Chapter 1014: Chapter 922: The New Core of the Empire
Twelve days later, a near thousand-strong Hungarian rebel army attacked the southern stronghold of Tirgu Mures in Essenmakot.
Due to the massive redeploynt of the army, the garrison in the city was less than 300 n.
The rebel army captured it within two days.
anwhile, the Serbian rebels swept through Timisoara and only stopped at Tes Fortress.
Romanians also launched assaults everywhere in the eastern provinces.
For a ti, the southeastern part of Austria was engulfed in flas of war. The Hungarian Nobles Council, originally in control of the area, panicked and hurriedly drew a small number of troops from the north to suppress the rebellion while rushing to Brno to plead for the Emperor’s assistance.
Encouraged by the continuous victories of the rebel army, more forces that had been previously observing joined the fray.
From Doruntal all the way to Essenmakot, nearly all towns were responding to the independence movent, villages had long been the stronghold of the rebel army.
Even Slovakia began to show signs of unrest…
It can only be said that the ills of Austria as a “fragnted” empire were fully revealed at this ti.
Within the empire, each ethnic group was clearly demarcated, with language barriers. Regions like Hungary, Slovakia, and Bohemia were originally duchies, only under the rule of the Emperor of Holy Ro.
While the empire was strong, it posed no issues, but at the slightest sign of trouble, each region imdiately harbored thoughts of secession.
Northern Austria.
Brno.
Minister of the Interior Kobutsel walked out from the temporary palace of the Emperor with a gloomy expression, preparing to find the Hungarian Council representative for a private discussion.
The Hungarians had just requested the Emperor to redeploy the Bajahaza Corps back to Transylvania for rebellion suppression.
According to them, the number of rebels had already surpassed 10,000 and was rapidly increasing.
Emperor, with unwavering support from Baron Tugut, refused the request of the Hungarian Council — the Bajahaza Corps was the main force defending Klagenfurt Fortress and indeed could not be reassigned.
Kobutsel was about to mount his carriage, when a young man dressed in black approached, greeted him with a chest salute: “Earl, my master invites you to reminisce.”
Kobutsel frowned: “I am very busy. So, please tell whom you are conveying a ssage for?”
The young man glanced around, took two steps forward, and whispered a na.
Kobutsel’s pupils shrank instantly, he paused for two seconds, nodded: “Address.”
20 minutes later.
Kobutsel’s carriage stopped in front of a discreet villa in northern Brno.
He got out of the car, a servant imdiately ca forward to greet him, and then led him to the second floor.
The door directly facing the corridor was pushed open, Kobutsel imdiately saw the elder seated in a recliner — Count Kaunitz.
This imperial statesman who had served as State Minister under Queen Theresa, Joseph II, and Leopold II.
Kobutsel straightened his collar and stepped into the room.
As his vision passed the door fra’s cover, he then noticed several people inside the room.
All figures that secretly shocked him —
Assistant Finance Minister Stadion.
Justice Minister Speerman.
Assistant Foreign Minister Troutmansdorf.
Senior Military Committee Advisor Marquis Besellar.
And his uncle, who had always been passionate about art, Johann Karl von Kobutzel.
Beside his uncle stood his cousin, Imperial Envoy to Russia Lucid von Kobitzel.
Only the tall, blonde young man behind Kaunitz was an unfamiliar face.
Behind, the servant closed the door.
Kobutsel exhaled lightly and bowed to Kaunitz and others.
After several people returned his salute, Kaunitz imdiately said in a weak voice:
“Earl, you must be very aware, the empire has reached an extrely perilous mont.”
He gestured to the few people beside him: “We must make a decision.”
Kobutsel’s heart raced, cautiously said: “I, do not quite understand your aning…”
Kaunitz was very weak, rested for a few seconds before continuing:
“The empire erroneously tangled into a war. And now the situation is clear, we have absolutely no chance of defeating France.”
He gasped laboriously, then raised his hand to the young man behind him: “This is my son-in-law, tternich. Henceforth, he will be the spokesperson for the Kaunitz-Rittberg family. Clens, continue.”
“Yes, father-in-law.”
The young man stepped forward a few paces, bowed slightly to Kobutsel:
“Earl, the southeastern rebellion has already shaken the foundation of the empire. If it is not imdiately suppressed, there is no need to wait for the French to break through Klagenfurt, the empire will first collapse from within.”
He picked up a letter from the table and handed it to Kobutsel: “This is from Archduke Karl to my father-in-law.
“He clearly states in the letter that Napoleon could attack Klagenfurt at any mont. And he needs at least 30,000 soldiers to support the fortress to barely resist the enemy.”
The young man sighed: “Although the Vienna rebellion has been pacified, you know, the rebellion exhausted the empire’s last strength.
“General Grashkovich is cleansing the new recruit camp, which will not be able to provide a single new recruit for at least 3 months.
“And the rebellious actions in the new recruit camp have made people even more averse to conscription.
“In short, the fortress will soon fall.”
Kobutsel swallowed his saliva and looked towards Kaunitz: “Are you trying to suggest the Emperor ceases the war?”
tternich interjected: “While the empire’s holand has not yet been breached, ending the war quickly is the most advantageous result. Yes, although I do not want to say this, it is the only viable option.
“As long as the French withdraw, Archduke Karl’s army can imdiately head to Transylvania to suppress the rebellion.”
Kobutsel swallowed another gulp of saliva.
He knew, given Austria’s current situation, whoever proposed surrendering to France would have their political career end imdiately.
Especially since he belonged to the faction of Baron Tugut who advocated war initially, he was bound to be scrutinized.
He recalled when Baron Tugut, allied with Baron Walter, brought himself and others to oust Kaunitz, forcing him down from his position.
Count Kaunitz was indeed preparing for retaliation…
His uncle, Johann von Kobutzel, spoke: “John, Count Kaunitz hopes you will abandon your support for Baron Tugut.
“Baron Tugut, Baron Walter, along with Count Rhinefeels and others, will bear full responsibility for the failure of this war.
The Kobutzel family has decided to fully support Count Kaunitz’s decision.”
tternich added: “Everyone here believes that after Baron Tugut is dismissed, you are the most suitable candidate to be the State Minister.”
Kobutsel’s eyes widened instantly upon hearing this.
State Minister? This offer was simply irresistible!
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