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Before some people could even enjoy a fulfilling and relaxing Christmas, they were all dragged into court.
Those who needed to be prosecuted were, and those who needed to be accused were as well—none were spared!
For those issues that could be resolved legally, they were sued into bankruptcy, with all the assets to be reclaimed, including interest.
For those matters that couldn't be solved legally, private law would have to do.
The incident was so big that it stirred up quite a few people both inside and outside the city.
—The Medici family's mismanagement turned out to be an internal problem?!
—Word is that a few of the main culprits were sent to the gallows!
—This is blasphemy against God! They deserve to be sentstraight to the eighteen levels of hell!
Some were whipped, others had their newly bought estates and farms taken away, and some would spend the rest of their lives in prison.
Various rumors and news began to spread, sounding like the bells were ringing in the surrounding city-states.
Not only did many people within the banking industry become more cautious and upright, but many potential clients who had intended to collaborate also breathed a sigh of relief.
It seemed that the restructuring had finally begun.
That very night, various managers from within and outside the organization began to undergo investigation and evaluation.
Lorenzo didn’t involve Hedy in this matter, but as long as it was something he personally handled, he made sure to do it to the utmost degree.
In recent years, his main work had been signing treaties and forming alliances, so he hadn’t really paid attention to the family business.
But a lord who could manage relationships with over ten city-states surely wouldn’t fail to manage the family’s old business, right?
As a result, dozens of underperforming managers, both large and small, were swept out, and many of the Medici family banks overseas were revamped, with much higher efficiency.
Although Lorenzo hadn’t asked for Hedy’s opinion, she still timely submitted a reference document.
It discussed performance evaluation systems, year-end reporting systems, and useful quarterly review systems.
With just a few strokes, she helped him build a stable framework that would allow him to manage the most affairs in the shortest amount of time.
The lord silently accepted the suggestion and then ordered his subordinates to draft a brand new set of records.
Florence was beginning to change.
It wasn’t until Christmas began that Leonardo finally reappeared.
He knocked on Hedy’s door with a square box in hand, his whole demeanor exuding a sense of triumph.
“I’ve made the air valve—and I’ve also figured out the piano you mentioned for recording.”
Hedy was surprised and stepped aside, allowing him to enter and place several items on the table.
Leonardo had originally planned to finish making the air valve before discussing it with her, but once he started, he became so engrossed in the process that he couldn’t help but continue completing the following steps.
When he finally came to his senses, he had already successfully made three versions of the paper rolls used for playing, and was sitting by the piano listening to the music.
Hedy helped him unravel the long paper tape and instinctively let out a gasp of admiration.
He truly was a genius.
