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

Chapter 1657 Another Path

However, Franz could not think that way. He knew where all his actions and achievements came from, and even after time travel, he could not fully believe in fate. He believed more in himself.

"Unlike Austria and Russia, our country has many interests overseas. If war breaks out, I must prepare for the possibility of losing these territories."

my country's naval power is currently insufficient to protect its overseas interests from Britain.

Nicholas I knew perfectly well that Franz was telling the truth, but in his eyes, Russia simply couldn't offer a comparable bargaining chip.

Moreover, Nicholas I did not have any more or more valuable bargaining chips at this time. The Eastern Aegean Sea was Russia's bottom line, and he was under tremendous pressure for even this.

The Ottoman Empire, at least, did not have any bargaining chips.
"Frantz, I promised that I would support you in becoming the Emperor of the Western Roman Empire. Russia can also support you in recovering the lost territories of the Western Roman Empire first, and then let you fulfill your promise."

Franz suddenly realized that Nicholas I was quite cunning; this pie had already been offered from the Ottoman Empire to Italy, and if Franz continued to refuse, it could probably be offered all the way to Germany.

In fact, the main reason Franz did not unify the country was that he felt that, at present, it was more advantageous for Italy and Germany to remain ununited than to force unification.

However, it was not easy for Nicholas I to refuse at this point, since Russia had already shown sufficient sincerity on the surface.

The problem is that the Austrian Empire might not be able to accept this sincerity.

“Your Majesty, the time is not yet ripe. And if the so-called Western Roman Empire is merely the city of Rome, it is already in my hands.”

Franz was telling the truth; Rome could become the secondary capital of the Austrian Empire at any time if he wanted to, but what practical significance would that have?

However, Franz knew that Nicholas I would not give up so easily, so he pointed out another path for Russia.

"Your Majesty, it is indeed important to retake Constantinople and revive the Eastern Roman Empire, but that is merely jumping from one puddle to another."

The British still have the ability to blockade us, but I have a better, more long-term solution.

Franz's assessment of the recapture of Constantinople displeased Nicholas I, but it did pique the latter's interest, and he wanted to hear what the more long-term solution was.

"What's the plan? Tell me about it."

Franz said calmly.

"Conquer the three Khanates of Central Asia, seize Afghanistan, and set your sights on India. At that time, with attacks on two fronts, the British will inevitably be unable to attend to both."

The British have limited strength on land, and their rule in India is not secure. Given enough determination and perseverance, Constantinople and India will eventually be yours.

Nicholas I was already aware of what Franz was saying, and he and his predecessors had tried it themselves.

“You’ve made it clear that our country has tried many times. But so far, we haven’t even reached Afghanistan, let alone India.”

Actually, Nicholas I did boast a little here. At this time, Russia was still shrouded in mystery, not to mention Afghanistan, the three Khanates of Central Asia were still a mystery to Russia.

"Previous failures do not mean future failures will occur. Moreover, after reviewing your country's data and expedition logs, I believe that logistical support is the biggest problem."

Once a railway is built and the fortress is moved thirty kilometers further, breaking through the desert barrier will be just around the corner. As far as I know, the three Central Asian countries are all incompetent, with corrupt rulers, greedy ministers, neglected military preparedness, and deep-seated resentment among the people.

"As soon as the Russian army arrives, the three countries will surely submit."

Franz wasn't exaggerating; historically, Russian armies had completely crushed their opponents in Central Asia. And that plan was quite feasible; the railway could even help stabilize Russia's domestic situation.

Nicholas I had heard similar words many times, but those people were, strictly speaking, merely subjects, while Franz was his equal.

“Building railways and fortresses? It’s not that easy.” “I can help you. If you agree, Russia will have a railway that goes directly to Central Asia within ten years. I also have a detailed map of Afghanistan here, which I can give you as well.”

The railway built under the leadership of the Austrian Empire, running from St. Petersburg to the Sevastopol Fortress, had greatly benefited Russia and had now become Russia's most important trade railway, with countless surrounding cities flourishing because of it.

If another railway were built to Orenburg, Russia's control over its borders would be greatly enhanced, and he would no longer have to worry about those generals acting on their own initiative.

"Ten years? That's too long! How about five years?"

Franz shook his head.

"Your country's infrastructure is too poor, the geographical environment of the routes is very complex, and your country's railway lines are under great pressure and must strictly control the quality. Even ten years is barely enough to complete them."

Nicholas I suddenly thought of another question.

How did you get a map of Afghanistan?

"Britain is a common enemy of both Russia and Austria. As your ally, shouldn't I be aware of our common enemy?"

Even though Franz said that, Nicholas I found it very strange, after all, Austria was too far away from Afghanistan.

Franz noticed Nicholas I's doubts and continued.

"The map was provided by Indian merchants, but they had no idea where the borders of the Austrian Empire were."

This statement is quite consistent with Nicholas I's stereotype of Indian merchants—a bunch of noisy fools.

Franz didn't want to dwell on the matter, so he said...

"India has a population of over 100 million, while Britain has only 28 million, and Britain has only a few hundred thousand in India."

In contrast, Eastern Thrace had millions of Ottomans, while Constantinople alone had an army of nearly 300,000.

The British were utterly incapable of controlling India; their rule would naturally collapse if they simply sent an army to confront them.

Nicholas I had never seriously considered suggestions that contradicted his own ideas before, but now, upon reflection, he found Franz's words to be quite reasonable.

However, Nicholas I still leaned back in his chair and spoke.

"Frantz, I don't have that much time left. I'm already 58 years old, and before me, only my grandmother lived past 60."

I want to do something for my descendants.

Nicholas I was speaking from the heart; he did want to leave something behind, but more than anything, he wanted to leave behind some achievements.

But Franz could not refute him on this point, after all, Nicholas I was too concerned with his image, and pointing out certain things would only make things less appealing.

Franz said very sincerely.

"Don't you firmly believe in destiny? The Eastern Roman Empire is destined to be restored, and the glory and dreams of the Romanov family will ultimately be realized in your hands. So what's the rush?"

Once you have cleared the road to India, everything will fall into place.

All we need to do is follow the natural order and do our best.

Why can't you become the second Tsar to live past sixty?