Three Philosophical Questions for Travelers

"Originally there were, but it can't stand the corruption of the adults above!" Ma'er snorted, as if agreeing with him, "Little Trident's army is not bad, this is the capital he relies on, but the rest of the nobles can No! He thinks that his [-] troops are as strong as his personal guards? Ha! He thinks so highly of those nobles in the Gulf, I dare say that if the Gulf fights with you, you will suffer a little bit, those cowardly The nobles are about to come to sue for peace. If they don’t make it right, they will create a bloody rebellion! Haha!”

If the internal problems in the Gulf are so serious, why did Baku declare war?The prime minister thought about this question in his heart.

Ah Nan continued: "My lord! Let me tell you, Bugu is a lunatic. He certainly has a bit of brute force, but what's the use of brute force on the battlefield? He doesn't understand formations and tactics, and he thinks that fighting Street fights! Dare I say, he can’t command [-] people at all! Think about it, what should we do if [-] living people eat, drink, and sleep? How to order? How to dispatch? How to mobilize morale? stronger than him."

"I think so too." Kroin laughed, "I think you know a lot, where did you learn it?"

"You are asking, my lord!" He showed a proud smile unique to a small person, "I took the imperial examination in the southern school city, and the countess even came out to meet me, and then I studied in the Bayland library for two years Books; I am proficient in three languages, and I can also write a good hand - I will write it for you when I have a break, okay?"

Kloin was a little puzzled, so he asked him: "Since you are talented, why don't you work for the nobles? You know, there are many nobles in the four principalities who are recruiting talented people. Mage, wizard, bachelor... or Other capable people will be appointed, and if you do a good job, maybe you can be awarded the title of honorary knight, and you will have your own fief by then?"

He quickly waved his hands, with a wry smile on his face, and said, "Oh, my lord, don't say that, I can't be an official."

Iron chancellor, muddy king, three

Iron chancellor, muddy king, three

"Why can't you be an official?"

"It's not that I haven't done it before. I used to be a town mayor, dock chief, etc. in the south. It was fine at first, but as I got to know more people, I couldn't take it anymore!" He had a bitter look on his face. Shaking his head, "My lord, you are an honest and upright prime minister, but I think you must also know the rules of these officialdoms. Once you become an official, don't you just want to embezzle, accept bribes and play with favors? I can't stand this. You I can do business with you for what you get for what you pay for, but if you want to say bribe me... this..." He scratched his head, then smiled wryly, "It's because I'm timid, I'm afraid of the boss Blame it; secondly... I told you not to joke, I am a man with a bit of conscience..."

The prime minister said: "Why would I laugh at you because of this? It is a good thing to have a conscience. In today's world, there are not many people who can say these two words."

"It's fine if you don't laugh at me. I have been laughed at a lot in the past." He maintained that smile, but his expression was a little more sad, "My mother taught me how to be a human being when I was young, and I always remember—— —But what my mother said is not necessarily correct, what do you think?"

"Not entirely." This was a difficult question to answer, and the prime minister couldn't help but think of his mother.His old mother passed away 20 years ago, but her teachings still echoed in the prime minister's ears from time to time, "It's always right to act with conscience." Kloin seemed to be talking to himself.

"So I resigned from my office and came to do business." Anan continued, "I am a very pragmatic person, and I just want to earn some small money to spend. To be honest, I don't have any faith, and I think It’s all about business. It’s said that businessmen are cunning, but I don’t think so—the so-called “you get what you pay for, what I have here…” He patted the horse, “It’s worth this money! Look, What's wrong with me sending these long-legged girls from hundreds of miles away and selling them for more money?" He said and laughed.

This is a nice guy, the Prime Minister is very interested in him, this guy may be better than those lazy people in the palace.

Now the prime minister is short of people. Those who can hold official positions in the northern border are the sons of the nobles. Many people come here through connections and have no ability. There are also some pedantic old scholars. The prime minister doesn't like these guys.He wants people who really understand the suffering of the people to work for him.

Thinking of this, he moved his mind, and said, "Your Excellency Ah Nan, to tell you the truth, I have a batch of goods to sell now - this is a private sale, I would like to ask if you are willing to cooperate with me? "

The businessman's eyes lit up immediately, and he asked, "Tell me, what business is it?"

"I have a few horses there, but there is no one around me who knows horses. I want you to show them how much they are worth. If you want them, I can sell them to you."

Ah Nan said: "That's great, the prime minister's horse must be in good condition, I have to take a good look at it."

"It's nothing unusual, it's just an ordinary horse. Anyway, after you finish your business, come to my mansion to look at the goods. The mansion in the middle of Poets Street, south of the palace, is easy to find."

"All right, my lord. I'll find you as soon as possible."

Of course, the prime minister didn't really want to sell the horse—he wanted to test whether Ah Nan was honest.If Ah Nan can pass his three tests, then the prime minister will absorb him into the court and train him as his right-hand man.

Afterwards they talked all the way, from anecdotes in the countryside to politics, history and religion.The more we talked, the more Chloe was surprised by Ah Nan's erudition, he knew almost all topics, Chloe tried to test him with some uncommon knowledge during the chat, but he could always answer—— The Civil War 50 years ago talked about the Civil War in the Gulf, and then talked about how to manage the busy spring trade routes.Ah Nan can not only answer his questions, but also put forward many constructive suggestions.His way of thinking about problems seems to be different from ordinary people, and he can always hit the point - if the prime minister was only interested in him before, then the prime minister must keep him at this moment.

The Northern Territory needs such talents!He thought to himself, if there could be a hundred of such guys, it would be amazing!

They had dinner together at noon, and the prime minister brought out a bottle of good wine to entertain Ah Nan.The prime minister must bring a few bottles of good wine with him, firstly because he owns good wine, and secondly because these things are a sharp weapon to open up relationships-the prime minister does not know swords, for him, wine is a knife, and his tongue is a sword.Relying on these two weapons, he is invincible in official and diplomatic arenas.

However, it is difficult for them to drink to their heart's content in this wilderness, not to mention that the prime minister, Chloe, still has a task to do, so the two of them had a drink or two and hurried on the road.On the way, Ah Nan chatted with the prime minister about wine again, this topic was right in his heart, the prime minister was not greedy for money or lustful, but the wine could not be put down.And Ah Nan used to be in the wine business, so he knows this very well.

Then their topic was inseparable from the wine. The wine bottle made with the wind of talking first drank the spirits of the northern border, and then went along the canal to the bay to taste the sweet and sour plums and fruits, and then came to the wine bottle. Chengyan drank red grapes and virgin blood.

This is not enough, it also needs to drink sweet milk wine from the Western Regions and bitter snake wine from the swamp; then drink the dark beer from the underground people and the water of fire from the giant; and finally drink coconut wine and die drunk on the beach of the South Islands.

If imaginary wine can also intoxicate people, then Mr. Prime Minister is already very drunk.

There are also master wine tasters among the nobles, but most of them are arty.The Pope of the Vulcan Cult knows how to drink, but the prime minister and his political views disagree, so they can't talk together.He didn't expect to meet such a knowledgeable person in the wilderness -- now, the prime minister feels like he hit it off with this man named Ah Nan -- Ah Nan is knowledgeable, well-spoken, not to mention handsome but very cute People like it—how can there be such an attractive man in this world?What a surprise.

Accompanied by Ah Nan, Kloin had a very pleasant journey. On the fourth day, they returned to Eagle Head City.

The four-day rapid march has exhausted the prime minister.They set off at dawn every day, and they had to sit in the car until night, without much rest in the middle.After the bumpy road, Kloin felt like he was about to fall apart.

Rheumatism afflicted his legs, and he also had old wounds from earlier battles.When he was still young, the Prime Minister often went out with the army as a warlord and a military adviser. Once an arrow pierced his lower abdomen, and he fell from his horse twice.He survived with a strong will, but these injuries tortured him all the time.Now that he was approaching the city gate, he couldn't bear the pain any longer, so he said to his followers, "Give me the poppy wine."

Varda went to find him poppy wine to relieve pain, but Ah Nan brought a bottle of light red drink first, and said, "My lord, if you want to relieve pain, you can try mine."

The chancellor made of iron, the king of mud, four

The chancellor made of iron, the king of mud, four

The prime minister subconsciously went to pick it up. At this moment, Varda pressed his hand and said, "My lord, I'd better drink my own."

Ah Nan was stunned for a moment, and then said, "Ah, sorry, I forgot your identity." He shook the small bottle, "My lord, I always have headaches, so I rely on it to relieve pain." After finishing speaking, he put the bottle I drank the liquid in one gulp, and said, "There are seven kinds of herbs here, which I asked for from an old southern witch. When I visit your house some other day, I can bring you some. If one day the poppy wine If it doesn't work, you can try it."

Varda said: "Your Excellency, you don't drink anything of unknown origin."

"I'm just making a suggestion, my lord, please don't take offense." He saluted Varda.

Varda's brows tightened and loosened, as if confused.Kloin felt that Varda was too sensitive, and he said, "Then please bring me some when you come next time, Ah Nan."

"Yes, my lord."

"Come here as soon as you're done, I may have other things to ask you for." Kloin finally urged.

"Well, I will as soon as possible, my lord."

So they parted with Ah Nan at the gate of the city, it was getting late, but the prime minister couldn't control that much, he went directly to the palace.

The castle of Eagle Head City was built on top of the mountains, and the city was built around the mountains with winding roads.It is said that this place was originally a huge ancient relic, and later people built this city on the relic.

The streets are built around the mountains, one ring is higher than the first ring, and the status of the people who live in the higher places is more prominent.The palace is built on the highest point, overlooking the whole city.The prime minister criticized this stupid city planning more than once. Whenever he wanted to go to the palace, he had to walk up a very steep slope.

But Eagle Head City certainly has its meaning in being built like this.Yingtou Mountain is its city wall, and the seven-ring besieged city road is the seven lines of defense. This fortress is recognized as the most steep in the world. In the past few hundred years, no army has broken through Yingtou City.

The evening market is lively, and the tavern is full of smoke. People who have been busy all day are free to enjoy the tranquility at sunset.However, the prime minister had no time to rest. He endured the pain all over his body and walked through this bustling city, leaving the world's fireworks behind.

Maybe I should really try Ah Nan's medicine, he thought, otherwise I will die of pain before I die of illness.

He crossed the noisy Outer Ring Street, and along the way, the axles of the carriages made different noises, as if they were about to fall apart.The prime minister has nothing to do with his sleeves, and his family's property is not as good as those farmers outside the city.This car was gifted to him by the previous king more than ten years ago. It is beautiful and expensive, and he has never been willing to change it.However, the scenery of the royal carriage is gone now, the beautiful pattern has been rusted, and the wheels are one high and one low, like a dilapidated ox cart.

Everything is getting old, just like the prime minister, just like the empire he guards.

He took a shortcut through the rich district, and came to the gate of the castle just as dinner was over.The main road in front of the gate of Eagle Head City was a long slope. Halfway through, the horse's knees suddenly gave way and he knelt on the ground.Varda cursed and whipped it, but it couldn't get up.After a while, Varda sighed helplessly, and said, "This guy is too old to run. Ah Nan's new horse still has strength, but a single horse can't pull us up this slope." .unless I get off...but then there's no one to drive, my lord, you can't drive yourself, it's out of character."

The prime minister said: "In this case, I will go up."

"You..." Varda looked at him, as if looking at an old machine that was about to fall apart, "My lord, I mean... I can get another batch of horses."

"When you get it, the king is going to bed."

"But……"

"I'm not old yet, Val." Kloin called him "Val", that's what he called him decades ago, as if he could regain his youth by calling him this way.

Varda was stunned for a moment, then said immediately: "Okay, my lord, I will follow you."

"it is good."

The ramp flanked a long row of steps, so they began to climb.Cloin remembered that when he was young, he used to race with Varda here, and he ran the whole distance in 2 minutes.But now 2 minutes is only enough for him to climb to the height of one floor, and after climbing, he has to rest for at least 5 minutes.There were a few noble children climbing up and down the stairs, playing and fighting, and Chloe couldn't help showing envious eyes—what was I doing when I was so old?He couldn't remember it anymore, he only remembered that he was sorting out the files last week, as if it was the same last month, last year, and the year before last.

After a short rest he continued climbing, with Varda silently accompanying him.The old servant would not come to help him unless he fell.Before Chloe asked for help, any mercy would be regarded as an insult by him.Varda had prepared crutches for him, but the iron chancellor didn't need crutches, he didn't want the nobles to see him weak.

The stairs are not too long, only 2 minutes, but after 10 minutes, they seem to be still standing still.

He gritted his teeth and climbed up, his joints started to hurt again, and his knees ached every time he took a step.However, the prime minister made of iron would not groan. He hid the pain in his heart, climbed up the stairs with a sullen face, head held high, and a river of cold sweat flowed against him.

2 minutes of stairs, not too long, is enough for him to climb for a lifetime.

By the time he approached the city gate, it was already dark.The huge city gate towered before his eyes, like a giant man-eating beast.He was still a dozen steps away from the city gate, but he couldn't move.

Two tall royal guards stood at the door, looking ahead with solemn expressions.

Chloe could almost see the guard's facial features, his beard, and the smile on his mouth... Is he kidding me?Chloe thought to himself, is this guard laughing at me?He's making fun of me being old and useless, that I can't even climb the stairs for 2 minutes?He blinked, and the smile on the guard's face disappeared, and the expressions of the two royal guards were as serious as stone sculptures, as if—maybe they had never smiled.Maybe that was just Chloe's illusion.

He asked Varda for half a bottle of painkillers, and then used his last strength to climb up the stairs. At this moment, his back was also in pain, but he still wanted to maintain the dignity of the prime minister.He straightened his waist in front of the door, and said to the guards: "The Prime Minister of the Empire, Chloin Tali." Then Varda showed proof that this was a rule and must be done.

After looking at the pass, the guard said: "You can go in, but the king has already rested, and His Majesty has a will, and no one is seen."

The chancellor asked, "Where is he?"

The guard said: "He and the princess had a candlelight dinner in Tianhu."

"I see." Kloin said as he walked in, he rushed into the city gate aggressively, and the guards and servants showed terrified expressions.One of the guards grabbed his arm and said, "The king has said that no one is allowed to..."

"I'm not 'anyone'!" The prime minister threw off the guard's arm and said loudly, "I am the prime minister of the empire, Chloe Tally! No one can stop me if I want to see the king! Not even the king himself! "

After finishing speaking, he strode in, and there was a dead silence inside and outside the city gate, no one even dared to look up at him.

Iron chancellor, muddy king, five

Iron chancellor, muddy king, five

Eagle Head City is still brightly lit at night. The three palaces of Bingfeng Palace, Snow Beauty Palace, and Melting Snow Palace are lit with torches and oil lamps. Crystal lamps and magic oil lamps are hung on both sides of the inner road of the castle. The three-color lights complement each other, making it beautiful and romantic.However, the prime minister doesn't like all this, the imperial palace should be majestic and solemn, and should have the unique strength and coldness of northern men-what does this colorful look look like?

The place he is going to is behind the Bingfeng Palace, where there is the royal holy place for the northerners: Tianhu and the "Top of the World" tower—also called the Pinnacle Tower.Tianhu Lake is a summer resort in summer. His Majesty the King always goes to rest in the hut there, sometimes staying for more than ten days at a time.

But this time he can't be allowed to be free, Chloe thought to himself, the mad king of the bay area is about to call.

Tianhu Lake is more than two miles away from the castle, so you have to take a car to get there.In the past, he might have rode away by himself.

"Come on, prepare the car!" He shouted to the servants in the castle.

The prime minister was the biggest when the king was away. As soon as he spoke, the servants quickly prepared the chariots and horses.The prime minister endured the pain and climbed into the carriage. The coachman gave a drink, and the carriage drove to Tianhu.

It was hot in summer, but the evening wind above Yingtou Mountain was very cold. Fortunately, there was a blanket in the car so that the prime minister would not be too cold.Not long after he walked, he saw a small palace by the lake.

The little king in the small palace sleeps during the day and is busy at night-this saying has been widely spread among the people.

The small palace was built by the lake, surrounded by a large flower field.The moonlight shone on the white flower fields, as if it had just snowed.

The king set up a long table on the edge of Tianhu Lake, covered it with a gorgeous long tablecloth and placed tall candles, and brought his beauties to sing here every night.Far away, the prime minister saw the light of the candle.He got out of the car at a distance, and then shouted loudly: "The chancellor of the empire—Cloin Tower, I want to see you!"

He did this to give His Majesty the king enough time to prepare, so that the meeting between the monarch and his ministers would not be so embarrassing - when he came to Tianhu suddenly one time before, the king was playing "Big Sweet Potato Stick Cream Cake" with his concubines "'s promiscuous party, the scene was once very embarrassing.

There were women's screams, men's curses, and the sound of cups and plates being poured.The prime minister frowned and slowed down, thinking to himself: Maybe I should give them more time to prepare.

At this time, the little king's voice came over: "What are you doing here? I don't see you, I don't see you!"

The king said so every time, but the prime minister never did it.Kloin walked slowly. He pushed aside the obtrusive branches, walked around the bushes, and came to the front of Tianhu Lake.

Candles were shining brightly on the long table, cups and plates were messed up, and several long skirts and underwear were scattered around.A naked woman is tied to a table, covered in cream and laid out with fruit.His Excellency the King was at the side trying to untie the rope on her body.

The prime minister recognized her, she was one of the princesses of the empire, the daughter of the Victor Lyon family.It seems that when the prime minister saw her last time, she was tied to a tree by the king and covered with honey.

"Do I need to avoid it first?" Kloin asked.

"You don't want to avoid, you want to get out!" The little king turned his back to him, dragging his loose robe on the ground, "I told you not to let you come, didn't you listen to the king's will?"

"The community is the most important thing, Your Majesty." Kloin gave a symbolic salute, then raised his eyebrows and asked, "How long will it take you to finish?"

The little king turned to face him.The king was naked under his loose robes, and when he stood up, the cock dangled dangling between his legs.The prime minister didn't know what to say.

"I'm tied to a knot, Mr. Prime Minister, help me untie her!" the king ordered him.

The prime minister frowned and said, "This is not in etiquette, Your Majesty."

"The scene is like this and you still tell me etiquette? Forget it, I forgive you for your innocence, come and help!" He slapped the table, and the princess' face turned blue from fright.The prime minister had no choice but to go over to help, and he whispered to the poor woman: "I'm sorry." Then they untied the rope together.The two men worked for a long time, and finally untied the imperial princess covered in cream from the table.After coming down, she grabbed a piece of clothing from the ground and ran away, hiding in a small palace not far away.

The little king watched her leave, and immediately said: "Hello, Lord Kloin, His Majesty Kloin! My will is no longer working? I dare you to open this palace. Come and leave whenever you want ?”

He doesn't look like a king at all, Kloin thought as he looked at the guy in front of him.

Cade Heworth is 30 years old this year, which is not too young, but people are willing to call him the little king, just because his behavior is as absurd as a child.The little king was handsome, with a straight nose, curved eyebrows and fine eyes, and long soft golden hair. However, he always looked joking and behaved presumptuously, which made him look more like a worthless playboy than a The king of a country.

I don't know which one is stronger, he or the little trident?Kloin thought for a while, and felt that the little king was better, at least he was only lewd, not tyrannical.The little king has been in power for nearly ten years, and the most correct thing he did was to ignore the government and leave everything to the prime minister.Chloe may not like this king, but he will never betray his country.

At this moment, the prime minister saluted him and said, "Your Majesty, I don't intend to offend you, but the situation is serious and I must report to you."

"How serious is it that I have to say it now? His mother's, is the fierce demon entering the city?" He sat down on the soft fur chair, raised one hairy leg, and then sipped hot milk with juice ——The little king doesn't like to drink, he prefers sweet things.

Kloin stared at him, and said in a deep and solemn voice: "I think it's about the same."

The little king sprayed the milk into the sky with a puff, and there was a little rain of milk from the sky. "What are you talking about?" He coughed a few times, and his eyes lit up immediately, "Is there a living monster? Did you catch one? I'm going to put it in my Colosseum and see if it can Beat the new Wurm!"

The prime minister didn't know what to say. "No, my lord, it's not a monster." He warned his king in a low voice. "It's the people of the bay, it's the little trident, and he has declared war on us."

"Heh, heh, heh ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!" The little king laughed loudly, and the laughter echoed between the Tianhu Lake and the night sky, piercing like a night owl screaming.