On the morning of June 1, 1859, at 10 Downing Street, the prime minister's residence in London, Great Britain.
A meeting on the Franco-Austrian-Sardinian War was currently being held here.
The meeting room was filled with smoke, and around the long table sat a number of cabinet members, all with furrowed brows and a solemn atmosphere.
The Home Secretary, the Earl of Malmesbury, who had just entered the meeting room, found the atmosphere somewhat oppressive, and his colleagues before him all looked glum.
The prime minister, Lord Derby, with a large beard, sighed and touched his thinning large head, "Alas, the position of prime minister is really not easy to hold!" He added, "It was so satisfying to criticize Lord Palmerston when I was in the opposition, and now the tables have turned, and it's my turn."
In the recent General election, the Conservative Party led by Lord Derby suffered a Waterloo, becoming a caretaker government. At this critical juncture, the war between Austria and France and the Kingdom of Sardinia broke out, and Queen Victoria had yet to appoint a new prime minister, making it truly difficult for him, the outgoing prime minister.
He turned to the Home Secretary, the Earl of Malmesbury, who had just entered, "James, you're here. What news do you have? Tell everyone."
(The Earl of Malmesbury's full name is James Howard Harris)
"I'm guessing it's bad news, right?" The Home Secretary, Walpole, said with a chuckle, puffing on a cigar.
A burst of laughter immediately filled the room. At this point in time, if it wasn't bad news, it was even worse news.
Great Britain's policy on the European continent was currently to maintain balance and peace. Great Britain was focusing on the development of India and other colonies and truly did not want to be distracted by the European continent. Yet, at this time, a war broke out on the European continent, and it was a war between two strong powers, France and the Austrian Empire. Alas, when it rains, it pours. At this time, they also lost the General election and became a caretaker government.
"Quiet, quiet, Gentlemen." Lord Derby, sitting at the head of the table, tapped the table, his thick eyebrows slightly raised. "Put away your cigar, Walpole. Let's first hear what news James has brought us. Although we lost the General election, we are still loyal subjects of Queen Victoria, and we must fulfill our responsibilities."
"Alright, you guessed it," the Earl of Malmesbury said with a bitter smile as he sat down in his seat, "It is indeed bad news."
The Earl of Malmesbury picked up the teacup on the table, took a sip of Ceylon black tea, and slowly said, "We have received definite news that in the Battle of Montebello on May 20, the Austrian army suffered a crushing defeat."
"Isn't that old news?" General Peel, the war secretary, snorted. His sturdy physique under his dark tailcoat was particularly striking. As an experienced soldier, he had long anticipated the performance of the Austrian army.
"Indeed, this confirms the General's previous judgment that the Austrian army's combat effectiveness is low."
General Peel sneered, "Clearly, Austria missed the best offensive opportunity at the start of the war and has since retreated repeatedly, even retreating back to the Lombardy Kingdom. Battle reports can lie, but the front lines cannot."
Lord Derby's gaze passed through the long table in the smoky haze. "What other news do you have, James?" Lord Derby, sitting at the head seat, knew that his capable subordinate would not only bring this little news.
"Prime Minister," the Earl of Malmesbury took a deep breath, "The situation is even more severe. We have received the latest news that on May 30, Emperor Franz of Austria fell ill in Venice and is in a coma!"
"What?" The meeting room immediately fell into an uproar, and the ministers discussed in low voices. This was a major event. If not handled well, the entire Austrian Empire could change.
"Quiet, quiet, Gentlemen." Lord Derby tapped the table again to maintain order.
"What measures do you think we should take?" Lord Derby sat in his seat and looked at the Home Secretary.
"Prime Minister, given that the Austrian army has not yet suffered significant losses, we should immediately mediate the war."
"Hmph." General Peel, the war secretary, sneered, "Once the news of the Austrian Emperor's coma is spread by the French, the already disunited Austrian army will surely waver. If I were the French commander, I would never miss this opportunity."
"Precisely for this reason, Prime Minister, we should mediate even more. The empire is currently focused on governing India and other colonies. For the sake of the empire's interests, the European continent needs to maintain balance. If Austria is defeated, I fear a new strong power will emerge."
"Are you referring to the Kingdom of Sardinia?"
"No, it might be the Kingdom of Italy formed on the basis of the Kingdom of Sardinia. The monarchs in various parts of Italy mostly rely on the Austrian army to maintain their rule, and I do not believe they have the strength to stop the Kingdom of Sardinia."
"Alas. But we are a caretaker government now, and we can't do anything." Lord Derby patted his head helplessly. The role of a caretaker government is to maintain government rule until the next government takes over.
Lord Derby looked at the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Benjamin Disraeli, who had a mustache and was on good terms with Queen Victoria.
Benjamin Disraeli understood Lord Derby's look; he was asking if there was any news from Buckingham Palace.
He frowned, shook his head gently, and said word by word, "Buckingham Palace has no news, and the opposition is also in internal turmoil, with no one submitting to anyone. Queen Victoria asked Earl Granville to form a cabinet, but he failed."
"Alas," the bearded Lord Derby sighed and said helplessly, "That's how a caretaker government is. We don't even have the authority to lend money to Austria. I propose that Great Britain continue to maintain neutrality diplomatically."
"Agreed."
"Agreed."
"Agreed."
......
Ultimately, the caretaker government of Great Britain decided to remain neutral in the war between Austria, the Kingdom of Sardinia, and France. Let the next government deal with this mess.
......
Meanwhile, at the Golden Palace in Venice.
After seeing off Archduke Albrecht, Franz still felt uneasy, so he picked up a pen and wrote down some of his thoughts.
An hour later, the sun was directly overhead at noon.
"Knock, knock, knock"
"Your Majesty. May I come in?"
A voice of inquiry sounded from outside the door.
"Please come in." Franz looked up at the doorway and put down the pen in his hand.
After the door opened, two people entered. The first was his Adjutant Karl, with golden hair, tall and sturdy, with a strong physique, as if his military uniform was stretched by his muscles. When Franz saw him, he couldn't help but think of the nickname "Golden-haired Lion King."
Following closely behind was a tall, thin man, wearing several medals on his chest, with a dignified face and a perfectly sculpted high nose bridge. His silver hair indicated his age, but time seemed to have only made his temperament more calm and reserved. His eyes were sharp and piercing like an eagle's, and his posture was as straight as a steel ruler. This was none other than the chief of the General staff Baron Hess of the empire.
"Your Majesty, it is truly the empire's fortune to see your health restored." Baron Hess's voice was clear and firm, revealing genuine joy.
"Yes, thank you for your concern, my Chief of the General Staff. The war situation in the past few days has made me a bit exhausted. After resting for these two days, I feel that I have recovered my spirits." Franz waved his hand, indicating that he was fine.
"Your Majesty, lunch is ready. Would you like to discuss with Baron Hess first, or have lunch first?"
"Let's eat and talk." Franz looked up at the golden clock on the wall. The hands were pointing to 12:10. It was better to have lunch first.