Flowers, Swords and France

"You can be armed and neutral, but you must express your position. This is the opinion of us and the British! Please accept it!" Although Charles was very polite in terms of words, at this time he had stood up proudly and spoke without flinching. Looking at Emperor Franz-Josef, it is obvious that this is not a request sentence, but clearly contains the meaning of "you'd better do this".

It was precisely because of Charles's attitude that Emperor Franz-Josef looked at Charles with anger. He was a prince when he was born, and he had been the emperor of the Austrian Empire for several years. He was always praised by others with trepidation. , obey his orders carefully, where have you ever been treated like this?

He turned pale with rage, and Charles believed that if he had the power, he would drag himself out and hang himself.

But it is a pity that he does not have this ability. On the contrary, he is asking for it now, and Charles also made it very clear - this is the common opinion of Britain and France. No one in Europe or even the world can understand it now. This opinion is ignored.

Moreover, he said this intentionally. He wanted to make His Majesty the Emperor angry in person, give him an unforgettable memory, and let him know his energy.

Because he knew that Franz Joseph was definitely not an impulsive person. On the contrary, he could always face reality calmly and pragmatically.

In the original history, he was defeated by Prussia in 1866, bid farewell to Germany, and watched Prussia become the master of Germany. However, after that, he immediately moved closer to Prussia after the end of the Franco-Prussian War, and became To secure a staunch ally of Prussia against the Russians - Charles could not have given the emperor more embarrassment than the Prussians had given him in history.

It can be seen that His Majesty the Emperor will never be ignorant of flexibility. On the contrary, he will succumb to pressure. He will choose to listen to the words of a more powerful person. And Charles is now trying to cultivate this impression in His Majesty the Emperor's mind.

After this suffocating and embarrassing silence lasted for a long time, Charles finally showed his smile again. He easily spread his hands and made a gesture of reconciliation, "Your Majesty, I am very We understand your current mood, but due to various considerations, we have to do this, and we ask for your understanding.”

His Majesty the Emperor did not speak, but looked at him coldly, obviously still resentful in his heart, and seemed to disdain to say anything more to him.

However, even His Majesty the Emperor knows that under the current situation, since Britain and France have coordinated their actions, it will be difficult for him to change anything.

Moreover, now that he has offended the Russians anyway, even if he is very angry with the French, Bonaparte and Treville, he can only endure it for the time being. He cannot offend everyone at once. Light.

The feeling of being tricked once was indeed very uncomfortable, but he could only endure it for the time being.

"Admittedly, it may make you feel a little abrupt that we made such a move without telling you in advance, but I have to tell you that this is the best move for you." Charles continued calmly. , "Sometimes good medicine tastes bitter, but we can't stop drinking it just because it tastes bitter. What do you think?"

These shameless words made His Majesty the Emperor laugh in anger.

"Mr. Treville, I have to say that you have been winning for a while and you have done a very good job. So if I were you, I would be secretly happy and enjoy the joy of victory." The young emperor looked at it coldly. Charles, "But as a well-bred nobleman, I do not think that I will continue to be arrogant, complacent, and laugh at other people's embarrassments, because this will bring me an enemy, an enemy who will always remember all this!" "

Although he said harsh words, Charles was very happy in his heart, because he knew that His Majesty the Emperor said this, which was tantamount to admitting that he had acquiesced to reality and just dropped a few words to show off - and speaking harsh words itself was It proves that His Majesty the Emperor has nothing to do with himself.

"Sorry, Your Majesty, I think I didn't explain it clearly enough to you, so you may have misunderstood me." Charles still smiled, "As a member of the Treville family, of course I know what demeanor is. , what is respect, I also like to do things in moderation. ”

"It's a pity that you have tarnished such a good name." His Majesty the Emperor replied coldly.

At this time, he had completely restored his original reserve and indifference, as if nothing had happened, but this kind of ridicule was inevitable.

"But this is not the time to talk about grace! We are completely considering the overall situation." Charles completely ignored the emperor's sarcasm and continued. "You have now seen that Britain and France are determined to fight to defend Europe and civilization. In such a fight, they have no regard for friendship. We need everyone to express their position so that we can understand Who should be friendly and who should attack, and you, as the emperor of a big country, we would rather know your opinion. If we are fighting to the death to defend Europe, you choose to be ambiguous for some personal considerations. Hidden behind the scenes, maybe we politicians can understand your difficulties, but this will deeply hurt your image among the people of the two countries. They are bound to ask - our children are dying to defend Austria, why is Austria not? Indifferent? It is difficult for us to answer this question, and if public opinion turns against Austria because of this anger, then even if the politicians of our two countries want to continue to be friendly with Austria, they will have many concerns. "

Charles said while looking at His Majesty Franz Joseph's face, calmly and confidently, "So, we think that it is the best solution for you to express your position as soon as possible. There is no doubt that you will lose the friendship of the Russians, but you can gain our respect and the people of both countries The respect of the people, you can get friendship from Britain and France, which I think is more precious than the friendship of the Russians. After all, the Russians can only give others massacre, disaster, terror and blood, while these two countries can give All you need to prosper a country.”

It was certainly not easy to say that such a deal was done for his own good without telling him, but Ciel had no intention of convincing the other party. He just wanted the other party to act according to his own wishes.

"I can tell the Russians that we will continue to maintain our original policy of neutrality and will not join the ranks of those who are enemies of them." His Majesty the Emperor still replied very forcefully, but he immediately relaxed, "However, I also We really look forward to the friendship of the British and French peoples - Austria is willing to wait for peace and to build this peace with the people of any friendly country."

"You can say anything to the Russians. This is your right. We must not interfere." Charles showed no mercy. "However, you should have discovered by now that there is no way to please you." Everyone, you already have to choose a side. If you continue to do what you are doing, it is a move that will never be appreciated by either of our countries because they have already done so. Your visit has convinced me that you are on our side, but is there any benefit in doing so? Your neutrality is helping the Russians, but the Russians will definitely be angry with your neutrality, and in the end they will still hate you for this neutrality. What can it get you? Can’t you see that there is actually not much left for Austria to do now, and I am one of the people who can best help Austria!”

These words were merciless and could almost be regarded as a face-to-face rebuke to His Majesty the Emperor for trying to have both sides. Emperor Franz-Josef frowned, depressed and painful.

It is true that as Charles said, he can indeed tell the truth to the Russians and at the same time prove that he has no malicious intentions, but what is the point? Things have come to this point, and the Russians will never like to sit on the sidelines and figure things out. And Britain and France will also chafe at their own capriciousness.

In this case, it is better to simply choose sides. In any case, it is much more comfortable to be friends with Britain and France than to be friends with the Russians. As for the kindness of the Russians in saving his empire in 1848... If not What kind of emperor would you be if you were ungrateful?

After carefully weighing and considering, His Majesty Franz-Josef finally judged the current situation, and then had to admit that he really didn't have much way to go now.

However, the only thing he didn't want to do was submit in front of this young man.

"Thank you for your reminder. Austria will make choices based on its own interests and continue to have goodwill towards every country." He said to Charles coldly.

After saying that, he immediately stood up and planned to leave, because staying here for one more second made him feel uncomfortable.

"Your Majesty, please do not throw away our goodwill under any circumstances." However, just as he was about to leave, Charles spoke again, "I have just said that the Russians can only give you terror. The French, on the other hand, can give you something else, especially What can make a country prosperous today? Of course, it is industry and commerce, and the French can provide you with capital and technology to help your country develop industry and commerce as soon as possible. Make you forget your anger?"

This question stopped His Majesty the Emperor.

Nowadays, industrialization is in the ascendant across the entire European continent. All European countries have seen the wealth that can be accumulated by developing industrial and commerce. Although so-called industrialization is a very big problem for Franz Joseph and even the aristocratic groups around him. A vague concept, but this does not prevent them from hoping to develop industry and commerce.

However, some things cannot be obtained just by wanting them. If you want to develop industry, human resources, resources, markets, capital, technology and other factors are indispensable. It can be said that Austria is not lacking in the first three elements, but the latter two are quite weak, although it has begun preliminary industrialization. process, but the progress is quite slow.

And both Britain and France have these two elements.

If they are willing to generously provide some help... then at least the humiliation suffered today will not be a big deal.

His Majesty looked at Charles in doubt, not knowing whether this was his personal idea or whether he was representing the Emperor of the French Empire.

"Because of my position, I know many industrialists and French bankers. Some of them have received my favor, and some admire you very much, so they are willing to work for the friendship between the two countries so that you can make the country prosperous as soon as possible." Charles laughed again, but this time there was no sharpness in his tone just now, "Your Majesty, I ask you not to let our good intentions go to waste..."

His Majesty's originally stern expression slowly relaxed. He hesitated for a moment, as if he wanted to make a choice between face and benefits, but he quickly walked back to his original seat and sat back.

The original text is in Liu # 9 @Book/Bar!

"Can you explain it to me in detail?"

"Of course, Your Majesty." Charles nodded.

…………………………

Just as Charles was receiving the wrath of the Austrian Emperor in his own home, St. Petersburg, thousands of miles away, was experiencing the same violent storm.

Because it was several time zones ahead of Paris, it was already afternoon. The sky in St. Petersburg had become very dark, and dark clouds covered the earth gloomily, as if foreshadowing the coming of a storm.

In the Imperial Ministry of Foreign Affairs in St. Petersburg, His Excellency Karl-Robert-Nesselrodie, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Empire, looked at Mr. de Vier, the French Ambassador opposite, with an expression as gloomy as the weather.

He was born in Germany in 1780. At this time, he was over 70 years old and had already become old and frail. His gray hair and thin body made him look awe-inspiring, and the medal on his chest clearly declared the owner's status.

Since the middle of the Romanov dynasty, the Empire's diplomatic affairs have been handed over to these professional diplomats from Germany, and these diplomats have been assisting the Empire in maneuvering on the European continent and expanding its territory throughout the world with their skills and ruthlessness.

This old diplomat, who has served the Empire for half a century, has now become the Empire's Foreign Minister, that is, the Chief Minister, and the most trusted minister of the Empire's Tsar. His Majesty the Tsar also made him a count, making him a real imperial noble.

Logically speaking, he has trained himself to be extremely patient and calm in his career for so many years, but at this time, his original demeanor and calmness have been thrown away, and anger has crawled all over his face, making him almost uncontrollable.

Because, just now, the ambassador came directly to his official residence to ask for an audience with him, and then handed him an ultimatum.

Putting aside the numerous complicated diplomatic rhetoric, this ultimatum is very clear - it declares that the French Empire cannot sit idly by and watch the Russian Empire undermine the previous agreement and European peace, and demands that the Russians immediately stop their military operations against Turkey and withdraw the troops that have already invaded Romania as quickly as possible.

The ultimatum ends by saying that if the Russian Empire does not act in accordance with this request, then the French Empire will have to use force to defend European peace.

"Is this your ultimatum?" After a moment of patience, the minister could no longer suppress his anger and shouted at the ambassador opposite him, "How could you do such a shameless thing?"

"Sir, we believe this is a necessary move to save European peace and civilization." Compared to the minister's anger, the ambassador was much calmer, "I'm sorry, I may have brought you unpleasant news, but after careful consideration by our government, we believe it is necessary to take such decisive action to defend the interests of France and Europe."

The ambassador, dressed in formal attire, stood calmly in front of the minister, calm and elegant, with that almost eternal indifference, which was the signal of a breakup.

"Absurd!" The Minister interrupted the ambassador. "Going to war against Christians for the sake of pagans is a betrayal of God! You will suffer the consequences!"

"For us, France is God itself, sir." The ambassador remained calm and was not moved by the minister's roar. "According to the regulations of our government, you need to give me an answer before nine o'clock tonight."

"I can give you an answer now. Please tell your bandit emperor." The Minister looked at the ambassador coldly, and then slammed the ultimatum on the table. The sharp and stern diplomat demeanor of many years was now visible. "Russia will serve its national interests with a decisive attitude. It will not succumb to the threats of any country! I have seen the end of Emperor Napoleon, and I can witness the end of another one! Go and get your passports. I hope to see you in Paris next time!"

"Well, I am sorry, sir. I have to announce that from 9 o'clock in the evening, my country and your country will enter a state of war, sir." The ambassador bowed and left the room.