Chapter 336

The situation in Lombardy was extremely unfavorable for Austria. The war between Austria and Italy was definitely not as simple as what was recorded in history books. There was a rebellion of the bourgeoisie and nobles internally, while the enemy was pressuring the border.

The reinforcements sent by the Government of Vienna were currently suppressing the rebellion in Venice. Only one Austrian division had arrived at the frontline, and Marshal Radski had less than 30,000 soldiers at his disposal.

This number was double the number in history. Otherwise, he would have retreated from Milan with his tail between his legs.

After looking at the map on the table and considering the current international situation, Marshal Radski made a shocking decision during the military conference.

"Order the troops to get ready. We will abandon Milan on the first of April!"

"What? Marshal, are you sure you're not joking? "Major General Victor asked in disbelief.

"Major General Victor, I'm very sure of what I'm doing!" Marshal Radski said without a change in expression.

"But Marshal, we haven't reached the point where we have to retreat yet. Once the rebellion in Venice is suppressed, our reinforcements will arrive, and it won't be a problem to stop the Kingdom of Sardinia!" Major General Victor questioned.

Victor wasn't the only one who had doubts. Many of the officers present found it hard to accept. Why would they retreat if they could win?

"It's simple. We can stop the Kingdom of Sardinia's attack, but we don't have the ability to defeat the enemy when we're faced with internal and external troubles.

The rebels in Lombardy have already colluded with the Kingdom of Sardinia. If we stay at a stalemate for a long time, the rebellion will continue.

This also involves the political and economic aspects. In short, the Government of Vienna has given me full authority to deal with Italy. All you have to do is carry out my orders! "Marshal Radski explained coldly.

Abandoning Lombardy would definitely put him under a lot of pressure, and it might even cause a series of chain reactions. Under normal circumstances, no general would be willing to bear this responsibility.

The reason Marshal Radski dared to do this was related to the order from the Government of Vienna. As long as they won, they wouldn't care about losing a city or a territory.

In his view, the higher-ups of the Government of Vienna had also discovered the crisis in Italy. If they couldn't solve the problem soon, the Papal State, Tuscany, and Naples would all come.

Marshal Radski still had enough troops to deal with the Kingdom of Sardinia and the rebels. Once these states joined the war, it would be dangerous.

Instead of that, he might as well give up Lombardy first. If the Kingdom of Sardinia occupied these territories, the other three states of Italy would not join the war.

In any case, they were forced to declare war because of public opinion. The main forces of several states had not been mobilized yet, and the ones who came were volunteers organized by the people.

If the Kingdom of Sardinia occupied these territories, the people would have known it. The people would not be willing to help Sardinia fight them. even if they were envious.

If there was not, there, there would be. Italy would Kingdom. There, there Italy, would. and Italy. Italy would Italy and Italy. a Italy..

But this situation couldn't continue. Everything could be cheated, but not the stomach. Humans needed to eat.

"Italian" the Italy. and out, and Italy. Kingdom, and Italy and Italy, and "Italy and Italy, and. in....

In addition to the Italians, the attitude of the British and French was also a problem.

The French wanted Lombardy and Venice to be independent. While chasing Austria away, they did not want Italy to be unified.

The British hoped for a united Italy that could balance France and Austria at the same time, but they did not want to see Austria collapse.

While weakening Austria, they had to preserve Austria's strength. That way, they could stop the expansion of Russia.

In this context, once the Kingdom of Sardinia occupied Lombardy, there would definitely be a merger between the two sides, and the French's position would then change from support to hostility.

The British would only support the Kingdom of Sardinia verbally. They would ask the Kingdom of Sardinia to stop while they were ahead. Unfortunately, the Kingdom of Sardinia, who was held hostage by the public, could only continue fighting.

After the battle line was pulled back, Marshal Radski had more troops. The Kingdom of Sardinia's battle line was stretched.

Lombardy, which had just been occupied, could not provide them with supplies. They mainly had to rely on domestic transportation. This was definitely a pressure for Sardinia.

While fighting against Austria, they also had to feed the people of Lombardy. Otherwise, if they were hungry, the people would still rebel.

Without the support of England and France, there were three less countries participating in the war. The outcome of the war was already decided. Sardinia's national strength was limited. There was no way they could compete with Austria.

Marshal Radski was confident that he could defeat the army of Sardinia and recover Lombardy. It would not be a problem for the war to spread to Sardinia.

Strategically speaking, this was not a retreat, but a bait.

Of course, Franz had sent him a private message, asking him to wipe out all the rebels in Austria's Italy. This was also the reason why he made up his mind.

The term 'rebels' was not that simple. Marshal Radski knew that it was referring to the capitalists and nobles in the Regions of Italy. Without their exploitation of the people, how could there be a rebellion?

Once Lombardy was annexed to Sardinia, most of the nobles and capitalists would probably side with Sardinia. After the war ended, they could all become part of the rebels.

Using their wealth to buy the people's hearts, Austria's Italy would soon be stabilized. After all, the people of Lombardy were Germans who had entered Italy. Without the hindrance of the upper echelons, it would be much easier to integrate them.

There were pros and cons. Marshal Radski did not need to think too much. He had already seen the pros. It could solve the problem of Italy once and for all.

For the final victory, both Lombardy and Venice could be given up temporarily. As long as he reclaimed it, he would still be Austria's hero.

In the quiet meeting room, a voice broke out. A middle-aged general stood up and said, "Marshal, maybe we can do something. We can't let Sardinia take over Lombardy so easily!"

"Edmund, what's your plan?" Marshal Radski asked with concern.

"Marshal, since the people of Lombardy are so welcoming of the Italians, why don't we help them spread the word and let them have a better impression of Sardinia!" Lieutenant General Edmund Leopold Friedrich said with a cold smile.

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