I Am the Crown Prince in France

Chapter 650: Money and grudges disappear

Franz II glanced at the King of Prussia, raised his head and said: "It's just some minor problems. The empire's finances are very abundant."

William II exposed him mercilessly: "To put it bluntly, Austria has lost its dominant position in the South German market, and even its own market has been challenged.

“Hungarians and even Bohemians are very dissatisfied with your tax policies, which often result in taxes in those places not being collected in full.

"Of course, the most important thing is that His Majesty Joseph II spent too much military expenditure in Silesia."

Seeing Emperor Shinra's expression look grim, he hurriedly raised his hand and made a downward gesture: "Yes, our country also suffered huge losses due to that war. Oh, I even lost Lignitz."

Franz II immediately said coldly: "That place originally belonged to Austria."

"Okay, okay, let's forget about the Treaty of Dresden for now." William II shook his head and said, "Actually, our country is also facing serious financial pressure."

The Treaty of Dresden was the treaty under which Austria was defeated 40 years ago and recognized Prussia's right to rule Silesia.

Franz II entered the conference room, gestured towards the sofa, frowned and looked at the King of Prussia: "So, what exactly do you want to say."

William II sat down and said in the old-fashioned tone unique to Prussians: "Both of our countries are in urgent need of improving their finances. Perhaps we can put aside our prejudices and do something that is beneficial to both of us."

"What's that?"

William II gestured to the surrounding servants and palace officials: "I'm sorry."

Franz II frowned, but still waved his hand and said: "You all can go out."

[Schematic diagram of the partition of Poland]

When only the two of them were left in the spacious hall, William II leaned forward and said: "If Austria can obtain the rich Lesser Poland region, then the financial situation will be improved quickly."

By "Małopolska" he refers to the area in southwestern Poland from Krakow to the west of the Bug River. It is adjacent to Warsaw and across the Oder River from Silesia. It is a rare and fertile place in Poland.

When Franz heard this, his face darkened and he said categorically: "Our country has never had any claim on Poland, and maintaining the integrity of Poland has been a policy that has been adhered to since His Majesty Joseph II!"

He looked at William II again and said with great disdain: "If I remember correctly, Prussia and Poland have signed an alliance."

"Covenant?"

William II smiled, skipped the topic, and said instead: "You should know about the newly mined silver mine in Tarnovsk Mountain in Krakow last year, right?

“The annual production there has now reached 6 million florins and continues to grow.

“If you get Little Poland, there will be a steady stream of money there for you.”

Francis II opened his mouth but said nothing.

William II glanced at his expression, leaned back on the back of the sofa, and continued: "I heard that France mocked your army in Italy?"

"No, that's just..."

The King of Prussia nodded: "That's really nothing. But if you want to put the French on the negotiating table and re-sign that trade agreement, you must have a strong enough army.

“None of this can be afforded by Austria’s current finances.

"Austria has always wanted to unite Bavaria. Oh, you don't need to deny it. Everyone knows many things, and this requires the army to help you achieve it."

He said in a bewitching tone: "Even Salzburg, Württemberg, Augsburg. Finally, reunify the fragmented territories of the Holy Roman Empire."

Franz II raised his eyebrows: "Or, also Prussia?" "Who knows?" William II spread his hands indifferently, "If there is such a day, we can fight again.

“But before that, we all have to solve our financial headaches.

"And Poland is the best opportunity."

He smiled again: "To be honest, Prussia is still part of the Holy Roman Empire, so you don't have to always regard me as a challenger.

“In the future, our country’s expansion direction will not be in the south. The vast East Prussia has land that is easier to acquire.

"If we can put aside our opposition, you can get Lesser Poland, and I can continue eastward, and we will no longer be hostile to each other because of the German region. Don't you think this is the best situation?"

Francis II remained silent. The Prussians are right. Obtaining the Lesser Poland region can quickly increase Austria's national power. At the same time, directing Prussia's power to the east will also allow it to more easily unify the German region.

But maintaining the integrity of Poland is also Austria's national policy. More importantly, the more land in Poland you get, the closer you are to that terrifying "behemoth".

The name of that beast is Russia.

Without Poland as a central buffer, hundreds of thousands of Orthodox armies could roll down the plains of Eastern Europe. By then, I am afraid it will be a disaster for the entire European continent.

William II seemed to see his concerns and smiled even more proudly: "Well, in order to show my sincerity, there is something I have to tell you.

"In fact, Her Majesty Catherine II and I have signed a secret agreement. Russia will withdraw its troops as long as Minsk reaches the Livonia line.

“The entire region of Oxtenia and Pripyat remained to Poland as a zone of isolation from the Orthodox Church.

"Please believe me, I don't want the Russians to get too close to us. If the Russians cross the Minsk line, I will warn them with you."

Franz II frowned: "This is not enough."

"What if Britain is added? They will also join our "Eastward" agreement. The Russians will never ignore Britain's attitude."

Franz II remembered that it was the British envoy who pulled the strings for Prussia yesterday, and couldn't help but narrow his eyes: "Why did the British intervene in the situation in Eastern Europe?"

"To check and balance France." William II said without hesitation, "France's influence in the German region is growing, which has aroused the vigilance of the British. Oh, and India, you should have heard of it. Most of the shadows behind Mysore are French.

"And if Britain wants to do something in Germany, it must be inseparable from our two countries."

Franz II was silent for a long time this time, and finally smiled and said: "Thank you for coming to my coronation ceremony. Some things may be decided after my coronation. "

"I'm waiting for your good news at any time. "

…

Poland.

Warsaw, Tintove Palace.

Prince Poniatowski looked at the map in front of him solemnly and said to Sieyès, "We have indeed received reports that Russia is mobilizing troops, but are you sure that this is a full-scale war against our country?"

Although Sieyès did not know why His Royal Highness was so sure, he still followed the latter's request and nodded, saying, "Please believe in the capabilities of the French intelligence agencies. In at most half a year, Poland will face an unprecedented invasion. And it's not just the Russian army. "