Chapter 401

By 1859, constitutionalism had become a hot topic in Austria, and even the birth of the little prince had become the background.

The eldest son, Frederick The Great, was already more than two years old, and the position of crown prince had already been decided. As the second son, the outside world paid much less attention to him.

The palace in Vienna still held a celebration as usual. In this era, medical technology was limited, and every family attached great importance to the next generation.

Almost every birth of a core member would have a celebration, which was a sign of the family's prosperity.

The House of Habsburg had been able to fight its way out of the many European aristocrats and build a great empire because it had many children.

It wasn't just the House of Habsburg. In fact, all families with a long history had a common characteristic, and that was their ability to produce children.

The European aristocrats were not simple vermin. Even in the 19th century, they had to be ready to go to the battlefield at any time. This was their responsibility and obligation.

This was not a good thing for a family with few heirs. In case of an accident on the battlefield, with the medical conditions of this era, it was possible that they would go straight to God.

Then, they could only benefit others. There was no doubt that the marriage between the aristocrats was complicated. As long as it was a noble family with a hundred years of inheritance, they could basically find an heir from their relatives.

This time, Franz learned to be smart. He directly put all the alternative names together and drew lots. Yes, he let the little guy draw it himself.

It couldn't be considered a catch. The name written on the first ball of paper was the little guy's name.

Empress Dowager Sophie objected, "Franz, isn't this too childish? When the little guy grows up, he will think that you don't value him!"

Franz firmly denied, "How can that be? It's because I respect his opinion that I let the little guy decide for himself!"

Empress Dowager Sophie was a little confused and asked, "But, how are you going to explain it to Frederick The Great?"

Franz said without changing his expression, "It's okay. We just won't tell him."

"If several balls of paper are caught at the same time, will they be added together?" Helen asked doubtfully.

Franz almost broke out in a cold sweat. He finally understood why some European names were so long.

He quickly denied, "Of course not. Since this happened, we'll have to start over."

This kind of stupid thing couldn't be done. Having a long name was not a good thing. As a father, if he couldn't even remember his son's name, he would be finished.

Grand Duke Karl, who was watching the show, added, "Then let's begin. However, I think it's better for Frederick, his brother, to help. I'm afraid this little guy is powerless even though he wants to."

Two cold lights shot over. Franz smiled awkwardly. He was afraid that the little guy wouldn't be able to complete this epic task.

The brilliant plan that he had painstakingly thought suddenly became a child's play. It was impossible for Frederick to do it for him. If he did, it would be a stain that Franz would never be able to get rid of in his life.

"God," As he said, he, he, Franz, he "He" Franz, he.

As soon as he finished speaking, his hand had already grabbed the ball of paper that he had prepared beforehand and opened it in front of everyone — Peter.

After confirming the little guy's name, Franz quickly left the scene.

"Your Majesty, the Old Marshal passed away last night!"

The maid's slightly panicked voice sounded, and Franz's face changed. In Austria, there was only one person who could be respectfully called "Old Marshal" — Johann Josef Wenzel Radsky von Raditz.

In terms of age, Marshal Radski was 92 years old, one year longer than the historical record. In this era where the average lifespan was less than 40, it was considered a very old age.

Franz was mentally prepared, but Marshal Radski's death was still too sudden, without any warning.

"Inform the cabinet to prepare a state funeral. I will personally host the funeral for the Old Marshal. Pass down the order, the country will mourn for 14 days. "

The marshal, who was born a Bohemian noble, had made great contributions to the Habsburg Dynasty in his life and had never participated in politics.

Even after he was appointed as the Chief of the General Staff, he only focused on his job and never participated in power struggles. He was loyal to the Emperor and could be called a model soldier.

When he was alive, Franz did not dare to put him on a pedestal due to his instinct as a ruler. But now that he was dead, the situation was different. Naturally, he had to follow the highest standards.

Given Marshal Radusky's achievements, Franz was not afraid of anyone's opinion, and he was worthy of such treatment.

Little Peter was in a tragic situation. When he was born, the Constitutionalists took the headlines. Just after he was named, Marshal Radski passed away and was ignored by the public.

Franz was sure that the newspapers in Vienna the next day would be full of news of Marshal Radski's death and a state funeral.

The invention of the telegraph made the European continent more connected. The news of Marshal Radski's death was not kept a secret and quickly spread.

Some were happy and some were sad.

Naturally, Austria was in mourning. The Old Marshal was still very popular. Many people organized themselves to send the old marshal off.

Even Napoleon Iii sent a representative to attend the funeral. A pure soldier would always be easily respected by everyone, even if they were once enemies.

Of course, this was also because of time. So many years had passed since the war against France. The hatred between the two sides had mostly faded.

It was more likely that the French had too many enemies back then. Austria was not even on the list. Britain and Russia were the main forces of hatred.

In the war against France, Marshal Radski was only a pawn, even though he had won a few local wars. On the battlefield, everyone served their own masters. This could not be considered a deep hatred.

If there was joy, the Kingdom of Sardinia should have it, right? They did not even send a representative. If it were not for Marshal Radski, they would not have lost so badly in the war against Austria.

After all, the situation in Austria was not very good at the time. Without the Old Marshal's command, Franz did not dare to launch a counterattack.

If it were not for the war that toppled the country ten years ago, they would not be so tragic now. They did not even have the power to resist.

…

As it turned out, Franz was overthinking. The Sardinian government was not happy at all.

Prime Minister Cavour had been relieved of his duties. There was no doubt that this had something to do with the Charcoal Burners.

Not only him, but all the members of the Charcoal Burners in the government were relieved of their duties and were being investigated by the delegation.

As for the higher-ups of the Charcoal Burners, they had long run away by this time. After such a major incident, if they did not kill a few people, how could they show the supremacy of imperial power?

Franz was not Napoleon Iii. He would not be soft-hearted on this issue. Since the Charcoal Burners had planned the assassination, he would pursue it to the end.

Whether the higher-ups of the Charcoal Burners were involved or not, they had to go to the guillotine. It was a crime to not be able to control the people under them.

If it wasn't for the encouragement and guidance of these chuunibyou youths, with their brains, they probably wouldn't have come out to become assassins.

It would have been good to stay in the Kingdom of Sardinia to demonstrate. Even if they besieged the parliament building, Franz would not interfere. But it would not do if they came out to assassinate him.

If he did not kill one to warn the others, who knew when another assassin would appear?

If these people did not run away, he would still need to fabricate charges. Now there was no need. The joint investigation team had already issued a wanted order.

Franz did not have much hope of catching them. In this era, there was no identity register. It would be difficult to find out if they changed their name and went to a place where no one knew them.

Those who knew that the first ones to run away were the smart ones. The unlucky ones who were a step slower were now in prison.

A young man appeared in Gafur's house and asked with a sad face, "Count, what should we do now?

Father has been arrested, and the investigation team has asked us to prove our innocence. If we cannot prove that we have nothing to do with the assassination, we will be regarded as accomplices. "

Gafur said with a gloomy face, "Kaird, I want to know if you planned this assassination, or if you knew beforehand that they were going to carry out the assassination.

This is very important. You must tell me the truth. Only then can I think of a way to save your father and the others. "

Kaird was about to cry. In all honesty, although he had a good relationship with the Radicals and had participated in some activities organized by the Radicals, he really did not know anything about this assassination.

As for his father, he was a capitalist in the Kingdom of Sardinia. He usually did not participate in specific activities and only provided funds for the Charcoal Burners.

For the convenience of doing business, he had a name in the party.

Unfortunately, this honorary position was a little higher. After a few big shots ran by, his father, a nominal high-ranking official, was also arrested by the investigation team.

"Count, I really do not know. You know that my father is not a high-ranking official in the party at all and has never participated in party affairs. "

Gafur nodded. He also knew this. If it were normal times, he would definitely protect Kaird's father, who was also his financial backer.

But the situation was different now. The situation was completely out of control. Even if he wanted to save them, he could not.

No matter what, the mastermind of this assassination had to be found, or there would be no way to explain it to the international community.

If the case could not be solved, then the French army's occupation of the Kingdom of Sardinia would become an established fact.

Now, the British were still using other countries to restrain the French and did not let them occupy the entire Kingdom of Sardinia. If they could find the murderer in time, they could also use international pressure to force the French to retreat. Of course, they would have to cede territory and pay reparations.

Gafur explained, "The situation is very complicated now. The representatives of the various countries have different standpoints, and we have been deprived of the right to speak.

The goal of the Austrians this time is to find the mastermind. If there is an acceptable answer and an apology, then this matter will be over.

The problem is the French. They want to use this assassination to annex the Kingdom of Sardinia. What's more frightening is that the Government of Vienna has tacitly agreed to their actions.

Russia is beyond their reach. As long as the Government of Vienna does not object, the Tsarist government will not support us. It is said that Nicholas I Of Russia is also very angry about this assassination.

Fortunately, the British are still supporting us. As long as we find the mastermind, there is still room for maneuver. "

Kaird was not a fool. He had already heard between the lines of Gafur's words. If they could not find the mastermind, they would have to find someone to take the blame.

And this blame would not be easy to carry. Not only would they have to go to the guillotine, but they would also have to be recognized by the investigation team.

Those who could afford to take the blame had all run away, and the remaining people were not qualified. Even if they wanted to take the blame, they were not qualified.

"So, my father is not in danger for the time being?" Kaird asked.

Gafur nodded and said, "Think of a way to raise a sum of money now, bribe the investigation team, and explain the situation to them.

Everyone knows that the real mastermind has run away. As long as they are fed, your father will be fine. "

When he said this, Gafur did not believe it himself. The representatives of the other countries were easy to deal with. As long as there was money to be paid, they would turn a blind eye to it.

Would the representatives of the Fao and the other countries dare to go easy on them? If they really could not find the mastermind, then the only way was for the entire Charcoal Burning Gang to be the mastermind.

As long as all the suspects were wiped out, it did not matter who the real culprit was.

Killing hundreds of possible murderers for two plots to assassinate the king was not worth mentioning at all.

Don't expect anyone to stand up for them. No monarchy would vote against them on this issue.

Kaird nodded reluctantly. He understood that at this time, Gafur could no longer say anything. After knowing that Prime Minister Gafur had been removed from office, he did not have much hope. Now that he had found a way, it was already good enough.

Wanting to save his father was only one aspect. The more important thing was that this crime was too serious, and the whole family would not be able to escape.

As long as the assassination of the king was involved, not to mention a nouveau riche family, even an old noble family would be finished.