Pope Augustus

Seeing that they had almost finished arguing with each other, it was time to wrap things up.

"Alright, that's enough from both of you. I've generally understood the situation, and now you just need to do your jobs well. Whatever you've done in the past, as long as it's not too excessive, I can let bygones be bygones."

Upon hearing this, the individuals who had been fighting to the death felt the stone in their hearts drop. With things having developed to this point, they could only hope that the law would not punish everyone, and in fact, it was impossible to hold everyone accountable. For them, letting bygones be bygones was arguably the best outcome.

The phrase "as long as it's not too excessive" was intentionally or unintentionally downplayed. Leaving room in one's words meant that if one wanted to settle scores later, old matters could still be brought up. What constitutes excessive is just a matter of a single sentence.

And they, having long been accustomed to it, naturally believed that what they had done was not that excessive.

"David. I want to reduce all taxes within the Papal States by ten percent, do you think that's feasible?"

When a new Pope takes office, reducing all taxes by ten percent, while not enough to make everyone grateful, would somewhat increase the public's favor towards him, which would help, to some extent, in the smooth implementation of policies.

The reason it was ten percent and not more was due to the principle of 'a small favor is appreciated, but a large one breeds resentment'. If too much was cut at once, it would easily foster human greed and lead to foolish ideas like "Why should I pay taxes when I work so hard?", causing instability and backfiring.

The Papal States had deep foundations, with years of accumulated savings in its coffers, and it would absolutely not go bankrupt because of a ten percent tax reduction. Besides the nation's wealth, the fat and rich archbishops and nobles within the country also had a considerable amount of money in their hands. Turning their wealth into the nation's was too easy.

Augustus had never intended for taxes to be the primary source of national income. How small were the Papal States now, and how few people? Squeezing money from the ordinary citizens of his own country was like drinking poison to quench thirst.

Ordinary citizens were, of course, happy about the ten percent tax reduction, but those present were not. Many of them had taken a share of the large tax pie. If national taxes were reduced by ten percent, their share would also be reduced by at least ten percent.

Originally, Augustus had not planned to bring this matter up so early. Under normal circumstances, if he were to touch their pie, these people would surely try to obstruct him. He hadn't yet fully understood their backgrounds, so he couldn't predict their reactions.

Now, it just so happened that they had started arguing among themselves in the meeting, exposing many of each other's shortcomings. He had some leverage over them and confirmed that there were deep conflicts between them. If anyone dared to make a move at this time, it would undoubtedly be walking into a trap; who knows who would bring their head to claim credit.

David, hearing the Pope call his name, shivered, thinking he was about to be made an example of. Hearing the rest, he breathed a sigh of relief.

It was only a tax cut; no matter how much it was cut, it was better than losing his life. The richer a person was, the more afraid of death they were. David hadn't enjoyed enough good days yet and didn't want to die like this.

Confirming that the Pope wasn't after his life, David realized that it was time to prove his worth.

"Reporting to the Pope, it is certainly feasible, and if you decide, I will go and implement it immediately. However, if taxes are reduced, all our various expenses may be affected.

Your Holiness, you love your people and hope that by reducing taxes, ordinary citizens can live better lives; this in itself is a good thing. But in fact, if taxes are lowered, this money will not go to the operators but will be reflected in a decrease in sales prices. Thus, overall, it is still a zero-sum game."

As expected of someone in charge of finance, his way of bluffing people was well-practiced.

David's meaning was also very clear. If the Pope insisted on tax cuts, he would comply without resistance, but tax cuts would result in losses for everyone, including the Pope, and might not significantly benefit ordinary citizens.

As for why tax cuts would not greatly benefit ordinary citizens, Augustus did not understand, nor did he need to understand, what David had said. Improving the lives of ordinary citizens was, of course, not an overnight matter.

Improving people's livelihoods by cutting taxes, wasn't that cutting off his own flesh to feed them? If he cut himself to death, they would still starve. The main purpose of the current tax cut was just to make them think he was a good person.

"Feasible is good. Then the matter of tax reduction is entrusted to you. Go and handle it as soon as possible, don't disappoint me."

"Yes." David readily agreed.

"Meeting adjourned."

On the way back to the Papal Palace, Faol, who had been silent, spoke up.

"Your Holiness, what David just said was, to some extent, actually correct. I know you have your own considerations, but I still hope that I can share your burden on such matters."

"I understand. You prepare yourself; you'll be busy later. In this matter, my main concern is not livelihood but public sentiment; you should be able to see that." Augustus was very pleased that Faol was eager to do things.

Faol nodded, seemingly understanding but also not quite.

At this time, David had already gathered a group of people at his home. Among them were subordinates responsible for various taxes, as well as Francesco and several of his confidants.

"The Pope requires a ten percent reduction in various taxes. I demand that you strictly enforce it; ten percent means ten percent, no more and no less. Also, for these next few days, you all behave yourselves and stop reaching out everywhere. If something happens, no one can protect you, understand?" David said with a serious expression.

"Is it really that serious? The previous Popes weren't like this when they first took office," a dissatisfied voice from below echoed.

"Of course it's serious. How old were the previous Popes when they took office, and how old is this Pope now?"

"Those old foxes who have lived long enough to become spirits didn't do anything to us, and you're afraid of a snot-nosed kid? David, you're really getting more timid as you age." Francesco, observing his overly cautious demeanor, also felt he was overreacting.

"Francesco, don't stand there talking as if you don't feel the pain. Now the first fire is burning on my head. If my subordinates cause problems, I'll be the first one to suffer." David said discontentedly.

"However, the current Pope's youth is indeed a problem. Young people are prone to impulsive decisions and have abundant energy. If he were to engage in a life-or-death struggle with us, it would indeed be difficult to resolve.

And if nothing unexpected happens, he will be our Pope for the rest of our lives, unless…" Francesco looked thoughtful.

"Shut up! Francesco, I warn you, don't think about unrealistic things. Do you think Enzo is only watching Lorenzo? If you want to die, I'm not going with you."

"Just saying," Francesco chuckled.

"I didn't call you here to cause trouble. I still need your people to help with some matters."

"Got it, just say the word. What's between us, anyway?"

...

Notices of a ten percent reduction in various taxes were sent to every corner of the Papal States. People universally praised the Pope's benevolence, unaware of the power struggle behind it.

Under David's stern warning, most of his subordinates behaved themselves and complied, but there were still a few who defied him and caused various problems.

For them, David "sacrificed his own" and impartially reported them first.

Augustus was also happy to make an example of them, dealing with them as he should, punishing every single one of them according to the law.