Land Survey

In a corridor of Hofburg Palace in Vienna, Laszlo paced anxiously outside the delivery room.

His tension even spread to the maids; Leonor's Portuguese maids silently prayed for the Empress in their hearts.

This was unavoidable; in this era, childbirth was a life-and-death adventure for women.

During the births of his first two children, Laszlo was away on military campaigns and had not experienced this kind of anxiety and torment.

Now, he truly felt this heart-wrenching sensation; he greatly anticipated his third child, but also feared losing Leonor.

To minimize the risk as much as possible, he specifically sought out Vienna's most experienced midwife.

After a while, a clear cry echoed from within the room.

Laszlo suddenly looked up, rushing into the room in a few strides, immediately going to Leonor's bedside, and seeing her safe and sound, though slightly weak, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

He then turned his head to look at the infant already held in Empress Dowager Elizabeth's arms.

"Laszlo, it's a girl."

The Empress Dowager joyfully held her granddaughter, growing fonder the more she looked.

Hearing the Empress Dowager's words, Leonor immediately looked at Laszlo with some nervousness, fearing that a look of disappointment would appear on his face.

However, Laszlo had no such miscellaneous thoughts; he loved both sons and daughters.

From the perspective of status, a son would make him happier, but from his personal preference, he actually preferred a well-behaved daughter.

Laszlo eagerly took the swaddled baby from the Empress Dowager's arms; inside the swaddle, the infant's palm-sized face was soft and pink, glowing with a pearly luster, like a peach blossom petal freshly bloomed on a spring branch.

She opened her eyes wide, curiously examining the face before her.

Perhaps sensing her father's gaze, she suddenly waved her small, lotus-root-like arms, and her tiny hands randomly grabbed Laszlo's curly hair, tugging it twice with force.

Laszlo extended a finger and poked the little one's face, easily making his daughter cry out "waa."

The Empress Dowager glared at the flustered Laszlo with a chiding look, taking the child back from his arms.

"Laszlo, we should give her a name," Leonor reminded him with some anticipation.

"Hmm, she will definitely be a beauty like you in the future. I plan to name her Helena. How about that?"

Helena was a holy, noble name. During the Roman Emperor's coronation, Pope Callixtus III bestowed this name upon Leonor, but it had not been used since then.

Laszlo thought the name was quite pleasant, so he decided to use it directly.

Leonor nodded gently, a happy smile on her face.

Soon, the news of Princess Helena's birth spread from the palace, and people offered blessings to the royal newborn.

Just three days later, Eyczing brought news from France to meet Laszlo.

"Charles VII is dead?" Laszlo stared at the contents of the secret letter in his hand with some surprise. "Louis has ascended? Louis XI… May he live long."

Laszlo put away the secret letter and asked Eyczing, "The letter only said that my brother-in-law Charles had a small conflict with Louis XI during the coronation ceremony. What is the situation in France exactly? Is it chaotic?"

Eyczing shook his head and replied, "I regret to inform you, Your Majesty.

Louis XI's methods are very decisive; he directly took control of Prince Charles and his followers who posed a threat to him.

Such control is likely to continue for some time, and it is almost impossible for France to fall into major turmoil in the short term.

Unless… unless Louis XI truly dares to act on the declarations he made upon his ascension, and targets the nobles entrenched throughout France."

Laszlo was a little disappointed hearing the first half, but the last sentence immediately put his mind at ease.

Given Louis XI's personality, he would certainly not remain at peace with those great nobles for long.

So, he instructed, "Maintain vigilance over the situation in France, continue to contact Burgundy, and see if we can find an opportunity to stir up trouble."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

This was an opportunity for Austria, a great opportunity that could significantly weaken France's power.

If handled properly, Laszlo might be able to directly dismantle his greatest enemy from within by exploiting France's internal strife.

However, while seeking opportunities to weaken his enemies, Laszlo also did not forget the importance of strengthening his own power.

He summoned Magnus, the head of the Royal Land Inspection Committee.

Magnus was an excellent official, just and incorruptible. He led a group of officials and scholars across the land of Austria, measuring the size of the territory with their own feet.

In the Hofburg Palace in the afternoon, warm sunlight streamed through the colorful stained-glass windows, casting dappled light and shadows on the floor.

The palace was quiet, with only faint footsteps and conversations echoing from afar, adding a touch of life to the ancient palace.

Magnus quickly walked through the long corridor, tightly clutching a thick book filled with various data and charts.

In his other hand, he held thick scrolls, which were more than a dozen maps drawn according to the Emperor's requirements.

His face showed a hint of nervousness and anticipation; today, he was to present this land survey report, which had cost countless efforts, to the Emperor.

"Your Majesty, your servant has largely completed the land survey and map drawing of Austria, and has come to report to you."

Magnus knelt on one knee, respectfully reporting to the Emperor.

Laszlo sat on the magnificent throne, nodding slightly, signaling Magnus to rise, his gaze immediately falling on the items in Magnus's hand.

"Read it. I want to hear the details."

Magnus cleared his throat and began to read: "Your Majesty, the Austrian Imperial domains are very vast, occupying a total of 60% of all Austrian territory, which is 150,000 'Heide' of land (approximately 40,000-50,000 square kilometers), an increase of one-third compared to when you ascended the throne.

These territories are primarily located throughout Lower Austria near Vienna, the core region of Styria around Graz, the Tyrolean Valley court domains, and large areas of Venetia, covering plains, valleys, forests, and mines.

The plains are fertile, serving as the main grain-producing areas.

Streams murmur in the valleys, nourishing vast vineyards and suitable for raising livestock.

Forest resources are abundant, providing not only timber but also habitats for numerous wild animals.

The mines contain valuable minerals such as gold, silver, and copper.

In terms of population, the imperial domains under your rule have approximately 150,000 households, totaling nearly 800,000 people.

Vienna, as the capital of the Empire, is the most densely populated, having grown from about 20,000 people at your ascension to over 30,000.

Commerce thrives here, attracting merchants and artisans from various regions who engage in trade, textiles, leather, and metal processing, injecting vitality into the city's development.

The populations of a dozen free cities and direct cities within the Archduchy are also rapidly increasing.

In rural areas, the populace primarily relies on agriculture and animal husbandry for their livelihood; they work diligently, providing ample food and supplies for the nation.

Annually, fertile farmlands yield large quantities of grain crops such as wheat, barley, and oats, as well as cash crops like grapes and flax.

Animal husbandry is also an important source of national revenue.

Regarding the calculation of territorial taxes, the Treasurer is still making estimations; after acquiring the lands of Northern Italy, Austria's imperial domain tax revenue is expected to increase by one-quarter, potentially exceeding 300,000 florins.

During this land survey, we discovered many instances of under-reported land, and some attempted to bribe officials to falsely report land area; I have dealt with all of them severely to ensure the authenticity and reliability of the land survey results."

Laszlo listened very attentively, nodding slightly from time to time.

After Magnus finished reading, he pondered for a moment, digesting the information, then spoke: "This report is well done, Magnus, you have worked hard. Has the map drawing work also been completed?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. With the help of the scholars you dispatched, we have largely completed the cadastral mapping of various regions. Maps of all national territories, except for Polish and Swabian territories, have been completed, which are these maps in my hand.

They include the distribution of mountains and rivers, main roads, villages, manors, and towns, noting the distinction between Church lands, noble lands, and Imperial domains.

Furthermore, we have surveyed the wilderness, marking its ownership and administrative rights, and investigating the safety of the areas, which will also facilitate future planning and utilization of these lands."

Laszlo smiled, saying with satisfaction: "Very good, I will reward you, and your capable officials.

In addition, regarding the issue of corruption, you must not be negligent. This will be the main work of the Royal Land Inspection Committee in the future; do not disappoint me."

"Yes, Your Majesty. I will do my utmost to contribute to the prosperity and flourishing of Austria."

Magnus stated firmly.

Laszlo smiled contentedly and waved his hand: "You may leave. Report any new developments to me promptly."

Magnus bowed again, turned, and withdrew.

He walked out of the palace, took a deep breath, feeling both the joy of completing his task and a profound sense of responsibility.

The Emperor's trust and heavy reliance filled him with gratitude; he himself came from a humble background and entered the Emperor's advisory group with the help of the Church, so he deeply detested bureaucrats who oppressed the populace under various pretexts.

Now, with the Emperor's backing, he was determined to fight against corrupt officials to the very end.