Chapter 719 Charlemagne’s Dream
One hour later.
Franz II knelt on one knee before Archbishop Chiaramonti, kissed the ring on his finger, and recited the prayer:
“My soul longs for you For your forgiveness and guidance, my life, thoughts and actions are dedicated to you...May all glory be to God, now and forever, for all ages..."
According to the Catholic liturgy, it was God whom he knelt down to worship.
However, it also clearly shows his attitude.
In the Schönbrunn Palace Square, Giacinto Reale looked at the palace gate in front of him and took a few deep breaths, but his hands were shaking slightly.
He heard the news that the papal envoy had arrived in Vienna.
He was supposed to go to see Emperor Shinra before the envoy, but his master Muzarelli encountered heavy snow in Villach. According to the itinerary, he could only leave Austria this afternoon.
For the absolute safety of the master, he could only delay coming to Schonbrunn Palace until now.
Yes, a mysterious person told Muzzarelli a week ago that the Pope sent a special envoy to Vienna - the messenger also encountered snow and wind, otherwise he would have arrived a few days earlier.
Muzzarelli immediately left Austria for the Papal States, leaving Reale behind to complete important tasks.
Reale was soon summoned by Francis II.
The first words Emperor Shinra said when he saw him were: "Where is your master?"
"I think he has almost arrived in Rome." Reale leaned forward and said .
"What?" Franz II was shocked, "Isn't he giving a speech in Bologne? Damn it!"
Reale's heart was beating wildly, and he mustered up the courage to say: "Your Majesty, it seems that you Have you negotiated terms with the Pope?”
People who are familiar with his master say he is a gambler, but he prefers to call him an adventurer. There is an essential difference between the two - gamblers will bet everything without looking at the cards, while adventurers will choose to take action only when they are sure.
So this follower believes that he will not be hanged by Emperor Shinra today.
Franz II nodded and said calmly: "It doesn't matter. As long as he doesn't have my support, the Pope himself can solve him."
"No, Your Majesty." Reale said firmly, "You must support Archbishop Muzzarelli!"
Francz II smiled and motioned to the guards: "Lock him up."< br>
Reale increased his voice: "If you do this, then the letters you wrote to my master are about the ones that made the Holy See declare the Crusade to be a rumor, and the relationship between your Foreign Minister and his negotiation The contents and documents involved will be made public."
Franz II immediately stood up, waved his hand and shouted angrily: "I swear, if he dares to do this, I will throw him into hell! !”
Reale recalled the master’s instructions and continued: “Moreover, the master will also confess to the Holy See that you conspired with him to assassinate the Pope!”
Franz II was immediately stunned.
If only the news that he and Muzarelli conspired to refute the Crusaders was leaked, at most the soldiers fighting in Poland would be a little dissatisfied.
But combined with this incident, Muzzarelli further slandered himself and planned to assassinate the Pope, and he couldn’t explain it at all!
From the outside world, it is obvious that he wants to support the Austrian power of the Holy See, so it is logical to get rid of the current pope. Especially when one of the people involved admits it himself.
Even Pius VI would believe it!
By then, he will be cast aside by the entire Catholic world...
Francz II shouted with a livid face: "Is he crazy? If he does this, he himself will be finished!"
When Reale saw the uncontrollable fear in Emperor Shinra's eyes, he finally breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed that the master had won. He grinned: "The master said that he felt very honored to have such a noble emperor accompany him to hell. Even thousands of years later, people will still tell his story."
“Madman!” The veins on Franz II’s forehead appeared, “Muzzarelli is a complete madman!”
He turned around and looked around, like a drowning man trying to find a piece of driftwood, but found nothing. He fell back on the chair and shook his head: "No, no! Over there with the Pope..."
Reale repeated Muzzarelli's words: "Yes, the Pope will definitely be dissatisfied with you, declare support for the Crusade, and even impose 'excommunication' on you."
Fran Ci II immediately raised his head and looked at him.
Reale continued: "But it doesn't matter. Archbishop Muzzarelli will put pressure on the Pope in the Holy See. As long as he has your support, he will definitely be able to 'persuade' the Pope to give up these ideas. .”
“But...”
"If you are still worried, you can ask Tuscany and Venice to cooperate." Reale smiled, "Oh, the French method works very well, what is it called? Oh, 'military exercise' ', That's right, let the two countries conduct a large-scale exercise on the border of the Papal States
"I believe that the results will definitely satisfy you. "
Seeing that Franz II was sullen and silent, he leaned forward again and said: "Your Majesty, in fact, this is also a rare opportunity for you.
"You know, the Pope is already very old. And when Archbishop Muzzarelli ascends to the Holy See, you will become the new 'Charlemagne'!
"Of course, This process also requires your selfless support. ”
The Charlemagne he was talking about was the creator of Charlemagne's empire.
When people talk about the Papal States, they usually think of "Pepin the Short", the Frankish king who gave Rome to the Holy See. But in fact, it was Pepin's son Charles who made the greatest contribution to the Holy See.
Relying on the absolute support of the Holy See, Charles led his army to conquer the vast territory including France, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and northwest Italy at this time.
Later, he divided the families between his three sons, and only then did the Western European countries come into being. The complete HRE is just "a fragment" of Charlemagne's empire.
At the same time, the Papal States also received huge rewards from Charles, including a large amount of land and religious dominance.
It can be said to be the most glorious period of the Holy See in recent hundreds of years.
When Franz II heard this, he was immediately moved.
Muzzarelli’s meaning is very clear. If he becomes pope, he will help Francis II sweep through Western Europe just like Leo III supported Charlemagne.
Coincidentally, Leo III also became pope through a coup.
Franz II pondered for a long time. Finally, his eyes became firm and he raised his hand to signal to the captain of the guard: "Go and bring Archbishop Chiaramonti back."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Joseph did not expect that, he just did not want the Pope to cooperate with Austria. But a piece of news was sent, which had an earth-shaking impact on the political situation of the Holy See.
……
United States.
Philadelphia.
"With all due respect, it is impossible for Congress to pass this bill." U.S. Treasury Secretary Hamilton showed a regretful expression to Lord Grenville. "Besides, the materials needed to support your country's expeditionary force will inevitably cost a lot. With our country's The financial situation is absolutely unaffordable.”
(End of Chapter)