monarch

The cabinet meeting at Hampton Court Palace was scheduled for two o'clock in the afternoon, but it was not past noon, and the corridors and connected halls of the palace were already full of people.Ever since the cabinet was about to convene an emergency meeting, and the news that His Majesty had returned from his vacation in Epsom last night spread in the palace, the entire court has fallen into a state of restlessness.

It all started in the early morning five days ago. When the night fog gradually cleared from the sea, the fishermen in Hampshire were shocked to find that on the rocky shallows five miles west of Winchester, The two Spanish galleons were like two stranded whales, trapped among the gravel and sand on the shallows, unable to move.

The fishermen paddled their own boats and approached the two giant ships cautiously. For the sailors, it is an unshirkable duty to help their counterparts who are in trouble.But to their surprise and anger, what greeted them was not the grateful and excited handshake of the Spaniards, but a hail of bullets and impolite roars. You can also guess what it means.

The fishermen's boats retreated towards the shore, and an hour later, it was the heavily armed soldiers of the navy and the local guard who came to the door again.The Spaniards treated these new guests with the same unfriendly attitude, but these new guests were not as submissive as those old guests. After half an hour of fierce fighting, the sailors and soldiers on the two Spanish ships finally Reluctantly surrendered to the English.

In the bottom warehouses of these two ships, the English soldiers found the reason for the desperate resistance of these Spaniards: 60 Florin gold coins minted in Venice, packed in oak boxes with iron sheets, neatly arranged code in the bottom bin.

These 60 gold coins were the military pay prepared by Philip II for the Flemish Legion stationed in the Netherlands.Due to the poor financial situation of the Spanish government, the Spanish army and navy have been in arrears of payment to varying degrees. Among them, the elite Flanders Legion has also been in arrears for nearly four months.In order to collect this military salary, Philip II even sold the gold and silver artifacts in the palace to Jewish merchants at a discount.

To the embarrassment of the Spanish government, due to the huge debt default, the credibility of the Spanish government has been completely declared bankrupt.The king's ministers searched all the bankers in Western Europe, but no bank was willing to open a money order service for His Majesty the King of Spain.Therefore, this huge amount of funds cannot be transferred to the Netherlands through safe bank transfers, and can only be transported by the Spanish Navy itself.

It happened to be rainy and rainy, and when the two ships carrying precious gold entered the English Channel, what greeted them was a storm and ensuing thick fog.In the thick fog, the two warships were brought to the rocky shoals off Hampshire by high waves.The Spanish captains tried everything they could to get the two ships out of trouble. In the end, the two ships and their cargo fell into the hands of the British Kingdom, which was hostile to Spain.

When the explosive news reached London, the Spanish ambassador immediately sent an expedited express mail to the country, and then drove to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to submit a stern note, requesting the Kingdom of Britain to release the two ships immediately after they were repaired. .

Although the Netherlands Independence Movement has not sent formal diplomatic representatives to England, a group of Dutch businessmen engaged in trade between Britain and the Netherlands live in London all year round, and these businessmen generally have nothing to do with the Spaniards. good impression.When the news of the Spanish sailing ship being stranded spread, these businessmen also immediately recommended representatives to go to the Supreme Court to file a lawsuit as a "victim of the Spanish bond default", demanding that the two ships and the cargo on them be detained and preserved until Spain. until the government repays the debt owed.

The Supreme Court was put in a difficult situation by this indictment. They dared not get involved in such a diplomatic case, so the indictment was sent to the courthouse on Bailey Street without any change. Went to Hampton Court Palace, where the Lords of the Supreme Court made up their minds to be deaf and dumb until His Majesty could speak.

Another two days passed. During these two days, the atmosphere in the whole city of London further heated up. Various rumors spread among the market. Many meddlesome people claimed that war was in sight. He expressed his position, claiming that the fleet had been mobilized and was about to leave port at any time, and that the Spanish invasion was imminent.

Finally, on the morning of the previous day, news came from the palace that His Majesty had decided to end his vacation early, and a cabinet meeting would be held in the afternoon of the next day. All members of the cabinet and several of the king's close advisors were required to attend.

At one o'clock in the afternoon the next day, the members of the cabinet meeting showed up in the palace one after another.Under the curious eyes of everyone, they walked through the corridor without saying a word.In the noisy corridor just now, no one is talking now. Even if there is a bird sleeping on the shelf of the chandelier hanging from the ceiling, people in the corridor can hear its breathing.

When the big clock in the cabinet meeting room just struck two o'clock in the afternoon, the door of the meeting room was opened twice, and the king entered the room.King Edward VI wore a brown hunting suit and a hat with long white feathers hanging down to his shoulders.The king looked in a bad mood, obviously because the vacation was interrupted. Seeing the king's expression, all the people in the room straightened their backs, appearing to be more cautious than before.

The king sat down on the throne, and he cast an indifferent glance at the minister sitting first on his left, beckoning him to preside over the meeting.

Bishop Stephen Gardner was originally just a handy tool that the king picked up temporarily when he was using the aristocracy, but as of today, he has been sitting in the position of prime minister for more than two years. Can not help but let the critics at home and abroad are surprised.Even for King Edward, it must have been quite a surprise for him to learn of such an arrangement two years ago.

According to the king's original plan, Bishop Gardiner will sit in his coveted prime minister position for a few months, and wait until the nobles the king wants to deal with are all guillotined or confiscated in the name of bishops. Bishop Gardiner can retire honorably with the hatred of the entire noble class.But what the king didn't expect was that in the past few months of his prime minister's career, the tool of Bishop Gardner was too easy to use.For those words that the king is inconvenient to say, Bishop Gardner will take the initiative to speak for His Majesty without the order of His Majesty; for those orders that are inconvenient for His Majesty to sign, Bishop Gardner will also take the initiative to take the infamy on himself, and do not need His Majesty's order. sign.On the contrary, he neither sees nor hears what His Majesty the King does not want him to touch.In cabinet meetings, the bishop always plays the role of moderator, just like a master of ceremonies, he never expresses his views before His Majesty the King expresses his views, and after His Majesty expresses his views, his views are always consistent with His Majesty's be consistent.

For such a useful prime minister, it would be a pity to let him retire, so King Edward logically left the bishop to sit on his coveted position, and deal with those things that the king is too lazy to intervene or is inconvenient to intervene for His Majesty. Trivia and dirty work.And Bishop Gardner, since taking this seat, has served His Majesty the King with enthusiasm, as if he had been 20 years younger since he took this seat. It seems that he has made up his mind and will not leave His Majesty any reason to replace him.

"Your Majesty and all your lords must have received the news about the stranded Spanish transport ship." Bishop Gardner had a flattering smile on his face. "Next, I would like to ask the Foreign Minister to introduce the latest situation first."

Henry Cary, the king's foreign secretary, was the illegitimate son of King Henry VIII and King Edward's aunt Mary Boleyn, so he was both King Edward's cousin and half-brother.After King Edward succeeded to the throne, he bestowed on his elder brother the title of Earl of Warwick. During the cabinet reshuffle a year ago, the king appointed Earl of Warwick as Foreign Secretary.

The Earl of Warwick was in his early thirties, and as the king's illegitimate brother, he could be called handsome. His full forehead and broad chin under his red hair made him look more dead than His Majesty The long-awaited king.He inherited an inheritance prepared for him by King Henry VIII. At the same time, the new King Ron bought several high-quality manor properties at low prices during the frenzy of confiscating the church and rebellious noble properties, and made a fortune. Big fortune.

Anyone at court knew that the Earl of Warwick had inherited from the old king not only his looks, but a penchant for beautiful women and fine horses, and now he had enough to get any woman he wanted And a famous horse, that was enough to satisfy him.The king's appointment of him as Minister of Foreign Affairs is precisely the purpose of this: all major diplomatic matters are at the discretion of His Majesty, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs is just to put on a show, deal with the scene, or organize a perfect reception. Such a job would make an ambitious man disaffected, but would be just the thing for a contented nobleman to pass the time.

"The Spanish ambassador has sent me four notes, each worded more intensely than the last one." Earl of Warwick's voice was a little dissatisfied, obviously complaining about the attitude of the Spanish ambassador, "Obviously he hasn't received his The domestic reply and the current notes are all his own initiative, but my subordinates in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs believe that King Philip’s reaction may be more violent than his ambassador’s reaction.”

The Earl of Warwick doesn't understand diplomacy, but he has one of the best characteristics, that is, he is kind and friendly. He has always respected the opinions of the professionals under him, "The ambassador mentioned in the note that if we don't If he is willing to return the money, then the relationship between the two parties will face an 'inevitable catastrophic end', and it is clear that he is threatening war."

"What do you think?" The king looked at William Cecil, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance on his right, "Will the Spaniards go to war for these 60 florins?"

"I think I have to admit that this money is very important to them, Your Majesty." Cecil didn't look relaxed, "If the Spaniards don't get this money, the Flanders Legion is likely to mutiny , and this would undoubtedly be disastrous for Philip, and I have no doubt that he will do whatever it takes to get the money back."

"So he wants to go to war with us in order to solve the current predicament?" The king was a little skeptical. "It's like committing suicide to treat his terminal illness."

"So, Your Majesty, I don't think they will go to war immediately." Cecil nodded, "At least not until they and the French in Picardy decide the outcome."

The king gave a "hmm" and turned to Sir Walsingham, the Home Secretary and Director of Intelligence, on the other side of the table, "How did you find out about the Dutch businessmen who were sued in the Supreme Court?"

Sir Walsingham took out a pair of glasses from his pocket, "Most of these Dutch businessmen did receive losses from the Spanish debt default, but their actions were not entirely spontaneous. Some of the leading organizers have a close relationship with the Netherlands Noble Alliance. I think their action, like the note issued by the Spanish ambassador, did not consult the Netherlands, but they also Represents the opinion of the Netherlands."

"Those organizers have contacted my people. They don't intend to compete with us for the ownership of the money. As long as the money doesn't fall into the hands of the Spaniards, they don't mind at all if we take the money. Return to the treasury."

"60 florins is a huge sum of money." Cecil said with a smile.

"It's not that much." The king shrugged, "It's just half a year's salary for the 15 Spanish troops in the Netherlands... If the people of the Netherlands want to use 60 florins, let us pay for them." As for the war, the price seems a bit too shabby. Once we fight the Spaniards, 60 florins will not take long, and I estimate that the military expenditure for the entire war will not be less than 300 million."

"Treasury estimates are between 200 million and 400 million, and if the war drags on for more than five years, it could be 600 million to 800 million," Cecil added.

"Then His Majesty intends to return the money to the Spaniards?" The Earl of Warwick looked at his younger brother innocently.

"If I return this money to them, what will the Spaniards give me?" The king rolled his eyes. "Don't tell me it's their friendship."

The Earl of Warwick was a little embarrassed, "The Spanish ambassador did mention this."

"This is not a condition, Henry." The king clenched his hands into fists and tapped on the two lions carved on the armrest of the chair, "King Philip wants this gold and wants to save the Netherlands, so he You have to give me something practical before I can consider his proposal, otherwise it's just a waste of time."

"The Spanish ambassador offered that if we return the money, King Philip would like to have a meeting with you to have a frank talk on resolving the problems existing between our two countries, and he would also like to support your claim to the French throne."

Edward sneered, "Emperor Charles V also promised this to his father, and now he has come to follow suit. To this day, although I still retain the title of King of France, I don't think anyone really thinks that I am Can one day be crowned in Reims Cathedral? My father may be moved by such illusory conditions, but that time has passed. I will not take chestnuts for the Spaniards for a hope that is bleak and impossible to realize , Philip made this condition, isn't it just to draw me into the war with France? I returned the money to him, and fought the French with him at my own expense, and finally he signed a peace treaty with the French, leaving me in this embarrassing place In this situation... If he really wanted to be my friend with sincerity, he wouldn't try to fool me with this clumsy deception."

"What does His Majesty mean?" Cecil asked.

"Why should we be in a hurry? Seize the two ships with their cargo and personnel first, and let the Spaniards and the Dutchmen hurry, and if they want me to do what they say, then ask them to behave more Be sincere, I only want to be friends with the most sincere party."

Edward looked at the Earl of Warwick and Sir Walsingham, "You are in charge of negotiating with the Spaniards and the Netherlands respectively. With regard to Spain, the focus of the negotiations should be on territorial issues, especially the territory of America. If Philip wants me to help him solve the problem of the Netherlands, so he will give me a few colonies as a reward. I don’t think this request is too much. I just want a few sugar-producing islands in the Caribbean Sea, and it’s not Ask him to cede all of Peru and Mexico."

"As for the Netherlands, I don't expect them to cede territory or promise me to be the king of the Netherlands. Those things are too illusory. If they want to cooperate with us, then let's start with the business part .you can talk to them about trade privileges and stuff like removing import duties on england goods and at the same time allowing our bankers to issue netherlands bonds...they want us to fight for them so give us some commercial favors It's not an unreasonable request, I think..."

The king's words were interrupted by the sound of chaotic footsteps outside the door. He stopped in dissatisfaction and turned to look at the door, just in time to see that the door was pushed open by a panting attendant.

"What are you doing?" Bishop Gardner, who was beside the king, asked sharply. "The cabinet meeting is in progress. How dare you barge in like this?"

The attendant's face turned red, he took a few deep breaths, and then said in a trembling language: "I'm sorry, Your Majesty, my lords, but there is a person who wants to see Your Majesty immediately."

"Didn't you see that His Majesty is holding a cabinet meeting? No matter who it is, you have to wait until the meeting is over!"

"I am very sorry, Your Excellency, but..."

"However?" Bishop Gardner's tone became more and more dissatisfied.

"However the identity of this guest is relevant to the subject of this cabinet meeting."

Bishop Gardner wanted to say something, but the king made a gesture, and he immediately shut his mouth obediently like a swallow seeing a falcon fluttering in the air.

"Who is this guest you speak of?" asked the king.

"He called himself William van Orange of Nassau, Prince of Orange."

Everyone in the room was taken aback. These ministers forgot about etiquette, and the sound of astonishment was like a tsunami, sweeping through the entire hall.

The king was also stunned for a moment because of shock, but soon he regained his shock. If someone studies the king's expression carefully at this time, he must not miss the curious and questioning look in his eyes .

King Edward VI stood up and gestured to the attendant at the door.

"Please take His Majesty the Prince to my study," he ordered.

"Please stay here later." The king nodded to everyone in the meeting room, and then hurriedly left.