Chapter 309: The Unbreakable Franco-Austrian Friendship
Leopold II immediately ordered a servant to fetch a map of the Southern Netherlands, preparing to discuss the details of reinforcements with the French. However, before he could begin, Talleyrand spoke up: "Your Majesty, after a thorough analysis of the situation by the General Staff, we believe that sending more troops to the Southern Netherlands would not be advisable."
"Not advisable?" Leopold II's face darkened. "Are you suggesting that we abandon the Southern Netherlands?"
"No, no, you misunderstand," Talleyrand responded, his expression turning serious. "The General Staff's recommendation is that continuing to focus on the Southern Netherlands as the main battlefield is highly disadvantageous for Austria."
At that moment, the servant returned with the map. Talleyrand pointed to the Southern Netherlands' location: "Look here. It's very close to Prussia and the Netherlands, and rebel forces are spread throughout the region.
"Austria, on the other hand, is over 800 kilometers away. Whether it's deploying reinforcements or maintaining supply lines, we are at a significant disadvantage.
"Moreover, even if you commit a large force and eventually defeat the rebels, the Southern Netherlands will be severely devastated by the conflict. In that case, even if the Prussians withdraw from the Southern Netherlands, they would still have achieved a strategic victory."
Leopold II frowned as he listened and then asked, "What do you suggest?"
Talleyrand took a step forward, meeting Leopold's gaze with a firm voice: "Since Austria and Prussia are now effectively at war, you should not hesitate any longer.
"Choosing a battlefield that is advantageous to Austria and where you can gain the most is the best strategy.
"And the most favorable battlefield for Austria is undoubtedly Silesia!
"Silesia is nearly surrounded by Austrian territory, and its population is more loyal to the Emperor's rule, given that it was part of Austria just thirty years ago.
"Moreover, neither the Dutch nor the Southern Netherlanders can offer any support to Prussia in Silesia. Prussia would be left to face Austria's powerful army alone!
"As soon as the war in Silesia begins, Prussia will have no choice but to withdraw its forces from the Southern Netherlands to defend Silesia. Without Prussian support, the Southern Netherland rebels can be crushed at any time."
Talleyrand's bold suggestion made Leopold II's heart race with excitement; the prospect of reclaiming Silesia was immensely tempting. But he quickly regained his composure and shook his head. "Austria is currently undergoing reforms. It might not be wise to engage in such a large-scale conflict."
"Do you think that by limiting the conflict to the Southern Netherlands, you can control the scale of the war?" Talleyrand countered. "As soon as the Emperor sends more troops, the Prussians will immediately do the same.
"In the end, both sides will be forced to commit all their resources to determine the victor.
"But if the battle is fought in Silesia, even in the worst-case scenario where Austria doesn't win, the war will devastate Silesia, leaving nothing but scorched earth for the Prussians.
"No matter how you calculate it, this strategy is to Austria's advantage!"
Leopold II felt something was off but couldn't pinpoint it. After a long pause, he hesitantly said, "If we attack Silesia, Saxony will undoubtedly side with Prussia. Additionally, Poland is already allied with Prussia; if they attack Austria from the east, the situation will quickly spiral out of control."
Saxony had conflicts with Austria over Bavaria, and Silesia bordered Saxony, making it a gateway to each other's territories. If Austria reclaimed Silesia, it would pose a serious threat to Saxony, which would likely join the conflict.
Talleyrand immediately responded, "Yes, the Prussians have Saxony's support, but don't forget, Austria has France as its friend.
"As for Poland, I can assure you that France has the means to persuade them not to get involved in the Austro-Prussian conflict."
In reality, there was no need for France to persuade Poland. Poland was currently experiencing a national awakening, with its focus entirely on implementing a constitution and resisting Russian aggression. Poland wouldn't interfere in the affairs of other nations.
Leopold II, ever sharp, caught on to Talleyrand's implication: "Are you saying that France is willing to send troops to help us reclaim Silesia?"
Talleyrand smiled and nodded, "His Majesty the King indeed has that intention."
Leopold II nodded in agreement, then asked, "So, what kind of compensation does His Majesty the King expect in return?"
Having served as the Grand Duke of Tuscany for over 20 years, Leopold II was well aware that there were no free gifts between nations.
Talleyrand's smile grew even more sincere: "You already mentioned earlier that you will stand with France in the trade negotiations. That is the best compensation.
"Of course, if His Majesty the Emperor could also acknowledge France's claim over Piedmont, it would further solidify the deep friendship between our two nations."
Piedmont, a region adjacent to southeastern France, was part of the Kingdom of Sardinia. Historically, France had long claimed this area, which also served as a gateway into Italy, making it of strategic importance. With Sardinia's only significant neighbors being France and Austria, Austria's stance was crucial.
In truth, Joseph had no immediate plans to seize Piedmont, at least not at this time. However, if Austria wasn't asked for anything, it might raise suspicions about France's motives.
In fact, as long as Austria and Prussia went to war and escalated the conflict, Joseph would be more than satisfied.
Leopold II nodded. "Very well. I will report this to His Majesty the Emperor. I am confident that the Franco-Austrian friendship is unbreakable!"
As Leopold II and Talleyrand discussed their joint military plans, Talleyrand's assistants were also active throughout Vienna.
In a modest-looking villa, Austrian Field Marshal Franz von Lacy looked seriously at the Frenchman in front of him and asked loudly, "Are you telling the truth?"
The French diplomatic officer, Conrad Hottinger, nodded even more earnestly. "You've probably heard that two years ago, our Prince declared, 'A war between France and Prussia is inevitable.' Yes, and it will happen in Silesia, just as he predicted."
"How many troops will you deploy?"
"I can't say for sure, perhaps fifty thousand or seventy thousand. You know, I'm not a military man."
Excitement flashed in Field Marshal Lacy's eyes. As a veteran of the Silesian Wars, he had always dreamed of reclaiming that prosperous land.
If France could send seventy thousand troops, Austria would have a strong chance of winning.
Of course, Hottinger, as a diplomat, wasn't bound by the numbers he mentioned in informal settings, but they were effective for persuasion.
After some stirring words, Field Marshal Lacy was filled with enthusiasm. He personally saw the Frenchman out of the villa and then hurried to Schönbrunn Palace.
Meanwhile, at the home of Field Marshal Ernst Gideon von Laudon, another French diplomat, Bellamy, passionately recounted the history of Prussia's forceful seizure of Silesia, igniting the old marshal's fury.
"Those damned Prussians," the aging marshal roared, pounding the table, "must be taught a lesson!"
(End of chapter)
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