I'm the Dauphin in France

Chapter 1009 German War

Talleyrand immediately pretended that he must get this "interesting" weapon, even if it meant increasing the loan amount.

three days later.

A fierce dispute was going on in Schönbrunn Palace.

"Given the empire's financial situation, an immediate ceasefire is the most advantageous option." State Minister Kobzl said generously, "The empire has exposed many shortcomings in the previous war, and what it needs most now is a reform.

"This will enable the empire to obtain more tax revenue, stronger cohesion, and more soldiers, thereby defeating our enemies at the lowest cost!"

As he spoke, he winked at the young man next to him.

Metternich, who served as the foreign minister's adviser, immediately stepped forward and bowed to Francis II, saying, "Your Majesty, Archduke Karl has won a series of victories in the wars with the Ottoman Empire and Prussia, which has brought unprecedented unity to the entire empire.

“If you push for reforms at this time, you will not encounter any resistance.

“For example, serfdom has severely affected the industrial development of the empire and even greatly reduced the number of soldiers we can recruit.

"At present, Britain and France have completely abolished serfdom, and we should follow suit as soon as possible."

Austria has wanted to abolish serfdom since Joseph II, so this topic has long been no taboo.

The policy that Metternich planned for Kobusl was to promote reforms. This young man has gradually become the top think tank of Kobusl's political faction.

Metternich continued: "There is also the tax system. Britain and France have smaller territories and smaller populations than the Empire, but their taxes are much higher than ours, precisely because they have implemented a unified government tax system, which prevents tax farmers from profiting from taxes.

"Regarding the rights of the nobility, adjustments must also be made as soon as possible..."

"Reform, yes, the empire needs reform." Leo interrupted him and said loudly, "But that will have to wait until Silesia is recovered.

"Your Majesty, if we miss this golden opportunity, we may have to pay ten or even a hundred times more to own this land again."

Metternich argued: "A full-scale war with Prussia would consume a huge amount of military expenditure and population, which might make it impossible for the empire to recover for more than ten years..."

Leo waved his hand dismissively: "You don't understand the situation at all. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of France has promised to provide us with a low-interest loan of 1200 million francs, so the military expenditure will not be a big burden."

Interior Minister Spielmann immediately said: "Marshal, 1200 million francs is not enough to support the war with Prussia."

"It won't last long." Leo smiled. "Britain is trapped in Portugal, and the little king of Prussia will surrender soon."

The young officer next to him nodded in agreement: "Otherwise, Archduke Karl's army will break through the Glogau Line and march straight to Berlin."

Metternich frowned and said: "Are you too optimistic..."

"Young man, when I was beating the Prussians in Liegnitz, you probably hadn't finished your studies yet." Leo and several officers smiled at each other, "You don't know the situation in Silesia at all.

"Let's put it this way. Now we are like putting a gun to the chest of the Prussians. They have no choice but to surrender.

"The premise is that we don't accept a ceasefire just for the sake of the little benefit we have in front of us."

Another officer added: "Blücher, who defended Glogau, was beaten to a pulp by Marshal Leo."

Well, fighting behind the French army is roughly equal to Leo’s record.

The people on Kobzl's side wanted to refute, but they saw Leo pointing at them fiercely and shouting: "I swear, if people knew that you were going to give up Silesia, they would curse you to hell every day!"

As Austria's biggest political correctness, the recovery of Silesia was indeed grasped. Kobzl and others immediately rushed to make it clear that they did not intend to give up Silesia - if these radical soldiers were allowed to exaggerate their proposal for a ceasefire, a demonstration against them would probably break out in Vienna.

This was a political disaster for Kobutzl, whose position was already unstable.

Seeing that the debate was over, Franz II breathed a sigh of relief, looked at Leo and said, "Then, Marshal Leo, I appoint you as the plenipotentiary envoy to negotiate with the Prussians."

"Yes, Your Majesty, I will definitely strive for the greatest benefit for the empire!"

……

More than ten days later.

Potsdam, Sanssouci Palace.

William III, who had just been crowned, looked at Prince Heinrich and said in a hoarse voice, "Is there no room for negotiation?"

The latter nodded solemnly: “The Austrians want all the land in Silesia except Glogau.

“They threatened to launch an attack on Glogau if they didn’t get a response within a week.

“Moreover, Paris has declared its support for the Austrians’ claims and has provided them with a large amount of material assistance.”

The two fell into silence at the same time.

Taxes from Silesia accounted for nearly one-third of Prussia's fiscal revenue and were the basis for Prussia to become one of the top powers in Europe.

Especially after Prussia had experienced huge consumption in previous years of war, if it lost the income from Silesia, the national finances would collapse immediately.

We must grit our teeth and fight this battle!
After a while, William III said with difficulty: "Is there any way?"

Prince Heinrich cheered up and said, "We must get help from Britain, otherwise we can only hold out for a month at most."

"But they have already rejected Baron Friedrich."

"We can only threaten London with the Anglo-Prussian alliance. And give up the obligation to protect Hanover."

As a British enclave in Europe, Hanover was threatened by France at any time. The French army went north through the Netherlands, and there was no force along the way to stop them. Only Prussia could send troops to help defend Hanover.

However, this is the last card in Prussia's hand, and playing it will inevitably offend the British.

William III nodded and said, “You should go and see His Majesty George III in person.

"However, even if Britain can provide sufficient military funds, our troops will find it difficult to resist the Austrian attack."

Prince Heinrich said: "A staff officer named Scharnhorst submitted a report to me, suggesting the implementation of 'universal conscription'."

"Universal conscription?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," said the Prince, "He proposed that all adult males in the country should be required to serve in the military.

"At the same time, the 'Quick Soldier' ​​model is adopted, which means that new recruits are only given 23 days of simple training, and then they are allowed to learn how to fight on the battlefield.

"Another thing is to learn from France and promote officers from civilian soldiers."

(End of this chapter)