How could Duke Alexander Gorchakov have no other demands? Otherwise, why would he be so busy trying to help fight against Windisch Gratz and Schwarzenberg?
Of course, ensuring that Archduke Franz Karl comes to power is part of Russia's demands. As long as this is achieved, this trip will not be considered a loss. This is the bottom line!
However, if he could get more things, Duke Alexander Gorchakov would be happy to accept it. After all, the better the conditions, the greater his contribution would be, and the happier Nicholas I would be.
So he suddenly changed the subject and said: "Our country hopes to establish a deeper strategic relationship with Austria and become an all-weather ally. We hope that the two countries can coordinate and respond to international issues with a consistent tone!"
After a pause, Duke Alexander Gorchakov glanced at Princess Sophie. Seeing that the other party was listening carefully, he said slowly: "For example, the Turkish issue, the Holy City issue, the Slavic issue in the Balkans, and the Caucasus
Issues. On these issues, our country hopes to reach comprehensive agreement with Austria and advance and retreat together!"
Princess Sophie listened very carefully. You may think that Austria can accept these conditions, but it is still a bit aggrieved. Especially the Turkish and Balkan issues, which are also the interests that Austria is most concerned about. If in this regard,
If we make too many concessions to Russia, it may be difficult for the country to explain it.
Although Princess Sophie has never been in power, she has attended many meetings of the Regency Council with her nerdy husband over the years. Although she hates Metternich who has always occupied the position of Prime Minister and is domineering, Princess Sophie must also admit it.
The old fox was of a very high standard and safeguarded Austria's international interests very carefully.
Metternich's Balkan policy had a particularly far-reaching impact. At least Princess Sophie felt that she was incapable of surpassing the old prime minister. Once the fragile balance that the old prime minister tried to build was broken, it might cause a chain reaction like dominoes!
So she asked carefully: "So what is your country's new position on the Turkish issue and the Balkan issue?"
[What a shrewd woman! The men of the Habsburg family are not so good, but their ability to marry wives is quite high!]
After Duke Alexander Gorchakov sighed in his heart, he thought for a moment and replied: "The problems in the Balkans are complicated, and if we act rashly, it may naturally cause chain reactions... Our country has no intention of seeking greater interests in the Balkans, but
In view of the fact that your country's civil strife has greatly depleted its strength, the Balkan balance jointly maintained by Russia and Austria has become extremely fragile due to the decline of your country's strength..."
"So the most realistic approach is for our country to temporarily replace your country and increase its interference in the Balkans to achieve the purpose of containing Turkey and balancing British and French interference. What do you think when your country recovers from the civil strife and gradually restores the previous balance?"
Princess Sophie is not stupid, and she can hear the insincerity in her words. Austria's concession will naturally mean that it will be taken over by Russia. Even if Austria recovers its strength in the future, this piece cannot be taken back just because it wants. Someone's current rhetoric is just
Liu Bei just used Jingzhou as an excuse, I can't believe a word of it!
But, Princess Sophie can't object, because the current situation is that even if Austria does not agree, Russia can nibble away at it little by little to achieve its goal, and the result will be the same. Anyway, as long as it is justified in terms of face, it will be fine for her.
She said calmly: "If it is true as you said, this plan is not unacceptable!"
Duke Alexander Gorchakov smiled and said: "If you agree, I think the relationship between the two countries will soon reach a higher level, and we will become a true country of brothers!"
Princess Sophie just smiled at this. She didn't particularly care about the brotherhood. All she cared about now was her own interests, so she replied: "I believe it will be as you said...then other work will be done."
Leave it to you?"
Prince Alexander Gorchakov smiled and said: "I will do the bulk of the persuasion work. I just need you and His Highness the Grand Duke to express your stance at the right time!"
At this moment, Princess Sophie really breathed a sigh of relief. After seeing off Duke Gorchakov, she took a long breath. She knew that she had grasped the fate of her destiny for the first time. From now on, her destiny
Destiny is no longer controlled by others.
But after she suddenly relaxed, she couldn't help but feel a little sorry for her eldest son. She still cared more about her son than her demented husband. When she thought that for her own benefit, she deprived her son of the opportunity to immediately ascend the throne as emperor, she felt her face
A little shy.
But she soon convinced herself: "Joseph is still young, and this position in the future will be his sooner or later. It's better for me to help lay the foundation first!"
On the other side, after Duke Alexander Gorchakov said goodbye to Princess Sophie, he couldn't help but make a victory gesture on the carriage. This time he finally defeated Neserrodie. With Princess Sophie as a chess piece,
In the future, Austrian politics will not be able to get rid of the influence of Russia. It is impossible for the old guy to think of nothing.
This unexpected victory was really important to Duke Alexander Gorchakov. For the first time in his life, he defeated Neserrodie, which meant that Neserrodie was no longer the strong player.
The Prime Minister who overwhelms him is just an old man who is in his twilight years. As long as he continues to work hard in the future, the old man will not be far away from packing up and leaving.
Of course, Duke Alexander Gorchakov did not get carried away. Although this was a victory with turning significance, it was only a turning point. The final victory was still far, far away. And now he still has work to do.
A lot, it’s too early to be happy now.
"Send an invitation to Schwarzenberg and tell him that I invite him to come and talk!"
Duke Alexander Gorchakov knew very well that real victory still required convincing Schwarzenberg that only by dealing with the little fox could Austria be forced to submit. In order to prevent long nights and long dreams, it was better to deal with him quickly!
At the same time, Schwarzenberg actually wanted to talk to Duke Alexander Gorchakov, because his and Wendy Schretz's plan had reached the most critical moment, and he felt that he had convinced Princess Sophie
, now we just need to get the Russians to nod and understand, and then we can talk to Princess Maria Anna about the abdication of Ferdinand I.
Now the Russians have taken the initiative to invite them, and he happened to generously attend the appointment. It is time to show the Russians the results of his recent work...