Chapter 650: Wealth Overcomes Enmity
Francis II glanced at the Prussian king with a disdainful tilt of his head.
"It's merely a minor issue. The empire's finances are more than adequate."
William II didn't hesitate to expose the truth.
"Let's be frank. Austria has lost its dominant position in the South German market, and even its domestic market is under threat.
"Hungarians and Bohemians are deeply dissatisfied with your tax policies, which has made it difficult to collect sufficient revenue from those regions.
"Of course, the most pressing issue is the exorbitant military expenses incurred during Emperor Joseph II's campaigns in Silesia."
Seeing the Holy Roman Emperor's displeased expression, William II raised his hand in a calming gesture.
"Yes, I know. My own country also suffered great losses in that war. Why, I even lost Liegnitz."
Francis II snapped coldly,
"That territory rightfully belonged to Austria in the first place."
"Fine, fine. Let's not dwell on the Treaty of Dresden," William II replied with a shake of his head.
"In truth, my kingdom is also under significant financial strain."
The Treaty of Dresden, signed 40 years earlier, was the agreement through which Austria acknowledged Prussia's sovereignty over Silesia after its defeat.
Francis II led the way into the conference room, motioning to the sofa before turning to the Prussian king with a frown.
"So, what is it that you wish to say?"
William II sat down, his stiff Prussian demeanor unyielding.
"Our two countries both need to improve our finances. Perhaps it's time we set aside our differences and pursued a mutually beneficial endeavor."
"And what might that be?"
William II gestured at the attendants and court officials nearby.
"My apologies."
Francis II hesitated but waved his hand.
"You may all leave."
Once the spacious hall was empty except for the two monarchs, William II leaned forward.
"If Austria were to acquire the prosperous region of Lesser Poland, it would greatly alleviate your financial troubles."
The "Lesser Poland" he referred to encompassed the southwestern part of Poland, stretching from Kraków to the western bank of the Bug River. This fertile region bordered Warsaw and lay across the Oder River from Silesia.
Hearing this, Francis II's face darkened.
"My country has never laid claims to Polish territory. Maintaining Poland's integrity has been a consistent policy since the time of Emperor Joseph II!"
He eyed William II with open disdain.
"And if I'm not mistaken, Prussia has a treaty of alliance with Poland."
"An alliance?" William II chuckled, ignoring the comment. Instead, he shifted the topic.
"You must have heard of the Tarnowskie Góry silver mine near Kraków, which opened last year.
"The mine now produces an annual output worth 6 million florins, and it's still growing.
"If you were to acquire Lesser Poland, it would provide you with a steady stream of revenue."
Francis II opened his mouth to speak but fell silent.
Noticing the emperor's hesitation, William II leaned back into the sofa and continued,
"I also heard about how the French humiliated your army in Italy."
"That was merely…" Francis II began defensively.
William II nodded.
"Yes, of course, it was nothing. But if you wish to force the French to the negotiating table and rewrite that trade agreement, you'll need a much stronger army.
"All of that, however, is beyond Austria's current financial means.
"Austria has long sought to unify Bavaria. Oh, don't bother denying it; everyone knows it's true. And to achieve that, you'll need military strength."
Adopting an almost hypnotic tone, he added,
"Perhaps Salzburg, Württemberg, Augsburg… Eventually, you could reunite the fragmented Holy Roman Empire under one banner."
Francis II raised an eyebrow.
"Perhaps even including Prussia?"
"Who knows?" William II replied with a nonchalant shrug.
"If that day ever comes, we can always fight another war.
"But until then, we must first resolve our financial woes. And Poland presents the perfect opportunity."
Smiling, he added,
"Frankly, Prussia is still a part of the Holy Roman Empire. There's no need to view me as a challenger.
"In the future, my kingdom's expansion will focus eastward. The vast lands of East Prussia offer easier targets.
"If we set aside our rivalry, you could claim Lesser Poland while I expand eastward. This way, we no longer need to clash over German territory. Doesn't that sound like the ideal arrangement?"
Francis II remained silent. William II wasn't wrong—gaining Lesser Poland would strengthen Austria's power significantly, and redirecting Prussia's ambitions to the east would provide breathing room for Austria to unify Germany.
But maintaining Poland's territorial integrity had been Austria's longstanding policy. More critically, the more territory Austria took from Poland, the closer it would be to the monstrous "beast"—Russia.
Without Poland as a buffer, hundreds of thousands of Russian Orthodox troops could sweep across the East European Plain, posing a catastrophic threat to all of Europe.
Sensing Francis II's hesitation, William II grinned.
"To demonstrate my sincerity, I should tell you something.
"In fact, I've already signed a secret agreement with Empress Catherine II. Russia will take the Minsk-to-Livonia line, after which they'll withdraw their troops.
"The entire Okshtyn and Pripyat regions will remain with Poland as a buffer against the Orthodox."
He added reassuringly,
"Believe me, I don't want the Russians any closer either. If they cross the Minsk line, I'll stand with you to warn them."
Francis II frowned.
"That's not enough."
"What if we include Britain?" William II countered.
"They'll join our 'eastward expansion' agreement as well. Russia can't afford to ignore Britain's stance."
Francis II narrowed his eyes.
"What is Britain's interest in Eastern Europe?"
"To balance France," William II answered without hesitation.
"France's growing influence in Germany is alarming to them. Oh, and India—surely you've heard rumors that Mysore operates under French influence.
"If Britain wants to act in Germany, they'll need us both."
After a long silence, Francis II finally smiled.
"Thank you for attending my coronation. Perhaps we can discuss certain matters after the ceremonies are complete."
"I look forward to your good news," William II replied.
Warsaw, Poland
Tin-Roof Palace
Prince Poniatowski studied the map before him with a grave expression. Turning to Sieyès, he asked,
"We've received reports of Russian troop movements as well. But are you certain this is preparation for a full-scale war against us?"
Sieyès, though unsure why the French Crown Prince was so confident, nodded as instructed.
"Please trust the capabilities of the French intelligence network. Within six months, Poland will face an unprecedented invasion—and it won't just be the Russians."
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