CHAPTER 249: CHAPTER 238: WHAT EXACTLY IS FRANZ UP TO?

"Prime Minister! The French have humiliated Prussia. It’s time to let the French know the results of the Prussian army’s reforms over these years." Moltke stared at Bismarck with a serious expression, speaking slowly yet powerfully.

His sharp eyes revealed a strong desire for victory. Moltke was well aware of the Prussian army’s development over the years, feeling a paternal impulse to see them achieve greatness.

"General Moltke, there’s no need to be hasty. War will come sooner or later, and that is both my and His Majesty’s stance. But victory in war isn’t solely determined on the battlefield. Although we’ve advanced rapidly, we must also recognize reality—France is a top-tier power and not to be underestimated. I still have to direct the Foreign Ministry to do more work to ensure that other countries do not interfere in this war, thereby creating favorable conditions for our battlefield victory." Bismarck responded unhurriedly.

Earlier, under Bismarck’s manipulation, he had secretly signed offensive and defensive alliance treaties with various Southern German states. Thus, this seemingly Prussian-French war had actually become a German-French war. Germany had emerged, and now all that was needed was for France to bring over their certification, so the so-called alliance could transform into a true Germany. This shows France’s capability, enough to be dubbed the founding father of the three powers of America, Italy, and Germany—all of which were later great powers.

"Now there are only three countries that are uncertain factors in our war with France. As you know, if we cannot persuade them, we may ultimately end up busying ourselves for nothing."

Previously, Prussia diplomatically isolated the Austrian Empire, promising France parts of the Rhineland region (where the famous Ruhr industrial area was located) and secretly allowing France to annex parts of Belgium and Luxembourg between Prussia and France; borrowing large sums from Britain at very high interest, allowing British capital to profit from Prussia’s rapid economic development; signing favorable trade agreements with Tsarist Russia and secret alliance pacts; and finally exploiting territorial disputes between Italy and Austria, uniting Italy to attack Austria from the north and south. These maneuvers fully evidenced Bismarck’s diplomatic skills.

"Britain and Tsarist Russia are manageable, but the attitude of Austria-Hungary is critical. However, the possibility of Austria-Hungary sending troops is very low. Ultimately, it depends on Emperor Franz’s personal inclinations..."

Russia, seeking to break the restrictions imposed by the 1856 Treaty of Paris, opted to maintain a "benevolent neutrality" during the Prussian-French war, stationed 100,000 troops at the Austria-Russia border, and promised Prussia that if Austria joined the Prussian-French war, Russia would also send troops to aid Prussia.

Subsequent developments aligned with Russia’s hopes—the Prussian army decisively won the Prussian-French War, eventually unifying Germany to establish the German Empire. As a reward for Russia’s neutrality, at the London Conference in March 1871, Bismarck assisted Russia in breaking free from the Black Sea neutrality clause stipulated by the Treaty of Paris, reaffirming principles for closing the straits and prohibiting foreign warships, thereby safeguarding Russia’s interests.

Regarding Britain, there’s a saying: those who owe money are the masters. Prussia borrowed a lot from Britain during its previous wars, and should Prussia lose...

Of course, the main issue is that France is too powerful. Under Napoleon III’s rule, France could be said to be at its strongest in history, with national power nearly rivalling Britain’s and being the world’s second-largest colonial empire, with an immensely powerful army and navy threatening Britain’s dominant position.

Thus, both Tsarist Russia and Britain supported Prussia, leaving Austria-Hungary as the only ally France could potentially win over.

Yet Napoleon III’s foreign policy has always been considered foolish; otherwise, Italy’s unification would not have been ignored. Not only did France let Italy unify, but they also sent troops to protect the Pope Country at the very last step before Italy’s unification, breaking off French-Italian relations.

Napoleon III still hadn’t realized the seriousness of the problem, thinking that if he could win Austria-Hungary over, success or failure was still uncertain.

"Knock knock knock..."

As Bismarck was about to continue speaking, a knock on the door suddenly echoed.

"Come in, then!" Although unhappy about being interrupted, it was known that if someone interrupted the conversation between the Empire’s Prime Minister and the Chief of the General Staff, it must be something important.

"Prime Minister, General Moltke! This is important information from the intelligence department."

Bismarck took the document and began to read.

After a moment.

"Good, good! Take a look at this intelligence." Bismarck handed the document to Moltke.

The document body: "Report from July 1st, the Austria-Hungary army has shown unusual movements. Elite troops have been withdrawn from the Slovakia region, the destination is currently unknown, and the newly stationed troops can temporarily be confirmed coming from southern Austria.—Slovakia Intelligence Unit"

"What is Franz thinking?" Moltke asked in confusion.

It’s known that Russia had just stationed 100,000 troops in the border region, yet Austria secretly withdrew elite troops from Slovakia at this time, a strategic military point located near both Prussia and Russia, capable of simultaneously countering potential attacks from both nations, supporting the Czech areas to the west, and Galicia to the east.

"The only regions that could be of concern and benefit to Austria are the Balkans and Italy. However, this is clearly the wrong time for Austria-Hungary to initiate a war. Franz’s decision is indeed puzzling. Could it possibly be just a routine troop rotation for Austria-Hungary?" Bismarck said to Moltke.

"Even if it were a rotation, there’s no need to secretly withdraw elite troops from Slovakia at this time! I don’t believe Franz would gamble that we and Russia won’t act against Austria-Hungary."

"Is Hungary causing trouble again? But I’ve heard no recent activity from Hungary." Bismarck said curiously.

"Hungary is indeed a destabilizing factor within Austria-Hungary, but dealing with Hungary doesn’t require elite troops."

"Then what is Franz’s real intention?" Both men pondered.

First, Italy is excluded. Not only does Italy have Prussia as an ally, but if Austria-Hungary dared to act against Italy, the French would not agree.

Next, the Balkans could be a possibility, but the Ottoman Empire is already on its last legs in the Balkans. If Austria-Hungary wanted to move against the Ottoman Empire, regular troops would suffice.

Moreover, Russia would not allow Austria-Hungary to expand in the Balkans, so if Austria-Hungary truly intended to move against the Balkans, they should be deploying more troops along the Austria-Russia border to counter Russian pressure. So what exactly is Franz planning? Could it really be just a routine rotation?

"Forget it. What’s important is that we can be sure Austria-Hungary has no plans to interfere with Prussia soon and errors in decision-making happen all the time. Who knows, maybe Franz has just been misled by some ’fool’ beside him."

Though saying this, Bismarck still replayed recent significant events involving Austria-Hungary in his mind and found nothing noteworthy.

It was only during the recent founding of the East African Kingdom that Austria-Hungary voiced up first, which could be considered a relatively significant action. But there’s nothing much to note about the East African Kingdom; the Heixinggen family’s overseas enterprise is indeed intriguing. However, going to Africa at this time is courting death—Bismarck once remarked that Prince Constantine and his son Ernst had a similar adventurous spirit.

Why would anyone abandon their position as a good Prussian prince to venture to the cursed continent of Africa? The entire German nation knows the Heixinggen family is wealthy, but remote locales in Africa and some in South America are merely a paradise for adventurers. Establishing a colony to claim sovereignty holds little interest—at best, it earns one a chieftain title in Africa. Europe is the world’s center after all. But given Prince Constantine’s status, everyone gives him face.

"At least this move indicates Austria-Hungary is not concerned with Germany. I think we can focus more attention on the French front regarding our military," Moltke said.

Although, with Austria-Hungary having no designs on Germany, they have effectively laid low. Because should they target Germany, Hungary will certainly oppose it and cause unrest. However, should they target Italy, a weaker target, Austria can manage alone, and Hungary would rush to partake, as Austria should not enjoy all the benefits independently.