Study

Inside Padua, people hurried along the streets, but the merchants who usually set up their stalls early were late to open for business today.

The reason for this was that today, the arrogant Emperor was about to lead the main force of the Imperial Army into Padua.

Vicenza was a small city, ultimately unable to accommodate the Emperor's large army, while Padua, as the regional capital, was larger in scale and rich in supplies, making it suitable as a winter station for the army.

Laszlo rode his horse through the streets of Padua, and the pedestrians on the roadside lowered their heads and bowed, none daring to look up directly at his majesty.

The Emperor's formidable reputation was firmly etched in these people's hearts and could not be erased.

To this, Laszlo could only offer a bitter smile; he indeed wanted to build an image of a revered and saintly ruler for himself, but the cruelty of war always made one helpless.

When he later reduced some of the taxes and labor for the cities of Northern Italy, his public perception would surely improve significantly.

Considering that a large sum of ducats had just been extorted from the citizens of Padua not long ago, it was understandable that they would be like this now.

The mighty and majestic Imperial Guard heavy cavalry escorted the Emperor all the way to a mansion in the city center. This was originally the residence of Padua's mayor, a Venetian, who had already fled with his family to Venice before the Imperial Army arrived.

Now, it had been requisitioned as the Emperor's temporary residence.

Laszlo stepped into this Venetian's mansion, and was instantly amazed by the sight before him.

On the tall dome, exquisite murals were painted, with delicate brushstrokes outlining the forms of gods from mythology, vibrant and lifelike, as if these deities could step out of the paintings at any moment.

The walls were adorned with paintings that looked priceless, each exuding artistic charm, showcasing the owner's extraordinary taste and substantial wealth.

The floor was covered with exquisite carpets from the East, with soft textures and intricate patterns, making one feel as if walking on clouds.

The rooms were furnished with various rare pieces of furniture, tables and chairs meticulously carved from expensive wood, every grain telling of the craftsman's superb skill.

Candlesticks made of gold and silver shimmered with dazzling light, reflecting the surrounding crystal chandeliers, illuminating the entire space as bright as day.

Laszlo slowly walked, his fingers gently tracing the exquisite decorations, a complex emotion welling up in his heart.

He marveled at Venice's wealth; a small city-republic, nourished by commercial trade, had accumulated such astonishing riches, and the mansion before him was but a small microcosm of its prosperity.

The luxury here, compared to Hofburg Palace, was entirely of two different styles.

Vienna's Imperial Palace was more about solemnity and majesty—one could also call it rustic—with its Gothic architectural style making one feel as if they had returned to the peak of the Middle Ages.

Here, however, was filled with an extravagant atmosphere intertwined with art and wealth.

"These Venetians certainly know how to enjoy themselves,"

Laszlo sighed softly, his voice echoing in the spacious room.

The accompanying attendants nodded one after another, equally stunned by the lavish sight.

Matthias said with some envy, "Your Majesty, the Venetians, relying on their developed trade, control the commercial exchanges between East and West, accumulating enormous wealth. They spare no expense in their investment in culture, art, and architecture."

Laszlo chuckled and shook his head, saying, "But most of the money they earn is invested in the military. Over a thousand warships and more than thirty thousand naval personnel are the foundation of the Venetians' invincibility. No matter how many times we defeat them on land, we can never completely wipe out these damned profiteers…

"

"Your Majesty, you must have heard the news about the lake freezing recently. Could this be a rare opportunity…?"

"I've considered that possibility, but it's still too difficult. Cannons cannot be transported, and the army's supplies would be unsustainable. If we can't take Venice before the ice melts, it would truly be a suicidal move."

How could Laszlo not want to directly attack Venice?

But he could not risk the lives of so many of his officers and soldiers.

Although the lake was frozen, the environment remained very complex, making it almost unfeasible for a large army to cross the ice.

Helplessly, Laszlo could only abandon this bold idea.

Laszlo told his attendants to go about their work and tidy up the mansion.

He himself continued to tour the Renaissance-style mansion with Matthias, who clearly showed great interest in everything there.

"Matthias, have you ever thought about going to university?"

Laszlo asked casually.

Matthias's eyes lit up upon hearing this, and he nodded repeatedly: "Your Majesty, I believe I need to further my studies so that I can serve you better."

"Hmm," Laszlo nodded slightly, "I hope you can become my most capable assistant, just like your father.

Therefore, you must not only study culture, economics, and politics, but also put more effort into military strategy.

Once the Italian war subsides, choose a university here for further study, such as Bologna University, which has a very strong academic atmosphere, or Siena University, where Aeneas studied, is also good.

Observe carefully and see what the people and things here are truly like, and how they differ from Austria and Hungary. This is the task I'm giving you. Can you do it?"

Matthias nodded seriously and replied, "Please rest assured, Your Majesty, I will certainly fulfill your command."

"Hmm."

Laszlo said no more. He began to consider whether to select some students from Vienna University who were excellent in character and academics and loyal to the Imperial Family, to study in Italy, just like Matthias.

He wanted them to bring the Renaissance ideas back to Austria, and even spread them to the German region.

The main purpose of doing this was to lay the groundwork for potential church reforms in the future.

Only when people realized that the Church was utterly corrupt would the reforms pushed by the Emperor and the Pope from top to bottom receive the support of the majority.

Rather than being seen as a dog-eat-dog struggle for interests between the Emperor, the Pope, and the anti-reform forces within the Papal Court.

Humanist thought, respect for human individuality, and the awakening of scientific spirit were also important aspects of the Renaissance movement, but Laszlo could deliberately guide people to focus mainly on criticizing the Church and religious reform.

Laszlo thought this method was quite good, so he noted it in his memorandum, and it could be implemented after Italy was pacified.

Since settling in Padua, Laszlo, having completed his subsequent strategic planning, shifted some of his focus from military matters to other considerations.

For example, understanding the people's conditions, appeasing the residents of the occupied territories, and launching a new round of diplomatic offensives, attempting to directly dismantle the fragile Mantua Alliance.

He was now waiting for Adalbert to bring the three thousand newly recruited mercenaries from within the Empire, and three thousand new recruits from Austria and Hungary, to Padua.

This force had just passed Trieste and was about to enter Italy.

He thought they would arrive here before the end of winter, and by next spring, Laszlo could take Verona and Mantua in one fell swoop, then seize Brescia, and take the opportunity to eye Milan.