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From now on, they would no longer have to endure hunger and cold, surrendering their food and warmth to the church. Even after a murderer’s violent crime, justice and punishment would prevail, and they would not be able to absolve themselves with the sound of the treasury’s coins ringing!
"—In the name of our lord!" Machiavelli shouted.
"—In the name of our lord!!" The response was overwhelming, like a roar that could pierce through the entire city!
In the name of our lord!!
From now on, their lord was one of love and mercy, no longer only listening to the pleas and prayers of the rich. Even the humble farmers and merchants could ascend to heaven after death!
Trade and commerce would now be open and free, and no longer would there be heavy restrictions and cuts between cities in their transactions!
"—For the New Faith born for salvation!" The cardinal raised his staff high.
"—For the New Faith born for salvation!!" The crowd followed suit, raising their arms and roaring in unison, giving all their strength to the chant.
For the New Faith born for salvation!
The flag of the Immortal Bird flapped and soared in the long wind, its wings raised high above the diamonds, gleaming like flames from the fingers of the gods in the bright golden sunlight!
In just a few days, the entire city's direction had shifted, and even the streets began to prosper once again.
The clergy of the larger and smaller churches were all scrutinized and reformed. The boxes for indulgences were collected and publicly burned—some excited citizens even rushed forward to kick them violently.
In the past, no matter the crime of murder or plunder, one could pay a bishop a sum of money to absolve their soul of sin. Under such absurd arrangements, the law was like a crumbling fence, about to collapse. But now, this lord had done what countless people had never dared to imagine!
Revolutionary cannons had turned centuries of cold weapon warfare upside down, and even the threats and intimidation from the clergy had become hollow and powerless.
Though many vested interests sought to fight back fiercely, they all remained silent before the barrels of the guns, as if they had no intention of defending any doctrine.
Wisdom, military power, the faithful, interests, and doctrine...
Many elements had come together, creating a marvelous and convincing result.
Hedy gazed out at the golden-red flags flying on the rooftops of the houses outside the castle, faintly hearing the sounds of celebration.
The man draped a woolen vest over her shoulders and stood beside her.
"Leonardo, what is that noise outside?"
"It’s a parade and celebration," Leonardo replied, watching the fireworks in the distance. "They’re cheering and celebrating the new policies."
Genoa was a typical trading city, where the high taxes imposed by the Church had long silenced the people’s anger. Various harsh dogmas also forced them to surrender all their wealth in exchange for peace in the afterlife.
Hedy’s measures, however, aligned with the tide of the Renaissance, encouraging people to pursue happiness and enjoyment in this world through the sudden emergence of the New Faith.
—This was very Medici, and very Florence.
News soon came from Florence as well.
Although the lord there held a reserved stance on the New Faith, they approved of the tax reductions and relaxation of tariffs.
From now on, trade from there to Genoa would only require paying two taxes, and the cuts were much lighter than before.
So much had happened recently—territorial annexations, new political and economic measures, and reforms related to the New Faith...
Milan and France had started to send letters for consultations and probes, while the Roman Church had yet to respond.
No matter what, these three cities were now under her control, undergoing tremendous transformations.
