Flowers, Swords and France

Charles, who was deep in the continent, certainly didn't know that he had been shot again and became the target of someone's verbal criticism. He is still negotiating with the Habsburg Emperor on that crucial issue - or , according to the mentor's words, playing a conspiracy.

Through his vague hints, Emperor Franz-Josef roughly understood that a British-French military operation against Russia might be inevitable, but he was still hesitant about what role his empire should play. .

However, this hesitation certainly does not come from gratitude to Russia, but from lack of confidence in one's own strength.

Charles did not intend to inject much confidence into him. Anyway, from his point of view, it did not matter whether Austria participated or not in the anti-Russian alliance. There was no need for him to force Austria to express its stance, which would instead destroy the goodwill he had finally gained.

"I am very happy that you can respect our cherishment of peace." After a long silence, the young emperor finally spoke, "And I also respect you and M. Bonaparte very much. I am happy to see him restore his family The prestige of the past. I think... Mr. Bonaparte will not reject our kindness, right?"

"Mr. Bonaparte welcomes the goodwill of any country, and he sincerely hopes that he can help each country get the benefits and respect it deserves." Charles immediately vouched for Bonaparte - although he knew that this was definitely a lie. "In addition, I have a great honor to inform you that Mr. Bonaparte will be crowned emperor at the end of the year and become the orthodox master of France. I think Austria will also welcome this, right?"

"Of course, we will applaud and cheer for this!" Before the emperor could speak, Count von Bosainstein spoke, "Monarchy is the greatest system and it is also necessary to defend European civilization. We I admire Mr. Bonaparte’s efforts and achievements in destroying a republic, but I regret that he did not do it faster.”

He spoke preemptively so as not to embarrass his emperor. After all, the emperor really disliked and looked down on Bonaparte.

Charles said that Bonaparte respected Austria. The count said that the emperor welcomed Bonaparte as emperor. This was of course not true, but in diplomatic situations, people must also say some insincere words with the greatest sincerity. This is also a need.

However, Charles did not respond to the count's words, and continued to look at the emperor, waiting for him to express his position.

The emperor leaned unnaturally, obviously feeling uncomfortable.

This is indeed an ordeal. This young emperor. He has not yet developed the kind of calmness that makes him calm, and he is not yet able to say a lot of things against his will. It is indeed a bit difficult for him to say personally, "I admire Louis Bonaparte very much and sincerely wish him success." Make it difficult for him.

But Ciel just wanted to embarrass the emperor, which was both a demonstration and a bad taste.

"I think M. Bonaparte is indeed an ideal successor to his uncle." After a moment, the emperor said it with a straight face, as if chanting a sutra, "If he is willing, we can regard him as our dear Brother. However, I hope he can do better than his uncle and not pursue such a goal that is too detached from the world, but live in harmony with everyone."

"Thank you for your warning, Your Majesty. I will convey it to Mr. Bonaparte one by one." Charles smiled and bowed slightly towards the emperor. "I think he would also value your warning."

The emperor lowered his gaze and gave him a stern look, obviously still resenting his persecution.

"We already know how Mr. Bonaparte will appear on the stage. And how he will declare his strength and majesty." The count continued the topic just now, "So, how will this declaration be displayed? What do you think is the most worrying problem in Europe today?

This is the most direct test. They want to find out how Britain and France intend to teach Russia a lesson and where they will teach it.

"In essence, I think that as long as the major powers are calm, recognize each other's status, and respect their respective monarchs, then there are no problems that cannot be solved in Europe now," even though they know that these people have been hooked. Charles was still unhurried, "We have the greatest good intentions, and we don't intend to vent our anger to anyone - but of course, if some people insist on going their own way and ignore our verbal warnings, we will also We can only find another way.”

"In other words, if some countries continue to expand in the current direction, they will have to bear the wrath of France themselves?" The Earl immediately heard Charles's hint. "Will France choose to confront certain countries when they clearly cross the line?"

"I can't assert this. All I can make is a guarantee: we act with camera, we will not move as long as others do not move, and we will not engage in conspiracy." Charles spread his hands, "This principle is firm Yes, and it’s upright.”

Although these words from Treville's mouth seemed shameless and untrustworthy, the emperor and the earl did not mean to laugh at him.

The situation is already clear. France and Britain are both preparing for war, and if Russia commits some cross-border behavior again, the two countries will unite to stop it by force - that is to say, the next time the Russians engage in war with their neighbors, Victory in the war will be its death knell.

If they don't move, then there may be room for improvement, but it should be very small.

Sure enough, the most terrifying rumors in the diplomatic community were proven. War is indeed imminent, and it is very likely to break out on Austria's doorstep - because Russia's current expansion focus is on the Balkan Peninsula, and there are signs that they have a new conflict with the Turks. War will break out again.

If that moment does come, how will Austria deal with it? Both of them fell into deep thought, and for a while the room fell into a strange silence.

Ciel, on the other hand, remained very calm, picked up the cup and continued to drink coffee.

Literally speaking, he said nothing, so he does not need to bear any responsibility for his remarks. Everything is the Austrian people's own thinking and play, and no one can say that he is conspiring to incite something.

In practical terms, he has put the threat of force on the table, not only to intimidate Russia, but also to intimidate Austria. He has long felt that if he wants to remain friendly with a country, showing respect and goodwill is not enough. You also need to show intimidation and strength - because everyone recognizes this.

As for what Austria should do next, this painful decision is certainly not easy to make, and he does not expect the emperor and count to make any decisions now, but he is sure. He has used the terrifying strength of France and Britain as a guarantee, frightened both of them well, established France's current national status, and at the same time established his own position in the diplomatic community.

"The decisiveness of you and Mr. Bonaparte is really admirable. I sincerely wish him and your career all the best." Because I felt the pressure from Charles. The emperor frowned slightly, "But as a friend, I must remind you that being obsessed with force is a taboo. We must learn from the lessons of history. If anyone pursues the oppression of all Europe, he will have to reap the consequences."

"On this point, I think our opinions are quite different from yours, Your Majesty. A glorious career requires decision and action. Once we start doing it, we will do it seriously and we will do it to the end." Charles smiled slightly at first. Then he clenched his fist and waved it casually, "We are the descendants of the emperor. The emperor is a complete action man. He does a lot and talks little. What he wants is immediate glory and he stops taking action immediately. He does it every time, so he gets a huge amount of glory.”

When he mentioned this, Charles keenly noticed that the expressions of the emperor and the earl changed slightly. There was a mixture of embarrassment and depression in his expression. He looked solemn on the surface, but he was almost laughing in his heart.

After Emperor Napoleon launched a coup in 1799 and assumed the first power, he led his army into Italy in 1800. Then he defeated Austria in the Battle of Marengo, thus consolidating his power. After he proclaimed himself emperor in 1804, he led his army into Austria in the autumn of 1805. This made the Austrian country even worse, occupied Vienna, and then forced the Austrian emperor to sue for peace after his victory in the Battle of the Three Emperors. This has also reached the pinnacle of glory.

So when he talked about "immediate glory", it was tantamount to teasing the Austrians in person. No wonder they were embarrassed all of a sudden.

With a strange sense of pleasure, he calmly drank the coffee in the cup, then suddenly stood up and stretched out his hand to the seated Emperor Franz-Josef.

Read the original text in Liu#9@书/吧!

"Of course, Your Majesty, I very much agree with your other point of view. So... we have no intention of pursuing oppression of all Europe. On the contrary, we have incomparable goodwill towards all people and all countries. We have put peace and prosperity as well as the national "I hope that we can join hands with Austria to get this honor."

He looked down at the emperor condescendingly, his smile warm and contagious. Under such bright eyes, the blond, thin young man in front of him seemed to be unable to bear the pressure and looked away.

However, Ciel's hand was still placed in front of him without moving.

Your country no longer has enough strength and you need help from others, so are you really willing to throw away the goodwill of a pro-Austrian like me?

He knows what the other party will choose.

Emperor Franz-Josef blushed slightly, then raised his hand, shook it reluctantly, and shook it gently a few times. This kind of handshake, which was like a dragonfly's water, did not show much enthusiasm, but it seemed a little warm. Ridiculous - but of course the count next to him wouldn't laugh.

After holding it for a moment, Ciel smiled and let go.

However, although he looked very calm on the outside, he was very excited inside.

Because he knew that perhaps it was at this moment, after the inaction of the July Dynasty and the tumult of the Second Republic, that France finally restored its original prestige thanks to Louis Bonaparte and his efforts. , once again made the major European countries worried and fearful - although this kind of authority is not reliable and actually has great hidden worries, authority is always authority, and his words have an effect on the entire European stage.

And this... will be just the beginning.

These kings and emperors are nothing more than that. I was chatting and laughing with one, frightened the other, and was about to put the other into a rat trap to strangle him to death.

Come on, come on, there are a few of them, I can handle them all. I just like the way you hate me but are helpless.

"It's getting late. I think we should go back. The ball is about to start." The emperor said with a helpless look. "Mr. Treville, I heard that you don't like to participate in social activities in France. I hope that today's court ball will satisfy you."

"I will definitely be very satisfied, Your Majesty." Charles answered without hesitation and sincerely, "From what I saw just now, the women in Austria are much more lovely than those in Paris. Although ours are beautifully dressed, they are always a bit vulgar."

"Then you can have fun." The emperor smiled reluctantly and didn't take his polite words too seriously. (~^~)