I Am the Crown Prince in France

Chapter 309 The France-Austria friendship is unbreakable

Leopold II immediately ordered his servants to get a map of the Southern Netherlands. He was about to discuss the details of reinforcements with the French when he heard Talleyrand say: "Your Majesty, in fact, the General Staff is planning this war." After careful analysis, we believe that we should not continue to send more troops to the Southern Netherlands.”

"No more troops?" Leopold II's face suddenly darkened, "Are you asking me to abandon the Southern Netherlands?"

"No, no, you misunderstood." Talleyrand's expression became serious. "The General Staff's suggestion is that using the Southern Netherlands as the main battlefield is extremely detrimental to Austria."

Just then the servant brought the map, and he pointed to the location of Southern Netherlands: "You see, it is very close to Prussia and the Netherlands, and there are rebels everywhere.

"Austria is 800 kilometers away from there, so whether it's troop reinforcements or logistics, it's at an absolute disadvantage.

"In addition, even if you invest heavily in the rebels and eventually eliminate the rebels, the Southern Netherlands will be severely damaged by the war. In that case, even if the Prussians withdraw from the Southern Netherlands, they will be equivalent to victory."

Leopold II frowned and looked at him: "Please tell me your suggestions."

𝟞𝟡𝕤𝕙𝕦𝕩.𝕟𝕖𝕥】

Talleyrand took a step forward, met his gaze, and said in a deep voice: "Since Prussia and Austria have actually started a war, you should no longer have any worries.

“The best strategy is to choose the battlefield that is beneficial to you and where you can gain the greatest benefit.

"And the battlefield that is most beneficial to Austria is undoubtedly Silesia!

"It is semi-surrounded by Austria, and the people are more sympathetic to His Majesty the Emperor's rule. After all, it was Austrian territory thirty years ago.

“At the same time, the Netherlands and the Southern Netherlands are unable to provide any support to the war situation in Silesia, and Prussia will face the powerful Austrian army alone!

"As long as the war in Silesia begins, Prussia will definitely withdraw its troops from the Southern Netherlands and invest them in Silesia. And the Southern Netherlands rebels who have lost the support of Prussia can be wiped out at any time."

Talleyrand's radical suggestions moved Leopold II's mind. Recovering Silesia was undoubtedly a huge temptation, but he quickly calmed down and shook his head: "Austria is currently undergoing reforms, and I'm afraid it is not suitable to carry out such a large-scale reform." war."

"Do you think the scale of the war can be controlled by fighting only in the Southern Netherlands?" Talleyrand asked, "After His Majesty the Emperor increases his troops, the Prussians will immediately follow suit.

“In the end, both sides will still use all their national strength to determine the winner.

“But if there was a war in Silesia, even if the worst happened and Austria failed to win, the war would destroy it and leave the Prussians with a scorched earth.

"No matter how you calculate it, this is strategically beneficial!"

Leopold II always felt that something was wrong, but could not say it. After a while, he hesitated and said: "If we attack Silesia, Saxony will definitely side with Prussia. In addition, Poland has also formed an alliance with Prussia. If they attack Austria from the east, the situation will quickly get out of control."

Saxony has conflicts with Austria over Bavaria, and Silesia is next to Saxony, and each is the gateway to the other's territory. If Austria recaptures Silesia, it will definitely pose a serious threat to Saxony, so the latter will inevitably join the war.

Talleyrand immediately said: "Yes, the Prussians have Saxony to help them, but don't forget that Austria also has France as a friend.

"As for Poland, I can assure you that France is confident in convincing them not to get involved in the war between Prussia and Austria."

In fact, there is no need for French persuasion at all. Poland is currently undergoing a national awakening. All its thoughts are on implementing the constitution and resisting Russian aggression, and will not interfere in the affairs of other countries at all.

Leopold II keenly grasped the meaning of his words: "You mean, France will send troops to help us recover Silesia?"

Talleyrand smiled and nodded: "His Majesty the King does have this plan."

Leopold II nodded and then asked: "So, what kind of reward does His Majesty the King need?"

He has been the Grand Duke of Tuscany for more than 20 years, so he naturally understands that there are no free gifts between countries.

Talleyrand smiled more sincerely: "You have just said that you will advance and retreat with France in trade negotiations. This is the best reward.

"Of course, if His Majesty the Emperor can recognize France's ownership of Piedmont, it will further demonstrate the deep friendship between the two countries."

Piedmont is a large region in southeastern France that currently belongs to the Kingdom of Sardinia. Historically, France has always had its own claim on the ownership of this area. In addition, it is the entrance to Italy and has important strategic value. Sardinia has only two major neighbors - France and Austria, so Austria's attitude is very important.

In fact, Joseph has no idea of ​​​​Piedmont, at least not yet. But asking Austria for nothing would make the latter doubt France's motives.

In fact, as long as Puao starts fighting and the fight is bigger, Joseph will be very satisfied.

Leopold II nodded: "Okay, I will report this to His Majesty the Emperor. I firmly believe that the friendship between France and Austria is unbreakable!"

While he and Talleyrand were discussing joint dispatch of troops, Talleyrand's assistants were also active throughout Vienna.

In a villa with a simple appearance, Austrian Field Marshal Franz von Lacy looked at the Frenchman in front of him seriously and said loudly: "Are you telling the truth?"

French Foreign Affairs Commissioner Conrad Hottinger nodded more seriously and said: "You may have heard that our Crown Prince said two years ago that 'there must be a war between France and Prussia'. Yes, it is in Silesia that what His Royal Highness said will come true."

"How many troops will you deploy?"

"I'm not sure about this, 50,000 or 70,000. You know, I'm not a professional soldier."

Marshal Lacy's eyes flashed with excitement. As a soldier who participated in the Silesian War, he dreamed of taking back that rich land all the time.

And if France can send 70,000 troops, Austria will undoubtedly have a great chance of winning.

Of course, as a diplomat, Hottinger's number of troops mentioned in informal occasions is not accurate at all, but it can be used to persuade.

After some incitement, Marshal Lacy was already full of enthusiasm, and he personally escorted the French out of the villa, and then immediately rushed to Schönbrunn Palace.

Similarly, in the home of Marshal Ernst Gideon von Laudon, French diplomatic commissioner Bellamy also spoke impassionedly, recounting the history of Prussia's seizure of Silesia, which made the marshal furious.

"Those damn Prussians," the old marshal banged on the table and roared, "We must let them know how powerful we are!"