Chapter 650: Gold Smoothes Over Enmity
Franz II glanced at the King of Prussia, his head held high. "They are merely minor issues," he declared. "The Empire's treasury is quite ample."
William II, showing no mercy, exposed his lie. "Let's be frank," he stated. "Austria has lost its dominant position in the South German market, and even its domestic market is being challenged.
"The Hungarians, and even the Bohemians, are extremely dissatisfied with your tax policies, often preventing full tax collection in those regions.
"And of course, most importantly, His Majesty Joseph II expended far too much military funding in Silesia."
Seeing the Holy Roman Emperor's displeasure, he quickly raised a hand in a placating gesture. "Yes, my country also suffered immense losses in that war. Oh, I even lost Liegnitz."
"That territory originally belonged to Austria," Franz II retorted coldly.
"Alright, alright, let's forget the Treaty of Dresden for now," William II conceded, shaking his head. "In truth, my own country faces severe financial pressure."
The Treaty of Dresden was precisely the agreement, signed forty years prior after Austria's defeat, that recognized Prussia's sovereignty over Silesia.
Franz II entered the meeting room, gestured towards a sofa, and then frowned at the King of Prussia. "So, what exactly do you want to say?"
"What would that be?"
William II gestured to the surrounding servants and court officials. "My apologies," he murmured.
Franz II furrowed his brow but waved a hand. "All of you, out," he commanded.
Once only the two of them remained in the spacious hall, William II leaned forward. "If Austria could acquire the rich region of Lesser Poland, its financial situation would quickly improve."
The "Lesser Poland" he referred to was the region in southwestern Poland, stretching from Krakow to west of the Bug River. It bordered Warsaw and faced Silesia across the Oder River, a rare fertile land for Poland.
Franz's expression darkened at the words. "My country has never made claims on Poland," he declared emphatically, "and maintaining Poland's integrity has been our consistent policy since the time of His Majesty Joseph II!"
He then looked at William II, a hint of disdain in his voice. "If I'm not mistaken," he added, "Prussia and Poland signed an alliance, did they not?"
"An alliance?"
William II merely smiled, sidestepping the topic. "You must be aware of the new silver mine opened last year in Tarnowskie Góry, near Krakow, yes?
"Its annual output has now reached six million Florins, and it continues to grow.
"If you acquire Lesser Poland, that region will provide you with a constant stream of funds."
Franz II opened his mouth but found himself unable to speak.
William II observed his expression, then leaned back against the sofa's cushions, continuing, "I hear France humiliated your army in Italy?"
"No, that was merely..."
The King of Prussia nodded. "Indeed, that was nothing significant. However, if you wish to bring the French to the negotiating table and renegotiate that trade agreement, you will require a sufficiently powerful army.
"None of this can be supported by Austria's current finances.
"Austria has always sought a personal union with Bavaria. Oh, no need to deny it; many things are plain for everyone to see, and achieving this will require an army."
"Even Salzburg, Württemberg, and Augsburg," he said in a beguiling tone. "Ultimately, to reintegrate the fragmented territories of the Holy Roman Empire."
Franz II raised an eyebrow. "Or, perhaps, even Prussia?" "Who knows?" William II shrugged nonchalantly. "If such a day ever comes, we can fight another war.
"But before that, we both must resolve our pressing financial issues.
"And Poland presents the best opportunity."
He offered another smile. "Frankly, Prussia remains a part of the Holy Roman Empire; you needn't always regard me as a challenger.
"My country's future expansion will not be directed southward. The vast expanse of East Prussia offers more easily acquired territory.
"If we can set aside our animosity, you can gain Lesser Poland, and I can continue expanding eastward. Then we would no longer be hostile towards each other over the German regions. Don't you agree this would be the best outcome?"
Franz II remained silent. The Prussian was not wrong; acquiring Lesser Poland would rapidly boost Austria's national power, and drawing Prussia's strength eastward would allow him to more easily unify the German regions.
However, maintaining Poland's integrity was also Austria's national policy. More importantly, the more Polish land acquired, the closer they would come to that terrifying 'beast.'
That beast was called Russia.
Without Poland serving as a buffer, hundreds of thousands of Eastern Orthodox troops could roll across the Eastern European plain. If that happened, it would likely be a disaster for the entire European continent.
William II seemed to sense his reservations and smiled with greater satisfaction. "Very well, to demonstrate my sincerity, there's something I must tell you.
"In fact, His Majesty Catherine II and I have already signed a secret treaty. Russia will only claim the line from Minsk to Livonia, and then its armies will withdraw.
"The entire Aukshtaitija and Pripyat regions will still be left to Poland, serving as a buffer zone against the Eastern Orthodox faith.
"Please believe me, I also do not wish for the Russians to be too close to us. If the Russians cross the Minsk line, I will join you in warning them."
Franz II frowned. "That is still not enough."
"What if Britain were to join us?" William II pressed. "They, too, would become part of our 'Eastward Advance' agreement. The Russians could never ignore Britain's stance."
Franz II recalled that it was the British envoy who had facilitated Prussia's connection yesterday, and his eyes narrowed. "Why would the British intervene in the Eastern European situation?"
"To counterbalance France," William II replied without hesitation. "France's influence in the German regions is growing ever stronger, and this has alerted the British. Oh, and India—you must have heard that the French are likely the ones looming behind Mysore.
"And if Britain wishes to accomplish anything in Germany, it will undoubtedly require the cooperation of our two nations."
Franz II remained silent for a long time this time before finally offering a faint smile. "Thank you for attending my coronation ceremony. Some matters, perhaps, can be decided after my coronation has concluded."
"I await your good news at any time."
...
Poland.
Warsaw, Tin-Roofed Palace.
Prince Poniatowski gazed intently at the map before him, his expression grave, and addressed Father Sais. "We have indeed received reports of Russian troop movements, but can you confirm this signifies an all-out war against our nation?"
Although Father Sais was unsure why the Crown Prince was so certain, he nodded in accordance with the latter's request. "Please trust the capabilities of French intelligence. In no more than six months, Poland will face an unprecedented invasion. And not just from Russian armies."
Comments