Chapter 414: Withdrawal (asking for monthly votes)
William II's brows suddenly frowned even more tightly.
The British were right - although Prussia survived last year's drought because of large-scale planting of potatoes, the agricultural failure still dealt a heavy blow to the national economy.
Prussia was soon involved in the Brabant Uprising and the Silesian War, and the treasury was losing money like a flood.
If the current situation continues, the national finances may collapse by March next year.
Ending the war in the Southern Netherlands can indeed reduce financial pressure.
Lord Grenville continued:
"In addition, transferring General Blücher to Silesia will also change the balance of forces there."
When he saw the King of Prussia nodding subconsciously, he immediately threw out another bait: "To dispel your concerns, the Bank of England will provide you with a loan of 700,000 pounds to help you win the Silesian War."
He knew that the Prussians were worried about Britain colluding with Austria and betraying Prussia's interests, so he had to express his support for the latter's war in Silesia.
William II's eyes suddenly lit up - 700,000 pounds is 7 million florins! This money is enough for his army to fight until next October. By then, the autumn harvest would have already been harvested, and the finances would be able to continue.
But he was still quite hesitant:
"But this will also allow Austria to regain the Southern Netherlands."
Grenville said: "It will also make them lose France. As you may know, the Austrians have always been wary of France contaminating the Netherlands. The end of the rebellion there means that the French have lost their value to them.
"Of course, we will also exert some influence in Vienna to divide France and Austria."
After hearing this, William II finally nodded and fell into deep thought.
…
Austria Vienna.
In a villa on the west side of Schönbrunn Palace, Count Ferenc hurriedly drove all the servants out, carefully closed the door, and then nervously looked at the middle-aged officer standing aside:
"Is what you said really reliable?"
He knew that this officer ostensibly belonged to the garrison in Vienna, but in fact he belonged to the British Ambassador to Austria.
The officer nodded immediately: "Yes, Your Majesty, this is agreed upon by Lord Grenville and His Majesty William II."
Ferenc's expression changed. In other words, Britain and Prussia had just given up on the rebels in the Southern Netherlands.
He thought thoughtfully and asked: "Then, why did your Lord ask you to tell me this?"
"You know, we must first ensure that the French army withdraws from the Southern Netherlands before the Hanoverian army can leave." The officer said, "This is to ensure that Brussels will not fall into the hands of the French."
"Yes, you are right." Ferenc rubbed his hands excitedly. If His Majesty the Emperor took back the Southern Netherlands after he "offered advice" at Schönbrunn Palace, he would surely be able to rise to prominence in the future.
He immediately thought of another question:
"But Kaunitz and his group will definitely make suggestions to His Majesty and oppose my proposal."
Kaunitz is a representative of the pro-French faction in Austria and has always supported the strengthening of cooperation between France and Austria. Naturally, he will not agree to allow the French to withdraw from the Southern Netherlands.
The officer smiled:
"Marshal Lacy and General Wilmser will be on your side, and at the same time we will cause some trouble for Kaunitz."
Lacy had considerable power in Austrian politics and was also the commander-in-chief of the Silesian battlefield. His opinion carries at least as much weight as Minister of State Kaunitz.
And Wilmser's influence is equally significant. With the endorsement of the two of them, Ferenc's confidence immediately increased. The British insider continued:
"Above all, this has the potential to end the fighting in Silesia."
When he told Ferenc, the latter immediately nodded excitedly: "Please tell Lord Grenville that I will definitely convince your Majesty to let the French get out."
…
Paris.
Versailles, Petit Trianon.
Queen Mary looked at the trembling handwriting on the letter in her hand, and her eyes instantly became moist.
"Mrs. Delvaux, in my memory you are so cheerful and healthy, but why..." She choked up, took a deep breath, put the letter aside, and crossed herself on her chest, "May God bless you. you."
Mrs. Delvaux was her wet nurse and one of the people closest to her before her marriage. In that letter, the old lady told her that her physical condition was not good, and the doctor said that she might be called away by God at any time.
The old lady said that she originally did not want to disturb Her Majesty the Queen with her trivial matters, but her only granddaughter made her really uneasy, so she had to write this letter.
Queen Mary thought for a while, then turned to tell the maid:
"Deboninac, please invite the crown prince here."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Joseph happened to be in the office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs at Versailles at this time, discussing something with Talleyrand.
"According to the information sent by the intelligence agency and the ambassador to Austria, it is very likely that Vienna has decided to let us evacuate the Southern Netherlands."
Talleyrand frowned and thought: "With the strength of the Austrian troops in the Low Countries, it is already very difficult to deal with Blücher's Army. Once we leave, the Brabant rebels will immediately occupy the entire Southern Netherlands." environment and declare independence.”
Joseph nodded:
"Things are too unusual. Maybe I have to go to Vienna with you."
Just yesterday afternoon, the Palace of Versailles received a note from Austria, inviting French diplomats to go to Vienna for discussions. Because of the sudden incident, Talleyrand immediately rushed to the Tuileries Palace and reported the matter to the Dauphin.
While the two were discussing, the Queen's maid knocked on the door and bowed to Joseph: "Your Highness, Your Majesty the Queen invites you to come to her."
"Oh? What's wrong, mother?" Joseph stood up, signaled Talleyrand to wait, and headed towards the Petit Trianon with the Countess de Boninac.
"It seems to be related to Mrs. Delvaux's letter." The maid tilted her head and said, "Your Majesty became a little depressed after reading the letter."
Joseph nodded. Mrs. Delvaux was able to write directly to her mother, which seemed to have an unusual relationship with her.
In this era, not everyone has the right to send private letters to the royal family. You know, even if Catherine II's illegitimate daughter wanted to write a letter to her, she had to go through Potemkin's old men to forward it before it could be sent to the Tsar.
Not long after, Joseph walked into Queen Mary's bedroom and bowed. Before he could speak, he saw his mother's tears falling.
He hurriedly stepped forward and took the queen's hand, and said with concern:
"Mother, what's wrong with you?"
"My dear, I hope you can go to Vienna for me." Queen Mary tried to stop her sobs and looked up at him and said, "Mrs. Delvaux is my wet nurse and has been taking care of me since I was a child. And now she met a man A lot of trouble.”
(End of chapter)