Chapter 103 Little Allies
A total of 75 boyars were executed this time, accounting for more than half of the Wallachian nobles, and the vacancies left by them were naturally filled by the Grand Duke.
In a short period of time, Mircea promoted some small and medium-sized nobles to the Boyar Council and distributed some of the confiscated land to his subordinates and yeoman farmers. Let them produce without having to serve, just pay taxes.
The remaining old boyar families also completely stood in line. They abide by the Grand Duke's orders and will never violate them.
The punishment this time was very good, and the decree was issued without much resistance. Mircea took the opportunity to centralize a lot of power. The nobles had certain economic privileges, but they couldn't even think about recruiting troops.
At the same time, the envoy to Hungary also returned. Sigismund declined Wallachia's request, citing the need to recover, but he was received by another queen, Mary. and was very interested in this request.
The Queen, who had not been involved in political affairs for several years, actually started asking about foreign affairs. This was the first time. The envoy also presented something to the queen: in addition to silk produced in Wallachia, there was also a portrait of Peter.
Although it attracted the Queen's attention, Hungary would not send troops without Sigismund's nod. To this end, Mircea will need to lobby for a long time.
Lady Maria and her children had all returned from the convent. She was particularly worried about her husband and children, so when she saw them intact, she cried on the spot. It’s best to be together as a family.
The portrait of the Virgin Mary was also treasured, and many people came to worship it after hearing that it had appeared. Maybe somewhere in the world, there really is a God blessing Wallachia.
After a heavy blow to the old aristocratic forces, Mircea decided to move the capital immediately. The construction of Bukul Yesti has been basically completed. From the small local Kemplonga to the new capital, the resistance to reform will become smaller.
"Everyone, I have decided to move the capital. From now on, Kemplonge's department will begin to move."
Officials dare not disobey the Grand Duke's orders. After all, there has just been a rebellion, who would object at this time.
The relocation work began quickly, and some small ministries began to be transferred. Patriarch Carroll also appointed a new Bishop Kemp Longe and took the church to the new capital.
At the same time, Peter also received letters from the south. The Ottoman governor Suleiman heard about the rebellion in Wallachia and decided to send troops to recapture Sofia. However, he was frightened after seeing the wooden stakes and retreated.
"Well, is Bayezid's son so timid? Those are not his own people, are they afraid of his own people?"
Peter expressed his disdain for Suleiman and then began to meet with a number of people who were rulers of territories along the Adriatic coast.
Due to the existence of these areas, the Ottomans had not yet acquired the coast of the Adriatic. However, these principalities still attacked each other and did not unite to fight the enemy. As a result, many people paid tribute to the Ottomans, but some resolutely resisted, including the Principality of Castriotti.
The Principality of Castriotti was originally a small country in Albania. Under the current ruler Gion Castriotti, it continued to expand its power and occupied a large area of land from Dibra to Tirana. He is the most prominent Albanian nobleman in the area.
Now, Osman's aggressiveness made him feel dangerous. He began to seek help from Hungary, Venice, and even the Papal States, but all came to nothing. But now, he can only place all his hopes on Wallachia.
"Have seen the ruler of Wallachia, may God be with you."
Gion saluted Peter, and Peter understood that he had come to ask for reinforcements. The current power of the principality is too small, and other countries will not come, so they can only look for him.
"Tell me why you are here, Your Excellency."
He told Peter about the Ottoman threat and proposed an alliance with Wallachia. If there is a war with the Ottomans in the future, he will send troops to help.
"But as far as I know, there is still a mountain barrier between your country and the Ottomans."
"But one day they will come over the mountains. Your Highness, your lips are dead and your teeth are cold. If your country cannot stop the Ottomans, then no country can stop those infidels."
Peter was a little moved by Gion's words, not to mention that one more ally means more strength. So he was invited to the Grand Duke's presence.
"Although the two countries are not adjacent, they are on the same front. I hope you will not break your promise."
"Thank you Grand Duke for your kindness." Tears flashed in Guion's eyes.
Wallachia and the Principality of Castriotti formed a secret alliance. The two parties agreed that when one country was attacked by the Ottomans, the other country must send troops to assist. Wallachia allocates some money from the treasury, and in exchange, Giang and his family must firmly believe in Orthodox Christianity, and at the same time, his 6-year-old son will be kept as a hostage in Wallachia.
Ji Ang's goal was achieved, and he found a more powerful ally. Although I don’t know what will happen in the future, for now it is all about fighting against Osman.
Albania only established an independent principality in 1190. Before that, it was ruled by the Roman Empire, Hungary, Venice and other countries. Now, although they are independent, they might as well be under the rule of another country.
After having an ally, Wallachia continued to prepare for war. Mircea eliminated a group of disloyal soldiers and continued to expand the small force to 10,000 people. At the same time, he opened a cavalry field in Moldova to train light cavalry and heavy cavalry. and recruited Balkan mercenaries and anti-Ottoman guerrillas. Spies are also active in border areas, with Plovdiv and Adrianople being important targets.
The recruitment of refugees is still in progress, and a large number of people have joined Wallachia to engage in production. The Ottomans are also using Turkic immigrants to supplement their army and finances. Both sides are preparing to give the other a fatal blow.
Peter's efforts to expand business to the East have naturally yielded a lot. Ross Company has established commercial strongholds in cities such as Rostov and Moscow. At the same time, trading was also carried out in Salai City, which was the biggest breakthrough since the establishment of the company.
Wallachian merchants had broken through the three major rivers, the Dnieper, Volga, and Don, and reached the Caspian Sea. All of this is inseparable from Wallachia's practice of encouraging merchants. Merchants in Hanse and other places can trade, so naturally they can too. And as far as he knew, the Hanseatic League only liked to buy low and sell high, and invested little in the local economy, so it was not enough evidence. Now he only needs to guard against Venice and Genoa, whose navies cannot be ignored.
The population of the purchased Theodoro Principality has exceeded 100,000. Although it is still being plundered, it is already much better. The city of Aaron protected citizens and commerce, maintained good relations with Kaffa, and took the initiative to give up profits in some competitive trades, which made Genoa feel relieved.
Moreover, Peter was also following the example of Genoa and obtaining tax farming rights for some towns in Crimea. But Peter only collected the cost, and he wanted to control these places.