The War Court and Lap Pillow, Austria's Mandate of Heaven

Chapter 1629 Russia's Inertia

In fact, the Austrian Empire had long been prepared for all of this, after all, the reputation of the Russian army was well-deserved, and Franz had already allocated resources to deal with it.

However, he also needs to take responsibility for the tragedy, because Franz had the ability to prevent it from happening, but he did not act.

However, for these Moldavans who were unwilling to accept Austrian rule and wanted to become Russians, if Franz did not make them face reality, they would suffer an even crueler fate in the future.

As for why Franz was certain that atrocities would occur wherever the Russian army went, rather than the Slavic brothers uniting to fight against the Austrian Empire due to their close relationship with the military and civilians.

Sorry, this is the 19th century. The saying "Bandits pass by like a comb, soldiers pass by like a fine brush" doesn't just apply in the East.

The term "gray livestock" was not a joke. Most Russian soldiers came from serfdom, whose social status was already very low and who were used to being treated roughly.

The officers wielded immense power and were completely unrestrained. Beating, abusing, physically punishing, and even executing soldiers were commonplace, and the officers themselves faced no consequences.

Russia's propaganda and mobilization are extremely simple and brutal: directly demonizing the enemy. The labels of "infidel" and "heretic" are effective, so the Russians have been using them for a long time.

This long-term propaganda has led to a rigid mindset among many Russians, who believe the world is black and white. They genuinely believe that it is necessary to completely kill the other side and put themselves in the shoes of the victim, thinking that all atrocities are for revenge, for justice, and to make the other side pay for their debts. They have almost no sense of guilt, so what they do is usually outrageous.

The officers didn't care about them, and the soldiers themselves didn't care about themselves either, so calling them livestock is somewhat justified.

Furthermore, the Russian army originated from the Mongols and has its own unique understanding of so-called plunder. Senior officers also regard it as a panacea for boosting morale and even encourage junior officers to do so to improve the combat effectiveness of the troops.

Finally, let's talk about an objective reason: Russia's logistics are terrible.

For the Russian army, logistical shortages are a common problem. In many cases, if they don't find a way to manage it themselves, they will starve or freeze to death. This is often referred to as "emergency avoidance" in later generations.

Unfortunately, Russian soldiers only receive a nominal salary; after all, they need to use their wages to buy food, uniforms, bullets, and vodka. If they don't find a way to manage it themselves, they won't even be able to gather basic supplies.

Then, in order to ensure that everything went as planned, Franz specifically selected several defeated soldiers who had just retreated from the front lines. Although they were led by officers, those officers could not do much to deal with these defeated soldiers who were more resentful than ghosts.

Saint Petersburg, Winter Palace.

"Then they must have been massacred and tortured, forced to convert, and driven from their homeland by the Ottomans!"

Nicholas I said with great certainty.

"Your Majesty, we have no evidence."

Neserlov whispered a reminder.

"No evidence? The decrease in numbers is the best evidence!"

Nicholas I roared angrily.

"But Your Majesty, other countries may not believe it; they may think it's just a lie."

"absurd!"

Nicholas I pushed everything off the table.

"Are you saying that the Russian Empire's century-long commitment and the sacred mission believed in by generations of the Romanov family are all lies?"
What gives them the right to speak so arrogantly?

Neserlov shrank back, he didn't dare to accept such a statement, but what he had said before was all true.

Although Prince Uvalov looked down on people like Neserlov, some things had to be said when it came to Russia's diplomatic plans. "Your Majesty, we have many powerful enemies who will spare no effort to frame us through rumors and slander."

The British, the Ottomans, and other potential enemies would refer to us as invaders, not as defenders of our faith. They might even unite all of Europe to create an encirclement around us.

Therefore, we need a plausible excuse.

“Indeed, Your Majesty, Duke Uvalov is absolutely right! The international situation is complex now. The British and the Ottomans have long been eyeing us covetously, and the Austrian Empire may also take the opportunity to kick us while we're down.”

Neserlov also took the opportunity to add.

From Russia's perspective, the Austrian Empire was actually the biggest destabilizing factor. If war broke out, whether the Austrian Empire took advantage of Russia's misfortune or remained indifferent, the impact on Russia would be enormous, even devastating.

"Impossible! The division of the Roman Empire into East and West would also benefit Franz! He couldn't possibly refuse!"

Nicholas I's words were so weak that even he himself didn't quite believe them, after all, Franz had repeatedly declined his proposals.

Although there were still two years left before the armistice ended, Nicholas I had made many preparations, while the Austrian Empire continued to do things that were of little significance.

“It’s alright, there will be a reason.” Nicholas I pondered for a moment, then looked at Duke Lyubay. “Don’t you agree, Duke Lyubay?”

Duke Liubai immediately shuddered, and then said solemnly.

"I will certainly not fail in my mission."

Nicholas I nodded and then looked at the other high-ranking officials.

"Why don't you all share my burdens? Do I have to do everything myself?"

The Russian officials all lowered their heads, and Nicholas I snorted coldly.

"Russia's actions are not for worldly fame and fortune, but to fulfill our beliefs and mission! Anyone who obstructs our recovery of lost territories or undermines the morale of our troops is an enemy of Russia!"

After Nicholas I finished his grand speech, everyone could only sigh slightly, knowing that everything was already set in stone.

In fact, it is not difficult to find a pretext for war. After all, Russia and the Ottoman Empire have been fighting for hundreds of years and they know each other quite well.

The key issue is not this; the key issue lies in the uncertainty surrounding enemies, allies, and the future.

The attitude of the Austrian Empire was crucial to Russia's future. If Austria supported Russia, the Holy Alliance would remain in place, and Russia would at least be unlikely to be defeated.

However, if the Austrian Empire chooses to stand idly by, Russia will be put on the defensive. If it chooses to support Britain and the Ottomans, Russia will have no chance of winning.

From the perspective of the Russian leadership, there were valid reasons for either the Austrian Empire to remain neutral or to join the British side.

Because in the eyes of the Russian leadership, the Austrian Empire would inevitably compete with Russia for hegemony in the Balkans, a deadlock that could not be resolved, and it was impossible for them to allow Russia to occupy Constantinople and expand its influence.

However, Tsar Nicholas I was in high spirits at the time, and anything they said now would only be pointless. Fortunately, there were still two years left, so they could slowly persuade him.

However, Nicholas I was more inclined to believe Franz's claim that the Austrian Empire had no interest in the Balkans, given that the Austrian Empire had not shown much interest in Balkan territory during the various wars.

Furthermore, he believed that the coexistence of Eastern and Western Rome was a long-cherished wish of both sides.