I Am Louis XIV

Innocent XI has had a rough time recently.

When he was a priest, he aspired to become the second Pope Urban II. The Pope used the reason of launching the Crusades to engrave his name forever in history, but the reality proved this idea. There is no possibility of success at all—after all, the eldest daughter of God has been flirting with the Ottoman Turks for a long time. Even though Louis XIV responded to the church’s call not long ago and defeated his former allies in the Great War, we all know that Victory will not affect the close relationship between countries, defeat will.

Therefore, when he chose the holy name, he couldn't help but think of Innocent III, the Italian Pope like him. His most brilliant record was to force Britain, Denmark, Switzerland, and Portugal to become vassals. The title of "Emperor" - Innocent XI did not expect to have this prominent title, but he also had ambitions.

It is a pity that this ambition became eclipsed after he became the center of the church. When the Roman Church came in the seventeenth century, it had fallen and declined to an almost irreparable level. The religious reform was hated by the priests, but Innocent For the Eleventh, if there is no reform, or if the reform does not continue, it is hard to say whether there will be a church by then.

When he took over the white sacrificial garment, he already knew very well that what he took over was also a church that was riddled with holes.

Some people may not believe it, but the church still collects tithes from all over the world—at least in the world of God—and makes a lot of money from priesthood sales, inheritances (clergymen), and lawsuits (bribes and bribes). Even when they earn money, have considerable land output, and even have a group of investors, bankers, and members of the commercial guild working hard for it, they will still be unable to make ends meet and are on the verge of bankruptcy.

No one can tell where all the money has gone, maybe the magnificent churches, the bishop's robes and carriages, the cross, the servants who serve them like a swarm of bees, or some conspiracy and transaction? Anyway, you don’t want to trace back the money, and don’t try to stop it, otherwise even the pope—it’s not that there have been “seven-day popes”, “three-day popes” and even “one-day popes” in history. Describing these unfortunate, short-lived creatures as if they had never existed has baffled posterity.

But Innocent XI was very clear.

He could not remove the dirt from the church, so he could only paint it with gold to keep the splendor and purity of this earthly paradise, which is why, before he became Pope, he began to fight with the arrogant young king of France. For the sake of the past - this king was wise, calm, powerful, and above all, rich...

Not kidding, after Innocent XI took office, he discovered that someone had embezzled the funds of the Inquisition... Although the priests of the Roman Church despise those members of the Inquisition who are equal to hounds and horses in their hearts, except for some lustful, knowledgeable people Short-sighted people, most of the members of the tribunal are very clear that their final retreat is still in the inner world. The church cut off their funds, which is equivalent to cutting them off from the church, making this group of religious mercenaries inclined to secular power —like the Inquisition in Paris.

Innocent XI didn't want to recall how stupid the two popes were. Although they did it for no reason at that time, and they almost succeeded, but... if they knew that it would lead to a situation like Louis For a monster like Fourteen, they would definitely wish Louis XIII a long life.

Fortunately, he came to power before things got too out of control, and he immediately made up for the funds of the various Inquisitions--Paris is no exception, which is really a bit difficult, after all, if there is no other way to make money, the priests also He would not reach out to the court—if it were not for the guarantee of Louis XIV, perhaps Innocent XI would really have to refer to the king's practice and boldly pawn St. Peter's Cathedral to alleviate this urgent need.

In any case, with this loan guaranteed by the King of France, the Inquisition and the Church will not tear off the last thin fig leaf. Of course, Louis XIV of France was not a saint either. He made a guarantee and inserted a person in the church—the former chief judge of the Paris Inquisition, that is, Eraro who succeeded Ballas.

Barras sold Louis XIII, Paris, and the future of the future in exchange for the archbishop's position, which Eralio got when he came to Rome. He also has two dioceses with considerable income, and those well-loved bishops There is no difference, and it greatly inspired the hearts of priests and monks in the inner world. Innocent XI was noncommittal about this. Even though some people in the church have been criticizing and criticizing this matter, they should really look at those kings!

They only need to use the second, third or fourth Merlin. It is also the wizards who have foolishly closed themselves in the inner world. They have no merit in the political field. Otherwise, the Roman Church now The mortals in the world are about to start to panic-the Roman Church today must have the power to be equal to those wizards, no, it should be said, to fight against the kings who use wizards!

Thinking of this, Innocent XI couldn't help cursing Louis XIV. It was only the last step before they completely separated the power of the mundane from the extraordinary power of the inner world, but Louis XIV rudely broke into it. Step into it and wreck everything like a wild boar! Their current difficulties, the king should at least bear half or even more responsibility!

It's a pity that he can only curse in his heart. Looking at Europa, no one can keep pace with him now... Innocent XI rested his forehead on the big desk used by many popes, and he should support it. Leopold I, for no other reason, the church without an army, has been able to operate until now, relying on this ability to be good at dancing in many countries and seize the opportunity to seize power and money, but Leopold I, among other things, Even having children is no match for Louis XIV!

Louis XIV has two sons, and he is still empty! Not to mention the princess, even if Spain allows women to succeed to the throne, it must be after there is no male heir!

The eldest daughter of Leopold I is still a fool. Not only did she not stand with Austria from beginning to end like other Austrian princesses, most Habsburgs - she also took refuge in the French!

This big scandal can be said to have shocked everyone. The Queen of Spain escaped from Toledo on a rainy night. With the help of the French, she first fled to Portugal, and then entered France from Portugal. From Marseilles to Pisa by boat, and then from Pisa to Rome day and night... Innocent XI received a report from spies (yes, almost all the priests of the church are spies of the Pope), saying that Queen Antonia might Ask him to declare her marriage contract with Carlos II invalid on the grounds that the marriage has never been consummated...

Is this something that can be easily announced? ! Merciful God, it is said that Carlos II is near the end of his life. Although he has many lovers, the king has only one illegitimate child so far. The Spanish secret envoys are still negotiating with them in Rome, hoping to judge this child as a legitimate child. Well, if the marriage contract between Antonia and Carlos II is not established, how can a tree that has not flowered bear fruit? No matter how coveted the bribes from the Spaniards, the church would not be able to do such a self-slapping thing.

From the standpoint of Innocent XI, whether it is to fight against France-the half ally of Innocent XI will tremble at the thought of France and Spain being united, or for the possibility that the Church may gain in Austria and Spain. It is impossible for him to agree to the request of the Austrian princess and the Spanish queen.

The problem is that the French envoy, Prince Conti, came to Rome with this lady.

The French will be desperate to destroy this marriage, and at the same time ensure that Carlos II cannot give birth to an orthodox legitimate child-this may have been planned by Louis XIV. He rejected the Spanish marriage proposal twice. When he was in distress, he did not pursue the half a million livre dowry that the queen should have brought, just to leave Spain to his son, a Bourbon.

Then, just a few hours ago, he received another bad news - Carlos II died.

The king is dead! Next is Long Live the King!

"Antonia .

The priest also knew that the Pope would definitely ask the Spanish queen's reaction, "She said..." He paused, not knowing what expression to make: "She said thank God!"

"..."

"Forget it," Innocent XI said, "I'd better go see her."

————

Although not loyal or respectful enough to her husband, Antonia showed enough obedience to the Pope, and as soon as she saw Innocent XI, she knelt down and kissed his ring.

Innocent XI withdrew his hand, "Sit down, child, I want to have a good talk with you."

"Please speak," Antonia said. Her tone and demeanor made Innocent XI feel that she might return without success. She looked as if she had been released from the cage.

"You are younger than my youngest child," Innocent XI said frankly: "Your Majesty, if my granddaughter has a child, he or she may be much older than you, from my heart, but From the heart of an old man in charge of the church, I would like to see you get what you want..."

"This marriage," said Antonia, "you must admit that it was originally a mistake, and that my father, my aunt, and the Archbishops of Toledo and Vienna deliberately contributed to it."

"I admit this, but you should also know that since my bishop presided over this marriage between you and Carlos II, and you have sworn oaths before the altar, this marriage is considered to be established. It has been granted by God A blessing with a saint, like many marriages, it may not be so perfect, it may have flaws, it may have blemishes, but since it has been promised, Your Majesty, it should be carried on."

"It was not my marriage that was unhappy," said Antonia, "but it was not my marriage that was broken off."

"But what about after it is lifted?" Innocent XI gently persuaded: "Your custody will return to your father, and I don't want to lie to you. Your father told me clearly, If you insist on annulling the engagement and succeed as the devil has cursed you, he will send you to a nunnery on an island, far away from the world, where the most basic food and clothing depend on the hands of the nuns They can only be obtained through hard work, and they will also undergo rigorous penance—did you know that nuns’ penance is not as simple as reading a rosary in a small chapel. They have to pray from three or four in the morning until dawn, Then plow the fields, or weave or sew in the house; the daily food is only black bread and water, and even that is not enough, but it doesn't matter, because they often fast; they are to keep silent, unless necessary. , they are not allowed to talk, and they will beat each other to drive away the devil in their bodies... none of the nuns there lived past the age of thirty..."

Innocent XI looked at her with emotion: "Now things have changed, I think, Your Majesty, you don't need to take that holy but necessarily difficult road-Carlos II, your husband, and Your mother-in-law is dead, may God forgive their sins - and you, if you want, you have a legitimate child with him, and you can go back to Toledo and become the queen regent of the new king... ..."

He lowered his voice: "Your Majesty, Spain is now yours."

Antonia listened quietly, and Innocent XI almost thought he was going to convince her. Antonia was the princess of Austria and queen of Spain. She had also seen how Maria Anna, the queen mother of Spain who was also the princess of Austria, wantedonly enjoy the benefits of power.

Spain now is no longer a hell for Antonia, but is almost like a paradise.

On the contrary, if she insists on dissolving the engagement and returning to Austria, she will definitely not be greeted with flowers and warmth, let alone Leopold I, her behavior is like giving Spain's hands to the enemies of Habsburg ——King Louis XIV of France, even the most humble peasant, as long as he is an Austrian, he will not have any favor or pity for this princess.

This is human nature. When there is no harm to themselves, people will usually behave very generously, but if there is... they will be haggling.

"I know I should trust you," Antonia's answer made Innocent XI frown, which was not a good answer.

"I also believed in my father, my minister, my friend, my mother..."

"But at that time, it wasn't even God who answered my prayer." Antonia calmly said something that was close to blasphemy: "At that time, I said to myself, if anyone is willing to save me, it is the devil , I will resolutely complete the contract with him. So...Your Highness, although I am very grateful for your consolation, I also know that once I return to Austria, my end will be very miserable. If I give up my appeal and return to Spain, I will It is really possible to become the second Maria Anna..."

She smiled: "But do you know what that means?"

"It means that the last person who will not lie to Maria Antonia is also dead."