Chapter 644: The Resolute Emperor
Baron Thugut, the Minister of State, nodded and said:
"Your Majesty, the empire's trade revenue has indeed been steadily declining over the past two years."
Francis II asked,
"And the key to reversing this trade situation lies with France?"
Baron Thugut hesitated briefly before nodding again.
"In a sense, that is correct."
Nearby, Baron Walter, waving his only good hand, shouted angrily,
"The French have used unfair trade agreements to seize our markets in southern Germany and crush many of our factories. As long as that treaty remains in effect, our trade situation will not improve!"
Baron Thugut quickly interjected,
"Actually, when the treaty was signed, its terms were favorable to us."
The Rhine-Seine Treaty had been signed under his representation for Austria, so naturally, he could not admit fault now.
Francis II turned to Count Rheinfels.
"Then what do you think we should do to counter the treaty's negative effects?"
Count Rheinfels had already contemplated this on his return to Vienna and quickly replied,
"Your Majesty, currently the southern German states dare not offend France. Perhaps we can negotiate with France privately to establish a bilateral tariff agreement outside the treaty."
His suggestion was to abandon the southern German market and instead strike a deal with France to protect Austria's domestic market.
Francis II looked again at Baron Thugut.
"Do you agree with Count Rheinfels' proposal?"
"Yes, Your Majesty, this could stabilize our trade revenue for the time being," the Minister of State replied. "Afterward, we can use our influence in the German states to rally other nations to boycott French goods and eventually force a renegotiation of the treaty."
Francis II nodded.
"Very well, let's proceed with this plan."
The monarch and his ministers then discussed the details of the trade negotiations with France, and as the evening approached, a court official arrived to inform the emperor that dinner was ready.
The ministers took their leave one after another, and Francis II, surrounded by servants, began walking toward the banquet hall.
Suddenly, he heard familiar footsteps behind him. Turning around, he saw his mother, Ludovika, striding quickly to catch up.
"I thought you wouldn't be joining me for dinner," he said.
"We haven't dined together in a long time, and I happen to be free this evening," Ludovika replied, falling into step beside him. Her expression, however, turned serious. In a low voice, she added,
"Francis, there's something I must say to you."
"Oh? What is it, Mother?"
"As an emperor, you must be more assertive," Ludovika said firmly. "If your ministers sense weakness in you, they will push you into a corner."
Francis II nodded.
"Yes, you're right."
Ludovika's tone grew as hard as stone.
"As emperor, you are a sword. Anyone who dares stand in your way must be ruthlessly cut down!
"Today, you were far too lenient with the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He returned from Karlsruhe with failure and humiliation; such a man must face consequences.
"And the French—how dare they threaten you with military force? Instead of standing tall, you've chosen to grovel and trade away our interests for their scraps. This will only embolden their arrogance!"
Francis II hesitated, then nodded again.
"Indeed, I should be more resolute."
Ludovika, who already harbored resentment toward France, had grown to detest them after Baron Walter's persistent criticisms over the past year. Now, her hatred ran deep.
"You must show those arrogant Frenchmen the might of the Holy Roman Emperor! They must realize how reckless their actions have been. And then, immediately renegotiate that damned treaty!"
Francis II, only 23 years old and inexperienced in state governance, was particularly susceptible to influence. His mother's words stirred a fiery determination within him.
"Yes! I cannot keep retreating. Austria's interests must be defended." Straightening his posture, he declared,
"I am the Holy Roman Emperor—I am the sword!"
The Next Day
Baron Thugut, Count Cobenzl, and other senior Austrian officials gathered once again before the emperor.
Francis II began the meeting with a stern rebuke of Count Rheinfels, accusing him of incompetence that had gravely harmed Austria's interests. As punishment, the emperor docked half of the count's annual salary.
Then, the emperor turned his attention to Thugut.
"Regarding our stance toward France, I believe we cannot afford to appear weak. Yesterday's negotiation plan must be revised."
"But, Your Majesty…"
Before Thugut could finish, Baron Walter stepped forward and said loudly,
"Your Majesty is wise and mighty! Only by showing the French our strength can we effectively protect our nation's interests!"
Francis II nodded and surveyed the room.
"Now, does anyone have suggestions?"
Since Kaunitz's resignation, the pro-French faction in Vienna's political circles had waned. The pro-British, Prussian, and even Russian factions were now energized.
The chief royal advisor, Colloredo, exchanged a glance with Baron Walter before speaking.
"Your Majesty, we can leverage our influence over the Italian states to pressure France. If they refuse to renegotiate the Rhine-Seine Treaty, they risk losing access to the Italian market."
At the time, Italy consisted of several states: Sardinia, Genoa, Venice, Tuscany, and the Kingdom of Sicily-Naples.
Venice was entirely under Austrian control. The Grand Duke of Tuscany was Francis II's brother. The Habsburgs also had extensive marital ties with the Kingdom of Sicily-Naples.
In essence, Austria held significant sway over much of the Italian peninsula, particularly Venice, a commercial hub that alone accounted for nearly one-third of Italy's trade volume.
For France, losing most of the Italian market to retain Austria's alone would be a losing bargain.
Francis II nodded in approval.
"This is a good approach. Let's develop a detailed plan."
Eager to redeem himself after the earlier reprimand, Count Rheinfels quickly added,
"Your Majesty, France's recent military exercises were undeniably effective. I suggest holding joint maneuvers with Tuscany. This would both intimidate France and showcase our strength to the Italian states."
The ministers began discussing various strategies, and a diplomatic plan targeting the trade agreement was soon finalized.
Francis II assigned the task of negotiating with France once again to Count Rheinfels, then announced the meeting's adjournment.
As the other officials departed, Baron Thugut stayed behind to hand the emperor a financial report.
Francis II's lack of familiarity with Austria's fiscal situation had made it difficult for Thugut to explain matters verbally, so he resorted to submitting a detailed written document.
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