The War Court and Lap Pillow, Austria's Mandate of Heaven

Chapter 1883 Good and evil will eventually be rewarded (Happy New Year)

However, they actually preferred to pretend to be wealthy widows, since they had some pension money that they could use to buy land and acquire property in the colonies.

But opening a flower shop in the colonies is not a promising career path; taverns, inns, and general stores are more popular. Of course, they could also buy their own farm, cultivate it themselves or hire others to do so, and raise some livestock to make a living.

When their own value increases, they will naturally attract suitors.

Even assuming the Austrian Empire's colonies suffered from a severe gender imbalance, particularly the number of women in Europe was extremely small.

The majority of these were Irish, Spanish, and southern Italians. Women from the Austrian Empire itself were few and far between, and even those who were likely accompanied by their husbands or sons.

In that era, wealthy widows were highly sought after. Just look at Madame Bovary to see that it was not uncommon for prominent figures in European high society to pursue wealthy widows for extended periods.

For example, the great writer Balzac, the British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, and Napoleon before he rose to prominence.

With big shots setting an example, ordinary people naturally welcome anyone who comes along.

Even if they don't want to get married, people will still come to them.

The past will be forgotten, and a new beginning is on the horizon. The same applies to the Austrian Empire; these women can help balance the male-to-female ratio in the colonies and increase their population.

Children are very important to families and countries; they are the future and hope.

Even if some of them succumb to depravity and return to their old ways, they can still contribute to the order and development of the colony.

Here, at least they don't have to worry about safety. The colonial government takes good care of its citizens who haven't committed crimes, after all, they are noble imperial citizens here.

However, women who were incurable or carried infectious diseases were not so lucky. Medical technology in the 19th century was still very backward, and many diseases were incurable at that time.

In particular, syphilis was incurable at the time and could only be controlled with mercury-based medications, but the severe side effects often drove people insane, or even killed them before the virus itself.

There are no particularly effective drugs in other empirical medicines either; everything is just a matter of delaying the inevitable.

The treatment process was extremely long and painful.
However, many people are willing to pay for drug trials, not out of pity. It's simply because these diseases are afflicting many in high society, and they desperately need an effective drug to prolong their happy lives.

Syphilis was called the "French disease" for a long time, but this was not a derogatory term. On the contrary, it was a fashionable term, and many people even actively sought out this disease.

However, this kind of madness did not exist in the Austrian Empire, and the reason was not because the Austrians were so noble or wise.

The most direct reason was that Franz disliked it, so syphilis went from being a fashion statement to a terrifying plague that people feared.

Those who were not infected were doing their best to avoid infection, while those who were already infected could only seek medical treatment, at least to cover up the complications and avoid displeasing His Majesty the Emperor.

There are many rumors about Franz among the nobility, but he is often associated with cruelty and tyranny, and is known for his unpredictable temper.

In fact, within or within the sphere of influence of the Austrian Empire, Franz's preferences directly determined the fate of many people and the course of many events.

At this time, the Austrian Empire's funding for the treatment and research of syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases was almost a hundred times that of the same period in history. In addition, the early establishment of the theory of virology and the invention of arsenic agents were also significant factors.

Although some people have been completely cured of syphilis by taking arsenic, the vast majority of them die as a result, and even those lucky ones who are cured are left with lifelong, irreparable trauma.

Besides these, there are even more extreme treatments, such as malaria therapy. This involves infecting patients with malaria to induce a high fever, which is then used to kill the virus within the body.

If quinine is used to treat malaria and it doesn't work the first time, then it's repeated until the patient recovers or dies from the repeated treatments.

However, this approach also has significant side effects, leaving many people with serious long-term consequences.

Malaria treatment may seem reckless, but its effectiveness rate is as high as 33%, making it a lifeline for those in despair.

Historically, malaria treatment was invented by Austrian psychiatrist Julius Wagner-Joreger, for whom he received the 1927 Nobel Prize in Medicine, and was not the secret black method that was rumored online in earlier years.

However, in some extreme cases in modern times, malaria therapy has been used to treat other terminal illnesses such as cancer, and it has indeed been effective. However, the treatment process is extremely painful and the profit is not high, which does not conform to modern medical ethics, so it has always been rejected by the mainstream Western medical community.

Of course, Julius Wagner-Yorrege was not yet born at this time, so the inventor naturally became one of the lucky ones who were good at observing.

On the other hand, there is the truly high-end field, where a long-acting penicillin specifically for treating syphilis has been synthesized. It can truly cure syphilis and has no obvious side effects.

Although Franz had been working on penicillin for nearly twenty years, his cultivation methods and purification techniques remained primitive, and the strains were terribly inefficient.

To achieve a single bottle of high purity, hundreds of thousands of bottles are needed—yes, hundreds of thousands of petri dishes of the same size. Of course, if the purity requirements are not so stringent, a few thousand or even a few hundred bottles will suffice.

The problem is that such penicillin may not be effective, and it may also cultivate drug resistance in bacteria.

Franz knew how terrible drug resistance could be, so he would never allow the misuse of low-concentration drugs.

However, under such stringent restrictions, the price of a bottle of penicillin was an astonishing one hundred times that of its weight in gold.

Most people would tremble at the mere sight of it, let alone use it.

Franz knew that ultraviolet mutagenesis could be used to increase yield, but whether it was due to his incorrect technique or bad luck, he never managed to discover that super strain.

It wasn't that the posture was wrong, nor was it bad luck; rather, the experts in charge of the study simply didn't take Franz's words seriously. They thought it was absurd to let an outsider instruct an expert.

So these guys took Franz's funding, pretended to clock in and out every day, and then went off to enjoy themselves after get off work.

In fact, Franz had anticipated this move and hired three teams to conduct the same research simultaneously.

However, what Franz didn't know was that the leaders of these three groups were actually classmates or colleagues at some point, and all of them were dissatisfied with him, an outsider.

What's most frightening is that every time Franz made a replacement after feeling disappointed, he was actually replacing their own people, even those within the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Ultimately, this scheme was exposed because of greed. The Austrian Empire's oversight agency discovered that several individuals' identities appeared repeatedly in a series of failed projects, and they were consistently listed as core researchers receiving extremely high compensation.

Officials in oversight agencies don't understand scientific research, but they do understand the flow of funds.

After investigation, it was found that 90% of the research funding ended up in the pockets of these few people. The researchers were idle all day long, and some even copied the dictionary more than a dozen times because they were so bored.

Especially in some cutting-edge fields, ordinary people are powerless to supervise unless professionals are involved.

This is why Franz hated academic cliques. When scholarship becomes power, knowledge becomes a shackle, and the light that should illuminate the world becomes a demon that shrouds people in darkness and hardship.

However, Franz did not intend to characterize it as a simple fraud, but rather as embezzlement and crimes against humanity. In fact, this kind of behavior that delayed important technological progress was, in Franz's view, a crime against humanity.

He didn't want these people to atone for their crimes or serve as laborers; he just wanted them to disappear completely.

Returning to the current situation in the Austrian Empire, syphilis had been eradicated by the true elites of high society, and it had become a symbol of depravity and lowliness.

At that time, penicillin was not something that money could buy. In fact, penicillin in the Austrian Empire was entirely controlled by the royal family, and treatment could only be received with Franz's permission.

Although it was somewhat inhumane, it further amplified Franz's authority.

However, the purpose of this move was not for money or to strengthen his control over the top; those things were not important to Franz and there were other ways to achieve them.

The original reason was that he didn't want penicillin to be misused, and he didn't want Austrian research results to be stolen by other countries.

At this time, the entire Bohemian financial system also underwent a major purge, with a large number of private banks that engaged in usury being shut down, and countless black market operations also being seized.

One major reason why usury is so difficult to solve is the ambiguity of debt relationships, and even outrageous practices like charging exorbitant upfront fees.

The so-called "cut-off interest" means that the IOU says 150 florins, but you only get 100 florins.

This is actually an important way to circumvent legal review, because there are no problems with the contract itself, and in many cases it cannot even be identified as usury.

With witnesses cooperating and colluding to give testimony, there is almost no possibility of reversal; it can only be regarded as a legal contract. In Britain, usury was even declared legal after 1854.

Because the manpower and resources required to identify usurious loans are simply unaffordable for a small government like Britain.

Of course, the Austrian Empire wouldn't be so easily fooled. Legally, exorbitant interest rates were invalid, but in reality, they persisted into the 21st century.

However, Franz did have a workaround: all debts issued through the mafia were null and void.

Regardless of whether gangs operate legally or not, they are illegal in themselves. As for the nobles and merchants who lend money through gangs, they can only accept their misfortune or admit that they are partners in the gangs.

If he admits his bad luck, he can start over; but if he admits he's a partner in a gang, then Franz can only apologize.

Unemployed workers returned to their jobs, and vacancies were even filled by new immigrants. The entire economic system was revitalized, and even the nighttime economy became active again.

The underhanded conspiracies and rebellions were as if they had never happened. In fact, those rats hiding in the shadows were completely unaware of them. The Austrian Empire's army was arguably the most adept at dealing with them in this era.

It's easy to be brave for a moment, but to keep being brave requires great perseverance and willpower.

If a group of gangsters all have such character, then Franz can only plow the land three feet deep. After all, if they continue to develop like this, it's not impossible that they will cultivate a dark will.

However, when the tree falls, the monkeys scatter; it's common for everyone to flee when disaster strikes. After suppressing several waves of counterattacks from the remaining rebels, they were so terrified that they couldn't even muster the courage to fight to the death.

They resorted to all sorts of desperate measures: escaping, hiding, and suicide.

Unfortunately, the people also sided with the empire at this time, and the bloody reprisals and years of tyranny finally reaped the bitter fruits of their actions.

As the patriarch of the Mosley family, one of Prague's three major families, Mosley lost almost all his wealth, subordinates, and allies in less than a month. He abandoned his wife and daughter, and even his two sons were used as bait and sacrificed on the run. Mosley lay in a dark corner of an alley, a place once frequented only by vagrants and prostitutes. He should have been in a box at the Old Town Opera, enjoying the company of a popular actress.

The early spring evening breeze was still icy cold, waking Mosley from his self-pitying memories.

A group of soldiers carrying guns and oil lamps walked over, and he reached for the golden revolver in his pocket.

"How come there are still homeless people here? Bohemia is a magical land, everything grows here."

The sergeant walking ahead said with a smile, and the soldiers beside him felt the same way, especially when they saw the tattered clothes on the men. They had seen far too many homeless people like this.

Seeing that the man in front of him remained silent, the leading sergeant continued.

"The homeless shelters now set up by the Imperial government are specifically for people like you. They not only provide shelter from the wind and rain, but also food."

Learn some skills there so you can support yourself. If you're really brave enough, go try your luck in the colonies and maybe you can become a landlord.

Come with us.

There were 11 soldiers in the group, and Mosley only had six bullets in his gun, so he had no choice but to follow. Mosley was indeed cold, hungry, and suffering from severe insomnia, but what truly intrigued him was the colony they mentioned.

As one of the biggest gang leaders in all of Bohemia, Mosley knew very well how easy it was to infiltrate the colony's ranks.

Moreover, most of the soldiers who came to Bohemia to quell the rebellion came from other regions and didn't even recognize a big shot like him. Mosley felt he had a good chance.

When Mosley arrived at the homeless shelter, he discovered that it was originally his family's property. Seeing his mansion turned into a place to provide temporary relief for the homeless and beggars, he was furious.

"We've arrived. Go fill in your identification information."

It was obvious that the staff member in charge of registration did not recognize Mosley either; he simply pointed to a list on the side that contained personal information such as name, place of origin, and age that needed to be filled in.

Do you know each other?

Mosley nodded.

"Fill it out yourself."

Mosley knew his chance had come. Franzbauer was a very common Bavarian farmer's name; every village had several people with that name, making it almost impossible to verify.

Why fill in Bavaria and not Czech?
Of course, Bavarian identity is more useful. Apart from being difficult to verify, Bavarians are considered Germans who are relatively close to Austria and can enjoy higher treatment in the colonies.

Although Mosley felt he could rise again anywhere, having a good background would make his path smoother.

Mosley quickly filled out the form, and the registrar nodded at the handwriting.

"Have you been to school?"

"I attended the village gentry school for a few years."

In Bavaria, there is no compulsory education, but in many places, nobles and merchants would set up their own schools to teach farmers to read and do arithmetic.

The registrar nodded and patted Mosley on the shoulder.

"You're in good shape. Eat more; we have a bright future ahead of us. Much more opportunities than in Bavaria."

People like you are a dime a dozen in Bavaria, but here you're a hot commodity.

Mosley's eyelids twitched; the other party's unexpected enthusiasm was something he couldn't quite accept for a moment.

Can I go to the colony?

Mosley still asked the question that concerned him most.

The registrar was somewhat surprised; in all his years of work, he had rarely seen anyone voluntarily want to go to the colony. However, he had a bad feeling.

"Of course. The empire's colonies need people like you."

"When can I go?"

"You should eat first. Get some rest before we talk."

When the other party's attitude suddenly turned cold, Mosley assumed it was because he had acted too hastily, and he was also hungry.

Mosley didn't think much of it, but in reality, he was already on someone's record, after all, his behavior was too abnormal.

Normally, recruiting people to colonies requires a combination of coaxing and deception, so it's rather strange that people with such favorable conditions would actively choose to go to colonies.

Within the Austrian Empire, it was almost impossible for a German-speaking, educated, and physically strong person to be unable to find work, so it's strange in retrospect that such a person would become a vagrant.

However, before the military police could investigate, Mosley was recognized as soon as he entered the dining hall.

"Mosley! He is the patriarch of the Mosley family!"

A homeless man shouted that he would never forget that face in his life.

The homeless man's name was Xavier Hoffman. It was the youngest son of the Mosley family who fell for his sister, which led to the destruction of his family.

The family business was seized, the father was beaten to death, and the grandfather, unable to bear it any longer, filed a complaint and was imprisoned.

His sister was forced to become the mistress of the youngest son of the Mosley family, but his grandfather went mad when he was released, and soon after, his sister was also abandoned and sold into a brothel.

Xavier wandered through Prague hoping one day he would have a chance to take revenge himself, because he had no hope left and no one would help him.

Xavier still had one life left, and he wanted to find an opportunity to end that beast's life himself.

However, the Mosley family's ability to maintain security in Bohemia for over a century is undoubtedly due to their exceptional capabilities, far surpassing those of ordinary mob bosses. For an ordinary person to attempt an assassination would be virtually impossible.

That night in Xavier, Prague was engulfed in explosions and flames soared near the train station. The youngest son of the Mosley family was separated from his bodyguards.

Xavier waited in that alley for eight years before finally encountering the arrogant and domineering demon. The demon, completely devoid of his former arrogance, fled in panic like a frightened rabbit.

The two men locked eyes, and Xavier, with a dry, hoarse voice, poured out everything he had wanted to say all these years, but the other man seemed not to hear him at all, instead pulling out a handful of gold coins and banknotes and tossing them toward the direction Xavier had come from.

However, Xavier ignored him and repeatedly stabbed the knife he had been sharpening for eight years into his abdomen until the young master who had terrified all of Bohemia was no more.

Having completed his revenge, Xavier opened a bottle of wine he had treasured for many years. Although the alcohol had long since evaporated, he was still very drunk.

Xavier lay unabashedly on the cobblestones of the alley, thinking that if he fell asleep, he would be free from pain, be able to see his family, and that this wouldn't count as suicide.

When Xavier woke up, he had been taken to a homeless shelter. Here, Xavier felt a sense of home after a long time; for the first time in eight years, he slept peacefully and ate his fill.

Xavier confessed his sins to the priest at the homeless house, and the priest instead applied for a reward for him.

However, money no longer meant much to Xavier. Hearing of the downfall of the Mosley family and the execution of the judge and detective was enough for him.

At the priest's urging, Xavier decided to seek a new life in the colony, and after his injuries healed, he would pay respects to his parents and relatives before setting off.

However, at this moment, Xavier saw the demon who had taken his shop again, and he remembered Mosley's praise for that demon.

"As expected of my son, killing two birds with one stone! Well done! I'm so proud of you."

"He is Mosley!"

With Xavier's angry exclamation, all eyes turned to the former king of Prague, the great man who sat atop Bohemia.

The Mosley family has been committing evil deeds for generations, and there are very few people in Prague who have not been directly or indirectly harmed by them.

"Give me back my son's life!"

An old man clung tightly to Mosley's leg, as if afraid he would run away.

The people around them rushed forward, cursing as they went crazy.

"You've finally gotten what you deserved! I'll fight you to the death!"

Do you remember this eye of mine? You said your dog wanted to try it.

Suddenly someone pulled out a bounty poster and shouted.

"Mosley is worth a bounty of ten thousand florins! Death or life!"

(Ten thousand florins is equivalent to a hundred years' salary for an ordinary person, enough to change the fate of most people, not to mention that many of them have a blood feud with Mosley.)
At this moment, the crowd could no longer suppress their emotions and grabbed their weapons. Mosley tried to turn and run away, but a sharp pain shot through his leg as the old man bit his thigh tightly and wouldn't let go.

Mosley kicked the old man several times, but the old man seemed completely unaware. When he tried to draw his gun to fight back, Xavier had already pulled out a knife and was in front of him.

One cut, two cuts, three cuts
Then came more people, and soon the once-powerful Mosley was dismembered into several pieces.