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

Chapter 1102: Turning against guests
Although it was already the 19th century, Madame Sophie's plan was not impossible.

The most important thing is that the Spaniards really want to change the status quo. Isabella II and her mother Maria Christina have worn away the confidence of all parties in Spain over the years. Even the church, which regards them as puppets, has no hope for them.

The continuous civil war exhausted Spain's luck, and it was difficult for the Spanish to resist the invaders as they did against the French.

Once upon a time, facing the most powerful army in Europe at that time, the unarmed Spaniards still fought bravely, and after exhausting all the enemy's fighting spirit, they finally drove the enemy out of the country with great difficulty.

That was the determination of the civilian mother and daughter in "A Jar of Water", that was the righteousness of the Marquis' family in "The Executioner", that was the indomitable spirit in "The Execution at the Foot of Prince Mountain on May 5rd". The Spaniards finally resisted the French butcher's knife with their unyielding spirit.

"A Pitcher of Water" is a famous piece of patriotic education, "The Executioner" is a work by French writer Balzac, and "The Execution at the Foot of Mount Prince on May 5rd" is a representative work by Spanish patriotic painter Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes.

However, the sacrifices of patriots and civilians did not bring peace and beauty. The war continued, the exploitation and destruction became more serious, and the dragon slayers eventually became dragons.

Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes, a great patriotic painter, had to go into exile in France in his later years to avoid being executed.
"Please, someone come and invade (crossed out) and save us. Anyone will do."

What kind of state of mind could allow a Spaniard to write such a letter to the Frankfurt National Assembly?

There is no doubt that the Spanish-Bourbon family has run out of luck, it's just that their opponents are even more incompetent, so the whole country has become a quagmire.

Externally, France suffered a severe blow and could not recover in a short time. The British were more like vultures than eagles. Although they were always watching the situation covetously, they were extremely averse to losses.

This is indeed the best time for the Habsburg family to return to Spain. If they marry into Spain at any other time, they will inevitably be met with various warnings (refer to the Franco-Prussian War).

However, as an elder brother, he would not treat his younger brother as a disposable consumable. As the emperor of the Austrian Empire, Franz would not waste the precious blood of his family.

"Mother, Isabella II is an intolerable woman. Regardless of whether the rumors are true or false, we should not let our family's bloodline and reputation be tarnished."

"Franz, you are the emperor now, don't be so impulsive.

Maximilian was born into the most prominent family in Europe. He had enjoyed wealth and splendor that others could never obtain in their entire lives. Now he must shoulder his own mission.

Madame Sophie turned her head and looked at Maximilian again with a softer look in her eyes. She no longer used her usual didactic tone, but spoke solemnly.

"Maximilian, my child. Are you willing to sacrifice for your family and the empire?"

Maximilian gritted his teeth and answered without much hesitation.

"Have."

No wonder some people say that the Habsburg family is the strictest organization in modern European history. It is indeed extraordinary that a mother can push her child into the fire just for a chance, and the child can choose to go forward without hesitation.

"Mother, I think Ludwig is more suitable."

"Ludwig?"

Madame Sophie and Maximilian were both a little surprised, and Ludwig, who was concentrating on eating, said in disbelief. "Me?"

Little Maria stared with her big black eyes, her heart aroused with curiosity. She found it interesting but did not understand the real meaning behind it.

Of all Sophie's children, Ludwig's intelligence was closest to that of Archduke Franz Karl. He was pious, studious, humble, and aristocratic, but these were obviously of little use in the Spanish court.

This kind of honest man would probably be eaten alive by the Spanish mother and daughter. Franz's behavior was not just trying to get something out of the fire, but was giving it away for free.

"I object. Ludwig simply can't handle that kind of situation."

"Don't be too quick to object. Ludwig's mission is to create humans. He doesn't need to worry about anything else."

"Franz, what are you talking about? Are you crazy? What is the purpose of the marriage?"

"Mother, please don't be impatient. Spain is a worthy marriage partner, but Isabella II herself is not.

So Ludwig is going to marry Maria Christina's second daughter, Princess Luisa Fernanda, the heir presumptive to the Spanish throne."

"Franz! Isabella II is only 18 years old. She will have many children. And Princess Luisa Fernanda has never been awarded the title of Princess of Asturias. You should know what this means?
If the family cannot obtain the title of King of Spain, then the sacrifice of your brothers is not worth it, and it is better to choose a suitable candidate from the side branch."

(Prince of Asturias is the title of heir to the Spanish throne.)
"Mother, don't you understand? Spain is a quagmire, and they are just trying to use the influence of the Austrian Empire.

Do we really want to follow France's example and wade into this muddy water? And will the great powers really just leave us alone?"

Madame Sophie remained silent. She had enough confidence in court struggles, but international politics, especially the skills Franz displayed at the Confederation of Monarchs, were beyond her understanding.

"But Isabella II and the former regent Queen Christina are not good people. Ludwig might be used by them. It is better to let Maximilian go."

"Mother, I don't think Maximilian can defeat that mother and daughter."

Franz's words made Maximilian feel embarrassed. Just as he was about to retort, Franz changed the subject.

"Maximilian's talent is not in the petty intrigues of the Spanish court. He has all the talents of a king. I think it would be more appropriate for him to study government affairs in Venice."

Franz's idea was to turn the tables, while Isabella II and Queen Regent Christina wanted to use the men of the Habsburg family to keep up appearances and protect themselves from bullets.

But Franz refused to fall for it. He planned to let Ludwig marry Isabella II's sister, Luisa Fernanda, the heir to the Spanish throne.

According to Franz's logic, it would definitely be much easier to use the whole country's strength to brainwash a naive 15-year-old girl than to send one person to the enemy-occupied area to repair the heavy tank.

As for the Spanish issue, let's wait and see. Time will solve all problems, and some seemingly unsolvable problems will be solved with time.

Doing so will not offend anyone, and neither France, Britain nor Russia will have any reason to stop it.