Chapter 416: The Ceasefire Agreement
Without Hanover and Prussia meddling in the affairs of the Southern Netherlands, the rebels led by Vandernoot would soon be crushed by the Austrian army. At that point, the French army would have no reason to stay in the Southern Netherlands—unless they wanted to risk souring relations with Austria by overstaying their welcome.
And France desperately needed the coal resources in the Walloon region, where it had already invested heavily. Leaving now was simply not an option.
As Joseph pondered this, the carriage came to a stop. Two servants, who had been leading the way, bowed and gestured toward a nearby cottage.
"Your Highness, this is the place."
With Cossade's help, Joseph stepped out of the carriage and approached the cottage, where an elderly man with a worried expression quickly emerged to greet him. The man bowed deeply.
"I'm so glad you could come in person, Your Highness, the Prince of France."
It was Wenzel Anton von Kaunitz, Austria's State Chancellor.
Kaunitz ushered Joseph inside, personally closing the door before speaking urgently.
"Your Highness, the alliance between France and Austria is facing a great crisis."
Joseph, knowing Kaunitz was a well-known advocate of a strong alliance with France, got straight to the point.
"Are you referring to the withdrawal of Hanover and Prussian troops from the Southern Netherlands?"
Kaunitz nodded, but then quickly shook his head.
"Yes, those two nations are indeed abandoning their support for the Southern Netherlands rebels. But more importantly, His Majesty the Emperor has decided to sign a ceasefire agreement with Prussia…"
Joseph's eyes widened slightly.
"A ceasefire agreement? Do you mean in Silesia?"
"Exactly," Kaunitz confirmed. "Count Frentz, using some unknown means, managed to convince Karl II and Wilhelm II to withdraw from the Southern Netherlands for just 300,000 florins.
"Afterward, he advised His Majesty the Emperor that the original purpose of the Silesian War was to counter Prussia's interference in the Southern Netherlands. Now that the rebellion in the Southern Netherlands is nearing its end, continuing the stalemate in Silesia seems pointless."
Joseph frowned slightly. This Count Frentz was proving to be quite capable—using the same reasoning Joseph had once given to Joseph II for reclaiming Silesia, but now to argue for ending the war.
He looked at the Austrian Chancellor.
"So, His Majesty agreed?"
Kaunitz nodded.
"To be honest, Austria's financial situation is far from ideal. The costs of waging war on two fronts—in the Southern Netherlands and Silesia—are incredibly high.
"In fact, Emperor Leopold II even suggested to His Majesty that reform efforts be temporarily halted due to financial constraints.
"Additionally, there are rumors that the Hungarian nobility, in opposition to war taxes, is conspiring to start a rebellion. This has also pushed His Majesty to decide to end the war as soon as possible."
Joseph's frown deepened. If the war in Silesia ended, Prussia and Austria would likely shift their focus eastward to Poland, potentially leading to a partition of Poland under Russian mediation.
With Russo-Prussian-Austrian interests increasingly aligned, the three might form an alliance—leading history back to its original course.
Kaunitz seemed even more anxious than Joseph.
"If we fail to reclaim Silesia this time, Austria may lose it forever."
Kaunitz had always been a staunch advocate of "allying with France against Prussia," dedicating his life to defeating Prussia and restoring Austria as the dominant power in the German states. If this major Austrian offensive ended in a stalemate, Prussia's prestige would soar—something Kaunitz could not tolerate.
Joseph knew Kaunitz was right—historically, after Joseph II's reign, Austria's power steadily declined, and it never managed to reclaim Silesia.
He nodded.
"So, what do you propose?"
Kaunitz looked pleadingly at him.
"If France could provide more support—such as additional troops and some loans—I'm confident I could rally the ministers who favor a strong stance against Prussia and persuade His Majesty to continue the offensive in Silesia."
Joseph narrowed his eyes. Was Kaunitz really asking him to withdraw from the Southern Netherlands and then continue sending troops and money to help Austria fight in Silesia?
Did he think Joseph looked like a pushover? Conquering Silesia offered no tangible benefit to France.
Moreover, given France's current financial state, where would the money for loans even come from?
Wait...
Joseph suddenly remembered that Kaunitz had mentioned ministers who were "strongly against Prussia." He looked at the old chancellor.
"Is there strong support in Vienna for continuing the war against Prussia?"
"Absolutely!" Kaunitz nodded vigorously. "People here never forget the shame of losing Silesia. Everyone is worried that His Majesty might negotiate peace with Prussia."
His talk of avenging the shame of Silesia was really about Austria's bourgeoisie not wanting to let go of the prosperous, industrialized Silesian region with its powerful consumer base.
Joseph nodded, a smile forming in his eyes.
In politics, playing to the popular sentiment could be a powerful weapon.
And in Austria, reclaiming Silesia was the most politically correct cause. Although the war had dragged on, draining finances and exhausting the ruling class in Vienna, if they were given a major stimulus, this political correctness could be reignited.
At that point, even the Holy Roman Emperor would struggle to negotiate peace with Prussia.
He said to Kaunitz, "Rest assured, France will continue to support the war in Silesia. And I will not stand by and let Austria bow to Prussia."
"Thank you! Austria will forever remember your support!"
Joseph added, "In return, I'll need your assistance with something."
"I am at your service."
"I need your cooperation at Schönbrunn Palace…"
After leaving Kaunitz's cottage, Joseph immediately headed to the French Embassy in Austria, where he summoned the ambassador, Baron Alphonse.
"Your Highness, bypassing Vienna's press censorship will be difficult," Baron Alphonse said, frowning. "But I will do my utmost to try."
Joseph nodded.
"The intelligence agency will provide full support. And if you run into any difficulties, you can seek help from Count Kaunitz.
"I need those stories published within a week."
"Yes, Your Highness!"
The next morning, Joseph ordered Talleyrand to visit the ministers who favored a strong stance against Prussia, while he himself set off for Madame Delvaux's residence, following his mother's instructions.
The estate was modest in size but charming, indicating that Madame Delvaux, the Queen of France's former wet nurse, was living comfortably. She was still somewhat renowned in Vienna, and if not for the fact that Leopold II's brother-in-law was untouchable, she would never have sought help from Marie Antoinette.
The household had already been alerted by the luxurious entourage and the company of guards in white uniforms. No fewer than seven or eight servants rushed out to greet Joseph.
When they learned it was the French Prince, one maid immediately turned and ran back into the house, shouting:
"Miss, hurry up! It's the—the French Pr..."
An elderly man, who seemed to be the butler, scolded the servants to clear the path and then, with great nervousness, bowed his head and ushered Joseph into the estate.
(End of Chapter)
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