Because Artemis had told Hilde before that it was best not to have any meetings with other oracles, as this might cause some problems. So the best way was to keep a distance from the gods and cars, not to let them see their true appearance and give feedback to the gods behind them.
Rhodes of Sounion was the oracle of Poseidon, the god of the sea. Poseidon was one of the few gods who did not live in the heavens. According to Artemis, after Zeus sealed the world of the gods, Poseidon and Hades, who lived in the underworld, disappeared at the same time. After the seal of the world of the gods was lifted, Poseidon reappeared. Artemis did not know whether Zeus had sealed Poseidon and other gods living outside the world of the gods when he sealed the world of the gods. However, it is true that there is very little connection between spinach and the world of the gods.
However, it can't be because of this kind of thing.
I feel that it doesn’t matter if Poseidon finds out.
You know, the relationship between Poseidon and Athena was very bad.
The two had fought for the faith of Athens, and in the end Athena won, and the faith of Athens naturally became Athena. So if the content recorded in this epic is what happened in real history, then Hilde really needs to be careful of Poseidon.
So Hilde didn't plan to meet Rhodes at that time.
In order to avoid some problems.
Tune 4, Section 6: Banquet in Byzantium
However, Hilde felt that if he went to Athens, he would have to meet Rhodes himself. However, it was rare for gods and oracles to have such a good relationship like Tomyris and Artemis. According to what Hilde knew about Rhodes, Poseidon disappeared after giving him divine power. And according to the records in the mythology, Poseidon should not be a god who would show up casually.
So it shouldn't be a problem.
That was all Hilde could think of.
The trip to Athens must be very interesting...
Hilde thought so.
After all, I haven't been back for such a long time. After returning, I will definitely encounter some interesting things. Therefore, Hilde must prepare well for this trip to Athens. After all, there are so many interesting things that Hilde can't miss.
The trip to Athens was thus confirmed, but Hilde had not yet told other officials about it. For other officials, they thought that Hilde would not leave Athens for a while after resigning, so when Aspasia held a banquet, these officials were very excited.
Since Hilde defeated the Thracian Kingdom, Hilde did not hold a proper celebration to celebrate the victory, but only held a triumphal ceremony. This banquet was the best celebration. Not many people attended the banquet, mainly celebrities in Byzantium, such as wealthy merchants, famous orators, generals stationed in Byzantium, and some representatives of public opinion.
Aspasia is indeed an old hand at hosting banquets.
Under her arrangement.
This time the banquet became very well organized.
Both food and drinks were prepared in sufficient quantities to ensure that every guest could eat and drink to their heart's content. Of course, this was also due to the rich resources of the Byzantine Kingdom. Unlike Athens, the Byzantine Kingdom had vast arable land and a large number of farmers, and the food produced was enough for the people in the city. And because agriculture was very developed, there were many agricultural by-products.
Aspasia was a frequent participant in Athens banquets and the organizer of Athens banquets, but she had to admit that Athens banquets did not have as many supplies as the Byzantine Empire. Not only were there a variety of meats, but there were also some expensive foods such as fresh goat cheese. Things like grapes and exhibitions, which were very common throughout Greece, were naturally in abundance here.
The women from Thrace twisted their bodies in the middle of the banquet, dancing exotic dances, and the musicians from Attica played the lyre in the middle of the banquet. The whole banquet venue was filled with melodious music. Everyone who attended the banquet was very satisfied with this banquet. They sang and danced, ate all kinds of delicious food, and chatted with others, discussing the glorious and brilliant future of the Byzantine Empire.
This is exactly the result.
Let everyone fall in love with this place.
at this time.
Hilde was at the center of the party.
She smiled and looked around, then said to Aspasia beside her: "Your arrangements for this banquet are really very good. As expected, there will be absolutely no problem if such a thing is handed over to you."
"It's my honor to help you." Aspasia took a glass of red wine and handed it to Hilde. "My child, can you have a drink with me?"
"Of course, I'm extremely happy."
Hilde took the glass of wine that Aspasia handed over.
At this time, Hilde suddenly remembered that he had won the ruling power of Byzantium with a glass of wine. Although he had poisoned the glass of wine, the final result was still very good. The Byzantines at that time probably had forgotten that scene long ago. They had long forgotten the past and indulged in the glory of the present. They were deeply proud of being citizens of the Byzantine Kingdom and the city of Byzantium.
This is more important than anything else.
Just forget everything in the past.
There is no need to remember.
At this time, Hilde picked up the wine glass and stood up. She raised her head and glanced at everyone present. At this time, those who attended the banquet noticed Hilde's actions and quickly stopped what they were doing, turned around, and turned their eyes to Hilde. So Hilde took a deep breath and said to everyone present:
"Everyone, you should know that I am a monarch who doesn't like to hold banquets. Therefore, during the period of the establishment of the Byzantine Kingdom, I have never held a decent banquet. The reason for not holding a banquet is simply because, for a long time in the past, the Byzantine Kingdom has faced many problems, forcing everyone to face these problems. So, this time, we defeated the Thracian Kingdom, expanded our territory, and have the current situation. We have temporarily gotten rid of the predicament, so this banquet should be regarded as a banquet to celebrate the victory. Ladies and gentlemen, victory is always with us."
"His Majesty!"
Everyone raised their glasses.
"May the kingdom live forever."
"May the kingdom live forever!!!"
Hilde's few words excited everyone on the field. After Hilde finished drinking the red wine in the glass, she continued, "Everyone, you are all outstanding people in the Byzantine Kingdom, so as the queen of the Byzantine Kingdom, I have something that I hope you can consider."
"We conquered Thrace, and the vast Thrace has endless wealth. It is full of mines, forests, and fertile farmland. However, our Byzantine Kingdom does not have the ability to develop that land yet. There are many good things there, but no one can transport them out yet. Therefore, I, Hilde, hope that you, especially the merchants, can consider the situation of our new northern territory."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Several businessmen were the first to react.
"We will send a caravan north!"
"Yes, we will also develop the mineral resources in the north."
Hilde was quite satisfied to hear these people's positive reactions.
The power of a country's government cannot be absolute. In many cases, private power is the basis. For example, there are so many places in Thrace that have not been developed. If the country relies on its power to develop them, it may not be too comprehensive.
Chapter 4, Section 7: The Decision to Go to Athens
Because of this, the people need to use their wisdom, money and manpower to fill in the gaps that the state cannot fill. Actively mobilizing the power of the people can solve many problems. So seeing them so enthusiastic, Hilde was really satisfied.
Of course, the actions of the private sector do not mean that Hilde can just sit back and enjoy the fruits of her labor. Although many leaders of countries do this, Hilde does not want to do so. She thinks that since she wants to use the power of the private sector, she must benefit from it. After all, Hilde is still quite rich now, and there is no need to be stingy with taxes in these aspects. Reducing some taxes may be a great benefit to a family or a businessman.
So Hilde continued to speak.
"I will never treat you unfairly in this matter. I will give you preferential treatment in terms of taxation and a series of policies. Since you are willing to build the kingdom, I will naturally not let you suffer any loss. By then, the country will be strong because of you, and you will also make money and live a good life because of the country. It will be a win-win for everyone. Isn't it a good thing?"
"Praise your majesty!"
The businessmen raised their glasses happily.
Express their inner joy.
That's perfectly normal.
Previously, the tax policy of Heald has always played an important role, but the tax reduction and exemption of Heald is generally applied to farmers. For those newly reclaimed land, Heald will provide them with financial support and material assistance. At the same time, they will often be exempted from their first year of tax, so that these farmers can be guaranteed in the first year of production.
Hildes was completely different from other city-state rulers. In other city-states, citizens were basically farmers, or slave owners, and farming was often done by slaves. In the Byzantine Kingdom, the vast majority of people were farmers with their own land. Although slaves did exist, their number was very small. Even the Thracians captured in the war could become part of the Byzantine Kingdom if they wanted to, and have their own land to farm.
Through the reform of the land system, the tillers have their own land, which destroyed the soil of the slave system. Hilde did not want a big slave owner who could influence one side to appear in his kingdom. Even more, he did not want anyone to become a powerful agricultural noble and hold the right to speak on agriculture and agricultural products. Merchants have money, but money cannot determine the fate of a country, but agricultural products are very important. The agricultural production under private land ownership has a very high productivity, far exceeding the current slave estates, so the Byzantine Kingdom did not lack food during these two years.
The real benefits of taxation involve business.
Today is the first time.
But Hilde only said this verbally.
We still have to wait until formal written laws are issued to detail the details.
Hilde's generosity made everyone at the banquet fall into a carnival. In their opinion, they really followed a particularly kind and powerful king. Some people at the banquet once opposed Hilde's rule, but now they have long forgotten those things and only want to praise Hilde.
This is what Hield wanted.
Hilde has been struggling in society for so many years.
I know it better than anyone else.
All that gratitude, that worship, is fake.
Only tangible benefits can win people's hearts.
Even though she was an oracle, even in this Greek world where gods were the heavens, Hilde believed so. So she was using benefits to buy off those previous opponents, making them shut up and become Hilde's licking dogs. As long as they could have enough food and live a good life, they would definitely support you.
This was also the magic weapon for Hilde to govern the country. The entire Byzantine Kingdom was very loyal to Hilde because of this reason, because she made everyone live a good life, made slaves become civilians, let civilians have their own industries, and let everyone have enough food and live a decent life. Just these things were enough for the Byzantines to push Hilde to the peak of God.
Although people believed in Greek gods.
But, in reality.
The vast majority of people still only believe in those who can feed them.
Because she knew this, Hilde was never stingy when it came to benefits. As long as it was truly beneficial to the development of the country, she would never be stingy with the money and taxes. So, seeing these people cheering and jumping for joy, Hilde felt a little emotional. She always felt like she had done something good. Although Hilde did this not for them, nor because she was a truly kind king.
After the crowd calmed down a little.
Hilde continued:
"Everyone, let me tell you one more thing. In a while, I will go to Athens in person to discuss some important matters with Athens. Therefore, the time required for the journey, including the time I will stay in Athens, may be half a year. During this period of time, I hope that when I am not away from the kingdom, you can make this country better. I hope that when I return from Athens with a full load, I can see that the Byzantine Kingdom has developed even better than it is now."
"Athens..."
Everyone was a little surprised.
I don't know why Hilde went to Athens.
"Your Majesty, Athens is very far away, and you have been treated very unfairly in Athens before. Is it not appropriate for you to go to Athens in person this time?" At this time, a general expressed his opinion. It was obvious that what he was most worried about was Hilde's safety.
After hearing all this with a smile, Hilde began to explain: "Everyone, I did experience some things in Athens that I don't want to recall, but this does not mean that I will leave that place forever. I am now the king of the Byzantine Kingdom, and I have the obligation to make my kingdom stronger in Greece. If our kingdom wants to become stronger, it is inevitable to contact the Athenians. If I reject Athens just for my personal reasons, and then our interests are damaged, it is not in the interests of our country. I just went to Athens with the purpose of letting our Byzantine Kingdom get a share of this war. So I need to do a lot of things..."
Chapter 4, Section 8: The Situation in Athens
"I appreciate your concern, but as the king of the Byzantine Kingdom, I must consider the interests of the Byzantine Kingdom, so I have to do this. But don't worry, I am the oracle of Athena. Athens, which worships Athena, will never do anything to me. And since I am the oracle, they can't even think of posing any real threat to my safety. It can be said that my safety is completely worth guaranteeing. And Athens will not be stupid enough to want to confront us head-on with a population of 70. They are not qualified yet."
Hilde said this with great confidence.
This also comes from her self-confidence.
When I heard His Majesty the King say this.
Those who had opposed going to Athens just now had come to their senses now. They knew that it was not dangerous for Hilde to go there this time, and that Hilde went there not for anything else but for the future of the Byzantine Kingdom. Because of this, they realized that they had to support the actions of His Majesty the King.
And what Hilde said put her in a very delicate position. Now, after hearing what Hilde said, people would involuntarily imagine Hilde as a good king who would personally go to a relatively dangerous place for the sake of the country and the people. That is why after Hilde said these words, those who were originally hesitant and felt that there was a problem now chose to support her.
Although Hilde didn't need their consent at all.
But something is better than nothing.
Since I can use this matter to gain advantage and do you a favor.
To consolidate his image as a good king in the eyes of these people. To make them feel that their king is a great king who is willing to take risks for the sake of the country and the people. Hilde's performance also earned enough goodwill, so this banquet ended perfectly without any regrets.
This banquet achieved all of Hilde's goals. It not only encouraged these merchants to leave Byzantium and spread their business network, especially to the newly conquered Thracian territories, but also made them support his move to Athens and deeply feel that Hilde was a good king.
After receiving a lot of compliments.
Hilde was about to start preparing to go to Athens.
As early as 15 days before his departure, Hilde sent an advance delegation to Athens. Their mission was to arrive in Athens and tell Pericles, the current archon of Athens, that the King of the Byzantine Kingdom would arrive in Athens in 15 days, so that the Athenians could prepare first. And these envoys raised an important point, which was to tell the Athenians that the Byzantine Kingdom was likely to stand on their side.
So, after more than ten days.
The delegation, traveling on a speedboat, was about to arrive at the port of Piraeus in Athens.
It was actually quite rare for the official ships of the Byzantine Kingdom to arrive at this place. Although many merchants at the port had heard of the name of the Byzantine Kingdom when they were doing business, they all thought that the Byzantine Kingdom was just a small country. Now the Byzantine Kingdom annexed all the territory of the Thracian Kingdom and became the largest Greek country in the East. This matter also spread to Athens in just a few months.
The people of Athens were happy to discuss what happened in other countries. When they learned that there was a country like the Byzantine Empire and that it had defeated the brutal Thracians, they naturally mythologized the country a little bit. Whether it was the third-rate playwrights in Athens, or the merchants and drunkards who liked to brag to others based on hearsay.
The Byzantine Empire has clearly become the focus of Athens in recent times.
And such a focus cannot fail to affect the Citizens' Assembly.
When most of the members of the Citizens Assembly knew about the existence of the Byzantine Kingdom, they were also very curious about the sudden emergence of such a powerful country in such a far place in the East, and the key point is that the ruler of this country is none other than Pericles' daughter Hilde. Most of the members of the Citizens Assembly thought that Hilde was sent to Byzantium by Pericles to recuperate, not exiled, let alone murdered.
So when they knew that Hilde had become the queen of the Byzantine Kingdom, many people in the Citizens' Assembly began to get excited. Think about the current Archon of Athens, Pericles, whose daughter was actually the king of the most powerful Greek Kingdom in the East. Doesn't this mean that this Greek Kingdom has a natural connection with Athens? Then shouldn't it be natural for the Byzantine Kingdom to help Athens?
They were unaware of the feud between Pericles and Hildæa.
I just simply think so.
Therefore, Pericles was also very distressed.
People in the Citizens' Assembly hinted or suggested to Pericles more than once that he should take the initiative to contact King Hilde of the Byzantine Kingdom in the east, and hope that the Byzantine Kingdom could give Athens enough support in eastern Greece. However, Pericles knew very well that if he went to find Hilde, he would be asking for death, as Hilde hated him to the core.
But I couldn't tell anyone about the dirty things I did. I couldn't tell anyone that I was going to send Hilde to Byzantium, which was actually exile, and I even arranged assassins to kill Hilde on the ship. If she told others about this, it would be a fatal blow to Pericles's dignity as an archon. As a democratic contractor, such things were absolutely not allowed to happen.
So, all the difficulties and grievances.
Pericles could only keep it in his heart.
But there is no way to say it.
This is why Pericles was so troubled.
