"So, Father, the Principality's official system must change now," Manuel concluded emphatically, while Alexius read the report and reform plan he submitted, remaining silent.
After dealing with the traitor Doria, Manuel recognized the major flaws in Theodoro's official system: noble monopoly, careless appointments, arbitrary selections…
Damn it, how did the country end up like this!
Can Rome be revived like this?
So Manuel spent nearly five days, in his spare time, writing a stack of reports summarizing, evaluating, detailing the flaws and dangers of the current Principality's official system, along with his personal opinions, reform directions, and a detailed explanation of the organizational structure after the reforms.
In other words, Manuel specifically wrote a blue book on official system reform for the Principality. This "blue book" was personally handed to Alexius at noon today.
Now, Manuel stood beside Alexius, slightly nervously awaiting his father's decision.
Alexius finished reading, rubbed his sore eyes, and said to his son with a hint of helplessness:
"My child, your ideas are very good, the suggestions you've put forward are all very useful, and the initial system design is quite rigorous," Alexius said slowly, "But there is one biggest problem with it—it's not practical enough."
Manuel swallowed nervously.
"According to your view, we should establish an examination system and promote civil officials regardless of their social standing, right?"
"Mm."
"At the same time, in the selection of military officers, nobles without merit or ability should all be removed from their positions, and brave, skilled, and militarily knowledgeable soldiers can be promoted to officers, while avoiding incorporating former enemy nobles into our leadership, right?"
"Yes."
"Additionally, to improve administrative efficiency, various departments with non-overlapping functions should be established to specifically handle problems in different areas, right?"
"Exactly."
"Manuel, I'll ask you the most crucial question: Does the Principality have money?"
"…"
"…"
"But the nobles, landlords, and self-sufficient farmers in the country must have money."
"!"
"Money is like water in a sponge; if you're willing to squeeze, there will always be some. If there's no money, then taxes should be raised; at worst, the common people will suffer a bit more."
"…"
"Father, what's wrong?"
"My child, how should I even talk to you!"
"I don't think there's any problem at all. Even looking at the Frank feudal system, our Gavras Family is the strongest noble in Theodoro. Even if we only send out our private soldiers, no one would dare to resist us. Those who aren't obedient will be individually teleported and blasted into the sky by heavy cavalry."
"Alas… Manuel, sometimes I don't know what to say to you. Your biggest problem is that you always treat the specific individuals you meet with goodwill, but for abstract groups, you are either indifferent or outright malicious. Of course, I'm not saying this is bad, but you should know that abstract groups are also made up of specific individuals."
"Although our main problem right now isn't this aspect, but rather financial. I should have let you personally understand and familiarize yourself with the Principality's finances earlier." Alexius couldn't help but sigh, rubbing his forehead. He then had a servant relay a message to the Treasurer, Michael Pennycook, specifically asking him to bring the Principality's financial report from last year.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness, this is Theodoro's income and expenditure report from last year, along with the details of various expenses and incomes, and the trend of money flow… Please take a look," Pennycook said with a calm smile.
Manuel focused on reading the income and expenditure report, and soon felt overwhelmed—the Principality's total income last year was less than 30k ducats (in the 15th century, 1 ducat was equivalent to approximately 850-1200 RMB today). Eighty percent of the income came from the various industries of the Gavras Family, but these family industries already accounted for over 3/4 of all industries in the entire Principality. In other words, even if tax laws were changed, not much wealth could be squeezed from other noble magnates. Economically, the only apparent way out currently was Black Sea trade, but the bulk of that trade was now basically in Genoa's hands…
Under these circumstances, the Principality's expenditure directions had actually been pushed to their limits: supporting the army, paying salaries, constructing and maintaining castles, carrying out infrastructure projects, paying tribute, and other possible miscellaneous ceremonies, etc., etc… It was a miracle that the Principality hadn't resorted to borrowing high-interest loans from the Jewish people…
"Father, I understand." Manuel pressed his forehead; it seemed that official system reform was completely a pipe dream for now.