The atmosphere was a bit cold. Neither Duke Alexander Gorchakov nor Schwarzenberg had the intention to speak. However, the former had enough time to control himself and could defeat the other party, so he was not in a hurry to speak, while the latter really didn't know what to say.
.
Schwarzenberg felt that it was very difficult for him. He had all bad cards in his hand, either the third or fourth, and throwing them out was not enough to be despised by others. As for simply flipping the table and announcing that he would not play anymore?
Sorry, he is not a firecracker like Windisch Gratz, who explodes at the drop of a hat. Although he is not a serious politician, he is still qualified to be a politician. The biggest difference between politicians and firecrackers is that firecrackers have a bottom line while politicians do not
Bottom line.
Although Schwarzenberg was unhappy, he could still endure it. After a while, he said dullly: "Even if your country is self-sufficient on the issues of Wallachia and Moldavia, it does not require my country's understanding and tolerance."
, but is your country so sure that it can run rampant in the Balkans? The Holy Alliance is indispensable. Once this alliance ceases to exist, can your country still be so confident?"
Schwarzenberg decided to test it out to see what the Russians' attitude towards the Holy Alliance was. If the other party was really awesome, then he could only surrender. But what if the other party didn't have that much confidence? Then
Naturally, you can bargain!
Prince Alexander Gorchakov raised his eyelids. He knew exactly what Schwarzenberg wanted to do. He also admired the little fox's alertness because of the relationship between Nicholas I and Neserrodie.
existence, he really can't say that he doesn't need the Holy Alliance anymore.
But Duke Alexander Gorchakov is not a weakling. As an ambassador, he will definitely try his best to safeguard Russia's interests, or use all means to safeguard Russia's interests, which includes lying, nonsense and deception.
"Your Excellency, do you mean to tell me that Austria is preparing to withdraw from the Holy Alliance?"
Duke Alexander Gorchakov did not answer Schwarzenberg's question directly, but instead led an army. He knew very well that although Schwarzenberg had a lot of power now, he was not qualified to be the master of the country.
He is not qualified to be a representative for such a big event.
However, Schwarzenberg obviously also had two skills. When faced with the rhetorical question, he remained calm and replied calmly: "If the Holy Alliance cannot protect Austria's security and legitimate rights and interests, then this alliance will naturally not exist.
It’s necessary!”
Isn't it just talk and blackmail? Schwarzenberg is very familiar with this trick. Duke Alexander Gorchakov is not bad at playing him. Anyway, now everyone is just talking and not taking action.
, why not talk about it!
Schwarzenberg felt that he had already acted tough enough. As long as the Russians were a little less confident, they would naturally give in. But what he didn't expect was that Duke Alexander Gorchakov was tougher than he thought.
.
The Duke put down the teacup calmly and said naturally: "In this case, we have nothing to talk about. Please initiate a motion to terminate the Holy Alliance Declaration as soon as possible, so that our country can make corresponding preparations in advance.
!”
Duke Alexander Gorchakov's calmness was beyond Schwarzenberg's imagination. He was told directly to withdraw from the alliance. What else could he do? Either he really quit the alliance, or he stayed honest.
There is no other way out than accepting blackmail.
Schwarzenberg was itching with hatred. He knew that Duke Alexander Gorchakov was threatening him. He was seeing that Austria did not dare to withdraw from the Holy Alliance, and he was determined to conquer Austria. This feeling of powerlessness made him such a political leader.
The veteran felt helpless. He could now understand Metternich's helplessness during Napoleon's most glorious era. In the face of absolute strength, all conspiracies and tricks were useless.
Schwarzenberg didn't even know how to end it. It was a bit embarrassing to call Duke Alexander Gorchakov away, but if he didn't retain him, what would happen if he told the country that Austria was planning to withdraw from the Holy Alliance?
Schwarzenberg had heard from Neserrodie that the Duke in front of him did not have a good impression of Austria. He was an anti-Austrian figure in Russia who advocated being tough on Austria. This guy probably wanted Austria to withdraw from the circle on its own initiative.
Then you can encourage Nicholas I to take advantage of the civil strife in Austria to do whatever you want.
Schwarzenberg would not do such a stupid thing. Soon his professional "ethics" defeated his so-called sense of shame, and he quickly stopped Duke Alexander Gorchakov:
"Duke, what I say is all hypothetical. The purpose is to draw your attention. Because of your country's gangster policy, the normal order in Europe since 1815 is collapsing... This will be a disaster! In this disaster there will be no
People can take care of themselves, including your country!"
Duke Alexander Gorchakov snorted in his heart, knowing that Schwarzenberg was being stubborn. This was just an excuse for his last stubbornness. However, he was not prepared to push the other party too hard.
Cruel, just stop in moderation. Anyway, it is impossible to knock Austria to death with a hammer. His purpose is just to take advantage of the situation and gain more political benefits from the civil strife in Austria.
"It's a disaster for you and your country! But not for our country!" Duke Alexander Gorchakov retorted first, "Now all European countries are looking forward to our country's assistance, and they are all looking forward to our country's assistance."
Help restore normal order...and our country's capabilities are limited. If Austria does not respect or be grateful for our assistance, then there is no need for our country to be hot-tempered and cold-hearted. We can definitely help those friends who are more grateful."
Schwarzenberg's face turned darker again. If he continued to talk, he would definitely be pissed off by Duke Alexander Gorchakov, so there was no point in continuing to talk harshly. Let's just talk about some more practical issues.
So he skipped the topic and suddenly said: "Our two countries share common interests in many aspects, such as resisting the oppression of Britain and France, such as resisting the infiltration of pagans in the Balkans..."
After citing a few examples, Schwarzenberg added: "I think our next cooperation should seek common ground while reserving differences, and have more mutual understanding, rather than doing the opposite!"
Prince Alexander Gorchakov smiled slightly and said: "I agree with what you said about seeking common ground while reserving differences and understanding each other! When your country has no time to pay attention to the interests of Christians in the Balkans, our country will uphold justice on its behalf. It is appropriate for us to understand each other! Only we understand each other.
Only by cooperating with each other can we better safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Christians in the region, right?"