Chapter 1380: 1286: Desperate Resistance

Capítulo 1380: Chapter 1286: Desperate Resistance

This time Charles blurted out, “But we always demanded that Austria not withdraw from the ‘Seine-Rhine River Agreement.’ Why is it different this time…”

Joseph smiled at his younger brother and said, “Because Austria used to have a huge influence over the Germanic Region. After it withdrew from the agreement, many of the Holy Roman states would have doubts about the common market.

“And now, our country’s influence in Germany is even greater, and with the victory in this war, the ‘Stuttgart Trade Agreement’ will be very stable.

“At this time, our strategic focus should shift to how to constrain Austria, a strong enemy. Thus, restricting Austria’s trade channels is the best means.”

Charles’s eyes sparkled, inwardly marveling at why he hadn’t thought of this layer. Among Austria’s neighboring countries, Bavaria, Poland, Prussia, and Venice are all France’s allies, while the Ottoman Empire and Austria are old enemies.

In this situation, if Austria doesn’t join the trade system led by France, it will face trade barriers everywhere, leaving only the trade channel with Russia as its last option.

As for Austria’s only outlet to the Mediterranean, Trieste, there is no need to rely on it either—without France’s permission, even British ships cannot think of entering the Mediterranean.

At this rate, Austria’s finances will inevitably continue to shrink, completely losing the ability to challenge France.

Joseph continued, “Moreover, the Austrians are very resistant to the market we lead and have even started a war over it. This time, we’ll just take the opportunity to use ‘not joining the trade agreement’ as a concession to them in exchange for other benefits.”

Charles took a deep breath and nodded vigorously, “I understand, brother. Sometimes diplomatic strategy is indeed more complicated than commanding battles.”

Joseph suddenly thought of something and patted his brother, “This time, you will attend the ceasefire negotiations with Archbishop Talleyrand. Oh, and of course, the surrender ceremony will also make up for your regret of not being on the front lines.”

“Really? That’s great!” Charles almost jumped up with joy but quickly suppressed his excitement, bowed to his brother, and said, “I promise to seriously assist Archbishop Talleyrand!”

Joseph smiled and nodded, then looked at Talleyrand, “Then I’ll leave the negotiations to you.”

“Rest assured, Your Highness.”

…

Kainhoff Town, more than 40 kilometers south of St. Palten.

Archduke Karl turned disheartenedly, gazing toward the Tresen River, which had disappeared from sight, his heart full of desolation and bitterness.

The 150,000-strong army he had brought back from Passau now had less than 8,000 men remaining by his side.

The once-terrifying imperial army on the European Continent no longer existed, and the future of the empire seemed as if it had plunged into a cold winter night…

“Marshal,” said Kutuzov, pointing to the forest to the east, “Now you can return to Vienna without being blocked by the Tresen River. Personally, I suggest you take a detour through Graz to Presburg, which should be safer.”

Archduke Karl immediately heard the meaning behind his words and frowned, “What are you planning?”

Kutuzov gave a simple smile, “I have to return to Saint Petersburg, Marshal.”

“You can’t abandon us at this time…”

The Russian, feigning helplessness, shrugged, “You see, the situation is evidently irretrievable. I have an obligation to safely take the troops back to the country. Of course, if His Majesty the Emperor commands, I will immediately return.”

With that, he signaled the order officer, “Galmanov, have the soldiers turn southeast. We must enter Hungary before the French catch up.”

“You!” Archduke Karl was filled with anger, yet there was nothing he could do about the Russians. Ultimately, it was Kutuzov who saved his life—he had previously retreated south with 10,000 soldiers after being attacked, but the Polish cavalry had relentlessly pursued him.

Fortunately, he encountered Kutuzov and the Duke of York’s nearly 40,000 troops here, allowing him to escape.

It was just that the Russian reinforcements from Passau ended up 40 kilometers away from the battle at St. Palten!

Yes, Kutuzov had previously sensed that the battle at the Tresen River was unfavorable and decisively ordered the Russian army to move south, coincidentally encountering the Austrian troops in retreat here.

Having no other choice, Archduke Karl took the remaining troops and headed for Vienna.

Once his figure disappeared, the Duke of York couldn’t help but sigh, “As proven, your judgment was correct.”

Previously, at Kutuzov’s persuasion, he had also ordered his 8,000 British troops to withdraw.

He hesitantly asked the Russian, “What do you think the chances are of us escaping?”

“Entering Transylvania from Pest, the Bakhov Corps will meet us in Moldavia,” Kutuzov murmured, “Now the French are focused on Archduke Karl and, of course, Vienna. We won’t be under much pressure for at least half a month.”

The Duke of York breathed a little easier.

After months of contact, he understood the Russian before him was relatively ordinary in command but highly perceptive and extremely accurate in judging the bigger picture.

Had it not been for listening to his advice, he feared he would have been surrounded near the Tresen River.

After walking for a while, Kutuzov casually turned to the Duke of York, “The ferocity of the French this time was truly unexpected, wasn’t it?”

The latter remained silent with a sullen expression.

The Russian sighed, “After this war, it will be difficult to contain France’s influence on the European Continent.”

He gazed toward Vienna, “They will likely station troops in Austria or something similar…”

The Duke of York shook his head calmly, “No, we will protect Austria.”

“Oh? How do you plan to do that?”

“We still have leverage.” The British Prince gripped his riding crop, “France has invested heavily in the Louisiana Colony; they won’t want it to be occupied by the Americans.”

Kutuzov looked at him in surprise, “You are taking action in America?”

“Yes. We will use the situation there to ensure the French do not go too far in Europe.”

Due to the Atlantic’s barrier, news from North America would take two months to reach Europe, so the Duke of York was currently unaware of the situation there. However, he believed the French in Louisiana were yet to firmly establish themselves and would be unlikely to withstand the Americans’ offensive.

“London has so many strategists; it’s quite enviable,” Kutuzov said, his plump face creased in laughter.

…

Presburg, east of Vienna.

Archduke Karl vigorously waved his arms and said to Franz II, “Your Majesty, we cannot give up, at least not under the current circumstances!

“We can still retreat to Slovakia, making the French realize that the war cannot end quickly. Only then can negotiations begin. The British have promised to provide us with one million pounds in aid for our defensive operations.”