Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna, Austria-Hungary. Pen, fun, and www.biquge.info

The Chief of the General Staff of the Austrian Army, Marshal Baron Hetzendorf, returned from the front and paid a tribute to the Austrian Emperor Franz? Joseph I reported on the situation at the front.

"Your Majesty, we worked closely with our allies to almost completely annihilate the Russian Southwestern Front on the front line. The Russian Southwestern Front had 1.2 million troops before, but now there are probably only more than 200,000 people who have fled back to Russia. If we add the Northwestern Front of the Russian Army, which Germany eliminated before, we will destroy two million Russian troops in the future. Marshal Baron Hezendorf said with a proud face.

Franz? Joseph I's face also showed a smile that he hadn't seen for a long time. This was undoubtedly good news for him and for Austria-Hungary. After the outbreak of the war, the Austrian army was always in a disadvantageous position on the battlefield. Well, now, the situation has finally reversed.

"Our allies didn't let us down! At the critical moment, help us win the victory! "Franz? Joseph I said with a smile.

"The combat effectiveness of the German allies is definitely the best in the world!" The commander-in-chief of the Austrian army, Grand Duke Friedrich, also said.

Other important ministers and military generals of the Austro-Hungarian Empire complied and praised the great fighting power of the German Empire.

However, after listening to these praises, Crown Prince Karl's face was not very good-looking. Although, the victory of Austria-Hungary on the Eastern Front was very beneficial for Austria-Hungary, as well as for him, the crown prince. However, he could not listen to everyone's praise for Germany, and these important ministers and generals of the Austro-Hungarian Empire regarded themselves as the little brothers of Germany.

In Crown Prince Karl's view, it was in Austria that was the orthodoxy of Germany. If Prussia had not defeated Austria by force, they would not have withdrawn from the German Confederation. Perhaps, the current Austrian Empire, having completed the unification of Germany, plus the current territory, has long become the hegemon of Europe.

Crown Prince Karl hoped that even if Austria-Hungary and the German Reich were to be allied, they would be equal allies, not subordinate. In that case, it would be very unfair to Austria-Hungary.

Of course, the most crucial factor is that Crown Prince Karl does not want to be inferior to Qin Tian. He hoped that he and Qin Tian would have an equal relationship. Of course, it would be great if he could overpower Qin Tian.

"Your Excellency Chief of Staff, the military is on the Eastern Front, what are you going to do next? Now that the main force of the Russians has been wiped out by us, this is undoubtedly a good opportunity for us! If we can launch an attack on Russia, we will definitely be able to take the opportunity to capture a large number of Russian territories. Crown Prince Karl said.

Suddenly, everyone's eyes were focused on Crown Prince Karl. Many people's eyes lit up and nodded in agreement with Crown Prince Karl's point of view. Indeed, for them this was undoubtedly a good opportunity to expand the territory of Austria-Hungary. Didn't Austria-Hungary enter the world war just to gain more benefits? Now, the interests are already in front of us, and naturally we can't give it up.

"Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince, I have made this proposal to His Royal Highness the German Crown Prince. However, His Royal Highness Oscar has other considerations. His 8th Corps, which was to return to Germany, was most likely thrown into the fighting on the Western Front. After all, for Germany, the fighting on the Western Front was the most critical. Marshal Baron Herzendorf said.

Franz? Joseph I nodded: "His Royal Highness Oscar's consideration is as it should be. ”

"That's right, without Germany's involvement, we don't have to share the benefits with them. As long as our army fights and defeats the Russians, we will be able to occupy the vast territory of western Russia. Crown Prince Karl said excitedly.

Marshal Baron Herzendorf couldn't help frowning, although, leaving Germany alone, it would allow Austria-Hungary to gain greater benefits. However, in the future, I am afraid that I will also face the counterattack of the Russians alone. With the strength of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, I am afraid that it will be difficult to resist at that time.

But the other important ministers and generals of the Austro-Hungarian Empire all had bright eyes. Naturally, it is better to share those benefits with Germany, and naturally not to obtain those benefits alone.

Joseph? A hint of disappointment flashed in Franz I's cloudy eyes. For Karl, the crown prince, he was a little dissatisfied. The pattern is too small, and it is too easy to be blinded by immediate interests. If he had time to spare, he would have chosen a crown prince. But unfortunately, his physical condition no longer allows him to make these choices.

"I'll think about it. I'll give you an answer in a few days! "Franz? Joseph I said.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Everyone replied.

It's just that they, who are in the excitement, don't seem to hear Franz? The meaning of Joseph I's words is the same. They have all been blinded by the imminent reap of blockbuster benefits. Only Grand Duke Friedrich and Marshal Baron Herzendorf, noticed this. It's just that they also know that it is almost impossible for Crown Prince Karl to take the lead, coupled with the promotion of others, to make everyone give up the idea of continuing to attack Russia and expand their territory.

The essence of the First World War was still a war that broke out between the great powers in order to compete for more interests and re-divide the world. Therefore, all countries involved in this world war have their own interests. Austria-Hungary originally wanted to complete its expansion in the Balkans. However, now that they were able to expand on the Eastern Front, they certainly would not give up this opportunity.

Crown Prince Karl did not think that there was anything wrong with such a choice of Austria-Hungary. They won the war, and naturally they deserved the corresponding benefits. If Germany is willing to participate, Germany will naturally be able to share in the benefits, and since the Germans themselves have refused, then of course they will have to take these benefits in their entirety.

"Let the Germans fight to the death with Britain and France! We picked up cheap in Russia. If you can bite off a large piece of fat from the Russians, this will further improve the strength of Austria-Hungary. At that time, we will have the strength to make the Germans have to face up to us. I did this entirely for the sake of Austria-Hungary, not for my own personal gain. I think His Majesty the Emperor will understand me and support me. Crown Prince Karl thought secretly.

He thought that by doing so, he would get Franz? Praise of Joseph I. I didn't expect it at all, he was completely self-defeating.