Chapter 227: Winds Rise in Europe
Topkapi Palace.
Sultan Hamid I, seated in a wide, square chair, saw Kalafat step in. He tried to straighten himself by pushing on the cushion, but a wave of weakness made him give up.
His life in confinement before the age of 43 had left his body in terrible condition; now, at 64, he was already showing signs of fading away.
He raised a hand, gesturing to the Grand Vizier who was bowing, and asked in a voice clearly lacking vigor, "Is there news from the Maghreb?"
The "Maghreb" is Arabic for "land of the sunset," a term the first Arabs to arrive in North Africa used to refer to its central-western region.
Grand Vizier Kalafat nodded, a worried expression on his face. "Your Majesty, the Algiers Janissaries did indeed dispatch troops at Said's instigation... he even used your name."
Hamid I sighed. "Where is he now?"
"His servant returned to Konstantiniyye last night, reporting that he leaped into the Mediterranean half a month ago."
"He preserved his dignity as an imperial envoy."
Hamid I cast his eyes down at the patterns on the carpet, then waved a hand again. "Send someone to France and convey the Empire's appropriate stance."
He added, with a hint of unease, "The rhetoric needn't be too strong. We must focus our strength on the Russians."
Just a few days prior, Russian General-in-Chief Potemkin had divided his forces into six columns and stormed Ochakov Fortress. In mere hours, he captured the strategic stronghold on the northwest side of the Black Sea.
In that battle, Potemkin killed or captured over 13,000 Ottoman soldiers, with his forces now pushing directly towards the Danube River.
"Speaking of Russia," Hamid I glanced at Kalafat, "how do you intend to respond?"
Although the Grand Vizier wasn't directly in charge of military affairs, as the "prime minister" of the Ottoman Empire, he was well aware of troop deployments.
"The situation isn't very optimistic..." Kalafat hesitated before continuing. "Austria and Russia are both reinforcing their troops. The generals believe we must do everything to prevent the Russian and Austrian forces from linking up."
"The preliminary plan is to assemble 150,000 troops along the Danube River before next summer, successively capturing Bin Jera and Ajdir to sever Russian-Austrian communications, and then retaking Ochakov."
"150,000 men," Hamid I nodded. "How confident are you that we can defeat the Russians?"
"Well, we have a numerical advantage, so we should be able to win."
The Sultan gestured for Kalafat to come closer, hunching his body and whispering, "If we can't achieve victory this time, then try to negotiate peace with Russia. Give up the northern Black Sea coast in exchange for peace..."
Joseph never imagined that his actions in North Africa would accelerate the collapse of Ottoman morale. The Ottoman Empire, which was originally supposed to fight to the last man and only abandon the northern Black Sea coast three years later due to exhaustion, had already lost the will to fight Russia to the bitter end.
...
London.
10 Downing Street.
British Prime Minister Pitt pushed the resignation letter back across the table and looked up at the Duke of Leeds. "You needn't do this. North Africa was never our sphere of influence to begin with, and luck simply favored the French this time. Your strategy wasn't flawed. I am confident I can protect your position in Parliament."
"Hollis acted on my instructions, and he is dead." The Duke of Leeds shook his head calmly. "Someone must take responsibility for this, and that someone absolutely cannot be you."
Pitt fell silent.
Hollis was a Whig, a member of his opposition party. Now, to suppress the diplomatic disaster of "inciting Tunisia to attack the French," he had "committed suicide."
At the same time, the Duke of Leeds had spent a staggering sum of nearly 700,000 Pound Sterling, yet ultimately failed to prevent France from acquiring Tunisia, suffering a major defeat.
The Whig Party would undoubtedly use this series of events to challenge him in Parliament. His own position as Prime Minister was already precarious; if this matter escalated, it could even lead to an impeachment by Parliament.
He slowly lifted the finger he had resting on the resignation letter, sighed, and asked, "So, who should succeed as Foreign Secretary?"
"Marquis Wellesley." The Duke of Leeds was clearly prepared. "Like you, he is young and capable, rich in strategy and decisive. Although his political experience is shallow, I will use my connections to fully support him."
Pitt nodded silently. Marquis Wellesley was his confidant, indeed exceptionally capable, and he himself had long intended to promote him.
He paused, then looked at the Duke of Leeds again. "Then, how do you suggest we counteract the French advantage gained in North Africa?"
The Duke of Leeds immediately shook his head. "Prime Minister, France is too close to Tunisia, and they have already established a firm foothold. Continuing to clash with them there would be very disadvantageous."
"Are you suggesting we simply accept this defeat?"
"No! Quite the opposite, we must make every effort to knock France down and hold her firmly in the mud. This is the only path to Britain's prosperity!"
The Duke of Leeds gave a foxy smile. "North Africa is merely a piece of rich spoils, not worth too much concern. The Low Countries are the critical choke point! Only by exerting our power there can we strike a painful blow against France."
The Low Countries, as they were called, referred to the three nations on Europe's northwest coast: the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
The Duke of Leeds then elaborated on his strategic plan for the Low Countries to Pitt, before adding, "Furthermore, the ambitions of Russia and Prussia are excellent weapons; you must find a way to unleash their power."
Pitt pondered this, then nodded. "Prussia has always maintained close ties with us. It's just that Russia seems to have grown quite close to France recently."
"Interests," the Duke of Leeds said, shaking his index finger. "Russia's greatest interest at present lies in Poland. If you can manage to feed Poland to Russia, that great bear will be willing to destroy everything."
The Duke of Leeds spoke as if laying out his "political legacy." "As for Austria, don't be fooled by them marrying their women to the French King; in reality, the conflict between Austria and France is the most severe on the entire European continent!"
"Don't forget, they've been sworn enemies for centuries."
Pitt nodded. "You are absolutely right. They have serious conflicts of interest in the Rhine River region and in Italy."
The Duke of Leeds gave him an approving look. "It's just that the Prussians have risen too quickly, diverting Austria's attention. If you can bring about some understanding between Prussia and Austria, then Austria will immediately expand west and south, leading to a fierce confrontation with France!"
...
Austria, Vienna.
Schönbrunn Palace.
Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor and Archduke of Austria, couldn't help but smile upon hearing the diplomatic official's report on the situation in Tunisia. "My dear sister chose her moment perfectly this time."
He looked at the elderly man beside him, who had a long face and a prominent nose. "The immense pressure from the Russians and ourselves left the Ottomans with no other choice, allowing my sister to seize the fruit of Tunisia. The Ottoman Sultan could only watch helplessly."
The old man, with an unsmiling expression, nodded. "Her Royal Highness's political maneuvering is becoming increasingly sophisticated. Even the British couldn't say much this time, as it would risk offending Russia, and even us."
The "Her Royal Highness" he spoke of was Joseph II's sister, now the Queen of France, Marie Antoinette. He was an old minister from Maria Theresa's era, having held the young Queen Marie as a child, so his address naturally carried a familiar warmth.
Joseph II was clearly in good spirits, and unusually, he signaled a servant to pour him a glass of wine, then offered one to the old man. "Does this mean France's strategic direction has shifted to the southern Mediterranean coast?"
"That possibility cannot be excluded, Your Majesty."
"Then we should seize this opportune moment to congratulate my dear sister and discuss the Italian question with her. Prince Kaunitz-Rietberg, your relations with French political circles have always been excellent; perhaps you would be willing to make a trip to Versailles for me?"
The old man was none other than Kaunitz-Rietberg, Austria's Minister of State, effectively its Chancellor. He was the brilliant statesman who single-handedly ended the century-long hostility between France and Austria, oversaw the marriage of Queen Marie to Louis XVI, and ultimately forged the "Three Petticoats" alliance between Austria, France, and Russia.
Although Joseph II had reclaimed a significant portion of power from him after taking the throne, he remained Austria's most influential minister.
Kaunitz immediately stood up and said with utmost seriousness, "Your Majesty, forgive my frankness, but Austria's national policy should firmly focus on the German territories and constantly keep an eye on Prussia."
"Distracting our efforts with Italy now will only give the Prussians an opportunity to expand their influence in Germany."
"No, this won't take up too much of our energy." Joseph II, being headstrong, rarely listened to dissenting opinions. "What you are to do is discuss the division of influence in Italy with France, not to monopolize the region."
"Oh, and speaking of that 'Joint Trading Company' they proposed with the Dutch, I'm very interested. You can also discuss our investment in it at the same time."
"Your Majesty, I am very willing to go to France." Kaunitz bowed slightly, but then his tone became firm. "However, I still wish to remind you that Prussia remains our gravest concern."
"Yes, Prussia, you are right. So, when do you plan to depart?"
"I can leave tomorrow, Your Majesty."
"Excellent. I look forward to your good news upon your return."
...
Saint Petersburg.
Winter Palace.
Count Bobrinsky, Alexei, bowed somewhat nervously to his mother. For some reason, he always felt a little anxious whenever he saw her, even though she was smiling kindly.
Catherine II gestured for him to sit beside her, smiling. "Alyosha, I must admit, your previous contact with the French Crown Prince was very timely."
Russians preferred to use simplified nicknames when addressing those they were close to. Alyosha was the nickname for Alexei.
"Especially that 'Gemini Trading Company' you two formed. Now that France has acquired a port in North Africa, your trading costs in the Mediterranean will be significantly reduced. Perhaps your company can even secure some exclusive concessions in Tunisia."
Alexei nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty, Prince Joseph wrote to me, stating his intention to double the company's trade volume."
"That much?"
"They not only acquired the Tunisian colony but also eradicated the Tunisian pirates. A significant portion of the nearly one hundred captured pirate ships will become company assets, and they even come with many skilled sailors."
In actuality, Joseph had seized nearly 160 ships in the Tunisian port, though only half of them were large enough for long-distance voyages. As for sailors, many local Tunisians had originally served in the navy. Now, with the complete annihilation of the Tunisian pirate network, these Berbers could largely be trusted after proper screening.
This alone boosted the Gemini Trading Company's shipping tonnage by 150%. That's why Joseph dared to announce the goal of doubling their trade volume.
And for every increase in Franco-Russian trade, there would be a corresponding decrease in Anglo-Russian trade. This would greatly help weaken the close trade relations between Britain and Russia.
"Oh, that's excellent," Catherine II said, gesturing westward. "I believe you should personally congratulate your Crown Prince friend."
"Furthermore, you could suggest to him that, riding the wave of this great victory, he directly seize Algiers. I recall those foolish Algerians even launched an attack against them first."
She was quite pleased to see France continue to harvest those Ottoman provinces in North Africa. Although the Ottomans didn't exercise actual rule over those areas, the constant loss of overseas territories would be a significant psychological blow to them.
This would make Russia's war with the Ottomans considerably easier.
And who knows, France's progress might be so smooth that they could even launch a pincer attack on the Ottoman heartland from the south.
One must remember, dealing with a vast empire like the Ottomans isn't a war that can be concluded in three to five years. During a protracted conflict, it wasn't impossible for France to reach the southern shores of the Ottoman Empire.
"Yes, Your Majesty. In fact, I've also been wanting to visit Paris soon." Although Alexei was currently focusing his energy on managing the Gemini Trading Company, the vibrant world of Paris constantly beckoned him.
As if remembering something, Catherine II added, "Oh, and take Sasha with you. She's been pestering me about wanting to visit Paris. Just make sure you keep an eye on her studies during the journey."
Sasha was the nickname for Alexandra.
In the past, Catherine would never have entrusted her beloved granddaughter to her frivolous youngest son. However, Alexei had clearly matured a great deal over the past year, so entrusting Sasha to his care should be no problem.
...
Paris.
At Versailles, the celebrations for the North African victory finally concluded after three continuous days.
Joanne, Hilada, Ishaq, and others immediately returned to Tunisia, as a mountain of tasks awaited them there.
Meanwhile, bursts of laughter echoed from Louis XVI's sitting room.
Queen Marie held a beautifully painted ceramic jar with intricate geometric patterns, admiring it from all angles.
This was a "souvenir" Joseph had brought back for her from North Africa, a precious piece crafted by a Tunisian pottery master centuries ago.
Beside her, Louis XVI was tinkering with a hunting rifle bag made from camel and crocodile leather, a gift from his son.
Tunisian leather craftsmanship was excellent, with the works of its top artisans being highly sought after in Europe.
But the happiest of all was Joseph's younger brother, Charles, who was delightedly playing with a vividly colored parrot.
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