Struggle in Russia

Not only was Grand Duke Franz Joseph not far-sighted enough in politics, what was worse was that Schwarzenberg felt that he was too preoccupied, and that he was too clear about the small gains and losses of a few cents, but he had too much vision for major issues. Generally speaking, some small problems are extremely shrewd, and some big problems are muddled.

If there are other better choices, Schwarzenberg is actually not willing to choose him, but do you have any other choices for the Habsburg family?

In addition to the Grand Duke Franz Joseph, Ferdinand I also had a silly younger brother, the Grand Duke Franz Karl. This guy is as dull as a pig, he can't do anything like his brother, and he doesn't have the ability to rule the country at all.

The only contribution of this dull pig head to the Habsburg family is that its fertility is not bad, and it can also contribute a few more normal heirs, such as the Grand Duke Franz Joseph mentioned above, such as the Grand Duke’s younger brother Maximilian Joseph Grand Duke (later Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico) and Grand Duke Karl Ludwig.

In fact, the official crown prince of the current Austrian Empire is this dull pig-headed Duke Franz Karl who can only give birth to children. But as I said earlier, almost all the nobles and princes and ministers are not optimistic about him, and they are not willing to let him succeed.

Therefore, that is to say, now Wendisch Gretz and Schwarzenberg have only the choice of Archduke Franz Joseph, because his two younger brothers are fifteen and sixteen years old, let alone the matter.

It’s just that the two still have some differences on how to bring the Grand Duke Franz Joseph to power. For example, Schwarzenberg’s original idea was to support the succession of the Grand Duke Franz Karl. After all, this product is officially Crown Prince, after Ferdinand I abdicated, Grand Duke Franz Carl should succeed him.

"We can let Grand Duke Franz Karl be the emperor. After all, we all know that he has no ability to govern the country. Instead of forcing him to be an unqualified emperor, it is better to let him be an unreasonable totem. We can let Franz Grand Duke Zyosef as Regent!"

"In this way, the name is justified, all aspects can be explained, and there will be no major problems!"

But the problem is that Wendisch Gretz doesn't like the idea, he's fed up with idiots being emperor, and even being emperor in name only drives him crazy, so he insists:

"This is not a good idea. I don't think there is any need to do any tricks of the regent. Why bother? We can persuade Grand Duke Franz Karl to give up the right of succession, and then his son, Grand Duke Franz Joseph, will directly inherit the throne. Solve all problems once and for all!"

The corners of Schwarzenberg's mouth twitched. To be honest, he didn't like this mode of operation because it was against the rules. Although Grand Duke Franz Karl was a fool, he couldn't be fooled like this. Judging by Wendisch Gretz's attitude, he seems to insist on doing this, probably because he is fed up with being led by idiots!

However, he still felt that he should be cautious. After all, the abolition of the establishment is a major event, and he must not act according to his own preferences, so he persuaded: "Be more cautious! Continue to communicate with colleagues and check the tone of foreign countries. Austria has already I can't stand the toss!"

Wendisch Gretz was immediately dissatisfied, and yelled: "Why do you want to listen to foreigners? We in Austria choose our own monarch. When is it their turn to dictate!"

Schwarzenberg sighed. He knew that the brother-in-law had screwed up again, and of course it might not be completely screwed up, but swollen. Although the change of the emperor is indeed Austria's internal affairs, but if it is changed at this sensitive time, it really must be explained to the allies.

Otherwise, thoughtful people will say that this is a different kind of coup d'état. Once Nicholas I thinks that it is of the same nature as a revolution, with the temperament of the violent tsar, he might turn his face immediately.

Therefore, this matter is really not something that Austria can decide internally. It is necessary to notify its allies in advance, otherwise it will be very taboo.

Schwarzenberg sighed: "We have to give an explanation to the Russian allies in terms of circumstances and reason,

After all, this matter is too sensitive, once someone with ulterior motives provokes right and wrong, it will cause bad things instead! "

This explanation made Wendisch Gretz a little more comfortable, but he still insisted: "It is enough to inform them. You must tell them that this is the unanimous resolution of our Austrian royal family to the nobles. We have no intention to change it and will not change it. This is Our will!"

Schwarzenberg sighed in his heart again. Although it was very relieved and domineering to do so, this attitude would really cause bad things. Fortunately, his brother-in-law is not in the political arena, otherwise, with this emotional intelligence, enemies will be everywhere in minutes.

"I will express what you mean in an appropriate manner," Schwarzenberg replied flatly, "but when I express my official will to my allies, my friend, I hope you will not speak indiscriminately. !"

Wendisch Gretz naturally didn't want to agree, but Schwarzenberg didn't discuss it with him, because there was no need to discuss this matter at all. If Wendisch Gretz didn't agree, then he would force the other party to make concessions .

"All right, all right!"

In desperation, Wendisch Gretz could only give in, and muttered as if he was helpless and venting his dissatisfaction: "Anyway, you have the final say on political matters, and I have the final say on military matters!"

Schwarzenberg looked at him meaningfully again. He knew that what the other party wanted to emphasize was that military issues should be listened to him, but in fact he was still complaining about the matter of Jelacic. It's just that Schwarzenberg won't budge on this issue, because someone really doesn't have any sense of the big picture.

"I'll go talk to Grand Duke Franz Karl again, and by the way, do the work of being the Grand Duchess..."

Although Wendisch Gretz knew that Schwarzenberg was deliberately diverting the topic, because he felt that there was no need to be polite to the idiot Grand Duke, just throw the declaration of renunciation of inheritance right on his face and ask him to sign it.

Of course, doing so must be a bit ugly, but Wendisch Gretz feels that what Austria needs most now is iron and blood methods, not tender feelings, because he knows how difficult the Grand Duchess is, who made the Grand Duchess You have been waiting for the queen's position for more than ten years, and you let her give up willingly, how is that possible!

So he curled his lips and said: "If you are willing to waste time, I don't bother to stop you. That woman is simply unreasonable. She wants to be a queen and she wants to go crazy. How could she give up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity? If you want me to tell you directly, force her It's good for her to be soft..."