There is no doubt that in the era that began in 1789, Napoleon was the brightest star. He shook the whole of Europe, and people named this era after him.
However, he alone cannot write the entire era. Besides him, there is a group of stars that are slightly dimmer but still dazzling enough. Together with him, they decorate the European starry sky and write those legends that make people either excited or regretful.
story.
Prince Metternich is one of the stars.
He is not a brave general, nor is he an expert in governing the country, but he has superb diplomatic acumen and skills, as well as the utilitarianism and ruthlessness hidden under his elegant demeanor. He is worthy of stirring up Europe with other chess players.
Continental chess game.
At the critical moment when Austria was defeated by Emperor Napoleon one after another, he was appointed as the Minister of Foreign Affairs by the Emperor of Austria. He used his flexibility to move around in a limited space. He first showed respect to Napoleon and then took advantage of Napoleon's defeat of Russia to declare war on France. Vienna
During the meeting, they took advantage of the home field advantage to maneuver vertically and horizontally, sometimes showing goodwill to Russia and Prussia, and sometimes showing goodwill to Britain and France. They threaded needles like a butterfly threading a flower, shaping today's European power structure.
In recognition of his contribution, he has been serving as Prime Minister of the Austrian Empire since 1821. His Majesty the Emperor has also given him enough trust. Every word he speaks represents the long-standing Habsburg dynasty.
At this moment, Aigron, along with his guardian Count von Dietrichstein, were preparing to enter a suite in Schönbrunn Palace to meet the Prime Minister.
Just like before, Aigron remained expressionless and walked unhurriedly. He did not have the fear and fear of meeting such a big shot.
Although I was a little strangely excited when I saw famous historical figures at first, after seeing them a few times, I no longer felt the same way.
Even Metternich was just a mortal—albeit an outstanding mortal.
What's more, he is not a friendly existence to Aigron.
Soon, the door was opened.
The room was very empty, except for a thin man standing with his hands on his hands, looking at the scenery outside the window.
Under the guidance of the attendant, Aiglon and the Earl walked into the room, bowed to the Prime Minister, and then the attendant led the Earl out together.
Aiglon stood in the center of the room, waiting for His Royal Highness the Prince's inquiry.
He didn't wait long, Prince Metternich turned around and looked at him.
And Aigron also raised his head and looked at His Highness the Prince.
Today he was wearing a palace embroidered dress, with a ribbon on his chest and a medal of honor hanging around his neck. The jewels and decorations were enough to make people forget that he was already fifty years old.
As usual, he had a ceremonial smile on his pale and wrinkled face, as if he was wearing an exquisite mask.
"Franz, I haven't seen you for a long time, and you've grown a lot taller - it's really gratifying." He said hello softly and gestured for Aigron to sit down.
He is very kind. Even though everyone knows that he is not kind, His Royal Highness still has to show kindness, and Aigron must accept this kindness and show enough respect.
On the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace, no matter how many swords and swords there are, it must be covered with a veil of affection.
"You are as radiant as usual." Aigron smiled slightly and replied with the same courtesy.
"There is no comparison between the age of fifty-three and the age of fifteen." His Royal Highness the Prince replied softly, "The moment you walked in, even though my back was turned to you, I still felt vitality, a direct flow of energy.
Belongs to young people, with enviable vitality..."
"At least you have lived up to your youth, while I have achieved nothing." Aigron replied.
Of course he knew that Prince Metternich couldn't find him just to say these boring compliments, but since the other party wanted to go around in circles, he could only continue to go around.
"And what do you hope to achieve?" the prince asked suddenly.
Then he smiled again, "Dominate Europe?"
This sounded like a joke, but Aigron suddenly became nervous.
In his current situation, he cannot talk nonsense, especially when it comes to such dangerous topics.
"I don't have such illusory and exaggerated fantasies, but I do hope to be a traveler and explorer in the future, so that I can have the opportunity to see any interesting place in the world, and leave a manuscript for the world's reference." Aigron immediately
The answer is, "For me, this is already a far-fetched dream."
"You don't have to be so discouraged. There is no chance that this dream will come true." Prince Metternich spread his hands, seeming to comfort the young man, "Although your special status will bring some concerns to all of us, but I
I believe that as time goes by, one day, the sensitive past will become history, and no one will be obsessed with those things in the past. And that day, you can use your identity as a member of the Habsburg family to participate in all the affairs of the world.
He has traveled to every corner of the world under the admiration of others.”
It is true that these words are very beautiful, and they are even more touching under the soft voice of His Highness the Prince, but Aigron's heart is unmoved.
Obviously, this is just to make things easier for myself.
When politicians say "one day", what they mean is "never likely in the foreseeable future."
However, he was not disappointed, as he had known all these things for a long time.
"Okay, thank you for your kindness." Aigron bowed again and thanked him, "Is there anything you want to tell me?"
"Actually, it's not a big deal." His Highness the Prince shook his head slightly, "I recently paid attention to your studies, and the feedback I got was very good. Almost all your teachers praised you, saying that you are both knowledgeable and intelligent.
If you are willing to work hard, you will make great progress..."
"The teachers have educated me very carefully, and I have no reason to let them down." Aigron replied sincerely.
"Look, this is what I'm talking about -" His Highness the Prince interrupted the young man again, "To be honest, your hard work is hard to see among the nobles, because a life that is too rich and comfortable will always wear away their will.
, they have no motivation to force themselves to work harder. Your Highness Franz, you are different from them. No one without ambition would force himself like this."
Aigron didn't answer for a moment.
Given his situation, no answer seems appropriate. After all, "ambition" is a somewhat dangerous comment.
His Royal Highness did not urge him to speak, but continued speaking on his own.
"I like young people to have some ideals instead of just lying in bed and sleeping in a daze. But Franz, I think you need to accumulate further foundation for your ideals."
"What do you mean?" Aigron had an ominous premonition in his heart.
"How about going to military school? I think you have a good chance of becoming an excellent officer." Prince Metternich looked at the young man with a smile, "I think that in the Austrian Imperial Army, you will have the opportunity to serve everywhere.
, then you can naturally become an excellent traveler and scholar, as long as you are willing."
So that's it...Aigron suddenly realized in his heart.
Finally came.
This is the trajectory of the Roman kings in history.
The Austrian royal family very much hoped to assimilate the rare Roman king into one of their own, so in addition to providing education to the royal children, they also brought him into the imperial army.
In 1822, Emperor Franz awarded the 11-year-old the rank of corporal, allowing him to officially become a member of the Habsburg Empire army.
Then he was sent to a military school to learn the skills an officer should have.
Finally, in 1831, he was given command of the 60th Hungarian Infantry Regiment.
However, for the ambitious King of Rome, this was not a starting point, but an ending point - he damaged his body during the harsh military training and unfortunately contracted tuberculosis in the military camp.
On December 27, 1831, during a winter military parade, it was discovered that he had a severe cough and had to return to Schönbrunn Palace to live, and then he became critically ill.
According to doctors at the time, he coughed up blood and coughed so hard that he almost coughed out all his lung tissue.
——This is definitely not the fate that Aigron wants to copy now.
The sanitary conditions in this era were not very good. Living in military camps and military academies with dense crowds and even worse sanitary conditions would naturally bring more severe dangers. If he followed the historical trend, he would not
Be confident that you will be able to escape.
"I'm very grateful for your kindness, but... I don't have much interest in joining the army." Aigron thought for a moment before rejecting His Highness the Prince's memory. "I like the pen more than the sword."
"But even so, a military experience will be very useful to you. I suggest you give it a try."
Although His Highness the Prince's tone was still very gentle, the smile had disappeared from his face, clearly implying that this was not a suggestion but an order.
But when it comes to matters of life and death, Aigron has no intention of changing his mind.
"Your words are very reasonable... Then let me think about it carefully. It will not be too late to make a decision in the future."
"So should I understand this as rejection?" Prince Metternich stared at Aigron.
His gaze had the unquestioning look typical of someone who has been in a high position for a long time. It was obvious that he had not prepared any other answer for Aiglon.
However, this time the young man still shook his head.
"I'm sorry, but I can only follow my current heart."
The prince did not get angry, but laughed.
"A stubborn young man." He didn't know whether it was a compliment or a sarcasm.
"If being humble to you can gain your favor and improve my situation, then I will naturally be very willing to please you, but - even if I do this, you may not take it to heart. You have always been in the diplomatic field in your life.
I’ve seen so many false and sweet words. No matter how much I say, I can’t impress a veteran like you. In that case, why should I do this?” Aigron replied calmly. “I think maybe if I express my true feelings to you,
better."
There was a moment of silence.
No one was angry, but there was no reconciliation either.
Looking at the young man's clear eyes, the prince was thoughtful.
"Okay, I have received your opinion. Then you can go back first and I will think about it again." As he said that, His Royal Highness waved his hand gently, "I hope you have a pleasant afternoon."
"Goodbye, Your Highness." Aigron bowed slightly, then turned and left.
"I don't want to see another person in you so soon, so please don't forget that this is Vienna and not Paris. This is my advice, Franz."
Just as he was about to step out of the room, he heard a gentle word from behind.
His steps paused slightly, but he immediately stepped on and left the room.