Chapter 1668 - 1574: Chaos

Chapter 1668: Chapter 1574: Chaos

Joseph didn’t find it surprising, not to mention that the military strength of the Vienna Revolutionary Army was far from comparable to the Austria-Russia Alliance Army, even if their strength was equivalent, their commander’s level was much poorer than Kutuzov’s by several streets, so being beaten was inevitable.

"What are the losses?"

Bertier opened the notebook: "Two infantry divisions and a cavalry camp of the National Guard were completely defeated, and combined with the battle in Presburg and the northern suburbs, casualties exceeded twenty thousand."

He promptly added, "Most of those ambushed were the Veteran soldiers of Vienna who previously surrendered to the Congress. Currently, the National Guard is constantly retreating on the Eastern front."

The former Austrian Army that opted to side with the National Assembly numbered over thirteen thousand, forming the core strength of the National Guard. After losing these units, the National Guard seemingly still had eighty-ninety thousand troops, but they were mostly recruits trained for less than four months.

Joseph nodded: "Has their assembly passed the resolution to retreat to the Southwest?"

Under his suggestion, the National Assembly successfully planned an uprising at the end of last month in Innsbruck, where the rebel army composed mainly of university students and merchants swiftly defeated several hundred local garrisons and proceeded to occupy the city with cooperation from citizens of Constance.

Currently, two provinces west of the Alps in Austria have raised the black-red-yellow tricolor flags symbolizing the revolution.

"The National Assembly seems to still be in dispute." Bertier said, "You know, many people believe abandoning Vienna is equivalent to complete failure."

Joseph helplessly rubbed his forehead: "Once the army is consumed, they won’t be able to leave. We need to help them make a decision."

He pondered briefly and instructed: "Spread the news in Vienna that Franz II has ordered the execution of anyone who has contacted the National Assembly. Also, publicize that the Alps Province has planned a railway line that will extend to the south of Constance."

The former is intimidation—those who want to survive should hurry to the Southwest.

The latter is inducement. Railroads are currently the latest trend, and people know that they can use it to mass-sell goods to distant places. With a railway line, it could attract a large number of merchants to Constance.

As long as the merchants go, it means money will follow, and the Southwest region will be able to sustain more people.

After discussing the National Assembly matters, Earl Saigul immediately bowed and said: "Your Highness, the Holy Roman Emperor formally rejected Hungary’s ceasefire request at noon two days ago."

At this point, it had been twelve days since Hungary submitted its ceasefire terms, and Franz II finally responded.

Joseph couldn’t help but frown: "Who are the main proponents of war?"

He was well aware that the decisions made by Franz II mainly came from his ministers.

Saigul said: "Primarily Carl Ludwig and Earl Walterhausen. Most people in the War Committee also support continuing the fight."

Bertier added: "Although Hunts occupied Buda, when he concentrated his troops along the Danube, Archduke Carl was clearing the cities around the Hungarian Plain.

"Currently, most of Transylvania has been controlled by the Austria-Russia Alliance Army, and the Slovak National Committee has also reclaimed all cities east of the Hron River, while Serbian militias are fiercely battling the Hungarian army in Vojvodina.

"Archduke Carl evidently believes military power can completely defeat Hungary, so what he wants is a surrender letter rather than a ceasefire agreement."

Bear in mind, the Hungarian Congress once controlled most of the Austrian territory east of the Danube, but now it has been pushed back to the core region of Outer Danube and the Hungarian Plain.

Furthermore, with the Austria-Russia Alliance Army holding the upper hand, there is indeed no need for a ceasefire.

Saigul seemed uncertain as he asked: "Your Highness, should we suggest the Hungarian Congress lower the ceasefire conditions, perhaps asking for symbolic terms like ’equal status between Hungary and Austria’..."

"No, that’s the most important term," Joseph interrupted him, raising his hand, then thought for a moment and asked, "Metternich should be supportive of the ceasefire, right?"

"Indeed, Your Highness. However, he currently holds no significant position in Austria’s new Cabinet."

Joseph smiled; Metternich, it seems, still preferred resolving issues through diplomacy.

He then instructed Saigul: "Please go to Graz as soon as possible for mediation between Austria and Hungary. You’ll need to ’coordinate’ with Metternich..."

At present, Talleyrand is coordinating with various nations in Northern Germany regarding attitudes toward Austria’s civil war, while Saigul manages Foreign Ministry affairs.

Saigul noted carefully, then cautiously asked: "Your Highness, if Franz II still refuses to change his mind, should we intervene substantially in Hungary?"

Joseph shook his head: "There’s no need. By the way, concerning this matter, you might seek British pressure on the Austrian Government."

Saigul was taken aback: "You mean England?"

"Exactly. You tell them if a ceasefire isn’t quickly facilitated, tens of thousands of Russian troops will appear on the west bank of the Danube."

Saigul felt his mind might not be up to the task. Logically, wouldn’t France be the most concerned about the Russians crossing the Danube?

But as a seasoned diplomat, he quickly understood—Austria was the last major power in Europe that Britain could use against France. If Russia’s influence in Austria became too substantial, Austria might "turn east," thus thoroughly abandoning its special relationship with Britain.

As for France, it’s actually quite far from the Danube, separated by many German states, so Russia’s threat isn’t as pressing.

Saigul eagerly bowed and said: "Yes, Your Highness, your diplomatic skills are worth a lifetime of learning."

As he was speaking, Eman knocked on the door, saying: "Your Highness, Mr. Lavallette has urgent matters that require your attention."

Joseph nodded: "Let him in."

Bertier and Saigul immediately rose to leave.

The Director of Security bowed in greeting to Joseph: "Your Highness, there have been some matters in Rome, Archbishop Muzareli was assassinated two days ago."

Joseph slightly frowned. Although Muzareli was merely an opportunistic politician, he was nonetheless a leverage Joseph used to restrain the Pope.

He looked towards Lavallette: "Is it related to Pope Pius VI?"

"Oh no, Your Highness, it seems to have been done by Rome’s liberal organizations," Lavallette said, "Besides, according to intelligence we received, the Liberals are plotting a large-scale revolt."

Joseph nodded: "Understood, anything else?"

The reason he wasn’t surprised was that in recent years, Romans frequently incited riots.

The Pope State previously lost its northern provinces due to choosing the wrong side, resulting in its territory shrinking by more than half. To maintain its extravagant lifestyle, the Holy See increased taxes on the populace, with the wealthy Romans being the primary targets.

The living conditions of Roman citizens have consequently worsened, making revolts their only means of resistance.