Chapter 1482: Fontainebleau Sanatorium
Franz II fell into a deep state of hesitation.
Ten years ago, his father, Leopold II, had used the prestige of victory in the Silesian War, coupled with a series of shrewd political maneuvers, to achieve the "indefinite suspension" of the Hungarian Great Council.
Since then, the irritating clamor of the Hungarians had all but vanished.
But now, if he couldn't raise enough military funds, the Empire was likely to suffer a humiliating defeat in Switzerland.
Seeing the Emperor's troubled expression, Metternich stepped forward and whispered, "Your Majesty, your decision will add nearly 8 million Florins in tax revenue to the imperial treasury.
"Furthermore, you are merely agreeing to convene this specific session of the Hungarian Diet, not lifting the 'indefinite suspension' order itself. Once the new tax rates are passed, you won't have to deal with the Hungarians again for another three years."
According to Hungarian law, the Great Council was to be convened every three years, but only by the order of the King of Hungary—who was also the Holy Roman Emperor. Franz II finally nodded and said, "Very well. Draft a summons for the Hungarian Diet."
For those 8 million Florins, he supposed he could let the Hungarians enjoy themselves for a little while longer.
Paris.
Alexandra, dressed in an elegant and vibrant lavender gown and wearing a delicate wide-brimmed hat adorned with white feathers, walked excitedly toward her drawing room.
The Prince Regent was currently discussing matters with several ministers there, but as their departure time was approaching, she intended to help him change into his formal attire. However, as she reached the corridor, she saw the president of the Literary Propaganda Association and the editor-in-chief of the Paris Business Journal entering the room together. Alexandra sighed; it looked like she would have to wait a while longer.
"The situation is essentially as I've described," the Director of the Security Bureau told the two newcomers.
"Warsaw's finances are on the brink of collapse, and the Polish Army has suffered nearly 40,000 casualties in Russia, only to be pushed back to the right bank of the Dnieper River.
"The Polish people are now burdened with extremely high taxes without seeing the victory they desired. Their anger could boil over at any moment." Mr. Bomasha and Denico exchanged surprised glances. Usually, such a situation called for loans or direct military intervention. Why had they been summoned? Joseph seemed to read their confusion and said, "I need the Literary Propaganda Association to dispatch some theater troupes to Poland. Of course, before that, you will need to write scripts and print a batch of comics."
Mr. Bomasha finally couldn't help but ask, "Your Highness, I don't quite understand. What can we accomplish in Poland?"
"Stabilize the situation," Joseph replied.
Denico asked tentatively, "Do you mean we should promote messages like 'this is Poland's most difficult hour, and everyone must unite,' or 'one failure does not decide our fate, the motherland will surely prevail'?"
Joseph smiled and shook his head. "You've chosen the wrong angle, Baron. Think back to the previous Polish-Russian war. What usable points are there?"
Denico pondered for a moment. "Marshal Kościuszko breaking through a siege with minimal losses under extremely difficult circumstances?"
Joseph let out a breath. It seemed he still had much to teach the propaganda department about the tactics of the future.
"You should focus on the fact that 'Russian casualties exceeded 50,000, and the era of Russia bullying Poland with its army is over forever,' as well as 'Marshal Kościuszko's successful recapture of Kyiv.'
"Do not dwell on the losses of the Polish Army; instead, highlight their victories.
"Of course, you must mention the unfavorable situation on the battlefield, or people will say you aren't reflecting reality.
"This is where skill comes in. For example, focus on 'the heroic defense of the field hospital by the wounded against the Gudovich Legion, sacrificing their lives to buy time for the main force to retreat.' Create several tragic heroes, tell detailed stories of their families and love lives, and use scenes like 'kissing the portraits of their wives and children before the final battle.' Make the people remember only the heroes through their tears, and let them forget the war itself."
Denico's eyes widened. He scrambled to pull out a notebook and began scribbling furiously.
He had thought that over the past decade or so, he had mastered the Prince Regent's propaganda techniques, but now he realized he still had a great deal to learn.
Standing at the door, Eman saw the Crown Princess's signaling gaze for the third time. He turned back into the drawing room and gave a light cough. "Your Highness, according to the schedule, you are to welcome His Majesty Karl Friedrich at the Palace of Fontainebleau at noon. Time is getting short."
Joseph glanced at the clock, stood up, and walked toward the door, turning to Talleyrand as he went. "Come, we shall continue our discussion on the way.
"Since Vienna continues to send more troops, relying solely on Württemberg is clearly not enough.
"Go to Bavaria as soon as possible and talk to them about sending troops to Switzerland.
"Of course, first have Württemberg publicly denounce Austria for disrupting trade patterns on the Upper Rhine and for the murder of Württemberg citizens." By "murder of Württemberg citizens," he was naturally referring to the Württemberg volunteers fighting in Switzerland.
Talleyrand hesitated slightly. "Your Highness, if King Theodor is unwilling to make an enemy of Vienna..."
Joseph suddenly saw Alexandra, dressed in her finery, smiling and curtsying to him. Beside her, a maid held a brand-new suit of formal menswear.
He tapped his forehead. "Ah, right. You mentioned you had a new suit made for me."
He turned back to Talleyrand for one last quick instruction: "Tell him about Austria's financial situation. Also, mention that France believes Bavaria should become a major power in the German region, rather than always trailing behind Prussia and Austria."
Talleyrand understood immediately. He bowed to the Crown Princess and took his leave.
Bavaria had long harbored ambitions of becoming the second-greatest power in Germany. Currently, Prussia's military strength was at its lowest point in history. If Bavaria could win a stunning victory against Austria in Switzerland, surpassing Prussia's prestige would not be a mere fantasy.
Thus, with French support, they would have every reason to intervene.
A short while later, Joseph looked at the military-style deep blue suit in the mirror. He felt his overall presence sharpen. A well-tailored piece of fashion was indeed much more striking than a standard military uniform.
Then, Alexandra took his arm and urged him softly, "My dear, I'm afraid we must hurry."
Joseph smiled. "His Majesty Karl and I are old friends. I doubt he'll mind waiting a few moments."
As they walked out of the Grand Trianon, Alexandra asked curiously, "Tell me, is that diagnostic equipment really so miraculous? I mean, for a King to travel to another country specifically for a medical check-up."
Joseph pulled open the carriage door for her. "It isn't just one instrument, but a whole suite of physical examination equipment.
"As you know, His Majesty is no longer young, and his health has never been robust. Recently, several prominent nobles in Baden have suffered strokes, which has made him worry about his own well-being."
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