Chapter 658

In the past few decades, Prussia had been growing stronger and had long made Austria envious. Now that it was their turn to be unlucky, everyone was naturally happy to watch them make a fool of themselves.

"Speaking of Prussia, not long ago they sought diplomatic support from us in the name of saving Germany. After being rejected, they spread unfavorable words about us everywhere in the German Region.

At this time, the Kingdom of Prussia has almost become the national hero of Germany, and the great Austria has become the background! "Metternich said with a frown.

Hearing this news, everyone's face turned ugly. Austria was the leader of Germany, and from a nationalistic point of view, it should be Austria who stood up for the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein.

However, geographically, Austria and the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein were separated by Prussia, so they naturally couldn't do things that didn't benefit them.

Now that the Kingdom of Prussia claimed to be the savior of Germany, it was like slapping Austria in the face again.

Historically, Austria was limited by internal strife and didn't have the energy to participate. Now that the internal strife was about to subside, it was inevitable that they would participate in international affairs.

Prime Minister Felix said coldly, "Hmph! The people of Prussia are really too presumptuous. We must teach them a lesson! "

Metternich shook her head and said, "I'm afraid that won't be easy. We can't stop Prussia's actions on the issue of Schleswig and Holstein. Otherwise, the nationalists in the German Region will think that we are traitors."

With the rise of nationalism, everyone could no longer ignore the influence of public opinion. Austria, as the leader of Germany, had to stand behind Prussia at this time. This was a kidnapping of public opinion.

Since they were kidnapped, they naturally didn't expect Austria to do much. The diplomatic pressure still had to be handled by the people of Prussia themselves.

Franz's face suddenly changed. Historically, Austria had been forcefully dragged onto the boat by Prussia. Only when Austria and Prussia joined forces to resist the international pressure did they manage to recover the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein.

However, after the end of the operation, it didn't take long for Austria and Austria to fall out. Not only did Austria work for Prussia for nothing, but they were also beaten until half of their body was paralyzed.

Although this happened more than ten years later, the foreshadowing of war had already been laid.

In this war, Prussia didn't occupy the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein, but they won the public opinion of the German Region, laying the foundation for Prussia to unify Germany.

Franz frowned and said, "The people of Prussia are playing a big game of chess. They have us! Since that's the case, let's see who is more skilled! "

If that's the case, it's not good for us to stand up against Prussia at this time. Right now, the public opinion of the German Region is supporting them! "Minister of Finance Carr advised.

Franz sneered and said, "No, not only can we not oppose the actions of the people of Prussia, but we have to support them with great fanfare. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs publicly supports the return of the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein to the German Confederation.

From now on, we have to use our influence to create momentum for this event and let all the people of the German Region know that we have worked hard for the territorial integrity of the German Region.

At the same time, we have to promote the contribution of the Kingdom of Prussia and issue a diplomatic note to the Kingdom of Prussia, telling them not to be afraid. When we solve our internal problems, we will go and help them! "

There was another way to kill people in the world — praising them to death. The Kingdom of Prussia now claimed to be the savior of Germany, so let them stand a little taller.

When the stage was set, they would have to perform. If they had the support of Austria and the German Region, would Prussia be able to retreat so easily?

But if they didn't retreat, what else could they do? Most of the European powers were on the side of Denmark, and Austria, who supported them, was only prepared to be the king of words this time. The actual help they could give was infinitely close to zero.

The Swedish government had already mobilized troops to defend Denmark, and the people of Russia were stationed at the border of Prussia. If there was a conflict, Prussia would be on the opposite side.

"Your Highness, if we support Prussia, we won't be able to explain it to Britain, France, and Russia diplomatically. This will be very disadvantageous to our next actions!" Metternich said with a headache.

Franz said indifferently, "Mr. Metternich, this problem will depend on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to find a way to coordinate.

Explain our difficulties to the other countries. There is a continuous internal rebellion in Austria, and we have to consider the feelings of the German people. Assure them that our support for Prussia is limited to words. "

Austria was also a member of the Great Powers, and this little bit of diplomatic pressure was still bearable. As long as no real action was taken, it would not affect the Russo-Austrian Alliance.

Austria and France had just signed a friendship treaty, and everyone was united in their interests. They would not fall out because of the Danish issue.

Not to mention the British. Because of the relationship with the Kingdom of Sardinia, the two countries were at odds. At this time, the Government of London could not continue to let the relationship between Britain and Austria deteriorate. Otherwise, the Russo-Austrian Alliance would become even tighter.

The remaining small European countries would at most condemn a few words. They could not sanction Austria just because of a few slogans, right? Even if they wanted to, they did not have the guts.

Prime Minister Felix objected, "Your Highness, if it is just verbal support, it is naturally not a big problem. But if the Prussians keep delaying the issue until we have suppressed the rebellion in our country, should we help them then or not?

If we help them, the strength of the Kingdom of Prussia will be further strengthened. If we do not help, then our reputation in the German Region will be greatly damaged! "

This was a very real problem. The people of Prussia might not be able to defeat the people of Russia, but at this time, the Tsarist government did not want to declare war on Prussia. They could still delay the issue for a year and a half.

Franz sneered and said, "It doesn't matter. The people of Prussia can delay time, and so can we. Even if the domestic rebellion is suppressed, we can still use the unstable situation in the region as an excuse to not be able to send troops.

At most, we will give them a share of the military expenses. If they can successfully make the two duchies of Schleswig and Holstein return to the Federation, we will pay the money. If they can't get it back, then we will just go back on our words! "

If he could spend a sum of money to completely destroy the relationship between Russia and Prussia, Franz would not be stingy.

However, the people of Prussia would definitely not be willing to take this sum of money. They had made such a big move not just to make the two duchies of Schleswig and Holstein return to the German Confederation.

If they could not annex the two duchies of Schleswig and Holstein, then wouldn't they have fought this war for nothing?

Moreover, because of the addition of two new members in the parliament of the German Confederation, the strength of the state was further enhanced, and the road to unification of Germany became even more distant.