CHAPTER 13 #2
When Hedy attended the Consul's Council meeting, she maintained a calm and graceful demeanor, with a gaze that conveyed strength.
In the previous meetings, she had refrained from speaking or raising objections. Instead, she had observed the attitudes and inclinations of the majority and the key points of discussion.
After Leonardo da Vinci had improved the waterway systems around Florence, both the city and the surrounding irrigation and drainage systems became much more efficient.
The city’s defensive structures, built by da Vinci, had also been greatly enhanced, with well-thought-out elevators and mechanisms for defense.
At this point, the discussion turned to trade and diplomatic matters in the surrounding regions.
When the aimless conversation was about to conclude, someone looked towards the quiet Medici lady and, half-jokingly, spoke up, “It seems we have gained a devoted listener.”
Hedy did not speak impulsively. Instead, she unfurled a map before slowly standing up.
“My suggestion is to strengthen control over Pisa, develop military forces, and seize Luca.”
As soon as she spoke these words, many people showed surprised or mocking expressions, clearly not in agreement with her.
But she did not pause. Instead, she presented the surrounding situation.
“Everyone here is well aware of the bloody Massacre a few years ago.”
The Archbishop of Pisa had colluded with the Pazzi family to carry out an assassination, during which the lord’s younger brother also perished in the tragedy.
“The geographic position of Pisa is very close to Milan, Genoa, Modena, and the country of Luca. It is not only subject to the influence of multiple duchies but also controls Florence’s only seaport.
” She raised her head, her gaze firm and voice steady.
“If we do not strengthen management here, if Pisa rebels, the entire Florentine fleet will be at risk.”
Her words prompted an attempt to counter her: “But we shouldn’t be thinking about expanding the military either. You know how uncontrollable mercenaries can be.”
In times of war, mercenaries were motivated by profit, fighting for whoever paid them.
And in times of peace, they were a disaster in and of themselves.
Mercenary bands were inherently large and complex, with diverse sources of manpower, and even their leaders often struggled to maintain control.
In times of peace, these mercenaries would wander aimlessly through the city, causing disturbances, infringing on property or women, and sometimes creating such a ruckus that they would later deny any wrongdoing, sticking to a unified narrative.
They were more formidable than petty criminals, but they would demand absurd rewards, threatening to escalate chaos if their demands were not met.
Though they were bound by contracts, mercenaries were not suitable for large-scale development.
For example, the Duchy of Milan had risen to power through a bloody coup and was now forced to imitate the Medici by organizing various festivals and performances to further court the support of ancient noble families, attempting to control the political balance.
“Mercenaries could be handled in a better way,” Hedy said without hesitation. “They can also become defenders of peace.”
Lorenzo, seated higher up, raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”
“Land and farming.” Hedy pulled out a detailed report and began explaining. “In the research report I submitted, many mercenaries requested resettlement and land after the war.”
“If they are given fixed farming or grazing areas, and contracts are signed to control the division of proceeds, it would effectively reduce unrest.”
The revenue from the land would be partly paid as rent to the lord, and the rest could go directly to the mercenaries.
In times of peace, reducing their fees or converting those fees into more tangible work would be possible.
Horse breeding, livestock, farming—there would be plenty of appropriate tasks for these rough men to do.
During wartime, they could surround the territory and earn a portion of the proceeds as a reward.
“That’s truly a laughable suggestion,” someone stood up and said. “Do you want them to become farmers and shepherds? Over time, they’ll form their own new power, and they’ll think that land belongs to them forever!”
“That’s why they should rotate every two years,” Hedy responded without hesitation. “Regular relocation reduces their sense of ownership. This isn't a big issue.”
“No,” Mr. Rucellai interjected with a disapproving expression. “The point isn't rotation, it’s combat readiness. The reason mercenaries are so expensive is because they need training and practice for battle. If they get used to being shepherds, when war comes, they’ll be as foolish as hedgehogs.”
Hedy signaled for her subordinates to distribute the printed strategic summaries, showing no sign of backing down.
“This can also be resolved.”
“On one hand, the soldiers responsible for farming and grazing should be split into two groups, rotating every six months. We can also instruct the mercenaries to break new ground and cultivate more wheat.”
“On the other hand, our focus in warfare shouldn’t be on weapons and manpower.” She paused, emphasizing her point. “Instead, we should seek the assistance of gunpowder.”
“No, Miss Medici,” Mr. Rucellai shook his head. “The Venetians employ light cavalry from Dalmatia and Greece, and the power of crossbowmen and longbowmen cannot be underestimated. As for the firearm you mentioned, although it is easy to make, it cannot even kill a horse.”
“Is she talking about the matchlock?” Lorenzo furrowed his brows. “Sforza showed me a similar weapon, and I’ve heard it’s even more powerful than a firearm.”
“It’s a flintlock rifle, sir,” Hedy turned towards the side door and signaled for her attendants to bring in her old friend. “In Florence, we have an incredibly talented and exceptional firearms designer.”
As the side door opened, Leonardo da Vinci walked in, holding a crossbow.
The weapon in his hands was completely different from any firearms people had seen before.
Both firearms and matchlocks required loading ammunition from the muzzle, but this rifle had a mechanism near the handle, and there was no awkward match cord hanging from the front.
Not only that, but behind da Vinci were two attendants carrying a hollow iron door.
“Allow me to demonstrate,” da Vinci said.
Lorenzo nodded slightly, signaling for them to open the large door and let the audience watch the demonstration in the courtyard to the south of the meeting hall.
The iron door was secured with stones and placed on the flat ground, not far from which a few pigeons hopped around in the shade.
Da Vinci held the long gun, demonstrating its construction to the gentlemen, and in front of them, he loaded three rounds of ammunition into it.
The weapon's principle was to use a spring mechanism and gunpowder to propel the ammunition with immense force, achieving the purpose of long-range killing.
The bullets might not cause large holes in the bodies of men or horses, but the impact would immediately create a large cavity in fragile flesh, and with limited means of first aid and blood-stopping, this force would be fatal.
Da Vinci had been researching this for some time, but with Hedy's inspiration, he created an even more intelligent flintlock mechanism.
When he pulled the trigger, the striker would, thanks to the spring’s action, force the flint to strike the fire pan with great force, igniting the powder and firing the shot.
Compared to this seemingly outdated flintlock rifle, people of this era were still using match cords to ignite the powder—a thick, long rope, like an elephant’s trunk, that hung from the muzzle all the way to the ground, burning constantly, and when it ran out, it had to be replaced.
Even a small modification was enough to create a completely different effect and improvement.
People cautiously hid at a distance, with only Hedy standing behind Da Vinci.
Her blue gown glistened like an iris in the sunlight, and her cascading black hair had soft curls, elegant yet full of vitality.
This weapon was something she and Leonardo had designed and tested together.
It was powerful enough, and deadly enough.
“Three.”
“Two.”
“One.”
As Da Vinci pulled the trigger, the explosive roar rang out in an instant—
“Boom!”
“Boom!!”
“Boom!!”
After three shots, the air immediately filled with the smell of gunpowder, and even the ground seemed to tremble slightly.
As the smoke cleared, people cautiously peered out again to see the condition of the old door.
On what appeared to be solid steel, there were three distinct and curling bullet holes, the effect so impressive it left them stunned.
“Powerful enough, and efficient enough,” Hedy turned to look at Lorenzo, who stood a little distance away, and then at the stunned faces of the councilors.
Some of them, after speaking to Da Vinci, cautiously approached to touch the iron plate, even trying to tug at the shattered edges.
It looked like a broken paper bag, yet when they tried to pull at it, it didn’t budge at all.
Is it really that powerful?
After this meeting, the Consular Council held a few more sessions, eventually adopting her suggestion.
Florence began to take a more proactive stance in expanding the mercenary corps and also issued a land reclamation decree.
Moreover, several special officials were dispatched to Pisa, under the guise of diplomats.
The blacksmith shops soon received several orders, and the city's western district began constructing a dedicated weapons manufacturing zone. It was said that it would be completed in two or three years.
At the same time, as these changes took place, rumors began to spread.
People were gossiping about whether the Medici family would repeat history and embark on another round of scandalous politics.