Chapter 463

Prime Minister Azelio's heart sank. He realized that he had expressed his stance too quickly and did not ask for the king's opinion first, which caused Charles Albert's dissatisfaction.

Politics was delicate. The Kingdom of Sardinia was also a constitutional monarchy. Under such circumstances, the prime minister bypassed the king to make decisions. If Charles Albert did not react, it would not be long before he became a mere figurehead.

Obviously, Charles Albert was not a political novice like Louis XVI. His political skills were at least 90 points, and he immediately began to beat him up.

After thinking about all this, Prime Minister Azelio said in fear and trepidation, "Your Majesty, we only need two ways to solve the financial problem now. Either we levy a war tax or we borrow from international consortiums."

Charlie Albert glared at him fiercely and cursed in his heart, "Sly old man."

Prime Minister Azelio only finished half of his sentence. "Levy a war tax" — there had to be a limit to who to levy it from, right?

The old territory of the Kingdom of Sardinia had long been levied. Should the levy be levied on Lombardy or the entire country?

This was a task that would offend people. The ordinary people were poor, and it was obviously not enough to just squeeze them dry. In that case, they could only reach out to the capitalists and nobles.

Although the nobles and capitalists of the Kingdom of Sardinia seemed to be very patriotic and donated enthusiastically, they would realize that things were not the case if they were really asked to fork out the money.

Donation fraud still existed even in the 21st century, when the Internet was highly developed, let alone in this era.

Who didn't know how to put on a show? They could do even more. There were many who donated 10,000 lire and returned with 20,000 to 30,000 lire.

Borrowing from international consortiums? Who would lend money to the Kingdom of Sardinia now? Other than the British, which country would lend money to them now?

International loans were all high-risk and high-return. Without the government's participation, who could guarantee that they could get it back? If the Kingdom of Sardinia was defeated, who could they ask for money from?

If they borrowed from the British, they would inevitably be extorted, and they would have to sign countless traitorous treaties. No one wanted to do such a notorious business.

"Oh, since the prime minister already has a plan, let's implement it as soon as possible!"

Charles Albert finalized the result without hesitation.

Didn't the constitutional monarchy allow the king to delegate power? Now he was delegating power. In short, this matter had nothing to do with the king. It was all the responsibility of the cabinet.

Prime Minister Azelio was aware that he had to take the blame for his boss. However, he couldn't be the scapegoat alone. Azelio wasn't stupid. Of course, he had to drag someone down with him.

Azelio was not stupid. I'll go back and call for a government meeting to discuss this matter. We'll implement this as soon as possible! "

Charlie Albert nodded in satisfaction. The Prime Minister had taken over the responsibility. It didn't matter if he was the scapegoat in the end, or if the officials under him were responsible for it. As long as they did not make things difficult for him, they were good officials.

"Hmm, the cabinet will be in charge of the military expenditure, but the attack on Venice cannot be delayed. The War Department must prepare for war as soon as possible!" Charlie Albert added.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Minister of War Li Qi quickly replied.

He understood the King's meaning. Whatever the difficulties, the campaign against Venice must be fought first. It was political correctness.

As for how to fight, it was not certain. They could concentrate on attacking with all their might, or they could send a small team to test the waters. They had to let the outside world see the determination of the Kingdom of Sardinia.

Li Qi was satisfied. He had bought some time for the frontline troops. It would not be a problem to delay the attack for ten days to half a month, right?

Adding up all the preparation time, they could almost drag the date of the decisive battle to June. The recruit training would basically be over by then.

…

While the Kingdom of Sardinia was preparing, Austria was not idle. After Marshal Radquis retreated to Venice, he first suppressed the local rebellion.

After executing a group of leaders, the Government of Vienna had more than 70,000 free laborers. To solve the problem in Venice, these people were immediately taken away by the Government of Austria.

Because of the war, the Government of Vienna did not have time to evaluate them. They all joined the army to build roads and work hard to ensure the logistical supply of the Austrian army.

After such a struggle, the Venice area was stabilized. The price was that the economy was almost at a standstill.

However, it did not matter when they thought about the fact that it was about to become a battlefield. How could they expect to develop their economy during a war?

"Your Excellency, Sir Lutz requests to see you!" the attendant said in a low voice.

Marshal Radquis smiled and said, "Let him in!"

…

Lutz bowed to Radquis and said respectfully, "Your Excellency, Lutz Holder is honored to meet you!"

According to tradition, he should call Lutz by his title. However, Radquis preferred people to call him Marshal. Lutz naturally catered to his preference.

"Me too. Why did you come to see me today, Mr. Robert?" Marshal Radquis asked with a smile.

Lutz replied, "Your Excellency, I'm here on behalf of the Venice Business Association. You know that this rebellion involves …"

Without waiting for him to finish, Marshal Radquis interrupted him forcefully, "Mr. Lotters, the rebels will not be forgiven. If you want to plead for them, you don't have to say anything.

Most of the leaders have been killed. As for those who haven't been caught, if they turn themselves in, they can be dealt with leniently! "

Sensing Ladekith's imposing aura, cold sweat broke out on Rotters' forehead. It was only April, and the weather in Venice was not hot.

He could not help but feel lucky that he had always opposed violent revolutions and did not participate in this rebellion. Otherwise, there would be another head on the pillar in Venice.

This time, the government of Vienna had dealt a heavy blow to the rebels. Even if they had connections with the rebels, it was useless. Once they were caught, they would be killed. There was no time for the rebels to move.

Lutz stammered, "No, Your Excellency. Why would I plead for these rebels? "

Marshal Radquis laughed and said, "Oh, don't be nervous. Speak slowly. As long as they have nothing to do with the rebels, everything is fine. Your father is also my friend. What do you need my help with? "

After this shock, Luo Tes somewhat regretted getting involved in this mess. As a nobleman and a capitalist, his first identity was still a noble.