Carlo understood that if he couldn't persuade his father now, not only would his plans for the Austro-Prussian War vanish, but even the property management rights he had worked so hard to obtain would once again be subject to the supervision of Victor Emmanuel II.
Looking at the stern face of Victor Emmanuel II, Carlo organized his thoughts: "Father, I believe there is no harm in having General Garibaldi prepare the army in advance at this time.
There will inevitably be a war between Prussia and Austria, and as Prussia's ally, we are bound to participate in this war.
Austria is also our enemy. If we want to reclaim the Venetian region in this opportunity, we must prepare in advance, rather than scrambling to respond after the war breaks out."
Victor Emmanuel II nodded, quite satisfied that Carlo could understand these points.
However, satisfaction was one thing, but when it came to Garibaldi regaining military command, Victor Emmanuel II was not so easily swayed.
"Continue," Victor Emmanuel II said, his face expressionless, still looking sternly at Carlo.
"As you know, Father, General Garibaldi enjoys extremely high prestige among the Italian people and can easily organize a powerful army of tens of thousands.
If we can utilize this, we might be able to inflict unexpected blows on the Austrian army in the Venetian region, perhaps accelerating our progress in reclaiming the area," Carlo continued.
Victor Emmanuel II rubbed his brow and asked, "Compared to the effect these tens of thousands of troops can bring, I am more concerned about the harm they can cause to the Kingdom."
"That is precisely what you don't need to worry about, Father," Carlo said with a smile.
Seeing the surprised look on Victor Emmanuel II's face, Carlo knew his words had worked, and quickly added:
"After the war between Prussia and Austria begins, you can give orders for Garibaldi to participate in the operations against Austria. If Garibaldi's army performs well, the credit for that success will naturally go to you. However, if Garibaldi faces setbacks in these operations, any disappointment from the public will not be attributed to you, right?"
Such tactics were not unfamiliar to monarchs of various countries; it was about placing oneself in a position where one could share the credit without bearing the responsibility.
Despite this, Victor Emmanuel II still had lingering concerns.
"My child, you don't understand how terrifying Garibaldi's popularity among the people is. If his prestige increases again, it will be a fatal blow to the entire House of Savoy," Victor Emmanuel II said earnestly to Carlo.
Garibaldi's popular support was already threatening, and he had even been close to republicanism.
This was a great danger to a monarchical state, and it was the reason why Victor Emmanuel II risked sending a certain number of soldiers to "protect" Garibaldi closely.
"But he is almost 60 years old, Father," Carlo replied.
Garibaldi was old, which was the only thing Victor Emmanuel II could be thankful for.
In an era with extremely poor medical technology, even in Europe, the most developed region in the world, the average life expectancy remained a short 30 to 40 years.
Yes, the average life expectancy in Europe at this time was only a little over 30 years. People like Garibaldi, approaching 60, were rare, which was another reason Victor Emmanuel II felt relatively at ease.
Looking at Carlo, who repeatedly presented reasons that moved him, Victor Emmanuel II stared for a long time before finally blurting out, "My child, I admit you have a great talent for diplomacy."
"So, you agree, Father?" Carlo asked eagerly, a little excited.
"I need to discuss this with the cabinet. Some things cannot be decided by the King alone, understand? Carlo." Looking at Carlo, who couldn't yet fully hide his emotions, Victor Emmanuel II's feelings were complex.
But no matter what, Carlo's showing his intelligence was beneficial to the royal family. Victor Emmanuel II also needed more helpers to help him stabilize the monarchy, especially children like Carlo, who were his flesh and blood.
"Furthermore, even if the cabinet agrees, the state has no funds to help Garibaldi rebuild the army. Alright, whether the cabinet agrees or not, this matter is no longer your concern, Carlo. Someone will inform Garibaldi once there is a result. Your primary task now is to complete your studies at the military academy." Victor Emmanuel II patted his son's head, finally returning to his role as a father.
After this conversation, Victor Emmanuel II looked forward to Carlo's growth even more.
Although there was only one Crown Prince, this did not mean that the future Crown Prince would not need close assistants.
If both Amadeo and Carlo could grow into excellent military commanders, then the future Kingdom of Italy would see a wonderful situation where the Italian Royal Army was completely controlled by the royal family, thus solidifying the position of the House of Savoy.
"I understand, Father," Carlo nodded.
Carlo also knew that he couldn't directly persuade Victor Emmanuel II to agree to let Garibaldi rebuild the army.
Although Victor Emmanuel II said he needed to seek the cabinet's opinion, if he, the biggest opponent of Garibaldi, didn't refuse, it was likely that the Italian government wouldn't refuse this opportunity to gain tens of thousands of troops for free.
As for Garibaldi's military talent, Carlo had no worries at all.
Historically, whether in the Austro-Prussian War or the subsequent Franco-Prussian War, Garibaldi displayed excellent military talent.
One could say that the current Garibaldi was the last shred of dignity for the Italian army. At least the army led by Garibaldi could still fight back and forth with the armies of Prussia, France, and Austria.
If Garibaldi could indeed be persuaded to participate in the war as soon as it broke out, perhaps the performance of the Italian army on the southern front would not be so poor.
This could have a significant impact on the entire Austro-Prussian War. Italy might gain more from this war, and the position of the House of Savoy would be more secure.
If this suggestion yields good results, Carlo believes that his subsequent plans will also proceed more smoothly, at least when it comes to persuading Victor Emmanuel II.