I Am Louis XIV

  Chapter 468 Catalan Ambition

It is no longer surprising to pretend to be an enemy and break into the enemy's military camp. As early as 1556, a general named Frenzberg was in the fifteen regulations for mercenary leaders. It explained in detail how to disguise one's own soldiers as the enemy's soldiers, infiltrate the opponent's camp, and spread rumors similar to "the leader is dead" to shake the enemy's military.

It is not difficult to disguise a group of Catalans as a Spanish army - after all, there are not many troops that can match the French standing army in discipline and style at this time - these are from the private army of the Catalan nobles. The soldiers are also tall, brave and full of air. As long as they wear neat clothes, cloaks, and muskets and spears, they look no worse than the Spanish soldiers in Roussillon.

  The real problem is how to convince the Governor of Roussillon that the reinforcements are indeed coming from Pepilion.

People in later generations often have an illusion, that is, people living in an era without telephones, railways and telegraphs, the exchange of information is very lag, and people from one place to another place often have to run on the road for a few days. Days, or drifting in rivers and coastal waters for a long time, if someone wants to hide their identity - whether it is because of a crime, or a humble commoner who wants to jump up the ranks, as long as there is enough good luck, they can rely on lies. And disguise yourself with a velvet hat (the lords at that time all had a velvet hat, and the accessories inlaid on the hat were used to determine the rank)

   In fact, this kind of thing is almost impossible to happen, as hundreds of years later, one class is still distinct from another class. Even if the information is not circulating enough, whether a stranger is really blue blood can be seen at a glance as long as the owner condescends to talk to him for a few words.

  After all, the first task for the children of nobles is to memorize genealogy. They may not even be able to write their own names, but when it comes to the intricate relationship between blood relatives, in-laws, and direct descendants, they are very knowledgeable.

   These are the key issues that directly affect inheritance rights.

   There are also subtle places such as clothes, horses, attendants, flags, and coats of arms, and they are also full of traps that commoners may not be able to crack for a lifetime. As long as there is a slight error, a terrible disaster will befall the counterfeiters.

The reason why the Duke of Orleans made such a decision was because in the original Battle of Dunkirk, the Duke of Don Juan had been "sojourning" in Dunkirk and Paris for a long time, and only a few months after the end of the war. Being greeted back to Madrid by the Spaniards - of course, he was treated exactly as he was, the Louvre had his room, servants, close female "friends" and he could even receive Spanish envoys in his own room. ministers and friends.

   Certain public and private matters were also sent to him so that they could be dealt with in a timely manner.

At that time, Louis XIV was still in the world, and the people of Paris were uncertain, but although the Duke of Orleans at that time could not sleep at night because of various - mainly the Queen Mother and the Bishop of Mazarin's intention to choose him as the regent, he and D'Artagnan could not sleep at night. The count's subordinates still followed unknown rules and regulations, and copied and registered the correspondence, documents, and personnel of the Duke of Don Juan in great detail. Of course, Duke Don Juan also knew that he must be under the surveillance of the French, and would not reveal any real secrets - but his signature, personal coat of arms and oral fetishes, etc., he really did not care.

At this time, these secret materials came into play. When the Duke of Orleans took out the bronze seal of the coat of arms of the Duke of Don Juan from his luggage, everyone present was startled, and then he wrote himself a letter of appointment and a copy of Personal letter from the "Duke Don Juan" to the Governor of Roussillon. To be honest, although Father Clarisse has not seen Duke Don Juan with his own eyes, but he has seen many Castilian dignitaries, but just reading these letters, he will believe that this person in front of him is a man deeply loved by Don Juan. The Duke's trusted general.

In his letter to the Governor, the Duke of Orleans boldly stated as the Duke of Don Juan that he had already known the name of the Governor of Roussillon, and appreciated his character and achievements, so that he could make his confidant in Tolle Many adults came to solve Roussillon's worries before making a decision - the implication was that an olive branch was thrown to the governor, and it was to see if he was willing to accept it.

Of course, the Duke of Orleans, the governor, also knew about it. He used to be a subordinate of Patinho. It is a pity that he was not as reused by the Admiralty as others. During the short time when Carlos II was "in good health" , He took refuge in the king through the pillow wind of "Ming Shu". Unexpectedly, the king who seemed to have recovered quickly went crazy. He had to bend the knee to the queen mother, but because Patinho was more inclined to The Duke of Charles of France, who was on the side of the Queen Mother, was so afraid of this man who had been Patinho's subordinate, and even sent him to Roussillon.

The Governor of Roussillon was angry and anxious, but when he looked around Madrid and Toledo, there were very few people who could serve him. The Bishop of Toledo had almost no contact with him before. Xiyong had contacted Duke Don Juan's attendant before, but for some reason, Duke Don Juan did not respond to him.

   Therefore, if not only reinforcements came, but also the messengers used by Duke Don Juan to show affection and win over, the Governor-General would definitely welcome them to the fortress impatiently.

  ———

The Catalan traitor thought he had made a loud cry, when in fact the guards outside the door heard only a muffled grunt, and he slid slowly from the window with his head tilted sideways, without attracting anyone's attention—he He fell to the ground, twitching, and maybe he didn't notice something happened to him until night, hours later.

   But even if he is found, he will only be regarded as sick without any wounds.

   A traitor who betrayed his own people will certainly be hated by his former companions, but in the same way, he will not receive any respect and attention from the enemy.

   In fact, by the time he was discovered, the dust had settled.

Even the Duke of Orleans was a little surprised. The whole process went even better than they expected. When the Governor wanted to have a private conversation with the messenger, the Duke easily killed him, and the Governor's subordinates and officials were also there. In the fort they were either killed or controlled, the gates were opened, the Catalan rebels rushed into the city, and after a night of slaughter, the rebellion finally ended in a Catalan victory end.

  What is worthy of the Duke's joy is that whether it is Tamarit, Father Claris, or other Catalans, they finally put away their overly contemptuous attitude.

  Although the Duke of Orleans has been on the battlefield and made military exploits, if it wasn't for his special status, he wouldn't care much, so the first Marshal of France should be Philip Bourbon. It's just that the impression he left on the world is still: as beautiful as a lady, as clean as his elder brother, never tired of eating finesse, willing to appreciate all beautiful things, from music to drama to famous brides - in Catalonia When Ronia was still part of Spain, Catalans, from parliamentarians to priests to commoners, had heard of the duke's affair.

   It's just that the French merchants speak with relish, and the Spanish speak with contempt.

When they agreed on the candidate of the Duke of Orleans, it was also because he was cowardly enough - no one would believe how brave a man who always competes with the ladies. This surname adds luster, or is used to fight against Da Kong Daicai's order to promote it.

Now, although he has yet to show his talent on the battlefield, no one can deny his strength and bravery. In that room, besides the Governor, there are two of his attendants, but who are they? Nor did he survive, leaving the Duke of Orleans with only two wounds—one on his arm and one on his shoulder.

When Roussillon finally returned to the hands of the Catalans, the duke's room was also transferred from a remote village to the highest and most honorable place in the city, although it could not be said to be the most comfortable - impossible in the castle. There were comfortable rooms, which once belonged to the Governor of Roussillon, and it was evident that his attendants did their best, and the duke even saw glassware from Lorraine, ceramics from Limoges, brocades from Paris, and rosewater from Versailles.

   But this room means power.

Although it can't be said that the Catalans have bowed their heads and obeyed, at least they have now shown due respect instead of superficial hypocrisy, and the people who appeared in front of the duke have also been fixed there. Several people, their councils also enshrined the duke.

   "That's the problem," said the Duke of Orleans in his room: "Although their original attitude displeased me and seemed very stupid, their eyes and expressions now make me horrified for no reason."

   "What are you worried about?" Catboy said. "It's just a matter of respect before and after."

Van Gogh's parent, Prince Theoderic, once sent his avatar, a blue-gray cat, to the king when Louis XIV had to enter the inner world. Later, at the request of Louis XIV, he returned Having escorted the king's children for some time, this time Louis XIV was so worried about the Duke of Oriens' trip to Roussillon that he had to come to the Duke again.

The ups and downs do not only refer to the world. When the Sun King's brilliance inevitably shoots into the darkness, Prince Theoderic or Prince Amon can no longer be as reckless as before. Prince Theoderic's The mood is extremely complicated - he feels that he should not be too involved in the affairs of the world, but when the territory of France is repeatedly expanded, he must make long-term considerations for the Vantra family.

   "I don't think so," said the Duke of Orleans. "By the way, I also want to thank you. I guess there may be people in this castle who recognize me."

The cat sighed, these Catalans... the traitors among them were actually members of the Council of Hundreds. When the Duke of Orleans came to Roussillon, he insisted on seeing the Duke. I don't know if he was ready at that time He was ready to betray the duke, and fortunately the duke was also prepared—he was able to leave France with only a few attendants, and even sneaked into Roussillon alone. The brother of the Duke of Orleans nodded in agreement because he had Prince Theoderic by his side. .

  Vandra's parents may not be able to fight an army, but it's okay to take the Duke alone when necessary.

   "How is that person?" Catboy asked.

"I was hanged with those Spaniards." Out of mercy, and because the Catalans had little time to consolidate their gains, the duke said: "But others... just wanted to take me with you. Those who left seem to be still in the Hundred People's Council."

   "It's okay if they say they're protecting you after all."

   The Duke was about to say something when there was a light knock on the door.

  Catboy quickly jumped back into the shadows and hid his figure. The Duke said, "Come in."

   It was Gemma who came in. After the victory, someone also mentioned that the duke should be replaced by a maid or servant, but the duke could accept more servants, but he was unwilling to let them drive out Gemma.

   Gemma was still the same, respectful but numb.

   When she was gone, Catboy came out of the shadows: "Can't those people guess your intentions?"

   "Because they guessed it, they won't let anyone touch me," said the Duke. What the Catalans were thinking, the Lorraines, the Alsatians, and the Dutch, but except for those with blood relatives who were hanged and beheaded, after the ten-year period agreed upon by Louis XIV, Many young people in these areas think that there is no harm in being a Frenchman. In addition to France's growing power and wealth, Bourbon is really the monarch that the people dream of.

   Wisdom, compassion, impeccable beauty.

  Even if they are not kings or dukes, their charm and talent alone are enough to gain countless followers and followers.

   The decisiveness, wisdom and bravery of the Duke of Orleans, they have all seen it now, it is too easy for such a person to conquer a young man, whether he or she,

   The people they can trust to send to the Duke are all confidants, but they themselves are not sure whether they will be convinced or intimidated by him, let alone those young people.

   Only Father Clarice can guarantee that Gemma will never be shaken.

   "A sinner who came out of One Peso Alley, she should know what she is worth." The priest said indifferently.

   People who knew Yi Peiso Lane had already laughed ambiguously.

   "She's not even worth a peso right now."

  One Peso Lane refers to the alleys where low-level wandering girls live and entertain customers, which is where Gemma and her mother stayed. But Gemma hurt her throat, and she wouldn't be able to make much money by continuing in that humiliating business. Not to mention that people with empty pockets are not picky, just because they are short of money, they will be careful when spending money.

Anyone who has heard the song that travel girls often sing to make fun of themselves and their guests will know - "If you want to lean against the wall, it's only a peso..." It means that you don't have to go into the room, and it's cheap to simply get it done. Much - there are really many guests who choose a peso.

She is no longer the innocent girl, she can see her future at a glance, like a piece of bread that has fallen into the mud, getting worse and worse, and in the end no one can recognize that that thing once had a name, yes personal.

   She felt desperate, her ignorant younger siblings were still asking for food, they were called Leng, she thought about it, then pulled out her belt and strangled them to death.

   Of course, if only she knew a few days earlier that someone was looking for them…

   At that time, some people thought that Gemma should be executed, but Father Clarice believed that she should atone for her sins on earth before going to hell, so Gemma was left behind.

People tend to have the illusion that beautiful people are more likely to be trusted, yes in general it is, but more often people like Gemma are more likely to be accepted - she can easily mix in Any place where inferior people gather, in a place where the sight of those nobles will not reach, there are many clues to capture. Not only can she help in the kitchen, but she can also work in the stables, and she doesn't mind going to places where the servants don't want to go, such as the prayer room, which is the toilet of the castle.

Rough laborers like this are found in every castle or mansion. They are more inconspicuous than mice. If Gemma can't go to some places, she will use the most primitive capital to buy those who can go. She is destroyed. Lost the throat, but it can also make people ignore this disadvantage when it is free.

   But this also means that she is becoming less and less valuable.

   (end of this chapter)