Mary Su Stuart

The deaths of the two great noblemen, Duke of Alençon in France and William of Orange-Nassau in the Netherlands, surprised many people.Mary knew that they probably didn't live long, but she didn't expect that it was the same year in 1584.

She cared a little bit more about the Duke of Alençon.The younger brother of the king died suddenly of illness within half a year after setting foot in La Rochelle.Although Catherine's youngest son was of ordinary physical fitness and had various bad problems of indulging in alcohol and sex, his sudden death was really hard for many people to accept.

"Is this a cursed land?" Margot wrote to his eldest sister-in-law. "The mother was so sad that she didn't eat for a day, and she repeatedly lamented why her child always died before her. I was also very sad...Although Egur sometimes misbehaved, he was my dear brother after all, one of the pillars of the country... "

Holding the slightly crumpled paper and looking at the slightly smeared ink, Mary roughly believed that Margot was genuinely sad—very different from when her husband died in a dishonorable way.Speaking of which, Henry, the Duke of Guise, was also assassinated in that port city—Mary probably knew that her cousin had some troubles with Margot—it seems that La Rochelle does have an ominous smell.

Francois, who was far across the strait, also expressed his deep regret with his pen. "Egur's early death made everyone feel once again that the royal family's talents are withering. Although he sometimes does not do his job properly...he has always listened to the king's words, cherishing the relatives of the Valois family, especially Margot..."

Marie herself did not feel badly about Alençon.But birth, old age, sickness and death are commonplace for her these years, so she doesn't feel much pain.What's more, she thought darkly, with the disappearance of this little uncle, there would be less obstacle for her daughter to step on the throne in the future.

Isn't it.Although the most important person in the French royal family and even her clan to fight for the crown for Vivienne is Charles, the Duke of Orleans, who was "desired by everyone"; but the younger brother Egur, who has no power and true friends, is not without the right to speak— — After all, he is young and unmarried, and there are various possibilities in the future. It is not even ruled out that someone will raise his banner to cause trouble — it’s just that Marie and Francois have ignored this secondary conflict for the time being...

As for the assassination of William of Orange-Nassau, Mary had been psychologically prepared.Word came from both Walsingham and the Duke of Langueville that William had encountered several rounds of Spanish hired killers and had been subjected to some flesh-and-blood treatment since around 1583, when some Dutchmen decided their "hereditary rule" for themselves. hurt.So far, Philip II's tireless efforts have finally borne fruit.

Morris mourned his father's death.His little friends (male) were kind enough to comfort him, and even the two princesses came to express deep sympathy to him in person—especially the younger sister.Matilda once cried and sighed: "He is a great warrior, and the Netherlands will always remember his exploits."

This is good, Morris couldn't bear it anymore, and tears burst out of the embankment. "He's the best dad in the world, there's never been a better dad."

When Mary saw this scene, her mind was full of surprise: William is amazing.She remembered that his eldest son stayed in Spain as a hostage, and his second son, Maurice, was left to study in a boarding school until he came to her court; Running away... such a person who concentrates on his career but has not been very successful, and does not communicate much with his children, but is so deeply loved; really, he has a charismatic personality!

But... Her Majesty the Queen at the scene gave a wink, and Mrs. Melville coughed. "Dear princess, and young ladies and gentlemen, although the atmosphere in Holyrood Palace is free, I am very disappointed to see you so relaxed in etiquette, weeping together in the flower garden without any distance. "

Matilda, who started to cry, was suddenly interrupted by a familiar voice, and almost jumped up in shock, but fortunately she was held back by her sister.Vivienne has taken the lead in standing upright, quite like a crown prince.Matilda also hurriedly imitated her solemn expression, looking forward, as if her eyes were not swollen at all.

Next, the girls and teenagers also obediently arranged their appearances and saluted Her Majesty the Queen.Mary then said in a tone full of pity: "Maurice, I understand your grief; I am also sad for the loss of a heroic leader in the Netherlands. However, I believe that even if William's body dies, his spirit will not be affected." It will live on in the hearts of those who fought bravely; the cause of freedom for which he gave his life will one day be a great success."

Well, the teary-eyed boy was once again impressed by His Majesty.He hoarsely said: "Thank you and His Majesty the King of France for your support to my father and the Netherlands. I want to use all the words in the world to express my admiration and love for you. If possible, How I wish you to be the most honored monarch of the Netherlands..."

It's coming again, it's coming again, it can't be done!Mary suppressed the silly desire to open up new territories in her heart;;In this period, in the sixteenth century and even the seventeenth century, if Britain and France can be truly brought together, it will be a world-wide feat...Maybe in the future, the Netherlands will be used as a target to divert conflicts... She must not be caught!

Mary had no choice but to answer grandly: "As I once said to your father, the people of the Netherlands have a special power to become heroes by themselves. You don't have to always think about crawling at the feet of a certain monarch, you can completely step out of your own bright road."

As she spoke, she silently pitied herself: Doesn't she want Netherland? She obviously wants it very much!Not to mention that people are chickens that can only lay golden eggs... The Netherlands is at the junction of France and Germany, what an important position!After the First World War, the French worked hard to repair the Maginot Line, and worked hard to pull it to the Dutch-Belgian border... "other countries" refused to follow along to complete it!Later in the Second World War, the Germans really blitzed the Netherlands and Belgium, bypassed the defense line and came to Paris... The joke that the French Army, which is known as the number one in Europe, surrendered in only 38 days, seems to be circulating for 100 years.

In short, Mary thought, don't be fooled now, this time.

The queen's attitude was very clear, and Morris was too embarrassed to say more.Less than a week after that, the mood of mourning the dead had turned to looking to the future.

Because the "Embassy" of the Netherlands came to the door with painstaking efforts and invited Morris to succeed his father as hereditary ruler.

"Compared to your elder brother who has been in Spain for a long time, the people of the Netherlands trust you more." The visitor said it very bluntly. "We believe that you have inherited William's spirit very well, and you are enough to become a revolutionary banner as beloved as your father."

How can a young man refuse to buckle down such high hats.Besides, joining the Dutch revolution was the best way for him to commemorate his father.

Morris's farewell coincided with the end of the Queen's party's "holiday" at Holyrood Palace.

"The weather is getting colder, let's go back to London first." Mary announced. "Then, when it gets colder, we can consider going to Bath."

Bath, the only and most famous spa in England!It is said that it was excavated by the ancient Romans, and it also cured a certain prince of the Norman dynasty from skin diseases.However, after the Black Death ravaged at the end of the Middle Ages and everyone was afraid of taking a bath, it was basically in a semi-abandoned state.In recent years, under the attention of Mary, the site has been re-excavated and repaired, and a comfortable and spacious conference hall has been built again.I just don’t know if after this change, there will be another female writer Jane Austen nearby in the future...

Not to mention the distant future.All in all, Bath has become a very suitable place for winter at present.

Thinking of the joy of playing in the water, Vivienne and Matilda couldn't wait to cheer.In France a few years ago, because of the civil war, they didn't go to the spa town to relax.Now England also has a "super big bathhouse" for soaking and swimming, so happy!

Mary smiled, and then warned her daughters: "Don't just play around - think about how much mother has been busy in Edinburgh." In fact, it is mainly to support Bacon and Maitland to work. "Tell me, how is your homework going?"

The two sisters looked at each other.this--

"If I am not satisfied with the completion of my homework, then don't think about any leisure activities, just stay in London, report to the Privy Council every day, and copy notes."

This time the sense of urgency came out.Vivian gritted her teeth and said, "I still need a day, I'm sure I can perfect it."

Matilda's voice was weaker. "It's good that I live half a day longer than my sister."

Mary pursed her lips. "Then I look forward to your results."

As a kind-hearted mother, the queen hereby decided to give Bacon a holiday for the next two days-who told him to be barely half a "teacher of the royal family" and responsible for promoting the princesses to learn and progress.

Sure enough, with the great help of the "future minister of state", the Crown Prince and the "Crown Prince Alternate" both handed over concrete answers to His Majesty.

The content of Vivienne's study is: to analyze the differences and advantages and disadvantages of the French three-level conference and the English parliamentary system, and to make a preliminary idea of ​​the future national political system.

"...The essence of both is that they are elite congresses, and they both have a certain influence on the government's policy formulation. But in comparison, the English Parliament has greater power, has heavier financial constraints on the monarch, and has greater influence on the general public. The interests will be more secure.”

"The setting of the House of Commons in England is also more in line with the secular view. The members of the House of Lords are nobles and priests, which means that the priests are recognized as 'spiritual nobles'; instead of being regarded as the 'first class' in France. It is regarded as an independent 'special group'. Such a setting disperses religious people among the 'laymen', which is conducive to their contact with the secular society; at the same time, it also changes their voting weight and controls their influence on the country."

"Both have common disadvantages, that is, the meeting time is not fixed. In France, there is another problem, that is, the meeting place is not fixed. In order to facilitate the monarch to listen to the voice of the people, and consider the interests of all parties in a balanced manner; it is best to promulgate a decree, Give the parliament more stability. This not only promotes win-win cooperation between the monarch and his subjects, but also reminds the monarch not to govern as he pleases."

That's what Bacon taught, right?Mary glanced at the capable minister who was standing with his hands down.It's bold to propose to limit power in front of the monarch - but she likes it very much!

Next, let’s listen to Matilda’s thesis title: A Brief Discussion on the Current Situation of Witchcraft and Superstition in Scotland.

Hmm, looks more lengthy than Vivienne's article.

"...According to Maitland's investigation, there was not a single witch executed in Scotland last year."

"Of course, this data report may not be accurate. Because of Her Majesty's preference, 'accidental death' is no longer included in the punishment statistics in some places. But it can be imagined that the trend of wanton witch trials is gradually improving."

"During the year, a certain Reginald Scott published "On Witchcraft". He clearly pointed out that most of the witches were captured and executed by sadists who were addicted to superstition or other motives. And they accused The so-called witches are almost always poor old women."

"'They have no ability to harm others, and there is no sufficient evidence to prove how many bad things they have done. If the devil uses them, we should be more merciful and merciful, to save their souls, rather than tie them to the stake'. "

"'It's an insult to the mystical power of Christ to apply those diseases or miracles to ordinary ugly old women with bad mouths'."

"'Maybe there are witches who use the power of Satan to harm the masses. But look at the trial procedures with no rules and cruel torture; even the most devout bishop may not be able to resist not confessing'." 【Note [-]】

"I think this book is deafening and fair, and it deserves to be promoted in the "United Weekly" to help enlighten the people's wisdom and break the old and extremely dangerous superstitions..."

Mary nodded frequently. "The summary is not bad. However, compared to expressing a kind and fair heart in the newspaper and showing it to those who already know the truth, it may be better to go deep into the people to overturn the case and punish those evil deeds of hunting witches." It is an effective method. After all, the ones who persecute the most are often some illiterate local fools and village tyrants...At a certain time, only violence;;force can stop violence;;force."

"Kindness and tolerance are the goals of my administration; but the means to achieve my goals are not necessarily kindness and tolerance." Mary sighed. "Like the power to do good, its source is not necessarily good."

Her eyes passed over the two daughters and fell on Bacon again. "No matter how lofty the aspirations of the monarch, and eager to do something beneficial for himself, for the country, and for the people, it is inevitable to adopt some less than honest methods. I believe you have a deep understanding - when we serve Britain Even in the process of cross-strait reunification. Fortunately, history will eventually leave a fair judgment, and we are worthy of our hearts."

Bacon, who was suddenly named, recalled his travels in Scotland in the past few years, how he bought threats and coercion for the queen's plan, and replied with admiration: "The wisest and noblest majesty, I can follow you to make history together. , is the greatest honor in my life!"

There seems to be a gust of magma in his chest: the cause of national unification... This is the queen's most ardent wish, and it is also an ideal he will try to achieve at all costs!

The author has something to say: In fact, the author has a relatively rudimentary understanding of the political systems of Britain and France in this era.Here I use the mouth of the little princess's thesis to say... It's all my own understanding, and the writing is superficial. I hope everyone can correct me based on textual research.

[Note 7] Refer to the original text of "On Witchcraft" in "The Story of Civilization [-]", which has been changed.