My Italy

Chapter 271 Shadow

The first ray of sunshine in the morning shines on the earth, giving the street lights that have been on all night a rest. As time goes by, there are more and more people on the street. The vibrant city of Rome has entered another busy and lively day.

Antonio stood on the balcony, looking at the city that was becoming more and more modern, and he was filled with emotions.

"It's been a long time since I've been back to Rome, and the changes have been huge."

He looked at the scene outside and couldn't help but admire it.

Just when he wanted to see more of Rome, a knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.

"Your Excellency, Speaker Crispi has arrived."

The words of the entourage came from outside the door, asking Antonio to quickly tidy up and prepare to welcome his friend.

"Antonio, I haven't seen you for so long, I almost don't recognize you."

As soon as he entered the door, Speaker Crispi looked at Antonio who appeared in front of him and exclaimed. Because the Antonio in front of him is very different from a few years ago. The Antonio before was not so dark, and there were probably too many wrinkles on his forehead.

Faced with his friend's surprised expression, Antonio was not surprised and he answered directly. "In East Africa, it's very difficult not to get tanned, but nothing has really changed."

"Tell me quickly, what have you done in these years to make such a big change? Although I have received a lot of letters from you before, I want to hear the content beyond the letters."

Facing his curious friends, Antonio immediately answered. "As you wish, let's sit down and talk."

Seeing that the two of them were planning to have a long conversation, the others closed the door and left with a wink.

Antonio then briefly narrated his experiences over the years to his friend. During his narration, Speaker Crispi learned that his friend had visited all the East African colonies in the past few years, including Abyssinia and the Mahdi. He had been to the front lines of the kingdom's war several times, and he was so shocked that he called his friend so brave.

At the same time, he asked curiously. "The Mahdi Kingdom and Abyssinia are still at war?"

Faced with the question from his friend, Antonio answered. "Yes, they are still fighting, but their war is a little different from ours."

Antonio then explained to his friends how the bad war that was still going on was fought. It turns out that the two countries have been fighting over the disputed Lake Tana without admitting defeat. Every year when the off-season comes, the two countries have a fight in the Lake Tana area. If they win, they can grow crops here for a year, but if they lose, they will be left in despair. leave.

It was an eye-opener for Crispi to hear a battle that was like a duel.

After a pleasant conversation, Crispi suddenly said seriously. "Antonio, your Majesty calls you back to Rome this time. You should know what's going on."

Seeing his friend talking about business, Antonio answered equally seriously. "Know some general information."

After hearing Antonio's answer, Crispi immediately continued. "This summons is crucial. If His Majesty is satisfied, it will be a matter of course for you to take over. But what are your plans for how to let His Majesty make a choice?"

Faced with the question from his friend, Antonio thought about it for a while before answering. "I have some ideas, but I don't know if they are suitable. Do you have any good suggestions?"

Faced with Antonio's rhetorical question, Crispi immediately answered. "Actually, there are three candidates for the Governor of Borneo this time. In the end, he summoned you to Rome for questioning. It is obvious that His Majesty needs you. However, after all, Borneo is still the number one tax revenue place, so it is more or less necessary to explain to His Majesty plans for economic development.

If you follow what I mean, when talking to His Majesty, you need to focus on the description of economic development, and then talk about your expertise in ethnic adjustment and governing officials. "

After listening to his friend's suggestion, Antonio nodded and answered. "This is the same as what I imagined before, but I am not very good at economic development. I am afraid that His Majesty will be disappointed by then."

"This is how modest you are. What kind of place is East Africa? The land is barren and the products are not rich. There are even few minerals. You can manage the place in an orderly manner and hand over five million lire to Rome. You have performed very well."

Faced with Crispi's compliment, Antonio shook his head. "This is all thanks to maritime transportation. If a few suitable ports were not cleared, I would really have no choice but to play in the sand in East Africa."

Then the two talked together for a while. After waiting for a while, Crispi looked at the time and said. "You have to meet with His Majesty at noon, so I won't disturb you. We'll talk after you're done."

"Well, I won't send you out."

The two parted just like they did many years ago, without so many polite words.

After Crispi returned to the carriage, he took a complicated look at the room where his friend was, and then said to the coachman. "I have fulfilled your master's request, remember to make him fulfill his promise."

Even though he has been in the political arena for decades, Crispi's face still gets a little hot when he thinks of exchanging friendship for profit. Although the Speaker looks good, only those who can't do it know it. The Italian Parliament is an eraser. He has been in this position for several years and cannot do this anymore. Something has to change, whether it's good or bad, it's better than talking to yourself every day in a group of people.

In the room, after his friend left, Antonio kept sitting on the chair and meditating. He didn't wake up until his entourage knocked on the door again.

After receiving the news that his friend had left, he picked up a manuscript from his box. This was the draft of his plan to talk to His Majesty. The ideas in the manuscript are surprisingly similar to what Speaker Crispi said before, but now he plans to change it.

This modification took a short while, and by almost noon, I finally had it done again.

Satisfied, Antonio stretched to relieve his fatigue, and then prepared to meet His Majesty. After doing all this, he suddenly said, "I hope I didn't think too much."

Then he climbed into his carriage and set off for the palace.

Antonio stayed in the palace for a total of five hours, waiting until the lanterns came on before leaving the palace.

Under the attention of many pairs of eyes, the carriage carrying him returned to his residence all the way.

Antonio was very happy when he returned to his residence. Fortunately, he revised the manuscript, otherwise if he had followed the original plan, this position would definitely not have fallen into his hands. This friend of mine has been a ‘big help’.

The next day, Carlo signed an order appointing Antonio as the governor of Borneo, and also signed the candidate for the governor of East Africa after his transfer.

The new Governor-General of East Africa unexpectedly fell into the hands of Home Secretary Sabot. Regarding his transition from Home Secretary to Governor-General in charge, no one except the person involved knew whether it was good or not. Of course, becoming the Governor of Borneo would definitely be a huge improvement.

And as Antonio got the governorship of Borneo, many ambitious people seemed to be discouraged and stopped.

As for Antonio's friendship with the Speaker, the friendship has not changed and the two still chat in public.

However, as Antonio goes to Borneo, where there is a need to receive a successor with a different style from the previous governor, I believe they are busy again.

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