After the news of victory swept across Kiev and the grand celebration, the city quickly returned to calm and the people returned to their past lives. After all, the celebration was just a relaxation of the busy life, and the difficult life was the mainstream. After a short rest,
Then you have to work hard.
After all, the life of the public is difficult, especially in this era. The so-called peaceful years only bring about a stable survival, and life can be better if you meet some capable rulers.
As for the current Rostislav, the public is quite satisfied. Although he is young, he has at least given Kiev a stable environment and continues to make achievements externally. However, there are currently a lot of rumors about him.
Kiev has been experiencing some difficult times recently, and this is directly related to Rostislav. This is the result of the Grand Duke's tireless efforts to introduce immigrants from the Eastern Empire.
In the past few years, Rostislav has been attracting people from the south like ants moving, and the number of Greeks in Kiev has skyrocketed, reaching thousands.
Rostislav's original intention was to send these Greek immigrants to the countryside of Russia to open up land and teach the Russians the advanced agricultural technology of the Eastern Empire. Kiev only played the role of a transit station, but there were problems with its execution.
Due to administrative capabilities and the will of the Greeks, only one-third of the Greeks were actually evacuated and resettled in various parts of Russia, while two-thirds of the Greeks were actually still crowded in Kiev.
But all Greeks with some abilities or assets are trying their best to squeeze in Kiev. For these Greeks, staying in Kiev, the capital of the barbaric north, is already the limit. If they are asked to go outside the city walls or other cities, I'm sorry.
, this is unacceptable.
Rostislav did not want to force them, or to be more precise, the Grand Duke of Russia did not have the ability. It would be a big loss to support so many Greeks who came to supervise the forced relocation.
These Greeks are crowded in Kiev and have to work, and naturally they can only compete with locals for jobs. From the most basic dock workers to craftsmen, Greeks have challenged the locals.
In the commercial areas most important to Kiev, those wealthy Greek businessmen who fled north began to compete with local Russian businessmen.
Although this competition is just to grab some areas that the Russians did not take into account or care about for the time being, it still makes them unhappy. No one likes competitors, and they are even more disgusted with these new wealthy people in Russia who have won their current status through competition.
Competition and challenge, after all, it is almost the instinct of these people to weld the door shut after getting in the car.
Although Kiev's exports are becoming more and more prosperous and its economy is rising due to the war in the south, people are still dissatisfied with people coming to take their jobs, and this sentiment has been building up.
Rostislav is also well aware of this, but he is not worried at all that the chaos in the south will bring more demand to Kiev. If there is demand, there will be development in all aspects, so there is no need to worry that the jobs will not be able to absorb the labor force.
What should be worrying is that there are not enough people.
The most popular commodity going south now is food, followed by handicrafts. In today's Eastern Empire, the entire eastern part has been almost lost and turned into a racecourse for the Turks, while the western part is controlled by careerists of all walks of life. The original empire
The commercial market was severely damaged, and the external demand of big cities, led by Constantinople, suddenly increased.
Rostislav attaches great importance to this opportunity, because in his life, Ross can only briefly establish a trade advantage over the imperial capital at this time. If he does not seize this opportunity to make a fortune, he will be sorry for himself.
After the empire returns to normal, Ross is basically unable to make any changes to trade relations, so now we must hurry up. Although not much can be changed, it must be done.
Moreover, we can also take this opportunity to promote the development of Russia's handicraft industry. It is undoubtedly the easiest to directly import raw materials into the empire, but Rostislav is unwilling to take this option. It would be a shame for Russia not to take this opportunity to develop the industry.
The Southern Empire is not too chaotic now, but it is said that Nikephorus has betrayed Emperor Michael, and Rostislav knows that this is an important point.
Then the empire will enter real total chaos. At that time, there will be opportunities everywhere, wars everywhere, and the civil war will truly become a stage of tearing each other's faces. The benefits will make the Russians and Greeks in Kiev forget about their past.
contradiction between.
And when the chaos in the south ends, at least half of the Greeks crowded in the city will have to leave.
After all, although these guys who are crowded in Kiev are buying properties locally, after all, for them, Rus is just a temporary refuge. Those who really intend to completely immigrate to the north have already gone to those towns and villages with Rustislav's preferential treatment.
No matter if they leave, as the empire returns to normal, Ross's exports will definitely decline. Their departure can also free up some space and positions to cope with the situation at that time.
However, although the current social atmosphere in Kiev is a little tense, the Kiev court, or Rostislav, is quite leisurely. He does not have much work on his hands and can do other things, and those Greeks have the manpower the Grand Duke needs.
.
Among the Greek immigrants were craftsmen and scholars, and the Grand Duke hired them to carry out various constructions and designs. Although Russia attracted a lot of technology and culture, compared to that empire, there was still a lack of relevant professional groups.
For example, the statue of the Virgin in the square behind the Golden Gate in Kiev is the product of Rostislav's funding of research by Greek craftsmen. People are amazed by this work of art. In their words, "The Virgin is as white as her butt."
Although Rostislav was quite annoyed by this comment, to be honest, this kind of concept was easy to spread, so in the end he did not stop such a statement.
This cost Rostislav a lot of money, because he just proposed a concept, and then practice required constant trial and error, which all cost money, but fortunately after spending a lot of money, the craftsmen came up with it for him
Something satisfying.
The Statue of the Virgin is an important design of Rostislav’s visual impression of Kiev. When visitors see the majestic city and then pass through the splendid (by northern standards) Golden Gate, what they will see is the white and beautiful statue of the Virgin. At this moment they
There will be no doubt that this prosperous northern city has the protection of Our Lady.
In the Orthodox Christian system, the worship of the Virgin is an extremely important part. The spread of faith in Russia also holds high the banner of the Virgin. No matter how much we strengthen the worship of the Virgin, it cannot be overstated.
However, this is a small sum compared to what Rostislav spent on purchasing holy objects. Rostislav seized on the chaos in the southern empire, and the ships heading to various port cities in the south actually had the task of purchasing sacred objects.
In this chaotic period, there are always people who are willing to sell sacred objects at a relatively low price. They are either monasteries selling to solve the current difficulties, or some people come to sell the stolen goods, but the Russians are all willing to come, and the Russians are willing to sell them.
The fleet not only brought back immigrants, but also brought back sacred objects.
These relics were used to decorate the Hagia Sophia in Kiev, and he also moved the remains of Boris and Gleb, two saints recognized by Constantinople.
Rostislav spent a lot of money on these things. Whether it was purchasing holy objects or moving the remains of saints, the amount of money required was a sky-high figure. However, Rostislav did not regret it at all, because he understood that what he had paid today
Everything will be earned back thousands of times from the pilgrims in the future.
When thinking about that future, Rostislav couldn't help but get excited. If Kiev became one of the centers of the entire Orthodox Church, how exaggerated would the influx of gold and silver be.
Transportation is not a problem. Ross's large fleet on the Black Sea is mostly vacant after selling goods to the imperial capital. If these vacant areas are filled with pilgrims, it will simply be an influx of gold and silver.
.
Thinking of this, Rostislav allocated more funds for the purchase of holy objects.
And in the midst of such work, an episode occurred. Although Rostislav was in full swing in purchasing holy objects and consecrating Kiev, he never thought that his usually quiet little son would actually be there.
Give him advice on this matter.
"What? Vasiliko, tell me your point of view again?"
In the Grand Duke's office in Vladimir Palace, Rostislav looked at his son and repeated again, it was really hard for him to imagine that his son actually gave such a suggestion, and that he actually wanted so much, which made it really difficult for him.
believe.
"Okay, father." Vasiliko did not express any displeasure, but just said it submissively. His eyebrows were full of reason and calmness that were not in line with his age.
"We should investigate the beliefs of various regions and understand the gods they believe in, and then transform these gods into saints, and then enshrine these saints in Hagia Sophia to build a Russian Pantheon. In terms of religion,
Strengthening the impact on the entire Ross.”
Vasiliko's words were orderly, and it was obvious that this was an idea he had thought about for a long time. After finishing speaking, he calmed down and looked at his father as before, with expectation in his eyes.
"Okay, okay, okay, that is indeed a good idea, my son."
Rostislav rubbed his head and sighed repeatedly. He did not expect that this child thought further than him. His idea was only to collect as many holy objects as possible in Kiev, but his son had already turned to establishing the Rus Pantheon.
"Vasiliko, how did you come up with this? Did someone teach you to say this?"
Rostislav's tone was full of wonder. He really didn't expect this child to think of this. He couldn't help but wonder if someone else told him because he was only this age.
Vasiliko shook his head in the face of doubt. He was obviously unhappy, but he didn't show it. "It's all my own thoughts, father."
Vasiliko’s words were full of certainty, “I have been reading the missionary records of the Catholic and Orthodox churches recently, and after reading the records of many bishops, I found that both the Catholic and Orthodox churches are actually catering to the local people’s ideas.
, converting everything that the locals love into Christianity, isn’t it essential to worship fathers, saints and relics? I also talked with Uncle Alexei, who has been traveling around Russia for a long time, and has some opinions on
He is very knowledgeable about the people's conditions in various places. He mentioned to me the dual beliefs and the actual mixture of people's belief in gods and Christianity. Father, isn't this a means of intervention?"
"You can really see far." Rostislav felt a little ashamed. This kid could see farther than him in this aspect. "But it's still not clear enough. The essence of this phenomenon is just the idea of business between humans and gods."
Well, it’s still difficult for people to understand the theological thinking that comes from Greek philosophy. Well... I think about it, yes, we can make artificial holy objects, claim what powers a certain holy object has, and then attract a group of people to build momentum.
Very good, that's it. Ah, don't tell these things to the priests, and don't mention it in front of them, especially your teacher Nestor, it's not good to undermine others after all."
After all, Rostislav had the perspective of future generations, and his mind was opened by his son's reminder. Vasiliko looked at his father in surprise. He did not expect that his father would think further than him so quickly.
As for the last advice, Vasiliko also took it to heart. This kind of thing is something that everyone knows but cannot say or point out. Rostislav is really afraid that Vasiliko will talk nonsense everywhere.
Not a good thing.
"Of course I know, father, don't worry, I only mentioned this to you."
Vasiliko's reaction was obviously more mature than Rostislav thought. He answered his father's question almost immediately, as if he had anticipated what his father would ask.
"I will implement your plan, Vasiliko, your ideas are very practical. Tell me what reward you want."
Rostislav promised his son that as a latecomer, of course he knew the feasibility of his son's idea, but it was feasible, but it would take decades to implement it. Of course, this did not mean that it was without value.
"Well, I want to be able to freely enter my grandfather's library, as well as your library, which is the one you recently built in Kiev but it is not yet open. And you will not interfere with my affairs and let me freely arrange my own schedule."
Regarding this request, Rostislav was even more surprised. He could not imagine that what the child wanted was this. "Are you sure you want this? Don't you need anything else?"
The Grand Duke of Kiev asked again, and Vasilko's answer was still firm, "Yes, that's it, father."
For Vasiliko, more than anything else, what he wants is quietness and freedom from interference. He just wants to read quietly. More than anything else, he wants to be immersed in the world of books.
Vasiliko is the most unique son of Rostislav, but in some ways he is also the son who is most like his father. Rostislav's love for literature and history is only reflected in him, but
He did not inherit any interest in Rostislav's war skills or governance.
The essence of this advice to his father was that he wanted to gain free time through this. His father had recently been strengthening his education and interfering with his free time, which made Vasiliko feel very uncomfortable.
So he had been researching and giving advice to his father in exchange for his father's non-interference. What he finally came up with was the Ross "Pantheon" plan, but what he didn't expect was that his father would immediately take his idea a step further.
.
However, this surprise quickly dissipated. In Vasiliko's eyes, his father has always been a very capable person and he has always respected him. This time only strengthened his father's lofty status in his heart.
"Since you want this, let me give you this privilege. But while I am giving you freedom, I have to tell you something, my son."
Rostislav walked up to his son and looked down at his youngest son.
"It is a good thing to be addicted to books. I am also very happy to see my son loving books, but you have to remember that this is a cruel era. You cannot always be in books. Do you understand? Sooner or later you will be addicted to books as an adult.
I gift the land, and you must shoulder the responsibility as a ruler."
Rostislav's tone was very serious, and Vasilko looked directly into his father's eyes, without any fear in his eyes.
"I know all this, father. My love for books does not mean that I will give up what a prince Rurik should learn." Vasiliko promised his father, "I will shoulder my responsibilities,
I won’t waste my skills in my free time, so you don’t have to worry.”
After hearing Vasilko say this, Rostislav didn't say anything more, and he felt a little touched that even the youngest son spoke like an adult in front of him. Time passed so fast...
Vasiliko bowed respectfully to his father and then exited the room.
Only Rostislav was left in the room. The Grand Duke of Kiev, who was sitting in his seat, thought a lot. He couldn't help but murmur to himself, "I didn't expect that this child might be the most outstanding one among my descendants in the future. I really didn't expect it."
ah."
Vasilko has shown such wisdom even before he reaches adulthood, so what will happen to him when he becomes an adult? It is self-evident.
Moreover, his talent and love for books made Rostislav certain that this child will definitely take Ross's literary and artistic career to a higher level in the future. His cultural career will also have successors, so there is no need to worry about the problems after his death.
.
But this premise is that the child can adequately fulfill his obligations. Regarding this, Rostislav said that he still needs to observe...