Chapter 728: Weak Nations and Diplomacy
Emperor Francis II gripped his cane tightly, pacing anxiously.
Austria's financial situation was already dire. His original plan had been to take advantage of Russia tying down most of Poland's forces so that Austria could seize a large chunk of Polish territory to resolve its own domestic problems.
But after months of fighting, Austria had only barely managed to take Sandomierz—and even then, only the western part of the San River, covering about 80% of a single province.
The profits gained from this occupation were only slightly higher than the military expenses.
If Russia and Poland signed a peace treaty now, Polish troops from the eastern front would immediately be redeployed to the western front.
Field Marshal Wurmser was already struggling against Kraków. If reinforcements arrived, taking the city would become impossible.
Francis II stopped pacing and turned to Thugut. "I need to send reinforcements to the front immediately. We must take Kraków as soon as possible!"
Thugut coughed awkwardly and looked down at his shoes. "Ahem… Your Majesty, that would mean total war with Poland… and military expenditures at least 8 to 10 times higher than they are now."
"What?! That much?"
Francis II froze. After a moment, he hesitated and asked, "Then what do you propose?"
Thugut straightened up. "Your Majesty, we should join Prussia and Russia in forming a diplomatic alliance to negotiate a ceasefire with Poland."
"With the combined pressure of three nations, we can secure our territorial gains."
Francis II had no better idea.
After pretending to consider it for a moment, he nodded. "Then contact Prussia and Russia as soon as possible."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Potsdam, Sanssouci Palace
King William II of Prussia waved his hand impatiently.
"Danzig. I want Danzig!"
Prince Heinrich sighed inwardly and replied, "Your Majesty, in a month at most, 60,000–70,000 Polish troops will return from the eastern front to defend Danzig and other key territories."
"Given the Poles' determination, they will be difficult to defeat."
"Right now, we control three provinces in Greater Poland. The profits we've gained are already significant."
William II glanced at him. "So, you think we should call for an immediate ceasefire?"
"Yes. We should coordinate with Russia and Austria to pressure Poland into making concessions in the peace talks."
Saint Petersburg, Winter Palace
Catherine II glared at Zubov, who had just returned from London.
She gritted her teeth. "The British kept promising they supported our war against Poland. I even went so far as to anger France by expanding trade with them and allowing them to mine in Donbas."
"And this is how they repay me?"
"500,000 rubles? Ha! They might as well be giving money to beggars!"
Zubov kept his head down, not daring to breathe.
He had traveled to London fully confident that he would secure a loan.
But Britain was preparing for war with France, and after the London gaslight scandal and the loss of their Caribbean colonies, Parliament had immediately rejected giving Russia a loan.
Now, for Russia, there was only one option left—peace with Poland.
Catherine II turned back to Zubov and snapped, "You will lead the ceasefire negotiations with Poland. At the very least, I want to keep Minsk and Mozyr."
"Yes, Your Majesty. I will not disappoint you."
At that moment, a court official entered quickly, bowed, and reported:
"Your Majesty, Prince Heinrich of Prussia will arrive in Saint Petersburg tomorrow morning. He seeks an audience with you."
The Next Day
Catherine II listened as Prince Heinrich proposed a three-nation alliance between Russia, Prussia, and Austria to negotiate a joint ceasefire with Poland.
She immediately nodded in agreement and added, "We should invite Britain to join the negotiations as well."
If Britain wouldn't lend Russia money, then at least they could help in diplomacy.
As Prussia's closest ally, Heinrich naturally had no objections. "That is an excellent idea. I will submit a formal request to London."
"They will agree," Catherine II said with a smirk.
Poland, a small nation, had fought impressively on the battlefield.
But against four major powers, they would have no choice but to surrender.
Perhaps Russia could even claim more than just Minsk and Mozyr.
That afternoon, she officially appointed Zubov as her plenipotentiary representative, sending him to London alongside an Austrian prince.
Paris, Versailles Palace
Prince Joseph frowned as he read the Polish ceasefire agreement presented by Sieyès.
The document stated:
Russia, Prussia, and Austria had formed an alliance to negotiate a joint peace with Poland.
Britain was also involved as a "mediator."
Poland was required to cede all territories under military occupation, amounting to:
Two provinces to Russia
Three provinces to Prussia
One province to Austria
**Poland's army would be limited to no more than 40,000 troops.
Danzig Port would be jointly administered by Poland and Prussia, with no military presence allowed.
Poland had to pay a hefty war indemnity.
Britain fully supported the demands of the three powers and urged Poland to sign immediately.
Joseph sighed and murmured, "This world truly belongs to the strong."
He turned to Sieyès, who had just returned from Warsaw. "And Poland's response?"
Sieyès spoke in a low voice. "Your Highness, the Polish Parliament is prepared to accept these terms."
"You know their situation is dire."
"At the current intensity of the war, without outside help, they can hold out for only 2–3 more months before exhausting their national strength."
Since the war began, Poland had drafted over 240,000 men.
Beyond those sent to the frontlines, another 100,000+ had been mobilized for logistics and transportation.
For a small nation of just 10 million, this was the limit.
Additionally, Poland had a significant Eastern Orthodox minority—a population the government did not trust enough to conscript.
Poland's economy was entirely agricultural.
If not for the Tarnowskie Góry silver mines, their finances would have collapsed two months ago.
In short, Poland was too weak to refuse peace.
Joseph picked up the ceasefire terms again.
Honestly, this was far better than what had happened in real history, where the Second Partition of Poland had cost them 300,000 square kilometers of territory.
Even if Poland lost the six provinces demanded by Russia, Prussia, and Austria, it would only total around 50,000–60,000 square kilometers—with only Posen (Poznań) being a wealthy region.
Joseph's gaze fell on the first line of the document:
"Three-Nation Alliance."
Suddenly, an idea formed in his mind.
"They think they're uniting to pressure Poland… but a fragile alliance often backfires."
After a brief pause, he gave Sieyès an order. "Return to Saxony immediately."
Saxony was the site of the ceasefire negotiations.
March 14, 1793
Dresden Palace, Saxony
Polish Royal Minister Małachowski glared at the four foreign negotiators.
With cold fury, he tossed his pen onto the table and sneered:
"Thieves. Traitors. Liars. Scoundrels.
Poland will never accept these terms!"
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