"Aren't you afraid that I will take the opportunity to kill you?" Helen lay on the cushion, closing her eyes, her brows full of fatigue.
"Do you have to ask such questions every day?" Wu Lai was looking at the mountains outside the car window. They would reach Armenia in half a day. Helen's physical condition was worse than he expected. He planned to stay in Armenia for a few more days and set off again after Helen's injury improved.
"Yes, because I'm not sure," said Helen.
Wu Lai smiled bitterly: "Okay, I'll allow you to ask again tomorrow."
"Lord Wu Lai, guess what's happening with Tianjuan now?" Helen asked again.
"You should know the answer," said Woolley.
"But I want to hear you say it." Helen slowly opened her eyes, and her eyes were filled with even more fatigue.
"If I'm not mistaken, the Petra family will be purged, and the Avram family will be won over or suppressed, and the Hitt family will completely control Tianjuan within a few months." Wu Lai replied.
"Why do we need to purge the Petra family?" Helen couldn't help but ask, even though she already had the answer in her heart.
"Because we need to weaken the influence of the Petra family in Tianjuan, but the purge does not mean genocide. If I were Adolf, I would kill the key small group of people, and then recruit the majority of people who will not affect the overall situation. That would be easier to control." Wu Lai replied.
"The Avram family has a great influence. Why do you think Adolf won't clean it up?" Helen asked again. She was indeed curious about this because Wu Lai's answer just now was a little different from what she thought. She believed that the Avram family would suffer from Adolf's hands just like the Petra family.
"The Tianjuan family has suffered a series of defeats. The Avram family is no longer the powerful family it once was. Even though it still has some influence in the court and is still talked about by the people, it is just a shell of itself. To put it bluntly, Adolf is willing to win them over, and they may be more than happy to accept it." Wu Lai said with a smile, "I was drinking with an old man a few days ago, and he said that compared with glory, the peace of future generations and the continuation of the family bloodline are more important."
Helen was silent for a long time, then sighed heavily...
The day after Wu Lai arrived in Menia, the Eighth Division and the Fifth Division set out. Although he guessed that the Tianjuan side would not take any action against Assyria in the short term, it was always better to take precautions before it happens.
On the morning of the fourth day, Putang's Sixth Division also set out. He was sent to Kayiked by Woolley.
Eleven days later, Wu Lai returned to Assyria with Helen, whose injuries were no longer serious.
…
After listening to Woolley's account, a member of parliament raised his hand and said, "Dear Speaker, I have a question."
"Go ahead." Wu Lai nodded.
"Just now, Mr. Speaker said that it was the rebel Adolf of Tianjuan who attacked you and Emperor Tianjuan. You also judged that Tianjuan is about to fall into a short period of civil unrest and turmoil, and then this Adolf will control Tianjuan and become Assyria's new enemy, is that right?" asked the congressman.
"Yes, that's what I said." Wu Lai nodded.
"Then I would like to ask Mr. Speaker, is the relationship between Assyria and Tianjuan hostile or neutral now?"
Wu Lai smiled and replied, "Hostile."
"Why are we hostile? Adolf rebelled in Tianjuan, but he did not attack or provoke our Assyrian Red Valley Bay defense line. Mr. Speaker, suppose Adolf chooses to make peace with Assyria after taking control of the Tianjuan government, then what should we do? Continue to be hostile?"
After a series of questions were thrown at him, Wu Lai frowned and his eyes flashed: "Your name is Proni?"
"Yes, Mr. Speaker, I'm glad you remember my name."
Wu Lai nodded and turned his gaze to the members who were listening attentively: "Everyone, Member Proni just asked several questions in a row, and they were pretty good. I guess you all want to know my answers. I regret to tell you that I cannot predict whether Adolf will be friendly or hostile to Assyria after he controls Tianjuan, so I will give the decision to you instead of me. But I want to remind everyone to remember that Adolf's attack is not just aimed at Emperor Tianjuan! The members, priests, and generals who accompanied us have all been killed or injured!"
"There's nothing more to say. Tianjuan is the enemy!" a congressman shouted.
"Adolf knew that the Speaker was there, but he still killed him. He was actively provoking Assyria!"
"Mr. Speaker! Let's use military force against Tianjuan, and take advantage of their internal strife to defeat it in one fell swoop!" a member of parliament suggested loudly.
"Mr. Speaker! Mr. Speaker! I have more questions to ask!" Proni raised his hand again.
"Quiet!" Wu Lai stood up and waved his right arm. The noise in the conference hall suddenly decreased a lot. After another call, the conference hall finally quieted down.
"Now, you can ask, Proni," Woolley gestured.
"Mr. Speaker, I want to know what arrangements will be made for the Empress Tianjuan whom you rescued?" Proni asked loudly.
Wu Lai frowned. He was not used to Proni being so aggressive.
Proni continued, "I would like to remind you, Mr. Speaker, that it was this Empress Tianjuan who launched the invasion of Assyria. I don't know how many compatriots died because of her foolish actions. Her hands are stained with the blood of the Assyrian people. If the people were asked to judge who deserves to die the most in this world, it would definitely be her!"
"Proni! Please watch your attitude!" A congressman stood up with a frown.
Woolley stood up slowly, glanced at Proni's face, smiled slightly, and asked: "Senator Proni, according to your opinion, this Helen Petra should be hanged in public?"
Proni immediately bowed and said: "The Speaker is wise. Killing the bandit chieftain and commemorating the victims is the Assyrian tradition and the best explanation to the people."
"What if I don't agree?" There was a hint of displeasure in Wu Lai's voice.
"Your Excellency, Mr. Speaker, according to the new Assyrian law you personally drafted, major territorial affairs will be decided by collective discussion of the parliament, following the principle of minority obeying the majority, rather than being subject to the will of an individual. You also said that if opinions differ and cannot be reconciled, it is better not to do it." Proni said in a firm tone.
"Senator Proni! Your Excellency the Speaker is not only the Speaker, but also the lord of Assyria and the high priest of the temple. Everything Assyria has now was won by the soldiers led by your Excellency the Speaker!" A congressman in his sixties jumped out to accuse Proni. As soon as he finished speaking, more than a dozen congressmen stood up and accused Proni.
"Everyone! My inquiries and suggestions are rights granted by Assyrian law!" Proni explained loudly.
But in a moment, the meeting place became chaotic. Some members were arguing, some were listening, and many were whispering...
"Bang!" Wu Lai's right palm slammed heavily on the podium. The sudden noise immediately made the venue much quieter.
"Please be quiet." Wu Lai frowned. After all the members shut up and returned to their seats, he nodded and turned his eyes to Proni again. "What Proni said just now is correct. According to Assyrian law, the Speaker must respond to legitimate questions raised by members of parliament. Members of parliament have the right to make comments and suggestions to the Speaker and the parliament..."
After hearing what Wu Lai said, the meeting room became even quieter.
Wu Lai went on to say, "Just now, Councillor Proni put forward his ideas on how to deal with Helenpetra, so let me tell you my ideas as well. It is true that the Tianjuan Empire and Assyria have fought a war, but the two sides have signed a ceasefire agreement. If it weren't for the interference of the Tianjuan traitors, the peace agreement would have been signed. The failure to sign it was not due to Helenpetra's original intention, but because of the traitors. Why would the Tianjuan traitors choose to assassinate at that time? I think it's because some people within Tianjuan don't want to see the emergence of peace, which also proves that Helenpetra really wants to achieve peace..."
…
Backyard, flowers, small table, wine, candlesticks.
Prony sat comfortably in the large rattan chair beside the small table, sipping wine from time to time.
After another cup was finished, there was a slight sound from the courtyard door and a figure walked over quickly.
Proni laughed and stood up to greet him: "Brother-in-law, you are a little late. Come, sit down and have a drink."
The man sat down as he was told, but did not touch the wine glass on the table. Instead, he waved his hand and said, "I just came from Hao Lie's place."
"Didn't Councilman Hollie go to Lovington to investigate lynching? Is he back?" Proni was stunned.
"Let's not talk about this for now. How was the result today?" the visitor asked.
Proni immediately recounted the entire meeting, and at the end he simply laughed out loud: "Brother-in-law, you didn't see how embarrassed Wuleglindo was at the time. He was so angry that he slammed the table."
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The visitor smiled and said, "I've said it before. What Wulaglindo is promoting is just digging a hole for himself."
"That's right. If he doesn't do this, how would we have a chance?" Prony said with a smile.
The visitor nodded and said, "At tomorrow's meeting, you must strive to accomplish two things. If you do, Wulaglindo's prestige will be weakened again."
"I guessed one thing, and you have to tell me the other one." Proni's mouth corners slightly raised...
…
In the living room of the Green Building, Helen was lying on a recliner by the window, holding a red satin cotton pillow in her arms, watching the brothers Nanzheng and Beizhan writing with great interest.
It was Shelley who taught the two brothers how to write, while Lori was embroidering handkerchiefs on the side. This felt quite new to Helen because under her influence, Lori would never be so quiet.
Or maybe everything in front of her seemed fresh to her.
If... a thought suddenly popped up in her mind, and the maid's voice came to her ears: "Hello, Master. Thank you for your hard work."
He's back? Helen looked up and saw that it was indeed Woolley who walked quickly into the living room. For some reason, Helen felt that his steps and posture were full of fatigue.
Nanzheng and Beizhan quickly stood up to greet them, and Shelley and Loli also stopped to greet them.
"The master is back." Shelley smiled and took off Wu Lai's outer robe, while Loli handed him a cup of warm water.
Wu Lai waved his hand, indicating that he didn't want any water. After sitting down on the big chair, he stretched out his hand to call a maid: "Take Nan Zheng and Bei Zhan to the backyard to play for a while."
Shelley frowned and asked quickly, "Is it not going well today again?"
Wu Lai glanced at Helen and nodded: "Yesterday's Proni has jumped out to steal the spotlight again today."
"What then?" Loli asked as she sat down.
"Then..." Wu Lai hesitated for a moment and waved his hand, "Forget it, I'll take a break first, we'll talk later."
As soon as Shelley nodded, Helen stood up and walked over. Her eyes fell on Wu Lai's face: "It's about me again, right?"
Wu Lai nodded and said, "According to the charter, the parliament will discuss and vote on your disposal arrangements in the next two days. As the speaker, I and Proni, who proposed the discussion, cannot participate."
"Who made the rules? You are the Speaker." Loli couldn't help asking.
"I made it myself, to ensure that the members of parliament are not disturbed when discussing business," Woolley replied.
Helen frowned and asked, "They still want to kill me, don't they?"
"Not everyone. Judging from what happened at today's meeting, it's half and half." Wu Lai's expression was a little solemn.
Helen suddenly smiled: "It seems that you don't want me to die?"
"You are more valuable alive than dead," Woolley replied.
"Wu Lai, just let nature take its course. My country is gone, and you can imagine what kind of misfortune will befall my family. So, there is no meaning in my living. So, there is no need to put on a stern face, as it will scare the children." Helen said with a sigh.
Wu Lai smiled bitterly and shook his head...
Late at night, Wu Lai stood in front of the window with his clothes on, gazing at the two bright moons in the clouds, his brows furrowed for a long time.
After a while, Shelley slowly walked behind him, wrapped her arms around Wu Lai's waist, and put her face on his back.
"Every time I hear your heartbeat, my heart feels so peaceful," Shelley said.
Woolley smiled.
"Are you still awake so late? Are you worried about Helen?" Shelley asked.
"Not entirely," Woolley replied. "I'm thinking about how to ensure the purity of the parliamentarians."
"The simplicity of the congressman?" Shelley didn't understand.
"Members of parliament are the basic components of the parliament. Whether they are honest, dedicated and serve the people is directly related to the well-being of all Assyrian people." Wu Lai sighed softly, "The current selection process still has too many loopholes. The parliamentary charter I set also has loopholes. Once it is seized by scheming people... Oh, if Guru were here, I could discuss it with him..."