I'm the Dauphin in France

Chapter 924: The Scapegoat and the Hero
However, Kobzel was only excited for a second before he reacted immediately.

If we want to sign an armistice with France, then as Secretary of State I will be responsible for the signing of the surrender treaty.

This is a job that will be criticized by everyone. If you don't do it well, you will be ruined...

Kobutzl's mind worked quickly, and he immediately thought that the defeat was the fault of the Tugut government, and that surrender could be entirely "decided" by Tugut.

I am only responsible for the follow-up work.

Yes, just do the propaganda. You can even become a hero who saves the situation.

Once in power, he can cooperate with the Kaunitz family to carry out powerful reforms, restore the empire's strength, and one day defeat France to avenge the previous humiliation.

By then, I will be forever engraved in the glorious history of the empire!
Thinking of this, Kobzl no longer hesitated and bowed to Kaunitz and said:

"Your Excellency, I also believe that a ceasefire is the only way out at the moment. I will stand firmly by your side!"

"Thank you for making the right decision." Kaunitz nodded to him.

Metternich continued: "Another Mr. Kobzl will take over the post of Foreign Minister."

He was talking about Ludwig von Kobutzl.

"Count Spielmann is the Minister of the Interior. Count Stadion is the Minister of Finance..."

In this way, the Kaunitz, Kobusl and Stadion families formed an alliance and redistributed the core positions in Austrian politics.

Yes, Kaunitz was not at all worried that Kobusl would betray him - Ludwig von Kobusl was his student, and his father Johann von Kobusl also agreed to form an alliance with him.

Even if Kobzl could refuse the temptation of the position of Minister of State, he would not betray the interests of his family.

Kobzl immediately got into character and worried: "What if the French do not accept the armistice? That man called Napoleon may attack Klagenfurt at any time."

Metternich said: "As long as there are sufficient benefits, there is no need for the French to fight to the death with the Empire.

"In fact, my father-in-law sent someone to Paris to mediate half a month ago."

Kobzel was surprised: "If you do this... His Majesty the Emperor will be furious."

As a retired minister, Kaunitz secretly flirted with the enemy country, which could be considered treason.

Kaunitz waved his hand and said, "I was just catching up with an old friend."

"Old friend?" Kobutzl quickly remembered that it was under Kaunitz's manipulation that the Austrian princess married Louis XVI, now Queen Marie.

This is indeed a relationship that can be used.

Afterwards, the people in the room discussed the specific action plan and did not leave until nightfall.

The next day, at Kobutzl's suggestion, Francis II sent Baron Turgut back to Vienna to rectify the chaos and prepare for His Majesty's return to the palace.

And Thugut gladly accepted it - this was very beneficial to him, as he could take the opportunity to eliminate those who opposed him and control the political situation more firmly.

On the afternoon of the day that Turgut left, Baron Walter was placed under house arrest by troops sent by Marquis Becerral.

Although Walter was the emperor's uncle, Thugut only used his royal influence and did not give him any real power. So at this time he could do nothing except being furious and helpless.

Then, the Kobzl brothers, Count Spielmann, Count Stadion and other ministers came to the temporary palace of Francis II. The persuasion process was very easy.

Without interference from the Tugut faction, it took Kobutzl less than an hour to get the emperor to accept the proposal for a ceasefire.

Well, the greatest advantage of this emperor is that he listens to advice. But some people also call him indecisive.

Of course, it was also because the two consecutive riots in Vienna and Transylvania seriously stimulated Francis II.

The Emperor of Shinra slumped in his chair with his eyes blank, muttering:

"But... But if that happens, I will become a monarch despised by everyone... I will bring shame to the Habsburg family..."

"No, Your Majesty," Kobzl said firmly, "This is all the fault of Togut and his men! Their incompetent management caused the empire to be attacked by the French time and time again despite having a huge military advantage.

“It is they who bring shame to the empire!

"And your Majesty, you have always tried your best to keep the empire from falling, but now you and the entire country are exhausted.

"As long as we rest for a few years and replace you with capable ministers, the empire will be able to wash away today's shame!"

Franz II was stunned for a moment, then nodded slowly: "You are right, it was Turgut, Beaulieu and the others who wasted countless opportunities that brought us to where we are today."

Count Stadion took the opportunity to step forward and said, "Your Majesty, I suggest that Baron Turgut be relieved of his position as Minister of State."

Franz II nodded again: "Yes, it's time to change someone..."

Paris France.

Palace of Versailles.

Joseph threw the report in his hand into the drawer and said to Berthier:

"Please immediately order General Napoleon through the Chap signal tower not to attack Austria without my permission."

"Yes, Your Highness!" The Chief of Staff stood at attention and responded, then hesitantly said, "Your Highness, civil unrest is currently breaking out in Austria, and the morale of the Austrian troops defending the Klagenfurt Fortress is very low. This is indeed a good opportunity. I mean, if everything goes well, Napoleon's army is likely to enter Vienna."

Joseph waved his hand: "First of all, attacking Austria now will only make the Austrians feel a strong sense of crisis, so that they will put aside other conflicts and unite to face the outside world.

"It might even help them..."

He originally wanted to say "awaken national consciousness in advance", but considering that this phrase was a bit abrupt, he temporarily changed it to "boost the morale of the people."

"Secondly, even if we capture Vienna, it will mean nothing to us. It will only make the Prussians ecstatic.

“It is difficult for us to stabilize and control Austria. The Habsburg family has spent hundreds of years and has failed to resolve the endless rebellions of Hungarians, Romanians, and Bohemians. We will only waste huge military expenses there to quell the rebellion.

"Without Austria's restraint, Prussia will soon unify the German region, at least northern Germany. Even Austria will ask the Prussians to help them deal with us."

Berthier nodded thoughtfully: "Yes, Your Highness, it is indeed my fault for not considering it."

He then asked again: "Your Highness, the war cannot be dragged on like this."

Joseph smiled slightly: "If I'm not mistaken, the armistice negotiators from Vienna will arrive in Paris soon."

(End of this chapter)