Three streets away from the Palace of Versailles, in a villa purchased by a Dutch rchant, the senior advisor of the French Foreign Minister, Hoettinger, with a haughty expression, said to Schlpenink:
"Pri Minister, you know this matter involves the entire Lowlands’ situation. That gentleman must unite with several Cabinet Ministers to persuade the Crown Prince."
Schlpenink nodded repeatedly: "Thank... ah, the selfless assistance of that gentleman. I will certainly not let him help in vain."
Hoettinger picked up the pen on the table and wrote a line: "300,000 francs, send it to this address, and the matter will turn around."
Schlpenink was startled for a mont but then gritted his teeth and said: "Okay, I will handle it as soon as possible. Please thank that gentleman for ."
"I will."
Hoettinger got into the carriage, a satisfied smile on his face.
Three days later.
Schlpenink paid the bribe and soon received a notification from Hoettinger, stating that the Crown Prince, under the suggestion of "that gentleman," had agreed to restrain the Flemish and have the Dutch Parliant withdraw the border troops to suppress the rebellion.
Additionally, France’s Walloon Corps would be on standby in Gai’erden. If the Dutch Parliant couldn’t overpower William V’s troops, they could intervene at any ti—for an additional fee.
Of course, this was sothing Joseph had decided early on, letting Talleyrand notify the Dutch. The Foreign Minister had temporarily withheld the news and pocketed a small fortune of 300,000 francs.
Hoettinger stood up, walked to the door, then stopped and turned to say casually: "By the way, Pri Minister, the Crown Prince is very interested in that ’International Mariti Treaty’ proposed by the Danes. If the Netherlands chooses to join, he should be quite pleased."
Schlpenink hastily said: "Thank you very much for the reminder. I will propose a bill to parliant as soon as I return."
...
Vienna.
Schonbrunn Palace.
Franz II glared at Kobutsel and shouted angrily, "These damned profiteers, even the greediest vampires can only be their apprentices!
"The salt tax for Bohemia and the Erz region for 10 years? They might as well rob Schonbrunn Palace!"
Kobutsel looked extrely helpless:
"Your Majesty, the financial sector is worried that Prussia might launch a war against us. Mr. Rothschild’s asking price is already the lowest."
He didn’t dare to say that bankers throughout the Germanic Region believed Austria would be defeated, especially since the dostic rebellion hadn’t been completely resolved.
In such a situation, giving a loan to the Emperor could likely result in total loss, thus requiring enough collateral.
Franz II clutched the chair’s armrest tightly, unwilling to be extorted by these capitalists, but he imdiately thought of the report sent by Archduke Karl a few days ago.
The Ottoman People were nacing, amassing large troops in the northern regions of Bulgaria, ready to strike at any ti.
He believed the Ottomans might have reached so understanding with the Prussians, preparing to attack from both the north and south simultaneously.
At present, his empire couldn’t even prepare for war. Archduke Karl’s troops for suppressing the rebellion could only receive one-third of their salaries. Once war broke out, surrender would be his only option.
Thus, he planned to borrow 3 million florins from the usurious moneylenders to fund military supplies. As a result, they demanded the collateral of the Bohemia and Erz region’s 10-year salt tax.
He knew that this sum was unlikely to be repaid on ti, so he effectively exchanged the salt tax of two regions for 3 million.
Simply a huge loss!
But circumstances were overwhelming; after a bout of anger, he closed his eyes and waved his hand to the State Minister:
"Go tell that profiteer he can have what he wants, and imdiately give the gold coins..."
Before the latter could reply, he saw the Emperor’s attendant leading Count Moses in swiftly.
Kobutsel said with so surprise: "Why have you returned?"
Moses ignored him and, excitedly bowing to Franz II, said: "Your Majesty, good news! I persuaded the Queen of France; she agreed to loan us 13 million francs, with only 16% interest!"
In fact, it was just Joseph having Queen Mary convey his decision, not Moses "persuading" anyone.
Yes, it was also to allow his mother to gain so gratitude from her family.
Franz II abruptly stood up from his chair: "Really?!"
"Absolutely true, Your Majesty."
Franz II’s face was instantly filled with the ecstatic joy of a reprieve: "Wonderful, truly wonderful! My aunt still rembers this bond.
"Ha, let that damned profiteer go to hell!"
He then pointed to the State Minister: "Count Kobutsel, imdiately use this money to prepare logistical supplies and transport them to Legnica."
The latter bowed: "Yes, Your Majesty!"
Moses, however, reached out to stop him, then said to Franz II:
"Your Majesty, the French Queen also asked to inform you that she understands the Empire must avoid falling into a situation of fighting on two fronts.
"So she will find a way to ensure the Prussians launch an attack after July.
"Before then, we must quickly quell the rebellion and defeat the Ottomans, then concentrate our forces to defend Silesia."
Franz II imdiately widened his eyes, his lips trembling slightly: "Oh, my dearest aunt... she, she truly has saved all of Austria. God, I had previously spoken very harshly of her..."
Kobutsel, however, looked at Moses: "But how do the French intend to hold back the Prussians? Are they planning to send troops to Silesia?"
"She did not ntion a specific plan to ." Count Moses said, "But for now, we can only trust she can accomplish it.
"Anyway, the situation can’t possibly get any worse, can it?"
Kobutsel remained silent.
Franz II impatiently gestured to the attendant: "Quickly, bring Marquis Besellar here, quickly!"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Count Moses then addressed the Emperor: "Your Majesty, in addition, the French Queen ntioned she hopes you can decree that the Holy Roman Empire join the ’International Mariti Treaty’ organization."
"International Mariti Treaty? What is that?"
"A Dane initiated an organization to regulate mariti rights." Moses then introduced the main points of the "Mariti Treaty."
Kobutsel squinted, "This treaty is clearly targeting the British."
Franz II snorted coldly: "What’s wrong with that? The damned British dropped us earlier like an old boot.
"Now there’s no need for us to care about their opinions!
"I believe we can fully support this ’Mariti Treaty’."
Indeed, there’s a factor of wanting revenge against England, but more so, he couldn’t refuse the conditions of France.
After all, joining a "treaty" that hardly affects Austria is better than surrendering to the Ottomans and Prussians.
Reviews
All reviews (0)