July 5, 1848.

Britain and Austria opened the first round of peace talks at the Palace of Westminster.

As the heavy wooden doors were pushed open layer by layer, the British and Austrian negotiators were seated.

However, the atmosphere was indescribably strange, and it was clear that the Austrian Empire had proposed peace first, but the Austrian delegates had no intention of speaking at all.

Instead, everyone took out a stack of papers and looked confident, and of course occasionally picked up a pen and sketched on it.

Faced with the group of Austrian representatives in front of him who looked like they didn't care about themselves, John Russell cursed in his heart.

"Still fucking talking? Who the hell wants to negotiate?"

However, he could only suppress the anger in his heart at this time, after all, it would be better if the Austrians were willing to take the initiative to fight for the German crown, give up hegemony in the Mediterranean, and then take the initiative to reduce their own armaments.

Palmerston was also depressed, he had always been known for being tough, and if it was usual, he would have left a harsh word long ago.

But today Palmerston did not dare to do so, except in the presence of the Prime Minister, the situation in Britain is not optimistic, if it does continue, even if it wins, it will be a crushing victory, and by that time Russia will no longer be able to govern.

Viscount Stratford, who had been ousted from the cabinet due to a previous scandal in Vienna, served as ambassador to the Ottomans and persuaded the Ottoman Empire to send troops to Austria.

The Ottomans would have dispersed the Austrians, but it would still be a protracted war at a great cost.

In addition, although there were few politicians in the Austrian Imperial Mission, they were all ruthless characters, and these people were the top experts in their fields.

Baron Brooke, in particular, is known for his toughness and never takes the initiative to find someone for a second consultation. It has been a tough monetary policy in Austria and is likely to be behind the manipulation of the Austrian stock market.

"Dear Baron Brooke, and gentlemen.

On behalf of the Government of the British Empire, I have the honour to meet with you. As is well known, there have been a series of unfortunate events between our two countries in recent times.

Over the past few months, our relationship has been put to the test..."

Palmerston could only open with such an official tone, but he quickly changed his tune.

"You are here today, you must have found a way for the two countries to coexist peacefully..."

"Not really."

Baron Brooke's answer was so succinct that even the British government negotiators were so embarrassed that George Eden was so angry that he wanted to leave the table directly.

Before the British could react, Baron Brooke continued.

"I have not yet been able to understand your behaviour, but in any case the internal affairs of the Austrian Empire are not subject to external interference, whether in Italy or Hungary."

This is actually Franz's attitude, although he has always tried his best to avoid having a big affair with the British, but the issue of internal affairs is his bottom line.

"If your country does not have the sincerity to negotiate peacefully, then you can leave at all."

Palmerston replied equally tough in the face of Baron Brooke's tough attitude, which is his usual style, and every time the opponent had to choose to give in, so he was a head short in momentum.

After that, Palmerston will continue to exert pressure until the other side collapses, and has to cede greater benefits to the British.

"We are here to fight for peace, not to beg for peace. If your country doesn't want to talk, then we'll divide the battlefield into high and low."

Palmerston made a gesture of please, and Baron Brooke immediately stood up and left the table without any doubt.

The members of the Austrian mission, however, were a little puzzled, after all, they had been preparing for this for a long time, and had given up a lot of things for this mission, which seemed to be a bit too much of a loss if they returned in vain.

On the British side, George Eden, the Minister of the Admiralty, looked indifferent, after all, Austria won both wars with the help of the French.

As long as he transfers the main forces of the North Sea Fleet to the ground and crushes Austria and France, then the reputation of the Royal Navy will naturally be preserved, and the war will end...

John Russell couldn't sit still, what is this called negotiation? Doesn't seem to be over before it begins? Two violent tempers and a few words put hundreds of millions of people on the fire of war?

But he was still held down by Palmerston, and at the same time, following Palmerston's gaze, he also saw the confusion in the eyes of the members of the Austrian mission.

After noticing this detail, John Russell let out a long breath. It turned out that the other side was just bluffing, so as long as their side calmed down, the Austrians had to lower their conditions.

"It seems that Palmerston, a dissolute, does have two brushes, no wonder he can be invincible in the diplomatic arena."

John Russell silently approved in his heart.

Palmerston then lit a cigarette as he looked at the Austrian mission as it packed its wares. The Austrians seem to have brought a lot of documents, what are they used for? Is it a plan made in advance?

Palmerston had never seen such a form of negotiation, and he had to admit that Baron Brooke seemed to be a formidable opponent, but fortunately he was one step ahead.

Palmerston pretended to take a deep breath casually, and then exhaled the smoke to Baron Brooke, who was about to leave.

"Mr. Baron, I heard that you Austrians did not allow the delegates of other countries to smoke at the German Confederation because the smokers would conquer your country, right?"

Baron Brooke ignored the other party's provocation, he just walked straight out of the chamber.

"Hahahaha..."

From behind the Austrian Imperial Mission came the rampant laughter of the British delegates, but these Austrians, who had seen the world through the storms and waves, were almost immune to such lowly ridicule.

Only old Artiaces was somewhat indignant.

"Damn the British! When I go back, I'll end all my business with them and see if they can be arrogant!"

National capitalists such as Atiles the Elder and Bombavik were still in the minority, and although others were closely connected to the Austrian royal family, and even many were raised by Franz, they did not act too impulsively.

Baron Brooke was still as unsmiling as usual, but he was worried in his heart, after all, he had come to negotiate, but Archduke Franz had asked him to talk like business.

The British have no sincerity, and at this time, the success rate of the negotiations is low, and the British will lower the price. It would be wisest to terminate the negotiations and wait for further developments, but can international issues really be treated as a business?

The fact that the Austrian Imperial Mission did not immediately pack up and prepare to leave after returning to the Claridge Hotel confirmed Palmerston's suspicions.

He couldn't help but feel a little proud, but the situation he and the Whigs faced at this time was not optimistic.