War Palace and Knee Pillow, Austria’s Destiny

Richard Metternich knew that Franz was not bragging. The latter was not afraid of powerful ministers, or in other words, no powerful minister could shake Franz's position.

[As I write this, I hope readers will remember our domain name Taiwan Novel Network→𝘁𝘄𝗸𝗮𝗻.𝗰𝗼𝗺]

"Then what should I do? Should I withdraw from the diplomatic community?"

"What else can you do after leaving diplomacy? Continue to be your playboy? Or become a public relations manager? Specializing in dealing with rich women?"

Richard Metternich had black lines all over his head, and it seemed that his dissolute behavior had left a very bad impression on Franz.

“You have different philosophies and different work styles. If you continue to stay in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, you will only waste your youth.

Go to France. Louis Napoleon should like you, but don't do what your father did. Personal relationships are worthless in the eyes of some people.

Louis Napoleon lived in exile in England for many years, and if you really want to negotiate with him you should do it the British way. "

"The British way?"

Richard Metternich recalled the British girlfriends he had and wanted to find out the British ways.

"Treat the negotiation as a business, and you will both feel much more relaxed, and it will be less likely to cause misunderstandings."

At this time, Richard Metternich thought of the British mistresses he had hooked up with. They were usually snobbish, arrogant and inferior, and lacked knowledge. They could often deceive them into making a small fortune, but if they thought they were worthless The iron cock will probably be abandoned on the spot.

"I understand!"

Richard Metternich smiled evilly, making Franz confused.

"Paris is a nice place, but don't mess around. After all, they may be more romantic than you."

Richard Metternich nodded heavily.

"clear."

"Okay, go out and let Edward in."

Richard Metternich left in a hurry. Paris at that time had an irresistible attraction for such playboys.

Moreover, the French ambassador is also a fat man, a high position that many diplomats will never be able to climb in their lifetime.

The most important thing is that Richard Metternich's father, Clemens Wenzel von Metternich, also served as French ambassador, and it was his outstanding performance in France that laid the foundation for his career in the diplomatic community in the following decades. status.

Richard, who also served as the French ambassador in history, seemed to be incompetent, not because he lacked ability.

The fact that he has held such a key position as ambassador to France for eleven consecutive years shows his ability and his deep trust.

But the reality is cruel, and the Austrian Empire's diplomatic philosophy is outdated. On the one hand, the British principle of putting interests first has changed the original rules of the diplomatic game. On the other hand, the decline of the Austrian Empire is also an indisputable fact.

The combined effect of the two parties left Richard Metternich extremely lacking in influence. After all, the fundamental basis of a country's diplomacy is its strength.

"Weak countries have no diplomacy" is absolutely applicable in this turbulent era. Even if you are eloquent and even if you argue hard, you will only get an honest evaluation at most.

However, at this time, the Austrian Empire did not decline as it did in history. Its international influence was still strong, and its national strength had increased several levels. No one could ignore its existence, let alone insult it lightly.

In fact, there was a reason why Franz insisted on letting Richard Metternich serve as ambassador to France, because as a time traveler, he knew the ambitions of Napoleon III.

Louis Napoleon wanted to be emperor, he needed the support of others, and he had low self-esteem and urgently needed the approval of others, and Richard Metternich was the best traditional diplomat in the Austrian Empire.

As long as this card is played well, Austria will gain unparalleled influence in France.

Edward Taffy walked quietly into the room and carefully closed the door.

"Edward."

Franz's voice suddenly sounded, startling Taffy.

"Franz, you scared me."

"You're still the same."

Taffy scratched her head.

"It didn't take long."

Franz was a little helpless.

"You still have no idea about time. A lot has happened in the past two years."

"It's a lot. We've all grown up."

"Have you really grown up? Do you have children?"

Taffy immediately looked flustered.

"Franz, are you kidding me? I'm not married yet. I'm not that nasty!"

Franz coughed twice.

“Let’s change the subject. Is it fun to be the governor of Tanzania?

But I still have to remind you that women are both impatient and insecure animals, especially beautiful and capable women. If you can't give them what they want, they will find a way on their own. "

Taffy thought hard and finally uttered two words with difficulty.

"happy."

"If you're not happy, don't force yourself. Tell us what you're dissatisfied with."

"It's so desolate! There are farmlands everywhere! Cotton, coffee, sisal, corn, cassava, and it's terrible that those oriental people actually eat rice as their staple food."

"Ahem."

"What's the matter?"

"Nothing, you continue."

"We are fighting every day, why are the indigenous people so warlike? And why don't we build factories and railways in East Africa?

Now only a few coastal cities are connected to traffic, and it is difficult for us to communicate with the interior, let alone transport supplies.

And if factories can be built locally, many things can be produced by ourselves and a lot of money can be saved. "

Franz nodded. He was very pleased that Taffi could follow his thoughts and seemed to be very careful.

"You are right. The railway will definitely be built, but the cost of building a railway in Africa is too high now. Moreover, if the flood problem is not solved, it will be in vain. A flood will be a waste.

You should solve the flood problem first and put the railway issue aside for now."

"Okay. But I don't understand water conservancy issues. I need to ask a few experts to help me."

"No problem."

"What about the plan to invest in setting up a factory?"

"Okay, but the scale should not be too large. On the one hand, it is necessary to give those workers a way to work, and on the other hand, it is also necessary to give immigrants the opportunity to make money.

In addition, there will be great changes in a few years."

"Great changes?"

"Well, the Suez Canal has been started now."

"That will dig through two continents! Can it really work? I thought you were fooling them."

"I can fool one or two people, but can I fool the whole world?"

Taffi blinked without comment.

"In ten years at most, the Mediterranean will be connected to the Red Sea. By then, the distance between Tanzania and our country will be shortened by two-thirds, and the local industry will definitely be greatly impacted.

If we invest too much now, we will lose everything by then."

Taffy did not question Franz's words, because he knew very well that there were few countries in Europe that could compete with the industrial capacity of the Austrian Empire at that time, let alone colonies.

But what Franz did not say clearly was that colonies should not have too strong industrial capacity and a complete national system. After all, the economic base determines the superstructure.

"As for war, let those Dalits fight if they like. Expanding territory is always a good thing, but don't try to arm them.

Also, slavery is not allowed."