"I'm thinking of establishing a conscription system within the Papal States. What do you two think, is it feasible or not?" Augustus asked humbly.
"Be more specific." Karl put on a look of full concentration, listening intently.
"My plan is to issue a decree stating that all eligible men between 15 and 40 years old throughout the country are obligated to serve in the military. If they are eligible but refuse to serve, they must pay a considerable amount as a conscription exemption fee. There will be subsidies, food, and lodging provided during military service."
"What are the benefits of doing this?" Duke asked, puzzled.
"It increases available military sources, fully develops war potential, strengthens national consciousness, and improves the military literacy of the populace," Karl answered preemptively.
Augustus nodded in satisfaction; that was roughly the meaning. It was quite good that people of this era had such understanding, at least he thought so.
"That's truly excellent! Such a great policy should certainly be implemented," Duke echoed excitedly.
"Of course it's good. If it weren't good, Augustus wouldn't have brought it up. However, its implementation still needs thorough consideration. For ordinary citizens, it's not a bad thing; with subsidies, food, and lodging, it can silence many people.
But for noble scions, it might not be the case. They don't care about these small subsidies, nor do they lack food and lodging. If they are unwilling to serve in the military, they will have to pay the conscription exemption fee, which turns this policy into extortion for them. There's a high probability that the nobility will stand on the opposing side in this matter. I'm not too familiar with the power and influence of the nobility in the Papal States, so I can't offer more specific advice."
"When did it become the nobles' turn to call the shots in the Papal States! All those who hinder national progress should die!"
Duke said these words, but they were Augustus's inner thoughts. He truly didn't want to waste too much energy on internal power struggles. Everything required dozens, or even hundreds, of people to sit down and slowly argue, euphemistically called discussions, followed by a round of voting, a second round of resolutions, and a third round of negotiations. A decision to build a large bridge could be debated for several years; nothing would ever get done.
While he thought this, he couldn't say it out loud. He couldn't truly stand against all the nobles, and putting the newly appointed powerful officials and the old nobility in a completely antagonistic state was also not conducive to the nation's development.
"Duke, don't say such things again in the future. They are all meritorious officials of the Papal States, having made outstanding contributions to the Papal States for generations and will continue to do so. We need to patiently guide them to continue striving in the right direction, lest they go astray. If they truly cannot be redeemed, God will punish them."
Augustus himself didn't believe this nonsense. God's punishment? Forget it. God is quite busy, so he, as God's spokesman on Earth, would handle such small matters on His behalf, in God's name.
"Alright, if you don't like it, I won't say it again," Duke readily agreed, but he probably also saw through Augustus's insincerity.
"I suggest putting this matter after the integration of the Field Army and the establishment of the National Defense Force. On one hand, conscription involves a broader scope, so we can test the waters with these first to see the reactions from various sides, which will give us a rough estimate. On the other hand, controlling military power makes things easier to handle, and in special circumstances, special measures can be taken."
"I agree."
"Good, I also agree, so this matter is settled then." Augustus readily agreed, then immediately raised another question, "Next, I want to reduce the troop size, cutting infantry regiments to 1300-1400 men, what do you think?"
"Why do you want to do that?"
Why? Augustus didn't know why either; he only knew that Gustavus Adolphus II did this a few years later. He'd just make a guess.
"Would it make management easier?" Augustus asked tentatively.
"Haven't tried it, don't know," Karl replied very bluntly.
"Then, how about we try it?"
"Okay, this shouldn't be a big problem."
"Good, then this is decided. Next. I want to establish regimental artillery for each regiment, what do you think?"
"Artillery? Is that necessary? Artillery is just an auxiliary branch, and it's extremely expensive. Its role in wars, except for sieges, is minimal, and it moves slowly, causing significant delays. Why establish one for each regiment individually?"
Augustus noticed that Karl's gaze when he spoke was like a gamer looking at a casual player.
Alright, at this time, artillery was indeed just an auxiliary branch. Those who, like Gustavus Adolphus II, had foreknowledge and recognized the importance and huge potential of artillery were probably a minority, and that was still a few years away. Perhaps the current artillery truly didn't seem to have much prospect?
"I believe that with future technological development, the importance of artillery will become increasingly high."
"Perhaps, but how far in the future is this? If it's decades or even centuries away, then establishing regimental artillery now will be meaningless. Even if that day comes soon, it won't be too late for us to form them then. Even if we form them now, when that time comes, artillery will be updated and replaced, certainly requiring new purchases or production, and troop training might be vastly different." Karl directly expressed his opinion.
That made sense. Perhaps it was indeed too early to establish regimental artillery now. He truly couldn't convince Karl; theoretical discussions and being on the battlefield were two different things. In this regard, it was better to listen to their opinions more.
Just as Augustus was about to speak, Duke opened his mouth: "I don't think so. The current low status of artillery is largely related to how much importance it's given. If it's given enough importance, artillery might be able to play a huge role. Moreover, artillery is almost indispensable in siege warfare; without sufficient artillery, siege battles will be impossible."
"But the current cost-effectiveness of artillery is too low."
A dispute? Then let's table the dispute for now.
"Then the issue of regimental artillery will be put aside for now; we'll see the situation later. I also want to increase the proportion of musketeers in infantry regiments from the original one-third to two-thirds, is that feasible?"
"Increase it that much?" Both exclaimed simultaneously.
Seeing Augustus's puzzled expression, Karl explained: "The existing proportion is almost the most suitable for most current tactical methods. Rashly increasing the proportion of musketeers so much, if we completely adopt the original tactical methods, would theoretically lead to significant losses. Many things might need to be re-explored.
Moreover, for an army of so many people, a substantial increase in the proportion of musketeers would not be a small expenditure, and there are also equipment and troop maintenance costs, which would be a huge financial burden."
"Is that so." Augustus felt very hurt. It seemed many of the things he knew couldn't be implemented. These so-called innovations were not endorsed by the officers, let alone other bureaucrats and ordinary soldiers. If truly pushed through, not only would the future be uncertain, but there would also be many obstacles.
"Indeed, with that much money to increase the proportion of musketeers, I think it's less practical than expanding the army by another ten thousand," Duke added another timely jab.
"Alright, then this matter won't be brought up for now." Augustus was clearly somewhat disappointed, "Next, how about lowering the army's armor rate?"
"I think that's feasible. In recent years, the cost-effectiveness of plate armor in warfare seems to be getting lower and lower. It often can't stop musket balls, and equipping and repairing it costs a lot of money, while also affecting the troops' mobility," Karl agreed.
"Lowering the armor rate is fine; many countries are doing it. However, the armor for officers of all ranks and front-line pikemen cannot be reduced."
Augustus nodded thoughtfully, as if he had gained some insight.
"It's lunchtime. Let's eat first. You two stay here to eat. After lunch, I still have many questions I want to ask you, and I ask that you answer them one by one for me."
...
After lunch, Augustus talked with Karl and Duke for an entire afternoon, then kept them for dinner and continued chatting late into the night.
To Augustus's relief, some of his ideas could indeed be implemented. Even many that were not convenient to implement still broadened Karl and Duke's perspectives. The two were also quite surprised that Augustus had so many ideas in this area.