infodatos Chapter 319 Earl Hall's Achilles' Heel
Chapter 319 Earl Hall's Achilles' Heel
Chapter 319 Earl Hall's Achilles' Heel
Count Hall was neither a political novice nor a newly rich young man who would recklessly pursue any potential gain.
So although 99.999% of people would find Robert's terms irresistible, they were still only uncertain to Earl Hall!
Power is what lasts forever. Right after Duke Negan died, his old friend disregarded everything and joined forces with others to divide his estate. Even if no one was surprised, they must have had other thoughts about Earl Hall.
"So it turns out you used to seem like a nice guy, fair and trustworthy, and respected by all sides. But it was all an act! You and we are all in cahoots. The only reason you could put on a convincing act was because you didn't get enough benefits before!" Such voices will surely become rampant.
Earl Hall is a man with a very long-term vision, who does not care about short-term gains or losses, and who cherishes his reputation. In addition, the power behind him is astonishing. It is very likely that things will not go as Robert wishes, and he may even become the biggest obstacle to Robert's goal!
"If Earl Hall is really unwilling to cooperate with me at this time to dismantle Duke Nigan's forces, it will be a real problem!"
You said if the power plays and incentives don't work, how about we try to persuade him with personal connections?
Having acknowledged Evan's concerns, Robert's mind raced, and he quickly found what seemed to be the most effective solution. He looked Evan up and down, making Evan feel as if he were being scrutinized by a pair of eyes that were eyeing pork at a market, and he couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine!
Without even thinking, Evan knew that Robert was plotting to marry him off to Miss Audrey again, and he quickly shook his head.
"This is not feasible. If it were before, there might have been a sliver of a possibility, but now that Duke Negan is dead, you could become the new political mouthpiece for the Church of Storms, and no one wants a new Duke Negan to be born!"
Robert thought about it and realized that this was indeed the case. He couldn't help but sigh, feeling very sorry, since he had always had a good impression of Earl Hall's youngest daughter.
The old count had intended to propose marriage to Robert and Miss Audrey before his death, thus providing Robert with more assistance.
If Robert hadn't already had Amanda, he might have given in to the old Earl's wishes!
Although he initially refused the old count's offer, the incident served as a wake-up call for Robert. He specifically instructed his butler to pay special attention to Audrey and discovered that she was indeed an ideal marriage partner and an excellent wife candidate, suitable in every way. Therefore, he had already considered marrying Miss Audrey to Evan before this.
After all, his parents passed away too early, so Robert saw Evan's marriage as a natural responsibility!
But the death of the Duke of Negan disrupted everything. As Evan said, with him about to take a further step and gradually replace the Duke of Negan in the political arena, the marriage between Evan and Miss Audrey was too inappropriate, and might become increasingly inappropriate in the future!
Seeing that Robert seemed to have temporarily given up the idea of bringing him and Audrey together, Evan secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
It's not that Evan dislikes Audrey; in fact, he really likes Audrey's personality and appearance. Because he had no parents in his previous life and was a bullied child at school, he was able to clearly sense the kindness and malice in other people's hearts from a very young age!
He could feel Robert's sincere brotherly affection for him, and he could also sense Audrey's kindness and gentleness.
Audrey Hall is a strong-willed, intelligent, positive, loving, caring person who loves her family and friends and is always willing to help others.
She was the person Evan most wanted to meet when he felt helpless in his past life.
That's why Evan couldn't get too close to her!
Evan had long been clear about his position, the impact of the "City of Calamity," and the potential consequences of his and Robert's future plans. Therefore, he would never bring Robert to his side!
"Actually, there are other ways to persuade Earl Hall!"
To prevent Robert from focusing on his marriage again, Evan quickly interrupted Robert's train of thought.
"Oh? What method? Did you prepare this in advance?"
Robert felt that Evan was leading the conversation, so he looked at Evan with curiosity.
"Earl Hall may very well want to take advantage of tonight's opportunity to distribute the political pie as evenly as possible after Duke Negan's death and stabilize the political landscape!"
But no matter what, we still have to cut the cake left by the Duke of Negan. It's just that if we cut it, Charles Negan might suffer heavy losses, while if the Earl of Hall cuts it, Charles Negan's losses might be less!
But Earl Hall may have overlooked one point: in Charles Negan’s eyes, as he prepared to take his hands on the cake left by the Duke of Chenegnan, he and we were all in cahoots, sharing what should have been his!
There's no doubt that Charles Negan would think the same way. He's notoriously greedy and completely lacks his father's social skills and the courage to humble himself in crucial moments!
However, compared to us, Earl Hall is someone we can win over. So, given that he refuses to cede any benefits, what do you think he will do to retain Earl Hall?
Evan looked at Robert meaningfully, his slightly parted lips revealing teeth that seemed to gleam with a cold light!
Robert's eyes also gleamed with a captivating light, and he smiled almost without hesitation, saying:
"He will look for Earl Hall's weaknesses, hoping to gain control over Earl Hall!"
Did you use MI9's resources to secretly slip something to Charles Negan?
Robert's sense of smell was still so sharp that he immediately guessed what Evan had done as soon as Evan gave the slightest hint!
"The Angelic War has erupted in Backlund, Duke Negan has been assassinated, and the political struggle is heating up. In such chaotic times, it would be a shame not to secretly break the rules!"
Evan winked slyly, which made Robert burst into laughter. Indeed, if they didn't take advantage of the intelligence network they controlled, they might as well make the most of it.
Creating some convenience for oneself and strictly adhering to so-called political tacit understandings—that's true idiocy!
"What did you slip to Charles Negan that made him feel like he had Earl Hall under his thumb?"
Robert grew increasingly satisfied with Evan, feeling that Evan was truly a born "schemer," capable of seeing through people's hearts, planning ahead, keenly sensing opportunities, and flexibly applying the rules. If Evan hadn't already become a "hunter," Robert would have loved to give him the "lawyer" potion!
"It's nothing much, just some dirt on Lord Hilbert Hall, the eldest son of Earl Hall. Earl Hall himself is a decent man, with only a few lovers and illegitimate children, not much to be taken advantage of. But his heir is another story!"
Taking advantage of his time investigating the security department of MI9 these past few days, Evan came into contact with the files of many important figures, which was quite an eye-opener. He never imagined that the well-dressed big shots he usually saw were so energetic and had such a wide range of interests in private.
Robert had clearly read the relevant files as well; he smiled slightly at Evan's assessment of Earl Hall and nodded in agreement.
Then continue watching Evan, waiting for Evan to give him a detailed assessment!
Lord Hibbert is now in charge of the Air Pollution Investigation Committee.
Some time ago, in order to expedite the relevant work, he sent a threatening letter to a divorced woman who was also involved in the investigation. The letter included a headless doll.
Oh, that's the front-page headline in last Wednesday's Backlund newspaper, which sparked a lot of discussion and controversy!
Just a few words were enough for Robert to understand the whole story and to drastically change his perception of the seemingly debonair Lord Hilbert.
Although politicians never shy away from some underhanded tactics, targeting an innocent, single woman, especially one of their business partners, is incredibly low, shameless, and lacks any sense of class from any perspective!
"That's certainly a good handle, and hopefully Charles Negan will follow the path you've laid out!"
Robert reviewed Evan's arrangements and felt there were no problems.
"The steam train may appear to have a driver, but it actually runs on pre-laid tracks!"
Evan smiled confidently, not because of his arrogance, but because he believed that someone was helping him from behind!
Just then, the carriage, which had been moving steadily, stopped, and the coachman's voice came from outside:
"Your Excellency, Your Excellency, we have arrived!"
Robert and Irwin exchanged a glance, and then left the carriage one after the other.
Robert arrived rather late, and the Duke of Negan’s mansion was already packed with people from all walks of life. Everyone was dressed in black formal wear and wore a black hat. The ladies’ hats were covered with black veils with fine black checks to cover their faces, and they wore black gloves that reached their elbows. At the same time, they all tacitly removed their extra jewelry and accessories, with only white pearl necklaces around their necks!
Those who were invited to the memorial service today were all wealthy and powerful, so they all recognized the carriage of the Earl of Akhova's mansion and the famous Earl Robert at a glance, and they all came forward to greet him!
Everyone knows that Earl Robert is an absolutely indispensable figure in the post-Duke Negan era.
Just as Robert was nodding and greeting those around him, preparing to enter the Duke's mansion, another commotion arose.
Robert and Evan looked in the direction of the commotion and discovered that it was the Hall family's carriage that had arrived!
Robert and Evan simply stood there, waiting to go inside with Earl Hall and his family!
As Earl Hall stepped down from the carriage with the help of a waiter, Robert immediately went up to him and gave him a hug!
"Duke Negan was a great statesman, and his passing is a great loss to the kingdom. We, his colleagues, must carry on his will and safeguard His Majesty's kingdom well!"
Robert wanted to take advantage of this opportunity before entering the Duke's mansion to sound out Earl Hall's opinion.
"Yes! The future of the kingdom is surely what His Excellency the Duke cares about most, and we must ensure the stability of the kingdom's order!"
It was clear that Earl Hall understood the implied meaning in Robert's words and expressed his own opinion in a similarly subtle way, believing that the Kingdom of Rune should remain stable rather than make any moves!
Experienced politicians always try to calm things down when faced with chaotic situations.
Logically, this was the right thing to do, but George III had the Duke of Negan killed because he didn't want any more obstacles to the reforms. If the status quo were maintained, wouldn't the Duke of Negan have died in vain?
Even Robert wouldn't agree to something like that!
Standing to the side, Evan couldn't help but shake his head inwardly, while Robert and Earl Hall couldn't say much in public, just stating their opinions was enough.
So after their embrace, they walked together toward Duke Negan's mansion, surrounded by a large crowd.
Countess Hall, Lord Hibbert, Miss Audrey, and Evan followed closely behind, their families appearing unusually close, prompting whispers from those around them!
Just then, Charles Negan, who had been informed by the doorman, rushed over. Upon seeing this scene, his expression changed. Hearing the words whispered in his ear, his face darkened even more, to the point that everyone could see that the new Duke Negan was in a very bad mood!
Finally, he came forward to greet them and thank Earl Robert and Earl Hall for their visit.
Too impatient! Not every nobleman is as shrewd as Duke Negan and Earl Hall! The clandestine transfer of power certainly allows fools to rise to the top!
Charles Negan's expression was observed by Evan and the group of old foxes, who all felt that the new Duke Negan was a bit too green!
In contrast, Robert, who is the same age, seems very shrewd and composed. He doesn't show his emotions and keeps his thoughts to himself. He looks like a cunning and reliable person!
Earl Hall and Robert were among the last guests to arrive. Since memorial services don't have as many elaborate elements as banquets, the mourning activities began immediately upon their arrival!
Evan was not fond of this kind of ritual. After all, in his eyes, when people die, they are dead. The best gift for the deceased is to forget them. Why bother with remembrance?
However, he also knew that he had to put on an act at this memorial service, so he could only stand there solemnly with a look of deep sorrow on his face!
After the King's messenger, Viscount Stratford, finished reading the praise written by His Majesty the King himself, Earl Hall, Earl Robert, and Prime Minister Agushid took turns to express their condolences for the Duke of Negan.
No one would pass up this opportunity, which was both cost-effective and potentially a way to curry favor with the new Duke of Negan. After the leaders finished speaking, many people requested to go on stage to express their memories of the late Duke.
In other words, the Duke's butler was very experienced and quickly reminded Charles Negan to express his gratitude to the guests, while politely declining their request and simply having them present a white flower to the large photograph of the Duke of Negan, as prepared beforehand!