December 1449, Constantinople.
As usual, Province Governor of the Eastern Roman Empire return to report on their work every two years and accept the assessment of Central Administration.
Tucha walked into the Administrative Department main building lobby with a calm face and informed the civil servant behind the counter. "I am Governor, Tucha from Galatia Province. These are the relevant documents of Province."
The next moment, the two attendants behind Tucha carried over a box of documents and handed them over to the civil servant Central Administration.
After completing the formalities, Tucha lived in the courtyard outside the office area. During the assessment period, local officials like them will live here instead of randomly choosing a place to live in the city.
The cold wind was howling, and large snowflakes were flying in the sky. This time Tucha arrived earlier, most of the courtyards were uninhabited, and there were a few dark ravens hanging above the eaves, which was not a good sign at first sight.
However, he has gotten used to it.
Galatia is located in the inland of Anatolia. It is one of the four Provinces with the worst public security situation. Horse bandits grow like weeds in the suburbs. If you destroy a group of notorious horse bandits, a new group of horse bandits will pop up after a while.
In September of this year, he personally led a team into the mountains to clean up the area and killed more than a hundred bandits. As a result, the situation in Province was calm for three months.
By the beginning of December, there was another disturbance in the mountainous area east of the Harris River. The leader claimed to be the illegitimate son of a certain Bey and called on the people to rebuild the Ottoman empire.
It is estimated that this time, Tucha will have to face the question from Justice Minister again.
The situation in Province is turbulent, which in turn affects the tax collection work. Finance Minister will also not let Tucha go, and will definitely find trouble with him with a bunch of account books.
"Fortunately, the church affairs are not under my control, which saves me some workload."
Tucha walked into the courtyard talking to himself. There were four carriages parked in the courtyard, and more than twenty followers were working together. Some were busy unloading luggage, while others were sweeping the courtyard and various rooms with brooms. The air was filled with fine dust.
He walked around the courtyard and gave instructions to the captain of the guard:
"Take care of them during this period. Don't run around or cause trouble. This is not a place where you can be arrogant!"
As Province Governor, Tucha has the right to hire guards and staff. He is the hereditary leader of the Gray Antelope Tribe. Most of the guards are from the tribe and are very loyal. His disadvantage is that he is an alcoholic and always likes to drink two drinks with every meal.
The sources of staff are relatively complex, including scholars, priests, and translators. They assist Tucha in handling various affairs and relieve him of a large part of his burden.
December 29th, early morning.
Tucha ate a large bowl of mutton soup to replenish his strength for the next test. At eight o'clock in the morning, he walked out of the courtyard wearing a thick sable fur and rushed to the Administrative Department main building in the heavy snow.
Thirteen people Governor participated in the assessment this time, and they were all gathered in the waiting room on the right side of the hall. The atmosphere was oppressive and suffocating.
Governor of Chersonesus seems to have been in good condition in the past two years and is confident of getting a high rating. Tucha feels envious and feels that if he changes his position, he can achieve the same political achievements as the other party.
At nine o'clock, a civil servant's voice sounded outside the door, "Galatia Province, Tucha."
Am I the first?
Tucha walked to the center of the hall and stood there, calmly describing a summary of his work during the two years.
There was a long table in the hall, with five ministers sitting behind it. On the table were the documents submitted by Tucha, the report of the diocese of Galatia, and the secret visit report of the Administrative Department. The three documents were compared with each other to prevent the ministers from being deceived by Governor.
There was Eunuch sitting at the front of the hall. He had no right to speak. He just stayed in his seat quietly drinking tea and witnessed Tucha being questioned by various people during his work report.
"In March this year, Central Administration allocated a sum of money to allow you to resettle a thousand Bulgaria households. As of now, nearly 30% of the immigrants have left. Why?"
Tucha: "I did not choose the resettlement location. Bandits were rampant in the mountainous area on the east side of the valley. The immigrants were frightened and fled spontaneously..."
"Last May, you reported that the bandit leader White Wolf was killed. This fall, the monastery in the west of Konya was looted. The survivors said that the murderer was White Wolf. What explanation do you have?"
Tucha: "After the incident, I sent someone to inquire about the information. The leaders of the small group of horse bandits were all named White Wolf. The predecessor White Wolf was killed, and the successor also had the same nickname."
"Only 50% of last year's taxes were paid, and it's the same this year. What's your explanation?"
Tucha: "The situation has always been like this. Tax collectors who go to the countryside are occasionally attacked by horse bandits or Ottoman villagers. They are restrained when collecting taxes, so they cannot collect the full amount of taxes."
Tucha's assessment lasted until noon. The moment he left the hall, he suddenly felt a little discouraged.
If you fail this assessment, returning to Northern Black Sea Coast for retirement is also a good ending.
In the following days, Tucha stayed at the Administrative Department from morning to night, listening to the questioning of other Governor.
In Tucha's view, there were several people who performed worse than him. At least Galatia's expense accounts were normal and no errors or omissions were found by Grand Auditor.
Galatia has repeatedly failed to complete tax collection tasks. The main reason is that the situation inside the country is complicated and it is difficult for the people to control him. If he is transferred to Anatolia coastal areas or Balkans areas, his assessment will definitely not be bad.
"I can be transferred to other places or go home to retire. Both situations are acceptable. I really don't want to stay at Galatia anymore."
On January 4th, all thirteen Governor completed the assessment, and the specific results will be announced in a few days.
The period after the assessment was particularly difficult. Some Governor were uneasy and busy asking around for news. Tucha was the same in previous years, but now he looked away and wandered around the city all day long to relax and observe the changes in this large city.
"Railway Carriage has another line in the city?"
Tucha Observed the route map depicted on the station sign and waited for a moment. A carriage pulled by two horses appeared at the end of the track in the distance, packed with passengers.
"So many people?" Tucha gave up the idea of experiencing Railway Carriage and walked south along the street to visit Hippodrome's four bronze horses.
After observing for a moment, he felt that the bronze horse was not very tall and had nothing special about it. It was not as good as the Justinian equestrian bronze statue of Augustus Forum.
There have been no large-scale renovations around the arena. There are still fences and wooden stands, and a wooden sign hanging at the entrance of the stands introduces the upcoming schedule.
"At two o'clock in the afternoon, Blunted Sword Combat and wrestling. Tomorrow morning is the horse racing. Well, if my horse Akhal-Teke horse competes, I can guarantee that it will come in first place."
Of course, this can only be Tucha's inner thoughts. Assuming that he really competes, he is guaranteed to be impeached by Grand Auditor, who thinks that he has lost the dignity of an important minister of the empire.
Leaving Hippodrome, Tucha came to the southern coast of the city.
Since the last time he came to visit, Naval Church here has changed a lot, and it is only one step away from the dome closing.
There are many marbles piled up in a nearby open space, and more than sixty craftsmen are carving marble reliefs as decoration for the church's facade. A large amount of white dust mist fills the air.
"After the dome is closed, it is said that the painter will paint a giant mural depicting the decisive battle scene of hundreds of warships. I wonder what the painting will look like?"
The next moment, the staff behind him explained:
"Before painting a mural, the artist usually prepared a sketch. During the formal painting, he held the sketch against the dome and traced it on the paper with a sharp pen, leaving an indentation on the wet plaster below for later addition of paint. If you are interested, you can watch the artist's sketch."
Tucha shook his head slowly. "Some things have the most impact when you first see them. They should retain a sense of mystery. I will come back to appreciate them the day the dome murals are officially completed."
While the ministers were assessing the local officials, Cabinet was calculating last year's accounts and reports.
Finance's income and expenditure in 1449 were in line with expectations, with regular income of 2.45 million. Adding Venice compensation (150,000), the total income was 2.6 million.
There was no war in the past year, which was a difficult period of peace. The expenditure was only 2.3 million, including the repayment of loans.
Therefore, the surplus in 1449 was three hundred thousand.
Counting the surplus in 1448, Treasury's available gold, silver, and various materials totaled a value of 450,000 Florin.
Vitus thought to himself, "Patriarch promised to donate gold and silver, and the royal family also has some spare money in its internal treasury. It can raise one million Florin's combat expenses, which is more than enough to solve White Sheep. However, I'd better save some money and attack Mamluk next."
There was no problem with the accounts, and Vitus was in a good mood. On January 10th, a banquet was held in the palace to celebrate the successful completion of the work in 1449.
The banquet held at the beginning of each year is of high standard, and the attendees include middle- and high-level ministers. A special area is set up in the west courtyard to accommodate the Tatars leaders of Borderland Region and the Circassia lords.
In the evening, Tucha came to the banquet area and took a good look at the shouting leaders Tatars without stopping.
"These rich country people are still so noisy."
As Province Governor, Tucha and these leaders are no longer on the same level, there is no need to waste energy on them.
Soon, Tucha stepped on the thin snow in the courtyard to the front of the main hall, took off his thick sable fur and handed it to Eunuch next to him, and walked to his seat under the guidance of another Eunuch.
Compared with the hustle and bustle of other areas, the atmosphere in the main hall is deserted and reserved.
In the presence of the emperor and Chancellor, everyone couldn't let go. Tucha nodded friendly to the people around him, and then sat up straight in his seat, as if he was attending a meeting.
When Eunuch came over to pour wine, Tucha decisively gave up the strong wine he usually liked and chose Malvasia Wine, which has a lower alcohol content and is rich and fragrant.
After filling up the wine, Tucha did not raise his glass and drink. Instead, he lowered his head silently and stared at the red wine in a daze.
"The outside world always speculates that the New Year's Eve banquet is full of rare ingredients and countless fine wines. In fact, there is nothing special about the food and drinks here. Even if you drink alcohol, it is beer, wine or sparkling wine with a low alcohol content (Champagne). After all, who dares to really eat and drink in such an occasion? If drunkenness causes trouble, the future future will be affected."
According to tradition, Vitus sat alone in the higher throne area. He was also bound by etiquette, wore a set of obtrusive purple robes, and sat upright in the gaze of everyone. His mind was no longer on the banquet.
"Cappadocia has placed some Armenia rebels, which came in handy this time. Georgia Army has weak combat capabilities and is not suitable for field battles or as a guide. Vakhtang should be allowed to provide more food. Such a contribution will be even greater."
Vitus ignored the music performance in the center of the hall and recalled the terrain and related information of Armenian Highlands in his mind.
Historically, the form of Rome's rule over Armenia has changed many times. It was first established as a protectorate, then changed to Province in the middle, and finally became the Armenia military region.
Armenia is located inland, thousands of kilometers away from Constantinople. The cost of direct rule is high and the return is low, so it is destined to make no money.
"The Province system is no longer possible. Should we establish a vassal state or Borderland Region?"
The advantage of establishing a vassal state is to save the cost of governance, but the interests of the vassal state are not completely consistent with the empire.
The first king would be grateful for Palaiologos's friendship. However, as time goes by, future generations will only take it for granted, and loyalty and gratitude gradually dissipate, replaced by dissatisfaction.
Once Eastern Roman Empire is invaded by the West or is subject to internal turmoil, the king may be in secret collusion with the enemy, becoming a new factor of instability.
Vitus gave up this idea and planned to set up Borderland Region to give local lords a certain degree of autonomy. They did not need to pay too many taxes, as long as they stick to their own territory as a buffer zone...
After a long time, Vitus came to his senses. The banquet was coming to an end, and the dishes in front of the ministers' tables were almost untouched.
Vitus asked Pelato who was standing next to him, "Is it time to end the show?"
After seeing Eunuch nodding, Vitus stood up and left his seat, not wanting to stay here any longer.
As the emperor left, the ministers were relieved. Tucha followed the crowd out of the main hall and put on the thick and warm mink coat again.
The moonlight was dim and the air was cold. Eunuch was walking in front holding a lamp, followed closely by Tucha and others. After walking for some distance, a leader Tatars suddenly fell drunk to the ground. The two nearby leaders hurriedly helped the drunkard up.
"The layout of the palace is too complicated, with countless corridors and courtyards. Aren't they worried about getting lost?"
The cold wind whistled along the corridor. Tucha tightened his cloak. The fountain in the center of the courtyard had frozen, and the ice surface reflected the dim moonlight. The remaining snow on the ground made a dull rustling sound after being stepped on.
After an unknown amount of time, the crowd walked out of the Blachernae Palace's South Gate.
Outside the palace gate was the office area of Central Administration. The crowd continued to march along the straight main road until Tucha passed Alexius Gate in front of him. He finally felt a long-lost sense of relief.
With nothing to do, he was relaxing outside and happened to meet Ilya who was also walking.
Many years ago, Tucha and Ilya served together in Don Frontier. The former was Governor and the latter was Finance.
Although there was some unpleasantness during their tenure, the two of them had long forgotten this little incident after so many years.
Ilya was the first to speak, "I heard that you are going to be transferred to Epirus. This place is densely covered with mountains and forests, with a population of only 300,000. The workload is very small. It is much easier than Galatia."
Tucha looked relaxed and seemed very satisfied with the result.
There are only two situations in his annual assessment: middle and lower. He is lucky to be transferred to Epirus. He does not expect to be transferred to such a good place as Tauris, Northern Thrace, or Bithynia.
"What about you? Central Administration's position was adjusted some time ago. Logically speaking, you should be transferred to a more important department. Now you are still the minister Agriculture and Animal Husbandry who ranks at the bottom. It's a pity."
In Tucha's understanding, Administrative Minister controls personnel assessment and has the most power. Finance Minister is responsible for the country's finance and taxation. At the end of the year, he is also eligible to participate in the assessment of local officials, ranking second in power. Then there is Justice Minister...
Hearing the questions from his former colleagues, Ilya reacted calmly.
He has insufficient qualifications and is destined not to be transferred to the Administrative Department or Finance Department. There is not much difference between being transferred to the remaining departments. He might as well stay in his current position.