War Palace and Knee Pillow, Austria’s Destiny

"Why don't you eat?" Thalia asked curiously.

In fact, Franz was too young to eat much at all. Moreover, the woman in front of her is obviously a noble, but she has no appearance at all.

It's not so much unladylike as it is embarrassing.

Franz was a little curious about Thalia's true identity, but he thought it would not be detrimental to him. After all, Mrs. Sophie must have investigated it, so he answered casually.

"Fat up and eat again."

Emotionally speaking, Francis II was an "Italian".

He was born in Florence, Tuscany, where he spent his childhood and youth.

His father was an extremely enlightened and benevolent monarch. When he took office, he abolished all forms of torture and death penalty, implemented a servitude system, lowered taxes, and encouraged industry and commerce, thus winning the support of the Tuscan people.

And that was probably the time in Francis II's life when he was most loved by the people. As the future heir of the Grand Duchy, he could feel the enthusiasm of the people wherever he went.

Later, his uncle Joseph II encountered fierce opposition from the aristocracy due to his radical reform measures, and finally died of depression.

Franz II's father was forced to accept the throne of the Holy Roman Empire. After arriving in Vienna, the family faced a treacherous political situation. Everyone might be an enemy, and no one could be completely trusted.

Two years after Franz II ascended the throne, his father died suddenly. Franz II had to ascend the throne and proclaim himself emperor. Then he met Napoleon, the evil star in his life.

Bad news came one after another. Francis II had to dissolve the Holy Roman Empire, but he was never crowned emperor of the Austrian Empire in his lifetime.

Perhaps, only Italy and Tuscany are the pure land in Francis II's heart.

And the daughter of Francis II was the Duchess of Parma, Marie-Louise who he married to Napoleon.

Francis II always felt that he owed his daughter, so he turned a blind eye to Marie Louise's chaotic private life.

This time Marie Louise sent people to ask Austria to build a railway to Parma. It was certainly not her idea.

Perhaps it was a lover of Marie-Louise, or perhaps the taxes of the Duchy of Parma could not support Marie-Louise's expenses.

As for the masters of other states in China and Italy, they were all related to Francis II himself, so it was difficult to refuse.

In terms of family interests, Austria has been operating in Italy for hundreds of years. It has been fighting with France for hundreds of years, sacrificing countless soldiers and spending countless money.

Ignoring the requests of the Central and Italian states will most likely cause these states to fall to France, Sardinia, or even the Bourbon dynasty of the Two Sicilies.

This was unacceptable to Franz II at any cost, but at this time, there was nothing in Central Italy except gangs and refugees. Industry and commerce were backward, and agriculture could not be self-sufficient. It was a completely rotten land.

The mountainous areas of Central Italy were both an obstacle to railway construction and a quagmire of rule.

As long as the opponents and rebels run into the mountains, even if they send a hundred thousand troops to encircle and suppress them, they will only return without success.

Although the Congress of Vienna recognized Central Italy as the sphere of influence of the Austrian Empire.

But as long as the Austrian Empire has any idea of ​​​​annexing the region, Britain, France, Russia, and Prussia will not sit idly by.

If it were Francis II in the past, he would definitely choose to ignore the requests of the Chinese and Italian states and then lie down.

It's just that after the Austrian Empire joined the German Customs Union, the entire country was in a state of prosperity, which also gave Francis II a little more confidence.

So he decided to only build a railway to Parma. Other states could not build railways directly to Austria, but they could go to Austria through Parma.

At the same time, three ports were opened to allow free trade from Central Italian states to Austria, charging only nominal tariffs.

This would not give Britain and France an excuse to intervene, nor would it plunge Austria into a quagmire.

Metternich and Count Korolaf both sighed when they saw the emperor's edict. They were really afraid that the emperor's impulsive actions would push the entire country to the brink of war.

He was also afraid that the emperor would commit an old habit and just ignore it, thus losing the opportunity to acquire Central Italy.

"Your Majesty is wise." Metternich said first.

"A very perfect plan." Count Korolaf followed.

Franz II was also very satisfied with his plan and nodded repeatedly.

At this time Friedrich List said.

"Your Majesty, there is no need for Austria to use its own money."

"What do you mean?" Metternich asked rhetorically. He felt that this poor man from Württemberg was becoming more and more unruly, and he was always going against him recently.

Friedrich List explained to Francis II.

"I mean we can lend money to the countries in China and Italy and let them use tariffs and part of their power as collateral. As far as I know, the rulers of the countries in China and Italy are not like you. They lack the art and ability to rule. Ability. We can use this"

Korolaf immediately understood the key.

"You mean to ask us to send people to take over the power of the countries in China and Italy?"

"We are just exercising power on their behalf, waiting for them to pay off their debts, and then return the power to them. It is just more efficient for us, the Austrian Empire, to rule directly."

Friedrich List really only considered it from the perspective of economic interests, but to the ears of Count Korolaf and Metternich, there was no doubt that this was a huge conspiracy.

In Europe, it was common for merchants to ask princes and nobles to pledge customs duties or tax collection privileges as collateral.

"What a good idea. We can also send military advisors and train the army, so that we no longer have to send troops into Central Italy to suppress the rebellion." Count Latour further said.

After all, no matter how powerful the Austrian army is, it is always an away battle in China and Italy. Suppressing bandits is by no means a one-touch thing, but requires maintaining a stable order for a long time.

Training local people to join the army can avoid this problem, and at the same time, you can take advantage of the opportunity to control the country's army, thereby effectively achieving rule over China and Italy.

"Is there any better suggestion?" Francis II asked.

"No." Friedrich List's opinion was the most beneficial approach for the Austrian Empire at this time.

"Then, very good. Metternich, you and Mr. Liszt, as representatives of our country, go to discuss with the ambassadors of China and Italy. This matter must be negotiated, which involves the future of millions of people in China and Italy. Bliss.”

"I, Metternich, will definitely fulfill my mission." Metternich saluted with great grace.

After the imperial meeting, Francis II touched the head of his grandson who was eavesdropping from behind and said, "My Italy is back."