Chapter 1016: Lord Grenville's Reforms
William Pitt Junior considered his words carefully. "We must still do our best to exert influence on Vienna to bring the war between Prussia and Austria to a swift conclusion. You know that the longer they fight and the greater their losses, the weaker their ability to restrain France becomes."
Grenville turned to his Foreign Secretary. "Mr. Fox, what are your suggestions regarding this?"
"Well... if we can persuade Prussia to relinquish some of its interests in Silesia, I could certainly try my luck in Vienna."
Before the words had fully left his lips, a knock sounded at the door. It was his assistant.
The man entered with light footsteps, handed him a report, and whispered a few words into his ear.
Fox’s expression brightened instantly. He turned to Grenville and exclaimed, "Prime Minister, good news—genuine good news!
"Wallachia has been attacked by Albanians—or perhaps the Ottomans, it's not yet certain. Regardless, western Wallachia is in complete chaos. Even Bucharest has been struck, and the Austrian detachment returning to reinforce the area was ambushed, losing nearly three thousand men.
"The intelligence from two weeks ago indicates that Bucharest is besieged by a mob of over ten thousand. Vienna has diverted twenty-five thousand troops from the northern front, led by General Argenteau, to suppress the uprising in Wallachia."
Grenville’s eyes lit up immediately.
Once the units required to maintain the siege of Liegnitz were accounted for, the force they could commit to an assault on Glogau likely would not exceed thirty thousand.
This essentially meant that Glogau was no longer in any immediate danger of falling.
Under such circumstances, it was highly probable that Vienna would accept mediation.
He quickly instructed Fox, "Depart for Vienna at once. Strive to broker a ceasefire between Prussia and Austria."
"As you wish, Prime Minister."
At that moment, the Prime Minister’s attendant stepped forward and reminded him, "Sir, your speech to Parliament is in twenty minutes. You must depart."
Grenville nodded, donned his coat, took up his hat, and began the walk toward the Palace of Westminster alongside Pitt Junior.
Inside the parliamentary hall, over three hundred members sat in dense rows. They were soon to vote on critical reform issues for the British Empire.
As Grenville appeared in the hall, the members immediately rose to offer their respects.
He began with a brief introduction, then scanned the assembled members and declared in a loud voice:
"I believe everyone is aware that the Empire faces a very difficult situation. It is time for us to make changes to prevent the nation from sliding further into the abyss.
"...Industry is becoming the focal point of competition between nations. While we still maintain an advantage in sectors like steel and textiles, the French are catching up at an alarming speed.
"The secret behind their push for industrial development is the 'Industrial Development Fund.'
"It has allowed them to aggregate the wealth that nobles kept locked away in chests and use it to build a vast number of new factories.
"In Wallonia, they built coal and iron works equivalent to a third of Birmingham’s capacity in less than two years. Twenty percent of that investment came from this development fund.
"Meanwhile, in London, it takes us six months just to raise the funds to expand two shipyards.
"We must have our own 'Development Fund.'
"To this end, the government will allocate one million pounds sterling, the Bank of England will invest 1.2 million, and we will open a public offering for two million..."
The Prime Minister paused before continuing. "Regarding the selection of officials, His Majesty the King has agreed to reduce the number of 'sinecures' by half.
"Furthermore, to improve the competence of our officials, we shall implement rigorous academic examinations as a supplement to party nominations.
"My special advisor and friend, Mr. Pitt, suggests that candidates must pass examinations in subjects such as ancient literature, philosophy, and law from Oxford or Cambridge University before they can hold office.
"Of course, requirements for low-level local officials can be relaxed, but they must still attend these two universities for necessary studies...
"All police officers will be centrally recruited and trained by the Police Bureau, and their salaries will be funded entirely by government allocations...
"We shall establish a 'National Anti-Corruption Bureau,' reporting directly to Parliament, with the power to investigate any official, including the Prime Minister. Upon securing evidence, they may proceed with arrests and bring charges before the High Court..."
Grenville spoke eloquently for over forty minutes, painting a brilliant future for the members.
He was confident in the reform vote.
Although his Whig Party held only a slim majority in Parliament, he had consistently pursued a strategy of unifying the two parties since taking office, making it easy to garner support.
Most of these reform measures were expected to pass without much resistance.
At two in the afternoon, the voting officially began.
Soon, the Speaker began announcing the results item by item: "The 'Government Investment Fund' bill—280 in favor, 31 against... Passed!
"The 'Official Examination System' bill—161 in favor, 148 against, 25 abstentions. Passed!
"The 'Police Reform' bill—240 in favor... Passed!
"The 'Establishment of a National Anti-Corruption Bureau' bill—24 in favor, 301 against, 9 abstentions. Failed..."
...
Vienna.
Talleyrand had just stepped out of his carriage when he saw Marshal Leo waiting to receive him. He immediately broke into a radiant smile. "My old friend, I am delighted you could come to meet me."
The Marshal, however, seemed less than pleased. After a brief greeting, he led Talleyrand toward the legation.
"Good heavens, we were on the verge of victory. Your assessments were entirely correct; the Prussians are utterly fragile..."
"But those damned Ottomans suddenly rushed into Wallachia to cause trouble! Yes, it must be them! I heard the officer commanding the assault on Bucharest was an Ottoman!"
Talleyrand feigned an expression of regret. "They always love to strike when the iron is hot. But things being as they are, perhaps facing reality is the most prudent choice."
Indeed, his mission was to persuade Franz II to abandon the offensive against Prussia.
In truth, Prussia had miraculously and swiftly conscripted thirty thousand new recruits recently. Not only had they reinforced Glogau’s defenses, but they had also taken advantage of the gap left by the Austrian troop withdrawal to Wallachia, slipping several thousand men and supplies into the fortress of Breslau.
Austria would now find it difficult to expand its gains in the short term.
Simultaneously, the Bank of France had used various excuses to suspend loans to Vienna—having only paid out three million francs so far. This meant the Austrian army would soon face a severe shortage of war funds.
Thus, Talleyrand was absolutely certain he could make Austria stop. Prussia would thereby retain the strength to continue its struggle for hegemony in Germany.
Leo continued to grumble, "And those cursed English!
"They actually showed up demanding that His Majesty declare a ceasefire. What business does Silesia have with them?"
Talleyrand started slightly and asked quickly, "You mean the British have come to mediate?"
"Yes, their Foreign Secretary arrived in Vienna two days ago."
Talleyrand narrowed his eyes. Since the British had jumped into the fray on their own, his plan would need some adjustment.
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