When the train arrived in Vienna, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Austria-Hungary, the Count of Boist, was already waiting here with a platoon of royal guards.

His ancestry can be traced back to the distant Saxon family, and he was one of the most important statesmen in Germany as Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saxony and then as Prime Minister of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

In the 19th century, trains were often delayed, and the Habsburgs were able to wait here in person, which was really a face-saving experience.

Seeing the arrival of the train, Boist breathed a sigh of relief, although he spent most of his time in the warm waiting room, he was an old man in his 60s after all, and even a brief exposure to wind and snow was quite unbearable.

So after a brief greeting, he hurriedly beckoned the two to get into the carriage.

In the carriage, only Rudolph was talking, while the other two were observing each other and remained silent.

At this time, Alfonso was feeling strange in his heart, just now Boist had already said that he was the prime minister of the Habsburg dynasty.

There are a lot of things going on in Harburg during this time, and no matter from which point of view, sending the prime minister to pick up people is too over-spec.

"Your Majesty, are you wondering why I came in person?" Boist suddenly spoke up and picked up Rudolph's words.

Alfonso nodded, although the heads of government and the kings were still superior and subordinate in recent years, they had gradually become equal in personality, so he didn't think there was anything wrong with the other party asking such a question.

Because in fact it is unreasonable, I have only heard of the king personally picking up people, but I have not heard of the prime minister running to pick up people alone.

"Because I have to come and tell you the news that something has happened to the Metz Fortress." "Just 36 hours ago, the offensive of the French republican government had just begun, and Marshal Bazin surrendered to Prussia with all the defenders. ”

…… I see, counting the time, Alfonso was still on the ship at the time.

However, Bazin's surrender did not surprise Alfonso, what surprised him was Boist's attitude, how he felt a little heartbroken.

"In what capacity did you surrender?"

"Supporter of Napoleon III."

"Huh." Rudolph suddenly interjected: "I knew that the French could not be trusted, and that they should have thought of this day when they refused to form an alliance. ”

He was very happy in his words, and it seemed that he was still haunted by the fact that he had been rejected by France.

"That's not a good thing for Austria-Hungary." Boist shook his head and smiled wryly.

"Why? It's a big deal that France surrendered, and we don't care about it. Rudolph said he couldn't understand.

"Your Highness, this has nothing to do with our hatred of France - can you really sit idly by and watch Austria-Hungary be expelled from Germany forever?" Boist sighed.

Now Alfonso can see that the prime minister of the Austro-Hungarian Empire is obviously a main war faction, and France suddenly has an urgent situation, so he came to discuss with him.

Sure enough, Boist followed up and said: "Your Majesty, Marshal Prim has already stated that he will not further interfere in the internal affairs of France, and is currently stationed along the Saône.

I hope you will give the order to go on the offensive and at least take Strasbourg - it will not cost too many casualties. Profiteers also don't skimp on returns. ”

Alfonso didn't bother with the invalid promise that followed, but frowned and asked, "You guys are going to fight Prussia after fighting Italy?" ”

“…… We just believe that it is necessary to take the strategic initiative at all times. Boist muttered.

Seeing this, Alfonso did not continue to ask, and the other party's attitude was already quite obvious.

It's just one thing to do it, it's another thing to say it.

Prussia won successive battles, and the deterrent power was full, and it is estimated that the Austro-Hungarian psychology was also a little weak.

Alfonso carefully recalled the map of France, where Strasbourg was on the border of Alsace Lorraine, almost the easternmost point of France.

It is also an important railway junction, and if it can be successfully won, it will be possible to project power further east.

The most amazing thing is that there are not many Prussian troops stationed here, because the surrounding area is under the control of Prussia, and in the current situation, it does not make much sense to take this place.

"You want to cut the North and South battlefields?" Alfonso asked coldly.

Boist didn't reply, and it was a tacit acquiescence.

"Huh." Alfonso smiled, it seemed that Emperor Franz had regained his self-confidence by playing Italy.

If one takes a closer look at the current map of Europe, they will see that Strasbourg continues to the east, just over the River Main.

It didn't make sense to take Strasbourg alone, but if Austria-Hungary could start from Tyrol and Bohemia, it would form a triangle with Strasbourg that would encompass the whole of southern Germany.

As long as Austria-Hungary could push a little inward, Prussia would have to consider retreating north if it did not want its troops in Bavaria to fall into an oversized pocket.

At present, most of Prussia's army is preparing to fight the French, and this strategic concept is very promising.

Emperor Franz was the main battle faction, and he was always unconvinced by the exclusion of Germany, which everyone knows.

But no one expected him to be so radical, and before the Italian peace treaty was signed, he immediately wanted to turn around and fight Prussia.

Prussia was caught off guard, and it was really possible that they would succeed in their sneak attack.

At that time, it will be South France + South Germany + Austria-Hungary vs Paris + Prussia, no matter how you look at it, the former will have a bigger chance of winning.

What's more, if Nasan sees that the situation has changed, he will never die with Prussia, and the peace treaty is not just a piece of paper.

But this is obviously not in Alfonso's interests, and it seems good for the Facio three to dominate Europe, but Spain and Prussia do not share a border, and it is difficult to get too much benefit from Prussia's defeat.

Moreover, Austria-Hungary relied on its own strong national strength, but Spain could easily become the echo of France......

Alfonso finally understood the difficulties of the British in pursuing a balancing policy, and how easy it was to make countries willing to consume each other.

Many thoughts flashed in his heart for a moment, but his face was still silent, Alfonso did not agree or refuse, but said lightly: "I need to discuss with Marshal Prime." ”

Beuyskey nodded, this kind of thing must not be concluded on the spot, but he also reminded: "It's best to act within a week." ”

Rudolph listened to the whole scene and vaguely guessed that the Motherland wanted to do something to Prussia.

He himself was a centrist, and although not as zealous as his father and prime minister, he had little opinion on revenge.

It's just that Austria-Hungary wants to fight two big battles in a row, and Rudolph can't help but be a little worried, but he opened his mouth and finally didn't say anything.

In silence, the Hofburg Imperial Palace arrived.

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