My Italy

"What did you say?"

The news was so shocking that Johannes IV could not help but stand up with his eyes wide open. As for the other princes and nobles, they also had shocked expressions on their faces.

Facing the majestic aura exuded by Johannes IV, the messenger was so frightened that he did not dare to breathe out. He held it in for a long time before stumbling and repeating it.

Seeing that the messenger was so frightened, Matthias, as Prime Minister, patted his shoulder to encourage him.

"How many Sudanese people were attacking? When did you know about it? Also, did Motema fall?"

Faced with one after another questions from Johannes IV, the messenger stumbled and explained the situation he knew one by one.

As he told the story, everyone learned that there were as many as 80,000 Sudanese people attacking this time. Seven days ago, they suddenly appeared in Motema. Upon seeing this, the defenders of Motema hurriedly sent someone to notify Governor Yogudis, and he and more than a dozen comrades were sent by Governor Yogudis to report the news.

And as the messenger who sent the message reported, no one spoke for a while in the hall, and the atmosphere suddenly became quiet.

However, this situation did not last long, because 120 kilometers further west from Motema is Lake Tanna, and the Sudanese must be aiming here. This is one of the three major granaries in Abyssinia, and it is also the largest. Naturally, such a piece of land cannot be taken away by the Sudanese.

"We cannot ignore the Sudanese threat and must drive away the Sudanese, otherwise our homeland will be taken over by infidels."

The first one to stand up was Duke Bahir Dar, whose territory was on the west bank of Lake Tanner. Although it only has a territory of less than 5,000 square kilometers on the west coast, its richness allows the Duke of Bahir Dar to firmly occupy a mid-range position among the princes.

He was also one of the first people to fall to Johannes IV, and he can be considered a veteran. However, seeing the possibility that the Sudanese might threaten the territory, the Duke of Bahir Dar immediately stood up.

As the Duke of Bahir Dar spoke, several princes with nearby territories immediately followed suit.

"Yes, everyone knows that the Sudanese threaten us, and we cannot sit idly by and ignore it."

"Yes, these Sudanese are like robbers. As long as they pass by, nothing will be left. Property, livestock, and population are like locusts."

The echoes came one after another, disturbing the hall. However, these princes who spoke were basically relatively weak, and the most powerful among them was the Duke of Bahir Dar.

Johannes IV watched their performance with cold eyes. Facing the cold gaze of the emperor, the princes and nobles who were shouting like sparrows gradually felt that the atmosphere was wrong and stopped speaking.

"Everyone, we are facing a very bad situation now. There are Italians in the north and Sudanese in the west, but we Abyssinians are not afraid of the enemy. This time we must work together to ensure our independence. "

Well, Johannes IV can’t sit still anymore. With the invasion of the Sudanese, the situation became extremely unfavorable for him. He must send troops and deal with one enemy first to save the situation.

Of course, choosing your opponent is very important. If you don't choose well, everything will be lost. In fact, there were not many choices for him. Either fight the Sudanese first or fight the Italians first. It would be easier to choose one of the two.

In fact, no matter which one he fights, Johannes IV knows how bad the situation he faces this time is.

However, considering his current position and level of preparation, he actually has only one choice, and that is the Italians.

Thinking of this, Johannes IV regretted a little. He should have dealt a heavy blow to the Italians in Mara. At that time, he blamed himself for being too hesitant and allowing the Italians to occupy Mara.

But now if you want to deal with the Italians, you must use some strategies. He is no match for the Italians in a head-on confrontation. The old proverb teaches that when faced with a bull, do not wrestle with it.

Johannes IV carefully sketched the plan in his mind, thinking hard about how to win.

Faced with the sudden thought of Johannes IV, no one else said a word.

After what seemed like a long time, Johannes IV finally took action.

He stood up and spoke to his son-in-law.

"Menelik."

"arrive."

"You lead your own troops to besiege Mara. In addition, I will ask Aliya to lead 20,000 people to cooperate with you."

Johannes gave the most important task to his son-in-law, because Menelik's army was the most powerful except for his. And in order to make the Italians believe that the main force of his own army was besieging Mara, he also asked his son to bring 20,000 people to assist.

"As commanded."

Faced with the task given by Emperor Johannes, the Lord of Shoa accepted the task without any nonsense.

Menelik was so happy that Johannes IV said nothing, but stepped forward and patted him on the shoulder hard.

"Your mission is very important. You need to convince the Italians in Mara that they are encountering our large force."

Although Johannes seemed a bit talkative, Menelik answered very seriously in view of the importance of his task.

"Okay, I will launch a fierce offensive and make the enemy panic and call for help."

After getting a satisfactory answer from his son-in-law, Johannes spoke to the remaining princes. "Others, follow me and let the Italians know how good we are."

Yes, Johannes' plan is very simple, that is, to gather reinforcements around the point. But although it is simple, it is very practical. The crisscrossed terrain around Mara is also suitable for hiding large troops.

Since it is so suitable for supporting the spot, why not use Johannes.

As Johannes issued the order, the princes and nobles present immediately stood up and left. It takes time to organize the army and deploy. In addition, carrying grain and grass and surveying water sources need to be done in advance.

When others left, Menelik II also prepared to leave, but then he was stopped.

"Your Highness Menelik, His Majesty the Emperor invites you."

Menelik stopped and followed the visitor to a small garden. Here he saw his father-in-law, but unlike before, his face was full of sadness.

"Menelik, you're here."

"Yes."

When Menelik came to him, Johannes spoke, but he did not say why he invited him over.

"This is the courtyard that I ordered to be built when His Majesty appointed me as the Governor. It has been more than 20 years, and I didn't expect that I would succeed His Majesty after his death."

Menelik certainly knew who his majesty was mentioned by Johannes IV. It was the former emperor Tewodros II. It was this very capable emperor who unified the long-divided Abyssinia.

"At that time, I was still imprisoned in the palace by His Majesty. It was a pity that His Majesty died at the hands of the British."

Menelik also experienced that era, but as a prisoner. After his father Haile Malakot died of a serious illness, in order to prevent the Shoa separatist forces from resurrecting, he, the young master of Shoa, was imprisoned by him as a hostage.

Facing Menelik's words, Johannes IV looked at the scenery of the garden and said. "Yes, His Majesty is too stubborn. He is not willing to bow his head at all. Even in desperate situations, he is still unwilling to let go. But at that time, for the sake of power, I did things that were sorry for Your Majesty. I didn't expect that as I got older, I would lose my temper. He looks more and more like His Majesty."

What Johannes IV said was that he was promoted all the way to the governor of Tigray by Tewodros II, but he betrayed him when the British came.

Having said this, Johannes IV turned to stare at Menelik, "I hope you promise me something."

Facing Johannes IV's words, Menelik said calmly. "Please say, if I can do it then I can do it, if not then there's nothing I can do."

"you can."

Johannes IV looked at Menelik and continued. "If you succeed to the throne, find a way to keep Aliyah and let him live happily in Tigray."

"That's no problem. After all, I am my son-in-law. No matter what I say, I cannot let my daughter become a widow."

"Thanks."

"You're welcome."

The conversation between the two ended here. Although neither one said it clearly, both of them knew that this was Johannes IV making some preparations in case of an accident.

Menelik agreed to the emperor's request and admitted that he would not touch his territory after his death, at least to give it to his son-in-law, Duke Alia Selassie, and to keep Tigray.

Sorry to keep everyone waiting.