Going to war.

At the meeting of the Privy Council, Elizabeth made the final decision, agreeing to send troops to support Scotland, although she knew it would be a losing battle.Others didn't know how she was struggling to compromise, but they saw that the participating ministers headed by Cecil looked happy, as if they had already won the victory.

"Your Majesty, the Scottish lords have completely disappointed the Earl of Allen. This just shows that they need you, and even the crown of Scotland is ready for you. Just imagine, you will become one of the greatest and richest kings in Europe." One." A sentence like chicken soup came out of Cecil's mouth, and the curly beard fluttered with his breath, more excited than its owner.

He said this because a Scottish lord in disguise came here just now and promised to present the Scottish crown in private, and then these ministers began to paint cakes for their queen, and Jiang Xinyan, who was watching on the sidelines, almost couldn't help laughing Voice…

Even she finds it ridiculous, can Elizabeth believe it?

The woman on the throne sneered, and tapped the table with her fingertips, "This is a trap, we have to get in, and someone is complacent about it."

"His Majesty……"

"As long as the French army lands in Scotland, we can only send troops to fight. This is forced and we have no choice." He casually stated the cruel facts, his lazy eyes swept over the faces of everyone present, and finally stopped at Cecil body.

"Yes, Your Majesty, instead of being beaten passively, it is better to take the initiative." Meeting the Queen's gaze, she was firm and confident.

Warning, sullen, helpless, these are all the information contained in Elizabeth's eyes. It can be seen that she does not want to fight, but compromises with Cecil, and the latter does not mean to disobey the Queen, but there is a reason for her helplessness .

This is very interesting for monarchs and ministers.

Jiang Xinyan watched silently from the side, observing everyone's faces while reciting French words. She found that compared with the emperors of ancient China, the European monarchs were still too aggrieved, and the noble lords were powerful. If they united to rebel, Not only will I push you down from the throne, but I will also send you to the guillotine.

A more recent example refers to Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots a few decades later.

In contrast, the centralization of power in England is currently relatively mature. The king only needs to establish a good relationship with the parliament, and everything is easy to handle. On the other hand, Scotland next door has constant social and religious conflicts. The government can't even make a splash after saying a word, so it's no wonder Mary's end is so miserable...

With the contrast, she looked at Elizabeth with more admiration.

"It's time to talk about money."

These words were like a small pebble thrown into the vast ocean, and they were swallowed up without a trace in an instant. The ministers looked at each other, and the whispering immediately became silent. Sharp gaze.

"William?" He raised his eyebrows, glanced at Cecil, and then to the left, "Nicholas?"

No one spoke, and the huge Privy Council was so quiet that careful breathing could be heard.

Elizabeth was not annoyed, her back was still straight, her elbows rested on the arm of the chair, a sharp stream of light flashed through the depths of her gray-blue eyes, she swept across everyone's faces calmly, raised her eyebrows mockingly, and pointed her fingertips The rhythm of tapping is amplified infinitely, which is especially harsh in this empty and quiet environment.

"The Antwerp market can currently lend us about 10 pounds. The military expenditure required to maintain the domestic army during the war is enough, but the opponent is France, which is four times stronger than ours. Maybe we need mercenaries, which is also a lot of money. ,so……"

The protracted ending paused deliberately, the corners of the mouth curled up into a smile, and the sharp eyes looked like a king cobra spitting out a red letter, which made one's hair stand on end, "Are you all ready to bleed?"

Subtle gasps came and went, only Cecil thought seriously, and after a long while, pondered: "Your Majesty, the church..."

"All property will be confiscated." She smiled, but had a knife hidden in her eyes.

There is nothing wrong with it. During the time of her father Henry VIII, the rich churches were often raided. Of course, this is also a means for the government to strengthen the centralization of power, get rid of the control of the church, and strengthen the secular and spiritual realms. authority.

She is really her own daughter, just like her father.

"Miss, are you back?"

There were several large boxes piled up in the room, and Zhen squatted in front of the boxes with bright eyes, beckoning to her, "Your Majesty sent someone to deliver a lot of things just now, take a look!"

Beautiful dresses, luxurious jewellery, and exquisite gadgets, every box is packed to the brim, and one set of white porcelain tableware with gold borders caught Jiang Xinyan's attention...

The whole body is glazed, the enamel is smooth, the glaze is smooth and delicate, slightly flashing green, a circle of thin gold lines is drawn on the edge of the dish, and the abdomen is carved with twining lotus flowers. The shape is unique, the outline is smooth, elegant and pleasant.

Porcelain from the East is a luxury among luxury goods in Europe in this era. Usually, only aristocrats will keep one or two sets for collection, and they are reluctant to use it every day. They will only be taken out during major festivals or celebrations.

Such a precious thing, to give her a whole set...

Jiang Xinyan squatted down slowly, gently stroking the exquisite porcelain cup, a slight coolness came from his fingertips, and he rubbed along the smooth and flat body of the cup, gradually gaining a sense of warmth and intimacy for no reason.

Of course, I was not very happy, and I couldn't tell what it was like.

"Leave it alone, and return it to His Majesty when you find time."

He closed the lid of the box, stood up, and deliberately turned his back.

As a girl who loves beauty, she has no reason not to like beautiful clothes and jewelry, not to mention things from her hometown, but she feels like something is stuck in her heart, she is always a little powerless and confused, maybe she has no sense of belonging to this world, no She has a sense of security and doesn't understand her own attributes. She doesn't know what she is to Elizabeth...

Is it a guest?

Since she is a guest, she will leave one day after all, it is only a matter of time and method, and all she can take away is her memory.

"Why?" The little girl didn't understand. That one porcelain cup alone was enough for her family of five to feed for a year, and so many good things were given away for nothing.

In front of Zhen, Jiang Xinyan has always been open-minded, "We are going to fight the French soon, we have no money, how can I accept such expensive things from Your Majesty, besides, I don't have to worry about food and clothing when I live in the palace. It doesn't work either."

She used "we" subconsciously, without realizing it.

"War? God..."

"Well, it was decided this morning." He sat down on the bed, lay down and stretched his waist, "I saw the Privy Council quarreled for a long time, and His Majesty only reluctantly agreed. To be honest, I don't like wars. It's a waste of people and money. How good it is for everyone to develop peacefully."

Jane's face turned pale, and she slumped on the chair. She thought of her two younger brothers. If they were conscripted, they might never return. After all, her only brother died in the war between Britain and France for Calais. middle.

It was more than a year ago. When Her Majesty Queen Mary was in power, the British army was not only defeated, but also lost the territory of Calais. Their family didn't even receive any pension.

"Jane?" After a while, Jiang Xinyan sat up, and was startled when he saw the little girl's distraught look, "What's wrong? Are you uncomfortable??"

"No...Miss..." She lowered her head, hiding the unnaturalness in her eyes.

Thinking she was frightened, she hurriedly comforted her: "Actually, it's not that bad. God will definitely be on our side no matter what. Didn't I tell you to trust Your Majesty? Don't talk about the French in the future. Even Spain is no match!"

I really can't find any words to comfort people against my will, because this is destined to be a lost battle, I can only use God as a cover, it is impossible to say that she knows history, right?

—Maybe one day, you will find that history has lied to you.

Suddenly thinking of what Elizabeth said, my heart tightened...

"Miss, are you really...so sure?"

"That must be!"

Wipe away the tears for this girl who is younger than her, and give her a comforting hug. It feels like taking care of a younger sister. After all, she is the only person in this world who can talk to her besides Elizabeth.

Jane nodded and leaned against her, struggling unbearably in her downcast eyes...

Christmas is approaching, every year at this time the palace will start to prepare a series of celebrations, dances, stage plays and other activities, and this year is no exception.

These days, the number of guards in the palace has increased several times. The low-ranking servants are hurrying back and forth to and from every corner of the palace. Several important officials who have residences beside the Whitehall are also frequently walking around. The noble ladies have already prepared Expensive and gorgeous jewelry dresses, ready to be dressed up for the prom.

Since last year, large-scale celebrations have been handed over to Robert Dudley.

"Robby."

In the name of inspection, Elizabeth finally remembered to take a look at the man she had neglected, and called him by his nickname affectionately, her tone seemed to be full of joy, but her eyes were as cold as ever.

Hearing the Queen's shout, Robert's confidence seemed to return, and he opened his arms to meet her and was about to hug her, "I thought His Majesty had forgotten me..."

He was indeed handsome, and this good skin has attracted many women to fall into their arms.

"I'm very busy, you should understand." She dexterously avoided his outstretched hand without changing her expression.

"It seems that His Majesty is still angry with me." Helpless, like a child acting like a baby.

As far as Robert is concerned, he knew that he was too hasty last time. The only way to communicate with the queen is to follow her, not head-to-head. The frog has to be boiled slowly in warm water.

In his heart, a huge plan was brewing.

"I was wrong, I'm sorry... I'm just jealous..." With a sad look on his head, he tentatively took her hand, "Liz...?"

She frowned slightly, feeling a little disgusted, but she didn't break free from the man's hand. She was good at disguising and acting, and sometimes she could even deceive herself. Her gray-blue eyes were filled with a charming smile for a moment. Lie: She loves Robert.

"Robby, without you by my side, I can't even make a decision." He squeezed his hand, suppressing the slight discomfort in his heart, "Cecil told me that there are so many conspiracies against you, I can't sleep or eat , the safest thing is to put you by my side."

"No one can separate us, unless you deliberately stay away from me..." He hugged her in his arms, gently rubbing his cheek against her reddish-brown hair, his joy was written all over his face.

This woman needs him so much that she cannot leave him.

Elizabeth curled her lips, pretending to be angry, and pushed him away, "You still say no? Your wife is going to the palace for Christmas. Don't you think she doesn't know about our relationship?"

Without the temperature in his arms, Robert seemed a little flustered, "It doesn't matter if she comes, I'm still your most loyal Robbie!"

"She was the obstacle between us."

"But I don't love her at all, I love you, oh... you always don't believe me... Liz..." His expression was a little hurt, but he didn't know how to explain it. Indeed, being married was an obstacle to his career. .

"rhetoric."

Angry, he turned and left, as if he was really jealous.

"I……"

Obviously, the goal has been achieved, Elizabeth led his thoughts to a certain direction little by little, and the rest was just waiting for him to bind himself.

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