Flowers, Swords and France

"Thank you for your compliment, Your Highness." Charles thanked Prince Metternich again. "Because my heart is full of respect for you, as you said, I can talk to you in the most honest manner. I will not use hypocritical words to decorate my appearance. Anyway, a seasoned person like you is very It’s easy to see through.”

Although he said so on the surface, he certainly would not believe that just a few words would shock someone like Metternich and put him in a favorable position. Therefore, no matter how much the other party praised him, he could only treat him as It's not true, and it's not as "completely sincere" as it says.

This attitude of enthusiasm but implicit distance is essential for diplomats.

While the prince looked at Charles enthusiastically, he waved to his son Richard and motioned for him to sit down too.

"Mr. Treville, before you took office, you considered yourself a pro-Austrian. Now you have left such a deep impression on all European countries. Even my son talks to me about your friendship with Austria. I have to It's very gratifying to say this." He looked at Ciel again, but his expression became serious. Come, "However, after all, I have been doing this for too many years, so I regard unexpected kindness as well as unexpected malice, and I cannot be moved by it. I think there is a basic principle that when In international affairs, interests are more important than goodwill, and goodwill is more important than words. Do you agree with me? "

Charles did not expect that this veteran diplomat would be so rude to him when he met him. He vaguely assumed the posture of a senior diplomat giving advice to his juniors. However, for the sake of politeness, he did not intend to talk to him. This old man competes for momentum - after all, they have fallen to this point now, and there are only past events left to reminisce about, so why should I compete with a waning old man?

"You're right, absolutely right." He immediately nodded in agreement.

"Sir, you are very young. Young people will have some passions. There will also be some emotional impulses. I don't think this is a bad thing. I was like this when I was young. However, we cannot treat foreign affairs as personal affairs. There is no such thing here. There's not much room for emotion," the prince continued. "Then, I would like to ask, is your good impression of Austria based on love in your heart, or is it based on real interests?"

This question is somewhat acute. But Ciel was not unable to cope with it.

"Which one do you want me to be?" He started with a sample essay.

"Both are good things. After all, friendship is more pleasant than enmity." Prince Metternich shrugged, "But we all know that the former is noble but difficult to last, and the latter is vulgar but very reliable - in comparison , I prefer the latter, because a stable relationship between big countries must be based on a solid bond of interests. If you rely on goodwill to come together impulsively, then when the goodwill fades, the relationship will break down just around the corner. ”

"My enthusiasm for Austria comes from both enthusiasm and practical interest considerations. In fact, I think this is not contradictory." Charles spread his hands, "I think, as far as I am concerned, in fact, respect Unlike the Puritan Britain, the Protestant Prussia, and the Orthodox Russia, among the major European countries, we are the only truly Catholic country. We should cherish each other and not work independently so that the reputation of God is declining day by day. …”

Everyone knew that he was not a person with religious enthusiasm, but he still said it so seriously, as if he really took religion seriously. Of course, this kind of rhetoric could not impress Metternich.

"I very much appreciate your enthusiasm for God. Like you, I also feel painfully that if you want to maintain a true Catholic world, you need the major Catholic countries to join hands." Metternich quietly agreed with his words. , "Of course - this idea of ​​mine has been misunderstood and has not received adequate response. This is indeed a great regret."

"Similarly. France and your country have always been old European powers. Although we had some regrettable fierce struggles a long time ago, I think that at least now the interests of the two countries are consistent and they also hope to maintain "

"This is a correct consideration, Mr. Treville. I even think that if the current leaders in France thought like you, then all the difficulties we are facing now would be much easier." Prince Metternich smiled again "However, with all due respect, European countries have a lot of doubts about today's France. Everyone is afraid of France - well, I mean some people in France will have some too dangerous ideas, and this kind of Dangerous ideas will become an obstacle to your friendship with other countries.”

"There are indeed some people in France, especially soldiers, who are making dangerous noises, but this does not endanger Europe, nor will it damage the relationship between the two countries." Charles immediately asserted, "In fact, neither Bonaparte nor Bonaparte Neither Mr. nor I want to use too radical methods to interact with other countries. The lessons of the past are too profound, and any serious and rational person will be daunted by the abyss."

"In other words, you really don't intend to disrupt the order in Europe?" Prince Metternich immediately asked, "So - is the 'France is about to use force to deal with Russia' a rumor that I heard?"

"No, it's not a rumor. I'm telling you the truth, it's true." Charles suddenly interrupted, "And I can assure you that such a war will happen soon, although not tomorrow."

"What?" Prince Metternich suddenly opened his eyes wide, obviously very surprised.

He was not surprised that France wanted to fight with the Russians - this matter had spread throughout the diplomatic circles of Europe, people were talking about it everywhere, and everyone thought it was imminent - what he was really surprised about was Charles's indifference. Unreserved candor.

He received a report from his son Richard on how Charles dealt with Emperor Franz-Josef, who expertly mastered the essence of diplomatic language, saying everything but admitting nothing. He didn't expect that Treville would be so honest in front of him.

"Your Highness, what I'm telling you is confidential. I hope you can keep it secret for me so as not to stir up unnecessary controversy elsewhere." Seeing the other party's shocked look. Ciel couldn't help but laugh.

"Oh, of course, I will keep it secret for you. You trust me by being so honest with me, and I will not betray this trust. Besides, I have retired and don't want to make waves in the diplomatic community anymore." Mette Nie quickly came to her senses, and then nodded immediately, "You can speak freely here. I promise not to leak a word to the outside world."

"That's great, thank you." Charles still smiled, "I've been talking for too long, and it's good to finally have a place to rest."

"I'm glad that I can listen to your true words." Although he still didn't quite understand the purpose of Charles's sudden frankness, Prince Metternich had already cheered up. "In other words, you recognize that France and Russia A war might be imminent, right?"

"Yes, indeed."

"Since you were involved in a war with European powers when you first came to power, how can you make people believe in your enthusiasm to defend the existing order in Europe?" Prince Metternich asked sharply, "I think This seems to be a difficult thing?”

"If someone sees the defense of Europe as doing nothing, just like in the past, then he probably cannot believe our sincerity, but..." Charles suddenly raised his head, and then increased his volume, "On the contrary, in Now, what is needed to defend the European order is action! And take action immediately! The people who are destroying the order now are not us, but another group of people who are full of desire to invade and have occupied an unspeakably vast land. We must protect the rest. Europe fights not to be eroded by them.”

Charles's sudden outburst surprised Prince Metternich. He looked at his son and frowned.

"In other words, do you think launching a war against Russia is a positive action to maintain the existing order in Europe?"

"There is no European order anymore, Your Highness." Charles replied calmly, "Look. Who still respects the order decades ago? Everyone wants to expand their own power, and big countries are everywhere. We just do what everyone else does, it's a must emergency measures. Now that the European order has been shattered, we, every responsible big country, should stand up and use our courage and strength to seek a new stable order for Europe and let peace return to everyone. Among major countries, this is truly effective action.”

Such straightforward words made the prince's face paler, because he heard the hidden meaning. “Are you saying that your goal is to re-establish a more positive European order?”

"You asked me to tell the truth, then I will tell the truth once and for all. The Vienna system you built is already shaky, and many people do not regret it. On the contrary, they are very excited about it, eager to try, and want to be in a In the new era, they seek personal gain for their country. They are ambitious and have endless desires. If they do not use the strongest will and the most If you stop it with firm determination, everything will be out of control and all your previous efforts will be in vain. It is with your thoughts that we want to restore a satisfactory and sustainable situation. In other words, we have inherited your ideas and actions - so this does not deviate from our original intention. "

Prince Metternich's expression became even weirder.

The young man in front of him described using force against Russia as a necessary action to maintain European order, and even described it as 'inheriting and developing his own ideas.' He had to admit that he had never seen such a shameless person before.

Read the original text in Liu#9@书/吧!

He is really capable.

The prince suddenly felt a long-lost vitality unique to young people from this proud young man.

This young man said that the Vienna system he had worked so hard to build had collapsed. Although it was hard to hear this, he had to admit the reality.

"I understand, you want to construct a new European order?"

"An order that adheres to your ideas and allows every big country to be in a reasonable position instead of allowing a certain country to be unscrupulous. I believe that this kind of order is exactly what you need, and it is also the Europe you want to see. Isn't it?" Charles asked confidently, "Your efforts need someone to inherit them, and France has the strength and I am willing to inherit your spirit and efforts."

"I am very touched by this statement." After a long silence, the prince spoke again, "So, you hope that Austria will also join in your efforts to rebuild a new order in Europe?"

"I believe this is beneficial to Austria and it should join." Charles nodded, agreeing with the other party's understanding. "We can all see that Austria is facing too many challenges now and cannot stay in the past. . In this era of rapid change, if Austria does not make some innovative changes, then They will be the first to bear the brunt of the changes in the times. These ambitious countries that want to obtain a higher status outside the Vienna System will look for every opportunity they can take advantage of, and at some point, they will...maybe they will take Austria. As a victim. Your Highness, I hope you will not regard my words as alarmist."

Prince Metternich was silent again. He knew that what Charles said was not unreasonable. Among the major powers in Europe, Austria was currently at a disadvantage. It was only a little better than Prussia, but it occupied too much land and wealth. Everyone was dissatisfied. Any big country would want to take a few bites from it to increase its own strength.

"To a certain extent, I admit that what you said makes sense." After another moment, he nodded dejectedly, "We do face too many risks, so we do need to actively defend ourselves. action."

After a moment, as if he felt that what he said was too explicit, he immediately changed his tone, "Of course, our country is still strong enough to dispel all those with evil intentions who covet us. All that is needed is active participation. Just to maintain a stable European order.”

"In my opinion, our ideas are naturally consistent." Ciel laughed again.

Just when the prince wanted to say something, footsteps suddenly sounded outside, and then Richard got up and opened the door.

After a few words with his wife, he returned immediately and gave a brief explanation.

"Mr. Bismarck is already here." (~^~)