No matter how many schemes there were, a war had to be won on the battlefield. While the diplomatic game between Prussia and Russia was going on, the Battle of Lithuania broke out.
At this time, Mao Qi was already in an awkward situation. Whether or not to fight the enemy in the Lithuanian region was a difficult question.
The Russian Navy had been stagnant for more than a decade and had long fallen behind the times. However, this outdated fleet was not something that the Pu Bo Federation's miniature navy could compare to.
Today was different from the past. Both Prussia and Russia had made preparations for this war. The Tsarist government had stockpiled a large number of strategic supplies in St. Peter's Castle. They would not be short of supplies even if they fought for a year and a half.
Under such circumstances, the advantage of sea power could be fully displayed. Ivanov wanted to take advantage of these advantages by launching the Lithuanian campaign.
After losing control of the sea, he ran to the coast of the Baltic Sea to fight the enemy, and when the enemy was prepared, Moltke said that he was not crazy.
The problem was that war wasn't something that could be avoided just because you wanted to. Russia had already launched an attack. Unless they gave up Lithuania, Latvia, and other regions, they could only brace themselves and fight.
It was impossible to give up. Once Lithuania fell, the flames of war would once again spread to East Prussia. All the gains from the first Prussian War would be lost.
If it had been another enemy, Mao Qi might have dared to take a gamble and look for opportunities to defeat the enemy. Unfortunately, his opponent was Ivanov, who was known for his conservatism.
Warsaw, Prussian Federal General Headquarters
"Marshal, why don't we launch an attack from Belarus and pretend to attack Smolensk, forcing the enemy to give up the Lithuanian campaign plan?" A middle-aged officer suggested.
There was no such thing as "besieging Wei to save Zhao" in Europe, but there was no shortage of similar war templates.
Mao Qi shook his head. "It's useless. The enemy has thirty infantry divisions and two cavalry divisions in Belarus. We have no chance at all."
If it was in the field, Mao Qi was confident that he could get rid of the enemy, but it was impossible. With Ivanov's style, the Russian Army would definitely choose to defend to the death.
If they really had to fight their way over, regardless of whether they could make it in time, Mao Qi's precious mobile troops would be mostly used up. If the people were gone, what was the use of the land?
Looking at the Russian Army deployment marked on the map, Mao Qi let out a deep sigh. Ever since the outbreak of the second Prussian war, the Prussian army had been fighting in frustration.
It wasn't that they didn't work hard. The problem was that they didn't have any room to play. Although the Prussian Army was slightly stronger, the difference was still limited. The Russian Army could make up for it with numbers.
After a moment of hesitation, Mao Qi pointed at the map, "Order the troops in the north to give up Latvia and retreat to the Lithuanian region."
Winning first is not winning, the final winner is the winner. Mao Qi was ready for another battle in East Prussia. It didn't matter how big the loss was, the most important thing was to be the winner.
…
On the battlefield, Prussia and Russia were fighting with their wits and courage. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were also filled with smoke. Vienna once again became the battlefield of the two countries. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Austria was bustling, and so was the Palais des Bellefontaines.
In order to avoid trouble, Franz had closed his door and refused to meet any guests. It couldn't be helped. There were too many lobbyists, and the Emperor was also worried. The best solution was to not meet any guests.
Franz once again found it troublesome to have too many relatives. It wasn't that these people didn't know the rules, were noisy, and interfered. If that was the case, it would be easier to deal with.
The nobles who could make a name for themselves weren't fools. Lobbyists also had skills. Most of them just passed on a message or helped out.
Some wanted the Russians to win, some wanted the Prussian Federation to win, and some simply wanted to test Franz's position and judge the direction of the government's decision.
This couldn't be helped. The direction of a country was never decided by the Emperor alone. All the interest groups in the country, big and small, were participants.
This was part of the political game in Europe. For example, to push through a certain bill or resolution, it wasn't something that Franz wanted to do himself. Usually, he would first release information through these channels to test the reaction of the outside world.
Or he would hint to these people to make a proposal to the government, which was equivalent to the Emperor's royal mouthpiece.
The Prussian war involved too many things, including: the future structure of the European continent, the process of the unification of the German Region, a lot of political and economic interests …
The more involved, the more interest groups would be involved, and the more people would be concerned about it.
Franz didn't want to express his position in advance, so he naturally avoided it. The Emperor could avoid it, but the top government officials couldn't. Prime Minister Felix's hairline receded a lot.
…
In the Prime Minister's residence in Vienna, Minister Feldman of the Prussian Federation was talking non-stop. "World peace is being seriously challenged, and the international order in Europe is being …"
Felix frowned. "Minister, don't say these meaningless words. Our time is precious. There's no need to waste it like this."
Felix's impatience was on full display. It could be seen that Felix was really annoyed. He couldn't even be bothered to listen to diplomatic rhetoric.
Feldman wasn't annoyed. This wasn't the first time something like this happened. As a professional diplomat, he still knew how to restrain his emotions and wouldn't bring his personal feelings into work.
"Prime Minister, a strong Russian Empire is not a good choice for Europe or even the world. Your country's interests …"
Before Feldman could finish, Felix directly interrupted, "It's not just the Russian Empire. A strong Prussian Federation is also not good for us. You have to know that rule breakers are often more annoying."
A staunch Greater German nationalist naturally didn't have a good impression of the existence of a divided country. The existence of the Prussian Federation was a cancer in the eyes of German nationalists.
Prime Minister Felix was the leader of Greater Germany promoted by Austria. It was necessary to oppose Prussian, so there was no need to give him face.
However, everything was possible in the face of politics. As long as the interests were enough, there was nothing that couldn't be discussed.
"Rule breakers" was a joke. No one was much better than the other. If Austria followed the rules, there wouldn't be the foundation it had now.
However, the Government of Vienna was the rule maker and left a back door for themselves early on. It didn't look that ugly.
Feldman was slightly embarrassed. His mind flashed, and he immediately recovered. He was already cursing in his heart. He was almost tricked.
This was a diplomatic meeting. Prime Minister Felix's bad attitude was also a diplomatic method.
After experiencing this episode, Feldman didn't want to continue beating around the bush. He was afraid that his heart wouldn't be able to take it if he continued.
"Prime Minister, we are very sincere. As long as your country is willing to stop supporting the Russians, Ukraine and the Russian Balkans will be your country after the war. "
When it came to interests, Felix's attitude eased a bit. He pretended to be confused and asked, "Sincerity? Where is it? Why didn't I see it?
Using the territory of the Russians as sincerity, and we have to send troops to take it ourselves. Your country's sincerity is really amazing! "
Without doing anything, the Prussian Federation supported Austria to obtain Ukraine and the Russian The Balkans. It seemed to be taking advantage, but it was actually a hidden trick.
The two wars between Prussia and Russia had made the Government of Berlin completely aware that the Russian Empire was a cockroach that couldn't be killed. Even if they won this war, it wouldn't take long for them to rise again.
If this cycle continued, they wouldn't be able to do anything. If they wanted to obtain a stable international environment, they must find someone to share the hatred with.
The most ideal ally was the Osman Empire. Unfortunately, this mud couldn't support the wall. It was really incompetent.
Next was the Nordic Federation. Unfortunately, they had offended the Danes. With the Danes dragging them down, it was impossible for the Nordic Federation to form an alliance with them.
Then there were the Central Asian countries and the Empire of the Far East. Similar to the Osman Empire, they were all incompetent. It wouldn't be of much use to rope them in.
Austria was originally not in the Government of Berlin's list of allies, but the situation forced them. In order to win the war, they must make the Government of Vienna give up supporting the Russians.
Being exposed, Fudman wasn't annoyed. He still smiled and said, "Prime Minister, you can't say it like that. We dealt a heavy blow to the Tsarist government in the war. Your country's occupation of these areas is an armed demonstration.
If your country is willing, you can directly take the Volga River. We will support it. "
Felix shook his head. He knew where the "Volga River" was when he opened the map. Was it something Austria could reach?
"We don't have a good appetite like your country. The friendship between Russia and Austria goes back to ancient times. We have no interest in the territory of the Russian Empire."
This was the truth. Felix had no interest in the territory of the Russians. The Government of Vienna also had no intention of peeping.
Of course, if the Russians didn't want it and insisted on sending it over, no one would refuse.
After hesitating for a moment, it seemed like a fierce struggle in his heart. Fudman slowly said, "What if you add the German Confederation?
As long as your country is willing to stop supporting the Russians, we will no longer oppose your country's annexation of the German Confederation. "
Felix had already heard the hidden meaning. In other words, "no longer oppose" was: no support, no opposition, and acquiesce to Austria's annexation of the German Confederation.
Frankly speaking, Prime Minister Felix was tempted, but he didn't show it. However, he didn't show it. Based on the current situation, the Berlin government was already at its limit for them to make such a promise.
If the Tsarist government was in charge of the same thing, they would directly express their support without any preparation.
There was no need to doubt the determination of Alexander II Of Russia to win the war. Any ruler was flexible.
For the Russian Empire, European hegemony was a matter of the future. At present, it was more important to win the war.
The Pubo Confederation was the same, but they were too influenced by the British and couldn't do that.
"Your proposal has no value. If it was 1853, your country would have this sincerity. Then the matter would have been settled a long time ago.
Now, do you think your position is still important? As far as I know, your country hasn't even licked the wounds from the last war.
After this war, how long does your country need to rest? Twenty years? Thirty years?
If we really want to take action, what can you do even if you oppose? Do you dare to fight a war on the battlefield? "
This wasn't disdain. The reality was cruel. Winning the war was just the beginning. The Pubo Confederation still had a long way to go to restore its strength.
They couldn't bet all their assets just to interfere with Austria.
With the example of Colombia, no one could guarantee that the Government of Vienna would change its mind and stop after beating them up.
The bargaining chip also depended on the time when it was thrown out. Even if it was a priceless item, if it appeared at the wrong time, it would be worthless.
Feldman's expression changed slightly, but he immediately recovered. "Prime Minister, that depends on what you think. If these conditions can't tempt you, then what if the Russians win the war?
There aren't many countries in the world that have the power to threaten your country, and the Russian Empire happens to be one of them.
Alexander II Of Russia's reform hasn't been long, and the Russians have already walked out of the last war. If they win the war and continue to develop, can your country rest assured?
The Tsarist government's greed for land is endless. You can see how long the border between your country and the Russian Empire is when you look at the map. Friction is inevitable in the future.
Instead of leaving a hidden danger, it's better to get rid of them now. Your country can also take the opportunity to enter the Black Sea. With your country's strength, it's only a matter of time before the Black Sea becomes an inland sea. No one can stop it. "
Feldman spoke out the Government of Vienna's concerns. The Russians had too much potential for development. With such a huge territory, no one knew what kind of monsters would be born.
In comparison, the Pubo Confederation was much less of a threat. Even if they won the war, they couldn't take much land with their national strength. It would take at least a few decades for them to become a real big country.
This was still the ideal situation. Austria had also taken one step at a time. The Government of Vienna knew better than anyone the difficulty of ethnic integration.
It could be said that the more people the Pubo Confederation took from the Russian Empire, the more serious the ethnic problems in the country would be.
It wasn't easy to play with a two-dimensional empire. An active Polish nation was enough. If more ethnic groups were added, how different would it be from the original Austro-Hungarian Empire?
It might even be worse than the Austro-Hungarian Empire. At least the House of Habsburg had been in operation for hundreds of years. The rule was deeply rooted in the people's hearts.
After a moment of silence, Felix shook his head. "Your Excellency, you're wrong. Austria has always been neutral and has never supported the Russians.
What you see is only normal commercial trade. As a member of the free trade system, we won't interfere with the market.
If your country wants to cut off the Russians' supplies, then buy it with money. As long as you buy all the supplies, the Russians won't be able to buy them. "
Feldman's face darkened. He knew that Felix was tempted, but he still refused. He didn't even give him a chance to negotiate further.
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