The news of Donato's suicide by hanging spread quickly throughout Europe.
As Romeo expected, the countries that had reached an agreement with the Papal States during the ten-nation talks did not make an issue of it, merely expressing symbolic regret before moving on.
Other dissenting nations continued to adhere to the principle of using words over force, solemnly elevating their level of condemnation by one notch, and that was the end of it.
Although Donato's death cast a shadow over the Papal States' annexation of Venice, what was done was done.
This was undoubtedly an unprecedented and great victory for the Papal States, and it was time to reward the meritorious soldiers and officials of all ranks for their contributions in this war.
Regarding the awards for meritorious soldiers and officials, Augustus did not want his decisions to be interfered with by others, so he did not seek anyone's help.
He spent several days and nights personally reviewing the reports from all sides, referencing past cases from various countries, and based on the national conditions of the Papal States, he finally drafted the reward plan.
To show his Pay attention to for the meritorious officials and to display military might, Augustus chose to hold the awarding ceremony in the vast St. Peter's Square.
He personally read out the results, allowing all the citizens of the city to observe.
Since Augustus was personally involved in the entire process of drafting the award plan, not a single piece of information was leaked.
The soldiers and officials to be honored were all excited and nervous, many of whom had traveled back from various parts of the country upon learning they were to be awarded.
With such an unprecedented victory for the Papal States, what kind of rewards would His Holiness the Pope bestow?
The hearts of the tens of thousands of spectators were also filled with anticipation and hope.
"Giovanni, as the overall commander of the Venice naval battle, you made wise decisions, decisively defeating the Venice Navy in one battle, and were the first to break through Venice, securing victory.
During Lorenzo's rebellion, you transported the National Defense Force back to assist in suppressing the rebellion, and later, you collaborated with Duke to capture several cities in Venice.
For this, you are granted the highest merit, conferred the title of Duke of Verona, granted five hundred mu of land, and awarded one hundred thousand ducats."
Giovanni knew that the Pope's reward for him would not be light, but he had not expected to be placed first, nor had he imagined the reward would be so significant.
A ducal title? How many people in the Papal States held such a position? This was truly a meteoric rise!
Calming his emotions, Giovanni respectfully stepped forward: "Thank you, His Holiness the Pope, for your immense grace.
Your humble servant will surely not fail the Papal States, striving to create new glories, even unto death, without regret!"
Augustus nodded in satisfaction and continued to read: "Karl, in the Venice naval battle, you bravely led the right flank, and after breaking through Venice, you personally captured the Doge of Venice.
During Lorenzo's rebellion, you promptly led your troops back to assist in suppressing the rebellion, and later cleared out the remaining rebel forces.
For your outstanding merits, you are conferred the title of Duke of Brescia, granted three hundred mu of land, and awarded eighty thousand ducats!"
Karl showed no surprise, calmly and steadily stepping forward to bow deeply: "Thank you, His Holiness the Pope, for your grace.
Your humble general will go through fire and water for the Papal States without hesitation!"
Karl knew in his heart that if it weren't for His Holiness the Pope's overwhelming power, he would have quelled Lorenzo's rebellion himself, and his merits would have surpassed Giovanni's.
However, as long as His Holiness the Pope was fine, that was all that mattered.
Having walked through the gates of hell, it was His Holiness the Pope who gave him a new life, and he no longer cared for such fleeting fame and empty gains.
Hearing Karl's name before his own, Duke was visibly unsettled, unconsciously adjusting his stance, yet he was also genuinely convinced.
But he didn't blame himself; Venice was indeed too weak to fight, giving him no real opportunities to earn merit.
"Duke, you annihilated the main force of the Venice army and captured most of Venice's cities.
For your outstanding military achievements, you are conferred the title of Duke of Friuli, granted three hundred mu of land, and awarded eighty thousand ducats."
Although his two brief accomplishments seemed a bit shabby compared to the long lists of the previous two, Duke's mind was immediately at ease upon hearing that his rewards were exactly the same as Karl's.
He stepped forward with his head held high and sincerely declared: "His Holiness the Pope, you have treated your humble servant with such generosity.
I have no way to repay you, but wherever you bid me fight, I will fight, without a second thought!"
"Claudio, you diligently maintained the smooth transportation of army provisions, promptly reported the movements of the rebel army, and offered valuable advice to assist Duke in annihilating the enemy.
Your contributions are indispensable.
You are appointed Military Minister, conferred the title of Duke of Istria, granted one hundred mu of land, and awarded fifty thousand ducats."
In truth, if it hadn't been for Lorenzo's rebellion, the great credit for maintaining smooth provision transportation would never have fully fallen to Claudio, nor would he have had these subsequent merits, and the position of Military Minister would not have become vacant for Claudio.
It must be said that Claudio seized the opportunity and gained a tremendous advantage.
If the previous awards were still within everyone's expectations, this one startled everyone.
Being ennobled, granted land, and awarded money was one thing, but Military Minister was one of the major positions of power in the Papal States.
Although Augustus had repeatedly curtailed its authority, it was still a position that countless high-ranking officials fought tooth and nail for.
And now it was being bestowed upon an obscure nobody?
Claudio's body felt as if it had been struck by an electric current, almost causing his heart to stop.
He pinched himself hard to make sure he wasn't dreaming before stepping forward tremblingly and saying: "Thank you, His Holiness the Pope, for your trust.
I will dedicate my life's learning to serve the Papal States with utmost devotion!"
"Enzo, for years you collected intelligence on Venice and intercepted envoys seeking foreign aid for Venice.
You are promoted to Duke of Urbino, and awarded ten thousand ducats."
Stirile's identity was not suitable for public recognition, so the credit was attributed to Enzo, and he would be privately rewarded later.
As for why no land was granted, the reason was also obvious.
Enzo, having received this award by chance, naturally had no complaints.
His face was full of joy, yet his steps were trembling as he half-bowed to accept the title: "Thank you, His Holiness the Pope!
These are all things we should do, and we will continue to do them."
"Wyatt, formerly an Admiral of the Venice Navy, you were the first to abandon the darkness and embrace the light, playing a crucial role in the capture of the Doge of Venice.
Later, you effectively maintained post-war public order in Venice, largely protecting this thousand-year-old famous city.
You are conferred the title of Duke of Treviso, granted one hundred mu of land, and awarded thirty thousand ducats."
That a surrendered general received such a high-level award, despite understanding His Holiness the Pope's intentions, still caused murmurs among the onlookers, their words and gestures revealing boundless disdain and contempt.
Wyatt's eyes drooped slightly, his gaze flickering, and in a moment he had his response: "His Holiness the Pope, it was you who destroyed the corrupt and decadent Venice Republic, giving me light and new life, saving my soul.
You are the only sun in my heart!
I will prove my loyalty to the Papal States and fight for you forever, no matter who the enemy is!"
Augustus did not pay much attention to his words.
Augustus had an instinctive aversion to traitors.
He did not expect him to be very loyal by giving him such a reward.
As long as he remained strong, he would remain loyal; conversely, he could also betray him.
However, in order to integrate Venice, such people had to be used, and many of them.
If they were truly capable, he wouldn't mind letting them shine in more areas.
"General Riccardo, although you are a Tuscan general, you fought valiantly in the Venice naval battle, enduring the fiercest impact from the Venice Navy, killing countless enemies, and also suffering considerable losses.
For this, I personally express my deep admiration and regret.
The Papal States is willing to bear the casualty compensation costs for Tuscany, and at the same time, General Riccardo, you are conferred the title of Duke of Tunisia, and awarded fifty thousand ducats."
Bestowing titles of territories that one's own country did not actually occupy was not uncommon in Europe during this period.
Of course, Augustus could not truly bestow Riccardo with a title from his own country; doing so would actually be harming Riccardo and also disgusting Grand Duke Ferdinand.
Riccardo stepped forward with a straight posture and said: "His Holiness the Pope is merciful.
I will forever remember your kindness, and I will also convey your intentions to Grand Duke Ferdinand."
The assassinations by Francesco and the subsequent purges after Lorenzo's rebellion, along with the significant expansion of the Papal States, provided Augustus with enough titles and land to reward his meritorious officials.
Seven dukes were ennobled, and counts, viscounts, and barons were countless.
Among them were those who had achieved merits, and also those who were posthumously honored for dying on the battlefield, and of course, there were also those in the Venice region who were more pragmatic.
While so many titles were granted, in reality, no real power was given; actual ruling power remained firmly in the hands of the state.
Aside from some subsidies, it was basically an honorary title, but it was precisely this honorary title that was the key for common soldiers to cross social strata.
Augustus also thoughtfully staggered the fiefs of the ennobled military officers and officials of all ranks from those of their direct superiors, to prevent any potential future changes and ensure better control.