I'm the Dauphin in France

Chapter 1191: Taking sides
Kobutzl glanced at the young diplomat, his tone clearly displeased: "Do you know what you're saying?"

Metternich gestured for him not to get angry and continued, “If we accept Lord Hawkesburg’s plan, Russia will gain all of Poland’s territory west of the Bug River, as well as the Balkans except for Thrace and Macedonia. They might even invade Constantinople.”

Count Stadion frowned deeply: "God, that was a disaster."

“That’s right.” A sly smile flashed in Metternich’s eyes. “Not only us, but also Britain, the Ottomans, the Two Sicilies, and even France, will realize that this is a huge ‘Orthodox catastrophe.’”

"At that time, without us even having to suggest it, they will have to take the initiative to help us drive out the Russians—most likely the British will take the lead, as they are best at doing this kind of thing."

"The Russians could never withstand an attack from so many countries, and we can take advantage of the war to formally occupy Serbia."

Kobbutzl stopped in his tracks and looked at Metternich in surprise.

It must be admitted that what this young man said makes a lot of sense.

After defeating France, Russia, which controls most of the Balkan Peninsula, will become a threat to the whole of Europe.

As the country closest to the Balkans, Austria is bound to become the backbone of the anti-Russian alliance, which will not only unite Serbia but also expand its influence in Germany.

Metternich continued, "And before that, we will also gain access to the entire Lesser Poland region, as well as Tarnovsk. The Tarnovsk silver mine will provide us with substantial military funding."

According to the British plan, Russia, Austria, and Prussia would each send more than 8 troops to launch a simultaneous attack on Poland from the southeast and west. The goal was to defeat Poland within a month.

Afterwards, Austria will acquire southwestern Poland, including Krakow, where they have long coveted silver mines.

Prussia, on the other hand, received the port of Gdansk and Polish territory west of the Vistula River.

Metternich bowed and smiled at the Minister of State: "This can be described as using the Russian army to help us reclaim Italy. His Majesty the Emperor will certainly agree to this plan."

……

half a month later.

At the gates of the Winter Palace, Alexander I watched the carriages of the Anglo-Prussian and Austrian diplomats gradually disappear into the distance, then gestured to the Minister of War, Sergei Vyazmitinov, who was standing nearby: "Begin assembling the army, with General Suvorov as commander, and launch an attack on Minsk before the end of May. Oh, and strengthen the defenses along the Dnieper River as well."

The latter paused slightly, then reminded him, "Your Majesty, according to the plan we just agreed on, the allied forces should simultaneously..."

Alexander I snorted: "Find an excuse to delay for a while. Let Prussia and Austria lure the main Polish forces to the western front. We suffered heavy losses in the last war against Poland, while they reaped the benefits. This time, it's their turn to do the work."

Vyazmitinov hesitated, saying, "Your Majesty, this could very well weaken our say in the distribution of the spoils of war."

Generally speaking, whoever's army contributed more resources took the lion's share of the spoils.

Alexander I turned and entered the palace, a smile playing on his lips: "We will surely obtain the land as agreed."

"Now is a crucial moment for Britain, Puerto Rico, and Austria to win us over to the European battlefield; they dare not offend us over such a small matter."

Count Vorontsov, the Foreign Minister accompanying the Tsar, immediately sensed the implication in the Tsar's words and hurriedly asked, "Your Majesty, do you mean that we should join the anti-French alliance?"

Alexander I waved his hand: "No, we will not join any of them."

"Then you just..."

“We are in the most advantageous position,” Alexander said. “We can either unite with France through marriage or join the anti-French coalition through our cooperation in the Polish campaign. Now is not a good time to gamble.”

"We will join the winning side once the outcome of the European campaign is clear."

"We can use this time to advance domestic reforms. Only through enlightened rule can the empire truly become strong."

As he spoke, he looked at Justice Minister Radishev and asked, "How is the administrative reform plan I asked you to draft progressing?"

"It's mostly finished and will be submitted to you today, Your Majesty."

Radishchev, at the request of Alexander I, essentially copied the administrative systems of Britain and France to design the framework of government for Russia.

Alexander I was influenced by the liberal Laarp from a young age and dedicated himself to liberal reforms in Russia.

In just a few months of his administration, he has already enacted the Land Rights Act, the Free Farmers Act, and reforms such as the establishment of the Ministry of National Education.

The next step is administrative and judicial reform.

He himself didn't realize that all his reforms were intentionally or unintentionally imitating the French model.

……

Poland.

Warsaw.

In the square in front of the Sittoria Palace, the French envoy, Baron Northpin, was still patiently whispering to Prince Charles about the important matters that would be needed later:
"...Due to Poland's policies of suppressing Orthodox Christianity in recent years, the Rossenes in the east have developed an increasingly strong tendency to secede from the federation..."

"Lithuanians were dissatisfied with their parliamentary seats and the land reform system, and their will to resist Russia was far less strong than it was during the Great Patriotic War..."

"In addition, the federal government's high military spending in recent years has led to a deteriorating fiscal situation..."

"Even its grain reserves are severely depleted. Due to Poland's large-scale grain exports last year to alleviate its financial burden, its current grain stocks are only enough for the army to last for two and a half months. Moreover, once war breaks out, the outside world will be able to provide almost no assistance to Poland..."

“Then state the unfavorable terrain of Poland.” Charles nodded seriously. “I assure you I have memorized it all, Your Excellency.”

He took a deep breath and patted his violently pounding chest—he was only 13 years old and had never hosted such a formal diplomatic occasion before—but he immediately thought that when his older brother was his age, he had already begun police reforms in Paris, and there was no special envoy to guide him.

I can't let my brother down. Charles straightened his chest and strode towards Regent Poniatovsky and the others who were waiting to greet him in the distance.

Because it was a secret meeting, there was no band or honor guard.

After exchanging greetings, Charles accompanied the Polish Regent into the Tin Palace, where he met King Stanisław II of Poland, who had not made a public appearance for a long time, in a large hall.

He gave the latter a standard courtly bow, completely forgetting Baron Northpan's admonitions along the way, and said directly:

“Your Majesty, I urge you to have absolute trust in my brother, as well as the solemn commitment of the Bourbon monarchy and France to Poland.”

(End of this chapter)