Chapter 1653 - 1559: Vienna Affairs Summit

Chapter 1653: Chapter 1559: Vienna Affairs Summit

"And at this moment, letting Austria remain in turmoil is the most beneficial state for our country."

Baron Breti frowned as he saw his painstakingly compiled report tossed aside, and said, "Your Highness, then are we temporarily not intervening in the Austrian situation?"

Joseph sighed lightly; the Prime Minister’s grasp of the overall international situation was still lacking, whereas the opinion of the Foreign Ministry was somewhat more reliable, though still not perfect.

He patiently said, "Of course, we must intervene, and actively so. Not supporting any one side doesn’t mean we can’t utilize the situation there.

"Engage with all parties, mediate between them, speak without committing funds, and endeavor to guide the conflict towards a direction beneficial to us..."

Before he finished speaking, Baron Breti was already a bit bewildered, so he simply closed his notebook and directly asked, "Your Highness, what attitude should we convey to the other German states regarding the Austrian situation?"

Joseph asked in confusion, "Convey our attitude to the German states?"

Breti nodded, "In fact, more than ten days ago, diplomats from Saxony, Mainz, and over ten other countries were in the Palace of Versailles inquiring about our decision on Austria."

Joseph couldn’t help but squint his eyes slightly; it seemed he had underestimated France’s influence among the small German states.

These countries were certainly more concerned about Austria’s situation than anyone else, yet they feared diplomatic missteps would cause trouble, so they intended to follow the "big player," ensuring that even if they bet on the wrong horse, there would be room for maneuver.

This influence could indeed be utilized.

He pondered briefly and instructed Baron Breti, "Immediately send a note to the German states, indicating that ’aid to Austria must be negotiated jointly by the German states,’ and this requires convening a ’Vienna Affairs Summit’ for discussion."

The Prime Minister questioned, "But earlier you said we should mediate the Austrian civil war."

Joseph smiled, "The summit itself is the key. With so many countries participating, it would be impossible to form a consensus; ultimately, it would depend on our attitude."

Though Baron Breti didn’t understand the importance of a summit, he carefully noted it down and asked, "Your Highness, should the summit be held in Paris or Stuttgart?"

Joseph shook his head, "It should definitely be held in Austria."

Baron Breti was taken aback, "But Vienna is still in the hands of the rebels..."

Joseph patted his arm, "You have noticed the crux of the matter. Yes, the Habsburg Emperor must make a decision about where to hold this summit, which all German states are to attend.

"We also need to identify several ’opinion leaders’ in advance to steer the summit’s direction.

"Hmm... let’s choose Mainz, Cologne, and Saxony, involving both parliamentary and monarchical states. Like this and then like this..."

Joseph carefully instructed again, suddenly recalling the latest intelligence received two days ago from America—

Napoleon and Jourdan, one attacking directly and the other stealthily, had ground the United States into submission. By timing, the ceasefire agreement should already be signed.

The autonomy reform in New Granada had also yielded results. The Creoles passionately joined the war against the invaders, such that the Executive Officer’s meeting couldn’t secure enough weapons to arm the new recruits.

Portuguese troops faced frequent raids along the Negro River, trapped in bitter battles. According to the judgment of the French Security Bureau, it wouldn’t be more than half a year before the Portuguese would have to withdraw due to huge logistical consumption.

This opportunity to strike at Britain’s international prestige must not be missed.

He continued to Baron Breti, "Oh, and there’s England. Have Saxony, in its capacity as the summit organizer, invite England to join the ’Vienna Affairs Summit.’

"Prepare public opinion in advance. If the British don’t attend, promote ’Britain remaining silent when the Habsburg family most needs help,’ or ’absence from the Vienna Summit, signaling a huge decline in Britain’s influence in Central Europe.’"

"If they attend, then find an opportunity to shift the focus of discussion to the American conflicts, introducing ’Britain preparing to abandon its commitment to its allies,’ which should also be heavily publicized..."

...

Time turns back to early September last year.

In the northwest of India, the capital of Punjab, La Chere.

The French envoy to Mysore, Salah, frowned slightly as he observed the Sikhs on the street with thick turbaned heads and curved knives at their waists, making a sign of the cross on his chest.

Once this war was over, he should be able to return to Tunisia. He murmured in his heart, he would be able to attend Mass with his wife each week and be far away from these pagans.

Indeed, he had converted to Catholicism three years ago and married an Italian wife—many in Tunisia had converted, especially officials. Speaking French and becoming a Catholic was an open secret for rapid advancement in Tunisia.

Salah glanced at the Mysore-style robes he wore once more, quickly retracting his thoughts, and silently recited the instructions from the Regent King in his mind.

He considered himself very fortunate; since toppling the pro-British faction in Mysore a decade ago, he realized that as long as he strictly followed the Regent’s orders, making achievements and promotions seemed effortless.

He had ascended from a small diplomat to France’s full liaison officer on the Indian Peninsula, where even the Governor of Puducherry was courteous to him.

His identity today, however, was as Sultan Mysore’s envoy.

Due to the critical nature of the matter, Sultan Tipu feared that his subordinates might make mistakes, so he implored the French envoy to temporarily act as Mysore’s diplomat on a secret mission to Punjab.

His third son, Muhidin, accompanied Salah as an assistant.

He indeed admired this French envoy greatly, as almost everything was resolved smoothly in front of him.

Especially concerning the sudden British proposal to ally with Mysore to attack the Maratha Confederacy, Tipu was initially perplexed, but Mr. Salah, upon receiving the news, directly advised him to agree to the British...

Salah’s carriage did not head towards the palace of Punjab but stopped at the Haveli—the private estate of the Maharaja of Punjab, Ranjit Singh.

Several Punjabi officials ushered the Mysore guest into the main hall, where Salah saw a young man sitting on a carpet, with slim eyebrows, deep eyes, and a long beard.

He knew that although this Maharaja of Punjab was only 22 years old, he had ruled this Sikh nation for a full decade, campaigning south and north, defeating Afghan invaders several times, consolidating the Sikh tribes, personally building this mighty Sikh Empire.

Salah bowed respectfully, and just as he began to offer courtesies, he was interrupted by Singh in somewhat rough French: "If you intend to persuade me to confront the British, then you will surely be disappointed."