Life of Being a Crown Prince in France

Chapter 1310: Chapter 1215: Sardinia Reduced to a Remote Small State Again

On the training ground south of the Mantua Fortress, Moro and over ten officers stood at the forefront, with nearly a thousand soldier representatives participating in the recent Venice incursion standing behind them.

Standing tall to their left were the representatives of the Crown Prince’s Royal Guard Grenadier Battalion, full of vigor and spirit.

Yes, they indeed participated in the incursion battle, and although they didn’t fire a single shot, they were equally eligible to receive commendations from the Crown Prince.

Joseph walked past every officer and soldier, awarding them different levels of medals based on their performance in battle.

Moro’s raid this time seemed to achieve little, likely only eliminating 10,000 to 15,000 enemy troops, along with routing just over 20,000, but its contribution to the entire campaign is not to be overlooked.

Their actions significantly delayed the Austrian Army’s offensive pace, helping the Mantua Fortress through its most dangerous phase.

Currently, the Swiss strategy of the Allied Forces has completely failed, and the hidden “bomb” of Sardinia has been defused, allowing France to concentrate its troops entirely on defending Mantua.

Almost all of the Fifth Army Group suffered no losses, and with the addition of the 12th Infantry Division, the forces of various Italian countries and Spain, the strength at Mantua has exceeded 85,000 troops.

Although the Austrian Army has nearly 160,000 men, due to a rear attack causing their morale to plummet, they have essentially lost the capability to mount a strong assault on the fortified fortress.

It should be known that France can get supplies locally from allies such as Milan and Parma, while Archduke Karl has to transport supplies from faraway Klagenfurt, making France not rushed at all.

Furthermore, for France, the main “income” is over in Switzerland. Massena currently surrounds nearly 70,000 enemy troops, ready to be devoured at any moment.

This is why Moro receiving a Golden Iris Medal is absolutely well-deserved.

Joseph was busy for more than two hours, finally awarding over 340 medals — and this was with Bertier’s help, otherwise his arm might have cramped.

Once the medal ceremony concluded, Bertier, Moro, and other generals discussed the upcoming military affairs with Joseph as they returned to the command post.

Upon reaching the building in front of the command post, they saw two carriages entering the courtyard. Count Saigul, the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, stepped down from the foremost carriage, accompanied by officers.

Saigul also noticed the Crown Prince and quickly stepped forward to salute: “Your Highness, I have brought the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ drafted armistice agreement with Sardinia for you to review.”

Joseph nodded towards him, signaling him to enter the office with him.

Saigul respectfully laid a stack of documents in front of Joseph, saying: “Your Highness, Sardinia has been our enemy in the previous war and has again connived with hostile nations for a surprise attack; they must be severely punished.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs suggests relocating the Sardinian Royal Family to Sardinia Island. Their Lombard territories should be divided between Milan and Parma.

“A rest of the area would establish a Piedmont Duchy.”

Just over ten days ago, the Rubeier Corps had completely controlled Turin, and presently, Emanuele IV and the Sardinian Royal Family are being held under house arrest in the Royal Palace.

Yes, Sardinia had dispatched virtually its entire army to the St. Gotthard Pass, leaving less than 500 soldiers in Turin. This update is available on novelꜰire.net

Thus, once the Pilo Corps was defeated, Joubert encountered little resistance and occupied the Sardinian capital within four days.

Joseph found the Ministry’s plans quite suitable and was about to nod but suddenly thought of an issue.

Sardinia is a member country of the Mediterranean Security Organization, and despite Emanuele IV’s prior betrayal, should France singlehandedly decide to dismember Sardinia, it would inevitably cause unease in other Northern Italian nations.

Joseph, recalling the political maneuvers for handling similar situations in future histories, quickly smiled and instructed Saigul: “You will immediately, in my name, convene a ’Sardinian issue’ summit of all Mediterranean Security Organization member states, and vote on the punitive plan for Sardinia.”

Saigul’s eyes were full of surprise. After all, this was an era when large countries could arbitrarily determine the fate of smaller ones. For instance, with Sardinia’s dismemberment, at most a voice would have been given to Parma, which participated in the war; yet here, His Highness wanted a collective vote?

He hesitated: “Your Highness, but if other countries don’t agree…”

Joseph tapped on the documents on the table: “You can offer a portion of the eastern Monferrat to Genoa.

“In this way, three countries will benefit from Sardinia’s division. Meet with ’Lady Aunt’ in advance to gain Modena’s support.

“The remaining Lucca and Florence are far from Sardinia and wouldn’t want to oppose us over this issue.

“Venice is currently occupied by Austria and cannot participate in the meeting.

“Do you think this plan cannot be passed?”

Saigul, being an experienced diplomat, couldn’t help but nod repeatedly in admiration.

The Crown Prince’s method effortlessly transforms France’s desire into the collective will of Northern Italy. This way, not only would all states have no grievances over Sardinia’s dismemberment, but even if Sardinia were later supported by a great power in their desire to return to the Apennine Peninsula, other countries would rise in opposition without France needing to say a word.

This was indeed the pinnacle of diplomatic wisdom, completely resolving the Sardinian issue.

Joseph signed the division plan and returned it to Saigul: “Please arrange it as soon as possible.”

He organized this summit mainly to dispel the guard that Northern Italian countries might hold towards France — the dismemberment of Sardinia was a collective decision, not France’s alone.

After Saigul departed, Joseph returned to the war room, only to find Bertier and others engaged in a grave discussion.

The Chief of Staff, noticing the Crown Prince’s arrival, quickly handed over a piece of intelligence: “Your Highness, we’ve just received word that Suvorov led 60,000 Russian troops, and arrived in Vienna three days ago, continuing their march south.

“From the current situation, Russia seems poised to enter the war.”

Joseph’s eyes instantly turned icy.

Alexander I, seeing the Anti-French Alliance’s strong surge in forces, was quick to abandon the Franco-Russian marriage union, ready to grab some benefits.

By comparison, Paul I, although eccentric, has proven to be a true friend to France.

Yet, should Russia enter the war, France’s military pressure would increase tremendously…

Bertier continued: “The Duke of Austria Castle also leads 70,000 newly recruited troops heading towards Klagenfurt.

“Our frontline will soon face an additional 130,000 enemies.”

Joseph nodded. No wonder these generals appeared so on edge.

However, today’s France is no longer the France of the past decade, subject to others’ whims. Previously, he hadn’t mobilized the country’s full potential to avoid disrupting development.

Now, since someone was seeking their demise, he had no choice but to get serious.