immortal person

It was almost lunchtime when Lorenzo returned to the palace the next day.Poliziano gave him a half-smile look: "What makes our Highness wake up late?" He joked, "Love, of course only love."

Lorenzo was then told that he had missed a visitor who had been waiting for him an hour in the drawing room and had just left. "Bianca Pazzi," Poliziano added, "she looks desperate to see you. Perhaps we can understand this as a gesture of affection?"

She was a frequent guest at various banquets in the Medici Palace, until the two families openly turned against each other.Her purpose at this time seemed to be self-evident, Poliziano looked at Lorenzo, then at Giuliano, and continued: "However, it is obvious that neither of our highnesses can satisfy her." Wish. So when she left, I didn't hold back."

They all understand that this is no joke.For nobles on this continent, not being able to marry is a great disadvantage.They lost a vital means, and the family had to stop the spreading roots in this generation, and their heirs would not be able to enjoy the inheritance rights of other territories.When he first confessed his secret to Poliziano, his staff lamented: "Venus can't win us the land, Mars you don't like--swords can't, roses can't. "But even at this point, many years later, he has no regrets.

"Maybe it's just a pretense. Their compromise is definitely not forever." Lorenzo shook his head, "By this time, the olive branch has no effect."

He was ready to uproot the other party, it was only a matter of time; and the other party must have thought so.

The sharp hostility that could be felt all the time in the past temporarily receded, like a snowball that stopped falling, a sword that was fixed in mid-air.No one is going to let their guard down, and the Medici can hardly be distracted at this time - only two weeks later, Florence will usher in Holy Week, the stage for Salviati and Girolamo to play their skills.More and more foreigners poured into the city, most of them were guests and travelers who came to participate in the celebration and sex.Street disputes and fights began to occur more and more frequently, and even before dark one day, the waiter came to report that a customs official had died in office, and the cause of death seemed to be drinking too much.The magistrate immediately launched an investigation, but according to the guards guarding the city, there was no suspicious person among the people who entered the city in the evening, and the only large number of travelers were dozens of farmers.Tuscany has too many such sharecroppers: they live off their ancestral vineyards, and at festivals they bring barrels into town on oxcarts, some of which are sold to vintners, and some of which are usually used by the priests at Mass .Therefore, no one took this small matter to heart.

On Palm Sunday in the 64th year of the Holy Calendar, at the Plato Academy in Florence, Lorenzo de Medici, chief flag bearer of the city-state and Duke of Medici, personally made a statue of Perseus that will be handed down for hundreds of years Host the unveiling ceremony.This statue was erected on the tall pedestal of the main hall of the academy, and people admired it as a symbol of the city-state's glory and courage.People stood under the snow-white marble, marveling at its astonishing realism and impact: Perseus's tense muscle lines, toes curled up due to force, Medusa's expression of mixed horror and hatred, they are so lifelike , like a mythical figure in person.The imitation of nature has been regarded as the highest goal of art since the Stoics, and it undoubtedly accomplishes this.Many poems were immediately recited among the crowd, and Lorenzo ordered the poems to be engraved on the floor tiles beside him, and each line was plated with thin gold. "A brilliant victory," said the people, "who would not be impressed by it?"

The activities to commemorate Holy Week start from this day, and the iconography, dance drama, competition and prayer will be carried out in sequence.The most eye-catching thing is undoubtedly the high mass that will be held in the last three days. It will be held in the Basilica of Notre Dame on Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter. As usual, a cardinal from Rome will personally preside over this grand ceremony.The bishop named Riario arrived on the third day, only 20 years old, looking younger than his actual age, like any ordinary noble boy.But no one questioned why he was admitted to the College of Cardinals at such a young age - everyone knew that he was the Pope's favorite nephew.

Surprisingly, not only a cardinal came to visit that day.It was Croce Orsini who came with Riario.

No one expected him to come.When he appeared in front of the steps of the Medici Palace, everyone who received him could not hide his surprise, and Orsini seemed very satisfied with their reactions, until Lorenzo came to them: "It is hard to imagine that our city-state has To receive such an honor."

"I proposed to come—I haven't been to Florence yet. The Holy See couldn't resist me. Considering my lack of experience, I asked Mr. Croce to accompany me." Riario said briskly.He looked at Lorenzo curiously: "Are you His Royal Highness Medici? You are much younger than I thought!"

Lorenzo smiled and put his arms around his shoulders, leading him into the banquet hall.Accompanied by Orsini's side, Poliziano was secretly startled: compared to half a year ago, the shadow on this grown-up's face has disappeared, and even the goatee has become sleek again.During the banquet, he paid tribute to Lorenzo many times. He was as smooth and funny as before, and even showed overly attentiveness that was not suitable for his status.Giovanni kept an eye on him; for some reason, Orsini's wet green eyes in the candlelight always made him unconsciously uncomfortable.

He has been paying attention to the movements of the cardinals.In the first two days, Orsini went to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Monastery of San Marco to visit Salviati and Girolamo respectively, and together with them anointed or baptized the believers.This behavior was beyond reproach, although he was a guest of the Medici; Riario remained in the Medici palace.He was an art-loving young man who had met Giovanni when he was in the Vatican; at his request, Giovanni accompanied him to see Lorenzo's collection one by one, and even went to the theater to watch two performances .Riario soon talked to him about everything, and very few lies could escape Giovanni's eyes. He understood that the young bishop's smile and words were very sincere, and it was even hard to believe that he had actually talked with Sixtus. The four generations shed the same blood.

A defenseless young man, compared with his uncle and companions, is as innocent as a baby.Giovanni was quick to pass judgment.

Everything is going on in an orderly manner.People even began to sigh with emotion: After abandoning unnecessary party disputes, the long-lost peace and happiness finally returned.Holy Week is going on smoothly, harmoniously, orderly and solemnly.Apple blossoms and cherry blossoms are gradually blooming, and the city is filled with a vaguely sweet fragrance. "The great city of flowers is as rich, prosperous and beautiful as I imagined," Riario said excitedly when they passed through the participating teams.The attendant handed over the tray, and he threw the strawberries into his mouth, "—I think everyone will fall in love with this place. Who wouldn't?"

Everything looks pretty good until Holy Wednesday.Another unexpected and pleasant thing happened: at noon, when Giovanni came to the Medici Palace as scheduled, the servant reported that a young monk named Leonardo Buonarroti was waiting downstairs .This was the first time the brothers had met after their father's death, so Giovanni asked Riario to forgive him for not being able to accompany him, and had an intimate talk with Leonardo in the tavern for about an hour.He learned that Leonardo had finished his apprenticeship and was finally allowed to return to the city.If possible, they can often see each other in the future.

And in the evening of the same day, Riario had to miss the dinner due to sudden abdominal pain.His symptoms were so severe that the doctors unanimously judged that he would preside at the evening prayers tomorrow—while the remaining options seemed obvious: how rare and fortunate that there were two cardinals in the city at the same time.

Croziolsini accepted the sudden assignment with modesty.He remained cheerful until, in the middle of the dinner, a sudden knock on the door disturbed the music of the orchestra.The bishop muttered dissatisfiedly: "In Rome, such a rude servant would have his fingers chopped off." Lorenzo got up and walked out.

Giovanni's eyes followed him.Their figures were mostly hidden behind the door, and he saw Lorenzo unfold a scroll.Soon, the messenger led the order to retreat, but Lorenzo still paused outside the door for a moment.When he turned around and turned back, he did not return to his seat, but stood by the door with a serious expression that no one had ever seen before.

He tapped lightly on the door panel.

"I beg your pardon for leaving," said Lorenzo, when all eyes turned to him. "I think we should hold a quorum immediately."

All the high-ranking and powerful people in Florence soon learned the news: the guards of the Medici family had caught a stranger who was acting strangely. Soldier, and most importantly - a roll of Lorenzo's portrait was recovered from him.Reminiscent of the previous turmoil, no matter how you look at it, he looks like an assassin targeting the Duke.The man was taken to a cell, but torture and interrogation failed to induce him to admit his purpose or reveal his employer's name.Members of the Ruling quickly assembled in the Municipal Palace, many sullen at having to leave the dinner.

"Undoubtedly, someone is taking advantage of the cover of the celebration to murder the Duke," Poliziano said. "We suggest that the suspect should be searched immediately throughout the city. If no one is found, we suggest that tomorrow's celebration and other activities be postponed or cancelled." Activity--"

"Tomorrow is Good Friday, my lord!" Corona Foley interrupted him loudly. "It is the day when our Lord Jesus returns to the world! How dare you interrupt his glory?"

François Pazzi said: "The curfew is coming, the people of the Lord are going to sleep. Go door to door looking for assassins now? What will the people think?—and, with all due respect, that poor man has not yet Admit that he is an assassin! I am afraid that it is inappropriate to alarm our people for the rumors, Your Highness?"

"Then tell me—if it's not an assassin, who else could he be?" Niccolo couldn't help raising his voice, "An outsider of unknown origin! Saber!"

The dispute broke out almost immediately.The Patzis quickly returned to their traditional roles, as if the previous brief peace had never come.At this moment, someone whispered: "Maybe it's just an ordinary person participating in the celebration."

All eyes were cast on him.The speaker, Geraldo Loredan, the fisherman, shrank his neck anxiously: "I mean, the so-called 'assassin'. Maybe he just admired the Duke so much that he carried a portrait with him. ..."

Niccolo was furious, and Corona almost laughed out loud: "Dude!".People looked at Geraldo like a pet dog that had strayed into a room.And he obviously didn't understand what he said wrong.

The judge tried in vain to stop the drama.Until Lorenzo said, "Well, vote."

"We are very sorry to trouble you late at night." He folded his palms on the table and said slowly, "Gentlemen who agree with the proposal, please raise your hands."

"According to the law, a resolution must be approved by more than half of the members," the judge announced. "That is to say, if eight of the gentlemen present agree, we will organize the guards to launch a search."

In the silence, the first hand was raised first.Some people looked at each other, looking at Lorenzo's expression cautiously, and then raised their arms hesitantly.At the other end of the long table, Patsy and Foley remained motionless, as did the rest of the crowd.Loredan looked at the person who raised his hand, and then at Patsy. "Don't you agree?" Pazzi asked gently, his eyes almost coaxing.

Niccolo's eyes were firmly fixed on him, as if he was going to eat him alive.His eyes flicked back and forth between the two, and gradually began to tremble slightly, like a mouse with its tail lifted.

"...I abstain," he struggled for a moment, and finally said loudly, "I abstain!"

In the silence, Poliziano heard Lorenzo's almost silent sigh.

Among the 14 members of the ruling group, they have won the support of seven people, one has given up, and the other four have clearly decided to oppose it. Everyone turned their attention to the last two who are still hesitating.At the long table, one of them finally raised his left hand slowly, and Lorenzo nodded to him in thanks.The people had foreseen the result in their hearts—the one remaining would undoubtedly support the Duke, and the cancellation of the celebration was a foregone conclusion; after all, what could be more loyal than blood?but……

They no longer concealed their curiosity, and the judge cast a questioning gaze on the man.Lorenzo watched him without saying a word.

Angelo Tornaboni sat upright in his high chair, his back straight, his hands clasped on his knees, stiff as a poorly made icon.Aware of Lorenzo's gaze, he gave the Duke a hard look, and immediately looked away.

"Is this your final decision?"—asked the judge.

For a long time, no one answered.

"Then, obviously," the old judge cleared his throat at the end of the long table, "seven votes are not enough to reach a resolution. The celebration will continue as usual."

They returned to the Medici Palace in the night mist and cold rain.The night wind passed through the hall, and the candle flames swayed like ghosts. Giuliano and Giovanni were waiting in the hall.The palace doors closed behind them, and Poliziano quickly recounted what had happened.Lorenzo shook Giovanni's hand, not only to comfort him, but also to draw strength for himself.

"Let someone take Giulio away first," he thought, and ordered the attendants, "send him to my mother. Let's go now."

Then he turned to Nicolo.

"Now, please take some trustworthy people and go to the stables to lead the horses at once," the Duke whispered, "to Pisa, the sooner the better. When you see Captain Pisano, ask him to lead the army outside the city. the bastion, where we await news from us."

Niccolo immediately took orders to go. "I'm just worried it's too late." Giuliano paced back and forth.It took at least one night to reach the fortress, and longer to march to Florence. "Tomorrow is the celebration, and tonight is the high mass—there will be no one who will stain the church with blood." Poliziano thought for a while, "They haven't reached the point of blasphemy..."

They looked at each other and added in their hearts: I hope so.

Giovanni grabbed his cloak and rushed outside into the storm.

Like a splash of ice water pouring over his heart, strong anxiety choked his throat.From the very beginning: Pazzi's retreat; Orsini's unexpected visit; Riario's sudden illness - he is obviously a very healthy young man; the elder brother who has been away for five years, his crow-like black robe...

He stops abruptly in front of the tavern where he will meet Leonardo in the afternoon.The curfew is approaching, and the men are closing the wooden windows facing the street.Giovanni stopped him before he could even explain. "The priest who is with me today," he asked sharply, "do you know what monastery he is from?"

When he asked Leonardo, what did his brother answer?Vaguely covering up the past, he said a name he had never heard of.The clerk stared at him and was stunned for a while before remembering that he was a visitor in the afternoon. "You mean...the one who looks like you?" He murmured, struggling to recall, "You don't know, how do I know? But I guess he's a Dominican, sure. yes……"

"In what direction did he go?"

"I know that. After all, there aren't many priests in the tavern, are there?" said the waiter. "Northwest! There's only..."

"The Abbey of San Marco," murmured Giovanni.

On the night when the wheel of fortune turned, Florence ushered in the first storm of the year.People at home raised a corner of the curtain uneasily, only to see that the night sky was brightly lit with lightning, just like the first day of the flood.In the early morning of the next day, the guards patrolling the city found that the city gate sculpture was missing an important component - a lily made of pure gold, which was donated by Duke Cosimo de' Medici 20 years ago and used to be a symbol of Florence Held in the palm of the hand by Saint John on the city gate.A search order was issued immediately, and before noon the guards found it under a wall.

The lily is buried deep in the black mud, and its light has long been lost.

The author has something to say:

The relevant Holy Week rituals have been modified based on the Renaissance tradition, just look at the conspiracy or something, the author is really not smart enough orz