Life of Being a Crown Prince in France - Chapter 1219 - 1124: The Empire’s Counterattack

Chapter 1219: Chapter 1124: The Empire’s Counterattack

Fox hesitated slightly on the side, “But what if Russia chooses to withdraw its troops after occupying Poland?

“And, for Austria, I’m afraid they won’t want a too powerful Russia appearing next to them either…”

Grenville and William Pitt Junior exchanged smiles at these words.

These two strategic masterminds were discussing issues on the “third level,” while their mediocre Foreign Minister was still entangled in the “first level.”

William Pitt Junior had to patiently explain to him, “Russia wants not only Poland’s territory but also a channel to connect with Central and Western Europe.

“That’s why they’ve been pouring all their efforts into expanding towards the Balkans for over a century now. Hmm, how many times have they fought with the Ottoman People for this?”

“Six times,” Fox answered.

“Oh yes, six times. From over a century ago until now,” William Pitt Junior nodded, “Yet, even with multiple victories in wars, the Russians have only obtained Crimea and Iasi, and have not reached the southern bank of the Danube River until now.

“This is not because the Ottomans are particularly strong, but as a result of the balance implemented by Austria, France, and even our country, as none wish to see Russian power deeply enter Europe.

“Thus, Russia would certainly not miss this opportunity to use military power to ’persuade’ us and Austria, allowing them to control the Balkans. Oh, defeating France is also an important step.”

Grenville added, “The Russians have been secretly supporting Greek independence to weaken Ottoman power on the Balkan Peninsula.

“This time, we can help Greece accelerate its separation from the Ottomans, giving the Russians hope, and they will be even more unable to resist participating in Central and Western European affairs.”

Fox nodded thoughtfully and then asked, “But how can we persuade Austria? They are the ones who least wish to see Russia become too powerful, as they would be threatened first.”

William Pitt Junior smiled, “For Franz II, the most important thing right now is to regain control over Italy, and secondly to bring the Rheinland States back to his Holy Roman Empire.

“And with Austria’s own power alone, that’s clearly impossible.

“So he has to make concessions to Russia in the Balkans, in exchange for Russian intervention in Western European conflicts.”

Fox showed a worried expression, “But that could make Russia too strong and uncontrollable.”

William Pitt Junior said nonchalantly, “With Russia’s current financial situation, they’d probably rely on our loans to finish the war in Poland.

“Afterwards, we can cut off financial aid at any time to limit their military actions.

“Even if it does get out of hand, we can fully unite with France and Austria, to jointly expel the ’Eastern Orthodox heretics’ invasion.”

Indeed, what Fox feared did happen in history. England then, together with France, the Ottomans, and Sardinia, declared war on Russia.

The Anglo-French fleet entered the Black Sea, with tens of thousands of expeditionary forces landing in Crimea over three years to completely defeat Russia.

Finally, Russia had to declare the Black Sea neutralized, and completely renounce control over Serbia, Wallachia, and Moldavia, with the strategic situation returning to fifty years prior, and from then on declined.

Fox finally showed a smile, “Looks like I need to head to Saint Petersburg soon. Oh, and Vienna too.”

Grenville raised his hand, “You just concentrate on dealing with the Russians, I’ll personally handle the Austrian side.”

Get Austria involved would definitely involve a lot of transactions and secret agreements, and he couldn’t trust Fox with that.

William Pitt Junior thought for a moment, then said, “We also need to work towards stirring the Italian situation, where dissatisfaction with France is increasing.

“If we can create some trouble for France in the Apennine Peninsula, it will help us proceed with German and Eastern European diplomatic affairs without interference.”

Grenville nodded, “Your proposal is excellent. Let’s have Sir Norris take charge, with Sir Paget assisting him. Get them to quickly submit a plan of action.”

Sir John Chuck Norris is Britain’s trade representative in the Pope State, although his actual role was more of a consul.

And Sir Arthur Paget was the British envoy stationed in Naples.

These two were considered the most familiar British officials with matters on the Apennine Peninsula.

Fox then mentioned the matter of needing a Royal Family member to attend the upcoming ceremony for the establishment of the Portugal-Brazil-Algarve United Kingdom next month.

Indeed, the Portuguese Royal Family has already arrived in Rio de Janeiro.

Noan decided to officially “upgrade” it to Portuguese territory and establish the Portugal-Brazil United Kingdom for better integration of the Brazilian colonies.

“The Duke of York will go across the Atlantic to attend the ceremony.”

After Grenville finished speaking, he furrowed his brow again, “After we withdrew a large part of our expeditionary force from Portugal, the Spaniards will likely redeploy their troops towards Gibraltar. We need to prepare supplies to be shipped there early.”

He wasn’t worried about Gibraltar being captured, as Britain had dispatched two thousand more soldiers to Gibraltar after Spain moved against Portugal. Now the defensive force there had reached 3,500 men, sufficient to withstand a siege by tens of thousands.

William Pitt Junior pondered, “I think, rather than investing resources in defense, we should divert the Spaniards’ attention somewhere else.”

“Oh? What do you suggest?”

“The Spaniards have always been eying Morocco,” William Pitt Junior said, “Compared to the hard-to-breach Gibraltar, that’s evidently more enticing. We need to create reasons that compel them to go there…”

North Africa.

Northern Morocco.

Lord Elliot glanced at the mountains outside the carriage window and turned to the diplomat beside him, “Mr. Este, is this the Atlas Mountains?”

The latter awkwardly replied, “Ahem, this is actually the Bou Helaoue Mountain, Your Lordship.”

“Oh, it looks really tall,” Lord Elliot continued cheerfully, “No wonder their Sultan has never effectively ruled the mountain people here.”

Este wanted to say “It’s only 700 feet high,” but he held back, as he was merely a petty official dumped in Africa, completely unable to afford offending the big shot from London.

He cleared his throat and got to the point, “Your Lordship, if the Wozan Tribe, fearing retribution from their Sultan, chooses to refuse us…”

Lord Elliot laughed and waved it off, “You think that way because you don’t know what I’ve brought for them.”

He lowered his voice mysteriously, “A full 3,000 flintlock guns, and 120,000 British Pounds.”

Este’s eyes widened immediately, “That’s so much! But if it’s just for raiding, that’s totally unnecessary…”