Despite the desperate efforts of high-ranking officers from both the French and Austrian sides to stop them, the soldiers didn't resort to using weapons, but the brawl was still incredibly brutal.

It wasn't until the French Guard Corps arrived on the scene that the fight, which had almost escalated into a full-blown battle involving over 1,600 men, was forcibly brought to an end.

By noon that day, Perna, looking out at the more than a hundred new injured soldiers outside the field hospital, was on the verge of tears.

"I got hit for no reason, and now my workload has increased because of it," she lamented. With panda-like eyes, she looked up at the sky and made the sign of the cross on her chest, murmuring, "God, what did I do wrong?"

Paris, Tuileries Palace, Second Floor

Joseph was discussing the details of the tax reform with Brienne, Bailly, and others when Aymon knocked on the door and whispered, "Your Highness, there's an urgent report from Vienna."

Joseph signaled the messenger to come in and quickly read the report. His brow furrowed immediately.

As expected, discipline in Kellermann's corps was poor, leading to a brawl involving over a thousand men, all because of a rivalry over a woman. Perna had even been injured in the process.

How could an army with such issues be effective in battle?

He was about to sign off on the attached list of punishments—which included more than 600 soldiers and 27 officers—when he suddenly paused, narrowing his eyes.

Currently, due to Leopold II being preoccupied with his coronation and the Prussian army not showing any inclination to attack after their recent defeat, the war in Silesia had temporarily come to a halt.

This presented an opportunity to gradually withdraw French troops from the region. But with over 40,000 French soldiers still in Silesia, any misstep in the withdrawal process could upset the Austrians.

Perhaps this brawl could actually be advantageous.

After a moment of thought, Joseph crossed out several names on the punishment list and wrote in the blank space where he was supposed to sign:

"For injuring a French field hospital doctor, it is only fair that the culprits receive a stern lesson. This incident has demonstrated the valor of France's warriors and upheld our dignity. I suggest canceling the punishments. Joseph. March 22, 1790."

He then wrote two letters, one to Chief of Staff Berthier and another to the French ambassador to Austria, Baron Alphonse, handing the letters and the modified punishment list to the messenger with a few brief instructions.

Silesia, Kellermann's Corps Camp in Liegnitz

In the presence of invited Austrian officers, including General Würmser, Berthier sternly reprimanded the three regiments and two battalions involved in the brawl. It didn't matter how many men from a unit had been involved—if even one soldier had taken part, the entire unit was punished.

He then announced the disciplinary actions in front of everyone, which included demoting officers, withholding soldiers' pay, and confining those involved, as well as ordering the units in question to immediately return to France for strict reorganization.

General Würmser, seeing Berthier's severe approach, praised him for it, promising to report to the Emperor that the Franco-Austrian alliance remained unshaken.

A few days later, nearly 4,000 French soldiers involved in the incident began their journey back home.

As they crossed the French border into Strasbourg, heads hung low, the leading officer read out a command from the Prince in front of the entire assembly.

When the soldiers heard that the Prince had described them as "valiant" and "defending the honor" of France, they were overcome with emotion:

"Long live the Prince!"

"I will forever be loyal to His Highness!"

"The Prince isn't afraid of offending those damned Austrians—he's the true hero of France!"

The officer then announced that the Prince had revoked all their punishments and that their withheld pay would be restored.

The soldiers' cheers echoed to the heavens, many of them moved to tears, loudly praying for the Prince's well-being.

While these French troops were being withdrawn from Silesia, Ambassador Alphonse held a cordial meeting with Austrian Foreign Minister Baron Thugut.

"Those scoundrels! Daring to cause trouble in an allied camp," Baron Alphonse exclaimed indignantly. "No punishment could be too harsh!"

"I've heard the units involved will be subject to an individual review by the gendarmes in Paris," he added with a sneer. "They're going to have a tough time."

He then turned to Thugut, his tone sincere. "The Prince wishes for you to convey to the Emperor that the Franco-Austrian alliance remains as strong as ever."

Baron Thugut nodded repeatedly, "Long live the Franco-Austrian alliance. I'm certain the Emperor will understand the situation."

He hesitated before adding, "But isn't the punishment a bit too harsh? Especially for those who didn't even participate in the fight—they're being implicated as well..."

"No, discipline must be strict!" Baron Alphonse replied firmly. "That's the decision of the General Staff, so there's no need to plead for them."

Lowering his voice, he added, "However, our Prince is indeed very angry. You know, Miss Perna, who was injured... is quite close to him."

Baron Thugut's expression grew serious.

He had already heard that the injured doctor had a special status, and today's conversation with the ambassador confirmed it.

He nodded solemnly, "I assure the Prince that Miss Perna will be given the justice she deserves!"

Meanwhile, Count Kaunitz and the pro-French faction in Austria were in a state of crisis.

Due to the recent brawl, anti-French political forces in Austria had begun to stir, with the loudest voice being that of Baron Walter.

Additionally, the first Hungarian regiment had arrived in Silesia the previous week, prompting Walter and his allies to suggest to the Emperor that France's influence in Austria needed to be curtailed, which was essentially a veiled suggestion to withdraw the French troops from Silesia.

Thankfully, France's severe punishment of the involved soldiers allowed Kaunitz to breathe a sigh of relief as he hurried to meet with Emperor Leopold II, ready to speak on France's behalf.

But little did he know that trouble was brewing once again at the allied camp in Silesia.

The Austrian troops, under strict orders from Vienna, were severely punished for their involvement in the brawl, leaving the entire army seething with resentment.

A French artillery captain, however, took pleasure in taunting the Austrians, often visiting their camp to make snide remarks, implying that Austrians were only good at hitting women, and that the only reason they didn't retaliate during the brawl was that they were too cowardly and had to complain to the French General Staff.

Though his words contained no vulgarity, the Austrian soldiers could hardly bear the humiliation.

Finally, a group of furious Austrian soldiers, led by a few officers, arranged to settle the score with the French captain in a duel three days later at the French camp.

(End of Chapter)

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