Eagle Byzantium

There were more than 10,000 German immigrants. Except for a thousand skilled craftsmen's apprentices who were employed in the armory in Seleucia, making simple spears, arrows and chain mail, all the other men and women were assigned to resettle. There were four thousand people in Seleucia alone on the land of the sacred estate, and together with the original tenant farmers, there were about six thousand people.

There is a specially added clause in the contract between Gawain and this group of people: as long as he works on the sacred property for five years and completes the annual contract amount, he can then farm in Seleucia and Cilicia. Wasteland, woodland, swamp, etc., open up their own private cultivated land. After the development is completed, the interim government will recognize its ownership and inheritance rights, and reduce or reduce taxes for a certain year. This decree is applicable to farmers with other statuses (mainly for farmers who originally lived in the local area). ).

On the basis of this decree, Gawain and Anna naturally concocted a new "Seleucia Military Government Provisional Land Regulations", that is, the non-cultivated mountains, forests, swamps and sandy lands in the entire area are owned by the military government. If landowners and farmers want to use it, they must pay additional forest land tax, so they can openly take over the area equivalent to 100,000 new acres of output. In addition to increasing taxes, this decree also helped the provisional military government compete with the Jinat landowners for the tenant farmer population: in short, as a tenant farmer, instead of bearing an additional forest land tax (Jinat landowner) under the Jinat landowners, will definitely be passed on to them), it is better to transfer to a camp directly under the military government. Anyway, farming on the sacred property, going to the forest to cut firewood, or using water sources for irrigation is free. After all, it is "oneself" people".

After confirming that it was correct, Anna used the new "Red Hand Seven Ridges" heraldic seal and stamped it on the end of the decree. Just now she was dancing and standing at the head of the Acropolis. Looking at the Qianmo Valley below, I feel so satisfied, just for this reason.

The current tax revenue, after severely severing the land of the Ginat landowners, combined in kind and tax, is already equivalent to thirty to forty thousand Byzantine gold coins. Although the tax revenue in the previous empire was at its peak. (Empress Theodora retired in 856 AD After the throne. The total amount of the imperial treasury was 7.8 million solid gold coins, and when Basil II died in 1025, the treasury had 14.4 million gold coins). It was still a bit shabby, but it was a very good start for a corner of the country. .

However, Gao Wen, who put down the books and documents, sighed. He walked to Anna's side and looked at the dotted farms below, "Now the entire area has such a small population and insufficient arable land, but it has to support nearly 10,000 people in the Seme Division. It is really stretched."

"Why is this still happening?" Anna was very puzzled, in her mind. It should be normal to support ten thousand soldiers.

Gawain continued to sigh and leaned on the nearby battlement, "I feel that in the kingdom of this world, twelve people support a soldier, priest, tax collector, bureaucrat and other professions. The burden is already very heavy, It may even lead to the country's decadence and collapse; what's more, a considerable part of the fields and farmers are still controlled by the Jinat nobles. If you calculate this, we will have to support one soldier for less than ten people. We will soon have to expand ports, markets, and camps to maintain the fleet, build large hospitals, and soldier workshops. It is really... ...Your father’s territory is much wider than ours, but the empire’s army can only remain at about 40,000 people.”

Hear this. Anna also fell silent. She didn't expect the truth to be so cruel and embarrassing. "But by placing military duties on the heads of the Jinats, we should still be able to maintain the military strength of two brigades to conquer the Holy Land."

"Impossible!" Gawain hugged Anna's waist, but his expression was firm, "I have made precise calculations. The establishment of two brigades can be retained, but the expedition will definitely not be able to support it. Only one brigade can be maintained. The military strength is different at this time. All soldiers signed a contract They will get the salary contract by then, otherwise they will mutiny. Also, if the two brigades go out at the same time, won't the territory be coveted by those Genat nobles and leave you in Seliu? In West Asia, how can I feel at ease without the protection of the army?”

Gawain's words made Anna understand that the expedition of two brigades was just a fantasy, and now that the northern and western gates of Seleucia were in the hands of the Kallegos family, her own side was still fledgling and could not attack the enemy. They operated, and one day the blind old general might lead her father and other enemy armies into the house, and then they would really be wiped out. Now Gawain obviously wanted her to make a choice:

In the conquest of Antioch and Jerusalem, should the Red Hand Brigade or the Guardian Brigade go?

"Follow the meaning of the name." Finally, Anna replied a little dejectedly.

The answer is obvious. The "Guardians" can really only be temporarily dismantled, guarding various military towns, pacifying local areas, and ensuring taxation and farming.

"Then, the Guardian Brigade is temporarily downgraded to the 'Garrison Order'. The salary remains unchanged, but it does not enjoy the distribution of spoils." Gawain stroked Anna's hair.

"Okay, okay." Anna lay in Gawain's arms, "Don't get hurt to death."

"Well, when I regain the Holy City and return with a full load, I will definitely revive Seleucia." Gawain promised, and Anna's heart stabilized.

"It's a big risk. I guess I've deceived this little girl. Anyway, I won't admit it for the time being, a hastily assembled mob like the Guardian Brigade. Half of their officers are Greeks, and they are only loyal to Anna. In Seleucia, he and the Ginatic Greeks kept each other in check. Watch carefully - I will lead my most trusted Red Hand Brigade to achieve a great victory in conquering the Holy City. If we succeed in this way, Anna will obediently obey my orders in the future, and I will be the one who controls the bridle! " Touching Anna's braid in his arms, Gawain couldn't help but laugh.

"Hmph, you obviously don't want the brigade I formed to perform meritorious services. It doesn't matter, Anna. As long as you firmly control the internal affairs and increase agricultural and commerce, you can gain prestige among the people and the brigade, and then train the guardian brigade and improve it. In terms of armament, sooner or later those who come last will prevail, and you, the great barbarian, are my subordinates." Anna, who was holding Gawain's waist, rubbed her little face affectionately against Gawain's lapel, thinking this with a smile.

A few days later, a letter from Baldwin came from the East Cilicia region: The main force of pilgrims has been slow to move and is still staying in Heraclea. It is probably because they have not received our support commitment and because of the extremely hot weather, Ade Neither Marr nor Bohemond dared to act rashly. And I have captured the rich city of Adana. I need the help of your army to completely drive Tancred from the city of Mamistra over there from this land, and then we will divide it equally!

In the letter, Baldwin also said that in East Cilicia, General Orson of Lamplon Castle has been willing to ally with us, while Constantine Ruben of Armenia has close ties with Tancred. "Both parties The offensive and defensive situation has been formed, and the moment of decisive battle has arrived, which will determine who can finally reach the glorious holy land. "

After reading the letter, Gawain handed it to Muzafiad-Din, "give it to your mistress for circulation. By the way, there is also this letter from the Holy See in Rome, which is sent together, but Remind her that Gawain refused the terms of the Holy See's request to crown me."

Sure enough, as the hermit Peter expected, Urban II made a final conclusion about Gawain's actions with "my heart is greatly comforted": because Gawain promised him that in Seleucia and Cilicia After establishing a foothold, he will do his best to protect all subsequent pilgrims from sea and land, and will never slacken off.

The Pope was even more happy to be able to drive a nail into the Orthodox Roman Empire. He even asked at the end of the letter: Does Gawain need to be like Constantine Bertin, the king of Zatar, who would wear it and deliver it in person? Coming to the crowning of crowns? If necessary, he will immediately send a "noble" person as his agent, and put a shining golden crown on the top of Gawain's head, recognized by the Catholic Church, with the title "Caesar of Seleucia".

But Gawain quickly declined in his reply.

He didn't want to be the target of public criticism. Someone like Bourdin would never end well, not to mention Anna's feelings.

At the very least, the time has not yet come.

Then, blown by the sea breeze, Gawain walked to the small table, where there was still the last secret letter. It came from the city of Bari and was sent by the left-behind officer Francesco. After leaving, he carefully poked the edge of the seal with a dagger and read:

Check out the 16-9 book bar to see the correct version!

It turns out that the Grand Senate of Bari City has passed a resolution to raise funds to purchase twelve semi-old sailing galleys that can transport cargo in Amalfi, Pisa and Venice. They will be sent to Seleucia under the escort of Venetians. The city is coming.

"Great." Gawain couldn't help but beam with joy. Now Jarguba and Andreev have returned most of the sailor company soldiers to their old jobs, plus hundreds of local Maldites. , are all very good sailors and crews. The only thing they lack is ships. Frankisco has been a great help to me. As long as this small fleet is in place, ocean trade in all directions can be operated!

Suddenly, Gawain pinched something. There was something attached under Francis's text. He turned it over. It was a small letterhead with black silk flowers tied on it. Ingelina's handwriting was clearly legible.

"Dear Gawain, when I learned that your footsteps finally stopped in Seleucia, my heart was so ecstatic because I could resume written communication and greetings with you. I am doing very well in the silk manufacturing in Bari City. , now is the time for me to come and be by your side It's time, the Italians are very cunning, and I feel that there is more room to expand this enterprise in Asia Minor. When it becomes seaworthy in the autumn, I will come with the twelve galleys and Mrs. Chisel. She is also very concerned about it. Her husband, Lord Merlot, your camp master.

May the Almighty Christ bless you with health and vitality. Love you Ingrina Messardini. "

Gawain slowly placed the letter on the small table, and then put his fingers on the wings of his nose, "No, I have to protect Inglina - no matter what, go to Tarsus and Wesat Melo first. Let’s discuss this matter.”

(End of this volume) (To be continued ~^~)