A maid walked to the bed with a bowl of pungent and frightening-looking herbs, she first looked at Isabella who was lying asleep on the bed, and after motioning for another servant to come and help, the maid picked up the wooden spoon in the bowl and took a spoonful of the steaming sticky herbs.

Isabella opened her eyes in a daze, she felt dizzy and her whole body was soft, the previous continuous bloodletting had made her body more and more weak, the doctor no longer used a knife to cut his wrists, but instead used large leeches to take turns to suck her blood, so every time she saw those leeches that did not squirm and were fat, Isabella would feel disgusted and frightened from the bottom of her heart.

But whether it was Ferdinand, or the doctors, or the ministers who knew that she was ill, they all agreed that bloodletting was a good idea, and at least her fever seemed to have subsided, and now her hands were not only no longer hot but still cold, and these people were signs of improvement.

This made the Castilian people happy, and some even changed their attitude towards Ferdinand, but somehow, Isabella felt as if she was getting weaker and weaker, especially in the last two days, she always fell asleep unconsciously, and once she fell asleep, she couldn't wake up, which made her feel very frightened.

The queen had to tell the doctor about her condition, and the doctor replied that she needed more smoke to get rid of the sickness in her body.

Smoked medicine is not for eating, this viscous ointment made from unknown materials boiled from unknown sources needs to be applied to the patient's body when it is hot, and then the medicinal gas in the ointment will seep into the human body and drive out the terrible sickness.

According to the doctor, there is a more effective way to achieve immediate results, but it is too drastic and a bit rude to use against a queen.

"It's also a good idea to roll it on the soles of your feet with a red-hot iron," the doctor said to Ferdinand and several ministers at the time, and seeing their embarrassment, the doctor thoughtfully offered another relatively "gentler" prescription, but that prescription was obviously more difficult for people to accept, "Apply those potions to the queen's lower body, and then the medicine can penetrate from under her body all the way into her body." ”

Hearing this method, Ferdinand immediately rejected the doctor's "kindness", although he did not expect Isabella to give him another child, but even the doctor himself could not help but admit it, so after tossing it through, Isabella may not even be convenient in the future.

This method was also too dangerous, and after rejecting this treatment plan again, the doctor had to choose the most unreliable method for him.

"Keep applying, the more the better, don't let the medicine cool down, put a small stove next to it to warm it at any time." The doctor stood by and kept instructing the maids, and he could occasionally see the skin of the stripped queen through the gap between the maids, which made him even more excited, and he shouted more cheerfully, "Apply all those potions to your majesty's body, but leave a piece unsmeared, only then can the sickness be driven to that particular place, and then leave the rest to me." ”

Although surrounded by a group of servants, Ferdinand could still hear Isabella's intermittent moans of pain, especially when the bowls of hot potion were served.

Ferdinand was in a hurry, he was really worried that Isabella might fall ill or even have any accidents.

If that happens, he's bound to face a terrible mess, and the pressure from all sides will be on him alone, and he is not ready, at least for now, he can't afford to lose Isabella.

He hoped that his wife would be able to continue to carry on this responsibility with him, which was the dream and hope of the two of them, and he did not want to see Isabella leave him so early and throw all the burden on him alone.

Ferdinand walked anxiously back and forth, the sound of painful moans from the other side of the bed made him feel uneasy, the day had come so suddenly that he had not even had time to send someone to tell Juana who was in the castle in the Highlands.

Even though it's just across the Tallois River, Juana refuses to come out because she's locked up in the castle, which makes things a little worse.

Ferdinand feared that sending someone to take Juana back to the palace with great fanfare might lead to more speculation, since Isabella hadn't been seen in public for several days, and it was easy to guess what might have happened to the queen when she suddenly brought Juana back to the palace.

And he was not sure that he would be able to bring Juana back to the palace without alarming too many people, after all, she had threatened those who tried to approach her by jumping off the castle wall, and if she sent someone over like this, Ferdinand feared that if Juana started to make a fuss, the whole city of Barriaridud might know it in an instant.

"Go and tell the Pope's entourage that I want to have dinner with the Pope." After Ferdinand walked out of the room, he instructed the people around him, he felt that at this time he could not delay and conceal it any longer, the things that had been revealed to Alexander VI in Zaragoza before should be completely explained at this time, after all, Isabella's sudden illness had completely disrupted his plans, "And if you want, you can let the Duke of Rome Thessia accompany you." ”

Ferdinand hesitated a little when mentioning this duke, somehow, he didn't like the young Roman nobleman, he always felt that this young duke seemed to have some secret secrets, maybe because he had been to Portugal before and had contact with those Andalusian nobles, but what made Ferdinand really care was the duke's behavior in Sicily and Naples.

Ferdinand always felt that it was not so simple for him to sabotage Gonzalo's march into Naples in Sicily, although he should not have known that he had the idea of annexing Naples, but Ferdinand had a feeling that this young man had insight into his plans, so he tried his best to influence Gonzalo to change the destination of the army.

This made Ferdinand can't help but be annoyed with Gonzalo, he thought that if it weren't for this arrogant and domineering soldier who took matters into his own hands, Naples would have been in his pocket at this time, but now it was pointless to care about it, on the contrary, if Ferdinand wanted to get help and support from Alexander VI, then he would have to get the same approval from another Alexander, at least not let him destroy his good deeds.

Ferdinand's invitation surprised Alexander, he originally thought that Ferdinand should be anxious about Isabella's illness at this time, but suddenly invited the Pope to dine with him so formally, if it wasn't for the news sent by Ulliu, which proved that Isabella's condition had not improved, he couldn't help but think that Ferdinand was celebrating because the queen had recovered from illness.

However, after meeting Alexander VI in the Palace of Rose Horn, where the Pope was stationed, Alexander gradually learned Ferdinand's purpose.

"He needs me to support him," said Alexander VI, who was a little agitated that for the first time since he had been expelled from Rome, he had truly regained his glorious position as the supreme leader of Christendom, and that perhaps he would relapse.

But Huang was obviously more sensible than he thought, and after a short show-off, the Pope motioned for Alexander to sit down across from him, then looked at him with interest and asked, "Do you know why Ferdinand invited me to dinner again?" ”

"I think it's because of Isabella."

Alexander did not want to hide from the pope, and now their goals were clearly the same, and more importantly, their interests were also the same, he wanted to get the crown of Castile, and Alexander VI hoped that his descendants would one day have the opportunity to get their hands on the kingdom he would leave behind.

For Alexander VI he lacked nothing for himself, but his family lacked a crown, which he had always regretted even when his sons were still alive, but now there was an opportunity for the descendants of the Borgia family to realize his dream, and this was the cornerstone of his cooperation with Alexander.

"Yes, Isabella may be sick, and not lightly," the Pope looked at Alexander with excitement, and seeing that he was not surprised to hear the news, the Pope smiled meaningfully, "So who do you think will be the regent of Castile next?" ”

Alexander was silent, and at the same time he and the Pope thought of the possibility that Ferdinand himself might exercise regency over Castile.

However, it is clear that there is an insurmountable obstacle between him and the regent, and that is Juana, who has the right to be legally regent and inherited.

"Does he want you to prove that Juana is unable to perform her duties for physical or mental reasons?"

Alexander pondered this possibility, although Ferdinand's emissary had already made an agreement with the Pope while in Zaragoza for a sermon on the Fall and the temptation of the devil in exchange for Ferdinand's courtesy in Barriaridud, but now to publicly stand up for him against the Regency of Juana, it was necessary to weigh the bargaining chips that might be used in exchange.

"Evidently it is true, and I think he will soon ask me to declare publicly that Juana's soul is not pure enough to fulfill its responsibilities as regent of Christendom." As he spoke, the Pope picked up a watery grape on the plate on the table and put it in his mouth, chewing it tastefully, and he even looked a little naughty, as if he had guessed the minds of others, and he was unusually elated.

Alexander knew that this was actually a disguise, or that he was really happy that there should be something else, which made Alexander can't help but be careful, he has never underestimated this pope, although he did pit this old man more than once, but that was under the premise that Alexander VI always thought that he had no reason to do so, and now that the pope already knows his purpose, he naturally has to be careful.

"What do you want to do?" Alexander decided to put it bluntly, and if the Pope had any unwarranted requests, he could consider them.

"Estelles is almost three years old this year," Alexander VI looked at his son-in-law with blazing eyes, "Oh, I still remember the angelic smile of my lovely granddaughter, she is such a lovely little girl, I think she will be a beauty who turns all beings upside down when she grows up." ”

Listening to the Pope's praise, Alexander's face sank slightly, speaking of the church's interest in children This is a tradition with a long history, and he has the impression that many bishops in France were guillotined during the revolution because of this disgusting tradition, but even so this notorious tradition continues in the church, and even after more than two centuries, there is a big news.

Of course, he knew that Alexander VI must have had other ideas, but Alexander did not want to involve Estles.

"My daughter is only 3 years old," Alexander, who wanted to politely refuse, saw that the pope still looked expectant, and he had to ask helplessly, "So what do you want to say?" ”

"Let Estelles and Juan be engaged," said the Pope with sudden enthusiasm, and seeing that Alexander was a little confused, he immediately explained, "I mean Giovanni's son Juan, who is now Duke of Gandino, and I don't think it would be insulting for him to marry his cousin." ”

Looking at the Pope's slightly excited face, Alexander wanted to spit on it.

It is obvious that this cunning old man has already begun to make wishful thinking to let Juan and Estelles marry, so that if Estelles does not have a chance to inherit the Castilian throne in the future, then the Borgia family still has a chance to inherit Pisa, and if Barentia, who is his wife, has no children, this is not impossible, after all, in this era, difficult childbirth and early death and even accidents in adulthood threaten those noble-born royal families at any time, so assuming that Barentia has no children, then as Alexander's first child, and at the same time, Estelles, who has a prominent position and enough strength, is likely to become his heir to the throne.

This may seem like a long way off, but Alexander believed that the Pope might have thought more, and perhaps he had now begun to covet Naples and Sicily, or even Aragon, after all, if God did manifest a spirit, and Josa had no descendants, Alexander's children might not have no chance of inheriting their aunt's throne.

These assumptions, which seem too unreliable now, may not become a reality in the future, as evidenced by Maximian's relentless attempt to build a powerful empire through marriage.

"Your Majesty, it's too early to say this," said one of the living beings, who slowly knelt down on one knee in front of the Pope, took the Pope's thin hand and put it on his chest, and whispered to him in a voice that only two people could hear, "If one day I can really wear the crown, I will definitely give Estelles the best gift, because she is my beloved daughter and my angel, and when that time comes, if Juan can give her happiness, I will not object." ”

Alexander VI was slightly disappointed, although it was not a refusal, but it was obviously not a pleasant delay, but he immediately remembered that Alexander's love for Estelles was indeed as strong as he said, and to the attention of the Pope, Alexander did not seem to want Estelles to be his bargaining chip, although he did not know how to think so, but the Pope could clearly feel that he did think so.

"It's still a little early, but who knows what's going to happen, doesn't it?" The Pope put an end to the topic sensibly, and at the same time, his eyes looked through the window to see Ferdinand, who had already crossed the stone bridge and walked towards the Palace of Rose Horn, "Let's go and meet the king, maybe everything will soon be clear." ”

Alexander accompanied the Pope to greet him, looking at the Pope's rickety back, he suddenly felt that maybe he had underestimated Alexander VI's dedication to ambition before, even at this time, even if it was just an illusory possibility in the future, he had to immediately reach out and grab it, such an Alexander VI, can he really be willing to cooperate with him?

Perhaps more reliable preparations should be made, Alexander told himself.

The whole dinner was boring, and even one of the riddlers who accompanied the gag did not make the atmosphere of the dinner party lively, and the people around Ferdinand simply made excuses to leave.

When there were only three people left in the room, Ferdinand simply raised his glass to suggest that the dinner was over, and he hurriedly took a sip of wine to count as the last rites, and then he couldn't wait to invite the Pope to the next room for a private chat.

Although he saw Alexander smile inadvertently, Ferdinand didn't mean to invite him, in Ferdinand's opinion, maybe Alexander had a reason to break the agreement between him and the pope, but Alexander VI should not be so easily persuaded by him, after all, the pope is in a bad situation now, which makes Ferdinand confident enough to be able to convince the now down-and-out pope.

To Ferdinand's surprise, when he finally told him what he meant, Alexander VI insisted that his son-in-law must be involved, and even threatened to leave Valaridot or even Castile if he did not agree to his terms.

"There are many places to go, Portugal or France, and I think they would still like to see me visit them," Alexander VI stubbornly insisted on his terms, and as a good and qualified diplomat, he knew for sure that his terms would be accepted, or go to Andalusia. ”

Ferdinand's expression finally changed, he knew that this coercion of the pope was not impossible, maybe Portugal and France really might not welcome the exiled pope, but the rebels in Andalusia would never let go of such a good opportunity.

And even Portugal or France, in the present situation, would probably be happy to see the pope lean towards them, or at least that would be a surprise for Manuel.

Alexander was invited into the room, and looked at Ferdinand's slightly gloomy face, and he smiled unabashedly like the Pope's conspiracy.

It was already obvious that by this time there was no need for any excuse to cover it up, so the first thing Alexander said after sitting down was: "Your Majesty, it is not the Princess's mental condition or Prince Philip's opposition that you should be worried about, we all know his present situation, and it can even be said that the forces that hinder you are not in the Barriadotus, but in Andalusia." ”

Ferdinand's originally gloomy face slowly changed, his two hands clasped together and his thumbs drew circles back and forth dexterously, and then after looking at the Pope sitting on the side, he asked slowly: "Duke, who are you referring to as a threat?" ”

"You know, Gonzalo Córdoba."

Alexander said the name cleanly, he saw Ferdinand's face change, which made him slightly surprised, Alexander did not expect Gonzalo to be more threatening in Ferdinand's heart than he thought, now thinking about Gonzalo's fate after Isabella's death, he admired the person in front of him.

At least even if he was deeply jealous of Gonzalo, Ferdinand did not use too drastic measures against him in the end, except for using various methods to force him to retire and go home, but Gonzalo still ended up a good death after all, which can be regarded as magnanimous compared to the threat he may pose.

Only this time Alexander didn't want the pair to have a reasonable outcome, because that wouldn't be what he needed.

"Don't you think Gonzalo has been delaying in the south for too long," Alexander noticed that Ferdinand looked at him with puzzlement in his eyes, it was obvious that his direct provocation had aroused the suspicion of the other party, so he simply came up with a very good reason, "Gonzalo has encroached on a large area of my sugar cane plantation in Crete when he was fighting in Crete, this is intolerable to me, I think you know how much wealth sugar will bring, with that money he can do so much, it is a loss of money for me, It's a huge threat to you. ”

Ferdinand's two thumbs stopped, and he could not help but admit that Alexander was right, that he knew all too well what a Castilian nobleman with great prestige, commanding a powerful army, and a huge source of money meant, even now in Andalusia, Don Bavi, was insignificant compared to Gonzalo.

What's more, he was Isabella's favorite retainer.

This gave him an unmatched appeal in the Kingdom of Castile, and even if he did make any changes, he would soon be considered to be the will of the Queen, which was a much greater threat to Ferdinand than Philip, who was now like a dead man.

"So what do you think should be done?" Ferdinand finally asked, though he didn't think Alexander really had anything to do.

"It's your business, isn't it, but I think I can do it for you."

Alexander smiled, having been waiting for this opportunity all along.

Now, that opportunity was in front of him, and he told himself he had to seize it.