However, unlike Leopold II and Francesco V, Carlo I still fantasized about exchanging sovereignty for power.

"Dear Franz, the Duchy of Parma is also willing to accept Austrian protection, but I feel that I am naturally fit to rule, and I am more familiar with my principality.

You also see that domination is not a simple thing, and there may be threats as in this case.

I think you have a talent for war, and you should show your talent on the battlefield, so leave this kind of boring thing to my uncle and me. ”

Carlo I said that he was sincere, and if he was replaced by a fledgling young man at this time, or if he didn't know the details of the other party, then he was likely to be moved by the other party's words.

Franz was well aware, however, that Carlo I was incapable of managing his own territory, and that excessive fragmentation of districts would not only increase administrative costs, but also reduce administrative efficiency.

What's worse is that a single polity would affect Franz's planning.

"I think I'm more politically talented, but you should have more military training.

If you can lead an army to defeat those who disrupt order, you don't need to come here at this point. ”

Franz was very sharp about Carlo I, and to be honest he didn't want to give such an honest impression of a man who sees the wind and steers the rudder.

Because this may be exploited by the other party as a weakness, friends come with wine, enemies come with knives, so that the relationship can be harmonious.

Franz's words were a bit harsh, but they were true, and the situation was stronger than people, and Carlo I had no choice.

At this time, he had to rely on the Austrian Empire to regain his lost territory, and his cousin Louis Philippe and his France were already a thing of the past.

With great reluctance, Carlo I signed his name on a trusteeship document that Franz had already prepared.

In fact, Franz's methods are already very gentle, and now that there is such chaos outside, it is normal for one or two dukes to have some accidents.

In this way, not only will you save money, but you will also be exempted from a follow-up fee.

Franz did not directly seize power, but let them use their own territory as capital to invest in Austrian causes.

In this way, as long as the Austrian Empire existed, they had a good life without having to worry about their livelihood and safety.

At the same time, the stronger and richer Austria became, the better off their lives were, and on the contrary, if they were able to afford it, they would be able to receive the Austrian inheritance, but then it would be up to them.

The perspective pulls back to the Papal States.

Pius IX's grip on the government was waning, and the liberals blamed the misery of the people on his blind declaration of war on Austria.

In fact, when the British Mediterranean Fleet was wiped out and the city of Rome was directly exposed to Austrian firepower, the liberals became anti-war factions.

The liberals, who had been mingling with the nationalists and were ready to join hands in a unified Italy, saw that the tide was turning, and they were not going to bury the losers.

As a result, the House of Commons, which Pius IX personally ordered, openly opposed him, and Pius IX could no longer take back the power of Parliament.

Even more frightening was the rapid downfall of Pius IX, and the liberal government began to spread the news of the defection of the Kingdom of Sardinia and the defeat of the British.

These two pieces of information were kept strictly secret, because even the priests of the Papal States, no matter how stupid, could not have been unaware of their consequences.

Compared with the defeat of the British, the defection of the Kingdom of Sardinia had a greater impact in Italy.

In fact, the reason for this is not because the Kingdom of Sardinia was stronger than the British, but because most people did not expect too much from the British, after all, the war between Italy and Austria was mainly a land war.

However, these two events exploded in the upper echelons, Carlo Alberto betrayed Italy, the British Armada was completely destroyed, and even Crete was occupied by Austria.

"How can an army of hundreds of thousands of people be defeated if it is defeated?"

Pius IX muttered, not noticing that there weren't many people around him anymore.

At this time, he received another bad news, Archbishop Kavaji had died of illness.

Pius IX was overwhelmed by the succession of bad news, but he didn't have time to grieve.

People are outraged by successive failures, coupled with the resentment that has accumulated over the previous repeated tax increases.

The people who had affectionately called Pius IX "Pionono" had now picked up torches and paint.

By this time, most of the troops of the Papal States had been dispatched, and Count Rossi, who was in charge of policing and coordinating the city, had been assassinated.

As for the Holy See's Secretary of State, His Excellency Jotel, he was able to sit in this position mainly because of his brotherly status.

It took only one morning from the beginning of the march to the setting of fire to the palace, which is naturally due to the liberals.

They joined the parade with the Civic Guard under the banner of the Civic Club, and even had drummers and bands to accompany them.

When the first fire was lit, it was out of control, and it was not only the huge palace that was set on fire, but also the long-suppressed anger in people's hearts.

Someone set a fire, and naturally someone put out the fire. The loyal Swiss Guards arrived to put out the fire, and the marching crowd tried to stop the Swiss Guards, but both sides did not give in.

As a result, in the chaos someone fired first, a marcher was knocked down, and then even more chaos ensued.

Since the Civic Guard was in the middle of the procession, an exchange of fire broke out between the two sides.

The fighting between the two sides did not cause much damage to each other, but it affected a large number of citizens. When Pius IX learned of this, the entire street was stained red with blood.

Father Antonia urged the Holy See to leave, because he already had a sense of foreboding.

"Your Majesty, given the current situation, I think it is highly likely that what happened in France and Austria will happen to us as well."

"It can't be! They have our back! ”

"They are supporting the revolution. Now that you are in their way, they will kill you. ”

Father Antonia said bluntly, much to Pius IX's anger.

"Nope! I tell you, I'm not like those monarchs! I am God's agent on earth! They are going against God's will to oppose me! ”

"Wake up! Look outside, there's fire and blood everywhere! Those prisoners you freed, formed an army with your permission.

You've sent all your loyal troops to Venexia, and now only the Swiss are still fighting for you.

Let's go! Can't you hear the gunshots getting closer? ”

Father Antonia continued with bitter persuasion.

"I'm not leaving! I am the Pope! You go and tell them that if we win the war against the Austrians and the traitors of Sardinia, our good days will come. Bread and red wine will be available! ”

At this moment, a deafening loud bang was heard, accompanied by the sound of glass breaking, and a solid bullet flew in, shattering Father Antonia's head in front of Pius IX.

(End of chapter)