Schwarzenberg felt that he was in a difficult situation. If he couldn't deal with this difficult Grand Duchess, everything would be in vain. But now the other party's invulnerable attitude was really difficult to deal with. What should he do?
Not to mention, Schwarzenberg is really a bit clever. After trying strong methods just now, he found that the results were not satisfactory, and he knew that continuing to use force would only make things more complicated and difficult to deal with.
So he immediately changed the flag and started to use gentle methods. He hoped that the Grand Duchess would be soft-hearted and hoped to fool her with three melons and two dates.
"Madam, you can't understand my attitude. I always stand on the side of Austria and the royal family. The reason why I remind and warn you is to prevent the worst situation from happening! Personally, I am always willing to do anything for you.
Your Majesty and His Royal Highness the Grand Duke serve and contribute!”
Princess Sophie naturally didn't believe this kind of nonsense, but she also knew that although Schwarzenberg's nonsense could not be believed, this tone was a signal to give in. And she was not sure or confident about a showdown with the opponent, so the best way was naturally
It's about taking a step back. Since the other party has already given in, we might as well see what the conditions are.
"Of course I believe in your loyalty and your ability to lead Austria out of this predicament..."
After going in circles, Princess Sophie asked directly: "So, what do you think is the best way to solve the current predicament?"
Schwarzenberg immediately said: "In view of the current difficult situation, and in view of the fact that His Majesty's personal ability and energy are unable to cope with such an extremely complicated situation... For the sake of His Majesty's health, I think we can consider asking His Majesty to abdicate early to recuperate.
, let’s replace someone with more energy and ability to lead us out of this predicament... I think this is the best solution at the moment!”
As if he was afraid that Princess Sophie would not agree, he said in a deceitful voice: "After all, the current people have lost confidence in Your Majesty. It is too cruel to continue to ask Your Majesty to reluctantly undertake tasks that he cannot bear. It is too cruel to the country and the people.
It is very detrimental to His Majesty himself! So choosing a new leader is the best and perfect way!"
This answer is actually not surprising to Princess Sophie. As early as a month ago, rumors circulated within the aristocratic circle that Ferdinand I would abdicate and choose a new emperor. It was even rumored that he had a nose and eyes. Now Schwarzenberg
It's just that the last layer of window paper has been pierced. What's the fuss about?
Princess Sophie nodded slowly, as if she agreed with Schwarzenberg's opinion, but did not say it out loud. This was also her caution. After all, no one could be too cautious about this kind of thing, even though the uncle was a fool.
, but his wife, Princess Maria Anna of Savoy, is not stupid.
Who is willing to marry a fool these days? Apart from the title of queen, there is nothing else that attracts people. Just like Princess Sophie herself, if it were not because her eldest brother-in-law had no heirs, she would not be willing to marry her.
Archduke Lanz Karl is an imbecile.
Therefore, before everything is finalized, it is best to keep a low profile to avoid false accusations. What's more, Princess Sophie cannot trust Schwarzenberg at all, so she is extra careful.
Seeing Princess Sophie nodding, Schwarzenberg breathed a sigh of relief. He was really worried that Princess Sophie would even oppose the replacement of Ferdinand I, and that would be a big deal. Now the Grand Duchess also agreed to the replacement.
Emperor, then the next thing will be relatively easy.
Of course, Schwarzenberg was not particularly relaxed. After all, it was hard to say whether the emperor replacement plan in his mind would be to Princess Sophie's liking. After all, they wanted to replace Archduke Franz Joseph, not hers.
Her husband, Archduke Franz Karl. Although her husband and son are both her family members, they have completely different meanings.
Either this grand duchess can aspire to the throne of queen, or she is still just a grand duchess. This is a huge difference!
However, Schwarzenberg was not particularly nervous, because in his opinion, the meat was still in Princess Sophie's bowl no matter what, and the title of a mere queen should not be that important.
"In view of the current tense situation, we unanimously believe that your eldest son, Archduke Franz Joseph, is the most suitable candidate... His Excellency the Archduke is smart, capable, smart and wise. There is no one more suitable for that position than him... Huh?"
The shrewd Schwarzenberg obviously realized that he was wrong again, because Princess Sophie was shocked by the news, obviously shocked, and obviously very surprised by this plan!
This made Schwarzenberg's heart skip a beat. He knew something was going to happen again. What if the Grand Duchess disagreed?
Suddenly, he observed Princess Sophie's expression nervously, and his mind was working rapidly, as if he was preparing all kinds of excuses!
Princess Sophie was indeed surprised because she initially thought that her husband's succession to the throne was a sure thing because there were no other competitors!
But who would have thought that this competitor would emerge from the thorn, and these guys were planning to replace her husband with their eldest son, Franz Joseph. What kind of magic operation was this?
For a moment, Princess Sophie was a little confused. Why has she waited so many years? Is it because she loves that idiot Franz Karl? How could she love that idiot? Because she can one day be proud of herself.
Be a queen.
But now this group of courtiers actually told her: Well, we have no plans to make you the queen. If we can make room for Archduke Franz Joseph, you should close your business early!
Naturally, Princess Sophie cannot fully accept it, but if you say she wants to strongly resist and oppose it, that won't be the case. Just like Schwarzenberg said, the meat is still in her pot and she wants her son to be the emperor.
Is this acceptable?
But being acceptable does not mean that you are willing to accept it. This is the most disgusting part of Schwarzenberg's plan for Princess Sophie. She can accept it but it is really disgusting, as if she was forced to eat a fly.
Naturally, Princess Sophie was stunned. She was thinking carefully about the pros and cons, and whether there were any less disgusting options. So after a while, she slowly said to Schwarzenberg: "Your Excellency, your suggestion is really good."
I'm so surprised... Please let me think about such a big matter! I will reply to you as soon as I make a decision, how about it?"
Princess Sophie did not say anything. She hoped to think it over carefully, and it would be best to find a smart person to help her analyze it before making a decision.
Here, Schwarzenberg did not dare to push too far. As long as Princess Sophie did not refuse, he was willing to give the other party some time, so he naturally agreed...