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

Chapter 1677 How to break the deadlock?

Of course, the confrontation between the old and new Austrian Empire was not only political; it also involved economic, technological, cultural, social, and folk customs aspects.

However, this confrontation is very complex, and Franz cannot directly intervene in every area.

Of course, Olga couldn't see any of this; she could only vaguely sense the antagonism and hostility. Olga's husband and two sons were in the Austrian Empire, and in her view, Austria should take precedence over Russia.

However, Franz looked somewhat embarrassed.

"Don't interfere in politics recklessly. The Austrian Empire will not easily break its alliance. As for Russia trying to save face, I can ignore that."

But I will never stand idly by if the survival of my allies is threatened.

Franz was unaware of Olga's true thoughts, and he couldn't possibly have the naive idea of ​​choosing to gamble or to believe.

Franz Joseph I's words had to be impeccable, or at least sound impeccable. Whatever Olga's true intentions, Franz's words were enough to dispel her doubts.

Paris, Tuileries Palace.

The sudden turn of events caught the French off guard. Napoleon III also believed it was an assassination attempt, but he did not think the Ottomans were responsible.

Louis-Napoleon believed that Nicholas I might have deliberately sent someone to assassinate Neserlov in order to obtain a pretext for war, given that Neserlov's death was both too suspicious and too timely.

Why now of all times? Why in a holy place?
Alexander Colonna Valevsky, however, felt that it didn't matter anymore.

"Your Majesty, this is none of our business. Since war between Russia and the Ottoman Empire is inevitable, I'll see whether the Holy Alliance has more soldiers or the British have more money."

After pondering for a long time, Napoleon III spoke.

"But what if the British choose to concede?"

"No. The British are unlikely to concede. If they do, then the so-called balance of power policy on the continent will become ineffective."

Alexander Colonna Warewsky stated with great certainty that he simply could not imagine the British abandoning their balance of power policy on the continent.

Franz could only say that the British propaganda machine was truly powerful, that even people at this level would believe the theories put forward by the British.

In fact, Franz felt that the British so-called balance of power policy on the continent was more accurately called offshore balancing. The reason why the British were so enthusiastic about European affairs was largely because they could use a strategy of appeasement, so threats usually would not directly affect them, and they could enjoy the privilege of security.

Napoleon III nodded, and he wholeheartedly agreed with Alexander Colonna Walevsky's statement, but he still had a question.

"Can the British defeat the Holy League?"

Alexander Corona Valevski stated unequivocally.

"Your Majesty, that has nothing to do with us. The reason the British are saying this to you is mainly to drag France into this."

France must not act rashly at this moment; the Austrians are waiting for this very moment. If we easily believe the promises of the British, we will ruin France's future.

We must not waver.

Louis Napoleon nodded emphatically, but still spoke.

"If the British lose, how do we break the deadlock?"

This is indeed a problem, as neither Napoleon III nor Alexander Colonna Walevsky were the kind of people who would willingly serve under others.

"That's even better. If the Ottomans are finished, then the British will have no choice but to rely on us."

"But can we win?"

"We will win; we will wait for that opportunity." - Royal Palace of Naples

Maximilian I also received news of Neserlov's assassination, but he was somewhat flustered.

"Good riddance! Haha! The Russians finally got their comeuppance!"

The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was in a state of internal turmoil, with factions aligned with Austria, Britain, and France. No one saw the start of war as a good thing, but they were forced to pretend that their desires had been fulfilled.

After all, this so-called enlightened and democratic king was actually quite petty. Although Maximilian I would not directly use his power to oppress people, he would look for problems in others.

At this time, regardless of their true intentions, most officials' actions could not withstand scrutiny, and problems would inevitably arise if one looked for them, especially when the king himself intervened.

"May the Russians die a horrible death!"

"What a joy!"

"Russia's demise is imminent!"

"His Majesty the King is truly a brilliant strategist!"

After a round of flattery, Maximilian I announced his plans.

Maximilian wasn't stupid; he was well-versed in Adam Smith's "The Wealth of Nations" and naturally understood that what was in front of him was a business opportunity.

“Listen! We are different from other powers. Our Kingdom of Two Sicilies has its own path. We will declare neutrality, impartial and unbiased, for the sake of justice alone.”

"Your Majesty, wise!"

The ministers of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies meant this sincerely; they had no desire to get involved in the politics of a major power.

The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies may have been a considerable power in Italy, but they were well aware that in the eyes of the nobles of the great powers, they were nothing more than worms, and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was merely a larger piece of fat meat.

Without the protection of the Austrian Empire, the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies would likely have had no choice but to rely on a major power to maintain its independence.

Maximilian I's declaration of neutrality was brilliant, freeing the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies from the dilemma of whether to side with Austria or Great Britain.

Of course, they would never dare to expel the Austrian Empire's influence on certain small islands in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, not even to mention it.

After all, the entire Kingdom of the Two Sicilies had long been riddled with holes by Austrian infiltration, and any news could easily reach the Austrian Empire, and their political rivals would be more than willing to do so.

"Our Kingdom of Two Sicilies has fertile land, advanced military industry and shipbuilding industry, but why has our country not developed?"

Maximilian I answered his own question.

"It's because we lack a large market! This is fatal! But soon all of this will change!"
What does a large-scale war mean? Tell me!

Maximilian I did not give anyone a chance to answer; he continued.

"That means a massive demand for supplies and an unprecedented market! Soldiers need food, fleets need supplies, and wounded soldiers need medicine!"
They have no reason to refuse our goods! Just as they couldn't stop this war!

"Your Majesty is truly farsighted!"

Maximilian I became more and more excited as he spoke.

"We can take this opportunity to expand production, build our own factories, expand our shipyards, open up more arable land, and develop our military industry."

If we can seize this opportunity, we can become the next Venice!