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

Chapter 1208 What is supposed to come will always come

When Franz finally finished a day's pile of official business and was about to take a breath, bad news came.

"Your Majesty, I don't know what the Russian Tsar has done wrong. They actually want the Poles to convert!"

Prince Schwarzenberg sounded excited, and there was no doubt that in his eyes this was good news.

Seeing Prince Schwarzenberg's expression, Franz didn't need to ask, the Russians must have failed.

Although Austria has little interest in Poland, which is in Russia's bowl, it does not want the Poles to be peacefully evolved by the Russians.

At least for most people.
"The Russians have hit a wall this time in trying to convert the Poles."

"Your Majesty, you actually guessed the result."

Prince Schwarzenberg was not surprised that Franz could guess the result, because the former had hinted at it with words and expressions, but he still gave a stiff flattery.

In fact, Prince Schwarzenberg was not a flatterer, and he would never do so in history. However, Franz at this time was very different from the one in history. The former did not have the so-called "merit of support", and the latter was like a god in the eyes of the world, so Prince Schwarzenberg was learning how to be an obedient minister.

Flattery never wears out, and Franz, after all, has been immersed in the royal family and upper society for so many years. He understands that it is a sign of respect not to expose the other party at this time.

In fact, appropriate flattery from subordinates helps maintain the relationship between superiors and subordinates, and smart leaders also know how to accept it in time. The key to everything lies in the word "property".

Franz did not dwell on these trivial matters; he cared about the specific situation.

“How have other countries responded?”

"The British and French reacted quickly. The ambassadors of the two countries protested and condemned Russia's actions. There is also intelligence that the two countries are ready to threaten war just like they did when they liberated Greece."

(Although the Greeks showed bravery and strong fighting spirit in the Greek War of Independence, they were actually losing ground. They might not have succeeded without the intervention of the great powers.)
"What is the attitude of the Russian side?"

"Their ambassador is playing dumb and saying he knows nothing about it."

"That's the Russian way. But things in Poland are not that simple."

A hint of worry flashed across Franz's eyes, but his thoughts were soon interrupted by Prince Schwarzenberg.

"Excuse me, Your Majesty. If Britain and France really spread the war to Russia, then our country will be the one who will reap the benefits."

"Just sit back and reap the benefits? I'm afraid it's not that simple. If you're not careful, you might end up losing more than you gain."

According to Prince Schwarzenberg's idea, 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 would obviously be 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, given the size of the Austrian Empire at that time, neither side dared to rush it into the game. As long as it could maintain its strength, its international status would naturally improve after the war.

Moreover, it could seize this opportunity to expand quietly. Neither Germany, Italy, nor the Balkans could hinder the existence of the Austrian Empire.

As a Greater German, it is not surprising that Prince Schwarzenberg has such an idea. But ideals are full and reality is very skinny.

If the two sides really fought, it would be virtually impossible for the Austrian Empire, a huge neighbor, to stand idly by.

Austria can only choose to join one side, or passively join one side.

There is no doubt that the Austrian Empire did have the ability to determine the outcome of the war, but victory in the war did not necessarily mean victory for Austria.

For example, the wars of the Song Dynasty to destroy the Jin Dynasty and the Western Xia Dynasty, and Lu Meng's crossing the river in white clothes. In the eyes of fans, these may be a hearty victory, a war of revenge, a war of comfort, a model of defeating the enemy with fewer troops, and a miracle in the history of war.

However, from a strategic point of view, this is an extremely short-sighted approach. It is obvious that Prince Schwarzenberg does not agree with Franz's opinion.

"Your Majesty, as long as we don't help either side, it will be hard for them to decide the winner. We just need to remain neutral and we can make a fortune in silence."

"But what if they can't fight?"

Prince Schwarzenberg was stunned for a moment. According to the experts from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Austrian Empire, Russia would definitely not make concessions. As long as the Austrian Empire strictly maintained neutrality, there was a high probability that the two sides would fight.

"There was no fighting, and we didn't lose anything."

"How could there be no loss?"

Franz sighed. Prince Schwarzenberg, who came from a military background, did not have the diplomatic sensitivity. The latter was completely confused.

“Take some gifts and my handwritten letter and go to Russia in person to tell the Tsar that our Austrian Empire is Russia’s ally and will definitely stand on Russia’s side if a war breaks out.

Remember, including the letter to Princess Olga, you must first obtain the Tsar’s personal consent.”

After Franz finished speaking, Prince Schwarzenberg looked a little unhappy.

"Your Majesty, the Russians humiliated you like that, why would you go to such lengths for a woman you had only met a few times?

We all know that you like beautiful women. Don't we have any in Austria? If not in China, we still have some in the colonies. What kind of woman is worth such a huge price for you?

Please don't confuse marriage with love."

Franz was speechless for a while. It was obvious that Prince Schwarzenberg had misunderstood something again. But this was also good. It looked more real and the effect would be better.

(Before the 19th century, choosing love was considered bizarre. Europe was more concerned with matching social status, especially among the nobility.)
Franz said with a straight face.

"Prime Minister, follow your orders."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Prince Schwarzenberg did not hesitate too much. After all, a soldier's duty is to obey, and the emperor, as the representative of the country's highest will, is not someone he can disobey.

Seeing Prince Schwarzenberg walking out of the emperor's study with heavy steps, several staff members and close ministers immediately came over.

"Your Excellency, what does His Majesty say?"

"What are you talking about? Shut up! This is a top state secret!"

Prince Schwarzenberg got furious at everyone, and they could only lower their heads and make way for him.

Prince Schwarzenberg snorted coldly, and when he looked up, he happened to see a big and strong old lady in her fifties passing by with a few maids who looked very disgusting.

Everyone looked at Prince Schwarzenberg's stare with some confusion. Suddenly, Prince Schwarzenberg's body trembled twice as if struck by lightning. He seemed to understand something and grabbed the palace steward's shoulder.

"Is the Hofburg Palace already so poor?"

The palace steward was a little confused by the question and answered subconsciously.

"Your Majesty doesn't like extravagance, so..."

"The palace is the face of the empire. If things go like this, people from other countries will think that our Austrian Empire is in decline and can't tell the difference between beauty and ugliness! This concerns the image of the country and the dignity of the empire. You are the chief steward of the palace, and you should do your job well. Do you understand?"

(End of this chapter)