With the outbreak of war between the French and Russian empires, the temporary calm of Europe after the ebb of the revolutionary wave of 1848 finally disappeared, and although the two countries were at war in the most marginal part of eastern Europe, the energy of the two empires still shook the whole continent, and after the British also entered the war, the old world was even more turbulent. Pen ~ fun ~ pavilion www.biquge.info

The nations of the European continent were silent in the thick clouds, pondering the best policy for their own countries in the present situation, and they were watching the war closely. Some people are restless and just want to save themselves in the midst of the storm. Others have a scheming heart and want to take advantage of the war between the most powerful nations and have no time to worry about it. Others, on the other hand, are much more hesitant, looking at the fork in the road ahead with doubt, feeling that it is difficult to advance or retreat, and they simply do not know what to do.

Austria is one such country.

On one of the hottest evenings of the middle of summer, Richard von Metternich, now secretary of the Austrian Embassy, hurried to the house of His Excellency Chancellor Treville, where he wanted to get a new bellwether of the French attitude.

Although he himself was not sure that the French would be in Austria's favour, and knew that His Excellency the Chancellor of Tréville would not necessarily be sincere with him, he was compelled to seek new advice here.

"Richard!" As soon as he arrived in Charles's study, His Excellency greeted him with great enthusiasm and took his hand. "Glad to see you again."

Richard, however, was less enthusiastic, he just smiled formulaically, then bowed to Charles, and let go of his hand without a trace. "It's a pleasure to see you again, Your Excellency."

"Hey, don't see the outside!" Richard's cold performance made Charles smile bitterly, "Please take a seat." ”

Richard's expression was a little embarrassed, or a little faintly dissatisfied with Charles, but it was easy to understand that Charles had previously invited the Austrian Emperor to visit France through him, and Richard thought that this was an excellent way and opportunity to expand Franco-Austrian friendship, so he also rushed back to China, and then with the help of his family's influence, he finally single-handedly contributed to the matter.

However, to his surprise, although the two emperors had a good conversation at first, and the French hospitality to the Austrian emperor was very hospitable and grand, at the end of the visit, the French suddenly issued an ultimatum to the Russian Empire, demanding that the Russians immediately stop attacking Turkey, which of course Russia refused, and the two countries entered a state of war. At this time, the situation of the Austrian emperor was very embarrassing, and it was difficult not to think that he, who was in Paris, did not make a statement on this matter.

Because of this, Emperor Franz-Joseph had to awkwardly end his visit to France early, and he also vented his anger on Richard and the people who supported his visit, only because he was still concerned about his relations with France, so he did not punish them.

It is conceivable that Richard was also severely reprimanded at this time, and after that turmoil, Charles finally appeased Richard and allowed the friendship between the two to continue, but the previous turmoil still cast a shadow on the relationship between the two people, and Richard von Metternich no longer fully believed in Charles's enthusiasm, he already had some doubts about Charles's words, and did not dare to pin his hopes entirely on his promises.

However, even so, he understood that Austria now needed the help of France, and only France could make it secure between Russia, which had fallen out, and Prussia, which had already fallen out, and Prussia, which had evil intentions, and only France was the greatest help for Austria to maintain its position within Germany, so he had to continue to be friendly with the Charles, even if he complained.

Of course, this helpless mentality is completely different from the previous one, and Charles still hopes to give him some encouragement, so that his friend can continue to cheer up and redevote himself to the glorious cause of Franco-Austrian friendship.

And the core of this glorious career is actually easy to find.

That's the common enemy.

As long as there is a common enemy, it is possible for even enemies who despise and hate each other to suddenly stand together, as has been the case on the continent countless times, and the Charles is to create a situation in which Austria will continue to stand with him, even if it is disgruntled.

"I came here today to congratulate you on the orders of His Majesty the Emperor." As soon as he sat down, Richard immediately got to the point, "We are glad to see that the combined forces of France and England have the upper hand in the battle with the Russians, and it is a blessing for Europe, and your efforts have saved us from the fear of being dominated by the Slavs...... I am convinced that as long as the Russians learn this lesson, they will remember it for a long time, at least for a generation, and will never dare to stir up trouble in Europe again. ”

"If this is such a great undertaking, when will Austria be involved? We welcome an additional ally. Charles asked with a slight sneer, knowing of course that Austria would not dare to declare war directly on Russia.

"We are already involved in the confrontation with the Russians." Richard grimaced, apparently remembering the unpleasant experiences that had preceded him, "It was under our ultimatum that the Russians withdrew from the Balkans and no longer sought domination over Wallachia. ”

Just before, after a long period of hesitation, Austria finally made up its mind and chose to take sides between the Anglo-French alliance, and then issued an ultimatum to the Russians, demanding that Russia stop its invasion of the Balkans and guarantee the integrity of the two principalities of Moldova and Wallachia.

Of course, they did not think about Britain and France, and they had no interest in preserving Turkey, but they did it only because Austria was also interested in encroaching on the Turks' lands, and although these two principalities had not yet fallen into their hands, they had already regarded them as forbidden and could not bear the influence of others, and it was naturally normal for them to be able to oppress the Russians by the might of the Anglo-French alliance at this time.

The Russians were already in a very tight situation, and of course they had no interest in adding another difficult opponent to themselves, so although they were very angry and angry at the revenge of Austria's generals, after weighing it for a long time, they still chose to listen to the Austrians, and then withdrew their troops that had penetrated deep into Turkish territory, and prepared to rely on the Danube to continue the confrontation with the Anglo-French forces.

With the retreat of the Russians, the war suddenly calmed down, and the nations were given a new respite, some prepared to use it to prepare new sacrifices to the Grim Reaper, while others, seeing in it a good opportunity to play a diplomatic machia, were bent on making a difference, and the capitals of Europe became more active than ever.

"Richard, as I told you, the Russians could not resist in the face of the Anglo-French alliance, and you have seen the progress of the war today, when our army and navy entered the Black Sea, they suffered successive defeats! Now that they have abandoned their original aggressive ambitions, I don't think they will forget that lesson, at least for a short time. Charles replied with a smile, and there was always some boasting between his words.

"So, will the Anglo-French alliance continue to fight the Russians?" Richard asked cautiously.

"Yes, and it will be soon." Charles replied at once, "Don't worry, my friend, we will fight the Russians to the end, unless they agree to all our demands—"

"I hope you're telling the truth......" replied Richard in disbelief.

Now that Austria has chosen to turn against the Russians, then of course it is hoped that the Anglo-French alliance will beat the Russians as badly as possible, and it is better to let it not breathe for a generation, otherwise, if they cease the war like this, then Austria will have to face the pressure of the Russians alone.

"Richard, believe me, I won't joke about this kind of thing, you can report it to the country." Charles couldn't help but smile wryly.

"I can't tell...... You might just be telling me a lie. Richard also smiled bitterly, and there was more complaint in his tone, "Just like last time, you have embarrassed me for a month, and I almost don't know how to explain it to my father!" ”

After hearing his complaint, Charles breathed a sigh of relief, if the other party has been stuffy in his heart, then the relationship between the two people will be difficult to make up, since he is willing to complain, then there is a chance to mend it.

"Hey...... I was wrong last time, but, Richard, you can understand me, I'm embarrassed too! Charles seems to have a little more self-reproach, of course, this is only pretending, "As a diplomat, I think you pay more attention to the result than the process, you look at the result...... Isn't it ideal? Your homeland has bid farewell to the hateful Slavs and is connected to the civilized world of Western Europe, which is a good thing for Austria. ”

"But this will only make Your Majesty angry!" Richard couldn't help but interrupt him, "You have deceived us and put our Majesty in an embarrassing situation, which has embarrassed us and caused permanent damage to the relationship between the two countries!" ”

"No, I don't see it that way." Charles smiled and shook his head, "You should know His Majesty the Emperor, right?" If we tell the whole truth, then he will hesitate and let the precious opportunity be missed, and in the end nothing will be accomplished. Considering how young he is...... That's really all we can do. I'm sorry I kept you hidden, but I think it's good for you, because then you won't have to be charged with bullying...... You're just being lied to just like your majesty. ”

This made Richard speechless for a moment.

"So, I have to thank you? Thank you for making me scolded in Vienna? He asked with a strange look.

Charles was indeed not wrong, compared to his own emperor being deceived, he was even more angry that even he was deceived by Charles, and his enthusiasm and friendship were betrayed, which was indeed a very important blow to a young man like him.

In this sense, Charles taught the young diplomat a lesson.

"There's no need to thank me, I'm just telling you that we need to look at things from a positive perspective." Charles was still smiling, "Richard, I know you may not understand me now, but I think you'll forgive me for this little mistake over time." Because my purpose is, after all, to promote friendship between the two countries...... Moreover, I have steadfastly pushed France on this path. ”

What Charles didn't make clear was that Austria had already been pushed by him, but Richard could certainly hear the subtext, and he knew that there really wasn't much more to go in Austria right now.

Because, the enemy, who is even more sinister than the French, is now also aggressive.

"Well, the past is over after all, and we can only look forward...... While I'm sure you'll try to deceive us, I think there are reasons for our two countries to continue to stand together. After a few moments, Richard sighed. That's right, as you said, there are still too many places where our two countries have the same interests. ”

Seeing that the other party finally temporarily abandoned the anger after being deceived last time, Charles also secretly breathed a sigh of relief in his heart.

The last time he did that, he had achieved his goal, but he had also offended the Austrians severely, and now it was time to prepare to repair relations with them, but fortunately it was not a particularly difficult thing to do, because the Austrians had too many things to ask for.

"And what do you want from me?" He leaned back slightly in his chair, looking much more relaxed.

"I'll be honest with you, we were very afraid that the Prussians would stab us in the back." Richard no longer hid it, and said to Charles, "There seems to be some commotion among the Prussians lately, and there has been a great deal of movement of troops, and we have heard some rumors that General Mandolfil is ...... It seems possible to engage in some kind of military deterrence or military adventure, and one of their imaginary enemies could be Russia, it could be France, and of course it could be us...... They have become a new destabilizing factor in Europe, and they want to take advantage of the current situation to take some kind of risk. ”

The general Mandolfer in his mouth was Otto von Mandolfel, who is now the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Prussia, and he has always been a rightist, extremely royalist, and also very tough on foreign affairs, bent on winning a more favorable international position for Prussia.

Since the outbreak of the war between the Anglo-French and the Russians, there has suddenly been a power vacuum in Europe, and the most powerful powers have suddenly been unable to intervene in the problems of the continent with the same intensity as they had been, and the Prussians have seen an opportunity in it, and they will of course think that this may be an opportunity for Prussia to strengthen itself even more.

However, their goal was also clear, that is, to gain dominance of Germany, and the main step was naturally to exclude the Austrians. Richard's so-called "it could be Russia, it could be France" was, of course, only a foreshadowing of pressure on the Austrians.

"The Prussians should know the power of the Anglo-French union, they will not do anything to France, and if they dare to do it to us now, it will be even better, we and the British will be happy to settle one more opponent." Charles pretended not to hear what the other party was saying, and just followed, "It would be better if they dared to do something to the Russians!" We would be happy to add a respectable ally in order to form an even greater advantage over the Russians. ”

"You're right, we don't worry about the Prussians taking risks. However, if they do take the risk, they will at least disrupt the current order in Europe, make it more difficult for everyone, and allow the Russians to get out of it. Richard's face was a little embarrassed, he knew that Charles was trying to force him to say the truth, and he could only say it. They are concentrating the corps in Galicia, which only complicates the situation in Europe, doesn't it? ”

According to the information obtained by the Austrians in Prussia, the Prussians were indeed engaged in some kind of military build-up at present, and there was an internal debate among them, and these forces were massed in Galicia.

Galicia was their border between Russia and Austria, so it could be used against the Russians and, of course, against the Austrians, who had no illusions about it.

It was precisely because of the fear that the Prussians would suddenly make a risky move at this critical juncture, take advantage of the fact that Britain, France and Russia could not interfere with the Austrians, and finally dominate Germany, that the Austrians had to give up their anger against the Charles and the French, and returned to try to repair France.

It was clear that after the war with the Russians, the only ones who could help the Austrians out of the shadow of Prussia were the French.

"That doesn't sound very optimistic." The smile on Charles' face disappeared, "Will the Prussians really take risks?" ”

"We can't be sure if they're going to take a risk." Richard replied, "All we have to do is to make them dare not take risks—Charles, this requires your help, and since you keep saying that you love Austria, you should take a stand on such matters." And if France had taken a clear position, I don't think the Prussians would have dared to go mad. ”

With that, he stared at Charles as if to gauge the man's thoughts.

"I can make such assurances." Without any hesitation, Charles replied categorically, "We must not allow the risk of the collapse of the existing order on the continent, and the Prussians must keep quiet, and if they take an adventure against Austria, then we will undoubtedly be on Austria's side." ”

"Is this your guarantee?" Richard was overjoyed, but still asked.

"I think I can make such a promise on behalf of His Majesty the Emperor and the French government." After a moment of silence he replied, "I will make it clear to the Prussians if necessary." ”

"Even if it...... Even in the face of that Mr. Bismarck? Richard pressed again, and he must have heard his bottom clearly, "Charles, let me tell you clearly, you can perfunctory us Austrians on other matters, but this is not the time to play duplicity. ”

"Mr. Bismarck? What do you mean? Charles was slightly surprised.

"According to the information we have received, His Majesty the King of Prussia is about to appoint his representative in Frankfurt as ambassador to France." Richard replied rather solemnly, "It is conceivable that he must have been full of ambition and was bent on drawing France over to the side of the Prussians......"

This is a bit surprising.

Charles thought about the history he knew, in which Bismarck did become minister to France, but only in 1862, and after only a few months in office, he was transferred back to China as prime minister, and from then on embarked on the glorious path of his life.

Could it be that this is also because of the changes brought about by his own crossing and development? It should be.

Did I change the life of a great man? It should be.

Charles suddenly had a "Why don't I think I'm so good?" "Feelings.

"Sir?" Seeing Charles suddenly fall into this strange state, Richard could not help but ask worriedly, what he feared most was that the French would choose Prussia between Austria and Prussia, and that would be a great disaster for Austria.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to change my mind because of someone." Charles, who came back to his senses, became serious again, and had an inexplicable euphoria, "No matter who is a lobbyist, no matter what happens!" If Prussia tries to coerce your country by force, I will let France stop them by force! ”

"Are you serious?" This sudden promise was so wonderful that Richard couldn't believe it was true.

"Exactly." Charles replied without question, and then, he stood up, and then stared directly into the other's eyes, "Richard...... My friend, you can see it now, right? Whatever method I have used, whether it be coercion or deception or anything else, my aim is only to preserve the friendship between our two countries and to promote the formation of a great Catholic alliance, and I am glad to have you to help me in this great cause. It is a pity that something unpleasant happened before, but I will go down this path steadfastly, and I will never tolerate Prussia, a contemptible Protestant country, a country full of malice against Austria, it will be a disaster for Germany and a disaster for Europe, and France will be duty-bound, she will personally solve this disaster, and I will not change this, no matter who speaks to us! ”

"Really...... That would be great. Richard was also touched.

He wasn't sure if the other party was telling the truth, but he was willing to say that, which was already a statement.

"Sir, if you are able to do this, then whatever else you do, you will still be one of the greatest friends of our country, and I ask you to understand the weight of my words." After a moment of silence, he finally spoke, "It will be my best friend too." ”

"So, friend, let's go have a drink." Charles made an inviting gesture.