"We are determined to help you morally weaken the position of the Russians, and I believe that morality is a very important asset that will keep the Russians from doing their own thing. Pen | fun | pavilion www. ｂｉｑｕｇｅ。 ｉｎｆｏ”

Despite Chad von Metternich's words and seemed to be serious, Charles couldn't help but laugh. It always feels strange to hear the Habsburg ministers say the word morality themselves.

"In other words, all we can get from the Austrians is moral support?" Because he was holding back a shameful smile, his voice had become a little strange, "With all due respect, such an approach will not satisfy the French in any way, and I don't think the British will be satisfied either." ”

Although this reply was expected, Richard was a little disappointed. "Charles, I know that seems ...... It's a bit negative, but please understand us, after all, you don't have a border with Russia, Russia is right next to us, and they did us a great favor before...... From our standpoint, although we are indeed very dissatisfied with their behavior, it is really difficult to break with them. ”

"I understand Austria's plight, but I don't think that's a reason for you to use this to prevaricate France." Charles's expression became a little stern, "If Austria does not want to provoke Russia, it is good, we understand, and we will not interfere; But the situation now is that the Austrians want us to help them resist the Russians, and they want to watch by themselves, an attitude that will undoubtedly be very difficult to accept. ”

Then, he couldn't help but laugh again, "Moral strength? Very well, we also like morality, which is the greatest force for the good life of mankind, but can we resist the Russians by virtue of morality? ”

"I admit that some of your accusations are justified, and we apologize for it, but please don't get so excited." "We also know that your country and the British will not be very happy with this, but too much accusation will not make our position more harmonious, and I think we should discuss it calmly!" ”

His remarks were not only a protest against Charles's attitude, but they also left room for him to say that he did not want to quarrel with Charles, and more importantly, he also suggested that Austria could loosen up a little from its position of watching from the sidelines, so as to reconcile with the British and French positions.

And Charles, of course, will not let go of his hints.

"I'm sorry, I was a little excited, after all, you brought unpleasant news." Charles smiled slightly, and then asked the other bluntly, "Tell me, then, what is the most the Austrian Empire can do for us?" ”

Judging from Richard's words, Charles understood that it was impossible to get the Austrians into the war, although they wanted to contain the Russians but did not dare to break with the Russians, but this did not surprise him, and the Austrians also adopted this position on the original world line.

The reason why he seems to be disappointed and angry is mainly to knock the Austrians and make them understand that they expect a lot from the Austrians, and by the way, to extort some personal benefits for themselves and for themselves.

"It is true that we cannot participate in the war against Russia." As if fearing that Charles would have any unrealistic expectations, Richard again emphasized, "But we can favor England and France in public opinion, and at the same time use Austria's strength as a guarantee to demand that the Russians adapt to the situation, reverse their dangerous moves, and put an end to their military adventures." ”

"That is, Austria will still issue an ultimatum to the Russians to withdraw their troops that have entered the Danube?" Charles asked rhetorically, "If the Russians don't listen, will you join in stopping the Russians by force?" If you're not ready to join, what's the use of this ultimatum? ”

"Under certain circumstances, given the specific situation at the time, maybe we will indeed take action." Richard smiled reluctantly again and said what is quite a classic diplomatic rhetoric.

It seems to be guaranteed, but in fact there is no guarantee, leaving room for the future, but it is enough to make people hopeful.

Charles understood that the Austrians were still playing tricks at this moment, because they were not sure what would happen in the next war, so even if they were determined to contain the Russians, they would not be the first to get involved, but would wait and see if the Russians would have the upper hand or the upper hand.

If the Russians have the upper hand, his promises will be null and void, and the Austrians will watch as if nothing is going on; If the Russians have the upper hand, then the Austrian threat will be enough to break the camel's back, and the Russians will have to weigh the terrible consequences of continuing to confront Europe, which should have the effect of winning without a fight.

Although this is essentially a wait-and-see, it is much better than watching from the sidelines, and as soon as Britain and France have the upper hand, the Austrians will join in and join in the anti-Russian chorus.

"Well, since the return is so considered, and we have no way to force it, I will ask Your Majesty to consider the bitterness and enthusiasm of Austria." Charles's grim expression finally relaxed slightly, "Of course, I can't guarantee that he will like this opinion. ”

"There's more to we than that." Richard hurriedly said, "We have another plan -- we want to unite with Prussia and maintain armed neutrality against Russia, so that they must not interfere in any of your actions." ”

At this point, he was a little complacent, for the armed neutrality of Laplusia was the common sentiment of Prince Metternich and a group of Austrian diplomats. In doing so, he would show the unanimous position of the German states and raise Austria's value in front of Britain and France, and secondly, he would be able to sell well to Britain and France, after all, he could claim that he had helped Britain and France draw the Russians' allies, so that they could face only one enemy.

"The Prussians have always been pro-Russian, and this should not be an easy thing for you to do." Sure enough, as he expected, when he suddenly said this request, Charles's attitude suddenly became more relaxed, "Are you sure?" ”

"We're just starting to test it, and we can't promise you that we can do it." Richard replied rather cautiously, "But my father thinks that there is a good chance of it, because the Prussians, although pro-Russian, are not idiots, and they do not want to be enemies of such behemoths as Britain and France." In addition, we will show our strength so that the Prussians will not dare to act rashly. Therefore, as soon as the war starts, we will communicate with Prussia, and we are quite sure that we can pull Prussia to join us in armed neutrality......"

"It's really good." Charles nodded rarely, agreeing with the other man's opinion, "I think that if this can be done, it will indeed be a great contribution of the Austrians to our alliance...... In my opinion, your Majesty will be very pleased with this proposal. ”

"It would be great if that was the case." Richard also nodded repeatedly, thinking that he had finally mended the rift with the other party, "My friend, now you know our troubles and thoughts, right?" I know that you are the Minister of France and must put the national interest first, but I would like to ...... A few kind words for us, and for the reconciliation of our positions with those of England and France, will not harm your principles, but will only serve your personal benefit......"

"As long as it is beneficial to the country, even if it is necessary to take the risk of life, I will not hesitate to do it, and I will never consider personal blessings and honors." Charles's expression immediately became serious, "I have nothing but enthusiasm for my country. ”

"You're so admirable, Charles!" Richard looked at the table clock next to him with a serious face, "When I was on my honeymoon with my wife in Italy, I once passed by a manor house at the border, which is at the foot of the Alps, the scenery is amazing, you can see the snow-capped mountains, and you can grow the most beautiful flowers. And the environment is very quiet, and there will never be any idle people who will be bored enough to run there and meddle in their affairs...... It would be nice if I could go and see it with you sometime......"

"I'm sorry, your description fascinates me, but I'm a minister of the Empire, and I have so many things to deal with every day......" Charles shook his head regretfully.

"Charles, there's no need to work so yourself." Seeing that Charles refused, Richard hurriedly advised him, "While serving the country, people should also pursue personal comfort, I don't think it's a contradictory behavior, because a person can only serve the country more devotedly when he is comfortable, isn't it?" Think of Talleyrand, him and us, huh...... He has been to many places, but he has served the interests of France in a loyal position, and he has been admired by many, and I think you can do the same. And, in the interests of France and Austria, perhaps we do need closer ties. ”

"At such a point in time, it is not good for me to do this." Charles shook his head anyway.

Just when Richard was a little anxious and ready to persuade again, Charles suddenly changed his words. "Why don't you let my sister go and see it someday? She loves the landscape, and she loves art. ”

"Hmm...... Well...... Absolutely, no problem! Richard was stunned for a moment, then agreed.

Anyway, this manor was a gift from the Austrian royal family to Charles de Treville, and as long as it could be sent, it didn't matter if it was in his name or his sister's.

"My friend, I really appreciate your kindness to me......" After accepting such a valuable gift, Charles's attitude became more kind, he suddenly leaned over, and then patted Richard on the shoulder, "So there are a few words, can you please listen to them?" ”

"Please, Charles!" Richard hurriedly pulled himself together and asked.

"I actually know all your hardships, and I can understand this approach, after all, you have too many difficulties, and it's good to be able to do this, and no one can ask too much of you." Charles lowered his voice, "But, my friend, do you think the Russians will be able to understand you?" In their position, they may not forgive you so easily. ”

"This ......," Richard hesitated.

"I think it's easy to understand because some people tend to hate their friends who don't help them when they encounter a strong enemy." "They hate friends who don't help them, because the enemy is sometimes too strong and terrible for them to hate," said the charrew, "and your country, I think, is at risk." After all, as you said, we are thousands of miles away from Russia, and you are close at hand. ”

"This ...... It's possible. Richard's face became even more ugly, but he remained calm, "But we in Austria are confident that we will face this situation." ”

Charles is not surprised that Richard does not accept it now, he certainly has patience. "Remember me, friend, the Russians have a thirst for everything, and they have to eat every friend to the fullest, but the French are different, they are willing to be kind to their friends, and they are willing to help you maintain your empire—"

"We can sustain the empire on our own." Richard raised his head and replied word by word, "Of course, we also attach great importance to the friendship of the French. ”

"Maybe." Charles smiled. "But east or west, sooner or later the Austrians will have to choose a side, and even if you don't choose now, this will come sooner or later, and I don't think it's too far away."

Charles pointed out this fact to him, and also to remind him that it was much better to rely on French support than to turn to Russia, and Richard could certainly hear it, but he did not agree with it now.

At this point in time, Austria has indeed not shaken off the inertia of history, and still considers the Habsburg Empire to be a great power par excellence, with complete freedom of action, and despite many previous defeats, it is still inviolable, so they think they can offend Russia.

But this illusion of history is destined to disappear, and this empire, which was destined to become scorched by the surging nationalist currents of the second half of the 19th century, will sooner or later face the situation of finding a great power to rely on.

In the unspeakable silence, time passed minute by minute, and after a few moments, Richard, who had been groaning, finally couldn't help it.

He decided to go straight to the point, asking a question that he had not thought of asking here before, "Can I understand that the French, including His Majesty the Kaiser, have no ill will towards Austrian Italian territory?" ”

It's an embarrassing question, Charles thought.