Although the Imperial Ban was not as famous or effective as the Papal Excommunication, it still held significant power within the Empire.
This was especially true when the Emperor issuing the ban was powerful.
Many entities could issue the ban; theoretically, the Imperial Diet, the Imperial High Court, and the Emperor could all impose a ban on an entity within the Empire.
However, in the era before Laszlo, only the Emperor had used this severe ban.
Those subjected to the ban were called "the Outlaws," and some also referred to them as "people free as birds."
Regardless of the name, the meaning was the same: the person was not bound or protected by any law, lost all rights and property, and was legally considered dead.
In other words, anyone who robbed, harmed, or killed them would not face any legal consequences.
The ban could also extend to anyone who helped the person under the ban.
It could be said that, besides excommunication by the Pope, the most severe punishment within the Empire was the Imperial Ban; both could achieve a similar effect to "expelling someone from humanity."
In late May 1465, Laszlo used the pretext of the Count of Landshut colluding with the French King and secretly supporting the Austrian rebels to directly impose an Imperial Ban on him.
This news quickly reached the Electors, followed by the neighboring lords of Landshut.
Except for the Archbishop of Cologne, who strongly protested, the other Electors either supported or remained silent.
The Brandenburg Elector was still fiercely clashing with the Duke of Pomerania and could not spare any thought for Landshut.
The Elector of Saxony also had no intention of standing up for the Count of Landshut; he merely sent an envoy to Laszlo to inquire about the matter, and after seeing conclusive evidence, he said no more.
The remaining Electors all expressed support for the ban.
For the Archbishops of Mainz and Trier, Landshut was a natural ally of the Palatinate; they wanted to suppress the Palatinate, so they eagerly wished to see its ally fall.
As for the other Imperial lords, most adopted an attitude of indifference, as they could not actually influence the Emperor's decision.
Inside the Margrave of Ansbach's castle, the Emperor's special envoy, Clemente, arrived with the Imperial Ban and the Emperor's decree to meet Margrave Albrecht [Achilles].
"Is this… has the Emperor truly made up his mind?"
Albrecht's face did not show much joy after reading the ban and the decree.
As the Imperial Marshal personally appointed by the Emperor and the Governor of Franconia, he had always stood in support of the Emperor.
But this time, the Emperor had directly moved against the Count of Landshut, who was quite powerful within the Empire.
Given the disputes and animosity between Ansbach and Landshut, it would be a lie to say he was not pleased.
However, facing the imminent destruction of Landshut, a strange sense of panic welled up in Albrecht's heart.
If the Emperor could erase a rebellious lord from the map within the Empire today with a single ban, then tomorrow, could he not move against any other lord?
Clemente carefully observed Albrecht's reaction, silently noting the Margrave's unusual behavior.
He still remembered the instructions his superior, Eyczing, had given him before he departed:
It was almost certain that the Margrave of Ansbach would inherit the throne of the Brandenburg Elector; in the future, this Imperial Marshal might well become an enemy of the Emperor.
Therefore, Eyczing had asked Clemente to remember all the details of this mission and report back to the Emperor.
Now it seemed Eyczing's concerns were not unfounded.
"Yes, Marshal, the Count of Landshut colluded with the French King and the Austrian rebels; the evidence is conclusive, and the Emperor has therefore decided to impose the Imperial Ban on him.
As an Imperial Marshal whom His Majesty trusts and relies upon, you have always been loyal to His Majesty and the Empire.
This time, His Majesty hopes that you will, as in the past, lead your army to assist the Imperial Army in punishing the Count of Landshut, who betrayed the Emperor and the country.
In return, you will receive several territories in northern Landshut."
Clemente directly laid out the conditions, not worried that Albrecht would not be tempted.
The Margrave of Ansbach had long coveted the rich territories of the Count of Landshut; this was no secret within the Empire.
Albrecht did not rush to reply; instead, he asked, "What is the Elector of Munich's attitude toward this?"
Clemente paused slightly, then smiled and said, "You mean Elector Sigismund? He, of course, supports His Majesty.
Although the Elector is now seriously ill, he has still decided to personally lead his army to campaign against Landshut to punish the traitor to the Empire for His Majesty."
Hearing this answer, Albrecht felt somewhat uneasy.
It seemed not everyone understood the principle of 'when the lips are gone, the teeth feel cold' as he did.
However, it was also possible that the Emperor had offered too much, such as large tracts of Landshut's territory, or even the ducal title of Bavaria.
Such temptations, let alone for the Elector of Munich, even he could not resist.
Thinking of this, Albrecht gave his reply: "I will lead my army to assist His Majesty in attacking Landshut."
"His Majesty will not forget your contributions to the Empire. Please assemble your troops before July, and then launch an attack on Landshut territory."
"I understand. Besides the conquest of Landshut, I also have one more thing I wish to ask the Emperor about, concerning the golden customs privilege granted to the Bishop of Würzburg."
Facing Albrecht's polite inquiry, Clemente had already anticipated this.
"What, do you believe His Majesty the Emperor has no right to grant such a privilege to the Bishop of Würzburg?"
"No, no, His Majesty certainly has such authority, but I am the Governor of Franconia personally appointed by His Majesty the Emperor.
If His Majesty directly bypasses me to interfere in the affairs of the Franconian Imperial Circle, then what meaning does my position as Governor have?"
Albrecht tried his best to suppress the dissatisfaction in his heart, but his tone still became somewhat unfriendly.
The Franconian Imperial Circle was much smaller than most other Imperial Circles, and the only influential lords were Margrave Albrecht of Ansbach-Bayreuth, and the Bishops of Würzburg and Bamberg.
The two bishops had a very close relationship, so their alliance could contend with Albrecht within the Imperial Circle.
Albrecht had to rely on his position as Governor of Franconia, personally appointed by the Emperor, and the power of the Hohenzollern Family to suppress the two bishops.
However, the Bishop of Würzburg bypassed him this time, and even bypassed the Imperial Diet which should have been responsible for handling Imperial Circle affairs, directly seeking help from the Emperor.
This was a great insult to him.
"You're not understanding this correctly, Governor.
The Bishop of Würzburg sought help from His Majesty the Emperor to solve his long-standing economic problems, and the golden customs privilege is the solution His Majesty the Emperor provided.
As the Governor appointed by His Majesty the Emperor, you should, without a doubt, act according to His Majesty the Emperor's will.
As for the issue troubling you, I can probably guess it: the Bishop of Würzburg is willing to give you one-tenth of the golden customs revenue, hoping you can help him remove obstacles to collecting this tax."
"In that case, I will act according to His Majesty the Emperor's will."
Clemente's reply made Albrecht's furrowed brow relax.
He did not impolitely ask how much the Emperor would take as a cut; as long as he received a share of the money, then the collection of the golden customs in Franconia would be no problem at all.
After all matters were settled, Albrecht saw off the Emperor's special envoy and immediately began to assemble his army, preparing to partake in the feast of Landshut.
His concern that the Emperor's increasingly arbitrary actions within the Empire might threaten the status and safety of the lords did not prevent him from taking advantage of this opportunity to further strengthen his own power.
He had recently often heard that his second elder brother, Brandenburg Elector Frederick II, was in increasingly poor mental health, and seemed to be contemplating suicide.
Albrecht had even specifically sent someone to convey his greetings to his brother, but his messenger was turned away.
Besides the chaotic war in Pomerania, his obedience to the Emperor was also a significant reason for his brother's mental exhaustion.
In the past, Albrecht could not quite understand his brother's hostility and concern towards the Emperor, but now he gradually understood everything.
Neither his eldest brother nor his second elder brother had legitimate offspring as heirs; now he had already inherited Bayreuth, and in a few years, he might even inherit Brandenburg and the Elector seat.
By then, he would be able to re-complete the integration of the Hohenzollern Family's territories and instantly become the most powerful lord in the entire Empire.
Albrecht walked to the window, watching the carriage bearing the double-headed eagle banner slowly drive out of the castle, his heart filled with conflict.
If he truly ascended to the position of Elector, could he still serve the Emperor as loyally as he did now?
The answer to this question was known only to himself.
While the army in Ansbach was just beginning to assemble, on the other side, the Independent Army appointed by Laszlo had already garrisoned Linz Castle on the border between Austria and Landshut.
"General, although this castle is still under construction, it is already sufficient to serve as our forward base."
Deputy Florian stood on the battlements of Linz and reported to the army commander, Gunter.
Gunter looked out from the embrasure, taking in the prosperous city of Linz.
Linz was the third-largest city in Austria, surpassed only by Vienna and Graz.
As a transportation hub connecting Austria and the Empire, Linz saw a continuous stream of merchants and travelers daily.
However, in recent days, the entire city of Linz had been shrouded in the clouds of war, making it considerably quieter.
Many merchants, to avoid being affected by the conflict, would rather detour through Styria or even Tyrol.
Linz Castle was situated on a small hill outside the city of Linz, with a strategic location that was easy to defend and difficult to attack.
Some suggested transforming Linz into a palace with defensive capabilities, but Laszlo ultimately decided to reinforce the castle's defenses, turning it into a complete military fortress.
His original intention was to guard against potential threats from Landshut, but now it could also serve as a forward base for the Imperial Army to attack Landshut.
"How are the supplies prepared? As soon as the Emperor's military order arrives, we must march straight to Landshut, and for that, we must be fully prepared."
"Please rest assured, General, our military supplies are abundant, and the army's morale is also very high."
Gunter nodded and ordered a map to be brought.
For this campaign against Landshut, the Emperor did not intend to personally lead the troops, nor did he even mobilize the Guards.
Gunter's Independent Army was chosen to undertake the task of attacking Landshut from Linz, with Gunter himself serving as the overall commander.
This meant that the Emperor recognized his ability to stand on his own, and Gunter felt immense honor and joy for this.
Since Landshut would be attacked simultaneously from four directions, its defensive forces would inevitably be insufficient, so Laszlo had no intention of gathering conscripted soldiers.
Gunter himself also believed that he did not need the assistance of conscripted soldiers; the army under his command alone would be enough to sweep through Landshut.
However, the Emperor did not assign him the task of sweeping through Landshut; his goal was only one: to reach the city of Landshut and wait for allied forces to rendezvous.
From Linz to Landshut, the distance was not far. If he could capture Landshut Castle before everyone else, slay Louis IX, the Wealthy, and seize his treasures...
Gunter suppressed the greed in his mind and began to discuss the advance with his subordinate officers.
"Brothers, this Count of Landshut is called 'the Wealthy'; aren't you curious how wealthy he is?"
"Does that even need asking?"
Gunter's officers all smiled; they loved great nobles with such nicknames.
Whether the other party was an employer or an enemy, it meant they could make a fortune, and this time was no exception.
"Then all of you, cheer up! Go back and tell the soldiers that as long as we fight our way into Landshut Castle, we can share the Count's wealth."
"Yes, General!"
Unlike the Imperial Army in Linz Castle, whose morale was steadily rising, Landshut Castle was shrouded in gloom.
A large number of nobles refused to answer Louis IX's summons, and even the city of Landshut experienced riots.
Many nobles, towns, and villages in border regions began to contact the various armies that were about to attack Landshut, hoping to preserve themselves from this catastrophe.
Ultimately, Louis IX only managed to raise an army of nearly a thousand men; more mercenaries, even facing the temptation of heavy rewards, dared not go to Landshut to serve Louis.
When the Emperor was weak, the Imperial Ban was a joke, but when the Emperor was terrifyingly strong, few dared to openly defy him. Inside Landshut Castle, more than half of the attendants who used to follow Louis had chosen to flee, making the once bustling castle exceptionally quiet.
"Bring me wine!"
Louis's irritated voice echoed through the empty hall.
Seeing no response, he roared a few more times.
Only then did his most trusted advisor come to him with a bottle of wine.
"Your cupbearer has also fled, my Lord."
"And you? Why haven't you fled?"
Louis snatched the wine bottle from his advisor's hand fiercely and poured himself another full cup.
"You have treated me well. To repay you, I will show you a way to survive."
"A way to survive?" Louis stared intently at the dark red wine in his cup, saying without raising his head, "Tell me, what way to survive do I have?"
"Go to Paris, to the court of the French King. He will surely get justice for you. For now, just bear with it."
The veins on Louis's hand holding the wine cup bulged. After a long deliberation, he gritted his teeth and spoke again: "Damn Laszlo, just you wait!"