Chapter 157 Untitled
"In the face of a powerful enemy, be fearless, resolute and loyal, worthy of God, loyal and upright, would rather die than surrender, protect the weak, it is not against the laws of nature!"
This is the oath sworn by the members of the Knights. Although not many people abide by these, they still have to do it to save face. Then they began the journey of jihad.
There is nothing else to do next except checking every day to see if there is any latest information, and the rest is nothing more than trivial matters. The main thing now is a rest.
Mircea presided over a large number of trials after the rebel nobles entered the capital, including beheadings, exiles, and monasteries. This situation has not happened for hundreds of years. Nowadays, it's a bit scary.
But Mircea continued to implement it, he did not want any instability. After finally having the opportunity to take over Constantinople, how could he give up, not to mention that his starting point was much higher than that of some previous Roman emperors. (Basil I: I don’t know why a peasant like me would take the position of emperor)
A large number of old aristocrats died and were replaced by a large number of new aristocrats and bureaucrats. They were loyal to the Grand Duke and conscientiously implemented the Grand Duke's policies. The central government has completely overpowered the local governments, and the risk of splitting has been greatly reduced.
Mircea also set his sights on the Adriatic Sea, because the coastline of the Aegean Sea was still under Ottoman control and now had two outlets, Alber and Zeta. Wallachia would then be able to participate in the battle for the Mediterranean.
The Adriatic Sea, part of the Mediterranean Sea, is sandwiched between the Balkan Peninsula and the Apennine Peninsula. It is generally a narrow sea area running from southeast to northwest. It is more than 2,000 nautical miles long in the east-west direction, and the narrowest point in the north-south direction is only a hundred nautical miles. As long as the narrow entrance between Albania and Italy, the Adriatic Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, it is difficult for outsiders to enter the above-mentioned sea areas.
It was for this reason that Mircea was very interested in the marriage in Naples. Once the marriage is successful, Wallachia can form an alliance with Naples and block the Adriatic Sea if necessary, which is of great strategic significance.
However, in order to do this, Laszlo must win the battle for the throne. Because he has now gone to Taranto, his opponent has taken over Naples, and everything seems to have settled. But Laszlo is no ordinary person. Although he is only 18 years old, his political skills are very sophisticated. Under the current situation, it is still possible to fight with Louis V. If there is a strong ally, he will be able to return to Naples soon.
So, that's why he appeared before Peter.
When Peter learned that Laszlo had arrived, he immediately went to see his future brother-in-law. He looks okay, but I don't know what his temper is like.
Although one is 15 years old and the other is 18, they have both been involved in politics for many years. They are still looking forward to this meeting.
"Welcome, King of Naples."
"It is an honor to meet you, ruler of Wallachia."
The two praised each other at the banquet, and their words were full of admiration for each other. They also know that these are good words, and the next step is to get down to business.
As for why Laszlo went to Peter first, it was naturally because he had heard some news about leading an army to defeat the Ottoman army, being diligent and caring for the people, the people in the place he governed lived a prosperous life, and the army he governed was invincible, etc. Such an achievement was actually accomplished by this person who was younger than him. He would definitely let Peter support him.
"Louis is just a side branch who crowned himself king with the support of a small group of nobles. This is treason. I have the most authentic bloodline and am the best heir to the throne."
Laszlo focused on his own origin and attacked Louis' identity, because in Europe, one's own blood is the best certificate for inheriting the throne.
Peter expressed sympathy for Laszlo and gave his blessing to his sister's marriage. Then the conversation changed and he offered to help him with some weapons and food.
Laszlo naturally agreed, which showed that the alliance with Wallachia was correct. Wallachia needed him, and he also needed Wallachia. The two sides complemented each other.
At the same time, Peter also gave him an irresistible temptation. In the future, Wallachia captured Venice, and Naples could get part of the spoils.
Venice, this is a big money bag. Even if it was just a part, it was a lot, so Laszlo agreed without hesitation. Wallachia's supplies could be transported from Lesh to Naples, giving Laszlo more confidence.
----Dividing line----
Venice has recently discovered that their living space in the eastern Mediterranean has become smaller. Except for their own territory, the vassals have become restless. All this was brought about by Wallachia.
The governor felt that this was not going to work and that Wallachia needed to be suppressed, but the congressmen did not have such a high vision. They feel that as long as they control coastal ports and have the world's largest navy, they are still the strongest, and Wallachia is at best a land power. Give him as much land as he wants, as long as he doesn't compete with Venice.
It is not surprising to have such an idea. Venice is not very interested in territorial expansion. They only see profit. If the price is right, they can put some of the less important land up for sale.
Beginning with the Fourth Crusade, Venice acquired a large number of islands and territories in the Eastern Mediterranean. Except for some particularly important direct jurisdictions, others are managed in the form of vassals. For example, it manages the Principality of Gandia in Crete, and Venice also strongly supports the expansion of the Knights Hospitallers, with their business houses and colonies wherever they go. Oriental spices continuously enter various countries through him, and each time they enter and exit, there is a large amount of gold.
Fighting for land not only costs a lot of money, but also requires energy and funds to be managed. Sometimes they even lose money. They will not do such a loss-making transaction.
Some Venetian governors saw this problem and planned to transform Venice from a maritime power to a land power, but they all failed. Because the governors themselves are vested interests, they cannot do anything that goes against their own class. Only the smallest details can be pruned, and Venice is getting richer and richer in trade. The local residents also believe that such days will continue. After all, with the navy around, they have nothing to fear.
And on the invisible battlefield, the battle between Venice and Wallachia has begun, just like the battle between Novgorod and Moscow. Both land countries are greedy for the wealth of the two trading countries and want to take advantage of theirs. Wealth expands one's own strength, and it is not possible to take action now, but at least the ending should be the same, it should be.
Let me make it clear that I am not a eunuch, I am too busy, and the author also has to work.