Chapter 562 The Emperor and the Crown Prince
There are many old nobles like Angel, who want to stuff their children into the bureaucracy to continue the family influence. The current changes can no longer be stopped, so just go with it. The only thing is that the lazy and carefree atmosphere in the past needs to disappear, and you must speak with political achievements.
Unlike the nobles in Western Europe, the nobles in Rome burst out with higher efficiency in handling political affairs. This is related to their future. Although there is no feudal system like in Western Europe, they generally live better than them.
At the same time, in the palace of Constantinople.
"...Alex went to Iliescu's house for a banquet..." Peter smiled slightly after reading the new intelligence presented by Petkov: "Are your subordinates too idle? People's relatives gather for dinner, and you also hold on to such trivial matters?"
"Your Majesty, I think this news is worthy of attention, so I decided to show it to you." Petkov, who was standing aside, said calmly.
"Then what did they say at the banquet?" Peter asked.
"It's probably about Alex, because his term as mayor of Lisichansk is about to end, and Iliescu is preparing to transfer him to another place."
Peter is no longer surprised by this situation. The nobles now pay taxes and are obedient, so it's embarrassing to force them. As long as it stays like this, Peter will turn a blind eye.
"Angel's identity will indeed attract attention. Although he is no longer the prime minister, he is also an old minister who has followed his father all the way. As long as he has not violated the law, continue to keep an eye on him."
Putting this aside, Peter asked again: "By the way, how are things going with Mecca and Medina?"
"Please rest assured, Your Majesty, we have sent people into these two cities, and there are others collecting intelligence around."
Peter did not forget the plan to conquer Mecca. In order for the empire to last forever, this unstable factor must be eradicated.
A large amount of resources began to tilt to the Arabian Peninsula, and various intelligence work began to be carried out. For religious reasons, they looked for those who were unwilling to convert to Islam in the empire and successfully penetrated the interior.
The other party obviously knew that Rome was going to attack him, so he increased his defense. The port of Jeddah was heavily guarded, but because Roman merchant ships severely squeezed Arab commerce, the trade in this place gradually declined.
Rome controlled the canal and the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb, and the trade in the Arabian Peninsula was blocked. They could only take a long detour and export through Zaragi and Oman. This reduced their income, and coupled with the obstruction of the pilgrimage route to Egypt, their holy land entered a difficult time.
The Great Jafari began to exert his influence, and the tribes in the Yemen region successively surrendered to Rome. One south and one north oppressed the itinerary of Mecca. As Sunnis, they could only harass the Roman border to stop the other side's actions, but with little effect.
"All actions cannot be left behind, they are about to reach their limit... Well, it's getting late, you should go back and rest." Peter stood up and casually said, "By the way, you have to keep an eye on Sigismund's affairs."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Petkov replied, turning and going out.
Peter left the study and walked to the backyard. When passing the garden, he saw Alexander thinking about something next to the fountain.
"Alexander." He called softly.
"Father...Father!" The Crown Prince looked a little flustered.
"Why aren't you asleep so late?" Peter said with concern.
"Well...I'm praying to God, wishing my brother a safe return on his first visit!" Alexander said hurriedly.
Theodore was ordered by Peter to go to Andalusia to inspect the land. This was his first time going far away, and he hoped everything would go well.
"More than that, I see you're still praying for someone else."
Alexander blushed. He and Elizabeth had established a relationship in the past few years. But because the wedding had not yet taken place, the two were still separated, and Alexander's longing for her could only be realized through prayer.
"After a while, your mother and I will preside over the wedding for you and Elizabeth. You are almost 20 years old. If you are not allowed to get married, others will think that there is something wrong with the prince of the empire." Peter said jokingly.
Talking about marriage, Alexander was delighted: "Thank you, father!"
"Okay, go to bed. Your wish will come true soon."
"Good father"
After talking to Alexander, Peter walked into the bedroom. Sometimes he thought that if he had three or four wives, the choice of sleeping every night would be a big problem. He had never thought of this with his lofty goals. He hoped to keep his body healthy and live longer, so he would not indulge his inner desires too much.
Sophia was also not asleep at this time. Since she decided to write a biography for her husband, she has been collecting materials. At present, most of it has been completed. If everything goes well, it will take decades to write.
Just like what Princess Anna wrote, Sophia used the most gorgeous language to introduce her husband to everyone in this biography. The Roman Empire returned to its peak in his hands, which would surely make historians sing for three days and three nights.
"How is it done?"
Sophia was startled by the sudden words, but soon saw her husband. Sophia smiled and said.
"Almost, you will be the first reader."
"Who were you talking to just now?" Sophia asked softly.
"Alexander, she was praying for Theodore and his future wife."
"He has been in a trance for a while, it seems that his mind is all on Elizabeth."
"Let's hold a wedding for them after a while. But it seems that we should increase his military training to prepare for the future. I'm afraid he won't have time to think about these things by then..."
"Do you really plan to let Alexander fight in the future?!" Sophia asked worriedly.
"If he doesn't make achievements, how can he convince the subjects of the empire in the future and command those fierce generals! If he doesn't understand military affairs, he can't govern the country well, and he is easy to be fooled by ministers, and he can't bear the revival of the empire!..." Although Peter said vaguely, he obviously had great expectations for his eldest son.
"By the way, Theodore's marriage must be put on the agenda."
Sophia thought for a while: "Now we can find one from the country, but considering his future, we still have to be cautious."
Compared with Alexander, Theodore's marriage considerations are wider. And many people also consider this prince, the future ruler of Iberia. They also competed to send portraits of their daughters to the queen, hoping to catch her eye.
"When Theodore comes back, we will tell him about this."
"Yes"