Chapter 954: The Empire's Request
In the eyes of the world, although Austria-Hungary is not the most powerful country in the world, it is also one of the most powerful countries in the world. Although everyone believed that Austria-Hungary was certainly no match for Germany in this war.
However, because of the weather conditions and the advantage of the defending side, many people and countries believed that Austria-Hungary would hold out for a long time. Some even believe that Germany will pay a heavy price in the battle against Austria-Hungary.
Unfortunately, however, their guesses were clearly wrong. Austria-Hungary was so vulnerable in this war.
Before Qin Tian left the General Staff, Foreign Minister Vahit came up.
"What's wrong? Your Excellency the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. Could it be that Austria-Hungary could not hold on? Qin Tian said with a smile.
Although, the war has only started for a day. But when the whole Austro-Hungarian Empire was already falling apart, and Austria-Hungary found itself in a certain defeat, it was completely understandable to ask Germany for peace at this time. After all, the current situation was very unfavorable for Austria-Hungary. If they continue to fight, they will not see the slightest hope of victory.
"Your Majesty, yes, Austria-Hungary has come to sue for peace. Baron Belchdold, who has arrived in Berlin and is on his way to the Imperial Palace, would like to see you! Washitt said.
"What? Baron Belhidald has already arrived? How is this possible? How could it be so fast? He came by plane? Qin Tian thought of it at once.
"Yes, Your Majesty. Baron Belchdot arrived in Berlin by plane, having just landed at the airport. Washitt said.
Qin Tian couldn't help but admire this young baron very much. You must know that the danger factor of aircraft in this era is still very high. If you are not careful, you may put your own life into it. As the high-ranking foreign minister of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Baron Belhidald dared to come to Germany by plane, which is undoubtedly admirable. Of course, Qin Tian also knew that the reason why he did that was completely to grab time. For the sake of the safety of his country, it is indeed a commendable thing to be able to do this.
"Your Majesty, do you want to see him?" Vahit asked.
As Emperor of the Empire, Qin Tian had every right to choose whether to see or not to see Baron Belhidold. After all, now the fate of Austria-Hungary has long been decided. Or rather, it was decided when Karl I decided to betray Germany and withdraw from the Allies. Even, when Qin Tian began to calculate the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it was already doomed to the tragic end of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
It's just that the people of Austria-Hungary don't know. Therefore, they are still making their last efforts for the fate of the country.
"Arrange for me to meet him at the palace. After all, Baron Belhidald had ventured to come by plane, and it would have been a bit too impersonal to have refused to even see him. Qin Tian said.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Vahit nodded.
Half an hour later, Qin Tian met with Baron Belchdold, who had arrived all the way in the palace office.
"Your Majesty the Emperor, thank you for being able to meet me, to give me personally, and at the same time to give Austria-Hungary a chance!" Baron Belchdold looked grateful.
After all, now Germany and Austria-Hungary are in the middle of a war. If Qin Tian chose not to see him, then he would have no choice. As the emperor of the world's most powerful country, it is natural to be stronger. What's more, now Austria-Hungary is still about to be defeated by Germany.
"Your Excellency, I am only thinking of the traditional friendship between our two countries, which is why I have met you. However, because of His Majesty Emperor Karl I's insistence, our traditional friendship is gone! Qin Tian said.
"I know, Your Majesty. His Majesty the Emperor has done a wrong thing before, which has seriously affected the relations between our two countries. Now, His Majesty the Emperor of our country has already known that he was wrong, so he sent me to meet His Majesty, hoping to ask for His Majesty's forgiveness! I hope that Your Majesty, for the sake of the traditional friendship between our two countries, will forgive Austria-Hungary for this act. We promise that from now on, Austria-Hungary will follow the lead of the German Empire and will never betray again! Baron Belchdald swore by it.
Qin Tian couldn't help laughing: "Your Excellency, although I haven't met the emperor of your country much, I still know him well. I believe that with his personality, he will never bow to the German Empire, let alone admit his mistake! ”
A hint of embarrassment flashed across Baron Belhidold's face, but it was soon gone. A diplomat like him has undoubtedly trained his cheeks to a very thick level.
"Your Majesty, no matter what. This time, Austria-Hungary really realized its mistake. We hope that the German Reich will give us another chance! Baron Belchdold said.
Qin Tian shook his head: "The opportunity has already been given to you. When Karl I announced his withdrawal from the Central Powers, we gave you three days to think about it. But in the end, you still insist on going your own way. Don't put all the blame on Karl I. He has just inherited the throne, and if all the ministers of Austria-Hungary oppose it, Karl I will have nothing to do with you. ”
Baron Belchdot's face couldn't help but flash a trace of despair, he knew that Qin Tian's meaning was very obvious, that is, there was no room for negotiation.
"Your Majesty, is it true that Austria-Hungary does not have the slightest chance? Is the German Empire really going to fall to Austria-Hungary? Baron Belchdot said in despair.
"Your Excellency, in order to avoid unnecessary sacrifices, I can tell you very clearly. Austria-Hungary will no longer exist and is about to become a historical term. The states of Austria-Hungary will be independent. However, they would become protectorates of the German Empire. Specific cases will need to be consulted. Qin Tian said.
"And what about Austria? Austria-Hungary no longer exists, but Austria can always survive, right? Baron Belchdold asked. This is undoubtedly their last hope.
"Austria will cease to exist, and the Reich will annex Austria. Austria and the German Empire were originally one. Before the Austro-Prussian War, Austria was also a state of Germany. Now, Austria is back in the bosom of the German Empire, and it should be! Qin Tian said with a smile.