Chapter 1286: Stubborn Resistance
Charles blurted out, "But we've always insisted that Austria must not withdraw from the Seine-Rhine River Agreement. Why are we now..."
Joseph smiled at his brother. "Because in the past, Austria held significant control over the German regions. If they withdrew from the agreement, many states of the Holy Roman Empire would become hesitant about the common market. Now, our nation's influence in Germany is much greater, and with the victory in this war, the Stuttgart Trade Agreement will be very stable. At this point, our strategic focus must shift to how we can restrain Austria, our formidable enemy. Restricting Austria's trade channels is the most effective method."
Charles's eyes gleamed as he inwardly marveled at how he hadn't considered this angle. Among Austria's neighboring countries, Bavaria, Poland, Prussia, and Venice were all allies of France, while the Ottoman Empire was a long-standing foe of Austria. Therefore, without joining the French-dominated trade system, Austria would face trade barriers everywhere, leaving only trade routes with Russia. As for Trieste, Austria's sole outlet to the Mediterranean, it was out of the question—now, without French permission, not even British ships could dream of entering the Mediterranean Sea. If this continued, Austria's finances would steadily shrink, and it would completely lose the ability to challenge France.
Joseph continued, "Besides, the Austrians have always been very resistant to our market system and even provoked a war over it. This time, we can leverage that by offering 'not joining the trade agreement' as a favorable condition to them, in exchange for other benefits."
Charles took a deep breath and nodded emphatically. "I understand, brother. Diplomatic strategy can sometimes be even more complex than commanding a battle."
Joseph suddenly remembered something and patted his brother's shoulder. "This time, you'll participate in the armistice negotiations with Archbishop Talleyrand. Oh, and of course, the surrender ceremony, to make up for your regret of not being able to go to the front lines."
"Really? That's wonderful!" Charles nearly leaped up in cheer, but immediately suppressed his excitement, bowing to his brother. "I promise to assist Archbishop Talleyrand diligently!"
Joseph smiled and nodded, then turned to Talleyrand. "So, the negotiations are entirely in your hands."
"Rest assured, Your Highness."
Kainhof, a town located more than 40 kilometers south of Saint Pölten.
Archduke Charles turned away dejectedly, gazing at the Traisen River, which had vanished from sight. His heart was heavy with desolation and bitterness.
Of the 150,000-strong army he had brought back from Passau, fewer than 8,000 now remained by his side.
That imperial army, once capable of shaking the European continent, no longer existed. The empire's future seemed to have plunged into a cold winter night.
"Marshal," Kutuzov, who was nearby, pointed towards the forest to the east. "Now you can return to Vienna unobstructed by the Traisen River. Of course, I'd suggest you detour via Graz to Pressburg; it should be safer there."
Archduke Charles immediately understood his implication and frowned. "What are your plans?"
Kutuzov offered a simple, good-natured smile. "I must return to Saint Petersburg, Marshal."
"You can't abandon us now..."
The Russian general spread his hands, a 'put-upon' expression on his face. "You see, the situation is clearly beyond recovery. I have a duty to lead my troops safely back to our country. Of course, if His Imperial Majesty commands it, I will return immediately."
As he spoke, he gestured to a messenger. "Galmanov, have the soldiers turn southeast. We need to reach Hungary as quickly as possible before the French pursue us."
"You!" Archduke Charles was seething, yet he couldn't do anything about the Russian. After all, Kutuzov had saved his life—earlier, after being attacked, Charles had retreated south with 10,000 soldiers, but the Polish cavalry had relentlessly pursued him.
Fortunately, he had encountered Kutuzov and the Duke of York's nearly 40,000 troops here, which allowed him to escape.
However, it was baffling that the Russian army, which had rushed from Passau as reinforcements, would appear over 40 kilometers away from the Saint Pölten battlefield!
Indeed, Kutuzov had keenly 'sensed' that the situation at the Traisen River was unfavorable, and so he decisively ordered the Russian army to shift south, coincidentally encountering the routed Austrian forces there.
Archduke Charles, left with no choice, led his remaining troops towards Vienna.
Once his figure disappeared, the Duke of York couldn't help but remark, "It seems your judgment was correct."
Earlier, it was at Kutuzov's persuasion that he had also ordered his 8,000 British troops to retreat.
He then asked the Russian, somewhat hesitantly, "How much of a chance do you think we have of escaping?"
"From Pest into Transylvania, Bakhov's army will rendezvous with us in Moldavia," Kutuzov murmured, lowering his gaze. "For now, the French are focused on Prince Charles, and of course, Vienna. We won't face much pressure for at least half a month."
The Duke of York breathed a slight sigh of relief.
After several months of interaction, he knew that while the Russian before him might be somewhat ordinary in terms of battle command, his 'instinct' was exceptionally keen, and his judgment of the overall situation was remarkably accurate.
If he hadn't listened to him this time, he likely would have been encircled near the Traisen River.
After walking for a while, Kutuzov turned to the Duke of York as if making casual conversation. "The ferocity of the French this time was truly unexpected, wasn't it?"
The latter remained silent, his face grim.
The Russian sighed. "After this war ends, it will likely be very difficult to restrain France's power on the European continent."
He looked towards Vienna. "They'll probably station troops in Austria or something similar..."
The Duke of York, however, shook his head with a grim expression. "No, we will save Austria."
"Oh? And how do you intend to do that?"
"We still have leverage," the British prince declared, tightening his grip on his riding crop. "France has invested heavily in the Louisiana colony; they won't want it occupied by the Americans."
Kutuzov looked at him in surprise. "You've made a move in America?"
"Yes. We will use the situation there to temper French ambition in Europe."
Due to the Atlantic's expanse, news from North America wouldn't reach Europe for another two months. Thus, the Duke of York was temporarily unaware of the precise situation there, but he was confident that with their foothold in Louisiana still precarious, the French would be utterly incapable of withstanding an American offensive.
"London possesses so many strategists; it's truly enviable," Kutuzov said, his chubby face crinkling into a smile.
...
Pressburg, east of Vienna.
Archduke Charles vigorously waved his arms, addressing Franz II. "Your Majesty, we cannot give up—at least, not in this current situation!
"We can still retreat to Slovakia, making the French realize that the war cannot end quickly. Only then can negotiations begin. The British have already promised us one million pounds sterling in aid for our defensive operations."
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