Chapter 100: To Kill With Flattery
In recent decades, Prussia has continuously grown and developed, making Austria envious and resentful. Now, their misfortune has arrived, and people naturally take pleasure in seeing their downfall.
“Speaking of Prussia, not long ago they sought diplomatic support from us in the name of saving the German Confederation. After being rejected, they spread unfavorable opinions about us throughout the German Region.
At this moment, the Kingdom of Prussia has almost become a national hero in the eyes of the Germanic people, while the great Austria has been reduced to a mere background character!” Metternich said with a furrowed brow.
Upon hearing this news, the expressions on everyone’s faces turned sour. Austria was the leader of the German Confederation, and from a nationalist perspective, it should have been Austria stepping up for the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein at this time.
However, geographically, Austria was separated from the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein by Prussia, and without vested interests, there was naturally no incentive to intervene.
Now, with the Kingdom of Prussia branding itself as the savior of Germany, it was akin to slapping Austria in the face once again.
Historically, Austria had been preoccupied with internal turmoil, leaving little energy for external involvement. With internal conflicts about to subside, it was inevitable that Austria would soon have to engage in international affairs.
Prime Minister Felix sneered and coldly exclaimed, “Hmph! The Prussians have become too audacious. We must show them a little bit of our strength!”
Metternich shook his head and said, “That might not be easy. In the Schleswig and Holstein issue, we can’t impede Prussia’s actions, or else the nationalist elements in the German Region might view us as traitors.”
With the rise of nationalism, no one could no longer ignore the influence of public opinion. Austria, as the leader of the German Confederation, must stand behind Prussia at this time; it was a case of being held hostage by popular sentiment.
Since they were essentially coerced into this position, it was unrealistic to expect Austria to contribute much effort. The diplomatic pressure should be borne by Prussia themselves.
Suddenly, Franz’s expression changed. In history, Austria was coerced into joining forces with Prussia to withstand international pressure and reclaim the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein.
However, not long after those actions concluded, the relationship between Prussia and Austria soured. Austria’s previous “unpaid labor” for Prussia, coupled with a beating that left them incapacitated, didn’t count for much.
Although this event will take place a decade later, the seeds of conflict were already sown at this time.
In this Prussian-Danish War, although Prussia didn’t manage to occupy the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein, they garnered support from the German Region, laying the groundwork among the populace for Prussia’s eventual unification of Germany.
Franz’s expression tightened as he remarked, “The Prussians are setting up a major scheme. They seem to have outmaneuvered us. If that’s the case, let’s demonstrate our own strategic prowess!”
“Your Highness, might it not be prudent to refrain from openly opposing Prussia at this moment? The prevailing sentiment in the German Region is largely supportive of their actions,” cautioned Karl, the Minister of Finance.
Franz’s lips curled into a cold smile as he declared, “No, not only should we refrain from opposing the Prussians’ actions, but we must also openly and wholeheartedly support them. Let the Ministry of Foreign Affairs publicly endorse the reintegration of the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein into the German Confederation.
Starting now, we will leverage our influence to generate momentum around this event, ensuring that all citizens of the German Region become aware of the efforts we are making to uphold the territorial integrity of the German Region.
Simultaneously, we should also extol the contributions of the Kingdom of Prussia. Send a diplomatic message to the Kingdom of Prussia, encouraging them not to waver. Let them know that once we’ve resolved our internal matters, we’ll be there to offer our assistance!”
There was still another method of dealing with situations – killing through flattery. Since the Kingdom of Prussia is now portraying itself as the savior of Germany, then let them stand even taller.
The stage is set and a performance is inevitable. With the backing of Austria and the various states in the German Confederation, can Prussia easily back down?
However, if they don’t back down, what can they possibly achieve? The major European powers are all siding with Denmark, and Austria, their supposed supporter, is primarily prepared to be a master of rhetoric this time, with practical assistance almost nonexistent.
The Swedish Government has already mobilized its military to defend Denmark, and the Russians have amassed troops along the Prussian-Russian border. If things escalate into an armed conflict, Prussia and Russia will find themselves on opposing sides.
“Your Highness, if we support Prussia, it will be difficult to justify our actions diplomatically to Britain, France, and Russia. This could be very detrimental to our upcoming strategies!” Metternich said, clearly concerned.
Franz responded with indifference, “Mr. Metternich, this is where your diplomatic skills need to come into play. Explain our predicament to the other nations, highlighting Austria’s internal turmoil. We must factor in the sentiments of the German people and assure them that our support for Prussia is primarily symbolic.”
Austria was also one of the major powers, and handling this level of diplomatic pressure should be manageable. As long as concrete actions weren’t taken, it wouldn’t jeopardize the Austro-Russian Alliance.
Austria and France have recently signed a friendly treaty, cementing their mutual interests. Their partnership wouldn’t be strained by the Danish issue.
As for the British, the situation was even more delicate due to their relationship with the Kingdom of Sardinia. The tensions between the two nations are already escalating. At this point, the London Government cannot afford to let Anglo-Austrian relations deteriorate any further, as that would only tighten the Austro-Russian Alliance.
The remaining smaller European nations might at most offer a couple of condemnatory remarks, but it was highly unlikely that they would sanction Austria over a few slogans, right? Even if they have the intention, would they have the courage to do it?
The remaining smaller European nations might at most offer a couple of condemnatory remarks, but it's highly unlikely they would sanction Austria over a few slogans. Even if they have intentions, they lack the audacity, right?
Prime Minister Felix voiced his opposition, “Your Highness, if it were just verbal support, there wouldn’t be a significant issue. However, if the Prussians drag the matter on, to the point where we have quelled domestic unrest, what stance should we take then?
If we assist them, the Kingdom of Prussia’s power will further strengthen. If we don’t assist them, our reputation in the German Region might suffer once again!”
This was a very realistic concern. While the Prussians might not be able to take on the Russians head-on, during this period, the Tsarist Government wouldn’t be inclined to declare war on Prussia either. They can certainly drag the issue out for a considerable amount of time.
Franz’s cold smile emerged as he remarked, “No problem. If the Prussians can prolong the situation, we can do the same. Even if domestic uprisings are quelled, we can still cite unstable local conditions and inability to deploy troops.
Worst-case scenario, we can share some of the military expenses. If they succeed in bringing back the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein into the Confederation, we’ll chip in; if they can’t, we can just evade the debt!”
Franz would not be stingy if he could spend a sum of money to completely destroy the relationship between Russia and Prussia.
However, the Prussians were unlikely to accept this money willingly. They’ve stirred up such a commotion, and it’s not just about bringing back the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein into the German Confederation.
If they can’t annex these duchies, wouldn’t this war have been fought in vain?
Furthermore, with the addition of two new members in the German Confederation Parliament, the strength of the member states would grow, making the path to German unification even more distant.
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