The overall plan for expanding the army had been finalized; the rest would be adjusted according to practical circumstances, and this conscription would follow the principle of casting a wide net and selecting the best.
After another meeting to assign tasks, the army expansion officially began.
Various conscription slogans were plastered all over the streets and alleys: "One person serves in the army, the whole family is glorious," "Conscription strengthens defense, stabilizes the nation and prospers the country," "A nation without defense cannot stand, people without an army are not safe," "Fame and glory are only achieved on horseback"… Many of these were from Augustus's own hand.
Augustus believed that propaganda slogans, even those overused in later generations, would still be fresh and attractive when brought to this era.
More importantly, the Pope personally writing the propaganda slogans was enough to demonstrate the importance he placed on this matter.
Although he did not directly add "Written by the Pope himself" after the slogans, it was not difficult to spread this news.
Just shouting slogans was certainly not enough; most people are worldly and will not get up early without benefit.
Without visible benefits, no matter how much flowery rhetoric was used, it would be utterly useless.
Comparing the treatment offered to ordinary soldiers horizontally, one would find that, except for those from wealthy families, the income from hard labor—getting up earlier than chickens and sleeping later than dogs, without stealing or robbing—was significantly less than the income from joining the army, and this did not even account for the expenses like food, clothing, housing, etc., directly covered by the government.
With material needs met, spiritual needs could not be neglected; Augustus himself preferred people with spiritual pursuits, those with a strong sense of belonging to the nation and a fervent passion for religious undertakings, as these were the future of the nation.
If he only recruited a group of mercenary commoners, it would be more convenient to simply use mercenaries.
Religion, nation, ethnicity, justice… all possible labels were affixed, fully demonstrating that this was a sacred, great, glorious, and righteous cause.
Furthermore, the treasury would fulfill the army's needs as much as possible, equipping them with advanced weapons and gear, which was very appealing to every hot-blooded youth with a dream of serving in the military.
The most crucial point was that land and titles would be granted based on military merits.
Most people had been commoners for generations, and now there was an opportunity to potentially earn a noble status to bring glory to their ancestors.
Who with ability and ambition would let go of this opportunity?
Upon learning of the 'small trick' mentioned by Karl, Augustus deliberately cut off this retreat for himself, directly guaranteeing that the number of people granted titles for merit within ten years would be at least in the triple digits.
Of course, this also amounted to telling everyone that the Papal States would certainly have a war within ten years.
In addition, there were a series of other measures, such as veteran re-employment and martyr's family benefits; many things were proposed by Augustus, and specific measures were discussed and decided by everyone.
Knowing the existence of certain things does not mean they can be directly applied; if not combined with the historical background and current national conditions, good things can turn bad.
Writing out all the specific benefits was very long, and for anything too long, most people's first reaction is: I don't want to read it, even if it's related to their own interests.
Reluctantly forcing themselves to read, it was common for some parts to be unclear, similar to some contracts in later generations.
Augustus himself only understood some of the specific measures after asking about them.
The literacy rate in various countries at present was generally very low, and few commoners could recognize all these characters.
Expecting them all to understand was simply a pipe dream.
Therefore, Augustus thoughtfully provided a concise summary at the very beginning of the notice, followed by specific explanations in bullet points, placing the most attractive points at the beginning and end.
Katerina was not idle either; under Augustus's instructions, she quickly spread the news through newspapers, without deliberate exaggeration, simply stating the facts, because the benefits were so good that no embellishment was needed.
In this era, very few commoners could actually afford newspapers, but that didn't matter, as there were also many noble offspring who desired to obtain land and titles.
Many minor noble families did not have much property, but had many sons; the eldest son could inherit, but if the remaining sons did not strive for themselves, the term 'noble' would have little to do with their descendants.
After a few generations, they might only be able to consider themselves fallen nobles.
While the previous generation was still alive, they could provide some conveniences in various aspects.
If the generations were too far apart, it would only be harder to restore noble status.
More importantly, nobles and commoners were not two completely isolated classes; news would always spread, from one to ten, ten to a hundred, a hundred to a thousand, and his goal would be achieved.
Facing such excellent conscription conditions, many people were already moved.
Many who were already overage only regretted being born at the wrong time, wishing they had been born ten years later, and some, not giving up, planned to lie about their age to try.
Even some mercenaries, tired of living day to day, were attracted.
The time and place were set, everything was arranged, and conscription registration began.
Conscription points were set up in various cities, and Augustus confidently left the arrangements to his subordinates; if they couldn't even handle such a minor matter, they could be directly dismissed, and it wasn't a bad thing to filter out some parasites this way.
The conscription points were all placed in relatively open areas outside the city, rather than for convenience inside the city; if people were too lazy to walk a few extra steps, they shouldn't bother coming, which also saved trouble for the screening process, as this was conscription, not an invitation for vacation.
On the first day of conscription registration, the previously deserted conscription points suddenly became bustling and lively, with many people waiting at the points early, and the scene was chaotic at times.
The personnel responsible for conscription then realized what a wise decision it was to place the conscription points outside the city; if they had been in the city center, the scene would have been uncontrollable.
The Pope placed such importance on this matter, and if they messed it up, they would have to go home and farm.
Outside Rome, in the conscription line.
"Oh, Alfred, why are you here to sign up too?" a young man exclaimed happily, clearly having met an acquaintance.
"Why can't I be here? I completely meet the conscription standards this time, and my conditions in all aspects should still be quite excellent."
"But didn't you say before that your dream was to become the best blacksmith in Rome?" the young man asked curiously.
"That was my old dream, but now it's changed.
I want to achieve great deeds, become a noble, possess my own fief and title, leave a legacy for ten thousand generations, and benefit my descendants!" Alfred said, full of anticipation.
"Then I wish you success!"
"What about you, why do you want to join the army? You're a family man; do your family members approve?"
"Ah, don't even mention it.
My mother is sick and bedridden now.
With my current work income, I simply can't save enough for medical expenses to take her to see a doctor in a short time.
The income from joining the army is much higher, so I can save up the money faster.
With my wife taking care of things at home, I came to try my luck."
"Everything will get better."
"Thank you."
…
A day passed very quickly; this was Augustus's feeling.
The officials at the conscription registration site did not feel that way; this day was longer than any other, busy from morning till night, almost to the point of exhaustion.
The higher-ups also realized that the number of people who came to register far exceeded estimates, so on the second day, they sent more personnel and added more conscription points.