Rise of Empires: Spain.

Chapter 60: Conferment and Military Review

The consecration ceremony came as scheduled.

Serrano went a step further in his noble title of Duke and became a truly rare Grand Duke in Spain.

Primo was also promoted from Marquis to Duke, which at least matched his status in the army and government.

Because he had successively suppressed the Carlist Rebellion and the Cuban Rebellion, Carlo was in a good mood and was not stingy at all in conferring rewards of titles.

In addition to a grand duke and a duke, two earls, seven viscounts and more than a dozen barons were added to this ceremony, and Andrew and Carman were also on the list.

Although both of them were barons of the lowest rank, they had at least entered the ranks of the Spanish nobility, and their status had been greatly improved compared to before.

The promotion of the two men was not only reflected in their noble titles. Because of their meritorious service in fighting against the Cuban rebels, their military ranks were also exceptionally promoted from lieutenant to major, and they were appointed as battalion commanders.

With Carlo's trust and their contributions, as long as nothing unexpected happens, they will be able to climb to the level of group leader in a few years.

If it weren't for their Italian identity, after quelling the Cuban rebellion, their rank would have been promoted to lieutenant colonel or above, and it would not have been impossible for them to become a regimental commander.

After all, compared to the Italians who suddenly appeared above their heads, the soldiers were more willing to accept that their immediate superiors were Spanish.

If Andrew and Carman wanted to win the trust of the soldiers, they would have to put in more effort than the Spanish officers.

But this is also a good thing. When they have gone through the test of the soldiers and climbed to the top of the army step by step, their control over the army will be more stable.

The troops they control will become Carlo's aid, which is equivalent to the military power in Carlo's hands.

The reason why Carlo can develop his power with peace of mind is the age of Serrano and Primo.

Serrano was born in 1810 and is 60 years old this year. Primo was born in 1814 and is 56 years old this year.

The two old men, both around 60 years old, would not care about the slow development of Carlo's power, because they would never see the day when Carlo's power would take shape.

According to the average life expectancy in Europe, the two men were already quite old at the age of nearly 60. Primo's plan was also simple, which was to promote the Spanish revolution during his lifetime and complete as much of the revolution as possible.

Serrano was not so enthusiastic about the revolution, and even his desire for power was not so great. What Serrano really cared about was his status, and being conferred as a Grand Duke made Serrano very satisfied.

It is precisely because Serrano, Primo and Carlo have not formed an overt power conflict for various reasons that the current Spanish government has been able to maintain a relatively stable state.

This is also what all three of them want to see. After all, when their main needs are met, who would be willing to fight to the death with a powerful enemy?

Carlo was also pleased to see Primo's reforms and Serrano's control of power. With these two people around, Carlo's throne would become very stable.

By the time they retire or die of old age, Carlo's power will be almost built up, and then it will be time for Carlo to gradually take control of power.

What made Carlo feel fortunate was that although Queen Isabel had made no contribution to Spain, she at least agreed to confer titles on Primo and Serrano. Especially Serrano. If Serrano was forced to the Republican side, Spain after Queen Isabel would probably become a republic, and it would not be so easy to restore it to a monarchy.

The reason why Alfonso XII was able to achieve restoration in history was that the republican government at that time was unpopular, and Primo was assassinated early, so the current situation in Spain was even more chaotic than during the reign of Queen Isabella.

If Primo had been a republican and had not been assassinated, perhaps Spain would have become a complete republic.

It can only be said that Primo, who supported the monarchy, was a great help to Carlo. Before Primo's reforms were completed, Carlo's position was to firmly support Primo.

After the coronation ceremony, Carlo also participated in a small-scale military parade.

The number of troops participating in the parade was not large, totaling only a little over two thousand.

But I have to admit that the shock of seeing an army of more than 2,000 people marching past me was incomparable.

Looking at the mighty army marching past him, and then glancing at the crowd watching around him, Carlo couldn't help but feel elated.

This was his army, these were his people. No matter how Spain developed in history, at this time and in this world, he was the King of Spain, the sole ruler of Spain.

As expected, after all the activities of the day were over, the crowning ceremony and the military parade became the hottest news in Madrid.

In order to commend the soldiers' contributions, relevant news will be published throughout Spain so that all Spaniards will know which nobles have been enthroned and their contributions to Spain.

This is also Carlo's purpose. At least let the Spaniards understand that the nobles are nobles because they have made great contributions to Spain.

Even though the public's attitude towards the nobility would not change drastically, Carlo would like to see some minor changes.

After all, the king and the nobles are one and the same. If the nobles' reputation is completely ruined, how good can the reputation of the king, who is the greatest noble, be?
On the other hand, Carlo also hoped to arouse the desire of soldiers and the public for knighthood for military merit.

Only when soldiers see the benefits of gaining military merit will they truly work hard for the country and the government.

Only by allowing the people to see the tremendous changes that being awarded titles for military merit has brought to themselves can the people not be averse to joining the army, and even actively and enthusiastically join the army.

Although this may not seem to have much effect, it is quite effective in boosting the morale of the troops.

After the consecration ceremony, Primo became even busier.

Because he has to devote all his energy to government work. Reform and national development are the top priorities, and in his spare time he has to investigate the real culprit behind the assassination.

Fortunately, after Serrano returned from Cuba, he could help Primo handle some government affairs. After all, Serrano had served as the Prime Minister of the Spanish interim government before the parliamentary elections. Although he was not excellent in handling government affairs, he was definitely proficient in it.

With the joint efforts of Serrano and Primo, Spain will also usher in a period of stable development. Carlo is also looking forward to the speed of Spain's future development to see whether this once-famous empire can find new life after a long period of decline.

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(End of this chapter)