Chapter 193: Continental Affairs 2
Talleyrand nodded:
"Yes, Your Highness, reclaiming Silesia is a shared aspiration for Austria, from its nobility to its common people."
Joseph continued:
"And Bavaria. Had the Prussians not interfered back then, Austria might very well have acquired that territory.
"In truth, both Prussia and Austria desire to be the true master of the greater German region, constantly keeping a watchful eye on each other.
"If Austria can secure our support, and without other interfering factors, they would be very eager to thoroughly defeat Prussia, even if it meant expending all their national power.
"Because once successful, the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire would truly possess this empire."
Historically, the Holy Roman Empire was the true hegemon of Europe during the Middle Ages. Its territory stretched from the Netherlands to Eastern France, from Italy to Hungary, encompassing Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Western Poland.
However, under the intervention of the Holy See, the Empire began to implement the Prince-Elector system. In the 14th century, Emperor Charles IV issued the Golden Bull, standardizing and solidifying this model. The Holy Roman Emperor became a "representative" chosen by the Prince-Electors, leading to a steady decline in actual power, while the independence of the Empire's constituent states grew stronger.
At the same time, Prussia, leveraging its linguistic and ethnic similarities with the states in the greater German region, also sought to unify Germany. Indeed, over half a century later, Bismarck would largely fulfill this aspiration.
For now, however, Austria, possessing the imperial title, clearly held greater hope of restoring the Holy Roman Empire's former glory.
The two powers remained at daggers drawn over the Empire's "legacy," engaged in constant warfare, yet largely evenly matched.
Joseph returned to the previous topic:
"Poland, however, is an unforeseen factor. If Russia were to launch a full-scale annexation of Poland, and Poland proved unable to resist, then Prussia and Austria would be forced to turn their attention eastward. [Note 1]
"Because neither country could simply stand by and watch Russia monopolize such a massive prize as Poland. [Note 2] They would have only two choices: either unite to support Poland's resistance against Russia, or join Russia's partition, carving out their own piece of Polish territory.
"In either scenario, Prussia and Austria would develop significant common interests, potentially even forming an alliance. This would drastically reduce Austria's willingness to wage war against Prussia. In the worst-case scenario, the community of interests they formed might even seek other targets, such as France.
"And mind you, the British would undoubtedly be delighted to see such a situation unfold and actively work to bring it about."
Talleyrand's expression grew solemn upon hearing this. He had to admit, the Crown Prince possessed incredibly deep and far-sighted insight.
Joseph continued:
"Therefore, we must erect a 'barrier' between Prussia, Austria, and Tsarist Russia—and that barrier is Poland."
"As long as Poland remains standing, Prussia and Austria will inevitably turn their attention back to the German region. And the struggle over the German region will create irreconcilable conflicts between them!"
In truth, Joseph had even more far-reaching plans he hadn't spoken of: to help Austria realize its "Holy Roman Dream," even promoting the great, prosperous, and invincible Holy Roman Empire across the world. Simultaneously, France would continually profit from Austria's war to unify the Holy Roman Empire, ideally acquiring territory on the west bank of the Rhine River, making the Rhine a natural barrier for France.
By then, the most striking behemoth in Europe would be the Holy Roman Empire under Austrian rule. And given the British disposition for stirring up trouble, they would never stand idly by while a continental hegemon emerged.
Whether Britain then formed an "Anti-Roman Coalition" to besiege the Holy Roman Empire, or rallied a crippled Prussia while instigating revolts in annexed German states, France could 'sit atop the mountain and watch the tigers fight,' choosing its moment to reap benefits.
For a powerful nation, the best strategic model is to quietly develop itself while others fight tooth and nail. By the time other nations are battered and bruised, it can become an uncrowned king without lifting a finger.
Historically, Emperor Napoleon violated this very principle. Although he possessed abundant military prowess, leading his vast armies across almost the entire European continent, he ultimately exhausted his nation's strength and was slowly worn down by the British and their allies.
Joseph was well aware of subsequent historical developments. To make a similar mistake would be utterly foolish, wouldn't it?
Even in games, everyone knows that 'farming under the tower' is the truth. Look at the United States in later eras; it powerfully observed World War I and World War II, waiting until the great powers had fought each other to a bloody pulp. Only then did it slowly enter the fray, gaining immense advantages with little effort, ultimately becoming the world's hegemon.
Talleyrand pondered:
"Your Highness, should we then reject the Russian Tsar's claims over Poland?"
Joseph immediately shook his head:
"We must endeavor to maintain good relations with Russia. Only then can we maximally dismantle the Anglo-Russian trade system, and Russia's export raw materials are also vital to us."
Talleyrand felt a little confused:
"But you just said..."
Joseph offered a faint smile:
"Unless France forms an alliance with Poland, whether we support Russia's claims or not, we cannot halt their annexation of Poland. On the surface, we can completely align with Russia's statements, then discreetly find ways to strengthen Poland's resistance. However, this requires us not to act personally, but to use a 'white glove.'"
"A 'white glove'?"
"Oh, it's a nation that helps us manage Polish affairs. For instance, America would be suitable, and the Ottoman Empire could also be considered."
Upon hearing this, Talleyrand secretly nodded. Both America and Russia were raw material exporters, and being vastly distant from each other, they had little to fear from one another. The Ottoman Empire, on the other hand, was Russia's old rival and had always cooperated with Poland.
Joseph sighed softly:
"Of course, the most crucial factor is Poland itself. Given its current domestic situation, I doubt it could even resist Russia for a month."
He recalled that the second partition of Poland by Russia, Prussia, and Austria was likely to occur in five years. Russia would conclude its war with the Ottoman Empire and immediately turn to conquer Poland.
Making Poland "stand tall" in just five years would certainly be a considerable challenge.
After discussing the continental strategic plans for a while, Talleyrand resumed reporting on his trip to Russia:
"The Russian Tsar is very enthusiastic about Franco-Russian trade, hoping we can better utilize the 'Franco-Russian Trade Agreement' to expand bilateral trade volume.
"Oh, by the way, she also expressed tremendous support for your Gemini Trading Company and promised to grant Count Bobrinsky the monopoly on fur exports from Russia's Far East, as her gift to the company."
Joseph found it amusing. Catherine was truly an old fox; she was giving a gift to her illegitimate son, yet framed it as a present to the Gemini Trading Company, obligating France to her.
Nevertheless, the volume of fur exports from the Far East was indeed astonishing, and the company would certainly reap a significant profit annually from it.
Talleyrand continued, "Your Highness, there's one more thing. During my final audience with Her Imperial Majesty, the Russian Tsar repeatedly expressed her admiration for you and hinted at the possibility of a marriage alliance between our two nations."
Joseph couldn't help but rub his temples. Being a Crown Prince was truly exhausting; almost all of Europe seemed preoccupied with his marriage prospects...
However, a Franco-Russian marriage alliance would involve many complexities, and he hadn't thoroughly considered the matter yet. For now, he decided not to respond. He was still young; even by contemporary European tradition, marriages were usually considered only after reaching sixteen, leaving him two years to ponder the matter at leisure.
He then chatted with Talleyrand for a while longer before excusing him to rest.
As Talleyrand exited the drawing-room, he reflected on the Crown Prince's words, feeling utterly astonished. This young prince, while in Paris, had already laid out a clear plan for Europe's next decade and more. How had he managed it? Perhaps, decades from now, France would boast a great king, whose name would be etched in history, leading the nation to an incomparably glorious zenith!
At 9:50 PM, Joseph once again spotted the Prince of Asturias and his Princess Consort at the grand banquet hosted by the King.
Joseph turned his head, casting an inquiring glance at Eman, who quickly murmured:
"Your Highness, everything is arranged. Monsieur Fouché has also sent people to assist."
Joseph nodded, reassured by his butler's efficiency. He then smiled and walked towards Antonio.
After exchanging pleasantries, he sat down to the left of the Prince of Asturias. The Grand Master of the Household, with keen insight, promptly had the seating rearranged.
Joseph, as before, opened the conversation by discussing machinery, quickly moving on to the new Boring Machine:
"As you know, the British have done extensive research in this area. Their machines can bore holes with an error margin thinner than two sheets of paper. His Majesty the King has personally made further adjustments, making that Boring Machine arguably the most precise in all of Europe."
Antonio's eyes immediately lit up:
"Oh, my dear Joseph, you simply must let me see this unparalleled machine."
"Of course," Joseph replied, his purpose being to 'distract' him and create 'opportunity' for certain individuals. "After the banquet, I will take you to the Royal Workshop; there are many other interesting things there."
"That would be most kind of you!"
The sound of trombones echoed from the east side of the hall. The master of ceremonies promptly rapped his staff on the floor, and nobles responsible for serving placed two large soups and two small soups on the table.
According to court etiquette, casual conversation was now forbidden, and everyone began to quietly eat their meal.
Joseph pondered the plan of action for later, his gaze catching Antonio beside him, enthusiastically stirring his partridge soup. He couldn't help but sigh inwardly, 'I'm truly worrying myself sick over this cousin of mine.'
Over an hour later, the banquet concluded, and the Prince of Asturias eagerly pulled Joseph away to begin their tour of the Royal Workshop.
The Princess Consort, however, expressed no interest in such things and wished to attend a gambling soirée instead.
Antonio, without a second thought, readily bade her farewell. Such was the prevailing custom among European nobility at the time; couples pursued their own entertainments without interfering with each other.
Princess Consort Luisa, accompanied by Godoy, made her way towards the game hall. Along the corridors, she spotted couples emerging from every corner and behind every pillar, which made her heart flutter with anticipation.
'Typical French, so bold,' she thought, blushing, as she stepped into the game hall.
Soft music wafted through the air. Luisa found a card table and sat down, inhaling the scent of high-grade incense as she began to play cards.
Somehow, after playing for barely half an hour, she felt a flush spread through her body. Images of the amorous scenes she'd witnessed in the corridors earlier involuntarily flickered in her mind, leaving her parched and breathless.
"The fireplaces in this place are burning too fiercely!" she muttered, tossing her cards aside, wanting to go out for some fresh air. Just as she turned, she caught sight of her lover.
His face, today, seemed particularly handsome and charming.
Luisa stepped out into the hall, gazing at Godoy with Flirtatious Eyes Like Silk, and whispered:
"So, is it arranged?"
He smiled and nodded:
"Rest assured, I've had Juan and Negro keeping watch. Nothing could go wrong."
Luisa's face brightened at his words, and she asked, "Is there a suitable place?"
"Plenty. The French tend to... *ahem*... act on impulse, so many private rooms have been arranged, and there won't be any servants nearby."
Luisa was about to ask him to lead the way when she suddenly remembered the bedroom arranged for Antonio at Versailles—soft drapes, a spacious bed, warm and comfortable. A triumphant, subtle smile curved her lips.
"No need. Come with me."
In the Royal Workshop, since Louis XVI was still busy with social engagements, it became Antonio's private domain.
He was like a child in a treasure house, touching this, examining that, completely lost in his fascination.
Before long, an ordinary-looking servant brought in wine and beverages, then quickly whispered something to Eman at the doorway.
Eman, while the Prince of Asturias was occupied with a rotating mantel clock, quietly reported to Joseph.
"Oh? Playing so wildly, are we?!" Joseph gave a meaningful smile.
His careful arrangements for the Princess Consort's "entertainment" had not been in vain; she truly couldn't restrain herself.
Indeed, all the "romantic scenes" Luisa had witnessed today were orchestrated by Eman. Special agents had even been added to her incense. Given her unrestrained nature, how could she possibly control herself?
Joseph had simply not anticipated that the woman would be so brazen as to cavort with Godoy in her and Antonio's very own room.
Of course, she was also very cautious, having sent two people to keep an eye on Antonio. If he showed any signs of returning, they would immediately notify her.
However, this was Joseph's territory. Their petty tricks were like child's play in the eyes of the Police Intelligence Bureau agents. Not long after those two departed, agents were already tailing them.
[Note 1] At the end of the 18th century, the distribution of major countries in Northern Continental Europe was as follows: To the far west were the Netherlands and Belgium (Southern Netherlands). East of these two nations were Hanover and Prussia. Southwest of Prussia lay a multitude of Holy Roman states. South of Prussia was Austria. East of both Prussia and Austria was Poland, and further east, Russia.
[Note 2] At this time, Poland's area was comparable to Austria's, far exceeding Prussia's, making it an undeniable "large piece of meat" (a significant prize).
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