Chapter 42: Standpoint

Thessaloniki is the largest port in northern Greece. The city is located in the west of the Chalkidiki Peninsula and borders the Thessaloniki Bay.

When Selim arrived, the residents of the city had already started their day.

The population of Thessaloniki is mainly composed of three major ethnic groups: Muslims, Greek Orthodox Christians, and Sephardic Jews. It has a Mediterranean climate with warm winters and hot summers.

By the way, the city was once the capital of the ancient Macedonian Kingdom.

In 315 BC, the Macedonian King Cassander built the city of Thessaloniki on the ruins of the ancient city of Therma (or nearby) and 26 surrounding villages.

Although Thessaloniki has an ancient history and a glorious past, Selim would not be naive to think that these Greek landlords chose this place for this reason.

But what is the reason? The number of Greek Orthodox Christians in Thessaloniki is not dominant.

Instead of choosing Thessaloniki, shouldn't Athens be a better choice?

Selim shook his head, too lazy to think about such puzzling things. No matter what tricks the Greeks had, Selim thought he could not lose in this duel.

"Justinian, has John Paleoleg been dealt with?" Selim looked at the spy leader and asked casually.

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty, we didn't find an opportunity. He was very close to the Phanaar people, and Simon Ducas provided him with shelter."

Unexpectedly, Justinian, who had never failed, gave a negative answer at this time.

"Ducas? What do Simon or these Phanaar people want to do? Increase the binding? But the Vlach nobles are no longer valuable."

After hearing the report from the spy leader, Selim began brainstorming.

"Or, find a scapegoat?"

In a vague way, Selim felt that he had guessed the correct answer, but it still needed to be verified.

"Justinian, who are the entourage this time? Is John Paleoleg in it?"

"Your Majesty, it's mainly several Phanaar clan leaders and Suleiman of the Chapan family. As for Paleoleg, he is in Simon Dukas's team."

Selim nodded and began to think in the carriage.

The long convoy passed the White Tower and then headed towards the upper city. Along the way were the Hagia Sophia, the ruins of the Roman market, the ruins of the Galleus Palace and the Galleus Arch covered with reliefs, and finally arrived at the 4th-century round cathedral.

A group of Greek families were already waiting here. When they saw the Sultan's convoy coming, they lined up one by one to greet the Sultan.

After a brief greeting and ceremonial reception, the group of Greeks immediately got on their own carriages and began to lead the way for the Sultan's convoy.

"What kind of rebellion is it? Dare to walk in front of the Sultan. It is simply a blasphemy against the Sultan's majesty."

Selim looked at the group of Greeks, and an impulse to wipe them out suddenly arose, which was simply unstoppable.

Just like the company leader seeing employees enter the door with their left foot first when they go to work, the murderous aura is overflowing.

The speech venue is not far from the city of Thessaloniki, just outside the upper city gate, in a large farmland fifteen miles away.

When Selim arrived, a high platform had been built here, and the Sultan's monogram was used as a background board. The manor was full of Arabs and Algerians.

These Muslims from remote areas never thought that they would be able to see the Sultan of the empire with their own eyes one day, and even when they heard the Sultan's migration order, they were afraid.

But the reality really told them that this Sultan was indeed different from the great figures passed down from generation to generation.

He may not have established a great cause like Suleiman the Great, but he has cast his eyes on the Muslims at the bottom. He knows what Muslims need and how to reduce the burden on Muslims.

All this is enough to make every Muslim who moved here loyal to the Sultan.

In the manor, Selim is discussing the issue of Muslim migration in the later period with the patriarchs of a group of Greek families.

"Your Majesty, of course we can accept these Muslims. After all, we are all citizens of the empire, but we also need to live."

"Yes, Your Majesty, the Greek region is not very rich and it is difficult to feed such a large population."

"Your Majesty, the construction of water conservancy projects, the consumption of agricultural tools and oxen, these are all huge sums of money."

The patriarchs of several Greek families spoke up one after another.

"Don't worry, I also know that the patriarchs have their own difficulties, and Algeria is indeed not suitable for development."

Hearing the Sultan's words, all the patriarchs immediately echoed.

"Considering the situation in the empire, in the spirit of not treating you unfairly, I decided to invite you to participate in the post-war reconstruction of the two principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia. What do you think?"

The patriarchs of the Greek families were immediately excited. You know, for this matter, they have asked the compatriots living in Constantiniya many times.

But almost every time, these people prevaricate with various reasons.

Seeing such a big piece of cake to be divided up by the Sultan, Jews, Phanars, the government and the Vlach nobles.

A group of Greek landlords felt that they had become the only outsiders in this feast.

As for the Bulgarians, Serbs, and Armenians, what should they do?

What stubborn barbarians, these guys who never cooperate well, are still alive today because of the Sultan's mercy.

After all, not everyone has the same high tolerance limit for the Sultan's demands as they do.

Under self-persuasion, all the Greek patriarchs unanimously excluded other people in the empire.

"What is the specific plan, I wonder how you plan to arrange it?"

A Greek patriarch suppressed his excitement and asked the question he was most concerned about.

Selim was too lazy to interrupt at this time and answered directly.

"Regarding this, you can go to Constantinie in mid-March next year. Vice President Abraham will be waiting for you at the Imperial Royal Bank.

A meeting will be held at that time to arrange the reconstruction of Wallachia and Moldavia.

The meeting will generally divide Moldavia and Wallachia into six major regions, and representatives of the government and various families will participate.

Since the development value of different regions is also different, it will generally be decided by bidding to determine who will eventually get the development rights of these regions.

I believe this is not difficult for you to understand. In order to win the bid, you'd better prepare enough funds."

The Greek families were happy, but the Fanar people represented by Simon Ducas felt unhappy.

You know, with the Vlach nobles basically disabled, the post-war reconstruction of the entire Wallachia and Moldavia region should be their responsibility.

It's okay for the Sultan to extend his hand, and everyone can give.

But after dragging you into the door, what's the matter with a bunch of people following you?

As a Sultan, this is too unkind.

Routine request for follow-up reading and collection