Moschovia lacked the knowledge to train strong up-to-the-era units. So Ivan ordered his scholars to develop a new type of advanced mounted units. Moreover, he planted to build barracks and stables in the duchy to support it.
Ivan asked Byzantine how to build boats. Byzantines recognised the superiority of the moschovian feudal system and decided to study it further. Ivan allowed byzantine scholars to study it. Byzantium was the only ally now, so he wanted it to be strong.
The knowledge of boat building had a result. The rich fur traders of Uglish could reach Moscow efficiently through local rivers. After caviar, fur was one of the most important goods of moschovian economy.
The year 904 was an interesting year for the duchy. Vermin destroyed the food supplies of Caricyn. The french army was threatenly present near Moscow. Nomads explored volga bulgaria and a new duchy was spotted in the west.
Meanwhile, the french army spread christianity in Uglish. However, they said that Pope was the real head of Christianity and not Justinian. They said that the branch followed by their grand Duke was false! How they dare?
Duchy of Kiev declared its indepedence from Muschovy as "Grand Duchy of Kiev" and Vladimir was its "grand duke". Moreover, Vladimir claimed territories of Muschovy saying that Ivan was a usurper! Ivan sent almost all his army to send a message to our "brothers" in Kiev.
The message was delivered successfully. Moscow was the only true capital of the grand duchy, and the grand duchy was Muschovy. Ivan said: "If Kievans want to join our empire, they're welcome. As long as I am their grand duke."
People of Kiev praised god that Ivan liberated them form Vladimir. Inspired by divine presence they became missionaries. Ivan funded their mission and they spread the meaning of true christianity far and wide, including the heretic Uglish.
Pro-vladimir warlords weren't satisfied by Ivan's conquest. They trained a mounted army and attacked Kiev. The moschovian army encoutered the rebels.
Workers managed to cultivate local herds of horse near Moscow. Ivan was able to build a mounted army at last.
Ivan realised that the duchy had a surplus supply of cow. He decided to sell it away for now. Byzanium paid the highest price, still low, but still the highest.
Ivan funded scholars more from the royal treasury. This had a cost, he couldn't pay emergencies, and this might costed more that he expected.
