Chapter 1482: The Fontainebleau Sanatorium
Franz II found himself caught in a difficult dilemma.
Ten years ago, his father, Leopold II, had used the momentum of victory in the Silesian War along with a series of political maneuvers to indefinitely suspend the Hungarian Diet.
Since then, the irritating clamor of the Hungarians had all but vanished.
But now, if he couldn't raise enough military funds, the Empire would likely lose face in Switzerland...
Seeing the Emperor's expression, Metternich stepped forward two steps and whispered, "Your Majesty, your decision will add nearly eight million Florins in tax revenue to the Imperial treasury.
"Furthermore, you are only agreeing to convene this specific session of the Hungarian Diet, not lifting the indefinite suspension decree. Once the new tax rates are passed, you won't need to deal with the Hungarians for another three years."
According to Hungarian law, the Diet was to be held every three years, but only by order of the King of Hungary—the Holy Roman Emperor. Franz II finally nodded. "Then draft a summons for the Hungarian Diet."
For those eight million Florins, he could let the Hungarians have their moment of pride for a bit longer.
Paris.
Alexandra, dressed in an elegant yet spirited light-purple gown and a fine wide-brimmed hat with white feathers, hurried toward her reception room.
The Prince Regent was currently discussing matters with several ministers, but since it was nearly time for their departure, she intended to help him change into his formal wear. 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 reception room together. Alexandra sighed; it looked like she would have to wait a while longer.
"That is the general situation," the Director of the Security Bureau said to the two newcomers. "Warsaw's finances are on the verge of collapse, and while the Polish Army inflicted nearly 40,000 casualties on the Russians, they were forced back to the right bank of the Dnieper River.
"The Polish public is currently bearing extremely high tax rates without achieving the victory they desired. Their anger could erupt at any moment."
Mr. Bomasha and Denico exchanged surprised glances. This seemed like a situation for offering loans to Poland or sending troops directly—why had they been summoned?
As if sensing their confusion, Joseph told them, "I need the Literary Propaganda Association to dispatch several theater troupes to Poland. Of course, before that, scripts need to be written and a batch of comics must be printed."
Bomasha couldn't help but ask, "Your Highness, I don't quite understand. What can we do in Poland?"
"Stabilize the situation there."
Denico asked tentatively, "Do you mean we should promote messages like 'this is Poland's most difficult hour, and everyone must unite,' or 'a single defeat does not decide one's fate, the motherland will surely prevail'?"
Joseph shook his head with a smile. "Your starting point is wrong, Baron. Think back to the previous Polish-Russian war. Is there anything we can use?"
Denico pondered for a moment. "Marshal Kościuszko breaking through the encirclement with minimal losses under extremely difficult circumstances?"
Joseph exhaled. It seemed he still had to teach the propaganda department more modern tactics.
"You should focus on how 'Russian casualties exceeded 50,000, and the era of Russia bullying Poland with its army is gone forever,' as well as 'Marshal Kościuszko's successful recapture of Kyiv.'
"Don't dwell too much on the Polish Army's losses; highlight their victories instead.
"Of course, you must mention the unfavorable aspects of the battlefield, or people will say you aren't reflecting reality.
"But here, you need finesse. For example, focus on 'the heroic stand of the wounded at the field hospital against the Gudovich Legion, giving their lives to buy time for the main force to retreat.' Create several tragic heroes, detail their families and love lives, and use scenes like 'kissing a portrait of his wife and children before the final battle.' Make people remember the heroes through their tears and forget the war itself."
Denico’s eyes widened, and he hurriedly pulled out a notebook to record everything.
He had thought he had mastered the Prince Regent's propaganda methods over the past decade, but now he realized how much he still had to learn.
Eman, standing by the door, noticed the Crown Princess's signaling glance for the third time. He stepped into the reception room and cleared his throat. "Your Highness, according to the schedule, you are to welcome His Majesty Karl Friedrich at the Palace of Fontainebleau at noon. Time is running short."
Joseph checked the clock and stood up. As he walked toward the door, he turned to Talleyrand. "Come, we’ll continue this on the way.
"Since Vienna is continuing to reinforce their troops, relying solely on Württemberg is clearly not enough.
"Go to Bavaria as soon as possible and talk to them about deploying troops to Switzerland.
"Naturally, let Württemberg publicly denounce Austria first for disrupting trade patterns on the Upper Rhine and for the killing of Württemberg citizens." The "killing of Württemberg citizens" he referred to were, of course, the volunteers fighting in Switzerland.
Talleyrand hesitated. "Your Highness, if King Theodor is unwilling to make an enemy of Vienna..."
Joseph suddenly saw the elegantly dressed Alexandra smiling as she curtsied to him. Beside her, a maid held a brand-new suit of men’s formal attire.
He tapped his forehead. "Ah, right. You mentioned you had a new suit made for me."
He quickly finished his instructions to Talleyrand. "Tell him about Austria's financial situation. Also, mention that France believes Bavaria should be a major power in Germany, rather than always trailing behind Prussia and Austria."
Talleyrand understood immediately. He bowed to the Crown Princess and took his leave.
Bavaria had always harbored ambitions of becoming the second-greatest German power. Currently, Prussia's military strength was at an all-time low. If Bavaria could win a decisive victory against Austria in Switzerland, surpassing Prussia’s prestige wouldn't be a mere fantasy.
Thus, with French support, they would be more than willing to deploy their troops.
Moments later, Joseph looked at the navy-blue, military-style suit in the mirror. He felt his presence bolstered. A well-tailored piece of fashion was indeed more dashing than a standard uniform.
Alexandra then took his arm and whispered urgently, "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 moment for me."
As they walked out of the Grand Trianon, Alexandra asked curiously, "Do you think that testing equipment is truly that miraculous? I mean, for a King to travel abroad specifically for a medical check-up..."
Joseph opened the carriage door for her. "It's not just one instrument, but a complete set of physical examination equipment.
"As you know, His Majesty Karl is no longer young and isn't exactly robust. Recently, several prominent nobles in Baden have suffered strokes, which has left him worried about his own health."
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