Holy Roman Empire

At this time, Martic, the representative of Austria, also sneered: "Mr. Cavour, you seem to have something to say. It seems that your government is really trying to provoke a war between France and Austria at all costs!"

Cavour hastily explained: "Your Excellency, this is a misunderstanding. We absolutely do not mean to provoke the relationship between the two countries."

Even though he also wanted to provoke a French-Austrian war, he absolutely couldn't say that.As long as you don't get caught doing it in secret, everything is easy to talk about. Once the matter is exposed to the bright side, it will be over.

Seeing that the momentum was wrong, Thomas couldn't save the field.I have already greeted Cavour's family in my heart, even if it is to provoke the relationship between the two countries, it cannot be done so clearly.

The assassination case this time is very obvious, no matter how much you blame the Austrians, you can't blame the Austrians. Even if you change the subject, you can't stimulate the Austrians!

The great powers have no one to bully, and their revenge is definitely enough for the Sardinian government to drink a pot.

"Okay, things have already happened, there is no need to talk about these irrelevant issues, let's talk about compensation directly!"

Auvergne sneered and said, "Mr. Thomas, it's better to open up the issue first. Don't worry about the issue of compensation. Today we are here to punish the murderer, not for compensation."

Martic cooperated: "We must not have any appeasement for an evil organization that is committed to disrupting the balance of Europe and provoking war."

Thomas was taken aback for a moment, and then asked back, "Your Excellency, what do you mean by starting a war?"

Martic said solemnly: "Just a few days ago, our Vienna police arrested several assassins who wanted to assassinate His Majesty Franz, and these assassins happened to be members of the organization.

By the way, they also joined the French nationality.The purpose is to provoke the conflict between France and Austria and break the Vienna system in order to realize the ambition of the Kingdom of Sardinia to annex Italy.

Of course, maybe not just to annex Italy, their slogan is to rebuild the Roman Empire. "

After hearing this explanation, everyone's expressions changed drastically, and they looked at Cavour differently.I've seen someone who is deadly, but I've never seen someone who can make such a fuss.

Thomas asked in disbelief: "Your Excellency Martic, are these true?"

Martic took out a document and said: "Of course, this is the information from China, everyone can read it.

There are detailed investigation results above, and you can verify the identities of these people.This assassination and the assassination in Paris were planned by the same gang.

According to the investigation, these people have been lurking in Vienna for more than half a year, and it is the Sardinian government that provides them with financial sponsorship. "

Hearing the news, Prime Minister Cavour almost fainted.They all got it on the table and said that it is obviously conclusive evidence.Even if it's not [-]% authentic, it's a high imitation.

In particular, accusing the Sardinian government of financing the assassination is simply killing people.This charge has been confirmed, needless to say, the Kingdom of Sardinia is doomed.

At this time, Cavour regretted it very much.If he knew that there were such talents in the Charcoal Burning Party, he would not let the government provide them with financial support no matter what.

Although this organization is contributing to the unification of the Italian region, its ability to cause trouble is really terrifying.

Assassinate the emperors of France and Austria, provoke a war between the two countries, and then unify the Italian region.Such a genius idea is really beyond the reach of ordinary people.

Even if you dare to think about it, normal people don't dare to implement it.Once there is the slightest mistake, it will kill people.

Now it's good, both sides were caught and one was caught.Cavour now understands why the Vienna government's position has suddenly changed, and anyone who encounters such a thing will retaliate.

If the message is received in advance, they can also find a way to solve it.Now he was caught off guard, and he was not given a chance to act at all.

After briefly looking at the funds, Thomas directly chose to shut up.To intervene at this time, one must first be prepared to meet the anger of France and Austria. Obviously, the London government is not well prepared for this.

If the French and Austrian countries mistakenly believe that the assassination was instigated by them, that will be the real big trouble.

At present, the overall strength of the four major European countries is balanced, and no country can fight against two with one. Everyone must be cautious in diplomacy.

Even if the Russians won the Near East War, it would be Russia and Austria VS Britain and France. If the Russians singled out Britain and France, the final result would still be the same as in history.

Ivanov, the Russian representative who has been playing soy sauce, suddenly said: "In view of the current complicated situation, the Sardinian government has been involved in the assassination case, and it is unrealistic to rely on them to arrest the murderer.

I suggest that you form a joint investigation team to temporarily take over the Kingdom of Sardinia, conduct a comprehensive investigation, and wipe out this evil organization. "

Thomas's eyes lit up, it was a good idea.International co-management is also better than letting France and Austria divide it up. As for the investigation of the murderer, it is just incidental.

He is also very interested in this possible behind-the-scenes mastermind. If such audacious masters are not caught, Thomas is also worried that one day they will come too.

Thomas followed suit and said: "The Marquis Ivanov is right. The evil organization has decided not to relax. If they don't catch them all, the peace of Europe will be threatened at any time."

The representatives of various countries present were all smart people, and soon discovered the benefits of the joint investigation team, and naturally responded one after another.

As for the attitude of the Sardinian government, it is no longer important.Cavour thought of something, but hesitated to speak.At this time, the joint investigation team was rejected, and the Franco-Austrian coalition forces were about to be welcomed.

Although the Vienna government had no interest in the Kingdom of Sardinia, Cavour didn't know it and missed the last chance to preserve his sovereignty in vain.

France and Austria are the only ones who have not made a statement. Martic has an indifferent attitude and leaves the opportunity for performance to Auvergne.

"It is easy for the joint investigation team to enter the Kingdom of Sardinia, but considering the role played by the Sardinian government in this incident, we have reason to believe that they will destroy, destroy evidence, and even kill people.

In order to conduct the investigation smoothly, it is imperative to send troops into the Kingdom of Sardinia to cooperate with the investigation team.

As the biggest victimized country, the French government is willing to send [-] troops into the Kingdom of Sardinia to ensure the smooth progress of the investigation. "

Seeing the poor picture dagger, it is easy to ask God to send God away.Once the French army entered the Kingdom of Sardinia, it was not so simple to get them to leave.

Martic said very face-saving: "We have no objection, unless this evil organization is eradicated, the peace of the European continent will always be threatened.

The Austrian government is willing to send [-] troops into the Kingdom of Sardinia to cooperate with the investigation team to eradicate this evil organization. "

One sent [-] troops, and the other sent [-] troops. With such a disparity, a fool would know the attitudes of France and Austria.

If it is to carve up the Kingdom of Sardinia, it is impossible for Austria to send out such a small number of soldiers. Obviously this means that the Vienna government has no interest in the Kingdom of Sardinia.

Everyone's eyes turned to Auvergne, [-] French troops were almost enough to occupy the Kingdom of Sardinia. If it was not for the purpose of annexing the Kingdom of Sardinia, no one would believe it.

Thomas objected: "Mr. Auvergne, you have sent too many troops. You don't need that many troops just to ensure the smooth progress of the investigation.

Besides, there are so many countries in our country, how can you let your family take all the obligations?

Let's do this, our English government sent [-] troops to cooperate with the investigation team to ensure the stability of the Kingdom of Sardinia. "

It's not that Thomas doesn't want to send more troops, but that the London government can't produce more troops now.Even if it is available, it is useless. Sending troops costs money.

The French were to annex the Kingdom of Sardinia, and no matter how many troops they sent, they would recover the cost in the future. They sent troops this time to do volunteer work, fulfill their international responsibilities, and check and balance the French by the way.

Then it became lively, and all countries responded to you with one hundred and I with two hundred, and all countries added up to [-] peacekeeping troops.

It fully demonstrated the spirit of internationalism. As for the issue of balancing France, everyone saved the opportunity for the British to perform.

The scalp tingled from being stared at, Auvergne made a concession and directly reduced the number of troops sent by [-], but the final result was still the same.

In addition to the 1000 people promised by the Russians at the end, the coalition forces of various countries barely made up [-] people. It is impossible to check and balance the French.

Everyone refused to contribute, and Thomas was powerless.

This time the troops were sent to battle with their own dry food. Apart from gaining international reputation and gaining a sense of presence, there was no profit at all.

If military checks and balances cannot be achieved, then we should rely on political and diplomatic checks and balances. Thomas immediately made a decision-to make use of strengths and avoid weaknesses.

Chapter 50 The Class That Cannot Fall

Seeing the two resignation letters in his hand, Franz could only sigh helplessly.

Time is not forgiving, and it cannot be changed by manpower.

Marshal Radkis is 91 years old, and at this time in history, he has received a lunch box.In fact, it is almost fast now. Although he is the chief of the general staff in name, he actually retired three years ago.

Anyway, the chief of the general staff only held high positions during the war. In peacetime, he mainly formulated strategies and did not have many specific affairs. Franz retained the position of old marshal.

Obviously, Marshal Radesky didn't want to dawdle, and when he found that he couldn't hold on, he handed in his resignation to Franz every now and then.

The words are getting more and more fierce, and if you don't agree with him, you will be in a hurry to take office.After hesitating for a while, Franz reluctantly approved his resignation.

If Marshal Radesky's resignation made him more emotionally uncomfortable, then Metternich's resignation really caused him a headache.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs is not an empty title, it is one of the three important positions that can keep pace with the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Metternich is also 85 years old. At this age, he obviously can't hold on.Now most of the affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are managed by the deputy, and he only intervenes in important affairs.

Two years ago, Franz gave him special approval to set working hours and work locations at will, and he does not need to report when he is on vacation.

After sighing for a while, Franz had to accept the resignation of the two veteran ministers.Perhaps not two, but three, and Archduke Louis was about to leave.

Franz was sure that as long as Metternich left, he would not stay.People in their [-]s and political opponents who have been fighting for decades have all left, so why stay?

This person's ability cannot be compared with the previous two, he can only be regarded as average, even a little mediocre.But when Franz provoked the conflict between the bourgeoisie and the aristocracy, this was his supporter.

There are many political issues that cannot be seen on the surface. At the beginning, Grand Duke Louis took the blame for Franz.For this reason, he also sacrificed a son in the Vienna Rebellion.

Regardless of ability, people's loyalty is still high enough.Over the years, he has aroused the hatred of the capitalists for Franz, and unswervingly led the aristocratic group to suppress the bourgeoisie.

Without them, it is estimated that domestic capitalists would not be so honest.Among other things, the Labor Protection Law will not be enforced, child laborers will not be able to return to school, and domestic class conflicts will not be suppressed.

There is no way, the first thing to govern the country is balance.In the era of rapid economic development, the power of the bourgeoisie naturally expanded rapidly.If there were no restraints, these people would have already made the country a mess.

The accumulation of primitive capital is bloody. These people are still in the profit-seeking stage, and they don't care about their names before and after their lives.

In order to ensure domestic stability, Franz had to add chains to them.

And this chain also needs someone to implement it. The executor cannot be the emperor, and the conservatives act as the knife.

The effect is also quite obvious. After the restriction, the capitalists know that the sky is high and the earth is thick, and the food looks a little better.

Franz would not listen to their nonsense about rising labor costs and weakening market competitiveness. In fact, most of these are used to fool people.

Speaking of labor costs, why not compare it with British and French counterparts?As a major exporter of agricultural products, the cost of living in Austria is lower than that of Britain and France.

It is clearly illegal for the purpose of making huge profits, but it is said to be caused by market competition.If you want to advocate high labor costs, you have to compare them to know.

In this era, Britain and France are qualified to compare with Austria, and these two still have advantages over Austria.

If the labor cost is compared with Mao Xiong, then there is definitely nothing to say.People's factories are using free serfs, can't we go back in history?

Franz can responsibly say that the investment industry is still in its golden stage in this era, and companies with a gross profit of less than 30.00% are the ones that can be eliminated.

Even if the profit increases tenfold, the capitalists will still feel that the profit is low.Franz has a deep understanding of this, and he also feels that the rate of return for mining gold is low!

The biggest negative teaching materials are Britain and France. After the second industrial revolution broke out, their industrial production fell behind.

The reason for falling behind is not because of technology, nor because of the market.The practical reason is very dumbfounding. Why work hard when you can make money while lying down?

Anyway, they have cheaper raw materials and a rich market, and they can make money without technological innovation.

In terms of benefits, the replacement of mechanical equipment also requires investment.But in the ever-changing era, the speed of updating machinery and equipment is so fast, they simply don't change it in order to maximize their profits.

On the contrary, the German Empire, which had higher labor costs and raw material costs, was forced to promote technological innovation due to brutal competition in the market, as long as new technologies could allow them to survive.

Over time, Britain and France, which had an absolute advantage, were overtaken just like that.

If there is no pressure to survive, Franz is very suspicious that Austria will follow in the footsteps of Britain and France. Once everyone develops this bad habit, it will be difficult to correct it.

Even in order to have cheaper labor, these people will promote some weird policies, and they have no concept of national interests in their heads.

Not only to guard against the corruption of capitalists, but also to guard against the corruption of nobles.People are all the same, once there is no pressure, it is easy to degenerate.

For Franz, the depravity of the aristocracy was more terrifying than the depravity of the capitalists.This is the foundation of his rule. Once there is a problem with this class, the rule will be unstable.

These talents are really tied to the emperor, and their roots are in Austria, and the cost of betrayal is quite high.It is impossible to learn from capitalists. As long as you see a greater benefit, you will betray if you say betrayal.

The current overseas colonial movement and the domestic civil service examination system have provoked conflicts between the aristocracy and the bourgeoisie. In fact, these are all putting pressure on the aristocracy.

Let them know that if they don't work hard today, they will be replaced by others tomorrow.Facing the cruel reality, many aristocrats who were on the verge of bankruptcy or had already become bankrupt became the vanguard of colonization.

In order not to degenerate the domestic elite, Franz was also worried.Many policies are carried out around this issue.

……

The subsequent personnel adjustments gave Franz another headache.

The position of Chief of the General Staff is the best position. There are many candidates and there are many qualified people.

Anyway, in the later stage, the competition is national strength. When the overall national strength rises, directly relying on strength to crush the opponent is the most reliable strategy and tactics.

The successor of the foreign minister has also been cultivated. Although the ability is not as good as that of Metternich, it is also higher than the average level of all countries.

In essence, diplomacy is also based on national strength.A weak country has no diplomacy. If it has no strength, no matter how powerful a diplomat is, it will be useless.

On the contrary, the Secretary of the Interior is even more troublesome.For the sake of domestic political balance, this person must be born in a conservative faction, have certain abilities, be able to convince everyone, and be able to act according to Franz's will.

There are a lot of people who meet one of the conditions alone, and there are not many people who can meet all the conditions in the entire Vienna government.

Chapter 51 Personnel Adjustment

The Paris conference, because of Austria's disruption, caused the Kingdom of Sardinia to lose its bargaining capital and ended at a lightning-fast speed, which is very rare in the history of diplomacy.

The showy Frenchman has once again become the focus of public opinion.The Kingdom of Sardinia has not yet swallowed it, and the French threat theory has once again aroused everyone's attention.

This little problem naturally did not attract the attention of the Paris government.The French threat theory has lasted for decades instead of a day or two, and everyone is numb to it.

Let's just say it, anyway, it won't lose a piece of meat.At this time, the French were still celebrating this diplomatic victory.

Franz can only be attributed to the Italian complex of the French, just like the Swiss complex of the Habsburg dynasty, always wanting to annex these regions.

In his view, apart from emotional benefits, these areas can actually obtain very limited benefits.