Flowers, Swords and France

Such a straightforward inquiry made Charles stunned for a moment.

Declaring in front of someone like him that France should drive the Austrians out of Italy and expand its own power was completely beyond the meaning of provocation, let alone any diplomatic etiquette.

"Sir, thank you for your enthusiastic advice to us. At the same time, just like your country, France will act in accordance with her national interests." After a long silence, he gave a slightly cold answer, "and she will act after careful consideration and will not act rashly. Since the Vienna Agreement, the borders of European countries have been respected enough. This is the great achievement of Prince Talleyrand and Prince Metternich. We should respect the hard work of these two respected predecessors, rather than easily deny it, right?"

In the field of diplomacy, such a rhetorical question is actually a not very polite expression.

He clearly told the other party that he did not intend to show any favoritism between Prussia and Austria, and had no plans against the Austrians, and did not need the Prussians to deal with the Austrians.

"Oh, sorry... I may... I may be a little excited." Bismarck smiled apologetically, "This is just a joke between us in private, please don't take it to heart."

This is indeed just a test.

He believes that Louis Bonaparte is hostile to the Austrians - anyone who knows Louis Bonaparte's early experiences will definitely come to the same conclusion. The pain left by Austria to him is really severe. Even if he is essentially a politician who is not very emotional, he must have a grudge in his heart.

The reason why he asked this question is to see to what extent Louis Bonaparte's hatred has infected his assistants, and how he plans to retaliate against the damage caused by the Austrians.

From the current situation, no matter what Louis Bonaparte thinks, his important assistant de Treville is not interested in dealing with the Austrians, and if people like Treville do not nod, then the new French high-level officials have not reached a consensus internally to deal with the Austrians. Then the Austrians will not be under too much pressure from the French - it will be difficult for him to take the opportunity to win over France to attack Austria.

Yes, he has decided to compete with the Austrians in the next term as a representative of the Imperial Parliament, vowing to let those Austrians whose minds are still stuck in 100 years ago understand who is more capable of representing the Germans now.

It's a pity that the French can't be pulled over now. But he is not discouraged, judging from his understanding of Louis Bonaparte. France will confront the Austrians sooner or later, and there must be opportunities for Prussia to gain benefits - it just takes some time, and he can afford to wait.

Once he has found out the information he wants to know, he will no longer ask questions and leisurely pick up the coffee on the table that has gradually cooled down. He diverted the topic without leaving a trace.

At this time, Charles also understood his intention and secretly regretted that his reaction was a bit intense, so that the other party probed.

After all, isn't diplomacy the art of not commenting?

It seems that even if he claims to have some talent for diplomacy, he still lacks calmness in front of those experienced diplomats, and he should continue to practice. The British Foreign Secretary Palmerston held back because he had something to ask of him, but in front of Bismarck, such shortcomings were exposed.

"You are indeed a very talented diplomat." He sighed lightly, then picked up the cup and drank coffee, "Prussia is becoming more and more important in Europe because of a large number of strong men like you."

"Our country has indeed ushered in a gratifying era, but there is still a long way to go to grow to be able to keep pace with countries like France." Bismarck gave an answer that was not just out of modesty, "Your country has gone too far on the sea and has vast colonies that we dare not even think about. I doubt that we will be able to have such a large territory even in 100 years."

In the original history, by 1951, 100 years later. Germany did not even keep its own territory, let alone colonies. The Soviet Union and the Western Allies divided and occupied Germany, and Pomerania and East Prussia, which Bismarck had been thinking about, also fell into the hands of the Poles. The Germans there were driven away, and even Königsberg became Russian territory.

In other parts of East Germany, a large number of Junker landlords were driven away or even shot, and their estates were split up by the Soviet Union and given to local farmers, including the descendants of Mr. Bismarck...

——Charles had to work hard to suppress the urge to tell Bismarck about this as a joke. After all, it was cruel and rude.

"Yes... France has vast colonies, but can't the benefits and wealth that European territories bring be a hundred times more than colonies?" In order to make up for the loss of the previous confrontation, he deliberately made his expression a little sharper, "You just said that your country's ambitions are limited and you only seek a position in Germany - I believe in your sincerity, but isn't that already amazing? Even if Prussia turns the customs union into a close political entity as you advocate, it will greatly change the face of Europe - if not subvert it. And France, by then, I don't think it will be able to stay out of it."

This sudden blow made Bismarck instantly startled. His hand shook slightly, and then he quickly put the coffee back on the table, but some of it was still shaken out and splashed on the table.

"You...you...that's a bit much." He smiled reluctantly.

"Isn't it your consistent position to transform the Customs Union from an economic union into a political alliance, and then into a political entity with Prussia as the main body?" Charles asked in seeming surprise.

Damn it, how does this guy know me so well? Have the French observed Prussia in such detail and penetrated it so deeply? This is really not good news.

Because he was attacked from an unexpected place, Bismarck rarely became nervous, although he remained extremely calm on the surface.

"This is indeed my idea, but I'm afraid you take its significance too seriously... I just hope that the various German states will be more closely connected. You see, this can maximize the connection between the various German states. The degree of closeness reduces the risk of war between them and is more conducive to maintaining peace in Europe..."

"You are right, your idea will definitely be conducive to maintaining peace in Europe." Charles nodded, "However, that kind of peace will be a peace that is not good for France..."

"How is this possible?" Bismarck was shocked again. He quickly denied it.

"How is it impossible?" Charles frowned, "Look, at this moment, Prussia already has 24 million people. Even if Austria is excluded and other German states are added, I will call it ' The Germans in your mind already have 34 to 5 million people, right?"

"Well..." Bismarck wanted to say something, but this time he was stopped by Charles raising his hand. "And now, I can tell you that France only has 35 million people. In other words, since the terrible tragedy of 1618, the total population of the German state has historically been on par with France. Moreover, I Judging from the population growth rate of your country and other German states, it will only be a matter of time before it surpasses France. I don’t know whether you agree with me or not?”

You French people are addicted to pleasure and do not care about procreation. You have become weak and decadent in indulgence. This is your own choice. What's my fault? Bismarck asked in his mind.

"I think... you're right."

"In this case, France's economic advantage is not very reliable, because Germany is also developing. So when the population catches up, as long as it increases the output value of each person to a certain level, then its It is also only a matter of time before the economic strength of France surpasses that of France." Charles looked at the other party quietly, without any emotion in his tone, "And you, judging from your proposition, you definitely want Germany to surpass France in terms of economic strength. More than France, right?"

So there are still such understanding people among the French?

I count you lucky, but I don’t know what you can do?

Bismarck sneered inwardly.

"Every patriot will hope that his country's economy will become more prosperous. It is not our goal to catch up with or surpass anyone. We just want every citizen to live a good life. Just like the French." He gave a cautious answer.

"I can understand your thoughts, so I just said it casually." Charles nodded, "So you see, the Prussians are not as powerless as you said, but are even full of vigor and progress. In this case . Will the pressure you bring to us be less than that of the Austrians? No... I think it is about the same, so I have no way to make my own choice in Germany's internal affairs and can only choose to watch."

"We are full of goodwill towards France and have no historical grudges." Bismarck hurriedly confessed, "Although we had unfortunately fought at war decades ago, we are full of respect for His Majesty the Emperor and have no intention of offending the French. dignity."

"I believe in the goodwill of the Prussians, but didn't you just say that? Peace cannot be built on goodwill, but should be based on a comparison of strength. If the German power you envision exceeds France, then regardless of goodwill or not, it is not the same Does it cast a shadow and pressure on France?"

Read the original text in Liu#9@书/吧!

Ciel asked again.

When he used Bismarck's words to attack the opponent, even Bismarck felt a little overwhelmed.

"You...are you..." He wanted to answer several times, but he couldn't figure out what to say.

Does he want to tell Charles that he does not intend to make Germany as powerful as France, or even more powerful? No, no one can believe that.

Besides, this was his original plan.

He did not expect that today he would meet a French dignitary who believed that Prussia was a greater threat to France than Austria. He also did not expect that this young man would actually know so much about himself, who was still unknown in the European diplomatic community, so There wasn't much preparation beforehand.

"Oh, I'm sorry! Look, where did I go?" Seeing Bismarck looking a little embarrassed, Charles seemed to have come to his senses and smiled apologetically, "I'm like this sometimes. It’s a bit divergent, and I’ve gone off to irrelevant places while chatting. I’m sorry... please forgive me.”

When Charles said this, Bismarck finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"You... you are indeed a little sharp, but you are still young. After all, I am also often outspoken. So I can understand you..."

"That's great. As long as there is mutual understanding, I think it is not difficult to achieve friendship between France and Prussia." Charles also looked relieved.

So, the two of them tacitly changed the topic and talked about other things. The argument just now was intentionally bridged into nothingness.

After talking for a long time, Bismarck said goodbye. "I'm sorry, sir, I'm afraid I have delayed you enough today..."

After repeated attempts to keep him, Charles had to say goodbye to him.

"Mr. Treville, you really gave me a great shock." Before saying goodbye, Bismarck looked at him quite seriously.

"I hope I can leave you a good impression." Charles just smiled slightly.

"I have a very good impression. I now believe that you are a national figure that France will need for many years to come." Bismarck replied immediately, "Likewise, you have convinced me that Franco-Prussian friendship is not only beneficial, but also necessary."

"I feel the same way, Mr. Bismarck. Your country is now thriving, so it is full of vigor. Although it once lagged behind others, it has now stood up proudly and came to the hall of Europe, wanting to fight for its own position... I fully understand your country's desire to expand, so I don't want you to misunderstand me." Charles smiled rather implicitly, "Really, I have a very good impression of Prussia, and I deeply hope that Franco-Prussian friendship can be maintained."

"I assure you that I am a dedicated Francophile who only wants to maintain peaceful coexistence between France and Prussia, and let Germany coexist peacefully with France." Bismarck straightened his waist and took the initiative to extend his hand.

"I also assure you that I am a person who is full of good feelings for German culture and Germans," Charles also shook his hand. "France will obey God's command and live in harmony with her allies."

"Goodbye."

"Goodbye."(~^~)