However, Serenus was unaware of his monarch's other thoughts at the moment; he simply believed that Caesar had, for no reason, recalled his past deeds in Tauris before his formal ascension.
Although during their conversations, the Chief Secretary always feigned surprise and a sudden realization, he had, due to the previous state of war with the Ottoman Empire in the Bosporus, already gathered information about the early life—or more accurately, the youth—of the Caesar he now served, through various channels.
In short, with Serenus understanding his monarch better than before, he was not surprised by Caesar's actions in Tauris; instead, he was pleasantly surprised that he was willing to share his past with him today.
But the precise resolve of Caesar's orders at that time, for some reason, made Justinian somewhat worried: if Caesar was serious, then he was a bit extreme.
If Manuel had known of Serenus's concerns, he would probably have given an awkward smile.
While his remarks were partly to defend his previous actions, they now carried a deeper meaning.
At least, Caesar believed that all of his actions were within the bounds of reason; it was just that his historical knowledge from his previous life was like having 'clairvoyance,' allowing him to act in ways that people of this era found difficult to do and understand.
After casually discussing his actions in North Tauris during that brief period before his ascension with Serenus, the dark clouds that had just gathered seemed to be blown away by the sea breeze, gradually leaving the Trabzon urban area and drifting out of the city.
Seeing that he had escaped the rain, Manuel was amused and quipped, "It seems the crops outside the city will receive a long-awaited summer downpour today; the farmers must be very happy."
"Ah, haha…" Serenus could only force a few dry laughs in response to such an awkward joke.
Manuel was somewhat aware of this, so having finished his rest and relaxation, he did not linger, but turned and strode away from the terrace, "I will go back first; next, I need to thoroughly investigate the living conditions of the people in Pontus under my rule."
"?"
However, Serenus did not have time to ask further questions before his monarch, accompanied by his attendants, returned to the palace.
Seeing this, he could only set aside the small question marks in his mind and follow Caesar back into the palace to continue with official business.
Soon, the Chief Secretary's earlier question was answered.
After helping his Caesar process several documents, he was very surprised to discover the next important decree he was about to implement.
"Population census of the Pontus region," Serenus said with an incredulous look, "Caesar, what are you doing?"
"Serenus… what, do you have an objection?" A gentle smile appeared on Manuel's face.
"No, Caesar," Serenus replied somewhat flustered, "I am merely curious.
After all, a household registration census is no simple matter; to achieve it, one needs at least a strong and powerful army, local autonomy that can be flexibly controlled, and no vast opposition forces…" The more he spoke, the fainter his voice became.
Because upon reflection, the Bosporus now had the full capability to accomplish this.
"Is that all?" Manuel smiled, "I'm afraid there's more; it also requires a bureaucracy loyal to oneself—hmm, tax collectors will do too.
What else? Oh, right, there must be comprehensive laws to punish or reward those who succeed or fail; if there's a stable social environment, that would be even better."
But even though Caesar said so, Serenus could clearly see that the Bosporus, specifically the Asia Minor region of Pontus, perfectly met all these conditions.
While the Chief Secretary of the Autocratic State was still tense, his monarch pressed him again, "So, Serenus, do you now think the Bosporus, as it is, can conduct a population census? Limited to Pontus."
"By the Holy Father, it certainly can!" Serenus immediately replied.
Seeing such a declaration from one of his cabinet members, Manuel was quite satisfied, "Alright, enough small talk.
Continue with the relevant preparations; try to complete the related documents by afternoon to quickly usher in the upcoming imperial council, in which the entire Pontus cabinet will participate."
"Yes, Caesar!"
Soon, the preliminary written preparations for the population census were completed that afternoon through the strenuous efforts of the monarch and his minister.
And as Caesar still walked out of the room full of vigor, his Chief Secretary, dizzy with exhaustion, slumped onto the table.
"Finally done, Saint Mary, my Caesar, does he not consider finding a suitable Minister of Finance soon? Matters of household registration and population should at least be partially delegated!"
However, Caesar completely ignored the low wails of this important official behind him, or rather, he didn't hear them at all.
Early the next morning, Manuel, as previously arranged with his Pontus cabinet, opened a long-awaited imperial council in the small council hall of Trabzon Palace.
Due to geographical constraints, the position of Patriarch of the Diocese in this imperial council was temporarily filled by Metropolitan Makarios, the Archbishop of the Pontus Diocese, or rather, the Patriarch of the Diocese.
Furthermore, the position of Pontus Minister of Finance remained vacant as no suitable candidate had been found.
After briefly discussing routine matters and concluding the aftermath of the previous legislation and the Muslim rebellion, Caesar Manuel swiftly moved on to today's main topic.
"A population census?" Falero, as the Grand Admiral, noticed this familiar term appearing again today, but as a military general, he decided to remain silent: such matters were best left to Caesar and the civilian cabinet members in charge of internal affairs.
Dungar, the Army Commander of Pontus, shared the same sentiment, so he tacitly chose to abide by the final decision, just like his military colleague.
As for the cabinet members truly concerned with this decision, after listening to Caesar's exposition and explanation, and after reasoned and well-founded discussion based on various rational considerations, the decision for a population census ultimately received the heartfelt support of the entire cabinet and was officially implemented from that day forward.
And so, very quickly, the Pontus region witnessed a vibrant and thriving scene, much like when Manuel had first implemented the new tax law in Theodosia:
"Open up, population census!" the Bosporus official roared, kicking open the door of the household being investigated.