Greece to roman road

"This is not something we can actively choose. As humiliated conquered people, no matter what we do, we must work harder to be recognized."

"We must be careful at all times and frequently prove to the Sultan our loyalty to the Empire."

Angelis made a statement filled with the sadness of foreign rule, which silenced everyone present.

Hearing these words, everyone has complicated emotions and worries.

Under the notice of Ottoman Türkiye, the most painful nation was the Greeks.

Every bit of past glory was transformed into a heavy burden under the rule of the Ottoman Turks.

The Greeks living in Constantinople regarded themselves as the "last Romans", especially the wealthy families among the Fanar people, who maintained the habits and etiquette of the Eastern Romans in their lives.

Others contemptuously called them "Greeks."

I don’t know how many people are secretly laughing at these “Greeks” who can only indulge in the glory of history and behave in “weird and absurd” ways.

Especially in the eyes of Europeans who came to do business and travel.

Countless Greeks were forced to convert to Islam in order to pay less taxes and avoid discrimination.

"Okay, let's not discuss these issues left over from history." Seeing the dull atmosphere, Constantine changed the subject.

"Mr. Angelis, you Greeks living overseas do have the opportunity to invest in shares."

"Just in exchange, I hope you can cooperate with Prime Minister Trikupis to solve the land problem in Thessaly and reduce grain tariffs," Constantine said.

Talking about the land of Thessaly is also a confused account.

As the most suitable area for the development of agriculture in Greece, at the Berlin Conference in 1881, the great powers decided to allocate it to Greece.

Thessaly has a rare plain in the Greek peninsula, surrounded by mountains, suitable for growing wheat and cotton.

It was such a piece of land that the original large landowners of Ottoman Turkey made secret deals with wealthy overseas Greek businessmen. Before handing it over to the Greek government, they sold all the land in Thessaly to wealthy overseas Greek businessmen at a discount.

The land originally recovered from Ottoman Turkey would be nationalized by the Greek government and then distributed to farmers for free for planting to stimulate farmers' enthusiasm for production.

According to the national sentiment and national identity in Greece, these Greeks living overseas are undoubtedly Greeks and should enjoy Greek citizenship.

Now the lands have been sold to the Greeks, leaving the Greek government in an awkward position.

It was legal for the government to confiscate the Turkish lands, but now that these lands belong to the Greeks, it makes no legal sense.

Moreover, these Greek overseas wealthy businessmen have great wealth and extensive contacts, and have great influence on Greek domestic politics, allowing them to firmly control the land of Thessaly.

These wealthy businessmen lived abroad all year round and had no time to take care of these lands, so they rented them out to shepherds or tenants. In this way, this precious plain was covered with weeds and herds of cattle and sheep.

The tenants who originally worked on this land had to leave their homes and were forced to travel far away.

For these farmers who originally lived in Thessaly, they did not get the benefits of returning to Greece. Instead, they lost their homeland where they had lived for generations.

Farmers in other parts of Greece are planting a large number of wine grapes, and wheat production has declined, so they need to import a large amount of wheat.

The overseas wealthy businessmen who hold 50% of Greece's land maintain high grain tariffs by supporting Greek politicians, allowing their land output to maintain low returns and protect them from cheap foreign food competition.

They enjoy a lot of economic benefits from Greece, but they cannot play their due role in the Greek economy. They are like parasites lying on Greece's body sucking blood.

After Thessaly, which was suitable for the development of agriculture and animal husbandry, was incorporated into Greece, instead of lowering the price of food in Greece, it actually increased.

This is simply a crime against the country and the nation.

So despite Angelis's infinitely sad words, the hostility of everyone present dropped, as if they were more patriotic.

Once it becomes profitable, Greece's national interests are immediately forgotten.

For people like Angelis, country and national sentiment are, after all, less important than making money.

If you don't use the chips that make Constantine's heart beat, trying to reap the benefits can only be a daydream.

"This...this, Your Excellency, we need to discuss this matter." Hearing Constantine talk about the land issue in Thessaly, he hesitated and hesitated.

"You big landowners in Thessaly make your decision as soon as possible," Constantine said angrily.

"In short, the Greek Education Foundation holds 30% of the shares of the Greek Congo Corporation, the royal family holds 20%, and the remaining part is left to you to divide," Constantine said to everyone present.

"Your Highness, who is the Greek Education Foundation?" Gao Barry asked in confusion.

“The Hellenic Educational Foundation will in the future be responsible for educational issues in Greece,” Constantine explained.

"Okay, let's discuss the rest of the meeting. Nina will preside over the meeting." Constantine stood up and said to everyone.

What followed was a fierce struggle for interests, with all parties arguing constantly, and Constantine had no intention of entangled with them.

Anyway, there are no large-scale companies or factories in Greece. It is nothing more than competition among these bankers, big families in Greece, and overseas businessmen.

After that, he walked out of the conference room.

It happened that Capet's steward came to inform him of the king and queen's summons.

Constantine came to the tea room and saw Queen Olga and King George chatting.

When the two saw Constantine entering, they looked at each other, but King George spoke first.

"Constantine, you are seventeen years old. Your mother and I have decided that you should serve in the Thessalian Legion," the king said.

Military service is a tradition for children of European royal families.

Children of royal families from almost all countries generally have experience of serving in the military.

Because the monarchs of various countries are themselves the supreme commanders of the military, it is very common for royal men to serve in the military and accumulate military experience.

In European history, it was a common thing for monarchs to conduct military campaigns in person.

For example, Emperor Napoleon of France and Frederick the Great of Prussia.

As the crown prince of Greece who had received a complete military education, Constantine was almost bound to participate in the war as long as there was war.

After all, what else can ensure the legitimacy and authority of a regime more than military merit?

Constantine was mentally prepared for this.

The Thessalian Legion is one of the main armies of Greece, deployed in northern Thessaly to guard against the Turks.

"When you have arranged things in the Congo, go and serve in the Thessalian Legion," King George I said solemnly.