[Henry VIII] Tudor Crown

After winter, Henry VIII's body became weaker and weaker.

The court doctors headed by Cardano have made a series of efforts for Henry VIII's health.Such as the creation of a special support machine that enabled the old king to perform a range of beneficial activities around the gardens of Hampton Court Palace, while also limiting Henry VIII's drinking and food intake and reducing his reliance on pain-relieving herbs sex to ensure his sleep.

In this regard, Henry VIII was naturally furious, but Cardano did not back down, but firmly said: "Your Majesty, if you still want to watch your grandson grow up, it is best to get rid of these bad habits now .”

After all, Cardano also cited several examples of kings who died of alcoholism or gluttony, which made Henry VIII curse but had no choice but to let the courtiers endure his worse temper day by day.

Upon seeing this, William Tudor asked Cardano if he could change Henry VIII's drink to mead with a lower alcohol content, and then make some changes to the big fish and meat in his diet.

Cardano also knew that these kings were self-willed and habitual egoists, so he didn't expect Henry VIII to stop drinking and eating less. He could only think of a better solution according to William Tudor's suggestion.

However, after undergoing a series of cultivation, Henry VIII lost a lot of weight, but his temper became more irritable, and even his behavior became weird.Maybe it was inspired by God, or maybe his former important ministers were executed one after another or died to give him a feeling of aging. In short, Henry VIII's suspiciousness also intensified along with his violent temper, making it unbearable.

And by the spring of 1545, Henry VIII had a new habit-he would have his door sealed with cement or wood before going to bed, and then wait until the next morning when he met with the nobles, and then seal it. tear down.

If things go on like this, not only Richard Cromwell who served Henry VIII, but even the members of the imperial council could not bear to wonder if the old king was crazy, but no one dared to provoke this imperial servant A long-standing tyrant - in addition to his eldest son William Tudor, there is also the court doctor Girolamo Cardano who was exceptionally promoted.

It is also strange to say that Henry VIII wanted to scold Cardano three times a day, but he treated this court doctor who was regarded as the dowry of Princess Juana extremely preferentially, and his eyes were added.

At least as far as William Tudor is concerned, the last person who could make Henry VIII so pleasing was the Earl of Surrey who had never offended Henry VIII.But in the eyes of the older nobles, Cardano at this time was more like Thomas More in the early days, which also made him very popular in Hampton Court Palace.

"How are you doing recently? My dear son." On Christmas Day in 1544, Henry VIII did not hold a banquet in Hampton Court Palace with great fanfare, but drove to the quieter Richmond Palace, I want to experience the quiet family atmosphere, and take a look at my unborn grandson and grandson-in-law who just turned two years old.

When Henry VIII arrived at Richmond Palace, William Tudor was already at the gate to greet him.So the old king invited his eldest son with a pleasant face, and he was very relieved to see that he was taller than himself and was about to become a father: "Time flies, I still remember the scene when you were named Prince of Wales. "

Henry VIII showed a nostalgic look, and while walking into Hampton Court Palace with William Tudor, he gestured to William Tudor when he was six years old: "You were only a little older at that time, and you were taken by your aunt and cloth. Lady Lane leaned on her knees on a velvet cushion, and put on her little crown and red cloak."

Mentioning that he used the old man when he was young, Henry VIII couldn't help sighing, he didn't know whether he was missing Princess Mary or Mrs. Brian who had taken care of two generations of Tudors: "If you were born earlier , Mrs. Bryan can also help raise my grandson."

You must know that the four brothers and sisters of Henry VIII, as well as the Welsh siblings and Henry Fitzroy, the illegitimate son of Henry VIII, were all taken care of by Mrs. Bryan until he was ten or even 15 years old.

This old lady, who served from the time of Edward IV to the time of Henry VIII, is already in her early eighties, which is an unimaginably long life in the Tudor dynasty.

Long before William Tudor married Princess Juana, the old lady was honorably discharged at St James's Palace.Because Mrs. Bryan's husband has passed away, and her son is Henry VIII's diplomatic ambassador, always running around in Europe, so under the special arrangement of William Tudor, she was crowned as the abbot of Catherine-Mary Monastery. Fame, spent his later years in Wales.

"After Juana and I have a baby, you can invite Mrs. Brian to the baptism ceremony." William Tudor suggested.

"I hope that day is not too far away." Before entering the queen's bedroom, Henry VIII threw William Tudor a meaningful look.

William Tudor was not sure whether Juana's birth would be Henry IV who became the king of France and Navarre in history, but considering the pressure from his wife, he still did not mention the issue of having a boy or a girl with Princess Juana , and even the people who took care of Juana refrained from talking about the gender of the child.

It has to be said that Anne of Cleves is indeed a rare and good wife. Although she has never given birth, she gets along very well with Henry VIII's children.So when Henry VIII entered the Queen's bedroom in Richmond, what he saw was a happy scene.

Princess Juana and Anne of Cleves sat playing poker by the fireplace, surrounded by a thick rug filled with dolls.

Mary of Scots tried to walk on the carpet with her arms carefully crossed by Miss Elizabeth and the Countess of Nottingham.

On the other hand, the Duke of York and Jane Gray were teasing Mary of Scots with toys, which made the other party laugh.

Henry VIII seemed to be moved by this warm scene, so he moved his Adam's apple and said, "Good afternoon, my dear ladies."

All the people present immediately stood up and saluted Henry VIII, but they were stopped by Henry VIII at the moment of kneeling: "My God! Do you want me to enjoy being surrounded by those ministers at home?" Do you feel it?"

Henry VIII's exaggerated tone relieved everyone's tense nerves a little.

Seeing this, Anne of Cleves immediately had someone move the most comfortable chair over so that Henry VIII could have close contact with his children.

"Juana, my dear daughter-in-law, how are you doing here? I hope no one who doesn't know the fun will neglect you." Henry VIII who sat down did not hug his children immediately, but first asked for the pregnancy Princess Juana beckoned, and said lovingly: "I know that Anne (referring to Anne of Cleves here) is a tolerant woman, and her kindness may be used by malicious people, causing you, and mine The grandson cannot get the treatment he deserves."

Although Henry VIII's words had never been restrained, Anne of Cleves still felt that the other party was accusing her of not being able to restrain her servants, so she felt a little uncomfortable.

Princess Juana also noticed this, so she replied tactfully: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Queen has taken good care of the Richmond Palace and cared for me, so the situation you are worried about will definitely not be tolerated by Her Majesty the Queen." , I am also very grateful for your love."

"That's good." Henry VIII glanced at Princess Juana's belly, wishing that the ten-month period of pregnancy would be fleeting.He brought Anne of Cleves and Princess Juana newly picked roses from Hampton Court Palace, and then condoled other children in the house, but compared with the condolences to Princess Juana just now, Henry VIII He was not so eager in words, but his expression was still as loving as ever.

Because it was Christmas, Anne of Cleves had a large swan baked, and Penn puffs, fruit milk custard, and bite-sized honey cakes were prepared for the children.

Of course, Anne of Cleves’s favorite bacon and German sausages from Cleves are indispensable for dinner, as well as black pudding, which Henry VIII especially loves.Because England has opened up a trade route with Germany, Her Majesty the Queen, who has spare money, will always ask her to bring some delicacies from her hometown, and occasionally guide the cooks in the Richmond Palace to make German sausages.

"Dear William, is this dinner to your liking?" Because Anne of Cleves rarely saw William Tudor, and did not even have a dinner with the eldest stepson, so Asked one more question at dinner.

"Madam, thank you for your thoughtfulness. I think today's dinner is very delicious." William Tudor's dinner plate contained his most common grilled salmon and garlic grilled eel.

Princess Juana on the side winked at William Tudor, and then gave William Tudor a slice of Cleves ham: "Try this, this is my favorite dish in Richmond Palace .”

William Tudor took pride in eating the ham recommended by Princess Juana. Although it is not as delicious as the sausages of the 21st century, it is already very good in terms of cooking skills in this era: "Is there any spices in it?"

"It's a new breed imported from the Netherlands. Her Majesty the Queen personally guided the cook to improve it." Princess Juana quietly said good things to Anne of Cleves: "Because today is Christmas, although His Majesty the King is not in Han Dynasty. There is a banquet held in Puton Palace, but Her Majesty the Queen feels that the family reunion should not be neglected."

"This is indeed the truth." Henry VIII took Anne of Cleves's right hand approvingly, and said affectionately: "I should once again express my thanks to the Duke of Cleves. Thank him for bringing me such tenderness." Considerate wife."

Seeing this, Anne of Cleves did not bow her head shyly, but said reservedly as always: "This is what I should do."

Thinking of the distress letter sent by her younger brother in private, Anne of Cleves clenched her fists secretly, but she still maintained a gentle smile on the surface, coaxing Henry VIII to drink a few more glasses happily.

While the king was drunk, William Tudor whispered in Princess Juana's ear, "Is something wrong with the Principality of Cleves?"

Facing her husband's penetrating eyes, Princess Juana stabilized her expression and said in a low voice, "How do you know?"

"So well-prepared, and so painstakingly trying to please my father. I can't think of any other explanation except that something happened in the Principality of Cleves." William Tudor glanced at Miss Elizabeth, who immediately blocked her understandingly The Duke of York, leave the Welsh couple a private space to speak.

"The Holy See is preparing to open the Council of Trent. It is estimated that Spain will soon suppress the German Protestant areas. Maybe France will take the opportunity to intervene." Princess Juana calmly said: "The Schmalkar Alliance is afraid But they will soon send envoys to ask my father and the King of England for help, because Italy refuses to give them loans, so they can only find ways to raise money from the Netherlands to gather the army."

Speaking of this, Princess Juana also added: "Her Majesty the Queen hopes that you will negotiate with the envoys of the Schmalkar Alliance. After all, His Majesty the King does not support Protestantism as much as imagined, so he will not give money to those who cannot benefit. There is too much enthusiasm in the Markar Union."

"But in this way, we will be roasted on the fire." William Tudor knew very well that Henry VIII was still a Catholic in his heart, and he would stand with the Schmalkar League before to carve up the Netherlands , and now...

"What if we can get the support of the Governor of Transylvania?" Princess Juana stared into William Tudor's eyes, and said word by word: "I know you don't want the Schmalkar League to fall, because They are powerful weapons to contain Spain, but Spain is not at peace, so if we can win the support of the Governor of Transylvania, then Ferdinand will choose to remain silent in order to maintain domestic peace."

"How do you know that the governor of Transylvania will support us?" William Tudor had already guessed what Princess Juana was planning, but he asked one more question: "Can you convince the governor of Transylvania or... ...Suleiman?"

"Of course." Princess Juana had been in contact with the Ottoman Empire as early as in Navarra, otherwise a place as big as Navarre would not have been able to last for so long under the situation of being surrounded by enemies: "Because not only we need The Schmalkar League, Suleiman the Magnificent and the Governor of Transylvania are also needed."

"Otherwise, the next step after Charles V suppressed the German region is to abolish the "Naugivaraud Treaty" and the title of Hungarian king of the Governor of Transylvania, and merge the Hungarian land that was once divided into Habu The Burger family."