Chapter 460: The Death of the Holy Roman Emperor
Nearly half of the British Members of Parliament immediately voiced their agreement:
“The Franco-Austrian coalition has already seized the initiative on the battlefield; we must respond!”
“If Austria reclaims Silesia, the strategic balance in the German region will be shattered.”
“Beyond Silesia, the Franco-Austrian alliance could even dictate the political landscape of the European continent...”
Britain, a long-standing disruptor, would never permit a hegemonic power to emerge on the European continent.
However, some more cautious Members of Parliament shook their heads, discussing among themselves. One of them rose and said:
“Lord Fox, we are simply not prepared for war; we haven't even begun to mobilize our army.”
All of Britain's mobile forces had been deployed to India last year. Currently, a maximum of over 30,000 men could be sent to Silesia, and even then, logistical supplies were not ready. Even if they participated, it would be difficult to influence the war.
Fox immediately slammed the war proposal before him, declaring loudly, “Therefore, we should begin preparations for war at once.”
“A weakened Netherlands cannot be relied upon. Prussia is our sole foothold on the European continent. If Prussia is defeated and chooses to align with France and Austria, it will be a nightmare for Britain!”
In the Parliament hall, the shouts of support for him grew louder. Though the Tory Party Members were reluctant to back his proposal, they couldn't find a convincing argument against it at that moment.
In barely an hour, the British Parliament passed the motion to immediately begin war preparations. They would dispatch troops to Silesia in three months, with the army numbering no less than 60,000 men. Concurrently, forces in Hanover would be significantly increased, and allied nations like the Netherlands, Hesse, and Poland would also be urged to send troops.
The motion was swiftly sent to 10 Downing Street for Prime Minister William Pitt Junior's signature.
The entirety of Europe seemed poised to ignite, with Silesia as its epicenter.
...
Silesia.
South of Liegnitz.
“Please, you must accept this small token of my appreciation,” General Leo said, his face beaming with smiles as he gestured towards the carriage stopped on the road. “I heard all about it. Even Marshal Lacy opposed sending more troops to Ratibor at the time, but you overcame all objections and had General Kellermann lead a 30,000-strong army to my aid.”
“Ahem,” Joseph cleared his throat, patting Leo's shoulder with a smile. “We are old friends, after all. Of course, I couldn't stand by and watch you fall into danger.”
Leo profusely thanked him again. He had always believed it was his own lack of combat ability that led to him being besieged at Ratibor, and that ultimately, the French Crown Prince had saved him.
Joseph, for his part, was happy to foster a good relationship with Leo, especially since it meant having another connection in Vienna.
He exchanged pleasantries with General Leo as they entered the tent. At that moment, a staff officer approached him, whispering, “Your Highness, it's all jewelry and luxury goods, worth at least 500,000 francs.”
Joseph's smile instantly grew brighter. It seemed Leo had sent everything awarded to him by Vienna. Indeed, due to Austria's great victory, Leo's actions at Ratibor had been characterized as "heroic and tenacious fighting that tied down a significant portion of the enemy forces." He had been commended for this, and a promotion to Marshal was likely now a certainty.
Soon, Leo's conversation turned to the war.
He pulled out a personal letter from Marshal Lacy and said to Joseph, “Your Highness, the Coalition Forces currently hold a considerable advantage at Breslau.”
“Headquarters has already drawn up a battle plan for the ‘March Offensive,' and as soon as your corps arrives, the Breslau fortress can be swiftly breached.”
Joseph couldn't help but sigh inwardly. General Wurmser, who had been urging him earlier, hadn't even left yet when Leo started pressing him again.
The Guards Corps had been "resting" here for well over two weeks; it seemed there was no longer any way to stall.
He reluctantly turned to Berthier, preparing to give the order to ready the army for departure, when he heard the rapid approach of hooves. Immediately, an officer entered the tent holding a black obituary, announcing in a somber tone, “Your Highness, Generals, His Imperial Majesty the Holy Roman Emperor has been called to God...”
Though Joseph felt a pang of sadness at his uncle's passing, after all, he was family, a sense of relief also settled in his heart.
Joseph II had still departed according to the historical timeline, passing away at the end of February 1790.
And France would be able to use this opportunity to withdraw from the maelstrom of the Silesian War.
Joseph looked at General Leo, whose face was filled with astonishment, and stated with a mournful expression, “Oh, God! My dear uncle has passed away. I must return to Vienna to attend the funeral.”
Leo also reacted, lamenting sorrowfully, “May His Majesty rest in peace in Heaven...”
Suddenly, no one mentioned the war anymore. Marshal Lacy hastily revised the battle plan, switching to an all-out defensive strategy. Fortunately, the Austrian army had secured some advantages earlier, and Prussia was unable to seize the opportunity to launch a full-scale counterattack.
...
A week later.
There was no oppressive atmosphere in Vienna; rather, the death of Joseph II caused some people to feel excited.
At Schönbrunn Palace, several ministers were advising Leopold II: “Your Majesty, if the nobles continue to be uncooperative, the national treasury will be depleted within a few months.”
“Your Majesty, we have achieved a breakthrough in Silesia, but it also consumed a vast amount of supplies.”
“Separatist activities in Hungary are growing increasingly rampant. I suggest recalling some forces to Pest to assert our authority...”
Leopold II's brow furrowed deeply. He understood very well that the nobles' words essentially boiled down to one plea: “Please abolish Joseph II's reforms as soon as possible.”
Although he had always advocated for ending his brother's reforms, the reformist faction's influence was equally significant and could not be ignored, especially as he had not yet been formally crowned Emperor.
While the political landscape of Germany meant the various Prince-Electors had no choice but to vote for him, he absolutely wished to avoid any major political upheaval before that.
Just then, a servant announced loudly from the doorway, “Count Kaunitz has arrived—”
Leopold II quickly turned his head and saw Minister of State Kaunitz stride in. He made a deep bow, then declared loudly, “Your Majesty, suspending the reforms is an urgent necessity. As for those delusional reformists, I believe they can all be arrested for inciting rebellion!”
Although Kaunitz was not favored by Leopold II and had gradually moved away from the core of power, his influence as a significant political force in Vienna could not be ignored.
Seeing Kaunitz's resolute support for ending the reforms, Leopold II no longer hesitated. He instructed his Minister of the Interior, “Please immediately draft an edict to suspend the reform decrees. We will convene a Privy Council meeting tomorrow morning to discuss it.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
...
Joseph II's coffin proceeded slowly along the streets of Vienna, carried aloft by sturdy palace guards. The Archbishop, personally dispatched by the Pope, led a retinue of clerics, holding various ceremonial implements, following closely on either side.
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