Baron Stein immediately said, “The worse our financial situation is, the more we need a war. At least it allows soldiers to ‘find some profit’ on the battlefield to compensate for their delayed wages.”
Yes, because Prussia withdrew from the war earlier and remained basically stable domestically, it has barely regained its footing by now.
Just as Austria surrendered, a rebellion broke out domestically, and having lost the Southern Netherlands and Northern Italy severely weakened it. The Prussians immediately caught the scent of prey.
To be honest, compared to France, they are more concerned about Austria as the more direct opponent.
If they could defeat Austria in Silesia, its leadership position in the Germanic region might end, and Prussia would naturally rise to the top.
And not only Silesia.
If the campaign goes well, the Prussian Army could advance into Bohemia, Moravia, and even Vienna…
After all, Prussia is a militaristic state; as long as they win battles, domestic issues will solve themselves.
Marquis Groelman sighed and said, “But at least, we need to prepare the logistical supplies needed to mobilize the army. That will require at least two million thalers.”
Wilhelmina nodded, looking at the Foreign Minister: “Count Schloenberger, please go to London. Seek a loan of at least 300,000 British Pounds from our British allies.”
The latter lowered his head, troubled. Prussia had previously received nearly 700,000 British Pounds in loans from England and didn’t yet know how to repay. Now that the war against France was over, where could the British find more money?
“Ma’am, but what if the British refuse…”
Wilhelmina interrupted him coldly, “Then tell William Pitt Junior… oh, he’s out of office, who is their Prime Minister now?”
Baron Stein whispered, “Lord Grenville.”
Yes, after William Pitt Junior stepped down, Fox could not become Prime Minister as he wished.
George III, following William Pitt Junior’s suggestion, promoted Grenville—although Grenville had always aligned with Pitt politically, he was a Whig. This left Fox no choice but to begrudgingly accept it.
Wilhelmina nodded, “Please tell Lord Grenville that this money concerns Prussia’s survival. If he cannot provide it, we will have to find another way.”
Though she lacked experience in governance, her palace intrigues as the King’s mistress taught her how to find others’ weaknesses.
Her words practically meant that if England didn’t help, Prussia would start flirting with the French.
Prussia is the most critical point for England on the European Continent; it’s irreplaceable. That is their weakness.
Count Schloenberger had to bow and say, “Yes, ma’am.”
The Military Minister raised another concern: “General Blucher has always advocated for improving relationships with Austria. I worry he may not be willing to lead troops in battle.”
After his previous defeat, the Duke of Brunswick had somewhat lost heart and returned home to recuperate.
Currently, Prussia’s most capable Commander is Blucher.
Baron Stein said, “The army can be handed over to Prince Hornlow. Oh, that staff officer named Scharnhorst also has considerable ability—let him go along.”
Prince Hornlow is a Prince of Wurttemberg. Well, he has an elder brother who went to Austria to become an officer, while he serves in Prussia.
The Battle of Jena in history was his ‘divine assist’ to Napoleon, helping the latter achieve a clean victory.
Of course, being defeated by Napoleon is a ‘mandatory course’ for European officers, which cannot entirely negate his abilities.
Marquis Groelman hurriedly said, “Lieutenant Colonel Scharnhorst is preparing for the Staff Department’s reform…”
Wilhelmina glanced at him, “Then continue it after we’ve recaptured Silesia.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
…
The aftermath of Austria’s surrender not only affected Prussia but also reached Rome.
On the right bank of the Tiber River in Rome, two to three thousand citizens holding plaques with “Rome’s Autonomy,” “Elect the Congress,” “Freedom and Equality” marched vigorously past the Pantheon.
Bear in mind that at this time, Rome’s total population was only about 130,000 to 140,000, including many priests.
The scale of this parade was absolutely unprecedented.
A middle-aged man stood at the base of the Pantheon’s stone pillars, waving a copy of “The Meaning of Freedom and Human Rights,” and said passionately:
“Citizens of Rome, the Austrians have shown us that freedom and equality must be fought for by ourselves!
“In the past, we always hoped for the Pope State’s mercy and charity, to return Rome to its true owner.
“However, facts prove that this is infeasible!
“The Pope State only taxes us further, greedily taking all our money, reassuring us of hopes in heaven.
“No, there’s no hope there. Only deception!
“Our hope is right here, beneath our feet!
“We can no longer wait.
“Rome belongs to every citizen, and the Pope State should serve Jesus wholeheartedly. If it refuses to return Rome, we will take it back ourselves!”
The crowd erupted in thunderous cheers, “Rome belongs to all citizens!”
“Implement Rome’s autonomy now!”
“Form a Congress, abolish Church privileges!”
Amidst the shouts, over a hundred uniformed Vatican Guards watched nervously from a hundred meters away, yet dared not disperse the protestors.
In the past, the Pope State’s army had over two thousand soldiers. Concentrated in Rome, they could deal with these protestors.
But now, with the Mediterranean Security Organization’s troops advancing into the Spoleto Province, the Pope State only had Rome and Perugia left, and its army was basically disbanded.
The 400 soldiers of the Vatican Guard dared not act against the protestors, fearing to incite an event similar to the “New Recruit Camp rebellion” in Vienna.
The middle-aged man in front of the Pantheon suddenly raised his hand to the people: “Everyone, join me in petitioning the Holy Father. Form a Congress, let the Pope State return to piety!”
…
The significant town of Braga in northwestern Portugal.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Spanish Northern Route Army, Marquis Talavera, looked troubled as he glanced at Juno:
“Colonel Sir, with nearly 10,000 defenders in Porto, my forces might find it hard to capture it quickly.”
Juno firmly patted his shoulder: “General Talavera, you are the best Commander on the Iberian Peninsula, the Portuguese are certainly not your match.”
Indeed, he wasn’t just placating.
Marquis Talavera has 20,000 troops under his command, which should normally be absolutely superior to the Porto defenders.
Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!
Use arrow keys (or A / D) to PREV/NEXT chapter