After receiving the confirmation from the ambassador of the Russian Empire, the last illusion in Prime Minister Metternich's heart disappeared.
He was completely certain that more than ten years after the Battle of Waterloo, a new large-scale war would slowly begin on the European continent.
He did not want the balance that the countries on the European continent had finally formed to be broken, but he was even more unwilling to allow his country to plunge into the war recklessly, so he knew that what he had to do was to use his skills to swing back and forth between the parties, and re-
Coordinate a situation that is barely acceptable to everyone.
The more he used his tactics, lied and deceived, the more he had to understand where his bottom line was. Metternich knew that he could never let the tsar rule in Constantinople. This was an unimaginable nightmare - he believed that London and Paris would never want to do so either.
Saw this scene happen.
Therefore, he is definitely not fighting alone, but there are enough fulcrums for him to use.
There is no doubt that this will not be easy, but he believed he could do it - as he did in 1815.
In the next two days, he put aside everything else and focused all his energy on the upcoming major events. The entire diplomatic department was fully operational to prepare for the next European coordination.
However, at this extremely stressful time, there are always some people who come to distract the Prime Minister.
This afternoon, Prime Minister Metternich had to temporarily spare some time from his busy schedule to deal with another difficult visitor.
For him to treat him like this, the identity of this visitor is of course no small matter - in fact, the visitor is the emperor's younger brother, the famous Archduke Karl.
Precisely because the other party's identity was so respected, even though he knew the other party's intention, Metternich had to put on the most respectful attitude to receive this famous commander.
Under the guidance of his secretary, Archduke Karl walked proudly to Prime Minister Metternich's office.
"I'm sorry to bother you, Your Excellency Prime Minister." As soon as he saw Metternich, he greeted him coldly.
It is indeed a bit of a headache to confront Prime Minister Metternich, who is deeply trusted by the emperor's brother, but he has long been used to big scenes, so he is not afraid.
In order to show his attitude in the following talks, he deliberately put on his most serious look, looking directly at Prime Minister Metternich's face, looking aggressive.
"Your Highness, it's an honor for you to take the time to see me." Metternich replied politely, "Is there anything you need me to do?"
As he spoke, he asked Archduke Karl to sit on the sofa, and then asked his secretary to bring him coffee.
Although Metternich's attitude was very polite, Archduke Karl's expression did not loosen at all.
"I don't dare to trouble you to do anything. I just have a question that I need you to clarify for me, so as to help my incompetent father."
"What do you mean?" Metternich blinked in confusion, "Just ask, I will answer everything you know."
The coffee was steaming hot, and the expressions of the two people were reflected on the black liquid surface, but it did not help to dilute the tense atmosphere in the room.
"My daughter Theresa was previously recommended by you to Your Majesty as a candidate for marriage with the Duke of Lechstadt. Although I had some grudges at first, I finally agreed with the palace's opinion." Archduke Karl did not want to waste time.
, so he went straight to the point, "My wife and Teresa had been full of expectations for this marriage. However, the reality of the development was far beyond our expectations... Teresa became the laughing stock of everyone for a time, which was very important to her.
It’s an unbearable blow.”
"This is indeed a tragedy. I am personally saddened by what happened to Princess Theresa..." Metternich sighed sadly, "The willful behavior of Duke Lechstadt is really unbearable! God
I will never forgive him for such evil deeds!"
"Let's talk about God's punishment later. What I want to discuss with you is what to do next." Archduke Karl asked coldly, "To tell you the truth, considering the severe situation Theresa is facing now, I think
There needs to be an answer to this whole thing, and it needs to be as soon as possible, Teresa doesn't have time to delay it."
Metternich knew in his heart that Princess Theresa had already secretly left the country to be with the little guy. It was simply ridiculous for a father to come and ask for an "answer" from him.
But out of royal dignity, even if it was a ridiculous drama, he had to cooperate with it.
"I am as full of regrets about this matter as you are, and I am also deeply sorry for the trouble I have caused to Her Majesty Theresa." He replied solemnly.
"Actually, I am embarrassed to push these household chores to others. No matter how uncomfortable it is, I can still bear it myself." Archduke Karl sighed, then picked up the slightly cooled coffee cup and took a sip.
Coffee, then continued, "But to tell you the truth, my daughter is really annoying. She has always had fantasies about this marriage, and she is eagerly looking forward to the Duke fulfilling his promise to marry me.
She! I scolded her many times, but she couldn't listen to a word. She was like crazy... So I think if you give an explanation on behalf of the palace and the imperial government, it might be more convincing than me.
Some."
"So, do you want me to give you an answer?" Seeing that Archduke Karl was talking about this, Metternich could only clarify his words, "Let's see if this marriage can continue, or should it be canceled immediately?
"
"Yes, I just need this." Archduke Karl nodded heavily, and then looked at the Prime Minister, "Please tell me, is Duke Lechstadt still recognized by the court as eligible to marry Teresa? And
, is their marriage still beneficial to our country? Please give me an answer, no matter which answer it is, I can solve this headache as soon as possible."
Huh, you finally got here.
Metternich was actually prepared in his heart. He knew that he would face such a day, so he remained calm-faced. On the contrary, he gracefully picked up the cup and took a sip of coffee.
Then he pretended to be ignorant and asked the other party, "Is Princess Teresa really so obsessed with His Highness?"
"Hey...that's it." Archduke Karl spread his hands half-seriously, "What can I do if I give birth to such a stupid daughter?"
"It's really a headache. As a father, I can understand your pain now." Metternich comforted the Grand Duke without sincerity, "And, I admit, it makes you and Princess Theresa fall into this embarrassing situation.
I do have a share of responsibility for the situation...I am more obligated than anyone else to remedy the situation and bring this farce to an end as soon as possible."
Archduke Karl narrowed his eyes slightly, and he noticed that Metternich's attitude seemed a bit unusual - logically speaking, he would never admit responsibility so readily.
In other words, a decision has been made within the imperial government, so the Prime Minister no longer needs to be vague.
It seems that I can get an answer today...
So, he looked at Metternich calmly, waiting for him to reveal the answer.
Metternich was not in a hurry, and after taking another sip of coffee, he continued.
"To tell you the truth, as far as His Majesty the Emperor's will is concerned, he also regrets very much that he allowed His Highness Theresa to fall into the whirlpool, so he was originally prepared to take back his life, annul the engagement, and free His Highness... However,
, I just saw what you wanted, but Her Majesty Teresa insisted on fulfilling the engagement, so in my opinion, it’s best to follow her wishes, right? In this way, Her Majesty Teresa’s reputation can be preserved, and we don’t have to continue to do this.
It’s really annoying.”
Archduke Karl was stunned for a moment. He didn't expect Metternich to be so easy to talk to.
And his clear statement also meant that His Majesty the Emperor had also nodded - otherwise Metternich would not have dared to speak so clearly.
"You...you don't object?" he asked tremblingly.
"Young people always have young ideas, what can we elders do?" Metternich replied with a wry smile, "If Her Highness Theresa insists that there is only one person in the world who can bring her happiness, then we can't
I have no choice but to comply with her ideas - after all, I feel ashamed of her."
Of course Archduke Karl would not take Metternich's rhetoric seriously, but he had already determined that the biggest obstacle before him and Theresa had been overcome - His Majesty the Emperor and the Imperial Government were willing to acquiesce that the marriage would continue, which also meant that they
There is no intention to deprive the Duke of Lechstadt of his title, otherwise the marriage would not be approved.
This lucky bastard! Although he felt relieved for a while, he soon cursed viciously in his mind.
"Your Highness, now that you have mentioned this, I am a little worried." While the Grand Duke was still thinking, Metternich suddenly spoke again.
"What worries?" Archduke Charles asked.
"You have just been emphasizing to me that Princess Theresa is very obsessed with the Duke, so I have to have some very scary imaginations - what if, I mean what if, one day in the future, Princess Theresa is dazzled by love.
, forgetting the teachings of you and your wife, as well as the dignity that an Austrian princess should have, secretly went to meet Duke Lechstadt, and even... even did something even more disgraceful. At that time, no one else
It will be too late to remedy the situation, and the reputation of the royal family may also be greatly affected."
Metternich continued in a gentle tone and spoke slowly, "Instead of waiting for such a dangerous situation to happen, we should first think of ways to get things back on track, so that both the reputation of the royal family and the interests of the empire
It's a good thing for everyone, right?"
Although both of them already knew that Theresa was there, they still pretended that she wasn't there yet. Therefore, when Metternich teased her so eccentrically, Archduke Karl's face suddenly turned red and white, and he said with embarrassment.
I didn't say anything, but I couldn't get angry, so I had to pick up the coffee cup and took another sip, secretly cursing the bastard who made me so embarrassed.
However, scoldings come and go, and Archduke Karl also knew in his heart that Metternich's words were not unreasonable - Theresa was now with that young man, and God knows if the two of them would get carried away and taste the forbidden fruit one day.
If you get pregnant or even give birth to a child before getting married, I'm afraid everyone will be disgraced in the end.
"Don't worry, I will resolutely control her and prevent such an unseemly thing from happening." Archduke Karl gritted his teeth and replied.
"Of course I believe what you say, but you also said that Her Highness Theresa has a very stubborn temper. If she insists on having her own way, how will it end?" Metternich continued to ask with a fake smile.
"Then what do you think we should do?" Archduke Karl asked impatiently.
"This matter is indeed very troublesome, but we must find a solution. Taking into account the opinions of all parties, plus I am really guilty of Her Majesty Teresa, so -" I saw that the Grand Duke's emotion had reached the critical point.
, Metternich stopped provoking him, and simply stated his current decision, "You might as well allow Princess Theresa to act of her own will and let them get married as soon as possible... I believe that with Theresa's
With His Highness’s mind and self-control, she should know what she shouldn’t do, but who knows what will happen over time?”
Archduke Karl blinked again, he could hardly believe his ears.
He originally came here with the intention of having a big fight, but he didn't expect that in less than half an hour, he had gotten everything he wanted - and even more than that.
In addition to the joy, he couldn't help but feel a little suspicious in his heart - is all this true? How could Metternich suddenly become so easy to talk to?
"Your Excellency, please tell me, what happened that made you finally make up your mind?" After a moment of silence, Archduke Karl looked at Metternich seriously, "I don't believe that your statement was out of sympathy.
Theresa's guilt, or out of favor for Duke Leichstadt, you must have your own plans - so just tell me, what do you need from me or Theresa?"
"Rather than saying that I have decided something, it is better to say that I have acknowledged the reality. Duke Leichstadt has run away and Princess Theresa is loyal. This is all reality. It is useless no matter how angry I am."
Metternich shook his head slightly, and then replied helplessly, "What I'm best at is acknowledging and adapting to the fait accompli, and then finding ways to guide it in the direction we need -"
"In which direction?" Archduke Karl asked.
"We will contact Her Majesty Theresa about specific matters at that time." Metternich was noncommittal, but just warned, "I just hope that she can show her due patriotism and join forces with Lechstad.
Together with the Duke, we will move forward on a path that is beneficial to both of us. Now Austria needs her to work hard for it. As long as she does this, we can forget about it, whether it is her or him."
Archduke Karl bowed his head and said nothing.
He knew his daughter too well. Theresa had always been a stubborn person. When she was not in a dilemma, she was of course willing to reconcile the conflicts between the two parties. After all, Austria was the country that gave birth to her and raised her; but if the two parties had a
If there is a conflict in a fundamental sense, she will only choose the side she has chosen.
Fortunately, there is indeed no fundamental conflict between Austria and the young man, but there is room for cooperation.
At least that's the case for now.
As for the future, let’s talk about it later.
"She will, she loves Austria." After a moment, Archduke Karl replied.
Now that it comes to this point, the meeting between the two people has come to an end. They both got what they wanted. At least for now, this is the best choice.
"When you go back, say hello to Her Majesty Theresa for me." Metternich stood up and saluted the Grand Duke and said goodbye. "Although I may not be able to attend her wedding, I wish her happiness... I hope she makes the right choice.