he and the Grand Vizier of the former Konya Sultanate Ibn Maimon ( Maimon's official title is "Agaren Wise", and he is responsible for re-translating books, that is, re-translating ancient Roman manuscripts translated by Persians and Saracens. Translated into Greek), he became the chief think tank and the behind-the-scenes assistant of the Kingdom of Tarsus, together with Prince Sven of Denmark (responsible for military supplies and military road construction and preparation), and Cappadocia herder officer Reinstein (responsible for salt administration and horse racing). Government) both belong to the special "National Privy Council Advisor" and fully support Anna in terms of armament, civil affairs, strategy, etc.

In terms of recruiting and cultivating talents, Gao Wen and Anna have always spared no effort. A large number of undergraduates and graduates from St. Paul's College and St. Michael's Military Academy (these people are more like crash courses, most of them are extremely professional, and they take half a year. Certificates were issued in one year) and were sent to workshops, schools, shipyards, and the army, and enjoyed "sacred stipends" like soldiers.

After Maglendius arrived, he immediately proposed a complete national policy plan:

"Now the only enemies who are trying to destroy us are the emperor and his family in Constantinople. Previously, in order to protect the prince of Apulia, the great patron had a conflict with Cyprus, which led to the interruption of trade routes. In my opinion , Apsomates may not really want to be our complete enemy, let alone Melitene now , Tronzac's mineral output is not yet abundant, and we also need lime and copper from Cyprus. Secretly restoring bilateral relations will be very beneficial to both parties, as long as the situation of no war and no peace with Apsomates is maintained, that is, But there is nothing to worry about in the southern seas. The chief sponsor can immediately send an emissary to negotiate. "

Wearing a small gold crown with seven ridges on her head, a dark gold embroidered gown with the image of the Virgin Mary, and a long purple skirt, Anna held a golden wheat ear ring scepter, sat on the throne, and expressed her approval, "Then, Theodoro and Marash's Fair, how should we deal with it?”

"Theodoro and I have known each other for many years, and he has always been at odds with the emperor. Now he owns Trabzon, Amasya, Chardia and Kherson across the sea, and he will not be willing to submit to the emperor. Exit Constantinople. The emperor is also very worried about him. It will be too late for internal strife between the two parties in the future. In addition, the great patron is now on the plateau. The defense system has been perfected, and Theodoro is not afraid. Moreover, this king has always believed in Orthodoxy and respects the Patriarch John Oakshilt who is now in Tarsus. He can let Oakshilt He acted as a mediator and gave Theodoro a big 'crown' to wear, and used sophisticated tactics to make him sit on the hot seat and not be able to get out. "

"As for the Ani people party in Marash, although their territory is strong, it is also closed. In other words, as long as we ask our ally Count Adana to guard Kastabala, Issus and the Armenian Pass in the future, By leaving a small number of border residents to guard Fanka Fortress, we can block Marash and save us from worries on the eastern front. Caesar spent everything in his treasury to bribe Dukak Totus of Damascus, so as to drive a wedge between him and the enemies in Tire, Sidon, Acre, Tripoli and other places on a joint front to ensure the stability of Jubail. . In this way, your highness, your third brigade (Jimakis Brigade), like the Guardian Brigade, can be transferred to the Western Front to concentrate on the decisive battle with the Emperor."

"In other words, these mountain monkeys and Crescent Cultists can't do anything." Anna concluded.

"That's absolutely true. In addition, in terms of political skills, we can also do a lot in the imperial capital..." Mentor Maglendius held his chest and bowed and said, "As long as the great patron, Caesar and all the think tanks and soldiers Cooperate sincerely and severely defeat the emperor's offensive, and then we will win the initiative, while the emperor will be completely passive, and the situation will be smooth from now on. "

"Oh! Sure enough, Gawain and I need a great strategic planner like you." Anna's big eyes sparkled, her fingers caressing the scepter. Her original severe mood stabilized, and she became full of ambition. "Is it from now on?" We can take advantage of the victory Go ahead and sweep the entire wealthy Lydia and Mysia. The plains and rivers there have a population of nearly two million, and there are also many fine woodlands, fertile fields, minerals and seaports. Gawain and I will seize them. She can become the Queen of Ten Thousand Cities."

"The Ginate system that existed thirty years ago had already been completely destroyed by the empire's retreat and the Turkic invasion. The lower-class Roman people were in a state of not knowing where to go. Once the armies of the patron saint and Caesar were strong, , the orthodox face enters, It is absolutely easy for them to surrender, and then we will indeed have the foundation to rule the entire empire - but, please don't be impatient, Your Highness Caesar. If we defeat the emperor this time, we cannot rush to the west, but should turn around. east."

"I understand what you mean. Once we rush westward, enemies of all kinds will unite and continue to hinder our progress, focusing their fire on Tarsus; and if we turn back and attack the east, we can attack the heretics and rebels. The party's identity expands its power, and secondly, it can obtain a strong barrier in Greater Armenia and the Levant. We have enough strength. After annihilating Cyprus, Marash, and Erzurum, we will take a second decisive battle..." At this point, Anna's eyebrows suddenly flashed under the golden crown on the throne. With a proud murderous look, "Then we have to fight Theodoro to a decisive battle and completely defeat him, so that all of Asia will belong to me and Gawain."

"Please allow me to praise your wisdom." Maglendius smiled and bowed deeply again. (To be continued ~^~)