My Italy

Chapter 128 The Preparations of the Abyssinians

Dese, located in Amhara, was the capital determined by the Abyssinian Emperor Johannes IV. In this Abyssinian capital, the majestic Sobia Palace was the Abyssinian capital. The residence of the Lord of Xenia.

But today, His Majesty the Emperor was not in a good mood, because the news brought by the British made him very angry.

"These damn Italians, I have put aside my noble status and bowed my head to admit my mistake. They still want to arrest me and take me to Rome for trial. Do they think I am easy to bully?"

The roar of Johannes IV put everyone in the palace in danger. His Majesty the Emperor had a bad temper recently, and several servants were thrown to the lions for offending him.

It seems that the British failed to reach peace talks and immediately added fuel and jealousy to make the relationship between the two countries even worse.

"Your Majesty, this may be because those Italians are too greedy. We may be able to put forward higher conditions."

Prime Minister Matthias on the side spoke out new ideas.

It was a good thing that the Prime Minister did not speak, but when he did, he was immediately reprimanded by Johannes IV. "If it weren't for your suggestion, how could I have been humiliated in front of the Italians. These Italians have invaded Tigray and they simply ignore me as an emperor in their eyes."

Everyone in the court knew the importance the emperor attached to Tigray, where he started his career. Later, he used this place as the basis to fight everywhere and unified Abyssinia after the death of Tewodros II.

It can be said that Tigray holds an extraordinary weight in his heart. Otherwise, when the Italians invaded here, they would not have hinted that the garrison would wipe out this bold little Italian force.

The angry curse of Johannes IV made Prime Minister Matthias unable to speak. In Abyssinia, the emperor has all the power, and his prime minister is more of a butler.

Although he believed that Abyssinia could not compete with Italy on its own strength, no one could persuade the angry emperor.

It cannot be said that no one can persuade him, and he can still listen to the words of Menelik II, the son-in-law who ruled Shoa. Because this is his chosen successor. The Lord of Shoa was no ordinary person. He was originally imprisoned by the former emperor Tewodros II. Later, when the British invaded, he took the opportunity to escape and return to Shoa.

After Tewodros II was defeated and committed suicide, Menelik II took the opportunity to expand his territory, and later became a situation where he and Johannes IV were competing for supremacy. However, Menelik, who lacked foreign support, gradually became at a disadvantage in the battle with Johannes IV. In order to resolve the struggle between the two powers, the two held peace talks.

The result of the peace talks was that Menelik married Princess Taitu, the daughter of Johannes IV, and his 10-year-old daughter Zoditu from his ex-wife was betrothed to Johannes's son Aliyah Selassie. (The relationship is very messy, and there are child marriages)

In addition, as a condition for Menelik's surrender, the throne of Hannes IV will be inherited by Menelik.

It can be said that this is the result of the combination of the two powers.

But unfortunately, this Menelik is still in Shoa, not in the capital.

After venting for a while, Hannes IV's anger was almost gone. He glanced at the Prime Minister who was standing silently aside, and then gave instructions to a servant. "Send someone to Hayik to bring Selassie back."

Selassie is his son, Duke Alia Selassie. Hayk, where he is located, is fifteen kilometers away from the capital. One of the most trusted troops of Hannes IV is stationed here.

"Father, you called me."

Duke Selassie, who was in his early thirties, had a dusty look on his face, and he started asking questions as soon as he entered the door.

"Yes. We're going to fight again this time."

Facing his son, Johannes IV said something surprising as soon as he opened his mouth.

Duke Selassie is indeed his son, and he is of the same blood. "Who shall we fight this time?"

"Italian."

Then Johannes IV informed his son of the news brought by the British.

"These Italians are so unreasonable. I can smell their ambitions for our country from thousands of kilometers away."

Duke Selassie, who looked disgusted, also disliked Italians for the same reason.

"By the way, have you put away the weapons I asked you to store?"

"It has been put away. Father can send someone to receive it at any time."

Faced with his father's question, Duke Selassie Lek gave the answer.

The arms they mentioned were brought by British and French traders during this period. The price was much cheaper than before, and Hannes IV took this opportunity to make a big purchase.

Of course, he also knew that if it weren't for the intrigue among these Europeans, how could he get an advantage?

But even if he picked up a bargain, these more than 10,000 muzzle-loading guns, 5,000 breech-loading guns, and 60 artillery pieces still left him with more than half of his wallet empty.

No way, Abyssinia itself is not rich, and the area where it can collect taxes only occupies half of Abyssinia.

However, there is still good news, that is, considering that the funds may be insufficient, the British and French businessmen agreed to pay in goods. Abyssinia mainly produces cattle, sheep, camels and leather products, as well as some agricultural products such as coffee and khat grass. However, given the barren land of Abyssinia, the output is not high.

But this time, given the strength of the Italians, Johannes IV was also bold. He also ordered a large number of arms from Britain and France, including 30,000 front-loading guns, 12,000 breech-loading guns, and 120 artillery pieces, and requested that they be delivered within two months.

Faced with the Abyssinian emperor's request, both British and French businessmen said that they would definitely deliver it before the war. In order to raise funds, Johannes IV even confiscated a large number of livestock to pay for arms.

It is unrealistic to defeat the Italians just relying on their own strength. Therefore, the Prime Minister also has a role to play. He is going to let him draft a document to call on the people to resist the Italian invasion. In addition, the warlords and lords in the country have not been left behind. They have sent special envoys and asked them to prepare troops and follow the emperor to resist the Italian invasion. Attack.

Johannes IV used these methods very smoothly. In the face of national justice, no one dared to stand up and object. As for personal inner thoughts, only you know that.

This series of tactics by Johannes IV immediately caused excitement in Abyssinia, and countless people enthusiastically joined the emperor's army. This caused Johannes IV's army to expand rapidly like a balloon.

In just over a month, the number of people increased from more than 20,000 to 80,000. Coupled with various warlords, Abyssinia's national military strength quickly expanded to 140,000. However, nearly half of them are new recruits.

I just don’t know, will the Italian army give them a chance to adapt?

I can’t bear it anymore, so I’ll go to bed first and make up for it tomorrow.

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