The Eagle of Eastern Europe

Soon, all the ministers of the Senate came to the conference room. They were all summoned by the eunuch as quickly as possible, saying that the emperor was a little unhappy, and it seemed that there was something difficult going on again.

Listerine felt that this would affect the future of the empire, so he asked a eunuch to inquire about it before the emperor came. However, the eunuch didn't know what was going on. He just heard about a place called Granada.

Granada, isn't that in Iberia? How could His Majesty be angry?

"Prime Minister, why did your Majesty ask us to come? Is there a need to send troops somewhere?" Christian asked Listerine.

"We will know when Your Majesty comes here. There is no point in guessing now. Ah, Your Majesty."

Peter came to the conference room, and the ministers saluted the emperor.

"Everyone is here. I know you have doubts in your hearts about what we are going to discuss today. But before that, you should take a look at this."

As he spoke, Peter handed the letter to Listerine. The Prime Minister was also surprised after reading it, and then handed it to the Minister of Finance, then the Minister of Military Affairs, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. After everyone read it, Peter began to ask everyone for their opinions.

"Your Majesty, Granada is threatening the empire, so don't be fooled. The current situation is on the verge of breaking out, and the Catholic Church has moved to Castile. A hasty war may trigger a chain reaction."

The Foreign Minister expressed his opinion to the emperor. Now Rome has the greatest reputation in Europe. Many countries are afraid that Rome will attack them. What they need to do now is to establish good relations with all countries and at the same time stabilize the newly acquired of Syria.

"This would be a very popular plan in other palaces, but it is not possible here."

Peter commented on this plan: "Now that the empire has become enemies with most countries after recovering the city of Rome, repairs at this time have little meaning."

"Your Majesty is right. There are three countries that pose the greatest threat to the empire now. One is Poland and Lithuania in the north, one is Egypt in the south, and the other is Castile in Iberia. The Catholic Church has moved to Tole If they can't hurt them, they will rely on Sardinia to harass the city of Rome."

Christian followed Peter's idea and said that now that Rome has been regarded as a thorn in the side of other European powers, it is better to take this opportunity to unite allies to show off their cards to other countries, use a large army to force each country to surrender, and re-realize the unification of Rome.

"It's too risky. Let's not talk about whether the empire has the ability to defeat the opponent. Let's just say that the army needed is at least 200,000, and the food and materials required are countless. This is impossible to accomplish now."

Baptiste began to calculate the account: "If we calculate it based on 200,000 soldiers, it will require 350,000 lei per month. This does not include the cost of material transportation. The current treasury can only last for five months. Once it lasts for one year The above wars can only be solved by raising taxes."

Baptiste is calculating the required military expenditures. Although the current financial reform is progressing smoothly, it will take several years to see results because it has just begun. In addition, some landowners are still resisting the reform, and it will take at least a few years for it to be rolled out across the country. If a war breaks out, the cost will be astronomical, not to mention it will be a long-term war.

"And the cost just now does not include the navy. Ships, food, and sailor recruitment are another expense. Your Majesty, once the war lasts for a long time, the national treasury will not be able to bear it."

Listening to Baptiste's words, Peter also had to consider the country's financial situation. If the war lasts for more than a year, then we must find ways to get more money. Raising taxes is one way, but it should not be used unless it is absolutely necessary.

"Okay, Baptiste, I'm not here to listen to your complaints today, I'm here to solve the problem." Listerine stopped the other party from further complaints.

"Your Majesty, Granada is asking for help from our country because it is afraid that Castile will annex it. Regardless of whether what is said here is true or false, if the other party really wants to do this, it will be very detrimental to our country."

"You mean, I can only help him under his coercion?"

Listerine quickly explained: "Since Granada wants the protection of the empire, it has to pay a price. If it is willing to surrender to the empire, then it is not acceptable. Now that most of Italy is in the hands of the empire, it should also pay the price. Iberia has taken action." (Note: The name Italy already appeared in ancient Greece)

With the recovery of the city of Rome, most of the Italian peninsula has been occupied by Rome and Naples. Only a few principalities and republics are left in the northwest. It is time to consider Iberia.

The Iberian region was still under Roman rule during the Justinian period. At that time, a province was established during the Eastern Expeditions, which was later lost in the Arab conquests. Then came hundreds of years of reconquista. The once behemoth had shrunk to its present size, and Rome could be used as a springboard if it wished.

"If you want to attack Iberia, you must first capture Sardinia and Mallorca. In addition, you need to control Gibraltar, and then destroy Aragon's navy."

These words made Baptiste's heart bleed. They were simple to say, but these were just free money.

Moreover, both the north and the south need troops to protect them, so the cost will have to increase further. The consumption of various materials is even more incalculable, and this is not just a small fight, this is Rome facing most of Europe.

"The current situation can be coordinated with Naples first, and after that is completed, we can consider other things. As for the cost, it is better to get it from the East."

The prime minister said this because he wanted to use the East India Company and the colonies as money bags, and in fact he did so. After seizing the rule of two small countries in the south, the East India Company began to build forts and trading stations in Bengal, making hundreds of thousands of profits every year. Other colonies also have a lot of income from monopoly trade. The current situation can only allow the colonies to give the empire more money to maintain it.

"Well, that's all." Baptiste said.

The final result of the negotiation was to first send people to Granada and Naples to discuss, and prepare for a showdown if the negotiation was successful. And we also need to contact Moscow, Berlin, and Hungary to keep them in step with us.

For the Syrian region, tax exemptions are provided to stabilize public sentiment. At the same time, while waiting in Damascus to explore the situation in the Golan Heights, Ashkelon's army was responsible for keeping an eye on Jerusalem.

At this time, the weather in Constantinople had turned from sunny to overcast, accompanied by strong winds. It seemed that the storm in the empire was coming, and I didn't know if I could hold on.