Ming Zuo

It was certainly not in the interests of the Empire that Spain intended to make peace with Holland.

But under the general trend, the Dutch have little choice.

unless……

There are reasons why they have to.

In fact, the imperial mission's visit to Europe coincided with the beginning of the end of the Thirty Years' War.

Since 1643 two years ago, the camp of the Holy Roman Empire has shown signs of decline, gradually unable to support the war.

First, the fourth-generation Prince Condé of France and Viscount Durenne jointly defeated the main force of the Spanish army in the Battle of Rocroix, and France also replaced Spain as the first army in Europe.

Denmark, which belonged to the Holy Roman camp last year, defeated the combined fleet of Sweden and the Netherlands.

To regain control of the Baltic region, Sweden and the Netherlands needed to plan a counteroffensive.

Therefore, the Netherlands needs to mobilize enough strength, and it is very tempting to face Spain's compromise.

Had it not been for imperial intervention, by next year the combined Dutch and Swedish fleets would have returned, defeated Denmark, and forced a truce for peace.

Also next year, the Swedish army will defeat the Holy Roman Empire in Bohemia.

The French army would defeat the Holy Roman Army at the Battle of Naringen and occupy most of the German territory.

In 1648, France and Sweden would win decisive victories in the Thirty Years' War at the battles of Smashausen and Reims.

At this point, the Holy Roman Empire camp could no longer see any hope of winning, and had to propose a peace.

Subsequently, the two sides will sign the "Westphalia Peace Treaty", which also represents the official end of the 30 Years War.

It is certainly not in the interests of the empire to return to a peaceful Europe.

The empire still needs the help of the Netherlands and Portugal to deal with Spain together.

Especially in the layout of other parts of the world, the participation of the Netherlands and Portugal is also indispensable.

But in the face of this sudden news, Liao Zhongjian did not hastily raise objections.

It is basically impossible to reverse things that are in the national interest by oneself.

The bargaining chip of the empire lies in whether it can come up with something that makes the heart of the Netherlands exceed the current tolerance of the war.

"Now the division of power between your two countries in Southeast Asia has come to an end. Although everyone is satisfied and has a bright future prospect. But general, with all due respect, in other places, our cooperation is not enough. Especially in the Americas, There is still such a huge Spanish colony that has not yet been disposed of."

Marton Tropp slowly swung his wine glass, listening patiently to Liao Zhongjian's opinion.

"Minister Liao, as you know, the Netherlands is not a country with a large population, and there is no way to occupy too much territory. And the war is coming to an end, and we will not get the support of our allies. If we continue to fight against Spain, the losses will be unbearable Accepted by capitalists."

The Netherlands is different from any other country in the world.

Regardless of the small size of the Netherlands, it is a model of a joint operation country.

In other words, the Netherlands is not so much a country as it is a chamber of commerce composed of many shareholders.

This is one of the reasons why business is so popular in the Netherlands.

Benefits and losses are the only criteria for the Dutch to measure national affairs.

"General, please forgive my disrespect. Is there a stronger and more reliable ally in this world than the Empire?"

With just one sentence, Marton Tropp was stopped.

Liao Zhongjian took advantage of the victory to pursue.

"Even from the perspective of the ally DJ, once the Netherlands and Spain complete the peace talks, and France loses its interest in supporting Catalonia, then Spain will have no pressure at all. By that time, Catalonia will continue Falling under the ruthless rule of Spain, even Portugal may not be alone. Portugal, but our important ally."

He looked around and deliberately lowered his voice.

"The strength of France, I believe the general has already seen it. The Netherlands, but borders on France. We have an old saying in China, how can others sleep soundly on the side of the couch? The wealth brought by the vigorous and prosperous trade of the Netherlands, is it true that France Aren't people jealous?"

Marton Tropp was silent, but his heart was torn apart.

Obviously, what Liao Zhongjian said touched his heart.

After decades of war, as a soldier, he had an instinctive distrust of Spain.

Moreover, the opponent of the Downs naval battle that made Marton Tropp famous was Spain.

It was that battle that allowed the Netherlands to reverse the situation and see the hope of getting rid of Spain.

Marton Tropp certainly wants more glory from Spain.

The alliance with Portugal is also a major restriction on the Netherlands.

Although it is common for Europeans to break their promises, if there is no empire, Portugal will be sold if it is sold.

But at this time, the Netherlands had to think clearly, what would the empire think if it betrayed Portugal?
Once there is a rift between the two countries, can the Netherlands hold on to its colonies in the Far East?
The Spice Islands have brought benefits that cannot be ignored to the Netherlands. If they are lost, the national power of the Netherlands will inevitably decline rapidly.

At that time, the surrounding countries may not be merciful.

The French mentioned by Liao Zhongjian also made Marton Tropp very vigilant.

After all, France and the Netherlands are too close.

In the war that just passed, France's performance can be said to have amazed Europe, deciding the outcome in one fell swoop.

He couldn't help worrying, if such France used force against the Netherlands, would the Netherlands be able to stop it?
Obviously, the Netherlands, with its small and flat territory, is definitely not France's opponent.

Only by maintaining the ally relationship with the Empire and Portugal can we effectively deter France from coveting.

"Your Highness, although the dawn of victory has appeared, the crisis in the Netherlands is still there. Minister Liao is right, we must deal with future crises."

Looking back, Marton Tropp became a staunch advocate at the meeting.

Naturally, such a major event as determining a national strategy cannot be determined overnight.After understanding the attitude of the empire, the Netherlands closed the door and conducted urgent consultations.

"But France has made it clear that it will no longer support Catalonia. If we continue to be hostile to Spain, we will continue to fall into war."

A minister objected.

Marton Tropp has his own ideas.

"We need clear attitude and support from China. Gentlemen, if China gives clear support, how should we choose?"

For a while, all those in power in the Netherlands fell silent.

At the same time, in another place, Liao Zhongjian and others were meeting with the directors of the East India Company.

Don't underestimate the East India Company. The energy of these people is enough to influence the national policy of the Netherlands.

The one who stood up was Xu Erjue.

He only did one thing.

A thing that is enough to make Europe rise again.