Isabel looked at the Duke of Richmond's proud expression and just smiled lightly, "Henry, the large warship like the Clark Galleon symbolizes the power and honor of a kingdom, and it is indeed very suitable for war with France or other kingdoms. ”

The Duke of Richmond walked back to the study and sat down, listening with interest to what the other party had to say, "Isabel, you know anything about nautical affairs, too?" Well, I guess you must love sailing, right? ”

Isabel walked across from the Duke with her hands behind her back, standing behind a Gothic backrest chair and holding the back of the chair with a pointed arch with her hands, "Henry, I think you must remember how Spain and Portugal became maritime empires, don't you?" ”

The Duke of Richmond nodded incessantly, and the corners of his mouth twitched, "Because of gold." It is a wonderful thing, and whoever owns it becomes the master of everything he wants. With gold, the souls of these Spaniards and Portuguese can even go to heaven. ”

"They can bring back gold, silver and spices from the Americas, the Far East and India, and we can do the same." Isabel grasped the pointed hand of the back of the chair with some strength, and said with a solemn expression, "Although the Spaniards are our allies now, they are the Catholic kingdom, the eternal enemies of Protestantism. It was therefore incumbent upon England to build a Protestant empire for the Protestants throughout Europe to compete with Spain for this secular world. ”

"Isabel, you said it very well, very well!" The Duke of Richmond, who was in a moment full of enthusiasm, stood up, thought for a moment, and asked with some hesitation, "But is there any connection between the establishment of the Protestant Empire and the privateering license issued by His Majesty?" ”

"There is definitely a connection. The Spaniards and the Portuguese plundered the gold, silver and jewels that could buy the entire kingdom of England through their overseas territories, and we went to plunder their property. When dealing with our enemies, we will use all means to kill them. ”

When Isabel said this, her eyes were a little moist when she thought of her young brother who died on the battlefield on the Anglo-Soviet border in November last year. Lord Richmond sensed her change in mood and walked gently to her side, "I'm sorry that your brother's death has saddened you and your family. Don't worry, I'll make it up to you. ”

"Henry, wars always kill people." Isabel turned her face sideways and looked at the gentle-looking Duke with a smile, "Henry, I can swear to God that this privateer permit will give you, me and your retainers, a wealth that can never be imagined." ”

The Duke of Richmond saw that her mood was improving, and nodded, "Unthinkable wealth? How many will there be? ”

"I think we can plunder about £200,000 to £300,000 a year."

"200,000?? 300,000?? The Duke of Richmond's eyes, which were exactly the same as those of Henry VIII, widened widely, swallowed hard, and suddenly turned to look at the closed study door and shouted, "Eugene, come in." ”

Eugene, the eternally faithful valet, pushed the door lightly and walked in and bowed, "Your Highness, do you have any orders?" ”

"Go get some more wine, hurry!"

"Yes, Your Highness."

Soon, the valet Eugene brought the duke a jar of wine, poured a large glass for each of them, and quietly left the study. At this moment, the Duke of Richmond also became extremely excited. After several sips of wine, he said in a trembling voice, "My annual honorarium and all other earnings together are only nearly 5,000 pounds a year. 200,000 ......?! ”

Isabel smiled quietly, "Now, you know what this 'privateering license' is for, right?" ”

The Duke of Richmond walked up and down excitedly in front of her, imagining what a wonderful picture of 200,000 pounds of treasure piled up in front of her as she went. Suddenly stood on his feet and laughed arrogantly at Isabel, "Hahaha...... That's great! Isabel, I agree with you, hold a meeting of retainers in the afternoon, and let everyone pool a sum of money to support your sea raids! ”

Shortly after 2 p.m. that day, Beard Smith the gentleman and his eldest son, Beard Jr., with a dozen retinues, rode fat and strong horses on the road from Richmondshire to Sheriff Hatton Castle. It's about 46 miles between the two places, and it's a four-hour ride to make a round trip. So, little Beard couldn't help but ask his father, who was walking beside him, "Father, how did the meeting that was supposed to be held next week be brought forward to today?" ”

Old Beard glanced at his eldest son, "It's not in advance, the person sent by His Highness said it was an emergency meeting. ”

"An emergency meeting? Father, are we going to war with the Scots again? ”

"War? At present, His Majesty has spent a large sum of money on marriages with the Scots. War... Unlikely. ”

"If it weren't for the war, what urgent business would His Highness have to deal with?" Little Beard held the reins and muttered to himself.

"If you get to His Highness's castle, you won't know, let's go." Old Beard urged his slow-moving eldest son.

It was nearly 4 o'clock, and the conference hall of Sharif Hatton Castle gathered more than a dozen of the Duke of Richmond's retainers and their butlers. Some retainers who could not come in time because of various affairs could only be attended by the housekeeper on their behalf. When Isabel entered the conference hall early, the gentlemen, Yoman, and the butler gathered around.

"Your Excellency, do you know that Your Highness suddenly asked us to come today, is there any urgent matter?" Old Beard leaned over to Isabel and asked cautiously.

Isabel looked around at the number of pairs of eyes and expectant faces in front of her, and smiled lightly, "Your Highness intends to let you get some benefits. ”

Although the words were elegant, everyone present knew what it meant. One of Yoman looked at her happily and hurriedly asked her, "Your Excellency, I believe that all people love pounds and gold and silver treasures. So, what does His Highness mean ......? ”

"Yoman, Your Highness intends to reap the benefits through a means of trade that are different from those of the present. Are you satisfied with such an answer? ”

"Well, I'd like you to explain."

At this time, the Duke of Richmond walked in with a valet. After bowing to him, everyone present found their seats and sat down. The Duke of Richmond, who was sitting on the throne, glanced at the retainers, and then looked at Isabel, who was sitting in the first position on the left, "Advisor, you read the official documents issued by His Majesty to all the gentlemen and Yoman. ”

"Yes, Your Highness." Isabel then read it aloud with the document in her hand.

When she finished, the Duke of Richmond sat there with his chin propped up and one leg crossed and looked at the crowd with satisfaction, "Guys, is there anything you want to say?" Tell me your opinion. ”

Please remember that the first domain name of this book is .. Three-Zhangmen mobile version reading website:m.