Chapter 165 Accident (Part 2)
"Are you crazy!?" Count Korolaf roared immediately.
"Once the Duchess gives up her position as Duke, then Parma will be handed over to the Bourbon family!"
"That's why we need the Apennine Customs Union to protect our own interests. As long as Central Italy is included in the Austrian economic system. Even if the Bourbon family wants to break away from our influence, those civilians and businessmen will not I will agree. Besides, who can have trouble with money?" Metternich said very calmly.
Count Korolaf was not an idiot. He understood that Metternich was right. The previous idea of trying to control various countries with advisors was simply fanciful.
Those expatriate officials almost lost contact with their home country after arriving in the country, and were no longer bound by the laws of their country. Without exception, they either became officials of the country where they were located, or directly became cancerous tumors. .
"What about the attitudes of Britain and France?"
"Shouldn't Britain and France look at our attitude now?" Metternich asked rhetorically.
"Where is the Papal State?" Count Korolaf asked.
"The Pope also needs our country to help him maintain his rule. If the Papal State is willing to join us, that would be best. If not, it doesn't matter to us."
Count Korolav could hear that Metternich's words were full of confidence. Although he was very unhappy, the huge benefits that the German Customs Union had brought to the Austrian Empire were obvious to all.
And Count Korolaf always believed that he was different from those corrupt criminals who betrayed the Austrian Empire. He was just serving the Austrian Empire and satisfying his personal needs.
So he did not struggle with Metternich on this matter.
"Okay, I agree with Prince Metternich."
Archduke Franz Karl and Archduke Louis looked at each other, honestly they didn't understand.
Ever since, it's still the old rule, don't agree, don't object.
In fact, when the Apennine Customs Union was first established, it was only considered a game for the Habsburg family to entertain themselves.
Because the Kingdom of Sardinia, the Papal States, and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies all refused to join.
King Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies wanted to get the Pope to establish the South Asia Pacific Customs Union to counter Austria's influence, but he was rejected by the latter.
At this time, Pope Gregory XVI was very conservative. He hated many things, but he only liked money.
He engaged in the financial industry in the Vatican and successively established financial institutions such as the Discount Bank, the Bank of Rome, the Holy Spirit Bank and the Savings Bank. However, he lacked business ability, so he lost everything.
Later, the pope established a holy water company. Unlike the Austrian holy water company that sells dog meat in sheep's clothing, what it sells is not bleaching powder and medical alcohol, but real "holy water."
Although Gregory XVI relied on Austria to maintain his rule, he did not want the Austrians or the Two Sicilies to make money from him.
France expressed strong protest against Austria's actions and repeatedly reiterated that France would protect the independence of the Kingdom of Sardinia and the Papal States.
The attitude of the British is ambiguous. They hope that Austria and France can fight in Italy.
If France could go to war with Austria in Italy, then Muhammad Ali of Egypt would undoubtedly be alone, Britain could easily achieve its goal, and the only remaining enemy would be Russia.
Of course, the French would not let the British succeed, so the French's protests against Austria were always verbal.
The most anxious one is the Kingdom of Sardinia, because its main source of income is as a second-line dealer between France and Italy.
Once Austria's Apennine Customs Union includes the Papal States and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, the Kingdom of Sardinia will have to choose sides.
For Carlo Alberto, a monarch who wanted to unify Italy, this was simply more uncomfortable than killing him.
It's just that Austria at this time is an invincible behemoth for Alberto, but he believes that one day, he will find that opportunity.
Ottoman Empire, Istanbul.
News of the withdrawal of the Austrian Imperial Army from Transylvania soon reached Istanbul.
Palmerston let out a sigh of relief. If Count Korolaf accepted his money but didn't do anything, he would be really angry to death.
Palmerston never expected to bribe officials outside of Britain one day, but now the Austrians have finally withdrawn from Transylvania.
Now Mahmud II finally had no reason to continue to delay. For the great cause of Britain, Russia must be restricted.
Another war in Central Asia to block Russia is starting. This is also the first time that Western powers have invaded Afghanistan.
In Palmerston's plan, he will use three victories to completely block Russia's exports in Asia, forcing it to compete with Austria and Prussia for Germany. There is only one thing that Britain has to do, and that is Maintain the balance of power on the continent.
In this way, Britain can be in a position of eternal glory and independence. No country can compete with Britain for world hegemony, and for this, he will do whatever it takes.
At the Grand Salagilio Palace, Ottoman Sultan Mahmud II was looking at the report with pleasure.
The total strength of the Egyptians is only 230,000, while the Ottoman Empire's army has reached 350,000. The military strength comparison in Syria was even 3 to 1, and there seemed to be unrest within Egypt. The original 70,000 Syrian legions were now only 30,000.
Coupled with the news of the Austrian withdrawal from Transylvania just sent by Palmerston, the Ottoman Empire can mobilize 300,000 troops to completely wipe out Egypt and avenge its previous humiliation.
It's just that instructor Moltke poured cold water on Mahmoud II.
"Your army training has not been completed. At this time, even the third-rate European army cannot reach the level. I still need time to turn them into real warriors."
Moltke's words made Mahmud II very unhappy, because Moltke had a low opinion of his army, and the former always seemed to have the pride that was unique to Europeans at this time.
"How many years have you commanded my army?" Mahmud II asked.
"Three years." Moltke replied.
"You haven't been able to train a qualified new army in three years. You are fired, sir." Mahmoud II's tone left no room for doubt.
"You will lose miserably!" Mao Qi left these words and left the palace without looking back.
Mahmoud II really wanted to have this damn European beheaded, but he did not have the courage to have a conflict with European countries.
Now Mahmoud II only wants to hang the head of Muhammad Ali, the traitor, on the minaret of the Grand Salakirio Palace.
In a hidden base on the Syrian border.
"Abdul, if the Ottomans don't come within a month, I will shave your beard and tie you to a tree to dry in the sun." Ali's eldest son, Iprasin, said to the prime minister Abdul said.
On April 1, 1839, the Ottoman army crossed the Euphrates River and marched towards Syria.
On March 15 of the same year, the Austrian Imperial Army left Transylvania, and Mahmud II transferred the main force of the northern front to Syria.
On April 20, the Austrian army arrived in Novi Sad. On the one hand, the Bosnian governor summoned the militia to build fortifications, and on the other hand, he sent people to report to the Ottoman Sultan urgently.