monarch
Chapter 166 Beggar
When the Governor-General entered the hall where her cabinet meeting was held, her advisers and senior officials were already there waiting for her arrival.The faces of the participants were all southern European features. Except for a few clerks and servants in charge of serving the adults, there was not even a single Dutchman in the room.
When the Viceroy entered the room, they stood up and bowed to the Viceroy, and did not sit down again until the Viceroy sat down on top of them.
The court steward walked into the hall with a melancholy expression. It was obvious that no matter what the dignity of the Dutch nobles outside looked like, this old man who regarded etiquette as his life was surprised.
"Ma'am, the members of the noble petition group are waiting outside."
"Did you see them just now? Please tell me first, who are they here?" The female governor gently tugged at the silk veil in her hand with her fingers.
"All the prominent nobles from the Netherlands came here," the court steward replied, "including the Count of Zandvoort, the Marquis of Ermelo, the Count of Ostend, and the Count of Egmont..."
"They're all Protestants," said a disgusted voice from the other side of the table.
"Mostly Protestants," replied the Steward.
"And the rest are politicians," interjected another. "They say they're Catholic, but they actually believe in themselves."
This remark caused a burst of laughter in the room, but the Viceroy did not laugh, on the contrary, her face looked more and more gloomy.
"You said the Earl of Egmont is also here?" The female governor's surprised voice was mixed with a trace of anxiety, "The father-in-law of the Prince of Orange also came to oppose me? Does William know about this?"
"Perhaps His Royal Highness is unaware of his father-in-law's behavior. He has always been a loyal friend of His Majesty and a loyal servant of the royal family." A consultant said.
"Unfortunately, my lord, the Prince of Orange is well aware of his father-in-law's actions." The steward began to tremble.
"How do you know?" asked the governor.
"Because he's outside right now, standing next to his father-in-law."
The veil in the female governor's hand fell on the table. Under the eyes of everyone, her face turned from red to white, and then from white to blue.Everyone noticed that her breasts were violently undulating under the tight palace dress, and it seemed that the whalebone keel in the corset would be deformed in the next second.
"Okay, okay... What a good friend, a loyal friend!" The female governor was furious, and her voice fell apart, "My father and younger brother gave him so much, but he stood with the traitors at the critical moment." Together!"
Baron de Matisse gently tugged on the sleeve of the female governor, signaling her to calm down with his eyes.
The Viceroy stood up, took a few steps in the hall, and sucked in her lungs. She finally calmed herself down, at least in the eyes of others.
"What should we do now?" The female governor looked at her most trusted advisor, and as the anger gradually subsided, she began to feel scared, "Even the Prince of Orange is on their side, who else in the Netherlands can What about being trusted? This is a soil that breeds rebellion, and it bears some poisonous fruits!" Her voice began to rise again.
"I also got some information." Baron de Matisse said, "His Royal Highness Prince of Orange has indeed had some contact with some famous opposition parties, but we still don't know the specific situation... I Guess we'd better invite our guests in first and hear what they have to say."
"Okay, then invite them in." The female governor said loudly.
The palace steward bowed and walked out of the room, and the head officer quickly began to push open the two doors of the room.
The Viceroy shouted again, "Open one door, gentlemen, there is no need to open two doors! Only two doors are opened when the prince enters and exits. Traitors do not deserve such courtesy."
At this time, the petitioning nobles had already walked along the corridor to the door of the hall, and they could clearly hear what the female governor said.
Surrounded by a Spanish officer and a group of soldiers, a petition group composed of Dutch nobles entered the hall.
The female governor looked at the attire of the nobles in astonishment. They did not wear the dresses they should wear when entering the palace. In fact, what they wore could barely be called clothes.These nobles wore coarse shirts with a piece of rags wrapped around them to make robes, no hats on their heads, no shoes on their feet, and the most striking thing was the begging bags they held in their hands. The costumes made these prominent nobles of the Netherlands look like a group of real beggars.
"What a bunch of wealthy beggars." The female governor sneered.
Her eyes went to the only person who was dressed normally.
"My dear brother." The female governor looked at the black palace attire of the Prince of Orange, and commented sharply, "Although you are dressed as if you are attending a funeral, you still seem to retain a minimum of sanity and still Remember the proper etiquette when entering the palace. It seems that you are different from some people, and you would rather be a prince than a beggar."
The Prince of Orange was stabbed by the female governor, but it was like a fist hitting cotton. The prince still maintained a respectful expression, which disappointed the female governor who wanted to take the opportunity to explode.
"Madame, please forgive my friends for their impoliteness," said the Prince of Orange. "They have come to see you dressed in this manner, and although it is not proper, they only hope to give you a clearer understanding of their situation. .”
"Their situation?" The female governor sat back on her chair again, "I fully understand their situation. These rich beggars only want to get something for nothing. They have wealth, titles and real estate because of His Majesty's tolerance, but when When His Majesty needs them to make some contribution, they squawk louder than a goose about to be plucked! They always talk about how difficult they are, and ask His Majesty for this and that! I think this suit is very suitable If you can get them, this is a group of real beggars!"
"Madam, Madam, please calm down." Noticing the discontent on the faces of the Dutch nobles in the hall, Baron de Matisse hurried to the female governor and reminded him softly.
The female governor pursed her lips contemptuously, "Okay, my dear brother." She deliberately said the word "brother" very strongly, "You and your friends want to see me, okay, I I am here, and I am extremely honored, honored, and honored to have you here."
The female governor said the same word three times in a row, each time with a higher pitch than the last, like a step up, this is one of her habits when she is excited.
"We are flattered," replied the Prince of Orange dryly.
"Then let's omit more polite words and get straight to the point: Is there something important for you to come to see me?"
The Prince of Orange took out a scroll from his bosom, and this document was tied with a thin piece of red silk.
"The nobles of the Netherlands would like to present you a petition, madam." Prince Orange lowered his head, holding the scroll with both hands.
The governor gave Baron de Matisse a wink, and the baron quickly stood up, walked to the Prince of Orange, took the scroll from his hand, walked back to the governor, and put The petition was in her hand.
The female governor pushed the scroll back to Baron de Matisse, "I didn't sleep well last night, and my eyes are still sore, please read it to me." Her eyes swept across the room, "Also Let's all listen to it."
Baron de Matisse undid the red ribbon and unrolled the scroll.
Your Royal Highness Margaret, Duchess of Parma, Governor-General of the Netherlands,
We, as representatives of the nobles of the Netherlands, have been following developments in the Netherlands out of enthusiasm for the public interest and loyalty to the beloved King.In the past period of time, we have witnessed with deep fear the various tragedies and misfortunes that have occurred in this land, and we have witnessed the tranquility and peace of this land being gradually replaced by increasingly sharp conflicts and gradually growing conflicts between all parties. Clear gaps are replaced.The discontent and disorder that is now spreading across the land is destroying the peace, freedom and prosperity of His Majesty's kingdom.Every minute of this disorder undermines the authority of the crown and erodes the foundations beneath the throne.
In order to safeguard His Majesty's reputation and maintain the prosperity and stability of the kingdom, we consider ourselves obliged to convey the voice of the people of the Netherlands to Your Majesty.Therefore, we appeal to Your Majesty and Your Highness to make the following reforms:
First, the imperial decree on tax increases and trade restrictions issued on October [-]th should be revoked. We have always advocated free trade and believed that the development of industry and commerce is the cornerstone of social prosperity and stability.
Second, all thirteen trade regulations, tax regulations and acts promulgated since 1552, without the consent of the Netherlands, should all be repealed.
Thirdly, immediately convene a three-level meeting composed of all walks of life to discuss the composition and election of the Netherlands Parliament, and convene the Netherlands Parliament within six months. In the future, all matters related to taxation and legislation must be decided by It can only be passed after deliberation by the Tehran Parliament.
Fourthly, the government of His Majesty the King shall protect the freedom of property and religion of the people of the Netherlands, and the Inquisition shall be annulled in the Netherlands immediately, and all decisions made by the Inquisition before that shall be annulled, and the Jesuits shall not for any event in the Netherlands.
Fifth, except for the five provinces of Artois, Cambrai, Hainault, Namur and Luxembourg, which are adjacent to France, Spanish troops are not allowed to station in other areas of the Netherlands without the consent of the Netherlands Parliament. The clauses in the "Garrison Law" that require the Netherlands to provide accommodation, food, grass, and clothing for the local Spanish garrisons should be abolished immediately. In the future, the proportion of Spain's garrison expenses in the five southern provinces will be determined through consultation between the Netherlands Parliament and the Spanish government. The Netherlands' share shall under no circumstances exceed 50.00%.
Sixth, the monopoly system relating to the necessities of life (including but not limited to salt, soap, leather, coal and wine) should be abolished.
Seventh, the election of officials in the Netherlands should be limited to Dutch people, and foreigners are not allowed to hold public office in the Netherlands without the approval of the Netherlands Parliament.Foreign officials and civil servants currently serving in the Dutch government shall be replaced within 24 months.Pensions and compensation for dismissed public servants will be fully borne by the Dutch government and parliament.
All nobles of the Netherlands, I beg Your Majesty the King and His Majesty the Viceroy to take into account the opinions of their loyal servants, otherwise we shall not be able to continue to support Your Majesty's cause, nor to make any contribution to the finances of Spain.Until Your Majesty agrees, we will propose not to import, export, or consume any Spanish products, to stop all trade with Spain, and to establish a permanent committee to oversee this campaign.
Sincerely, your faithful servants.
Below is a long list of densely packed signatures. Except for a few extreme loyalists, almost every famous nobleman in the Netherlands has left his name below.
Those in the room noticed that every time Baron de Matisse read a line, the Viceroy's face darkened.Baron de Matisse's hand holding the document trembled violently, and the thin piece of paper almost fell from between his fingers.
When Baron de Matisse finally finished reading these fatal conditions, the female governor even turned her forehead into a liver color, she clenched her teeth, and it took a long time to let the trembling words escape from her throat come out.
"This is really sensational!" The female governor slammed the table, and she looked at the nobles of the Netherlands with contempt and anger intertwined in her eyes, "I can't imagine how there are people who make such a treacherous request." Face claims to be His Majesty's loyal servant! Even Judas' defense before Christ is more credible than this ridiculous sophistry!"
"I beg Your Highness to show mercy and deliver this petition to His Majesty the King." Prince Orange sighed.
"Send this thing to His Majesty?" The female governor was trembling with anger, "Show Your Majesty such a rebellious statement? You are so brave! As His Majesty's sister, I want to ask His Majesty Repeat such words!"
"Our blunt advice is precisely to save His Majesty from a greater disaster."
"This is not an admonition, this is a naked threat! You are just dissatisfied with this tax increase, and now you are so insatiable, it really surprises me! The Spanish garrison in the Netherlands is to protect your safety. , to protect you from French aggression, but you are not even willing to contribute military expenses."
"Forgive me, ma'am." Facing the attitude of the female governor, no matter how good-tempered a person is, he will be a little angry, and the Prince of Orange is no exception, "We have no grievances or enmities with the French. , we have no interest in competing with them for supremacy. The war with the French is His Majesty's war. He wants hegemony in Italy and Germany, hegemony in all of Europe, so he wants to fight the French, and we have never Complainingly supporting his military actions. The Netherlands owes nothing to Spain, madam, on the contrary, it is Spain who have been sucking blood from the Netherlands!"
"What do you mean?" The face of the female governor has been completely distorted, "Aren't you and your friends unwilling to undertake obligations to His Majesty? Don't forget that most of the people in this room have property From trade, trade with the British! Trade with our enemies! You accuse His Majesty of restricting trade, but he doesn't forbid you to do business with the British, does he?"
The more she spoke, the more excited she became, "Do you regard the British as your friends? Then please look at the example of England. How did King Edward deal with his opponents? Compared with him, Your Majesty is really You are a benevolent master, but you are still not satisfied, forgive me, sir, this is called insatiable greed!"
"What if His Majesty doesn't approve? What if His Majesty doesn't agree to your unreasonable request? What are you going to do? Do you really dare to raise the flag to rebel? What the British nobles have tried, do you want to try now? Beware, sir, that the guillotine is as deadly as the gallows in any country!"
"I regret that Your Highness thinks this way." The Prince of Orange said, "The unfortunate incident that happened today is not because of His Majesty's imposition of stamp duty or other taxes, but because of Madrid's attitude towards the Netherlands. The Netherlands contributes the most funds to His Majesty every year, but there is no way to make its own voice heard, and this unfair situation must not continue."
"If His Majesty refuses, you will seek independence, right?"
"All I can say is that if Your Majesty is not willing to accept our opinion, then it will only benefit some people's plans for independence. I therefore pray that Your Majesty and Your Highness will be able to make the right judgment that it will be the Netherlands and Spain Blessings to the people of both countries."
"Enough, enough!" cried the Viceroy, "I will not hear these outrageous words any longer. Since you want me to present this petition to Your Majesty, I will do so, even if it is an obligation Let me feel disgusted from the bottom of my heart! But I want to tell you that all this is in vain, His Majesty will never approve these excessive conditions, you can only bring His Majesty's anger, that's all."
"Thank you very much, ma'am." The Prince of Orange bowed deeply to the female governor, "This is all we want from you."
"Great, now that you've got what you want, get out of my palace! If you want to see me next time, please dress like a nobleman. I welcome cultivated noblemen here , beggars should go to the workhouse, I will not accept them here!"
The anxious Baron de Matisse had been winking at the governor, watching the nobles bow and walk backwards towards the door. He finally grabbed the governor's cuff regardless of etiquette.
"Madam, Madam, please calm down." The baron begged softly with the stern eyes of the female governor, "They represent all the nobles of the Netherlands, it is very dangerous to end the conversation in such an insulting way... Please put Stay tough and determined for another time, don't let them go away like this, it will make the situation completely out of control."
He moved closer to the female governor's ear and lowered his voice, "At least you should keep the Prince of Orange, talk to him...see what he really wants. He is a useful ally ally, which means that if he becomes our enemy, he will also be a terrible enemy."
The Viceroy bit her lip tightly.Her arms hung limply at her sides.
When the nobles were about to leave the hall and Baron de Matisse had become desperate, the female governor finally spoke reluctantly, "William, if you have nothing else to do, please stay here for a while. "
The Prince of Orange stopped in his tracks, "I have fully followed His Highness's arrangement." He turned around and cast a consoling look at the rest of the nobles.
"We'll be waiting for you outside!" a nobleman shouted, and his words elicited echoes, as if to demonstrate to the female governor, reminding her of the consequences she would face if she took the opportunity to harm the Prince of Orange.
"Everyone, please go out first." Baron de Matisse said to the other Spanish officials in the room, "Let me have a private talk with Her Majesty the Viceroy and Her Majesty the Prince."
The muscles on the Viceroy's face twitched nervously, but she did not object to the baron's order. She just sat in her chair, stroking the lace skirt of his skirt with her fingers proudly, and waited in the room. The crowd dispersed.
When the Viceroy entered the room, they stood up and bowed to the Viceroy, and did not sit down again until the Viceroy sat down on top of them.
The court steward walked into the hall with a melancholy expression. It was obvious that no matter what the dignity of the Dutch nobles outside looked like, this old man who regarded etiquette as his life was surprised.
"Ma'am, the members of the noble petition group are waiting outside."
"Did you see them just now? Please tell me first, who are they here?" The female governor gently tugged at the silk veil in her hand with her fingers.
"All the prominent nobles from the Netherlands came here," the court steward replied, "including the Count of Zandvoort, the Marquis of Ermelo, the Count of Ostend, and the Count of Egmont..."
"They're all Protestants," said a disgusted voice from the other side of the table.
"Mostly Protestants," replied the Steward.
"And the rest are politicians," interjected another. "They say they're Catholic, but they actually believe in themselves."
This remark caused a burst of laughter in the room, but the Viceroy did not laugh, on the contrary, her face looked more and more gloomy.
"You said the Earl of Egmont is also here?" The female governor's surprised voice was mixed with a trace of anxiety, "The father-in-law of the Prince of Orange also came to oppose me? Does William know about this?"
"Perhaps His Royal Highness is unaware of his father-in-law's behavior. He has always been a loyal friend of His Majesty and a loyal servant of the royal family." A consultant said.
"Unfortunately, my lord, the Prince of Orange is well aware of his father-in-law's actions." The steward began to tremble.
"How do you know?" asked the governor.
"Because he's outside right now, standing next to his father-in-law."
The veil in the female governor's hand fell on the table. Under the eyes of everyone, her face turned from red to white, and then from white to blue.Everyone noticed that her breasts were violently undulating under the tight palace dress, and it seemed that the whalebone keel in the corset would be deformed in the next second.
"Okay, okay... What a good friend, a loyal friend!" The female governor was furious, and her voice fell apart, "My father and younger brother gave him so much, but he stood with the traitors at the critical moment." Together!"
Baron de Matisse gently tugged on the sleeve of the female governor, signaling her to calm down with his eyes.
The Viceroy stood up, took a few steps in the hall, and sucked in her lungs. She finally calmed herself down, at least in the eyes of others.
"What should we do now?" The female governor looked at her most trusted advisor, and as the anger gradually subsided, she began to feel scared, "Even the Prince of Orange is on their side, who else in the Netherlands can What about being trusted? This is a soil that breeds rebellion, and it bears some poisonous fruits!" Her voice began to rise again.
"I also got some information." Baron de Matisse said, "His Royal Highness Prince of Orange has indeed had some contact with some famous opposition parties, but we still don't know the specific situation... I Guess we'd better invite our guests in first and hear what they have to say."
"Okay, then invite them in." The female governor said loudly.
The palace steward bowed and walked out of the room, and the head officer quickly began to push open the two doors of the room.
The Viceroy shouted again, "Open one door, gentlemen, there is no need to open two doors! Only two doors are opened when the prince enters and exits. Traitors do not deserve such courtesy."
At this time, the petitioning nobles had already walked along the corridor to the door of the hall, and they could clearly hear what the female governor said.
Surrounded by a Spanish officer and a group of soldiers, a petition group composed of Dutch nobles entered the hall.
The female governor looked at the attire of the nobles in astonishment. They did not wear the dresses they should wear when entering the palace. In fact, what they wore could barely be called clothes.These nobles wore coarse shirts with a piece of rags wrapped around them to make robes, no hats on their heads, no shoes on their feet, and the most striking thing was the begging bags they held in their hands. The costumes made these prominent nobles of the Netherlands look like a group of real beggars.
"What a bunch of wealthy beggars." The female governor sneered.
Her eyes went to the only person who was dressed normally.
"My dear brother." The female governor looked at the black palace attire of the Prince of Orange, and commented sharply, "Although you are dressed as if you are attending a funeral, you still seem to retain a minimum of sanity and still Remember the proper etiquette when entering the palace. It seems that you are different from some people, and you would rather be a prince than a beggar."
The Prince of Orange was stabbed by the female governor, but it was like a fist hitting cotton. The prince still maintained a respectful expression, which disappointed the female governor who wanted to take the opportunity to explode.
"Madame, please forgive my friends for their impoliteness," said the Prince of Orange. "They have come to see you dressed in this manner, and although it is not proper, they only hope to give you a clearer understanding of their situation. .”
"Their situation?" The female governor sat back on her chair again, "I fully understand their situation. These rich beggars only want to get something for nothing. They have wealth, titles and real estate because of His Majesty's tolerance, but when When His Majesty needs them to make some contribution, they squawk louder than a goose about to be plucked! They always talk about how difficult they are, and ask His Majesty for this and that! I think this suit is very suitable If you can get them, this is a group of real beggars!"
"Madam, Madam, please calm down." Noticing the discontent on the faces of the Dutch nobles in the hall, Baron de Matisse hurried to the female governor and reminded him softly.
The female governor pursed her lips contemptuously, "Okay, my dear brother." She deliberately said the word "brother" very strongly, "You and your friends want to see me, okay, I I am here, and I am extremely honored, honored, and honored to have you here."
The female governor said the same word three times in a row, each time with a higher pitch than the last, like a step up, this is one of her habits when she is excited.
"We are flattered," replied the Prince of Orange dryly.
"Then let's omit more polite words and get straight to the point: Is there something important for you to come to see me?"
The Prince of Orange took out a scroll from his bosom, and this document was tied with a thin piece of red silk.
"The nobles of the Netherlands would like to present you a petition, madam." Prince Orange lowered his head, holding the scroll with both hands.
The governor gave Baron de Matisse a wink, and the baron quickly stood up, walked to the Prince of Orange, took the scroll from his hand, walked back to the governor, and put The petition was in her hand.
The female governor pushed the scroll back to Baron de Matisse, "I didn't sleep well last night, and my eyes are still sore, please read it to me." Her eyes swept across the room, "Also Let's all listen to it."
Baron de Matisse undid the red ribbon and unrolled the scroll.
Your Royal Highness Margaret, Duchess of Parma, Governor-General of the Netherlands,
We, as representatives of the nobles of the Netherlands, have been following developments in the Netherlands out of enthusiasm for the public interest and loyalty to the beloved King.In the past period of time, we have witnessed with deep fear the various tragedies and misfortunes that have occurred in this land, and we have witnessed the tranquility and peace of this land being gradually replaced by increasingly sharp conflicts and gradually growing conflicts between all parties. Clear gaps are replaced.The discontent and disorder that is now spreading across the land is destroying the peace, freedom and prosperity of His Majesty's kingdom.Every minute of this disorder undermines the authority of the crown and erodes the foundations beneath the throne.
In order to safeguard His Majesty's reputation and maintain the prosperity and stability of the kingdom, we consider ourselves obliged to convey the voice of the people of the Netherlands to Your Majesty.Therefore, we appeal to Your Majesty and Your Highness to make the following reforms:
First, the imperial decree on tax increases and trade restrictions issued on October [-]th should be revoked. We have always advocated free trade and believed that the development of industry and commerce is the cornerstone of social prosperity and stability.
Second, all thirteen trade regulations, tax regulations and acts promulgated since 1552, without the consent of the Netherlands, should all be repealed.
Thirdly, immediately convene a three-level meeting composed of all walks of life to discuss the composition and election of the Netherlands Parliament, and convene the Netherlands Parliament within six months. In the future, all matters related to taxation and legislation must be decided by It can only be passed after deliberation by the Tehran Parliament.
Fourthly, the government of His Majesty the King shall protect the freedom of property and religion of the people of the Netherlands, and the Inquisition shall be annulled in the Netherlands immediately, and all decisions made by the Inquisition before that shall be annulled, and the Jesuits shall not for any event in the Netherlands.
Fifth, except for the five provinces of Artois, Cambrai, Hainault, Namur and Luxembourg, which are adjacent to France, Spanish troops are not allowed to station in other areas of the Netherlands without the consent of the Netherlands Parliament. The clauses in the "Garrison Law" that require the Netherlands to provide accommodation, food, grass, and clothing for the local Spanish garrisons should be abolished immediately. In the future, the proportion of Spain's garrison expenses in the five southern provinces will be determined through consultation between the Netherlands Parliament and the Spanish government. The Netherlands' share shall under no circumstances exceed 50.00%.
Sixth, the monopoly system relating to the necessities of life (including but not limited to salt, soap, leather, coal and wine) should be abolished.
Seventh, the election of officials in the Netherlands should be limited to Dutch people, and foreigners are not allowed to hold public office in the Netherlands without the approval of the Netherlands Parliament.Foreign officials and civil servants currently serving in the Dutch government shall be replaced within 24 months.Pensions and compensation for dismissed public servants will be fully borne by the Dutch government and parliament.
All nobles of the Netherlands, I beg Your Majesty the King and His Majesty the Viceroy to take into account the opinions of their loyal servants, otherwise we shall not be able to continue to support Your Majesty's cause, nor to make any contribution to the finances of Spain.Until Your Majesty agrees, we will propose not to import, export, or consume any Spanish products, to stop all trade with Spain, and to establish a permanent committee to oversee this campaign.
Sincerely, your faithful servants.
Below is a long list of densely packed signatures. Except for a few extreme loyalists, almost every famous nobleman in the Netherlands has left his name below.
Those in the room noticed that every time Baron de Matisse read a line, the Viceroy's face darkened.Baron de Matisse's hand holding the document trembled violently, and the thin piece of paper almost fell from between his fingers.
When Baron de Matisse finally finished reading these fatal conditions, the female governor even turned her forehead into a liver color, she clenched her teeth, and it took a long time to let the trembling words escape from her throat come out.
"This is really sensational!" The female governor slammed the table, and she looked at the nobles of the Netherlands with contempt and anger intertwined in her eyes, "I can't imagine how there are people who make such a treacherous request." Face claims to be His Majesty's loyal servant! Even Judas' defense before Christ is more credible than this ridiculous sophistry!"
"I beg Your Highness to show mercy and deliver this petition to His Majesty the King." Prince Orange sighed.
"Send this thing to His Majesty?" The female governor was trembling with anger, "Show Your Majesty such a rebellious statement? You are so brave! As His Majesty's sister, I want to ask His Majesty Repeat such words!"
"Our blunt advice is precisely to save His Majesty from a greater disaster."
"This is not an admonition, this is a naked threat! You are just dissatisfied with this tax increase, and now you are so insatiable, it really surprises me! The Spanish garrison in the Netherlands is to protect your safety. , to protect you from French aggression, but you are not even willing to contribute military expenses."
"Forgive me, ma'am." Facing the attitude of the female governor, no matter how good-tempered a person is, he will be a little angry, and the Prince of Orange is no exception, "We have no grievances or enmities with the French. , we have no interest in competing with them for supremacy. The war with the French is His Majesty's war. He wants hegemony in Italy and Germany, hegemony in all of Europe, so he wants to fight the French, and we have never Complainingly supporting his military actions. The Netherlands owes nothing to Spain, madam, on the contrary, it is Spain who have been sucking blood from the Netherlands!"
"What do you mean?" The face of the female governor has been completely distorted, "Aren't you and your friends unwilling to undertake obligations to His Majesty? Don't forget that most of the people in this room have property From trade, trade with the British! Trade with our enemies! You accuse His Majesty of restricting trade, but he doesn't forbid you to do business with the British, does he?"
The more she spoke, the more excited she became, "Do you regard the British as your friends? Then please look at the example of England. How did King Edward deal with his opponents? Compared with him, Your Majesty is really You are a benevolent master, but you are still not satisfied, forgive me, sir, this is called insatiable greed!"
"What if His Majesty doesn't approve? What if His Majesty doesn't agree to your unreasonable request? What are you going to do? Do you really dare to raise the flag to rebel? What the British nobles have tried, do you want to try now? Beware, sir, that the guillotine is as deadly as the gallows in any country!"
"I regret that Your Highness thinks this way." The Prince of Orange said, "The unfortunate incident that happened today is not because of His Majesty's imposition of stamp duty or other taxes, but because of Madrid's attitude towards the Netherlands. The Netherlands contributes the most funds to His Majesty every year, but there is no way to make its own voice heard, and this unfair situation must not continue."
"If His Majesty refuses, you will seek independence, right?"
"All I can say is that if Your Majesty is not willing to accept our opinion, then it will only benefit some people's plans for independence. I therefore pray that Your Majesty and Your Highness will be able to make the right judgment that it will be the Netherlands and Spain Blessings to the people of both countries."
"Enough, enough!" cried the Viceroy, "I will not hear these outrageous words any longer. Since you want me to present this petition to Your Majesty, I will do so, even if it is an obligation Let me feel disgusted from the bottom of my heart! But I want to tell you that all this is in vain, His Majesty will never approve these excessive conditions, you can only bring His Majesty's anger, that's all."
"Thank you very much, ma'am." The Prince of Orange bowed deeply to the female governor, "This is all we want from you."
"Great, now that you've got what you want, get out of my palace! If you want to see me next time, please dress like a nobleman. I welcome cultivated noblemen here , beggars should go to the workhouse, I will not accept them here!"
The anxious Baron de Matisse had been winking at the governor, watching the nobles bow and walk backwards towards the door. He finally grabbed the governor's cuff regardless of etiquette.
"Madam, Madam, please calm down." The baron begged softly with the stern eyes of the female governor, "They represent all the nobles of the Netherlands, it is very dangerous to end the conversation in such an insulting way... Please put Stay tough and determined for another time, don't let them go away like this, it will make the situation completely out of control."
He moved closer to the female governor's ear and lowered his voice, "At least you should keep the Prince of Orange, talk to him...see what he really wants. He is a useful ally ally, which means that if he becomes our enemy, he will also be a terrible enemy."
The Viceroy bit her lip tightly.Her arms hung limply at her sides.
When the nobles were about to leave the hall and Baron de Matisse had become desperate, the female governor finally spoke reluctantly, "William, if you have nothing else to do, please stay here for a while. "
The Prince of Orange stopped in his tracks, "I have fully followed His Highness's arrangement." He turned around and cast a consoling look at the rest of the nobles.
"We'll be waiting for you outside!" a nobleman shouted, and his words elicited echoes, as if to demonstrate to the female governor, reminding her of the consequences she would face if she took the opportunity to harm the Prince of Orange.
"Everyone, please go out first." Baron de Matisse said to the other Spanish officials in the room, "Let me have a private talk with Her Majesty the Viceroy and Her Majesty the Prince."
The muscles on the Viceroy's face twitched nervously, but she did not object to the baron's order. She just sat in her chair, stroking the lace skirt of his skirt with her fingers proudly, and waited in the room. The crowd dispersed.
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