Inside the royal hunting grounds of the Vienna Woods, Laszlo stood atop a peak of the Alps foothills, overlooking the fertile Vienna Basin and watching the shimmering Danube River flow gently through it.
In the expansive lands in the distance, scattered villages and manors could be seen, along with large, neatly divided farmlands that were hard to miss.
Those well-ordered lands were clearly the result of using heavy iron plows.
This was thanks to Laszlo using the wealth acquired from suppressing the Styrian rebels to order hundreds of Saxon wheel plows from Graz.
Now, most villages and manors around Vienna had at least one heavy iron plow.
The use of such advanced agricultural tools greatly improved the efficiency of farmers' cultivation, and coupled with Laszlo's policies encouraging reclamation and immigration, the cultivated land area in Lower Austria was gradually expanding.
"It's clear you're managing this land very diligently," Vitez remarked, standing beside Laszlo.
Laszlo nodded vigorously, his tone full of certainty: "Austria is the heart of the dynasty, the treasure of the Habsburg Family, so it must be managed properly.
Of course, Hungary is also an important part of the dynasty. I plan to carry out similar reforms in Hungary later, and I invited you out today to discuss this matter."
"Reforms? I thought you had already completed the reforms in Hungary. You show me the reports sent by Archbishop Veszter every year; the Kingdom's tax revenue is increasing year by year."
Vitez looked at the Emperor with some surprise. Although the Emperor had indeed mentioned hoping he could assist in reforms when he pardoned and recruited him in Transylvania, the current situation was very favorable for the Emperor.
The Hunyadi Family had been overthrown, and large territories in Transylvania were reclaimed. In Hungary proper and Croatia, royal lands were also expanded through various methods.
Moreover, the Emperor had stationed over ten thousand troops throughout Hungary, demonstrating strong control over the Kingdom.
The only slight drawback was the continued existence of powerful magnates.
Although the Emperor's reforms had squeezed their economic interests, they had not touched their fundamental power.
For this, the magnates were tightening their belts, probably waiting for the Emperor's death so they could launch a widespread counterattack.
However, if the Emperor had a strong heir who could take control of the situation in Hungary while he was still alive, then the magnates' plans would likely come to naught.
Vitez had initially thought that the Emperor bringing him to Vienna and having him educate the Second Prince Maximilian was to cultivate Maximilian's future ability to govern Hungary.
For this, he had strictly disciplined Maximilian, causing their teacher-student relationship to become quite strained.
Now it seemed he had misunderstood. The Emperor had not given up on stirring things up in Hungary due to the promulgation of the new golden bull; perhaps there would be another round of reforms.
This made his once-calm ambition become restless again.
Archbishop Veszter's stance was still too mild, preventing him from effectively implementing the Emperor's will.
In the selection of officials, a large number of clerics were placed into the Kingdom's government, and Archbishop Veszter was also quite mild in dealing with the nobility.
If not for the Emperor's army maintaining order, Hungary would likely be in chaos.
If he were in that position, he could certainly do better.
But now it depended on whether the Emperor was willing to give him this opportunity to prove his talent.
"Increased tax revenue is certainly good, but the situation in Hungary still makes me uneasy.
After the White Knight's death, I find it increasingly difficult to rule Hungary.
You were his close friend and have traveled frequently between Austria, Bohemia, and Hungary, understanding the situations in various countries. I'd like to hear your insights."
Laszlo turned to look at the calm-faced Vitez, then thought for a moment and added.
"That brat Maximilian must have given you a lot of trouble recently, right?
I think enough time has passed. There's an opportunity now for you to return to Hungary, but…"
He didn't finish his sentence, but Vitez's expression had already turned serious, his excitement inexpressible.
This was clearly a test from the Emperor.
Although he wasn't yet clear about which position the Emperor intended to assign him, it certainly wouldn't be a low-level official, otherwise, the Emperor's long-standing courtesy towards him would be meaningless, wouldn't it?
"Your Majesty, what do you believe you rely on to govern a country?"
Laszlo frowned slightly, beginning to think seriously.
"Government, law, army, the people's will, and… fear."
Hearing this reply, Vitez nodded and said, "Do you rely on all of these to rule all countries?"
Laszlo shook his head; it was clear that only in Austria did his rule meet all these conditions.
"It seems you also understand that you need to adopt different governing strategies in different countries.
For example, in Austria, your rule here comes from the family's centuries-old inherited power, and you grew up in Austria from a young age.
The Habsburg Family's royal authority in Austria became the core element of your rule here.
Based on this, the series of administrative and military reforms you undertook greatly helped you strengthen control over this country.
Now, you are even beginning to consider the welfare of the common people, and the Austrian people's national identity is gradually strengthening, which further reduces resistance to rule.
You are now trying to rule many other nations based on Austria."
"Is there a problem with such a strategy?"
"Of course not, but I heard that Emperor Albrecht II left a dying wish for you to rule in Budapest,
yet you insisted on commanding the empire from Vienna. This is where the reason for your difficulty in ruling Hungary lies."
Vitez directly pointed out the issue that Laszlo had been avoiding.
"Hungary should be the core part of your empire. The late Emperor ruled from Budapest since his ascension,
which allowed him to strengthen the power and authority of the Hungarian monarchy.
However, for many years you have set your center of rule in Vienna, governing Hungary through the church, and suppressing the magnates with the army.
Your tactic of feigning retreat to advance, seizing the opportunity of military reform to consolidate military power, was indeed clever.
After that, you promoted tax reform by supporting minor nobles and citizens, maneuvering against the opposition in Parliament, and leveraging the prestige of quelling rebellions.
Ultimately, all of this was built only on your victories in wars against the Ottomans and against the rebels, and on the powerful army you stationed in Hungary."
Hearing this, Laszlo suddenly understood where all his uneasy feelings came from.
"As soon as I suffer a defeat, or even just a weakening of the military strength stationed in Hungary, the apparent prosperity and peace of Hungary could instantly shatter?"
"Precisely, Your Majesty," Vitez, who had once aided Hunyadi Laszlo's rebellion, naturally understood the opposition's thoughts perfectly, "You have now solidified your rule in Austria and Bohemia. I am not very familiar with the situation in Milan, but perhaps you should find a way to integrate it into the Austrian government system to further strengthen your core territories.
These territories are your capital for dealing with the Hungarian nobility.
Now that France and Burgundy are clashing, you only need to stand behind the scenes, gradually devouring the empire while preserving your strength.
The Ottomans are also deeply mired in Karaman. I hear they made rapid progress this year, conquering several important towns in succession, but they also suffered considerable losses.
Now, let alone making a comeback, if they don't rest and consolidate, they might find it quite difficult to defend Constantinople from you.
You should seize this opportunity to continue pushing reforms, abandon all your gentle approaches, and drive your enemies to their deaths."
Laszlo looked with some surprise at Vitez, who, despite his church background and usually gentle demeanor, was now fiercely advising him to eradicate dissenters with an iron fist.
"In the tax reform, I have already abolished the tax exemptions of many groups, expanding the tax base and significantly increasing revenue.
Now, the power of those magnates conspiring against me should also be weakened to some extent, but going further might be too extreme…"
"Your Majesty, your gentle rule is only suitable for Austria. The people here are your compatriots, but to the Bohemian and Hungarian people, you are a foreign monarch.
If you could stay in Budapest to rule for a long time, you would naturally have the opportunity to achieve complete control over Hungary through gentle means, but now… think about what you did in Bohemia.
A strong and loyal Hungarian army and the prestige of repelling the Ottoman infidels are the cornerstones of your rule in Hungary. The late Emperor only brought you that crown, and it is now still in the royal palace in Budapest.
If you have to concede to the opposition nobles at every critical moment for fear of inciting rebellion in Hungary, your dynasty will find it very difficult to continue."
"Now is indeed the time for me to make some changes."
Laszlo nodded with satisfaction; the drawbacks of joint rule had tormented him for the past decade.
For a long time, his policies had prioritized stability, which made his reforms seem gradual, but in reality, he didn't dare to be ruthless and see them through.
Vitez's words enlightened him: the power of those magnates was difficult to weaken merely by confiscating some territories and imposing more taxes.
They could easily levy more taxes on the serfs in their vast territories, even if it provoked popular uprisings.
The current area of the Kingdom of Hungary is not smaller than that of the Kingdom of France, but its total population is only half of France's.
This is partly due to the Mongol invasion, which caused Hungary's population to halve, and also due to the Black Death and prolonged warfare, but the deeply entrenched Hungarian serf system also played a significant role.
Laszlo decided to tackle this; he now had almost no worries except for internal enemies.
"I think you should thank your grandfather. It is precisely because he often lingered in Bohemia and the Empire that Hungary developed a new tradition: the system of regents.
From what I observe, this is unique to Hungary; other powerful kingdoms on the continent like Hungary cannot maintain long-term stability without a king.
A regent, appointed by you and recognized by Parliament and the people, acts as a mediator between you and the Hungarian people, while helping you govern this vast Kingdom.
During your father's reign, this system almost disappeared in Hungary, but you naturally re-established it and chose Archbishop Veszter to bear this important responsibility.
However, during the reign of Emperor Sigismund, I already considered the drawbacks of this system.
People will harbor resentment due to your long-term absence; any bad policies or oppression by lords will be seen by them as your abuse of power.
And your long absence from Hungary makes it impossible to explain the truth to the people, which is quite disadvantageous to you.
Fortunately, the Hussites have disappeared in Hungary. In the first few years of the Hussite Wars, peasant rebellions in Hungary proper were continuous, almost destroying the heartland of the Kingdom."
Mentioning this, Vitez showed a look of trepidation. He had also served as a military chaplain, accompanying the Hungarian army into Bohemia.
The fighting power of those Hussites was astonishing, but their ideas were even more dangerous.
Ideas questioning church authority and resisting oppression, once they began to spread, could easily trigger a rebellion.
Fortunately, the Emperor had eradicated the Hussites in Bohemia with almost ruthless methods, and the heretics in Hungary had been wiped out even earlier by Albrecht II.
Based on this alone, the Emperor was worthy of his title, 'Guardian of the Faith,' not to mention that he also repelled the Ottoman infidels who invaded Hungary.
In fact, the Hungarian people initially had a relatively good impression of Laszlo, this pious and courageous young monarch.
Unfortunately, Laszlo's territory was too vast, causing him to often be absent from Hungary and dislike convening the Hungarian Parliament, which was considered a respect for Hungarian rights.
Under the instigation of certain individuals, a portion of the populace gradually lost faith in the new king.
Even absurd rumors like "Sigismund is back" circulated in some places.
"I don't think my rule is as bad as my grandfather's, is it?"
Laszlo hid his embarrassment with a smile, but when he saw Vitez's serious expression, his smile froze.
Vitez's expression, though he said nothing, made Laszlo vaguely feel he heard two words.
Hard to say.
He suppressed his smile, coughed twice, and said, "Vitez, you are indeed the talent I need.
I will find another teacher for Maximilian, and you will replace Mihailo Frankopan as the new Governor of Croatia.
Mihailo is gravely ill and will not live long. Once he passes away, you will first manage Croatia for me, awaiting the opportunity to return to the political center of the Kingdom."
A hint of disappointment flashed in Vitez's eyes, but he quickly rallied.
"Thank you for your trust. I will surely govern Croatia well for you."
Laszlo had his own considerations. Vitez was originally from a Croatian noble family, so letting him try his hand in Croatia first could also strengthen Laszlo's control over Croatia.
The unique aspect of Hungary was not just the monarch's absentee rule; it was also a patchwork kingdom.
Transylvania, Slavonia, Croatia, and Bosnia, these several semi-autonomous governorates, accounted for half of the Kingdom's territory.
Now, the governors of these regions were almost all his confidants, which gave him greater confidence to deal with the Hungarian opposition.
"The governance of Croatia doesn't pose too many problems, but I hope you can try to help me strengthen the navy during your tenure.
The Austrian navy has been in Trieste long enough. As the saying goes, calm seas do not make skilled sailors.
It's time for them to experience the waves of the Mediterranean Sea.
Therefore, I plan to merge the navies of Austria, Croatia, and Morea, establish a permanent naval base in the Greek region, and restrict the Venetian and Ottomans from the sea.
This plan will later be executed by the Austrian naval commander; your cooperation will be needed then."
"No problem, Your Majesty."
Vitez didn't understand naval affairs, but he understood that this meant he was to negotiate with the local Croatian powers to absorb their strength and use it to strengthen Austria's naval power.
If he remembered correctly, the Austrian naval commander was also from the Frankopan Family, which made things much easier.
The two then discussed some issues concerning Hungary, when a servant galloped from the mountain below.
"Your Majesty, Landshut Castle has fallen!"
"Let's go, return to the palace immediately."