Chapter 1576 - 1482: Fontainebleau Sanatorium
Chapter 1576: Chapter 1482: Fontainebleau Sanatorium
Franz II was embroiled in confusion.
A decade ago, his brother Leopold II leveraged the victorious momentum of the Silesian War, coupled with a series of political maneuvers, to achieve an "indefinite suspension" of the Hungarian Grand Council.
Since then, the irritating clamoring of the Hungarians had nearly disappeared.
But now, if sufficient military funds are not raised, the Empire might face embarrassment in Switzerland...
Metternich, observing the Emperor’s expression, quickly stepped forward and whispered, "Your Majesty, your decision will increase the Empire’s finances by nearly 8 million florins in taxes."
"And, you are merely agreeing to convene the Hungarian Congress this time, not canceling the ’indefinite suspension’ order. Once the new tax rate is passed, you won’t have to concern yourself with the Hungarians for another three years."
According to Hungarian law, the Grand Council is convened every three years, but it must be summoned by the Hungarian King, who is the Emperor of Holy Rome.
Franz II finally nodded, "Then draft an order to convene the Hungarian Congress."
For the sake of those 8 million florins, might as well let the Hungarians have their moment of pride again.
...
Paris.
Grand Trianon Palace.
Alexandra donned a graceful yet lively lavender gown, topped with a delicately crafted wide-brimmed white feather hat, eagerly heading towards her reception room.
The Regent was discussing matters with several ministers there, but it was nearing departure time and she needed to assist him in changing his attire.
However, upon reaching the corridor, she saw the President of the Literature and Propaganda Association and the Editor-in-Chief of the Paris Commercial News entering the reception room side by side.
Alexandra sighed, it seemed there was more waiting ahead.
"That’s basically the situation."
The Chief of Security Bureau addressed the newly arrived, "Warsaw’s finances are on the verge of collapse, and the Polish Army has suffered nearly 40,000 casualties in Russia, only to be driven back to the right bank of the Dnieper River.
"Now, the people of Poland are bearing a very high tax rate without achieving the victory they wanted, anger could erupt at any moment."
Bomasha and Denico exchanged a look of surprise. It seemed Poland should be provided with loans or direct military aid, why were they summoned here?
Joseph seemed to discern their confusion, addressing them, "I need the Literature and Propaganda Association to dispatch some theater troupes to Poland. Of course, before that, scripts need to be written and a batch of comics printed."
Bomasha finally couldn’t help but ask, "Your Highness, I don’t quite understand, what can we accomplish in Poland?"
"Stabilize the situation in Poland."
Denico tentatively asked, "You mean, promote ideas like ’this is Poland’s most difficult time, everyone needs to unite’, or ’one failure cannot determine fate, the homeland will surely win’?"
Joseph smiled and shook his head, "You’ve chosen the wrong access point, Baron. Think back to the previous Russian-Polish War, there are some useful points."
Denico pondered, "Marshal Kosciuszko broke through with minimal loss under extremely difficult circumstances?"
Joseph sighed, it seemed more teaching of propaganda techniques from later eras was needed.
"You can focus on highlighting ’Russian casualties exceeding 50,000, Russia’s bullying of Poland through the military is forever history’, and ’Marshal Kosciuszko successfully reclaiming Kyiv’.
"Avoid discussing too much about Polish losses, focus more on their victories.
"Of course, also mention the disadvantages on the battlefield, otherwise people will say facts aren’t reflected.
"Here’s where skill is needed, for example, concentrate on ’the heroic resistance of the infirmary against the Gudovich Corps, buying retreat time for the main force with their lives’. Create several tragic heroes, detailing their family and love lives, using some scenarios like ’kissing their wives and children’s portraits before the decisive battle’ to make people remember the heroes amid their tears, while forgetting the war itself."
Denico widened his eyes, then hastily took out a notebook and started jotting notes rapidly.
He believed over the past decade, he had essentially mastered the Regent’s propaganda techniques, yet realized at this moment, there was still much to learn.
Standing at the doorway, Eman noticed the third time a signal from the Crown Princess, turned and softly coughed to remind, "Your Highness, as per the schedule, you need to greet His Majesty Karl Carl at Fontainebleau at noon. It’s getting late."
Joseph glanced at the clock, rose and headed out the door, addressing Talleyrand sideways, "Let’s continue talking on the way.
"With Vienna continuing to increase troops, relying solely on Wurttemberg is clearly insufficient.
"You should quickly visit Bavaria, discuss with them the matter of deploying troops to Switzerland.
"Of course, let Wurttemberg publicly denounce Austria for disrupting the trade orders on the upper Rhine and murdering Wurttemberg citizens first."
The "murdering Wurttemberg citizens" naturally referred to those Wurttemberg volunteers fighting in Switzerland.
Talleyrand hesitantly asked, "Your Highness, if His Majesty Theodore is unwilling to oppose Vienna..."
Joseph suddenly saw Alexandra, elegantly dressed, smilingly saluting him. A maid beside her held a pristine men’s ceremonial attire.
He patted his forehead, "Right, you mentioned having booked a new suit for me."
He quickly instructed Talleyrand again, "Speak to him about Austria’s financial condition, and express that our nation believes Bavaria should become a major power in the Germanic region, instead of remaining behind Prussian-Austrian."
Talleyrand immediately understood, saluted the Crown Princess, then took his leave.
Bavaria has always harbored ambitions to become the second-largest country in the Germanic Region. Currently, Prussia’s military power is at its historical low. If Bavaria can win outstanding victories in Switzerland over Austria, surpassing Prussia in prestige is not a fantasy.
Thus, with the support of France, they are very willing to send troops.
In no time, Joseph looked at the deep blue military-style attire in the mirror and felt his overall aura had been elevated.
Meticulously tailored fashion was indeed more handsome than ordinary military uniforms.
Then, Alexandra linked his arm, quietly urging, "Darling, we’ll probably have to quicken our pace."
Joseph smiled, "Karl and I are old friends, he likely won’t mind waiting a bit for me."
As the two exited the Grand Trianon Palace, Alexandra curiously asked, "You said, is that kind of inspection equipment really that miraculous?
"I mean, that a His Majesty the King would actually travel abroad just for a health check-up?"
Joseph opened the door of the carriage for her, "Not just one piece of equipment, but a full set of examination apparatus.
"You know, His Majesty Karl is no longer young and his constitution isn’t robust. Recently, several prominent nobles in Baden have suffered from strokes, which makes him understandably wary about his own health."