living in 16th century england

Chapter 18 Henry VIII
Calling someone a fool in front of the king has...very serious consequences.

From the 16th to the 17th centuries, while the knight class was in decline, duels prevailed in the European upper class.

For the so-called various reasons, they would risk their lives at every turn.It is said that in many big cities... such as Paris, two figures of corpses died in duels are carried out every day.

This is the atmosphere of the whole society, those who dare not accept a duel will die on the spot.The army will also give priority to recruiting people with dueling experience.If a soldier dared not fight a duel, he would be deemed a scum, not to mention his reputation would be ruined, and his future would definitely be ruined.

Want to be a general?Learn to single out first.

Duelists are admired like stars.Noble children who are not good at duels are either laughed at or killed.

In this era, there is no military academy and promotion mechanism.Kings and lords often select generals and officers based on dueling ability.This of course fueled the flames.

There are the most examples of duelists becoming generals in France.Modern French men are completely different species from their ancestors.It is said that there is a Guise family up to the duke, and the family tradition is to do whatever they want.The dukes of all dynasties were almost all dueling men, and there were countless nobles and noble children killed by their children, which made people suspect that their family had so-called family martial arts.

Of course Matthew knew the consequences of doing so.Henry VIII himself was a fan of duels.People who are good at duels are more likely to enter his "friend circle".

So, it's been part of his plan from the beginning.And the unreasonableness of the officer before was just the reason for choosing him.

The officer was really furious, and roared: "You despicable villain, I want to fight you."

Matthew immediately said: "My king, please allow me to explain in detail why this person is claimed to be a rich man. You will judge for yourself."

Henry VIII's reaction was exactly as Matthew expected.According to records, this king is both civil and military, and his fighting talent is beyond the charts.He has participated in various competitions many times in history.For things like duels, it is even more enjoyable.

"Matthew Hawkins, you can elaborate...I'm curious about your point of view. However, if you don't satisfy everyone, you must apologize or accept a duel."

Matthew: "Of course... First, this officer was not sure of my identity from beginning to end, so he easily believed a letter from the Sheriff of Plymouth, a bunch of gifts from unknown sources, and There is an unidentified version of me. If I have been a villain, my king, you may have been assassinated."

Makes sense... But Henry VIII was a little unhappy: "Mr. Hawkins, I think, you may have underestimated me."

Matthew: "My king, you should know how King James II of Scotland died..."

The unlucky man had his leg amputated by the blasted artillery fragments, and finally bled to death.Henry VIII was speechless immediately.

Matthew: "That's the second point I said, if these boxes are filled with gunpowder, then the enemy can succeed without a sword. However, after I claimed that this is a gift for you, the rich man gave up examine."

The officer's face has turned purple, Falk!You were the one who told me not to check, right?Are you a dog?He was so angry that he just wanted to strangle the bastard as soon as possible.

Matthew: "Thirdly, I didn't know the king before, but the officer's behavior pointed out your location, the king, and clearly pointed out the target for me. If we are assassins, then he is the de facto accomplice."

Henry VIII is worthy of being a king, he has a lot of ideas.He suddenly asked: "Do you think...someone wants to assassinate me?"

Matthew: "Your importance to England is self-evident."

The young king didn't ask.But the officer couldn't wait any longer. No one could refute Matthew's accusation, so he could only recover the situation through a duel.

And he had noticed that the people who came with this bastard all looked anxious.Obviously, they are not optimistic about this Hawkins.

He proudly said: "Please the king to witness... Although it is dishonorable to fight a duel with a businessman, I can give him a chance, as long as he retracts his stupid words, I can forget the past."

Henry VIII: "Yes... Mr. Hawkins, did you hear my chief guard's request clearly?"

Matthew took out a handkerchief and wiped his nose: "Unfortunately, I can't just sit back and watch this drunkard put you in danger. So, I refuse."

Having said this, Henry couldn't help but feel comfortable all over.This is a loyal businessman who not only sent new weapons and gifts, but also cared about the safety of the king.

This was Matthew's first impression of Henry VIII.No matter how many opinions he has subjectively, this impression has been deeply rooted in his mind.

Many people present thought that what Matthew said made sense.In this era, countless kings and nobles were assassinated by various means.But there is no advanced security thinking.The underlying logic contained in Matthew's words undoubtedly opened a new door for Henry VIII.

He even lost his mind.

When Henry came back to his senses, the chief guard said furiously, "It's now, the place is here, you can choose the weapon as you like."

Matthew: "Although you are a rich man, you are also a rich man in England. I choose..."

He chuckled: "Fist."

Everyone was stunned, using fists?In this day and age, fists are often considered the choice of vulgar people.

In Matthew's view, such things as duels are actually encouraged by religion, and the ultimate goal is to divide the crowd and prevent the sheep from forming groups to resist.The nobles are willing to eliminate each other for big and small things, so naturally they can't get together, which is of course a good thing.

Except for me, the others are small countries with few people, which is the most ideal state.

Until modern times, it is still a very effective means to divide human beings, create conflicts, and deepen estrangement.Even some companies deliberately provoke employees to fight each other to ensure effective control by the top.

According to records, the prototype of the original duel was the so-called judicial duel judged by the court in the Middle Ages.Their logic is full of religious elements: if you are righteous, then God must be on your side.The winner of the duel is, of course, innocent.

This is a blatant judgment of treating people like monkeys.

A lot of records have this, but they won't tell you that the so-called courts are really the Inquisition...without exception.

And then go out of my way to tell you...religion is against dueling.

Of course Matthew would not choose to use a weapon, his fist was just right.He won't die, just beat him with a bruised nose and a swollen face, so that he won't form a death feud.

The guard officer who killed Henry VIII in a duel the first time they met?Is there something wrong with your brain?
The officer objected to the fist, all he could think about now was killing the businessman.Henry VIII couldn't help frowning.A businessman who came to give him gifts was killed by a duel as soon as he arrived?This is definitely not what he wants to see.

Cohen suddenly said loudly: "Can I fight instead of Mr. Matthew Hawkins? Even with fists."

Of course Henry VIII noticed this strong man in tattered armor.The king was always surrounded by many people, and had acquired the habit of indifference to strangers.

But since he opened his mouth, Henry VIII asked, "Who are you?"

Cohen said: "My king, I am Cohen Pearl. Your loyal supporter. My father is a knight canonized by Richard III, but he was recognized by your father and granted the fief. But according to the royal decree, I have no right to inherit. Now Mr Matthew Hawkins' security advisor."

A few sentences contained a lot of information, and Henry couldn't help but stroke, still a little confused: "...Security consultant?"

However, this does not conform to the duel rules. Usually only the great nobles can let their subordinates fight for themselves, and the low-ranking nobles can only fight by themselves, unless the great nobles voluntarily leave.

For example, the French Duke of Guise mentioned earlier, he threw out his gloves, and others could only bite the bullet and continue or beg for mercy.

Of course, the peasants could not challenge the nobles to a duel, which was ignored at all.

The officer chuckled: "The son of a local councilor is already very reluctant."

Everyone echoed and opposed, and Matthew didn't say a word.Cohen couldn't, so he had to back away.

Henry was somewhat interested in him: "Where's your family emblem?"

Cohen didn't even blink his eyelids: "The armor my father left me...for some unexplainable reason, it has been sold. I bought this set after I became Mr. Hawkins' security consultant."

Absolutely all the truth.

Everyone roared with laughter, what is "unable to speak clearly"?Poor can!Looking at the tattered armor, it is probably a street vendor.

Henry didn't laugh, but said instead: "Matthew...you choose to use your fists...but you don't have armor. How about it, chief guard, for the sake of fairness, you take off your armor. This is the honor of noble children."

The officer was arrogant: "That's exactly what I mean."

A few minutes later, when Henry gave an order, the officer immediately gave a fierce right uppercut, trying to smash that annoying face with one punch.It's a pity that Matthew seemed to be a little faster than him, and it was also a right uppercut, but the target was the chin.Matthew dodged while attacking, but the officer did not dodge.Suddenly fell down like a dead dog, unconscious.

Everyone was in an uproar!So fast?

Henry is disappointed, Shet!Is the chief guard a waste material?He was half a head taller than this Hawkins, and he was dealt with with a punch?

In this era, at least the children of the nobles will not be hungry, and they are tall and big.Matthew was malnourished when he was a child, and now he is only a little over 1.7 meters tall.

According to records, the average height of Europeans in this era was no more than 1.6 meters five.This seems to provide a theoretical basis for "nobility is better".

Matthew made the unconscious chief guard lie on his side.Everyone is talking about it, no one cares... no one cares about the losers.

Henry VIII noticed Matthew's behavior, and then looked at the soldiers and people around who were only talking about it, thoughtfully.

Although Henry VIII had a lot of negative things in history, he was recognized as a "Ming Jun".Of course it has its advantages.

"Korn Pearl."

Cohen immediately stepped forward and saluted the knight: "My king, please give me your orders."

Henry VIII: "I am short of a bodyguard now, are you willing to take this position?"

The crowd was in an uproar again.

Henry VIII just ascended the throne last year, many people and many things were left by his father.As expected, some people immediately looked dissatisfied.

The young king couldn't help sneering in his heart.

(End of this chapter)