Struggle in Russia

How could Duke Alexander Gorchakov have no other appeals, otherwise why is he so busy helping Wendisch Gretz and Schwarzenberg?

Of course, ensuring that Grand Duke Franz Karl came to power itself is part of Russia's appeal. As long as this is achieved, this trip will not be considered a loss. Here's the bottom line!

However, if more things can be obtained, Duke Alexander Gorchakov is also willing to accept it. After all, the better the conditions, the greater his contribution and the happier Nicholas I will be.

So he changed the subject and said suddenly: "Our country hopes to establish a deeper strategic relationship with Austria and become an all-weather ally. I hope that the two countries can coordinate and respond to international issues with a consistent tone!"

After a short pause, Prince Alexander Gorchakov glanced at Princess Sophie, and seeing that she was listening seriously, he said slowly: "For example, the issue of Turkey, the issue of the Holy City, the issue of the Slavs in the Balkans, and the issue of the Caucasus. On these issues, our country hopes to reach a comprehensive agreement with Austria and advance and retreat together!"

Princess Sophie listened very carefully. You can say that Austria can accept these conditions, but it is also possible, but it is always a bit aggrieved. Especially the Turkish and Balkan issues, which are also the direction of interest that Austria is most concerned about. If it makes too many concessions to Russia in this regard, it may be difficult to explain domestically.

Although Princess Sophie has never been in power, she has attended many Regency Council meetings with her idiot husband over the years. Although she hates Metternich, who has always occupied the prime minister's position and domineering, Princess Sophie must also admit that the old fox has a very high level and has carefully safeguarded Austria's international interests.

Metternich's Balkan policy has a particularly far-reaching impact. At least Princess Sophie feels that she is incapable of surpassing the old prime minister. Once the fragile balance that the old prime minister tried to build is broken, it may cause a chain reaction like dominoes!

So she asked cautiously: "So what exactly is your new position on Turkey and the Balkans?"

【What a shrewd woman! The men of the Habsburg family are not good, and the level of marrying wives is quite high! 】

After sighing in his heart, Prince Alexander Gorchakov replied after a moment of consideration: "The problems in the Balkans are complicated, and if we act rashly, it may cause a chain reaction... Our country has no intention of seeking greater interests in the Balkans, but given the The internal strife in your country has greatly depleted its strength, and the balance in the Balkans jointly maintained by Russia and Austria has become extremely fragile due to the decline in your country's strength..."

"So the most realistic approach is to let my country temporarily replace your country to increase its intervention in the Balkans, so as to contain Turkey and balance the intervention of Britain and France. What do you think when your country recovers from the civil strife and then gradually restores the previous balance?"

Princess Sophie is not stupid, she can hear the insincere words in it, Austria's retreat will naturally be taken over by Russia, even if Austria recovers in the future, this piece will not be taken back if it wants to. What someone is saying now is just an excuse for Liu Bei to use Jingzhou, you can't believe a word!

But, Princess Sophie can't object, because the current situation is that even if Austria refuses to agree, Russia can nibble a little bit to achieve the goal, and the result is the same. Anyway, as far as she is concerned, as long as the face is justified.

She said lightly: "If it is as you said, this plan is not unacceptable!"

Prince Alexander Gorchakov said with a smile: "If you agree, I think the relationship between the two countries will soon reach a new level, and we will become a true brotherly state!"

Princess Sophie just smiled at this, she doesn't really care about the state of brothers, all she cares about is her own interests now, so she replied: "I believe it will be as you said...then the other work will be handed it over to you?"

Prince Alexander Gorchakov said with a smile: "In general, I will do the work of persuasion,

All you need is for you and His Royal Highness to express their views at the right time! "

At this moment, Princess Sophie was really relieved. After seeing off Duke Gorchakov, she let out a long breath. She knew that she had grasped the thread of fate for the first time. Destiny is no longer in the hands of others.

But after suddenly relaxing, she couldn't help but feel a little sorry for her eldest son. Compared with the demented husband, she still cared more about her son. Thinking of depriving her son of the opportunity to become emperor immediately for her own benefit, she felt a little ashamed on her face.

But soon she convinced herself: "Joseph is still young, and sooner or later this position in the future will be his, so let me help lay the groundwork first!"

On the other side, after Prince Alexander Gorchakov bid farewell to Princess Sophie, he couldn't help making a victory gesture on the carriage. This time he finally won Nesselrode for a while. Austrian politics will not be able to get rid of the influence of Russia, and it is impossible for that old guy to think of empty hands and white wolves.

This unexpected victory was so important to Duke Alexander Gorchakov. It was the first time in his life that he defeated Nesselrode, which meant that Nesselrode was no longer the one who could overwhelm He is the prime minister at one end, but just an old man at sunset. As long as he continues to make persistent efforts in the future, the old guy will not be far from packing up and leaving.

Of course, Prince Alexander Gorchakov did not get carried away. Although this was a turning point victory, it only ushered in a turning point, and the final victory is still far, far away. And now he still has a lot of work to do, it's too early to be happy now.

"Send an invitation to Schwarzenberg and tell him, I invite him to come and talk!"

Prince Alexander Gorchakov knew very well that the real victory still needed to convince Schwarzenberg that only by getting rid of the little fox could he force Austria to submit.

At the same time, Schwarzenberg actually wanted to talk to Duke Alexander Gorchakov, because his plan with Wendisch Gretz had also reached the most critical moment, and he felt that he had persuaded Princess Sophie, Now it is only necessary for the Russians to nod and understand, and then they can chat with Princess Maria Anna about the abdication of Ferdinand I.

Now that the Russians took the initiative to invite him, and he happened to be generous to the appointment, it was time to show the Russians his latest work results...