Hungarian Council
On June 1st, 1460, most of Hungary's nobles arrived in Budapest. They could not miss this rare grand event—a golden opportunity to appear before the Emperor.
In the past, nobles often missed Parliament meetings. There was no other reason; in fact, when the King of Hungary ruled from Hungary, the Hungarian Parliament convened very frequently.
During Sigismund's era, it might have been three or four times a year, and even more frequently during Albrecht II's reign, sometimes convening every month.
Accompanying this was the rapid rise and fall of nobles, with new elites emerging and old ones declining.
For instance, the Garai family, once wielding immense power with several members serving as Governor of Hungary, has now completely declined under the assault of the Habsburg Family.
Meanwhile, the Hunyadi Family, favored by many reigns, was at its zenith, becoming an object of widespread admiration.
In Emperor Laszlo's era, the situation was vastly different.
After bravely fighting and repelling the Ottoman with the Crusade, the Emperor immediately shifted his strategy, focusing entirely on the West, which was his homeland, Austria.
Hungary, however, was ruthlessly abandoned; he spent less than a month in Hungary each year.
His appointed regency cabinet was solely responsible for managing royal lands, occasionally extending its reach to the nobles, but immediately retreating if met with resistance.
Consequently, a delicate balance and stability were achieved in the fragmented political landscape of the Hungarian nobility.
To control the kingdom's politics and to make the King change his mind, the Hungarian nobles clamored and brought forth a hidden legal clause.
Among the final restrictions on the King in the golden bull, one stipulated that the King of Hungary should convene Parliament at least once a year to discuss Hungarian affairs.
The Hungarian nobles originally thought they would never have to use this seemingly ridiculous clause.
After all, if the King of Hungary didn't convene Parliament, how could he govern the country?
It seemed completely unnecessary, an act of overcomplication.
However, to their utter surprise, now there truly was such a King who ruled by inaction.
Emperor Laszlo's last Hungarian Parliament was to declare war on Venice; according to law, the Kingdom of Hungary needed Parliament's approval to declare war on a foreign country.
After all, it was a proper war against the Venetians, which was a profitable endeavor for Hungary and Croatia, so the nobles did not oppose it.
Following that was the Italian War, which lasted over a year. Now, two years have passed, and Hungary has not convened a single Parliament meeting during that time.
This time, the King, without consultation, introduced German immigrants and built gradually expanding military supply stations within the territories of many nobles, which made the nobles gradually wary.
Therefore, they hastily submitted a joint petition, hoping that Emperor Laszlo would personally come to Budapest to preside over a Hungarian Parliament meeting to properly resolve the accumulated issues of the past two years.
When Emperor Laszlo's procession appeared from the Budapest Royal Castle, the great nobles waiting outside the castle gate had already dismounted, dressed in ceremonial robes showcasing their family's glory, and respectfully lined up on both sides of the road.
They bowed to the Emperor as he passed, and the Emperor responded to each of them. Everyone adhered to noble etiquette, as it was not yet the true battlefield.
The air in Budapest was filled with a tense yet solemn atmosphere. Hoofbeats approached from a distance, and the first to appear were the Imperial Knights of the Emperor's Imperial Guard.
They were covered in gleaming armor, their stern gazes peering through the helmet slits, their long spears held straight, and the spear tips glimmered with a chilling light.
The tall warhorses marched in perfect unison, like an impregnable steel defense line, exuding a chilling majesty.
Next, Emperor Laszlo appeared riding a nimble black steed, accompanied by Regent Veszter, the Archbishop.
The Emperor was dressed in a magnificent brocade robe, with royal purple as its base color, embroidered with intricate and exquisite patterns in gold and silver threads.
At the collar and cuffs, there was a circle of snow-white, soft lace trim, with delicate patterns meticulously woven into the edges, adding a touch of elegance and refinement to the solemn robe.
The Emperor wore the saint stephen's crown, symbolizing Hungarian kingship, on his head.
This crown was crafted centuries ago by royal artisans of the East Roman Empire. The lower part was a Greek-style crown, the upper part was joined with a Latin-style crown, and a small cross topped it.
This crown perfectly reflected Hungary's unique characteristic of maintaining independence while being deeply influenced by both the Holy Roman Empire and the East Roman Empire, caught between these two great empires of East and West.
No matter how long Emperor Laszlo's string of titles, such as Emperor of the two Romes, at this moment he was truly the King of Hungary.
Veszter, the Archbishop, wore a magnificent ecclesiastical robe, held a scepter symbolizing religious authority, and had a solemn expression.
The two rode side by side, their powerful aura seeming to freeze the surrounding air, and the dust they raised behind them seemed to carry supreme majesty.
After the Emperor and the Archbishop, Governor of Transylvania, Hunyadi Laszlo, rode steadily on a bay steed.
His eyes were resolute and firm, and his demeanor was heroic and extraordinary, making the onlookers on the road sigh in admiration, truly worthy of being the son of a hero.
His father Janos's equestrian statue now stood in the square near the Budapest city gate, and everyone entering Budapest could admire the heroic posture of the anti-Ottoman hero Janos.
The Hunyadi Family's cavalry followed closely behind, riding tall warhorses, dressed in black leather armor,
With sharp scimitars at their waists, their orderly formation and high spirits highlighted the family's distinguished military might.
The cheering evoked by the Raven banner fluttering in the wind was no weaker than that for the Emperor's double-headed eagle banner.
Hunyadi Laszlo's uncle, Hunyadi military commander Szilágyi Mihály, rode a white steed with a stern expression, exuding the aura of a seasoned soldier.
Behind him, elite guards held long spears and shields, their steps firm, as if ready to rush into battle at any moment.
The Governor of Croatia, the Governor of Slavonia, and the Governor of Bosnia followed closely, participating in the Hungarian Parliament as special guests, and Emperor Laszlo treated them with great courtesy.
Chak István, the wealthiest great noble of the Kingdom of Hungary, rode his steed behind these regional governors.
Behind him were guards all clad in golden armor, dazzling with golden light, showcasing the family's wealth and power, drawing gasps of admiration from the onlookers.
The golden-armored guards walked steadily, their weapons also adorned with gold, each step exuding confidence.
The slightly weaker but equally important great nobles followed at the end of the procession. Their respective retinues, though smaller in scale, each had their own unique characteristics.
Some noble retinues had musicians playing melodious tunes, while others had attendants in exotic costumes holding banners symbolizing family glory.
The minor nobles, who were not qualified to join the Emperor's procession, stood in the distance, witnessing this awe-inspiring scene,
Their admiration and reverence evident on their faces.
They couldn't help but slightly stand on their tiptoes, their eyes wide open, afraid to miss any detail.
Some minor nobles involuntarily held their breath, their eyes filled with awe and admiration, their bodies trembling slightly,
That was genuine shock at the power of the Emperor and the great nobles.
To them, everything before their eyes was like a dream, the ultimate display of power and wealth. Many secretly vowed that one day they too would be part of such a glorious procession.
As numerous nobles entered the assembly hall in order, the long-awaited Hungarian Parliament officially commenced in this solemn and magnificent atmosphere.
Beneath the high dome, massive crystal chandeliers cast a dim and somewhat mottled light, but this light could not dispel the tension and oppression that permeated among everyone.
Emperor Laszlo sat upright on the main seat of the high platform, his posture tall, his gaze piercing, his sharp eyes sweeping over the nobles below like a hawk.
The great nobles were seated on rows of velvet-cushioned benches directly in front of the Emperor.
Along the walls on both sides were several rows of staggered 'observing seats'.
A large number of middle and minor nobles crowded together here, but this was enough to make them feel honored, as not everyone was qualified to get a seat in this hall.
Veszter, the Archbishop, sat on the Emperor's right, a unique honor reserved for the Regent.
Seeing that everyone had arrived, Emperor Laszlo and the Archbishop exchanged glances. The former nodded slightly, and the latter, understanding, rose and took two steps forward, leaning on his scepter. With just a slight cough, the assembly hall, which had been filled with whispers, instantly fell silent.
"Your Majesty, the esteemed Roman Emperor and King of Hungary, and all you illustrious nobles," Veszter, the Archbishop, began, his voice old yet powerful, echoing through the hall, "In this moment of renewal,
We gather here to discuss the future of Hungary.
The bright sunlight falls upon this land, symbolizing God's favor upon us and bestowing upon us a holy mission."
He tilted his head slightly, his gaze fixed on the exquisite frescoes of the dome, as if communing with God, then slowly withdrew his gaze and continued: "Just as the great Hungarian Saint King Laszlo, in the face of complex situations, always led the kingdom forward with unwavering faith and extraordinary wisdom.
Now, we stand once again at the crossroads of destiny. Strife fills this land, and the temporarily retreated enemy seeks to return.
But I firmly believe that, under God's guidance, we will surely find the right path to lead the Kingdom of Hungary to a more glorious and great tomorrow!"
Upon his words, a round of enthusiastic applause and cheers erupted in the hall.
However, most of the nobles inwardly scoffed at the Archbishop's words; they cared nothing for the future of Hungary.
They only hoped to gain higher status, more wealth, and greater power for themselves; this was their sole purpose in attending this meeting.