Flowers, Swords and France

"We are determined to help you and weaken the Russian position morally. I believe that morality is a very important asset that will prevent the Russians from going their own way."

Although Richard von Metternich spoke righteously and seemed to be very serious, Charles couldn't help laughing. It is always strange to hear the word morality spoken by Habsburg ministers themselves.

"In other words, the only moral support we can get from the Austrians is moral support?" Because he was suppressing laughter, his voice had become a little weird, "With all due respect, such an approach It cannot satisfy France no matter what, and I think the British will never be satisfied either.”

Although this reply was expected, Richard was still a little disappointed. "Char, I know this seems a bit... negative, but please understand us. After all, you are not bordering Russia and Russia is right next to us, and they did help us a lot before... From our standpoint, although we are indeed very dissatisfied with their behavior, it is really difficult to break with them.”

"I understand Austria's difficulties, but I don't think this is a reason for you to use this to prevaricate France." Charles's expression became a little stern, "If Austria doesn't want to provoke Russia, fine, we understand, and we won't Intervention; but the current situation is that the Austrians want us to help them resist the Russians, and they also want to watch from the sidelines - undoubtedly this attitude will be very difficult to accept. "

Then, he couldn't help laughing again, "Moral power? Very good, we also like morality. Morality is the greatest force to maintain a better life for mankind, but can we resist the Russians with morality?"

"I admit that some of your accusations are reasonable, and we are very sorry for it, but please don't be so excited." Because what Charles said was a bit unpleasant, Richard's face also became ugly, "We also I know that your country and the British will not be very satisfied with this, but too many accusations will not harmonize our positions. I think we should discuss it calmly!"

His words were a protest against Charles's attitude, but they also left room to express that he did not want to quarrel with Charles. More importantly, he also hinted that Austria could relax a little from its stand-off position in order to negotiate with Charles. coordinate the positions of Britain and France.

Of course, Ciel would not let go of his hint.

"I'm sorry, I was a little excited just now. After all, you brought unpleasant news." Charles smiled slightly, and then asked the other party bluntly, "Then, please tell me, the most the Austrian Empire can do for How far do we go?"

Judging from Richard's words, Charles understood that it was impossible for the Austrians to join the war. Although they wanted to contain the Russians, they did not dare to break with the Russians. However, this did not surprise him. In the original On the world line, the Austrians also adopted this stance.

The reason why he seemed disappointed and angry was mainly to beat the Austrians and let them know that they had a lot of expectations for the Austrians, and by the way, he also used this method to extort some personal benefits from them.

"It is true that we cannot participate in the war against Russia." As if he was afraid that Charles would have any unrealistic expectations, Richard emphasized again, "But we can favor Britain and France in public opinion. , and at the same time use Austria’s strength as a guarantee to ask the Russians to adapt to the current situation, cancel their dangerous actions, and end their military adventures.”

"In other words, Austria will still issue an ultimatum to the Russians, asking them to withdraw their troops that entered the Danube River Basin?" Charles asked, "If the Russians do not obey, then you will join in the action to stop Russia by force. What’s the use of this ultimatum if you’re not prepared to join?”

"Under certain circumstances, with reference to the specific situation at that time, maybe we will indeed take action." Richard smiled reluctantly and said a rather classic diplomatic rhetoric.

It seems to be guaranteed, but in fact there is no guarantee. It leaves room for the future, but it is enough to make people full of hope.

Charles understood that the Austrians were still being cunning at this moment, because they were not sure what the outcome of the next war would be, so even if they were determined to contain the Russians, they were not willing to get involved immediately; Let's wait and see whether the Russians have the upper hand or the lower hand.

If the Russians gain the upper hand, these promises will be invalidated, and the Austrians will pretend to be nothing. If the Russians gain the upper hand, then the Austrian threat will be enough to become the straw that breaks the camel's back. The Russians have to weigh the dire consequences of continuing to confront Europe, which should lead to victory without a fight.

Although this is still essentially waiting and watching, it is indeed much better than watching from the beginning to the end. As long as Britain and France gain an advantage, the Austrians will join in and perform an anti-Russian chorus together.

"Well, since this is the consideration for returning to the country, we can't force it. I will ask your Majesty to consider Austria's difficulties and enthusiasm." Charles's stern expression finally relaxed slightly, "Of course, I can't guarantee it. He will definitely like this opinion.”

"That's not all we can do." Richard said quickly, "We also have a plan - we want to unite with Prussia and maintain armed neutrality against Russia, so that they cannot interfere in any of your actions. "

At this time, he was a little complacent, because it was the common idea of ​​Prince Metternich and a group of Austrian diplomats to maintain armed neutrality with Prussia. Doing so can, on the one hand, reflect the coordinated stance of the German states and increase Austria's value in front of Britain and France. On the other hand, it can also sell well to Britain and France. After all, he can claim that he has helped Britain and France win over the Russian allies. , so that they only have to face one enemy.

"The Prussians have always been pro-Russian. This shouldn't be an easy thing for you to do." Sure enough, just as he expected, when he suddenly made this request, Charles's attitude suddenly changed. He had to be more gentle, "Are you sure?"

"At present, we have just started testing, and we cannot guarantee that it will work." Richard replied cautiously, "But my father believes that it is very likely to be realized, because although the Prussians are pro-Russian, they are not idiots. , they don’t want to be like this with Britain and France In addition, we will also show off our strength to prevent the Prussians from taking any rash actions. Therefore, once the war begins, we will communicate with Prussia on relevant matters, and we are quite sure that we can hold Prussia and us back. Let’s arm ourselves and be neutral…”

"This is really good." Charles nodded rarely, agreeing with the other party's view, "I think if this can be done, it will indeed be a great contribution of the Austrians to our alliance... In my opinion Look, your proposal is very satisfactory to His Majesty."

"If that's the case, that would be great." Richard nodded again and again, thinking that he had finally repaired the rift with the other party. "My friend, now you know our difficulties and thoughts, right? I I know that you are the minister of France and you must put the national interests first, but I think... speaking a few kind words for us and promoting the coordination of our positions with Britain and France will not harm your principles, but will only To your personal benefit…”

"As long as it is beneficial to the country, I will do it without hesitation even if it requires taking the risk of my life. I will never consider personal fortune, honor or disgrace." Charles's expression immediately changed. Be serious, "I only have passion for the country in my heart."

"You are so admirable, Charles!" Richard looked seriously and turned his gaze to look at the clock next to him. "When I went to Italy for our honeymoon with my wife, we once passed a manor on the border. Right at the foot of the Alps, the scenery is amazing, you can see the snow-capped mountains, and you can also grow the most beautiful flowers. Moreover, the environment there is very quiet, and there will definitely not be any idle people who would be bored and meddle there... It would be great if I could go and see it with you sometime..."

"I'm really sorry, your description made me fascinated, but I am a minister of the empire, and I have to deal with too many things every day..." Charles shook his head regretfully.

"Charle, there is no need to work so hard on yourself." Seeing Charles's refusal, Richard quickly advised him, "While serving the country, people should also pursue personal comfort. I don't think this is a contradiction. behavior, because a person can only serve the country more devotedly when he is comfortable, Isn't it? Think of Talleyrand, he and we, well... traveled a lot, but he still served the interests of France loyally and was admired by many people, and I think you can be the same. For the sake of France and Austria, perhaps we do need closer ties."

"At such a point in time, it is not good for me to do this." Charles still shook his head.

Just when Richard was a little anxious and was about to persuade him again, Charles suddenly changed the subject. "How about my sister go take a look one day instead of me? She likes scenery and likes art."

"Hmm... um... of course, no problem!" Richard agreed after being stunned for a moment.

Anyway, this manor is a gift from the Austrian royal family to Charles de Treville. As long as it can be given away, it doesn't matter whether it is in his or his sister's name.

"My friend, I really appreciate your kindness to me..." After accepting such a valuable gift, Charles' attitude became more cordial. He suddenly came over and patted Richard. shoulder, "So I have a few words, can you please listen to them?"

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"Please tell me, Charles!" Richard quickly cheered up and asked.

"In fact, I know your difficulties, and I can understand this approach. After all, you have too many difficulties. It's good to be able to do this. No one can ask too much of you." Charles lowered his voice, " But, my friend, do you think the Russians can understand you? In their position, they may not forgive you so easily."

"This..." Richard hesitated.

"I think this is easy to understand, because when some people encounter a strong enemy, they tend to hate those friends who don't help them." Charles said slowly, "They hate friends who are unwilling to help them because the enemy is sometimes too powerful and too terrible, and they dare not keep hating, and those friends can just become the target of their anger-and your country, I think it will face this risk. After all, as you said, we are thousands of miles away from Russia, and you are close at hand."

"This... is indeed possible." Richard's face became even uglier, but he still remained calm, "But we Austrians are confident in facing this situation."

Charles was not surprised that Richard did not accept it now, of course he had patience. "Friend, remember what I said, the Russians are greedy and have to eat every friend up, but the French are different. They are willing to treat their friends well and help you maintain the empire-"

"We can maintain the empire ourselves." Richard raised his head and answered word by word, "Of course, we also value the friendship of the French."

"Maybe." Charles smiled. "But, east or west, sooner or later the Austrians will have to choose a side. Even if you don't choose now, this will come sooner or later, and I don't think it will be too far away."

Charles pointed out this fact to him, and also to remind him that it is much better to rely on the support of France than to surrender to Russia. Richard certainly heard it, but he didn't quite agree with it now.

At this point in time, Austria has indeed not gotten rid of the inertia of history. It still believes that the Habsburg Empire is an outstanding great power with complete freedom of action. Although it has experienced many failures before, it is still inviolable, so they think they can offend Russia.

But this historical illusion is destined to disappear. This empire, which is destined to become exhausted in the surging nationalist trend in the second half of the 19th century, will sooner or later face the situation of finding a great power to rely on.

In the unspeakable silence, time passed by minute by minute. After a while, Richard, who had been pondering, finally couldn't help it.

He decided to get straight to the point and ask a question he hadn't thought of asking before, "Am I to understand that the French, including His Majesty the Emperor, have no ill will towards Austria's Italian territories?"

This question is a bit embarrassing, Charles thought.