Life of Being a Crown Prince in France

Chapter 1110: Chapter 1016: Everything They Do Will Surely Be Thwarted

Talleyrand immediately altered his plan to meet Franz II directly. He did not make a public appearance, but instead gathered information through his network in Vienna, and then reported the situation to Paris via the Sharp Signal Tower in Baden.

Six days later, he received the latest orders from the Crown Prince and promptly summoned the “wealthy merchant” Schulmeister — the top agent of the Security Bureau in Austria.

…

In Franz II’s study, the Austrian Foreign Minister, young Kobutsel, was eloquently speaking:

“…In some respects, the British are correct. If we continue to exhaust ourselves in Silesia, the French will be the biggest beneficiaries.

“We may not be able to reclaim Italy for another decade.”

Indeed, although the Queen of France provided some assistance to her dear nephew, it was merely an internal royal affair. Now, all of Austria is exceedingly hostile towards France due to previous war defeats, with everyone eager to reclaim Italy and the Southern Netherlands.

Count Stadion, the Finance Minister, nodded: “Moreover, the war is simultaneously wearing down Prussia, which is exactly what the French hope to see.”

General Horn Dorf immediately chimed in: “But we cannot abandon our territory in Silesia just to prevent the French from gaining an advantage.

“If we accept British mediation, you know they are allies with Prussia and will surely suppress our interests!”

Yes, Austria is currently divided into two factions on whether to stop the war—

The reformist faction, led by the Konitz group, hopes to end the war quickly and invest funds and energy into domestic reforms.

The hardliners, representing the military, advocate taking advantage of Archduke Karl’s triumph to completely recover Silesia.

A few days ago, British Foreign Minister Fox proposed to Vienna that Britain supports mediation, with Prussia and Austria conducting ceasefire negotiations in Thuringia.

This time, Britain has significant aims—the Grenville Government plans to seize the mediation opportunity to prompt Prussia and Austria to sign the “Silesian Permanent Boundary Agreement,” ending the ongoing territorial conflict.

In the future, Austria would look “south” to expand influence on the Balkan Peninsula. Prussia would look “east” to devour weak Poland while occupying Sweden’s exclaves in Central Europe, Polamania, and Visma—Sweden currently holds three provinces in Germany. Britain intends to recognize Prussian control here with Russia and Denmark.

Only by ending Prussian-Austrian hostilities and joining forces again could they possibly curb the rising power of France on the European Continent.

But the issue is Prussia cannot bear the loss of Silesia, so Fox must do everything possible to pressure Austria to sign the “Permanent Boundary Agreement.”

Count Stadion coldly stated: “General, if we reject the British proposal, they may intervene in the Silesian affairs.”

Horn Dorf disdainfully shook his head: “You forget? Their troops are all in Portugal, and they can’t spare forces for Central Europe.”

“Even if Britain only provides financial aid to Prussia, it would greatly impact the war situation.”

Marshal Reo, who had been silent before, suddenly raised his hand: “Everyone, I believe, we must not allow the British to meddle in Silesian affairs.”

Franz II and several ministers were taken aback by the words and turned their heads.

Reo firmly stated: “Please think about it, initially we had the upper hand in Glogau, but the Ottoman Army appeared in Wallachia without any warning, and shortly afterward, Mr. Fox arrived in Vienna.

“Out of all Europe, the ones most afraid of us defeating Prussia are the British.

“I have every reason to suspect the Ottomans attacked Wallachia on their orders.”

His words were naturally prompted by Talleyrand’s “hint.”

Franz II frowned upon hearing the statement.

Reo continued: “Just a short while ago, the British supported Potsdam with hundreds of thousands of British Pounds, and it was this money that helped the Prussians stabilize their defense line.”

Horn Dorf supplemented immediately: “And when the French Army was approaching Klagenfurt, at our most desperate time for help, the British shamelessly abandoned us.”

This led even the few originally neutral ministers to whisper among themselves.

Reo shouted: “I believe we should manage Silesian affairs ourselves. Let Fox leave Vienna immediately!”

Indeed, with Britain’s involvement in mediating Prussian-Austrian affairs, Prussia is unlikely to be completely defeated by Austria, so Joseph is not in a hurry to end the war.

If the British want to drag this cart, go ahead and add a few more stones to it.

Seeing the dispute between the pro-war and pro-peace factions unresolved, Franz II irritably declared the meeting adjourned, to continue discussions tomorrow.

That evening, young Kobutsel, as a representative of the reformist faction, quietly visited Fox at his residence.

After simply recounting the hardliners’ proposal from today, the British Foreign Minister’s face immediately soured: “This is complete slander. We have no connection with the Ottoman People!”

Young Kobutsel nodded: “We think so too. I just worry His Majesty might be influenced by those military men.”

Fox restrained his anger and asked: “What do you mean, then?”

“Perhaps you could demonstrate your country’s sincerity to His Majesty.” Young Kobutsel suggested, “This way, His Majesty will surely believe you truly come for peace. And you know, our country has a military advantage in Silesia, stopping now would cost us interests.”

Fox couldn’t help but frown. Britain attaches great importance to this mediation, and he certainly cannot return empty-handed.

He took a deep breath and said: “Our country can offer a loan to His Majesty, the Emperor. I heard your brother plans to implement reforms, which would surely bring financial pressure.”

Young Kobutsel probed: “300,000 British Pounds?”

The British clenched his teeth and nodded: “I will apply to Congress.”

Meanwhile, “Vienna grain merchant” Schulmeister visited Baron Walter’s manor through an introduction by an interior ministry official—the latter was royal family after all, and Kobutsel couldn’t make things difficult for him. After stabilizing power, he released him.

The manor had gathered more than a dozen officials, all pro-British and anti-French from Vienna. Although they have declined after Tugut’s downfall, they still wield certain influence when united.

And it was under Mr. Schulmeister’s activities that these people converged here.

The Emperor’s cousin waved his disabled arm excitedly: “This is an excellent opportunity!

“If Lord Fox successfully presides over this mediation, England can enhance its influence over Vienna.

“Those pro-France forces like Kobutsel will no longer be so arrogant!”

Kobutsel actually follows a British-French balance route, but this time partners with the pro-France Konitz family, hence carries a pro-France label to some extent.

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