Chapter 1270: A Carrot Must Be Followed by a Big Stick
Afterward, both Hesse-Rheinfels and Hesse-Marburg died out without heirs.
The two remaining branches, vying for these territories, plunged into brutal warfare, forging a deep-seated enmity.
Louis X naturally dreamed of eliminating his kinsman, but when he looked at Viscount Flavien, his eyes were full of hesitation. "But, you see, our ancestor passed away over two centuries ago..."
Flavien's tone was resolute. "Yet you still possess the right to personally unite all the Hessian territories."
"But..."
"William IX's army was almost entirely taken away by the British. According to our intelligence, there are currently fewer than 600 soldiers within Kassel," Flavien stated, following the Crown Prince's instructions. "If you make up your mind, you could restore Hesse to the borders of His Majesty Philip I within half a month.
"You have always been our closest partner, and Darmstadt is the only North German state to have joined the Seine-Rhine Trade Agreement. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince will offer you his utmost support."
Louis X's breathing quickened.
Flavien glanced at him and continued, "In fact, a shipment of weapons is already waiting at Mainz port and can reach Giessen within two days.
Giessen was the core city in northern Hesse-Darmstadt. If an attack on Kassel were launched, the troops would certainly depart from there.
"If you still feel uncertain, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince said he could provide you with a 'staff team' to assist your commanders. Oh, and this includes Colonel Marmont."
Louis X murmured, "But what if other countries raise objections..."
Flavien smiled faintly. "General Lefebvre is currently in northern Hanover. He believes that everyone will offer their heartfelt congratulations on Hesse's unification."
The French army had indeed fully withdrawn from North Germany, but Hanover, as a spoil of war seized by France from Britain, naturally required soldiers to guard it. This was not considered a threat to the North German states.
Louis X's gaze finally hardened. He took a deep breath and declared, "Thank you, Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince!
"Please convey to His Highness that the Hessian people will forever remember his selfless aid and will always stand steadfastly with France!"
France had arranged everything, from weapons and officers to international diplomacy. In such a situation, even a troop of apes could easily defeat Hesse-Kassel, let alone Darmstadt, which had consistently deployed troops along its northern border.
Yes, the unification of the Hessian family was Joseph's "big stick" to show the North German states.
Hesse-Kassel had provided the most troops to the Coalition Forces among the North German states, second only to Prussia, during this war. Joseph had long intended to make it an example.
And William IX's constant provocations over the past two days had only solidified his resolve.
Of course, the Archbishop of Cologne, who had also been quite defiant, wouldn't escape either.
However, Cologne, as a highly influential major power in North Germany, lacked a ready-made opponent like 'Darmstadt versus Kassel,' making it difficult to suppress directly.
Furthermore, the Habsburg family had cultivated influence here for over a century, establishing a comprehensive network of interests. For instance, while the Archbishop of Cologne seemingly was elected by the great nobles, the ultimately chosen individual was always designated by the House of Habsburg.
For this reason, Joseph, Talleyrand, and others engaged in lengthy discussions.
"...Meanwhile, the dioceses of Paderborn and Osnabrück differ from the Münster diocese," Talleyrand explained in detail to the Crown Prince about Cologne's political structure. "They are secondary dioceses, managed by two Archbishops respectively: Franz Egon and Frederick August."
"Theoretically, these are two independent dioceses, but they are subject to Archbishop Maximilian's 'guidance'."
Maximilian was the Archbishop of Cologne.
Talleyrand continued, "Regrettably, Franz Egon's father was a senior advisor to Francis I, and their family has always maintained close ties with the House of Habsburg.
"Frederick, furthermore, is a member of the Hanoverian royal family, a close relative of the British King. His ascension to the position of Archbishop was the result of an exchange of interests between Britain and Austria."
His implication was clear: the three dioceses comprising Cologne formed an almost impenetrable bloc, leaving virtually no opening for intervention.
"Besides the three major dioceses, there are also the two earldoms north of Cologne, Lippe and Schaumburg-Lippe. Although they are secular lords, their power is very weak and they lack the ability to challenge the Archbishop of Cologne's..."
"Please wait," Joseph interjected, raising a hand. "Did you just say that Archbishop Frederick is from the Hanoverian royal family?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
Joseph frowned. "But Hanover is a Protestant state."
"That is indeed correct, Your Highness. Frederick himself is a Protestant."
"And he is governing a Catholic diocese?"
"As you know, it's all just an exchange of interests."
A smile finally appeared on Joseph's face. "Isn't this the perfect leverage? Eman, please send for Archbishop Muzzarelli..."
The next day, the North German monarchs continued to vote on the distribution of unclaimed territories.
However, they were utterly unable to reach a compromise within such a short time, and the voting yielded no results. It was then that everyone realized that to settle the ownership of these territories, they would ultimately need French mediation.
The French Foreign Minister's chambers immediately became a hub of activity.
Archbishop Franz Egon of Paderborn, looking preoccupied, emerged from Talleyrand's reception room, pushed through the crowd at the door, and quickly disappeared down the corridor.
No one noticed him, as almost every state had sent representatives to sound out the French Foreign Minister.
Franz Egon returned to his room, immediately summoned several confidants, and recounted what Talleyrand had just told them.
Ferdinand, the Paderborn Bishop's assistant and Franz Egon's nephew, gasped immediately.
"This—this is unacceptable! The Filsen family absolutely cannot betray Vienna!"
Franz Egon glanced at him and said gravely, "Given the current situation, Prussia's influence in North Germany will only grow, and so will France's, of course.
"We must find a new patron for our family, and this is precisely that opportunity."
The Foreign Minister beside him interjected with a frown, "Your Grace, Archbishop Maximilian's authority is very solid. Even if we wanted to do something, it would likely be difficult to succeed."
Franz Egon waved a hand. "The French say that the Münster diocese will soon experience a crisis."
Münster was the Archbishop of Cologne's direct diocese.
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