Chapter 308: Unbreakable Franco-Austrian Friendship
Leopold II immediately instructed a servant to fetch a map of the Southern Netherlands, preparing to discuss the details of reinforcements with the French, but Talleyrand interjected, "Your Majesty, in fact, the General Staff, after a thorough analysis of the current conflict, believes no further troops should be sent to the Southern Netherlands."
"No reinforcements?" Leopold II's face immediately darkened. "Are you suggesting I abandon the Southern Netherlands?"
"No, no, you misunderstand." Talleyrand's expression turned serious. "The General Staff's recommendation is that using the Southern Netherlands as the primary battlefield would be extremely disadvantageous for Austria."
Just then, the servant brought the map. He pointed to the location of the Southern Netherlands: "You see, this area is very close to both Prussia and the Netherlands, and it is rife with rebels."
"Austria, however, is a full 800 kilometers away. Whether for troop deployment or logistics, it would be at an absolute disadvantage."
"Furthermore, even if you commit heavy forces and ultimately crush the rebels, the Southern Netherlands will be severely ravaged by the conflict. In that scenario, even if the Prussians withdraw from the Southern Netherlands, they will have effectively achieved a victory."
Leopold II frowned, looking at him. "Please state your proposal."
Talleyrand took a step forward, meeting his gaze, and said gravely, "Since Prussia and Austria are effectively at war, you should no longer hesitate."
"Choosing a battlefield that benefits you and yields the greatest advantage is the optimal strategy."
"That region is semi-encircled by Austria, and its populace also identifies more strongly with His Imperial Majesty's rule, as it was Austrian territory just thirty years ago."
"At the same time, the Dutch and the Southern Netherlanders will be unable to provide any support for the war in Silesia. Prussia will face the mighty Austrian army alone!"
"As soon as conflict erupts in Silesia, Prussia will inevitably withdraw its forces from the Southern Netherlands and commit them to Silesia. The Southern Netherlandish rebels, deprived of Prussian support, can be crushed at any time."
Talleyrand's radical proposal stirred Leopold II's heart; reclaiming Silesia was undoubtedly a tremendous temptation. But he quickly regained his composure, shaking his head. "Austria is currently undergoing reforms, and I fear such a large-scale war would be ill-advised."
"Do you believe the scale of the war can be controlled by fighting only in the Southern Netherlands?" Talleyrand questioned. "Once His Imperial Majesty increases troop deployment, the Prussians will immediately follow suit."
"Ultimately, both sides will still expend their full national strength to determine victory."
"However, if the war is fought in Silesia, even in the worst-case scenario, if Austria fails to win, the war will still devastate the region, leaving nothing but scorched earth for the Prussians."
"No matter how you look at it, this is strategically advantageous!"
Leopold II felt that something wasn't quite right, but he couldn't pinpoint it. After a long moment, he hesitated, "If we attack Silesia, Saxony will surely side with Prussia. Additionally, Poland has allied with Prussia, and if they were to attack Austria from the east then, the situation would quickly spiral out of control."
Saxony had a conflict of interest with Austria regarding Bavaria, and Silesia bordered Saxony, serving as a gateway into each other's territories. If Austria were to reclaim Silesia, it would inevitably pose a serious threat to Saxony, thus, the latter will certainly join the conflict.
Talleyrand immediately responded, "Yes, the Prussians will have Saxony's assistance, but don't forget, Austria also has France as a friend."
"As for Poland, I can assure you that France is confident it can persuade them not to get involved in the war between Prussia and Austria."
'In truth, France wouldn't even need to persuade them; Poland was currently undergoing a national awakening, with its entire focus on implementing its Constitution and resisting Russian aggression. It would have no interest in interfering in the affairs of other nations.'
Leopold II acutely grasped the implication of his words. "Are you saying France will send troops to help us reclaim Silesia?"
Talleyrand smiled and nodded. "His Majesty the King does indeed have that intention."
Leopold II nodded, then asked, "So, what sort of recompense does His esteemed Majesty the King require?"
Having been Grand Duke of Tuscany for over two decades, he naturally understood that there were no free gifts between nations.
Talleyrand smiled even more sincerely. "You've already stated that you will advance and retreat with France in trade negotiations. That is the best reward."
"Of course, if His Imperial Majesty could acknowledge France's claim to Piedmont, that would further demonstrate the deep friendship between our two nations."
Piedmont is a large region immediately bordering southeastern France, currently part of the Kingdom of Sardinia. Historically, France has always asserted its own claim to this region. Moreover, it is the gateway to Italy and holds significant strategic value. Sardinia has only two major neighbors—France and Austria, making Austria's stance particularly crucial.
In reality, Joseph had no designs on Piedmont, at least not yet. However, if nothing was requested from Austria, it would only make them suspicious of France's true motives.
In truth, Joseph would be perfectly content if Prussia and Austria simply went to war, and the conflict was significant.
Leopold II nodded. "Very well, I will report this matter to His Imperial Majesty. I firmly believe that Franco-Austrian friendship is unbreakable!"
Even as he and Talleyrand discussed a joint military intervention, Talleyrand's assistants were active throughout Vienna.
In a modest villa, Field Marshal Franz von Lacy of the Austrian Army gazed intently at the Frenchman before him and declared loudly, "What you say—is it true?"
Conrad Hottinger, the French diplomatic envoy, nodded even more earnestly. "You have probably heard that our Crown Prince declared two years ago, 'A war between France and Prussia is inevitable.' Indeed, in Silesia, His Highness's words will come to pass."
"How many troops will you commit?"
"I cannot be entirely certain of the exact number, perhaps fifty thousand, or seventy thousand. You see, I am not a professional soldier."
A flicker of excitement sparked in Field Marshal Lacy's eyes. As a soldier who had participated in the Silesian Wars, he had ceaselessly dreamed of reclaiming that fertile land.
And if France could dispatch seventy thousand troops, Austria would undoubtedly have a strong chance of victory.
Of course, Hottinger, as a diplomat, knew the troop numbers he quoted in an unofficial setting were by no means precise, but they served their purpose for persuasion.
After some impassioned rhetoric, Field Marshal Lacy was now brimming with fervor. He personally saw the Frenchman out of the villa, and then immediately rushed to Schönbrunn Palace.
Similarly, at the home of Field Marshal Ernst Gideon von Laudon, French diplomatic envoy Bellamy spoke with great eloquence, recounting the history of Prussia's forceful seizure of Silesia, which ignited a furious rage in the Marshal.
"Those Prussian bastards," the aged Marshal roared, banging on the table. "They must be taught a lesson!"
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