I'm the Dauphin in France

Chapter 1216 Sardinia Returns to a Remote Country
On the training ground south of the Mantua Fortress, Moro and more than a dozen officers stood at the front, with nearly a thousand soldiers representing those who had participated in the raid into Venice behind them.

To their left stood a tall, imposing representative of the Crown Prince's personal guard, the grenadier battalion, looking proud and confident.

Yes, they did participate in the harassment operation, although they didn't fire a single shot, they were still entitled to the Crown Prince's commendation.

Joseph walked past each officer and soldier, awarding them medals of different ranks based on their performance on the battlefield.

While Morrow's raid may seem to have yielded only minor results, eliminating approximately 10,000 to 15,000 enemy soldiers and routing a total of just over 20,000, its contribution to the overall campaign was undeniable.

Their actions significantly slowed down the Austrian army's offensive pace, helping the Mantua fortress survive its most dangerous phase.

Currently, the Allied forces' Swiss strategy has completely failed, and Sardinia, the hidden "bomb," has been defused. This allows France to concentrate all its troops in Mantua for defense.

The entire Fifth Army suffered almost no losses, and with the addition of the 12th Infantry Division, troops from Italy and Spain, Mantua's forces now exceeded 85,000.

Although the Austrian army numbered nearly 16, their morale was low due to attacks on their rear, and they had essentially lost the possibility of a strong attack on the fortified fortress.

It's important to understand that while France could obtain supplies from nearby allies like Milan and Parma, Archduke Charles had to transport logistical supplies from distant Klagenfurt. France, on the other hand, was in no hurry at all.

Moreover, for France, the bulk of its "revenue" comes from Switzerland. Masséna now has nearly 7 enemy troops surrounded and can be wiped out at any time.

Therefore, Morrow's receipt of the Order of the Golden Iris is absolutely well-deserved.

Joseph worked for more than two hours and finally finished awarding more than 340 medals—this was only because Berthier was awarding them to him; otherwise, his arm would probably have cramped up.

After the medal-awarding ceremony concluded, Berthier, Moreau, and other generals discussed the upcoming battle with Joseph before returning to headquarters together.

When the group arrived at the command post building, they saw two carriages drive into the courtyard. Count Segur, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, stepped down from the first carriage, accompanied by officers.

Segur happened to see the Crown Prince and hurriedly stepped forward to bow: "Your Highness, I have brought the draft ceasefire agreement with Sardinia prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for your review."

Joseph nodded to him, gesturing for him to follow him into his office.

Segur respectfully placed a stack of documents in front of Joseph and said, “Your Highness, Sardinia was an enemy of our country in the last war, and this time it has colluded with the enemy to launch a sneak attack. It must be severely punished.”

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends that the Sardinian royal family be moved to Sardinia. Their territories in Lombardy should be divided between Milan and Parma."

"Establish a Duchy of Piedmont in the remaining areas."

Just over ten days ago, the Joubert Legion had completely taken control of Turin, and now King Emmanuel IV and the Sardinian royal family are under house arrest in the palace.

Yes, Sardinia sent almost all of its troops to the Gotthard Pass, leaving fewer than 500 soldiers in Turin.

So when Pilo's army was defeated, Joubert moved with impunity and occupied the Sardinian capital in just four days.

Joseph thought the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' arrangement was very appropriate and was about to nod in approval when he suddenly thought of a problem.

Sardinia is a member of the Mediterranean Security Organization. Even if Emperor Emmanuel IV betrayed it first, dismantling Sardinia based solely on a treaty signed by France would inevitably cause tension among other northern Italian countries.

Joseph, recalling the political routines for handling similar situations in later generations, quickly smiled and instructed Segur: "Please convene a summit of all member states of the Mediterranean Security Organization in my name immediately on the 'Sardinian issue' to vote on the punishment plan for Sardinia."

Segur's eyes were filled with astonishment. This was an era where large countries could arbitrarily decide the fate of smaller nations. For example, regarding the dismantling of Sardinia, Parma, which had participated in the war, would at most have a say, yet His Highness wanted a collective vote? He hesitated, saying, "Your Highness, but what if other countries disagree..."

Joseph patted the documents on the table: "Some of the eastern part of Monferrato can be given to Genoa."

"In this way, three countries will benefit from the partition of Sardinia. You met with 'Auntie' in advance and obtained Modena's support."

"The remaining Luca and Florence are far from Sardinia and certainly wouldn't want to go against our country's wishes over this matter."

"Venice is currently occupied by Austria and is unable to participate in the meeting."

Do you think this proposal will fail to pass?

Segur, a seasoned diplomat, nodded repeatedly in admiration upon hearing this.

The Crown Prince's plan easily transformed France's wishes into the wishes of all of Northern Italy. This ensured that not only would all countries have no complaints about the partition of Sardinia, but even if Sardinia later received support from powerful nations and wanted to return to the Apennine Peninsula, other countries would rise up in opposition without France needing to say anything.

This is the pinnacle of diplomatic wisdom, completely resolving the Sardinian issue.

Joseph signed the split plan and handed it back to Segur: "Please get on with it as soon as possible."

His main purpose in organizing this summit was to alleviate the northern Italian states' wariness of France—the partition of Sardinia was a decision made by all of you, and it cannot be blamed on France.

After Segur left, Joseph returned to the war room and saw Berthier and others discussing something with serious expressions.

Upon seeing the Crown Prince arrive, the Chief of the General Staff hurriedly handed him a piece of intelligence: "Your Highness, we have just received news that Suvorov led 6 Russian troops to Vienna three days ago and is still continuing his southward advance."

"Judging from the current situation, it seems that Russia is about to enter the war."

Joseph's eyes instantly turned cold.

Alexander I, seeing the strength of the anti-French coalition, immediately abandoned the Franco-Russian marriage alliance and prepared to reap the benefits.

In contrast, although Paul I was prone to making silly mistakes, he was a true friend of France.

If Russia were to enter the war, France's military pressure would increase significantly...

Berthier continued, "The Duke of Castellanza of Austria also led 7 newly recruited soldiers to Klagenfurt."

"Our main battlefield will soon have an additional 13 enemy troops."

Joseph nodded. No wonder his generals all looked so wary.

But today's France is no longer the France of ten years ago, a country that could be easily manipulated. Previously, he did not mobilize the country's full potential in order not to hinder development.

Now that someone is looking for death, he has no choice but to get serious.

(End of this chapter)