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

Chapter 1653 Christmas "Ordeal"

The most direct harm of a paper blockade is that it often turns into a bragging war, with belligerent countries frequently announcing baseless bans for their own reasons.

This is why the controversy surrounding the blockade has never ceased, with third-party vessels often "accidentally" entering the blockade zone, whether knowingly or unknowingly.

This makes the lockdown itself a joke and actually causes a lot of chaos. After all, a rule that no one follows is often more dangerous than no rule at all.

This is one of the key reasons why the Austrian Empire was able to capture a large number of British ships in 1848. After all, even if the ship owners were trying to defraud insurance, the crew and captains would not willingly risk their lives.

But if it's something that everyone takes for granted, then things become much simpler.

If Franz hadn't merely sought peace through force, and if he hadn't been so reluctant to indiscriminately kill innocent people, the Mediterranean Sea would have long been a sea of ​​blood.

However, the so-called effective blockade is still a very subjective thing, after all, no one would be foolish enough to completely expose their own military deployment during wartime.

But at least we won't see the absurd declarations of a country blockading the entire European continent that were made so frequently during the Anti-French Wars.

In fact, Franz wanted to add another clause: "It is forbidden to attack each other's non-participating colonies during wartime."

However, this was resolutely rejected by the British, who became even more convinced that the British would definitely take action against the Austrian Empire's colonies.

After all, the British have always been very clear about their advantages, and they have a deeper understanding of diplomatic terms. It would be wishful thinking to try to bind them with these terms.

As for whether this would expose the weaknesses of the Austrian Empire, Franz thought it was completely unfounded.

The Austrian Empire's colonies were there, and Britain's naval superiority was there. How could the leaders of both countries not be blind?

However, with the Vienna Declaration in hand, Franz felt a little relieved, at least he could worry less about some issues.

On September 10, 1854, the Vienna Declaration was formally signed in Vienna.

December 25th of the same year, Christmas Day.

The entire city of Vienna was covered with a thin layer of snow, like a white carpet spread across the city.

The cold wind blew by, but it didn't feel biting, because the aroma of cooking, meat, and sweetness was too strong.

As the most important annual festival in the Austrian Empire, the streets were deserted as everyone returned to their homes to spend time with their families.

However, this was not the case for everyone. A thin black line stood out between the white and red, and a black carriage and cavalrymen dressed in black silently carried out their mission.

The various departments of the Austrian Empire once again launched a joint operation. Looking at the thick stack of files on the crimes, Franz knew that this was destined to be a bloody battle.

They are not well-liked, but they don't need to be. They are the sharp blades in the night, and their mission is to eliminate the pests within the empire.

Franz had spread this tradition throughout the major cities of the Austrian Empire, where it was a holiday for most, but a day of calamity for a small minority.

Some officials lived in constant fear, and therefore Franz's actions also drew the ire of some bureaucrats.

However, this was not the time when the civil war had just ended. Graduates in recent years had already filled a large number of vacancies in the officialdom, and a large number of candidates for official positions who had received a completely new type of education would be joining the ranks.

If some people really don't want to be officials, then Franz won't force them. After all, there are plenty of people who want to be officials, and many are even willing to give up everything for it.

The officials of the empire should be filled with awe; the more fearful they are, the safer others will be.

However, Olga clearly couldn't understand, Franz's two younger brothers also didn't quite understand, and his two children were completely bewildered.

Forget it, Franz didn't expect that. It was a holiday, so they should talk about something happy. "Olga, stop eating sweets. Your dress is too small for you anymore."

"Ludwig, when are you getting married?"

"Victor, what rank did you get on the exam?"

"Karl, have you finished your homework?"

"Alexander!" Franz sighed, glancing at the baby crawling rapidly away from him. "You should eat your food properly."

In truth, Franz was somewhat anxious and restless; there were many things he couldn't share with others.

"Have a drink, Franz."

Franz's father, Franz Karl, was raising his wine glass. It seemed nothing had changed over the years.
"Okay, Father."

Franz didn't like drinking, but he still took the glass. He hadn't really wanted to spoil the fun; he was just setting the stage for this moment.

"Now, let's raise a glass together!"

"The first toast is to our family. May its warmth melt away all the ice and snow in the world."

The second toast is to everyone present.

Unlike in history, Mrs. Sophie was not enthusiastic about politics; she was obsessed with cosmetics and fashion.

To this end, Mrs. Sophie created more than a dozen brands with different styles. Of course, her financial acumen was still terrible, so Franz would have others manage them for her, so that she could make a small profit.

Of course, even if it resulted in a loss, Franz would support Madame Sophie in continuing her hobby. After all, compared to those terrible political ideas, losing a little money was nothing.

However, with the resurgence of the Austrian Empire and the company's profits, Madame Sophie's "canvas" expanded from poor girls to the wives and daughters of high-ranking imperial officials, and even the wives and daughters of some foreign envoys.

Indeed, it is a kind of honor, and those cosmetics and fashions can certainly make them stand out.

Of course, there are times when Madame Sophie will suddenly start to pursue artistic expression, and once it rises to the level of art, some of her makeup and clothing become more or less incomprehensible to people.

Of course, if one cannot understand the art that Madame Sophie wanted to express, it must be because the viewer's appreciation is insufficient, not because her level is too low.

At this moment, the models dressed in their finest attire at Schönbrunn Palace were not merely showing off their outstanding physical attributes; they were more hoping for something to happen.

However, Franz had no intention of participating; as a rare holiday, he just wanted to relax.

Ludwig, who just turned 21 this year, is definitely a hot commodity, but he has no interest in politics, economics, military affairs, or even money, women, or fine wine.

Ludwig's only interest was religion, which gave Franz a major headache. He had to find two experienced nuns to properly disenchant Ludwig.

The effect was remarkable, but it also caused Ludwig to lose his motivation for life.

Left with no other choice, Franz could only tell him.

"A true warrior dares to face the bleakness of life and the dripping blood."

However, Ludwig, through his own contemplation, finally arrived at the following conclusion:
“True disciples dare to confront the abyss of humanity and the brokenness of the world, dare to confess and repent on the cross of fate, and imitate Christ to embrace the real world with self-sacrificing love.”

Ludwig's faith became even more devout.