Chapter 1102: 1008: The Germany War

Chapter 1102: Chapter 1008: The Germany War

Talleyrand immediately pretended to be very interested and expressed that even if the loan limit was raised, it was essential to obtain this “interesting” weapon.

Three days later.

An intense argument was taking place at Schonbrunn Palace.

“Given the Empire’s financial situation, an immediate ceasefire is the most advantageous choice,” State Minister Kobutsel eloquently stated, “The Empire revealed many shortcomings in the previous war, and what it needs most now is reform.

“This will allow the Empire to gain more taxes, stronger cohesion, and more soldiers, thereby defeating our enemies at the lowest cost!”

He gave a glance to the young man beside him.

Metternich, serving as an advisor to the Foreign Minister, immediately stepped forward, bowing slightly to Franz II: “Your Majesty, Archduke Karl has achieved a series of victories in the wars with the Ottoman Empire and Prussia, which has united the entire Empire as never before.

“If you implement reforms at this time, you will not encounter any resistance.

“For example, serfdom is already severely affecting the Empire’s industrial development, and even greatly reducing the number of soldiers we can recruit.

“Both England and France have already abolished serfdom entirely, and we should follow suit as soon as possible.”

Austria has wanted to abolish serfdom since Joseph II, so this topic was no longer taboo.

Implementing reform is the administrative route Metternich designed for Kobutsel. This young man has gradually become the chief strategist of Kobutsel’s political faction.

Metternich continued: “And the taxation system. England and France have fewer territories and populations than the Empire, but their tax revenues are much higher because they have implemented a unified government taxation system, eliminating tax farmers from profiting from taxes.

“In terms of noble rights, adjustments are also urgently needed…”

“Reform, yes, the Empire needs reform,” Reo interrupted loudly from the side, “but that must wait until after we reclaim Silesia.

“Your Majesty, if we miss this golden opportunity, we may have to pay ten or even a hundred times the price to regain this ancestral land.”

Metternich argued: “A full-scale war with Prussia will consume a vast amount of military funds and population, which may prevent the Empire from recovering for decades…”

Reo dismissively waved his hand: “You simply don’t understand the situation. The Crown Prince of France has already promised to provide us with a low-interest loan of 12 million francs, so military expenses won’t be a major burden.”

Interior Minister Speerman immediately interjected: “Marshal, 12 million francs is far from enough to support a war with Prussia.”

“It won’t last long,” Reo smiled, “England is trapped in Portugal, and Prussia’s young king will soon surrender.”

A young officer nodded in agreement: “Otherwise, Archduke Karl’s army will break through the Glogau Defense Line and head straight for Berlin.”

Metternich frowned: “Aren’t you being too optimistic…”

“Young man, when I was beating the Prussians at Legnica, you probably hadn’t finished your studies yet.” Reo smiled at several officers, “You simply don’t understand the situation in Silesia.

“Let’s say now, it’s as if we have a gun pointed at the Prussians’ chest; they have no choice but to surrender.

“The premise is that we don’t accept a ceasefire for the sake of minor benefits in front of us.”

Another officer added: “That Blucher defending Glogau was routed by Marshal Reo.”

Hmm, following behind the French Army was equivalent to Reo’s achievement.

The people on Kobutsel’s side still wanted to refute, but Reo, imposing, pointed at them and shouted: “I swear, if people know you are abandoning Silesia, they will curse you to hell every day!”

Recapturing Silesia, as Austria’s greatest political correctness, was indeed powerful.

Kobutsel and others urgently clarified that they were not advocating abandoning Silesia—if these radical military men exaggerated their ceasefire proposition, protests against them might erupt in Vienna.

For Kobutsel, whose position was already somewhat unstable, this would be a political disaster.

Franz II saw the argument come to an end, breathed a sigh of relief, and looked at Reo: “Then, Marshal Reo, I appoint you as the plenipotentiary envoy to negotiate with the Prussians.”

“Yes, Your Majesty, I will strive to achieve the greatest benefit for the Empire!”

…

More than ten days later.

Potsdam, Sanssouci Palace.

Newly crowned William III looked at Prince Henry, his voice hoarse: “Is there no room for negotiation?”

The latter nodded solemnly: “The Austrians are demanding all of Silesia except Glogau.

“They threaten to attack Glogau if they don’t receive a response within a week.

“Moreover, Paris has also declared its support for the Austrian position and has provided them with substantial material aid.”

Both fell into silence simultaneously.

The tax revenue from Silesia accounted for nearly one-third of Prussia’s financial income, forming the foundation for Prussia’s status as a leading power in Europe.

Especially after Prussia’s massive consumption in previous years of war, losing Silesia’s revenue would immediately collapse the national finance.

This battle must be fought!

After a while, William III spoke with difficulty: “Is there a way?”

Prince Henry lifted his spirits and said: “We must obtain assistance from England, otherwise we can hold out for no more than a month.”

“But they have already rejected Baron Friedrich.”

“We can only threaten London with the Anglo-Prussian alliance. And, abandon the duty to protect Hanover.”

Hanover, as England’s enclave on the European Continent, is always under threat from France—the French army can march through the Netherlands to the north, with no forces hindering them. Only Prussia can send troops to assist Hanover.

However, this is Prussia’s last card, and playing it will inevitably offend the British.

William III nodded: “You will personally see His Majesty George III.

“However, even if England can provide enough military funds, our forces can hardly resist the Austrian offensive.”

Prince Henry said: “A staff officer named Scharnhorst submitted a report to me suggesting the implementation of ‘Universal Military Service.’

Scharnhorst’s ‘Universal Military Service’ was one of the core reforms of Prussian military in the early 19th century, aimed at breaking the feudal mercenary model and establishing a modern national army with universal participation. Its core concept and specific measures are as follows:

All age-eligible male citizens have the obligation to serve, breaking the traditional noble monopoly of the army.