Continental Warriors Yoo Ma

After realizing that Youfu Ma got up, she also sat up, glanced at the expensive underwear that was torn by the bed, and showed a distressed expression.

This set of underwear is more expensive than ten sets of full-body plate armor made in Milan!

"Just buy a new set. Next time, I will change to white. I think it will suit you very well." Ma Youfu comforted the beauty's smooth back.

Isabel blushed and gave him a blank look, without saying anything, acquiescing to the proposal.Then, she began to help Ma Youfu get dressed.

The appearance of a "decent person" was restored again, and when they were sitting at the dining table for brunch, the topic of chatting between the two also became serious.

"After half a month, I will go to Rome to attend the conference held by Enren IV. During the period before departure, I will spend most of my time in the workshop, transforming the original golems and making new ones You need to worry about the various affairs of the principality." Ma Youfu said.

The Duchess returned to the look of a strong woman. After hearing what Ma Youfu said, she replied decisively: "The banquet to celebrate the elimination of the undead pirates is still going on. Tonight we will show our faces at the banquet arm in arm , is enough to stabilize the situation in the Principality. Now people say that the mighty Marquis of La Manche is the reincarnation of Alexander the Great. He is favored by victory and feared by defeat. Never be an enemy of him. There is no need for an army at all, just rely on your prestige , is enough to make those ambitious people in the Principality dare not have superfluous thoughts."

In the incident of the evil god of corruption, a group of nobles in the Principality of Anjou had already been purged. Now that Ma Youfu is in charge, the situation should be completely stabilized.The only thing worthy of vigilance is still external threats.

"I still want to live to be at least 80 years old. The title of 'Alexander the Great' is better given to someone else." Mayoufu smiled and shook his head, "Isabel, I want you to start today, to mobilize all the power of the Principality of Anjou, Reserve the two materials of saltpeter and sulfur."

The Southern Crusade is about to begin. As a traveler with some modern military concepts, Ma Youfu certainly knows that logistics is the key factor in determining the outcome of a war.So he has been paying attention to the material preparations for the French Crusade.

Things like food and weapons are easy to talk about, but the real trouble is gunpowder.

Today, Europe is still in the pre-firearms era, and the production of gunpowder is not high.However, Ma Youfu's army was one step ahead and began to equip artillery and muskets on a large scale. The demand for gunpowder was much higher than other armies.

In addition, after relying on rockets to successfully destroy the Black Fort of the Undead, Ma Youfu is also planning to use this weapon in conventional warfare.

The "Dongfeng II" rocket that Zhizhipai is developing does not adopt any fancy and expensive magic technology, and the size of the rocket has also been reduced a lot.The arrows of this rocket plus the balance bar are about three meters long, and both in size and performance are very similar to the historical Congreve rocket.

Compared with artillery, although the continuous output of rockets is not good, they can project dozens of times more firepower than artillery in a short period of time.Before the two armies engage in battle, give the enemy a round of overwhelming rocket salvos, which can cause a huge blow to their morale and personnel, and gain a preemptive advantage.

The German army who faced the Soviet Katyusha rockets during World War II had the most personal experience.

To manufacture "Dongfeng II" rockets in large quantities, there is no technical problem, and the supply of other raw materials is also sufficient, but the gunpowder is relatively scarce.

Therefore, Ma Youfu can only hold his feet temporarily, and put forward requirements for accelerating the acquisition and manufacture of gunpowder in Normandy, Provence, and Genoa.

Of course, gunpowder ultimately had to be given priority to the Army Artillery and Musketeers, as well as the Navy. How much output the secret weapon of the "Dongfeng II" rocket can produce can only be resigned to fate for the time being.

……

On April 1433, 4, Ma Youfu arrived in Rome.

2186 years ago today, Romulus founded Rome.Since then, April 4 has become a festival for Roman citizens to celebrate the founding of the city.

After entering the city, Ma Youfu opened the curtains and took a good look through the window of the carriage. This eternal city has a special status in the history of the world.

Although the buildings on both sides of the main road are decorated with flowers to celebrate the festival, the overall impression of the city on Ma Youfu is not very good.

Since the great schism of the Church of the Seven Saints, the current Pope Enren IV is only the second supreme leader of the Holy See to reside in Rome.The long-term absence of the Pope made it impossible for the Holy See to carefully manage the city of Rome, so the city looks quite dilapidated now, enough for the Jingluo to switch back and forth between anger and tears.

In the city of Rome, not only the buildings in use appear old, but also the great relics that survived from the Roman era lack the necessary protection.

Especially the famous Colosseum.When Ma Youfu was going to the residence arranged by Enren IV, he passed the amphitheater and got out of the car on a whim to visit it. He found that the damage here was serious, and there were many traces of illegal stone piracy.

The great schism caused by the prison of Avignon put the authority of the Church of the Seven Saints in a precarious situation.Even if the split is healed and the Holy See returns to Rome, it will be difficult for Pope Enren IV to immediately reproduce the glory of the Holy See.

On the one hand, Enren IV had to fight against the Basel Parliament, which advocated reconciliation, and on the other hand, he had to fight for power with the Colonna family in the city of Rome. He had no spare energy to repair and rebuild the city of Rome.Such an embarrassing situation is probably the fundamental reason why the Holy See did so little when the undead pirates invaded.

Represented by Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael, outstanding figures of the Renaissance came to Rome one after another and created many masterpieces handed down from generation to generation. Beautiful Baroque buildings rose from the ground one after another, making Rome a symbol of the Renaissance. Center, to reproduce the splendor of the Eternal City...

The above scenario, if there is no external intervention, I am afraid that it will take decades before it will appear.

Through the bleak scene in the city of Rome at this time, Ma Youfu can also roughly guess that Pope Enren IV held this huge conference, besides waving the flag for the Crusades, what purpose does it have.

He probably wants to take this opportunity to strengthen the prestige of the Holy See and suppress opponents.

If Enren IV could give up the delusion of "establishing absolute power of the Holy See in the newly conquered areas of the Maghreb" and was willing to borrow the golden signboard of the Holy See, Ma Youfu would not mind selling him a convenience.

Otherwise, what would all the messy things in Rome have to do with him?

The carriage arrived in the north of Rome and stayed in a Renaissance-style mansion on the banks of the Tiber River.

Apart from the emperor and the kings, he and the Duke of Burgundy were the only ones who could live in a single-family mansion.

Throughout the afternoon, Ma Youfu kept meeting, meeting, and meeting guests.

He met with a cardinal representing the pope, and with old acquaintances Charles VII and Philip III, and the Duke of Brittany.

Of these three, neither Charles VII nor the Duke of Brittany will personally participate in the Crusades.Both had domestic affairs to attend to, especially Charles VII, who was said to be embarking on various reforms with the help of the Archbishop of Reims and Jacques Cole, Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Chapter 420 The Art of the Deal

And Philip III, as the head of the Knights of the Golden Fleece and another initiator of this crusade, wanted to have an "Odyssey"-style adventure. The Duke of Burgundy, who conquered distant lands, naturally wanted to conquer it himself.As for the principality, it was handed over to his son Charles as regent.

As powerful as Philip III, there is Sigismund, the Holy Roman Emperor, who intends to conquer in person.

However, at this time Sigismund and his German Crusaders were still stationed in Padua, wrangling with various Italian states.

The Eastern Crusade composed of the Holy Roman Empire and the Italian states had much greater internal contradictions than the Central Crusade composed of French cultural countries.

As we all know, although the countries in northern Italy belong to the Holy Roman Empire, they are very wary of the emperor.And Emperor Shenluo always coveted the wealthy Italian states.Sigismund and the religiously fanatical German nobles formed a crusade of more than 3 people. Such a force will naturally make the Italian countries fear, fearing that the emperor is falsely attacking the country and passing through the territory Time to attack yourself suddenly.

Originally, Sigismund's marching route was to go south after passing through Venice, and join the Crusaders from various Italian states along the way, passing through the Papal State and Naples, and then entering Sicily.Wait for the arrival of the Venetian fleet in the port of Messina before launching the southern expedition.

Venice, through the pope and Sigismund, made some kind of deal that allowed the German crusaders to cross the border.But when the army arrived in Padua, it was refused by the Duke of Ferrara.The opponent even set up reset soldiers on the Po River, blocking the bridge across the river, as if if you dare to cross the river, I will turn my face.

The Duke of Ferrara, who was nominally a courtier of the empire, was so "disobedient", which naturally made the emperor furious.It's just that His Royal Highness, under the persuasion of his beloved son-in-law Albrecht, finally raised troops without anger.

Sigismund was willing to participate in this Crusade, not only because he coveted the wealth and land of the heathen, but also because he wanted to gain enough prestige so that it would be easier to use the righteousness of religion to mobilize the nobles in the empire to attack The Hussites of Bohemia.

If the Crusades had not yet begun, the Seven Saints would start fighting within the Church, and the image that Sigismund hoped to create for himself as "the spokesperson of the Seven Saints in the mortal world" would be shattered directly.

At this meeting in Rome, Sigismund hoped to resolve this issue.

It is understandable that His Majesty the Emperor, who is arrogant, was the last to arrive in Rome.It's just that Charles VII, who always looked down on the Germans, secretly scolded the "Alemanni chief" many times, it is not known.

In the evening, Ma Youfu did not go out to meet guests. Instead, he received a distinguished guest in the mansion where he was staying - Joanna II, Queen of Naples.

"Jeanne" is a very common French female name.The saint who saved France, and the queen who was young and happy in front of Ma Youfu, but is now very old, are both called "Jeanne", which makes people feel very strange.

Jeanne II was accompanied by two male officials, both handsome men in their forties, but one was heroic and masculine, and the other was refined and artistic.

Seeing how the two of them were accompanying the queen, they looked so attentive, Ma Youfu reckoned that they were both the queen's lovers.

After the two parties were seated, the Queen of Naples, who was sitting opposite, looked Ma Youfu up and down carefully, and then sighed: "If I met you when I was young, I'm afraid I won't find a lover in the future. I have seen the majestic Alps After the hills of Calabria, it is impossible to fall in love with the hills of Calabria."

The two men beside Jeanne II immediately cast jealous glances at Ma Youfu, but it was only for a moment, and the two immediately lowered their heads.

It seems that although she is old and fading, the two lovers of Her Majesty the Queen still maintain a passionate love for her.

"Uh...Although I never think that I am outstanding in appearance, thank you for your appreciation." Ma Youfu said.

"The attractiveness of a man is not only based on appearance. Your Excellency, you must have many women around you. You don't understand this truth." Jeanne II laughed.

After exchanging pleasantries, the two sides finally got to the point.

"I accept the Pope's invitation to come to Rome this time, not because I have any interest in the Crusades, but to see with my own eyes whether you, the Marquis of Lamanche, have the ability to serve as king and defend Naples. This kingdom is facing The double threat of Alfonso V and the Pope must have a powerful person in charge." Jeanne II said.

"What about your conclusion?"

"Your Excellency the Marquis, after learning about your deeds, I already think that you are the most suitable candidate. Now that I have met with my own eyes, I think this is the right choice." Jeanne II said.

The second Anjou family was almost extinct after the death of Jeanne II.The Queen of Naples, who has spent enough time in this life, now has nothing to worry about. Her only wish is to let Alfonso V, who dared to lead troops to besiege her and made herself frightened for a long time and suffered a lot, The desire to unify the Two Sicilies cannot be fulfilled.

She knew that Alfonso V was a wise king, accomplished in military affairs, and a formidable enemy.Looking at all possible successors, only Ma Youfu has the strength to fight against Alfonso V.

"Your Highness, I am very grateful for your favor. But I don't think it is the best choice for me to be the next King of Naples." Ma Youfu said.

"You refuse?" Not only Jeanne II, but also the two officials around her showed surprised expressions.

This is a crown!

"You can taste the wine while listening to me." Ma Youfu gestured calmly, and then stated his plan, "I think it is a good idea to let John, the eldest son of René I, become King of Naples." The most acceptable choice for everyone.”

"According to the order of succession and blood relationship, John is indeed the best choice, but... I am afraid that after my death, this child will not have time to grow into an outstanding monarch who can fight against Alfonso V. Moreover, in the case of Anjou With the current chaotic situation in the Principality, I think it will definitely be a disaster if the young John is allowed to rule another kingdom." Jeanne II shook her head, "I think this is a very stupid choice. But the Marquis Your Excellency, you should have a solution to these problems. I am listening carefully."

"After John ascends the throne, I will form a ruling group in Naples, and I will serve as the consul, responsible for governing the country and resisting foreign invasions. What do you think?"

"Haha, I knew that with your ambition, it is absolutely impossible to give away a crown that is about to be handed over to others for nothing. Well, it is indeed easier to establish a more stable rule in the kingdom with a puppet king as a buffer." Na II laughed.

The two lovers behind her also showed joy when they heard Ma Youfu's method.

Compared with the dictatorship of the king, Ma Youfu's method will undoubtedly expand the power of the Naples nobles.This is a great thing!

"What about the Principality of Anjou? The Duchess was able to persuade you to give the Naples crown to her son. She must have spent a lot of effort in persuading you on the bed, Your Excellency the Marquis."

I don't know if it's because the older you are, the more aggressive you drive, but Her Royal Highness is really not taboo when it comes to talking.

Ma Youfu could only ignore her ridicule about his relationship with Isabel, and said: "The Duchess, Queen Yolande, the mother of René I, is going to gradually sell the noble titles related to René I, as well as the territory of the principality, to me. .”

"Oh? That must be a lot of money." Jeanne II sighed and said, "Naples, the Anjou-Valois family, and you, all three parties got what they wanted... Marquis Your Excellency, are you Sirisians so good at trading?"

"Yes, no one understands trading better than me." Ma Youfu said, playing the air accordion with both hands.

No wonder he was so proud that he began to imitate the American king who wrote "The Art of the Deal".

This operation concerning the succession of Naples did allow all three parties to get what they wanted.

Naples will usher in a safe puppet new king and a real ruler who can protect the kingdom from foreign enemies.

The Anjou-Valois family has survived the crisis after the accident of the head of the family, and can get a coveted crown and a huge wealth that can be squandered for generations.

And Ma Youfu got the rich Provence, Anjou, and Lorraine regions.Well, his already long title is estimated to grow a lot later.

The only one who was harmed was probably another claimant to the throne of the Kingdom of Naples, King Alfonso V of Aragon.

If the enemy he faces is René I, he still has a great chance of winning.However, as long as he has not lost his mind, he will not launch a military operation against Naples controlled by Ma Youfu.

He even worried about whether the other party had any thoughts about Sicily.

By the way, as the rebuilder of the honorable Republic of Genoa, Mayouf certainly has the right as well as the obligation to claim for the Republic the Sardinia that was once taken away by the shameless Aragonese.

Alfonso V, danger!

Of course, the King of Aragon, who didn't know that Ma Youfu and Jeanne II had reached an agreement, did not have a red warning sign on his head at this time.

He was having dinner with three other Iberian kings in a mansion not far from Mayouf.

King Juan II of Castile was an incompetent man, flirting with his favorite Álvaro de Luna as soon as he sat down at the dinner table.

The king of Navarra, another Juan II, is just a small role that can be ignored.

Only King João I of Portugal has a common topic with Alfonso V.

Chapter 420 The Three Kings of Iberia

Joao I is arguably the greatest king in Portuguese history.As the illegitimate son of the former King Pedro I, after a series of struggles, he finally won the Portuguese throne and created the Aviz Dynasty.

During his reign, João I reformed the domestic political situation, broke the monopoly of high-ranking officials by aristocrats, promoted a large number of knowledge-based bureaucrats, and brought a new look to the entire country.