News of Adolf once again leading his army to attack Palatinate reached Innsbruck and Laszlo's mobile court.
He was somewhat surprised by this, still unaware of Adolf's crazy, gambling-style stratagem.
These days, he had been touring the Tyrol territory, awaiting the results from Constance and the upcoming Swabian Imperial Circle assembly.
Occasionally, he would also pay attention to the Grand Duke Conference, affairs in Northern Italy, and more distant Eastern affairs.
Not long ago, the Archdiocese of Vienna was officially established.
Half of the Archdiocese of Salzburg was split off, encompassing the entire main part of Austria and a portion of the Tyrol territory.
Now, the religious affairs of these regions are entirely managed by the newly promoted Archbishop Georg von Hainburg of Vienna.
Previously, he managed the church affairs around Vienna as an auxiliary to the Archbishop of Salzburg, but now he is no longer subordinate to both the Archbishop of Salzburg and the Emperor, but directly accountable to the Emperor.
Georg is also an excellent jurist. He holds an important position in the Imperial Chancellery, responsible for perfecting and reviewing the compilation of the "Imperial Code," which Pius II had already partially completed.
Under Laszlo's strong recommendation, Pius II had already intended to promote Georg to Cardinal.
Now, only a suitable opportunity is needed, such as some achievements or well-known theological papers, as promotion materials.
The promotion of a Cardinal is generally like this, broadly divided into several paths.
Rodrigo Borgia is a typical example of bloodline promotion, as their uncle, Pope Callixtus III, allowed both brothers to be promoted to Cardinal together.
Pius II, also known as Nicholas, was promoted based on his efforts to heal the schism in the church and his steadfast support for the Pope.
This achievement ultimately led Pope Eugene IV to disregard a host of dangerous ideas in Nicholas's writings and exceptionally promote him to Cardinal.
Another way is to have powerful backing; most Cardinals in Italy, France, and Iberia fall into this category.
To make the third method more respectable, the recommended person would achieve something, whether it be converting heretics, spreading the faith, or writing books, or diligent study, all of which can serve as qualifications for promotion.
In short, Austria is about to welcome its next Cardinal, which will further strengthen Laszlo's influence within the church.
In Hungary, the implementation of reforms was extremely slow, which both met the expectations of the Hungarian magnates and satisfied Laszlo.
All he wanted was time and a stable Hungary. Now these nobles felt that resisting and delaying reforms was their victory, and they were smug about it, unaware that the Emperor was already sharpening his knives against them.
There is no such thing as a bloodless reform; the great nobles of Hungary are something that must be eradicated sooner or later.
In the more distant East, the Order of Saint George in eastern Bulgaria is gradually improving local conditions and spreading the Roman Catholic faith.
German immigrants flowed continuously along the Danube River route, passing through the "Iron Gate" to the vast and sparsely populated fertile land of Bulgaria.
Such a process will likely continue for many more years.
The vast territory means it is difficult for Laszlo to bring the entire enormous Habsburg Family territory under his complete control. If he had a perfect administrative and bureaucratic system like a certain great Eastern power, he would be confident in integrating such a diverse array of peoples, religions, and states.
But for now, he can only do his best to strengthen centralization in Austria proper, hoping to enhance the Empire's core strength and maintain the stability of the dynasty's rule.
In addition to developing Austria, he also had to balance the work of integrating Bohemia and counterbalancing the lawless Hungarian nobles; this was his day-in, day-out, year-in, year-out work.
While internal dynastic affairs consumed much of his energy, Northern Italy and church reform, the myriad chaotic imperial affairs, and the unrepentant France and Ottoman also demanded his attention.
Fortunately, thanks to the hard work of previous years, the current situation is quite favorable to him.
Except for Switzerland, that disgusting country... no, it cannot be called a country, but calling it a principality clearly does not conform to reality.
The Swiss seized almost all the land in the central highlands from the Habsburg Family.
After more than a hundred years of fierce confrontation, the Habsburg Family suffered countless setbacks in Switzerland, causing the originally weak Three Forest Cantons Alliance to evolve into the current "unbreakable" Eight Cantons Alliance.
If Constance really joins the Confederation, it should be called the Nine Cantons Alliance.
In Switzerland, resisting the Habsburg Family has almost become politically correct. As soon as someone mentions it, the Swiss can quickly find common ground with him.
Moreover, the Swiss are constantly trying to strengthen this idea, just like the book Laszlo was casually flipping through in his study.
This book was written by a clerk from the Canton of Obwalden in the Swiss Confederation. It records the glorious history of the Swiss resisting Habsburg rule, as well as important conference records from Swiss history, numerous Swiss legal provisions, inter-cantonal exchanges and relations, and relations between cantons and foreign powers, truly a Swiss encyclopedia.
To Laszlo's surprise, the book actually contained the legend of William Tell.
Although this legend was widely circulated among the Swiss people, this was probably the first time the name William Tell appeared in a book.
Even as the head of the Habsburg Family, Laszlo involuntarily put himself in the shoes of the story's protagonist, William Tell.
When he saw William Tell shoot Governor Gessler, he even felt a thrill.
But then he thought, Gessler was the Habsburg Family's Swiss governor, and his expression immediately darkened.
Although he found the pleasure of reading an ancient Chinese web novel in this book, matters involving national enmity and family hatred should still be treated seriously.
Just as he was struggling with whether to continue learning about his enemy, Switzerland, through this book, a Attendant led a messenger into the room.
The messenger presented a secret letter to the Emperor, which stated that representatives from the Swiss cantons had decided to officially convene a meeting in Zurich to discuss the absorption of Constance into the Confederation.
In Constance, his warning had some effect, but many council members still longed for Switzerland.
Everything seemed to be developing in a bad direction, and Laszlo could only hope for some unforeseen changes to occur.
Because he knew that Constance remained a German city until the 21st century, which meant Constance did not join Switzerland.
He was unclear about what exactly happened in between.
If a butterfly effect brought about by him truly caused the final outcome to deviate, then he would have to use some special means to correct the timeline unfavorable to him.
The sky over Zurich was gloomy, with heavy clouds pressing down on the city, as if portending the solemn atmosphere of the upcoming conference.
Inside Zurich City Hall, candlelight illuminated the serious faces of the canton representatives seated around the round table. The envoy from Constance sat near the door, nervously meeting the scrutinizing gazes of the many representatives.
Today, in this room, they would decide Constance's ultimate fate.
The meeting officially began. After the Zurich Mayor introduced the participants and clarified the agenda, Johannes, the representative from Constance, spoke first.
Johannes rose with anticipation, his eyes gleaming with hope, his voice loud and passionate: "Esteemed representatives, Constance, as a crucial trade hub in the southern Empire, boasts profound cultural heritage and thriving commerce.
Our inclusion will undoubtedly inject new vitality into the Swiss Confederation, bringing endless wealth and opportunities.
Our developed textile industry and extensive trade routes can perfectly complement each canton, strongly promoting common development."
His words echoed in the spacious hall, painting a beautiful blueprint for the Swiss Confederation's future prosperity.
Hans, the Bern representative, had a flicker of excitement in his eyes. He suppressed his inner agitation and calmly stood up, saying, "I wholeheartedly agree with Representative Johannes's idea.
Now is the time for the Confederation to flourish, and we in Bern have always actively sought new opportunities.
Constance's joining is an excellent opportunity for us.
Commercial integration will surely bring innovation and change, and we must not miss the chance to strengthen the Confederation.
We in Bern are confident that we can work with Constance to open up broader markets and make the Confederation even stronger." Hans knew that Constance's inclusion would bring immense economic benefits to Bern.
It would not only strengthen the economic and political ties between the Swiss Confederation and Swabia but also bolster the power of the urban cantons within the Confederation.
He was eager to seize this opportunity to secure a more significant position for Bern within the Confederation.
However, no sooner had Hans finished speaking than Albert, the Uri Canton representative, scowled slightly. He instinctively clenched his fists, let out a cold snort, and stood up with disdain, slamming his hands heavily on the table. His expression was stern, and his eyes showed displeasure: "Hmph, easy to say!
Is Constance's joining really as good as you claim? I doubt it.
Even when the Confederation was first established, our ancestors set a strategy of prioritizing the absorption of agricultural cantons.
Constance is a Free City, and it is indeed wealthy, but this means that admitting Constance into the Confederation will bring countless troubles.
Moreover, who can guarantee that they won't act specially within the Confederation, disrupting the existing harmony and stability?"
While Albert outwardly expressed concerns about the economy and order, deep down, he also harbored unease about his own power and status potentially being weakened.
He knew very well that once Constance joined the Confederation, Uri Canton, and indeed all the Forest Cantons, might see their influence within the Confederation diminish.
Bauer, the Schwyz representative, frowned slightly, his eyes filled with worry, and immediately loudly echoed: "Exactly! We in Schwyz value the Confederation's order and stability, but the internal situation of Constance is complex.
We cannot, for the sake of so-called development, invite potential crises into the Confederation."
The Forest Cantons representatives who opposed Constance's joining all echoed the statements of their two 'big brothers.'
The three founding cantons of Switzerland—Uri Canton, Schwyz (from which the name Switzerland originates), and Unterwalden—all opposed Constance's request.
Rudolf, the Zurich Mayor, saw all this and felt anxious.
He became emotional, waving his arms as he said, "You are being stuck in your ways!
Times are advancing; we cannot cling to old models.
Constance's joining will allow us to connect with a wider world, enhancing the Swiss Confederation's status and influence within the Empire.
Commercial exchange brings new technologies and new ideas, which are crucial for our development."
Rudolf was filled with anticipation for the future. He hoped that Zurich could utilize and control Constance to gain more influence within the Confederation, and thus strongly pushed for this matter.
Hans, the Bern representative, added again: "We cannot just look at immediate small gains and small comforts.
Constance's trade network can open up broader markets for our goods, which is a huge boost to economic development.
Moreover, Constance's joining might lead us to find more willing members, further strengthening the Confederation's power!"
For a time, arguments erupted throughout the meeting room, with all sides going back and forth, refusing to yield.
Some excitedly pounded on the table, while others argued loudly, their faces flushed. The entire hall was filled with a tense and fierce atmosphere, as if a war without gunpowder was underway.
The scribes were frantically busy, their pens gliding rapidly, diligently recording every point and focus of contention.
Just as the debate reached a stalemate, Schriber, the representative from Obwalden, who had been silent, stood up. His expression was solemn. He took a deep breath and slowly said, "There's another crucial issue that I believe everyone is aware of.
In the previous war, Uri Canton, with the Emperor's tacit approval, encroached upon Savoy's land, allowing its power to expand.
And Zurich and Bern also divided Thurgau, Austria, in the same war—that was the Emperor's land!
If Constance were to be accepted into the Confederation at this time, the power of the urban cantons would further expand, which might threaten the Confederation's stability.
Furthermore, Constance is an Imperial Free City. Rashly accepting this city could very likely incur the Emperor's displeasure and anger, thereby escalating the conflict with the Emperor.
We all know the Emperor's strength. Once he is thoroughly enraged, everything we have gained will turn to dust, and we might even face more severe retaliation."
Schriber was very afraid. He feared that this decision would plunge the entire Confederation into an irretrievable abyss, rendering all previous efforts futile.
Albert, the Uri Canton representative, quickly echoed: "Exactly, we cannot, on a whim, put our hard-won achievements at risk.
For the stability and future of the Confederation, we firmly oppose Constance's joining."
These words immediately ignited the emotions of those present, and the focus of the debate instantly shifted to how to resist the Emperor.
Hans, the Bern representative, frowned and raised his voice, arguing: "We cannot cower because we fear the Emperor.
Our Confederation also has its own strength, and don't forget the agreement we made with France not long ago.
Ultimately, the Emperor will always be the Confederation's enemy, and that will never change!"
Not long ago, the newly crowned King Louis XI of France renewed the alliance agreement with several member cantons of the Confederation.
The Kingdom of France would also pay a large sum of money to the Swiss Confederation annually. In exchange, the French King gained the privilege of recruiting mercenaries in Switzerland for the France army.
This move undoubtedly bound the two countries together in a shared cause. France and Switzerland had common enemies: Austria and Burgundy.
Bern, located at the border between the Swiss Confederation, Austria, and Burgundy, actively promoted the alliance between Switzerland and France, and now strongly advocated for the Confederation's expansion, all to accumulate more strength to resist the Emperor's threat.
However, the Forest Cantons, such as Uri Canton and Schwyz, located deep in the mountains, believed that such actions were escalating conflicts.
They had always been reluctant to fight enemies for Bern's sake, but due to the Confederation's alliance agreement, they had no choice but to organize troops to fight together when Bern was in crisis.
Once, after defeating the enemy, because they did not obtain enough spoils, the Uri Canton army plundered a town near Bern.
This caused a huge uproar within the Confederation, and in the end, Bern, pressured by the immense power of the Forest Cantons, chose to swallow its pride, and the matter was resolved.
It was also for this reason that Zurich and Bern, the two wealthiest urban cantons, were eager to absorb Constance and expand the power of the urban cantons within the Confederation to counterbalance these predominantly rural, economically backward but militarily strong Forest Cantons.
The representatives each stuck to their arguments, and the debate grew fiercer, with neither side yielding.
Some advocated for strong confrontation, believing that the Swiss Confederation should have its own right to develop and completely disregard the Emperor's constraints.
After all, the Habsburg Family had already lost a duke in Switzerland, and if the young Emperor Laszlo dared to personally come to the Swiss mountains, they might achieve an even greater honor—regicide.
Others, however, believed that compromise was necessary. The Emperor and the Habsburg Family were stronger than ever, and to avoid conflict and losses, maintaining the status quo seemed safer.
Outside, the rain drizzled incessantly, raindrops continuously tapping on the windows, as if sighing for this difficult and intense debate.
The proposal for Constance to join the Swiss Confederation became even more elusive and difficult to decide amidst the new arguments.
The Zurich conference finally entered the voting stage.
To prevent the further expansion of the city-states' power and to avoid angering the Emperor by annexing free cities, the vast majority of representatives cast opposing votes, and the proposal for Constance to join the Confederation was thoroughly rejected.
The Swiss, who had always been very active in territorial expansion, were uncharacteristically calm this time. They saw the traps and dangers hidden behind the juicy prize of Constance.
After the conference, representatives from various cantons left. The representatives from Uri Canton and Schwyz left the Zurich city hall hand in hand, happily, their relationship like the centuries-old solid friendship between the two cantons.
They had once again thwarted the attempts of these newcomers to increase their power, keeping the Confederation firmly in their hands.
The Swiss Confederation originated from the Forest Cantons, and naturally, it should also be led by the Forest Cantons!
These farmers, who loved freedom and independence, found the cunning parvenus of Zurich and Bern very displeasing.
This was because the power in these two cantons was always held by a few wealthy oligarchs, which was incompatible with the broad democratic system of the Forest Cantons.
It was precisely because of this that Zurich and Bern often disrupted the Confederation's order for their own interests.
There was no need to elaborate on how much of the Confederation's strength was tied up by Bern's conflicts with Austria and Burgundy.
And then there was the Zurich War twenty years ago; after Zurich failed to contend for the County of Toggenburg with Schwyz, it surprisingly turned to pledge allegiance to the Habsburg Family, the Confederation's mortal enemy, and declared its permanent secession from the Confederation.
This triggered the subsequent ten-year Zurich War, which only ended when the Confederation's army completely defeated the Habsburg Family's forces and captured Zurich, bringing an end to Zurich's crisis.
The Eight Cantons Alliance signed in 1453 brought Zurich, whose strength had been greatly diminished in the war, back into the embrace of Switzerland. Since then, Zurich has continually tried to enhance its position within the Confederation.
Frederick, the Regent of Austria, whose family had suffered another setback in Switzerland, was not punished for this failure; Albrecht II merely criticized him verbally.
After all, compared to the poor and remote Switzerland and the elusive ancestral lands, Hungary and Bohemia were more deserving of his attention.
Johannes, the representative from Constance, sat dejectedly in his chair. He never expected the Swiss to be so repulsed by Constance.
The Mayor of Zurich walked over to him. Seeing his appearance, he wanted to say something to comfort him, but he himself was also fuming.
In the end, he could only sigh deeply, gently pat Johannes on the shoulder, and remind him that it was time to return and report this unfortunate news to the Constance City Council.
Johannes nodded blankly, thinking of many things.
He thought of those people in the city who vigorously advocated how good Switzerland was, and he felt as if he had been deceived.
He also thought of those who strongly opposed joining Switzerland, and he had once ridiculed them as the Emperor's loyal dogs.
Now that the Swiss had personally cut off Constance's hopes, those people would probably be celebrating all night in the city, wouldn't they?
He also thought of the Bishop of Constance, who had been so scared by Constance's upheaval that he hid in Meersburg.
Presumably, once this news got back, he would immediately take a boat back to Constance Cathedral, wouldn't he?
And the Emperor. When the Emperor's envoy loudly read out the threat of the "Imperial Ban" in the hall of the Constance City Council, they scoffed at it.
But now, the liberal councilors of Constance looked like clowns in a farce, failing to please either side.
When Johannes returned to Constance with this regrettable news, at almost the same time, the merchant spy lurking in Zurich reported the Swiss Confederation's final decision to the Emperor.
Inside the Imperial Castle in Innsbruck, Laszlo was having dinner with his family when an attendant presented a secret letter to him.
Laszlo unfolded the letter and quickly scanned its contents.
When he read, "The majority of the Confederation members rejected Constance's request," he widened his eyes slightly in surprise.
Not taking advantage of an opportunity? Is this still the Swiss?
He muttered softly, but then he quickly became happy again. Since the matter was settled, the work of purging the "traitors" in Constance could almost begin.
In recent days, he had gathered information on the main members of Constance's "liberals" by encouraging denunciations and secretly collecting evidence.
As Emperor, it was effortless for him to control these people.
Only through a severe purge of these individuals could he achieve the effect of killing a chicken to warn the monkeys, and also make those restless people in Swabia who leaned towards Switzerland sober up a little.
Clinging to his leg as Emperor and building a harmonious, complete Swabian Imperial Circle was their only way out.
Laszlo smiled, put away the letter, and continued to enjoy the delicacies on the table.
Leonor took a sip of wine from Burgundy and asked casually, "Is it something wonderful? You seem much happier."
Laszlo touched his face in confusion: "Is it that obvious?"
"Yes, you've been distracted and gloomy these past few days, as if another war was about to break out."
Laszlo nodded seriously and said, "A few days ago, I was indeed considering war, and it was a very difficult one.
However, our enemies retreated, so this war won't happen for now."
Leonor was surprised and asked curiously, "There are actually enemies that you find difficult to deal with? I'd like to hear who they are."
"Switzerland," Laszlo sighed softly, saying with some melancholy, "Switzerland is like a pimple on the Empire's face; it grew by feeding on the flesh and blood of the Habsburg Family.
Now, this disgusting Confederation is like a hedgehog covered in thorns, repulsive and nauseating.
To completely conquer Switzerland, I'm afraid I would need ten directions of troops."
Hearing Laszlo's exaggerated description, Leonor was very puzzled.
She had indeed heard that the land of the Swiss Confederation was once the territory of the Habsburg Family, but she knew nothing about the generational blood feud between the Habsburg Family and Switzerland.
Moreover, Laszlo had never thought of taking her to Outer Austria. She had only heard Empress Dowager Elizabeth mention that it was a place of exile.
If anyone displeased the Archduke or committed a serious crime, the Archduke of Austria liked to send them to Outer Austria to be neighbors with the Swiss.
Looking at the map, Switzerland was just a small, poor, and narrow state.
And her husband owned territories much larger and richer than Switzerland; Switzerland should not be causing Laszlo such trouble.
However, since the Swiss had retreated, presumably out of fear of her husband's formidable military might, Leonor no longer dwelled on these matters.
"Speaking of which, we've spent the entire summer in Innsbruck. When are we returning to Vienna?"
Hearing Leonor's question, Laszlo was a bit conflicted. Soon, a Swabian Administrative Region conference would be held in Bregenz, and he planned to attend it personally.
After all, this was the first attempt to establish an imperial administrative body outside of Habsburg Family territory, which could be considered an important milestone.
Coupled with Switzerland's retreat, he could frame this as the Swiss's fear of him, the Emperor. At that time, wouldn't the scattered princes of Swabia bow their heads and welcome the imperial army?
Coincidentally, he also needed to question the Count of Württemberg at the conference about his desertion.
This coward, after losing once, immediately abandoned Archbishop Adolf and fled back to Stuttgart. Laszlo couldn't let it go without an explanation.
"Probably... back in October? Maybe even a bit later, as Swabian affairs are also quite important.
Didn't you always say that I was a very stifled Emperor? This time, I'm going to genuinely try to tame the imperial princes."
"I was just joking," Leonor chuckled, saying with some disappointment, "Innsbruck's scenery is indeed beautiful, but the bustling life of Vienna is still more interesting."
"You're complaining that I don't let you go horseback riding and hunting, aren't you?" Laszlo immediately saw through Leonor's little thoughts and said helplessly, "You are already the mother of three children. Can't you be a bit more steady? Don't do such dangerous things."
"What's dangerous about it?" Leonor pursed her lips slightly. "I've loved these things since I was a child, and I've never heard that such things are very dangerous..."
Laszlo merely shook his head gently and said patiently, "Do you know where my Hungarian crown came from?"
"Didn't it come from the former king?"
"Wrong," Laszlo waved his hand, "Actually, my Hungarian crown came from my mother, because her father, Sigismund, was the King of Hungary.
And Sigismund's Hungarian crown came from his first wife, of course, not my grandmother, but another important woman, Queen Mary.
She died from falling off a horse, and this Hungarian crown eventually came to rest on my head.
Women's strength is insufficient to control a horse. I don't want any accidents to happen to you..."
"Alright." Leonor nodded gloomily, no longer arguing with Laszlo.
She noticed that her husband seemed to be becoming as rigid as his uncle, Frederick.
Leonor had never met her father-in-law, Albrecht II, but this did not prevent her from speculating in her heart where Laszlo's rigid and dull personality originated.
Perhaps controlling a vast country truly makes a person like this. Leonor could clearly feel that Laszlo had undergone a huge change compared to a few years ago when they first married.
The complex and diverse state affairs consumed Laszlo's energy, leaving him less and less time to spend with his family.
Leonor only occasionally showed a hint of resentment; she was trying her best to play the role of Empress and mother,eliminating Laszlo's worries.