"Please consider how many years Constantinople is preparing to be humiliated by foreign invaders, ten years or twenty years? Or longer? And can the current empire really rely on its own strength to expel the Latins?" Constantorian's rhetoric interrupted the dissatisfaction of most people present. The Romans who looked at each other knew better than anyone else that the national strength of the empire has been exhausted from decades of internal friction. It is true that it is impossible to recover the lost land without relying on external forces. But as Prince Theodor said before, Genoa's conditions are still unacceptable to most people. After all, after experiencing the Venetian turmoil, most Byzantines have natural vigilance against outsiders, and Genoese are also Italians, so they are naturally in it.

But even so, the calls for opposition were much weaker because of Constellia's words. After all, it is now an open priority to regain lost land and expel Latin people. And if Epirus wants to prove his orthodoxy, he must hold this flag tightly.

And the old man continued: "In Italy, every businessman knows that every extra gold coin will make the risk of bankruptcy, but no one will give up doing business because of the risk. Similarly, we only hope to get the tax-free privileges of the empire and a settlement in Galata, Constantinople as a reward, and I really don't think this is too much."

"But this requirement is still too harsh, isn't it? I'm afraid it's called taking advantage of others' danger, and I don't think there is any problem. As an ally of the empire, your actions will only make us feel disappointed." After hearing this, Prince Theodor said coldly. He knew that the old man in front of him had just wanted to change the subject, so he chose to hit the point and turn the focus of the dispute to the harsh conditions of the Genoese.

After all, Genoa itself received the trade privileges given by the empire in 1115. Although the empire was as quarrel as Genoa later, it had always retained the effect of this treaty - because of this, Genoa merchants enjoyed tax exemption rights throughout the empire, and the Republic of Genoa only needed to provide part of the tribute to the empire government every year. This itself has already criticized many Byzantine knowledgeable people, and if they further inherited that part of the Venetian specialty.

Power means that Genoa can avoid high taxes and have an advantage in competition with local merchants of Byzantine. This is unacceptable to many nobles. The tax-holding system adopted by the Roman nobles in the territory cannot bring them enough income to pay huge expenses. Therefore, the industrial and commercial taxes in the territory are already an indispensable existence for them. If Genoa merchants rely on tax exemption to squeeze out their industries, they will not tolerate them in any way.

His words immediately resonated with countless nobles. They hated the locust-like Venetian merchants for the wealth in their territory. Now if Genoa became the second leech to attract money, they would rather refuse this so-called aid.

On the other hand, Justinian, who had been kneeling on one knee, watched all this coldly. Although he could only remain silent as an outsider when hiding his identity, the bystander could see more easily the thoughts of the people in front of him at this moment. Although there was a conflict between the two sides, unfortunately, most of the opponents were for their own selfish interests and did not really realize the deep threat that Genoa provided to hide.

I am afraid that other conditions are a cover. The Genoese valued the right to lease Galata at the beginning. As long as they control it, the declining Byzantine Navy could no longer prevent Genoa's merchant ships from entering and leaving the Black Sea. Once the Black Sea channel fell into their hands, the empire with a long lifeline would probably have to give up the last line of life. Only this point, Justinian would have to stop it no matter what.

However, at present, the situation is already the most favorable. With the help of Prince Theodor, the nobles within Epirus have become differentiated, and Mikhail's authority as the co-governor emperor cannot reach the real emperor, so this time the alliance may have to give up halfway.

Mikhail, whose face was already ugly, was also very clear about this, but he was helpless about it, because although he claimed to be the emperor, he had no power to suppress the nobles within. In name, he was just acting on Muzfius's power. When he thought of this, the man was even more jealous at this moment. But another thing is certain that no matter what, this man could not suppress the nobles' opposition.

Could it be that he could only choose to suspend his alliance with the Genoa?! Mikhail Ducas felt powerless in his heart. If that were the case, his authority would be severely slapped, and the efforts he had worked hard before would become a joke.

However, at this time something beyond everyone's expectations happened-

Constandoria looked at all this and suddenly spoke: "What Prince Theodor said is indeed reasonable, and His Majesty Mikhail has indeed negotiated with us before. Since you are still hesitant about this matter, the alliance between the two countries has to come to an end for the time being. But despite this, our country is still willing to take the lead in expressing its sincerity in cooperation."

Sincerity?!

The people present were stunned. Neither Mikhail Ducas nor Prince Theodor nor Justinian understood what the other party's words meant.

Just listening to the other party's next words, the entire field, whether it was the nobles or the civilians, were silent for a moment.

"As a free gift to show the friendship between the two countries, the Republic of Genoa will send a fleet to assist your country in regaining the lost land in Thessalonika in the near future - at the same time, the Republic will also be willing to bear part of the military expenditure to relieve your country's pressure. And when Thessalonika returns to His Majesty, I believe you will be able to reconsider our previous proposal."
Chapter completed!