1444, Byzantium Resurrects

Chapter 68 Post Station System
"Dean Marcel, what is this?"

At Narses Medical School, Isaac picked up a sticky mass out of curiosity.

"A mixture of liver and heart, oh and maybe some intestines."

Marcel, a Shia medical scholar from Baghdad, fiddled with a bloodstained manuscript without looking up.

Snapped--

Isaac quickly threw away the unknown object in his hand.

"Your people are to blame, Your Majesty."

"They are ignorant believers rather than inquiring students."

"These people don't understand the importance of anatomy and don't want to carefully distinguish the various organs."

Dean Marcel did not consider Isaac's face at all and directly expressed his dissatisfaction with the students recommended by Isaac.

Isaac could only smile helplessly.

Talent is hard to come by, and at present there is not a single truly well-trained doctor in the entire Christian world.

The spring breeze of the Renaissance had just begun to blow in those days, and the majesty of the church had not yet been completely lost. There were not even professional doctors, and most doctors were part-time. People everywhere were still at the stage of using prayer to heal illnesses.

The Muslim world is much better. They have a long medical tradition, and the famous Persian doctor Avicenna left them an extremely rich legacy.

A few decades later, Isaac might be able to recruit Vesalius, but he couldn't wait that long.

If we start cultivating talents from now on, in five to ten years, we may be able to enjoy the benefits of the surge in medical achievements.

"Dean Marcel, we can put anatomy aside for now. How are they doing with the most important surgery?"

Most of the students recommended by Isaac were genuine Greek Orthodox Christians, and many of them were children of the Guards.

These people may indeed be deeply influenced by the church, but their loyalty is still guaranteed.

"The surgical department is not very good. All these students are trying to learn simple field bandaging as quickly as possible, and no one has really understood the theory!"

Marcel was obviously very angry and slammed the manuscript shut.

Isaac had no choice but to laugh along.

"Did you read the document I gave you last time carefully?"

"Look, I extracted it according to your method, and the effect is good."

Marcel's expression eased a little, and he took out a small glass bottle from the cabinet and shook it at Isaac.

The glass bottle contains a light yellow viscous liquid.

Allicin is one of the few benefits that Isaac can enjoy as a time traveler.

This stuff is very simple to make. Before traveling through time, Isaac made it once at home using alcohol.

Although the purity is very low, it is better than nothing.

Allicin has relatively good antibacterial and disinfecting capabilities and can be used on the battlefield and in war horse feed.

After saying goodbye to Dean Marcel, Isaac came to a hidden corner of Narses Medical College.

The guard at the door recognized Isaac and saluted him.

"Is Mendotte here?"

"Inside, your majesty."

Isaac nodded and walked into the dark room.

This is the pharmaceutical manufacturing bureau established by Isaac. It is kept strictly confidential and all workers and managers are forbidden to go out without reason.

Currently, there is only one drug produced by the Manufacturing Bureau.

"Mendot, how much navigation medicine can be produced every day now?"

Navigation medicine, which Isaac made specifically for ocean voyages, is a "chicken that lays golden eggs."

The formula is complicated, with a little bit of everything added, but there is only one active ingredient - citrus juice.

There were many problems that troubled ocean sailors these days. Scurvy was not the most harmful among them, but it was the most helpless one.

The disease has been known since the ancient Greek colonization period, but there has been no appropriate treatment.

For a long time, superstitious sailors regarded this disease, which would occur when sailors were away from land for too long, as a curse from the sea god and could only pray for God's protection.

If this "magic medicine" can be promoted, on the one hand it can indirectly promote ocean navigation, and on the other hand it can make a lot of money for oneself.

As for the complicated formula, it was just a cover made by Isaac to keep it secret.

"Your Majesty, this thing doesn't require any complicated craftsmanship. We can produce about fifty bottles a day."

Mendot limped towards Isaac, leaning on a cane.

He was a member of Isaac's old guard. He had half of his foot cut off in the Battle of the Wall of Corinth, but he survived by chance and was hired by Isaac as the supervisor of the Medicine Manufacturing Bureau.

Isaac nodded. In the short term, this production scale was the most suitable.

"We will first provide these drugs to our Mediterranean Fleet. After the sailors use them, they will naturally advertise this miracle drug."

"First, build up our reputation, and then we can expand our production scale."

Isaac said, and handed the documents and the glass bottle of allicin in his hand to Mendot.

"The manufacturing process of this new medicine is not complicated. Contact Dean Marcel and try to make the finished product as soon as possible."

……

“Dear Lord Fidel, this is our sincerity.”

A large galley stood proudly on the dock of Bilinchi Port.

After more than a month of negotiations, Cyrenaica, Monferrato and Genoa reached a preliminary joint trade agreement.

The agreement stipulated that the Republic of Genoa would invest 20,000 ducats in the Monferrato Trading Company, representing a 10 percent stake.

At the same time, Genoa will open up the purchase rights of new warships to Isaac and allow the Cyrenaica Mediterranean Fleet to dock and resupply in the port of Genoa.

In return, Cyrenaica would open the cities of Aulon and Beda as trading bases for Genoa, and they could obtain trading privileges for some goods in these two cities.

In addition, Isaac also asked the Governor of Genoa to hand over some of the captured pirates to him and re-employ them as instructors at the Nautical Academy and sailors on privateering ships.

"What a beautiful boat, what's her name?"

Captain Fidel standing by looked at the tall side of the new warship with his eyes shining.

"Grand Archon."

"This warship was born for near-shore operations. Its hull is flexible and elegant, and it can adapt well to the complex sea conditions off the Anatolian and Tunisian coasts."

"At your Majesty's request, we have deliberately designed the side of the warship to be very high, which can effectively curb the Muslims' favorite boarding tactics."

Fidel nodded, walked onto the deck, and looked around, like a young man who had been single for twenty years seeing the lover of his dreams.

"Sir, we have brought some old pirates with us. Their loyalty cannot be guaranteed, but when it comes to robbery and murder, no one is better than them."

"Very good, when your majesty returns from his western tour, we will formally sign the agreement."

"Now, let's go and see those pirates who you call heinous."

……

On March 1449, 3, Isaac ended his journey westward and returned to the city of Billinge.

At present, the situation in the entire Sirte region is relatively stable. The proportion of foreign immigrants in the area is increasing, and the local indigenous people are either waiting to be assimilated or waiting to be sold.

The kingdom's chancellor, Isult, is already planning a government relocation, moving administrative agencies from the increasingly overburdened city of Surt to the empty city of Bilinchi.

Under Isaac's plan, the city of Surt would later become a livestock center and trade port in the territory, the same positioning as in later generations.

The ecological environment here cannot support a large capital.

After the promulgation of the Slave Decree, the tribal power in the Surt and Jufra regions further declined. While enjoying the benefits brought by the United Chamber of Commerce, these tribal shaikhs gradually lost the ability to survive independently.

The herders used to herd horses, sheep, and camels, and they also planted date palms in places with abundant water. They were able to basically maintain their lives in a self-sufficient mode.

The situation is very different now. The United Chamber of Commerce has a firm control over the wallets of the tribal people.

Wool is expensive? Then I will just raise sheep.

Camel calves are expensive? Then I will raise more female camels.

You said no one raises horses and no one trains male camels. What will we do if a war breaks out?
It's not my business!

When I have free time, I have to go to work in the woolen factory in the city!

The tribesmen were liberated from independent tribal systems and turned into screws in the social machine.

If Isaac's blood-drawing several times severely damaged the tribal forces, then the specialization and proceduralization of the breeding industry was the last straw that completely crushed the small tribes. Some small tribes tried to resist, but were directly uprooted by the local sheriff and the city guards, and all were sold to several Muslim countries in the west.

Granada was still fighting a fierce battle with Castile, and the Marin Dynasty and the Hafsid Dynasty were fighting among themselves, so these slaves, who were also Muslims, had no trouble selling them.

Under such circumstances, the originally self-sufficient tribal economy in North Africa gradually collapsed under the impact of the foreign commodity economy, and the remaining large tribes either considered transformation or disappeared in the dust of history.

The wind of reform was blowing stronger and stronger, and naturally there were people who could ride on the wind. Count Adnan, who worked hard to govern the city of Ugu, was one of the best.

Seeing that Isaac had not yet started construction of the road, this outstanding man took the captives captured from King Abdullah and started to build a road to the city of Jufra himself.

The changes in the tribes had both advantages and disadvantages. The good thing was that the entire society became more stable, local unrest factors were swept away, and the remaining large tribes were tightly surrounded by various cities. No one could challenge Isaac's absolute authority in the Surt region.

The downside is that the fighting power of the tribesmen under these new systems will certainly be much lower than before, and it will be difficult to recruit servants with strong martial virtues again in the future.

After returning to the city of Bilinchi, Isaac immediately summoned Prime Minister Isult and Finance Minister Riedel.

"You two, long time no see. How come you have lost a lot of weight?"

Isaac felt somewhat gloating.

When the principality was first established, military control was gradually withdrawn from the local areas and political affairs were handed over to the newly formed local governments.

This matter alone was enough to keep the two of them busy, not to mention the immigration issues of the Egyptian Copts and Armenians.

After the coronation ceremony, Isaac sent the spy chief Albert and the foreign minister Anderson to carry out missions abroad, and these tasks had to be done by them.

The two rolled their eyes and ignored Isaac.

After a long period of interaction, they found that their monarch was not a high-handed ruler, but was rather amiable most of the time.

He trusts his subordinates, is generous, makes wise decisions, and lives a simple life...where can you find such a superior!

Iseult shook his head and sighed.

"Your Majesty, please tell me what you want to do. I have to negotiate with the abbot of Pierny in a moment."

"I still have to discuss the tax issues at the trade point with Executive President Urda."

Riddle on the side immediately followed suit.

There are already signs of factions in Isaac's court, led by Prime Minister Isurt and Minister of Commerce Andre. Riedel is one of the Prime Minister's supporters.

Isaac had always turned a blind eye to this factional struggle. As long as they did not lay their hands on military power, Isaac had nothing to worry about.

"Two things. Once you're done, we'll send someone to do them."

Isaac stopped smiling and became serious.

"First, send surveyors to survey the main commercial routes and set up post stations at key water sources to convey the royal orders and strengthen control over the local areas."

"These station personnel are selected first from veterans who are loyal to us, so that they can continue to shine."

If used properly, the post station system can convey the central government's policies and orders to local areas in a short period of time, which can greatly strengthen central power.

Ancient Rome, the Persian Empire, the Mongol Empire, the Timurid Empire... These great empires with vast territories and numerous ethnic groups almost all had a complete post station system, like a big net, tightly connecting various parts of the empire together.

Isaac's present territory is a hodgepodge of nationalities, with the Greek nation only holding a dominant position in some areas, where the centripetal force is low and the suppression of local forces is almost entirely dependent on tyrannical force.

Relying on religion can resolve some differences, but it will not bring long-term peace and stability.

Isaac did not want his hometown in North Africa to be engulfed in war when he led his powerful army to fight Mehmed II in the Balkans in the future.

It is imperative to establish a post station system that can coordinate all parts of the country.

"It should have been so long ago."

Isurte nodded and took note.

“Second, build roads based on the established post stations.”

"When I was on my western tour, I gave it some general consideration based on the conditions of each place,"

Isaac handed a document to Iseult.

“We divide the highway into three categories for different sections.”

Iseult recited softly.

"The first class can accommodate two carriages running side by side. It is mainly used on the main commercial routes and military points in the north."

"The second class, which can be used by horse carriages, is used in more important but severely desertified areas such as the Jufra region."

"Third class..."

"Gone?"

Isurt's face was full of question marks.

"The third category is that there are no requirements, the central government does not provide funding, and the construction is organized by local governments, as long as people can leave."

"Sprinkle coarse salt, or use seawater if you don't have coarse salt, then cover with gravel to prevent weeds from growing."

"The necessary funds for the post station and the road are paid by the fiscal agency. If it is not enough, please contact me."

Riddle nodded.

"We gained a lot of wealth in the Cyrenaica War, which will be enough for the short term."

……

Just after seeing off the two administrative officials, Isaac welcomed Fleet Captain Fidel.

Boom boom boom!
The heavy knock on the door was very recognizable.

"Come in."

Isaac lay on the table, furious.

The country's administrative management had just gotten on track, and talent was scarce. Many local officials were good at carrying out their tasks, but they had no direction at all without Isaac's orders.

Isaac was really exhausted from running around and traveling.

Just when I wanted to take a break, this annoying Fidel comes to disturb my peace again!

"Fidel, if you..."

"Your Highness, I am here to introduce someone to you."

Fidel's face was filled with excitement.

"not see."

"Your Highness, this man has rich knowledge of the sea and outstanding command ability. He is a good candidate for the Marine Corps. Haven't you always wanted to establish such a force?"

"not see."

"Everyone is here, can you at least meet them?"

"Call him over."

Isaac had no choice but to get up, put on his clothes, and act politely.

After a while, Fidel walked into the room with a bearded man dressed in prisoner clothes.

The man walked crookedly, which is a unique habit of people who have been traveling on the sea for many years.

There was a faint smile on the corner of his mouth, his skin was bronze, and his eyes were shining. He was obviously looking at Isaac.

The man pulled the cross from his chest and kissed it.

"Thanks to the Almighty God, I have regained my freedom."

Passionate, determined and pious, this was Isaac's first impression of him.

Isaac's heart began to beat violently, as if he sensed something.

"What is your name?"

"You may address me as Giovanni, Your Majesty, the Great Crusader."

The man bowed deeply.

"Giovanni Giustitiani."

"Your deeds spread to the prison where I am imprisoned. Your piety is worthy of admiration, so I volunteered to come and contribute to your jihad cause."

Giovanni looked at Isaac with a confident smile.

"Please be sure to join my team!"

Isaac stepped forward quickly and took Giovanni's hands.

(End of this chapter)