Chapter 1208 What is coming will come
Taiwan Novel Network→𝕥𝕨𝕜𝕒𝕟.𝕔𝕠𝕞
When Franz finally finished handling a mountain of official duties for the day, he just wanted to take a breath when a piece of bad news came.
"Your Majesty, I didn't know that the Russian tsar had the wrong line. They actually wanted to convert the Poles!"
Prince Schwarzenberg sounded excited, and there was no doubt that this was good news in his eyes.
Seeing Prince Schwarzenberg's expression, Franz didn't even need to ask, then the Russians must have failed.
Although Austria has little interest in Poland in the Russian Bowl, it never wants the Poles to be peacefully evolved by the Russians.
At least for most people.
"Let the Poles convert, and the Russians will hit the wall this time."
"Your Majesty, you actually guessed the result."
Prince Schwarzenberg was not surprised that Franz could guess the result, because the former had already hinted at this result with his words and expressions, but he still flattered him bluntly.
In its implementation, Prince Watzenberg was not a flatterer, and he would never have done this in history. However, Franz at this time was very different from that in history, and the former did not have the so-called "success of support." ", the latter is like a god in the eyes of the world, so Prince Schwarzenberg is learning how to be an obedient minister.
After all, Franz has been immersed in the royal family and high society for so many years. He understands that it is respectful not to expose the other party at this time.
In fact, proper flattery from subordinates can help maintain the relationship between superiors and subordinates. Smart leaders also know how to accept it in a timely manner. The key to everything lies in the word propriety.
Franz did not dwell on these trivial matters; he cared about the specific situation.
“How have other countries responded?”
"The British and French responded quickly. The ambassadors of the two countries have immediately issued protests and condemned Russia's actions. There is also intelligence that the two countries are preparing to threaten war, just like they did when they liberated Greece."
(Although the Greeks performed bravely and had a strong will to fight during the Greek War of Independence, they were actually retreating steadily. They may not have succeeded without the intervention of the great powers.)
"What's Russia's attitude?"
"Their ambassador is playing dumb and showing he has no knowledge."
"It's like the Russians. It's just that things in Poland are not that simple."
A trace of worry flashed in Franz's eyes, but his thoughts were soon interrupted by Prince Schwarzenberg.
"With all due respect, Your Majesty. If Britain and France really bring the war to Russia, then our country will reap the benefits."
"Just reaping the benefits? I'm afraid it's not that simple. If you don't do it, you'll end up stealing the chicken and losing the rice."
According to Prince Schwarzenberg's vision, Britain, France and Russia, which had suffered heavy losses at this time, should be evenly matched, and the ultimate beneficiary of the war between the two sides was obviously the Austrian Empire.
Based on the Austrian Empire's intelligence and previous experience, Prince Schwarzenberg believed that this war would establish the Austrian Empire's position as the European hegemon.
After all, with the size of the Austrian Empire at this time, neither side dared to compete for its entrance. As long as it could retain its strength, its international status after the war would naturally improve.
Moreover, it can seize this opportunity to quietly expand. No matter Germany, Italy, or the Balkans, they can no longer hinder the existence of the Austrian Empire.
As a big Germanist, it is not surprising that Prince Schwarzenberg has this idea. But the ideal is very full, and the reality is very skinny.
If the two sides really fight, it is actually impossible for the huge neighbor of the Austrian Empire to stand aside and watch.
Austria can only choose to join one of them, or passively join one of them.
There is no doubt that the Austrian Empire does have the ability to influence the outcome of the war, but victory in the war does not necessarily mean Austria's victory.
For example, the battle between the two Song Dynasties to extinguish the Jin Dynasty and Xixia, and another example is Lu Meng's crossing the river in white clothes. In the eyes of fans, it may be a hearty victory, a battle of revenge, a battle to comfort the soul, a model of winning with less and a miracle in the history of war.
However, from a strategic perspective, this is an extremely short-sighted approach.
It was obvious that Prince Schwarzenberg did not agree with Franz's views.
"Your Majesty, as long as we don't help each other, it will be difficult for them to win or lose. We can make a fortune silently as long as we remain neutral."
"But what if they can't fight?"
Prince Schwarzenberg was stunned for a moment. According to the estimates of experts from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Austrian Empire, Russia will definitely not give in. As long as the Austrian Empire strictly maintains neutrality, there is a high chance that the two sides will fight.
"There was no fight, and we didn't lose anything."
"How could there be no loss?"
Franz sighed. Prince Schwarzenberg, who had a military background, was indeed not very sensitive to diplomacy. The latter was confused.
"Bring some gifts and my handwritten letter, go to Russia in person and tell the Tsar face to face that our Austrian Empire is Russia's ally and will definitely side with Russia if there is a war.
Remember, including letters to Princess Olga, you must first obtain the consent of the Tsar himself. "
After Franz finished speaking, Prince Schwarzenberg looked a little ugly.
"Your Majesty, the Russians humiliated you like that, why would you go to such extent for a woman you have only met a few times?
We all know that you like beautiful women, don’t we in Austria have one? If not in the country, there are still in the colonies. What kind of woman is worth paying such a high price for?
Please don’t confuse marriage and love.”
Franz was speechless for a while. It was obvious that Prince Schwarzenberg had misunderstood something again, but it was good this way. It looked more real and the effect would be better.
(Before the 19th century, choosing love was a strange thing. Europe was more particular about matching, especially the nobility.)
Franz said with a stern face.
"Prime Minister, execute the order."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Prince Schwarzenberg did not hesitate too much. After all, the duty of a soldier is to obey, and the emperor, as the representative of the highest will of the country at this time, is not something he can disobey.
Seeing Prince Schwarzenberg walk out of the emperor's study with heavy steps, several staff members and close ministers immediately came over.
"Your Excellency, what did His Majesty say?"
"What? Shut up! This is the top secret of the country!"
Prince Schwarzenberg was furious at everyone, and everyone could only bow their heads and make way.
Prince Schwarzenberg snorted coldly, and when he looked up, he happened to see a fifty-year-old burly old woman passing by with a few maids who looked disgusting.
Everyone looked at Prince Schwarzenberg's staring eyes with some confusion. Suddenly, Prince Schwarzenberg's body trembled twice as if struck by lightning. He seemed to understand something and grabbed the shoulders of the court steward.
"Is the Hofburg Palace so poor?"
The court steward was a little confused by the question and answered subconsciously.
"Your Majesty doesn't like extravagance, so..."
"The palace is the facade of the empire. Now I don't know if people in other countries will think that our Austrian Empire is in decline and can't distinguish between ugly and beautiful! This is related to the image of the country and the majesty of the empire. You are the court steward, you should do your job well, do you understand?"