Chapter 429 The Dead

Athens, the capital of Greece, has restored its economy by virtue of its geographical location after becoming a Roman city again. At the same time, the numerous ancient Greek relics also make the cultural atmosphere here strong. Today, the Greek region has become an important cotton and wine production area. Of course, all this is inseparable from the despot Theodore.

Today, Theodore is already terminally ill. He is nearly 60 years old and is on his deathbed. Sophia brought the children from Constantinople to Athens to let her father see her grandson again.

"Sophia, my daughter, the most correct thing your father has done for a lifetime is to find you a good husband."

Theodore told his daughter about his feelings over the years. He survived cautiously in the first half of his life under the pressure of Achaea, Venice and the Ottoman Empire, relying on a pitiful amount of agricultural taxes every year. Even if Constantinople is in trouble, he can't do anything.

But the most correct thing he did was to let Sophia marry Peter, so as to get on the powerful Wallachia. Although Mircea forced his nephew to abdicate, it was what people deserved. As for the ending of his sister-in-law and nephew, he didn't care. Anyway, the male line was cut off, and the blood of Palaiologos could only be passed on by women.

Alexander had the blood of both Bartlan and Palaiologos, which would make it easier for him to act in the future.

"I am very satisfied with this now. Thinking back to when our ancestor Michael forced Emperor John to abdicate, it is also a reincarnation. God really loves everyone equally."

"Sophia, you have to pass on the blood and story of Palaiologos. Even if the whole world criticizes our family, you have to let people remember the name of the family forever."

After saying that, Theodore touched Alexander's head with his last strength and fell into his arms. This Greek despot died after nearly ten years of good days. Although there are still two nephews, the mainstream view of later generations is that Theodore's death marks the end of the male bloodline of the Palaiologos dynasty.

Peter was very sad to hear that the despot had passed away. If he hadn't been too busy, he would have accompanied his wife. The emperor also remembered the loyalty of his old relative and made an exception to let Sophia inherit Theodore's title. However, she was demoted from a despot to a duchess. In addition to being able to share half of the taxes, she had no political rights.

The Greek despotism was divided into two provinces, Morea and Thessaly, by the emperor. More officials had a place to go, which also allowed the emperor to continue to increase his control over the local areas.

Listerin discussed financial issues with Baptiste again. This pair of ministers who were recognized by the two co-ruling emperors were also harmonious.

"The fiscal revenue in recent years has been around 1.5 million lei, which is a bit too little."

"There is no way. The low tax rate was specially formulated to support the people, and the conquest of new places was a large amount of tax exemption. It is not easy to have these."

Although there is still money in the treasury, the current tax revenue and the expenditure generated by a large amount of construction have become an irreconcilable contradiction. Baptiste has been committed to formulating a good and healthy fiscal system. The current low tax rate must be changed.

"Starting next year, the income can be increased to more than 1.8 million, which is an unprecedented leap. The income from the canal exceeded expectations, and taxes in places such as Ancela also increased significantly."

The investment in Anatolia finally paid off, and the local head tax became the largest source of income. In addition, the monopoly of salt, spices, etc. is also a large source of income.

"It's really not easy now. You want money from the east and the west. Your Highness also wants to support Wales. If no one persuaded him, he would really go."

The prime minister complained about Peter's whimsical ideas. Now Rome wants to attack the whole world. You know, there is a potential anti-Roman alliance now. If more countries join, Rome will die without a burial place. But fortunately, there are emperors' sons in major countries, and they are currently acting in the interests of Rome. In return, Rome will support them to gain a foothold in the country.

"At present, His Highness Stefan is ready to attack England. After all, the Duke of Normandy without Normandy is still a joke."

"Indeed, it would be better if His Highness could get the position of King of France in the future."

Baptiste talked about the benefits endlessly, such as the addition of many excellent ports, and the French wine is also very good (although most of the production areas are in Burgundy and Aquitaine controlled by England).

"Your idea is even crazier than His Highness."

Now His Majesty's three sons have taken root in Moscow, the Holy Roman Empire and France. Mihaly has obtained the position of Archon of Novgorod, and the current Grand Duke has no heirs. If nothing unexpected happens, he will most likely become the Grand Duke of Moscow, and Vlad is one of the electors. He may be able to get the King of Germany with some operations. Not to mention that His Majesty also has a son-in-law of the King of Naples and a relative of the Duke of Romagna. If the King of France can get it, how powerful this family must be, and other European countries must beat them to death.

"Your Highness Stefan still needs to support it, but His Majesty has to come forward. It can also be regarded as a guarantee for our country."

Baptiste also knew that he was thinking too well, so he quickly put out the fire. Listerine then discussed the financial expenditure with him.

Under the careful work of the two, a brand new financial situation table was completed. As long as the emperor approved it, it could be implemented. The national treasury was also the emperor's private treasury, but it would not be touched unless necessary.

Now that there are more places, naturally more money is spent. Infrastructure and cultural facilities in various places need to be built, and there are many of them. Local governments are trying to raise funds, and the central government must also take responsibility and come up with money for construction.

Mircea recently wanted to renovate Hagia Sophia, and it had to be renovated according to the standards of Justinian's time. At that time, 320,000 pounds of gold were spent. Now, if it is renovated, the emperor will have to spend more than this. This is also a headache project.

However, two-thirds of the roads in Anatolia have been built, the main roads have been completed, and other small roads connecting rural towns are still under construction, and the speed is different according to the financial situation of each place.

This is a decision praised by the people. Their travel is convenient, farmers and craftsmen can sell goods to farther places, most areas are unobstructed, and trade has greatly increased.

The army's advance time has also been greatly shortened. It only takes one month to get from Nicaea to Yerevan. Because the construction of roads consumed a large amount of stone, the quarries produced not enough and had to import a large amount. Some foreign quarries exported directly to Rome and made more money than before. It has been a long time since we have seen so much purchasing demand.