Mary Su Stuart

When Knox's believers ran towards the Catholic Church aggressively, the Queen's Guards ambushed here were dispatched.Boswell asked soldiers holding "explosion-proof shields" to carefully maintain order at the scene.The strong human wall stopped the Protestant's onslaught, and they held the mob in place with as much bloodless restraint as possible.

Mary was inside, comforting the terrified priest, and calmly finished today's mass.

More and more ordinary civilians gathered around to watch the excitement, and John Knox had to step out of the backstage.Originally, he wanted other people to try it first, but unexpectedly, the astute queen sent someone to "invite" him over.

Mary also walked out of the chapel with great momentum, and met the Protestant leader in full view.

Her attire was not simply prepared for today's sacrament at all.The queen was wearing a grand dress, even wearing a crown, holding a scepter, and it looked like she was holding some important ceremony.

It was a rare sunny winter day.Dragging a large cloak, she slowly swept across the steps and stood on the high platform prepared by Boswell.

She was condescending, her momentum was calm, and the ordinary civilians were immediately in awe, and even the Protestants, who were already making noise, couldn't help breathing slightly.

Knox shuddered.Even though the woman in front of her is just a woman, under the protection of the army, she has a natural royal demeanor, which makes most people involuntarily have the idea of ​​surrender.

However, Knox, the self-proclaimed guardian of God's power, will not submit.He stood defiantly until the Queen politely invited him to speak.

A disciple of Calvin, he was never afraid of being questioned.He is not even afraid of many angry and vicious men!As for his teachings, Knox has sufficient confidence: he will be able to refute the old church's decadent views as worthless in any verbal confrontation.

There was silence all around.Residents of Scotland are both nervous and curious: what kind of confrontation will begin between the queen who declares to uphold the Catholic faith and the radical Protestant teacher John Knox?

The feeling of looking down on others and being looked up to by others gave Mary more confidence.She knows her opponent's strengths, and she is more aware of her own.So instead of scolding Protestants for keeping her from practicing the details of Catholic liturgy, she starts by asking Knox:

"I heard that Your Excellency wrote a book called "The First Horn Against the Shocking Female Rule" [Note [-]], against women inheriting the throne, saying that they are not worthy of being the king of a country?"

What a perfect comparison.The majestic queen is standing on a high place in full dress, surrounded by a group of loyal and aggressive troops... Who dares to say to her face that she is not worthy of being a king?

Knox naturally did not give in so easily.He is respectful on the outside, but everyone can see his toughness inside.After a vague explanation of past arguments, he conceded at best: "As a Scot, I recognize you as the rightful sovereign and accept your rule."

Therefore, Mary throws out the mantra of an absolute (;) monarch: "So, should all Scottish subjects obey his monarch?"

Knox paused, and then argued: "Ah, yes. However, there is such a situation: a father who is unfortunately demented suddenly wants to kill his own child; then his child can also stop resisting him Don’t let him continue to do evil... If a monarch insists on persecuting the children of God, then these poor lambs have the right to rise up and resist.”

"But I didn't persecute you, Mr. Knox. I don't want you to use those inappropriate metaphors. I am discussing with you a practical issue: Now, right here, my subjects, should they obey their monarch? On the premise that I didn't persecute them?"

Knox murmured inwardly.He couldn't find a better answer for the time being, so he could only answer honestly: "Yes."

Mary continued: "So, the Protestants who gather here to make trouble and disrupt public order, as subjects, should they obey me, the monarch, or you?"

Knox certainly felt that theocracy was more powerful than kingship.However, he couldn't speak too bluntly.He changed the topic again: "Whether the monarch or the subjects, first of all, they should obey God. God's authority cannot be desecrated..."

Mary interrupted him. "We all believe in the authority of God. But Christ once said, 'Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God'! Our spirit must accept the guidance of God. But in secular life, obeying the monarch is the only choice for the subjects! "

Supreme Commander Boswell, who was listening carefully to the conversation between the two, immediately reacted.He shouted: "'Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's'!"

And those soldiers who had been educated in advance immediately followed up with clanging voices: "'Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is to God'!"

Many civilians were stunned for a moment, and then followed the simple words and issued a deafening cry: "'Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is to God'!"

Mary was very satisfied with such a warm response.This is the effect she has always wanted.Although there are a lot of doctrinal conflicts between the old religion and the new religion that can be debated; but ordinary people, are they really interested in hearing those lengthy arguments?Instead of showing off your wisdom in front of a group of civilians who may not have logical thinking, it is better to use concise and clear slogans to brainwash them.

Originally, the winner of a public speech is often not necessarily an impeccable theory, but often the loudest voice with the highest pitch.

For Knox, who was still stunned and did not fight back in time, Mary wanted to chase after him. "In the land of Scotland, I, as a monarch, can not intervene in the spiritual life of my subjects. But I have the right to ask you to obey my secular rule! I admit that the church and its many rituals are legal existence. Catholic priests in In his church, there is freedom from intrusion! Just like you, you have the freedom not to perform those rituals!"

"As a monarch, I hope to be as tolerant as possible. We all know that so far, there are many conceptual contradictions between Catholicism and Protestantism. We can discuss different views, but we cannot wantonly destroy traditions and hinder social stability!"

"Mr. Knox, I am very willing to have an in-depth discussion with you on those doctrinal issues." Mary put her fingers together, spread her arms, and pointed in the direction of the palace. "However, if you incite your believers, block traffic, or prevent other people from traveling, the soldiers patrolling the city have the right to ask you to leave Edinburgh. If there are riots in the streets and alleys, causing personal or property damage, I will not lighten it!"

What could Knox say, he was almost at a loss for words. "My lord, my lord, what you should obey most is God, and God's will is above all else! But the Roman Catholicism you believe in is simply a collection of blasphemers and superstitions, they are not worthy to serve God!"

Mary gave him a contemptuous look.Obviously, Knox still has a group of fanatical supporters in Scotland, and she cannot miss any opportunity to destroy his authority. "God is above everything else in the spiritual world. But my subjects must abide by the ruler's rule in the secular world! Protestants can use doctrine to persuade me, persuade me, and convert me; but first of all, they must not, without the permission of the monarch, Threatening and attacking other people's bodies and property, and disrupting the existing social order privately!"

Anyway, to sum it up, there is only one thing: Those who violate the "existing laws and order" are disobedient to discipline, and the monarch has the right to impose punishment.

Mary spoke more and more smoothly: "You Protestants have always wanted to refute the beliefs of Catholics in public in order to win more support. Now, I have magnanimously granted your wishes and listened to your opinions. However, I also have criticisms. The power to debate!"

"You accuse the Catholic Church of engaging in "idolatry". However, you Protestants are only willing to believe your teacher Calvin, and only believe the version of the "Bible" interpreted by him, and do not tolerate other ways of understanding the "Bible"; Is it also a kind of mindless worship!"

"You believe that all Catholic rituals are superstitions, and that the Mass is Satan's Mass. Regardless of whether your views are correct or not, even 'superstitions', there are many that are harmless. People in the harvest season, for the 'Goddess of the Earth' Who would be in the way of dancing to celebrate the bounties'? It would even make sense, encouraging people to continue to work hard in the coming year! And while these ceremonies are 'temporarily' preserved, someone rushes up and violently destroys them. Big damage!"

"Here, I emphasize once again that the 'heretical crime' against thoughts, speech and personal behavior will gradually disappear, including those superstitious, inhuman, and arbitrary trials of 'witches'. The cruel practice will also end. Unity and stability are above all else, The 'religious court' should not interfere with the secular world, the kingdom's law is fundamental!"

With such a generous statement, Mary felt that her goal had been achieved.She didn't come here to engage in debates, she planned to use her power to overwhelm others.So, the queen waved her hand and said: "Okay, my secular subjects, please abide by the laws and go to work with peace of mind. If anyone wants to argue about religious issues, he can invite them to accompany him, and he can also apply for an audience; if anyone refuses to obey the discipline If you want to disturb the existing order, please leave Scotland!"

After all, she raised her head slightly and stopped looking at Knox.She ignored any noise, and under the guard of the soldiers, like the proudest general, she left the scene with her head held high and her chest held high.There were enough guards to clear the way, and the Queen's carriage drove smoothly, so there was no need to worry about safety issues at all.

After returning, Mary began to urge Maitland to draft documents, distribute propaganda, and educate subjects on how to obey the monarch's rule-freedom of speech is allowed, but according to the "Supreme Law", the queen cannot be slandered; freedom of assembly is not opposed, However, any assembly that occupies a public place must apply to the government in advance... There are many kinds of regulations, and any radical actions of Protestants are prohibited.

Since then, the Protestant leader Knox felt that his preaching was limited and he was struggling.

It is true that Scotland is vast and sparsely populated, and Calvinists still have a lot of room for movement.But Queen Mary has been engaged in production mobilization for two years. Most people are looking forward to making a fortune from new technologies and new businesses, and they really have no intention of delving into religious issues.

Even the most horrific, bloodiest, and most frenzied "witch trial" activities are strictly prohibited by the government... Let's put the extra energy on other places.

Mary was quite relieved to hear her subordinates report on the activities of Protestants for several days: this blockage seems to be working so far.

So she started planning more actively—Her Majesty the Queen, who had just finished agricultural rectification, planned to introduce new looms and develop the woolen textile industry.

There are many sheep in the Scottish Highlands.Mary still remembers the "import and export scissors of industrial and agricultural products are poor", and she has long considered that she should learn from neighboring England to restrict wool export and encourage woolen production.However, it is not enough to only count on the family workshops of herdsmen.The queen then visited several areas with rich water networks, intending to set up "township enterprises" nearby.

Compared with the huge "middle class" in England, the people of Scotland are really poor, and it is difficult to quickly form factories and scale.Therefore, Mary engaged in "township enterprises", in addition to her own investment, she mainly relied on wooing the lords and lords to prompt them to start production separately.For example, Beeton, Seton, and Livingston have all been lobbied by the Queen, and they are all a little moved-"I heard that in Somerset, England, this is very profitable"; "The quality of the factory's products is more stable, and the sales are quite good".

Of course, Mary understands that administrative measures are not always beneficial to economic development.The general direction is correct, but the timing is not guaranteed.The social economy is adjusted by an invisible hand. What she has to do is to conform to the laws of history as much as possible and make some adjustments—to help speed up development, or to help the people and reduce disasters.

A century later, Sweden's military model is instructive for many "small countries".But for Scotland, at a certain stage of development, perhaps England is a better example.Although politically, the two races do not confront each other; the differences in the habits of the people on the island are not that great.Therefore, at present, in Mary's heart, Scotland is governed as a low-end version of England.

But, that, the gap in population, land, and resources makes the queen who is obsessed with "infrastructure" feel the urge to cry from time to time...

The author has something to say: [Note [-]] Knox once wrote: "...women rule the country and bear the responsibility for the rise and fall of the country above men, which is more terrible than the devil." He also emphasized that women are cowardly by nature, weak-willed, without Patient, weak and stupid, always insatiable...

His teacher Calvin also believed that a government dominated by women "deviates from the essence and truth of nature, and is as unforgivable as slavery."

The social atmosphere at that time had always been unfavorable to the rule of a female monarch.

However, the obedience to the monarchy, the emphasis on the blood of the royal family, and superstition still made many noble women emerge politically.

For example, Isabella I of Castile changed from resignation to active attack, and finally unified and co-ruled Spain with her husband Ferdinand II of Aragon.

When Bloody Mary was alive, despite constant opposition, no one could easily shake her royal power.

The debate between Mary and Knox refers to the public debate between the two in "Queen of the Guillotine".This time, Mary is no longer led by the nose by her opponent.Don't try to convince a diehard, the monarch just needs to get the rest of his subjects done.

another

Strongly recommend a book, "The Crowd", the group psychology is so well written~