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

Chapter 1252 The Trajectory of History

Karl von Fiquelmont was one of the few officials of the Austrian Imperial Government who did not threaten to resign, and Franz still wanted to give him some dignity.

But some people just don't know how to cherish. Duke Fiquelmonte was in shock, and there was even a hint of fierceness flashing in his eyes.

"If your memory fails, you can apply for retirement and I will let you live the rest of your life in peace."

This time Franz's words were very serious, and the officials present were all worried for Duke Fiquelmonte. After all, the emperor at this time was not the "good man" Ferdinand I, but Franz who ascended the throne in blood and fire.

Duke Fiquelmont was sweating profusely at this time. The reason why he hated Franz so much was that in 1848 many of his relatives and friends lost their official positions, property, and even their lives because of "a little thing".

The Duke of Fiquelmonte was not a brave man, otherwise he would have been among those who threatened the royal family with resignation.

An originally obscure little character, by chance, took a position he shouldn't have sat in, and a sense of inferiority prompted him to do something to prove himself.

Prince Schwarzenberg came over and patted Duke Fiquelmont on the shoulder.

"You should quit your job. The world is ruled by young people now."

"I will hand in my resignation tomorrow."

Franz nodded his approval.

Duke Fiquelmont lowered his head, he was very unwilling, but he knew that this was the best choice at the moment. As an incompetent official who irritated the emperor, greed for power would only bring disaster.

"Withdraw our ambassador to Spain and stop cooperating with Spain. We want to avoid getting involved in the Spanish civil war.

Unless the other party pays first or is willing to mortgage.

In fact, the Austrian officials did not quite understand why it was necessary to break off relations with Spain so thoroughly. Wasn't it good to profit from the war?

Franz also wanted to ask if it was really that easy to make war profits?

High returns often come with high risks, but Franz won't bet everything on a group of rogues like in the movies.

According to Franz's original plan, the Austrian Empire should have focused on developing and accumulating strength to meet future challenges.

Britain is striving for world hegemony, France is striving to break free from the shackles of the Vienna system (New Vienna system), the Russians are striving for their own maritime dreams, and the Prussians will also jump out to compete for the leadership of Germany. The Ottomans and Egyptians, these two fish on the chopping board, will not willingly be slaughtered.
But the course of history has long since changed, and perhaps Franz's intervention has already determined today's outcome.

Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna.

The sun was shining and the spring breeze was gentle. Franz was lying on the grass, enjoying his rare holiday just like he did when he was a child.

He couldn't remember how many days he had worked in a row. Countless government affairs, countless intrigues and schemes, day after day.
"Franz! I am no worse than anyone else! I want to join the navy too! I can become a great naval commander like Uncle Friedrich!"

Maximilian shouted, and Franz rubbed his ears.

"Can we not talk about this today?"

"You're just jealous of my talent! You're afraid I'll surpass you!"

"Can we be more mature?"

Franz was somewhat helpless, as his younger brother had always regarded him as a competitor since childhood. It is good to have ambition, but some things cannot be overcome by hard work.

"How am I immature? You are only one year older than me! Why are you pretending!"

"childish."

Franz grabbed a pillow and covered his ears.

Maximilian, furious, stepped forward and kicked Franz, who was lying on the ground. Although he kicked Franz in the butt, he realized that he had gone too far.

Maximilian was about to run away when Franz stood up and pushed him down. There was a height difference of more than 20 centimeters between them, so it looked like Franz was bullying him.

It's just that the emperor and his brother were fighting, so all the palace people nearby hid. After all, if there was any royal scandal, they would be in trouble if they accidentally saw it.

"Being impulsive, irritable, weak, and doing things without considering the consequences are all your shortcomings. This does not prevent your mother from loving you. Although you don't like staying with her, she doesn't want you to leave this home. Because then she won't be able to continue to protect you.

The world outside is cruel. You are too proud and easily influenced. Your mother is afraid that the bad guys outside will eat you.

Understand? "

Franz's words made Maximilian's face turn blue and red.

"You mean you're protecting me?"

"No, it's Mother who doesn't want you to get into trouble. What do you think Uncle Friedrich was doing when he was your age?
He was drawing up blueprints for the future of the Austrian Imperial Navy, and he was planning with me how to defeat the British.

And you? Still daydreaming here! "

Maximilian stood up angrily and tried to grab Franz by the collar, but as soon as he stood up, he felt his feet go empty and he lost his balance and fell to the grass again.

"you!."

Maximilian fell to the grass again with the same action as before.

"That's all you can do. What else can you do outside except get into trouble and get cheated? Don't think I don't know that you also took the civil service exam.

There are five subjects in total, each with 100 points, and you didn't even get 60 points in total. If you are not my brother, what right do you have to ask for an official position?"

"There's something wrong with your question!"

"Then you still solve the problem according to the idea in the question?"

This really left Maximilian speechless.

"Don't be too depressed. Mother has actually been busy looking for a crown for you."

"real?"

Maximilian immediately became excited. In his eyes, Madame Sophie was still very capable, at least more reliable than the big brother in front of him.

"Really? Don't worry. In a few years, I'll find an opportunity and let you be the vice king of Tyrol or Venice to gain some experience.

After all, if you have no experience, you will be bullied. "

"Really?"

"Ah."

Franz said impatiently.

"A word is settled!"

"of course."

Maximilian went happily. Whether in Venice or Tyrol, being a viceroy was a great honor and also came with great power.

At this time, Venice and Tyrol were much more important and prosperous than in history. Venice was the largest port city in the Austrian Empire and the largest maritime trade window.

Tyrol was the back garden of the Habsburg family. Franz invested a lot in it, which was at least much better than the original mountain valley in history.

After seeing Maximilian off, Franz could finally rest in peace.

But the grass rustled again, and the girl slowly sat down on the grass wearing the straw hat she had woven.

Her pure skin faintly revealed a holy glow, her soft hair was casually scattered on her shoulders, and her pair of innocent big eyes were staring at Franz curiously.

"Anna, what are you going to do again? Can you let your brother rest for a while?"

"Well, I'm going to marry in Spain."