CHAPTER 247: CHAPTER 236: TOO SMALL, THE VISION IS TOO SMALL.

Replacing France as the protector of Pope Country, and even using religious pretexts to criticize Italy in public opinion, primarily delays the process of Italian unification, which is greatly tempting for the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Although Pope Country is now very small in size, it’s not just any region but Rome, one of the most economically developed areas in Italy, with unmatched cultural, historical, and political status. Economically speaking, the most developed were Venice and Lombardy, former territories of the Austrian Empire.

Ernst merely proposed a rough plan; to turn this into reality, professionals are needed to refine the details. Just catching Franz’s attention means half of the work is done.

...

"Ernst!"

Ferdinand called out to his future son-in-law just as he was leaving Mei Quan Palace.

"Father-in-law, what’s the matter?"

"Do you have some grudge against the Italians? Coming up with such a nasty idea!"

"Hahaha, how could that be, Italy has never offended me, and I have quite a significant business exchange with Italy, so how could I have issues with them?"

"You’re a businessman, and with your usual style, you surely wouldn’t act without profit. There must be some reason for you to be so tough on the Kingdom of Italy."

"Nonsense, where did you hear such rumors? I have always conducted my business with integrity, and my fellow traders are very willing to cooperate with my companies. I ensure that all business practices are legal and compliant, unlike those unscrupulous capitalists. Tell me who’s spreading rumors, and I’ll definitely teach them a lesson!"

"Franz said it."

"Forget it then, but even as an emperor, he shouldn’t confuse right and wrong."

"What’s the real reason for you intentionally digging a pit for Italy?"

"Stop speculating, the reason is simple, East Africa needs a strong Austro-Hungarian Empire, not a strong Italy, it’s that simple." Ernst interrupted Ferdinand.

"Hmm, that’s it! It seems I overthought. By the way, what you said earlier in Mei Quan Palace about profiting greatly if Prussia and France start fighting, what does that mean?"

Compared to politics, money is also a significant attraction for Ferdinand. If someone else had said this, Ferdinand wouldn’t have believed it, but Ernst had extraordinary talent in this area.

"To make a sure profit, just buy the bonds issued by the Prussian government."

"Do you really have such little faith in France?"

With this remark, Ernst was implying that France was sure to lose, otherwise how would Prussia pay its debts? The costs of war and unpaid debts from before are still unresolved.

"In terms of the military, France is only slightly stronger than Austro-Hungary, but in other aspects, they have no clear advantage over Austro-Hungary, so what can they use to fight Prussia?"

"Although I’m Austrian and a member of the Habsburg family, honestly speaking, Austro-Hungary is much weaker than France, especially with the complex Hungarian issue."

"Do you think France is completely united? Right now, France has three royal families—Orleans and Bourbon, both opposing Napoleon III, and there’s also one major reactionary group—the Republican Faction."

Ernst saying the French Republican Faction is reactionary is an understatement; a government that colludes with enemy countries in war and brutally suppresses the people as representatives of big capitalists can be ranked among France’s most disgusting governments, along with the government during WWII.

"Are you suggesting that the French would backstab Napoleon III?"

"Those people are weak-boned, they can only fight when things are smooth sailing, and as soon as Napoleon III makes a slight mistake on the front line, these fools will definitely cause trouble," said Ernst.

To be honest, Emperor Napoleon III was quite capable, and under his rule, France developed significantly. In terms of national strength, France was above Prussia, but during the Franco-Prussian War, the operations of the French rear government showed that describing them as insects is already a compliment.

Napoleon III wasn’t ruthless enough; even with half of Napoleon I’s decisiveness, he wouldn’t have been backstabbed by his people.

...

Mei Quan Palace.

"Go and call over the generals from Vienna."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The main high-ranking generals of the Empire gathered in Mei Quan Palace before dusk.

"Do you think the Franco-Prussian War will break out?" Franz asked from the sofa.

"A war is bound to happen, but the timing is uncertain."

"Suppose the Franco-Prussian War breaks out in two months!"

"Your Majesty, that seems unlikely."

"First, let’s discuss its possibility."

"The possibility certainly exists; France has always had malicious intent towards the German regions, and Prussia is no easy opponent, with its military always maintaining a top-notch level."

"Then, if the Franco-Prussian War suddenly breaks out, what should our Austro-Hungarian Empire do?" Franz inquired.

"Uh, honestly speaking, our Austro-Hungarian Empire better not step in too early."

"But if we don’t step in early, we’ll get nothing and watch as either Prussia or France reaps the spoils alone."

"What can we do? Entering the war doesn’t guarantee high chances of victory, and the risks and rewards don’t match."

As he watched his subordinates argue fiercely, Franz remained silent. Austria had indeed declined, and the general’s attitudes towards Prussia and France had become ambiguous, in other words, lacked confidence.

"Alright, stop discussing this. What if instead of taking sides in the Franco-Prussian War, we open a new front?" Franz suggested.

"Hmm?" The Austrian generals were puzzled by Franz’s words!

"Imagine, if the Franco-Prussian War breaks out, wouldn’t another country also be eager to move?"

"Your Majesty, do you mean Britain?"

Franz shook his head and said, "I’ve already mentioned, no more discussions about Franco-Prussia; this time the Empire will not intervene in Franco-Prussia, but if the war does break out, Italy certainly won’t sit still."

"Italy? Do you mean the Pope Country, Your Majesty?" An astute general immediately detected the key elements.

"Correct, if a major war breaks out between France and Prussia..." Franz laid out Ernst’s analysis and plan in detail.

"Do you think this plan is feasible?"

"Interfere in Pope Country to stop Italy from unifying the Apennine Peninsula! If that’s the only goal, it doesn’t seem too difficult."

"What benefits do we get out of it?"

"An Italy that isn’t unified is our greatest benefit. I see Italy’s threat to the Empire as far greater than that of Russia and Prussia. A unified Italy would undoubtedly be disadvantageous to us—not just its navy but perhaps also in terms of Balkan ambitions," stated Navy Commander William von Tegesov.

The Ottoman Empire could also count, but in reality, the Ottomans are feeble on paper.

"Hmm, if the action targets Italy, I feel the scale of this plan is still too small. Can we seize this opportunity to reclaim Venice?" a land army general suddenly proposed.

His words instantly opened up the thinking of the Austro-Hungarian generals.

"Exactly, this is an opportunity! If the Franco-Prussian War breaks out, Italy will have no backing, and both Prussia and France will want to win us over..."

"Brilliant! We already know Italy’s combat abilities; without previous support from Prussia and France, it wouldn’t pose a threat to us."

"Your Majesty, if we are to go to war, we should act now. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

The military leaders, previously indecisive about Prussia and France, suddenly changed their stance, as if victory was within sight for Austro-Hungary, and Italy was already on the chopping block.

Their morale was usable, and Franz was very satisfied. In reality, Austro-Hungary ranks at the bottom among the four major powers, yet easily capable of defeating Italy. Now was the time to quickly send personnel and equipment to Pope Country.

As soon as the French troops withdrew and the Pope reached an agreement with Austro-Hungary, there would be a pretext for war. As the generals suggested, Venice was not out of the question to reclaim.

As for the risks, even if the front lines didn’t progress smoothly, Italy couldn’t launch a counterattack into Austrian territory. But if successful, Venice...

Venice was highly tempting for Austro-Hungary, and regarding the population issue, the more lice there are, the less itchy it becomes; the more debts, the less worrying it is. Isn’t Ernst that kid planning to send immigrants? When the time comes, pack up the opposition and send them to him, contributing to Africa’s development.

"Now, come up with a thorough plan. This operation must not attract attention from the keen-eyed. When the time is right, we’ll catch the Kingdom of Italy off guard."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" This time, everyone was on the offensive side.