My father Zhu Gaoxu

Chapter 865 Cooperation

Constantine stated his request, and then looked at Zhu Zhanhe anxiously. Although his request was not excessive, he was still worried that the other party would refuse because they did not have much that Rome could offer.

Zhu Zhanhe was seen looking thoughtful at this time, weighing the pros and cons of this matter in his mind.

Constantine's request was indeed not excessive. In Zhu Zhanhe's plan, the Han's power could only extend to the Mediterranean for the time being. He did not want to get involved in the Black Sea, so it didn't matter if the land was given to Rome, and the land was not big. , Rome can only become a small country that can protect itself. It is almost impossible to restore its former glory.

Of course, that land is now in the hands of the Ottomans, but the Ottomans are the target that Zhu Zhanhe is determined to attack. Mufas can only annex the Ottoman Asian region in the future. As for Murad II in Europe, Zhu Zhanhe We also need to send troops to attack the opponent, preferably to dismember the opponent's territory.

Therefore, if Rome wants that land, it must assist the Han Dynasty in fighting Murad II. Moreover, after they get the land, the remaining Ottomans will not be willing to accept it. It will also be a good idea to use Rome to contain the Ottomans in Europe. idea.

Thinking of this, Zhu Zhanhe finally looked at Constantine, smiled slightly and said: "Your Excellency Constantine, your sincerity touches me!"

"So Your Highness the Crown Prince, you agree to cooperate?"

Constantine was shocked when he heard this, and immediately confirmed again with great excitement.

"Yes, I wish both of us a happy cooperation. I will send officials to discuss the specific details of the cooperation with you in detail, but you must also be patient, because next we will make a big move against Osman. We will not make any plans until this matter is completed. It's your turn."

Zhu Zhanhe smiled and nodded.

Compared to Rome, Mufas's affairs are more important, and now that the war is imminent, he has no time to pay attention to Rome's affairs. He can only divide Osman in two and let Mufas occupy the Asian part of Osman. By then, Osman's strength After a sharp fall, Rome had the opportunity to take advantage of the situation.

"A big move against the Ottomans? I wonder if Your Highness can make it clear that you need our help from Rome?"

Constantine became even more excited after hearing this, and even took the initiative to express that after all, any blow to the Ottomans would be a help to their Rome.

"You are not needed for the time being. As for this big move, you will know about it soon."

Zhu Zhanhe said with a faint smile.

Constantinople is at the eastern end of the Black Sea Strait. It is said that when the Han invaded the Black Sea Strait, Rome should be able to help, but now they can only be trapped in the city without even a warship. Instead, Venetian merchant ships can enter the Black Sea Strait. , so Constantine was powerless if he wanted to help.

"Okay, thank you for your consideration, Your Highness. Then I will go back and wait for the officials you sent to discuss the details of cooperation!"

Constantine also knew that he was weak, so he did not force himself, and then saluted again before saying goodbye and leaving.

After Constantine left, Zhang Zhong asked Zhu Zhanhe: "Zhanhe, are you really planning to support the Roman Empire again?"

"It is basically unrealistic to revive an old empire like the Roman Empire that has entered its demise. However, we do not need a powerful Rome, we only need a Rome that can contain the Ottomans in Europe. I believe this That Constantine should be able to do it.”

Zhu Zhanhe replied with a smile. To put it bluntly, even if Constantine failed in the future, there would be no loss to the Han Dynasty, and there were many countries that had enmity with Ottoman. It would just be a matter of picking a few of them to continue to support him.

"I understand. You just made a casual move. It will all depend on the performance of Constantine and Rome in the future."

Zhang Zhong immediately understood what Zhu Zhanhe meant. After all, as a friend, he understood the other person very well.

Zhu Zhanhe stayed in Cyprus for ten days. In these days, in addition to sending people to discuss cooperation with Constantine, he also took Helen around the island of Cyprus.

This used to be the territory of Venice, so the cities on the island also have a Venetian style. At the same time, many Venetians have settled here, so Helen came here and felt the atmosphere of her hometown in advance.

However, strictly speaking, the island of Cyprus does not belong to the traditional territory of the Venetians. They even occupied it decades ago, because the island is too far away from Venice, and it is difficult for the Venetians to rule it.

In comparison, Crete, which is smaller and closer to Venice, is Venice's most important overseas territory. Not only do many Venetians move there, but Venice's main navy is also stationed there.

It is precisely because the island of Cyprus is too far away that Venice is unable to rule it, and is always threatened by the Ottomans, so they simply handed over the island to the Han in exchange for some more convenient areas in the Aegean Sea to rule. islands.

Ten days later, Zhu Zhanhe also decided to set off again. This time they would not stop, but would arrive directly in Venice.

In order to protect Zhu Zhanhe's safety, Zhang Zhong once again sent five battleships. In addition to the five brought by Zhu Zhanhe, there were a total of ten steam battleships to escort him, which was enough to ensure Zhu Zhanhe's safety.

Although the plan to attack the Black Sea Strait has been finalized, the previous war has just ended. Mufas also needs time to prepare. Zhang Zhong's navy is not needed yet, so he can dispatch ships to see Zhu Zhanhe off.

By the time Zhu Zhanhe finishes his trip, he is probably almost ready. If Zhu Zhanhe had left a little later, he might have been able to witness this significant war with his own eyes.

The ten warships brought enough fuel and fresh water. Zhu Zhanhe stood on the bow and waved goodbye to Zhang Zhong on the dock. Then, with the sound of the warship's whistle, the fleet slowly left Fama Port and sailed towards Venice. direction.

On the way, the fleet passed by Crete and the southern part of the Aegean Sea. The scenery of this sea area was beautiful and it was a very popular tourist destination in later generations. Zhu Zhanhe had also heard of its name for a long time, and now he finally saw it with his own eyes. A view of the sea.

After passing through Crete, the fleet turned a corner, bypassing the Kingdom of Morea where Constantine was king, and then passed through a strait and finally entered the Adriatic Sea, which is also Venice. core area of ​​domination.

On the east coast of the Adriatic Sea, this narrow area is all the territory of the Republic of Venice and is connected with Venice. This land is also the territory that Venice has captured after gradually expanding outwards for hundreds of years.

However, due to the expansion of Venice, their relations with the surrounding Papal States, Albania, etc. were tense, and wars broke out from time to time, which also greatly restricted Venice's military power.

(End of this chapter)