Leopold II immediately ordered a servant to fetch the map of the Southern Netherlands, as he was about to discuss the details of reinforcements with the French people, when he heard Talleyrand say, “Your Majesty, in fact, after a serious analysis by the general staff, it is believed that we should not continue to send troops to the Southern Netherlands.”
“Not send troops?” Leopold II’s face instantly darkened, “Are you suggesting that I abandon the Southern Netherlands?” Experience new tales on empire
“No, no, you misunderstand,” Talleyrand’s expression became serious, “The general staff’s suggestion is that making the Southern Netherlands the main battlefield would be extremely disadvantageous for Austria.”
Just then, the servant brought the map, and Talleyrand pointed to the location of the Southern Netherlands: “You see, this place is very close to both Prussia and the Netherlands, and there are rebels everywhere.
“Austria is a full 800 kilometers away, and whether it’s sending reinforcements or logistics, they are at an absolute disadvantage.
“Besides, even if you deploy a large force and eventually eliminate the rebels, the Southern Netherlands will be severely damaged by the war. In that case, even if the Prussians withdraw from the Southern Netherlands, they would have essentially claimed victory.”
Leopold II frowned and looked at him, “Please give your suggestion.”
Talleyrand stepped forward, meeting his gaze, and said gravely, “Since Prussia and Austria have already de facto started a war, then you should no longer have any concerns.
“Choosing a battlefield that is advantageous for oneself and can yield the greatest benefits is the best strategy.
“And the most advantageous battlefield for Austria is undoubtedly Silesia!
“That region is semi-surrounded by Austria, and the people there identify more with the Emperor’s rule, after all, it was Austrian territory thirty years ago.
“At the same time, neither the Dutch nor the South Netherlanders can offer any support to the situation in Silesia, leaving Prussia to face the powerful Austrian Army all by itself!
“As soon as hostilities begin in Silesia, Prussia will be bound to withdraw its troops from the Southern Netherlands to invest in Silesia. And the Southern Netherlands Rebels, without Prussian support, can be eradicated at any time.”
Talleyrand’s aggressive suggestion stirred something in Leopold II; the prospect of reclaiming Silesia was undoubtedly hugely tempting. But he quickly calmed down and shook his head, “Austria is currently undergoing reforms, and it may not be appropriate to engage in such large-scale warfare.”
“Do you think the scale of the war will be under control if it is only fought in the Southern Netherlands?” Talleyrand asked, “Once the Emperor sends reinforcements, the Prussians will immediately follow with their own reinforcements.
“In the end, both sides will still use all their national power to determine the winner.
“But if the fight is in Silesia, even in the worst-case scenario where Austria doesn’t win, the war would destroy the region, leaving nothing but scorched earth for Prussia.
“No matter how you calculate it, this is strategically advantageous!”
Leopold II still felt something was off but couldn’t quite put his finger on it. After a long hesitation, he said, “If we attack Silesia, Saxony will definitely side with Prussia. And Poland has already formed an alliance with Prussia; if they attack Austria from the east, the situation could quickly spiral out of control.”
There were disagreements between Saxony and Austria over the issue of Bavaria, and Silesia bordered Saxon; they were gateways into each other’s territories. If Austria were to recapture Silesia, it would inevitably pose a major threat to Saxony, so the latter would surely join the conflict.
Talleyrand immediately said, “Yes, the Prussians have Saxony’s assistance, but let us not forget, Austria has France as a friend.
“As for Poland, I can assure you that France is confident it can persuade them not to get involved in the conflict between Prussia and Austria.”
France doesn’t need to be persuaded at all, as Poland is currently experiencing a national awakening. They are fully focused on implementing a constitution and resisting Russian aggression, with no interference in the affairs of other countries.
Leopold II keenly grasped the implication of his words, “Are you saying that France will send troops to help us recover Silesia?”
Talleyrand smiled and nodded, “His Majesty the King indeed has such intentions.”
Leopold II nodded and then asked, “Then, what kind of return does His Majesty the King expect?”
Having been the Grand Duke of Tuscany for over 20 years, he naturally understood that there are no free gifts between nations.
Talleyrand’s smile grew even more sincere, “As you just said, agreeing to advance or retreat with France in trade negotiations is the best reward.
“Of course, if His Imperial Majesty could recognize France’s rights over Piedmont, it would further demonstrate the profound friendship between our two nations.”
Piedmont, adjacent to southeastern France, currently belongs to the Kingdom of Sardinia. Historically, France has always had its own claims to this region, which also serves as an entrance to Italy and possesses significant strategic value. With Sardinia having only two major neighbors—France and Austria—the attitude of Austria becomes very important.
In fact, Joseph had no intention of targeting Piedmont, at least not for the time being. However, asking for nothing from Austria might make them suspicious of France’s motives.
Actually, as long as Prussia and Austria went to war, and it was a significant conflict, Joseph would be quite satisfied.
Leopold II nodded, “Very well, I will report this to His Majesty the Emperor. I firmly believe that the friendship between France and Austria is unbreakable!”
While he and Talleyrand were discussing the joint military campaign, Talleyrand’s assistants were also busy at work all over Vienna.
In a modestly designed villa, Austrian Army Marshal Franz von Lacy earnestly looked at the Frenchman before him and asked aloud, “Is what you’re saying true?”
French diplomatic officer Conrad Hoettinger nodded even more seriously and said, “You might have heard that our Crown Prince once said two years ago, ‘There must be a war between France and Prussia.’ Yes, his words will come true in Silesia.”
“How many troops will you commit?”
“I can’t say for sure, fifty thousand or maybe seventy thousand. You know, I’m not a professional soldier.”
Excitement flashed in Marshal Lacy’s eyes. As a military man who had participated in the Silesian Wars, he had always dreamed of recapturing that rich land.
And if France could dispatch seventy thousand troops, Austria would undoubtedly have a great chance of victory.
Of course, the numbers Hoettinger, as a diplomat, mentioned in informal settings were not to be taken as final, but they could be persuasive.
After some stirring, Marshal Lacy was filled with fiery passion. He personally escorted the Frenchman out of the villa, and then immediately hurried to Schonbrunn Palace.
Similarly, at the home of Marshal Ernest Gideon von Laudon, the French diplomatic envoy Bellamy also spoke passionately, recounting the history of Prussia’s forceful seizure of Silesia, enraging the marshal.
“Those damned Prussians,” the aging marshal banged on the table and bellowed, “must be taught a lesson!”