Schwarzenberg was quite confident about going to this appointment, mainly because other nobles around him had expressed support for the abolition of the Lithuania, and he had also initially reached an agreement with Princess Sophie. He felt that he had made his point.
It's very clear, as long as Princess Sophie is not stupid, she will know what to choose.
Now that Austria has basically reached an internal consensus, it will naturally feel more confident to negotiate with external forces. As long as the Russians understand that this is a common choice within Austria, even if they have opinions, they can only hold back.
Anyway, Schwarzenberg was quite confident, but he was immediately poured a bucket of cold water on him by Duke Alexander Gorchakov.
The meeting was held in the office of Duke Alexander Gorchakov. Just after the greetings, the Duke said with great seriousness and meticulousness: "Your Excellency, the reason why I am so anxious to invite you here is mainly because His Majesty the Tsar of our country has heard some very important news recently.
Bad rumors, continue your explanation!"
Schwarzenberg was stunned, because Duke Alexander Gorchakov behaved very forcefully from the beginning, which made him unable to resist. He was also a little confused about what made Nicholas I so serious and gave special orders.
Prince Alexander Gorchakov called him over to clarify.
So he was also prepared and answered seriously: "Really? So, Your Excellency, Duke, what exactly does Your Majesty, the Emperor of your country, need to explain?"
Duke Alexander Gorchakov said solemnly with a straight face: "His Majesty the Tsar of our country has heard some very bad rumors recently. It seems that a small group of powerful officials in your country are trying to stage a coup in an attempt to overthrow Ferdinand I.
The rule of His Majesty the Emperor! These rumors make His Majesty very uneasy. As a friend of Austria and a close comrade-in-arms of His Majesty Emperor Ferdinand I, he has the responsibility and obligation to safeguard the authority and rule of His Majesty Ferdinand I!"
Schwarzenberg's heart skipped a beat, and he suddenly felt something bad was going on. Although the abolition of the establishment had basically reached a consensus within the Austrian elite circle, it did not mean that he could sit back and relax.
This matter happened to be at the most critical and sensitive juncture. It would be bad if it attracted great attention from abroad. But how did this matter suddenly reach the ears of Nicholas I, who was thousands of miles away?
Schwarzenberg glanced sideways at Duke Alexander Gorchakov, who was sitting opposite him. He knew that he must have something to do with the old fox Duke. He was definitely the one who told Nicholas I the news.
He also added a lot of fuel and jealousy, otherwise Nicholas I would not be so serious.
【Tsk!】
Schwarzenberg gritted his teeth in his heart and hated Duke Alexander Gorchakov even more. However, hating him was one thing, but how to deal with it was another matter.
"Is there such a rumor?" Schwarzenberg pretended to be surprised and said indignantly: "This is simply shocking. This is definitely a vicious attack launched by villains with ulterior motives! Maybe it was concocted by Hungarian rebels.
The purpose of these rumors is to disrupt our country and drive a wedge between our country and your country!"
This gesture could not seduce Duke Alexander Gorchakov. To be honest, his acting skills were not as good as those of Princess Sophie! So he just said lightly: "Really? Is it just a rumor? Can you guarantee it? After all, His Majesty the Emperor of our country
We pay great attention and cannot tolerate any mistakes!”
Schwarzenberg felt that he had a toothache. As long as Duke Alexander Gorchakov was serious about it, he would not be able to fool things. After all, Russia was now the father of Austria’s funder. He could offend anyone, but he could never offend the father of the funder.
What!
But Schwarzenberg couldn't give in. After all, they had basically reached an agreement internally. Archduke Franz Joseph was already the perfect monarch in their minds. It would be a bit awkward to change the banner at this time!
So he decided to test Duke Alexander Gorchakov's bottom line first. If the other party was just a showman, maybe he could withstand it?
"Duke, although I have always believed that your country is a good friend that Austria will never leave. But there is still a difference between friends and family. As a friend, not interfering in other countries' family affairs is the most basic quality. But now your country seems to have
Plan to cross the line!"
Duke Alexander Gorchakov moved the tea bowl unhurriedly and said slowly: "That's just what you think. All actions of our country are within the framework of law and morality, but some of your actions
It has exceeded the bottom line of law and morality! I am warning you one last time, stop immediately! Otherwise, you will bear all the consequences!"
Schwarzenberg's eyes turned cold. This level of warning did not scare him, but it did not mean that he could ignore it. After thinking about it, he asked: "Duke, why can't I understand what you are talking about?"
Woolen cloth?"
Duke Alexander Gorchakov directly interrupted his pretending to be stupid and said rudely: "You know, I'm just pretending to be stupid!"
Duke Alexander Gorchakov's directness caught Schwarzenberg off guard. The meaning of such a move made him stop and think carefully. Because every word he said next must be very careful!
After a while, he decided to continue to try his luck: "Your words are getting more and more strange. I really don't understand why you are so..."
However, Duke Alexander Gorchakov immediately used the strongest means to make him understand that he could not fool things and that his luck was also very bad:
"Your Excellency, if you don't respect our traditional friendship and point out your hypocritical statement just now, I will tell you to get out! Since you no longer want the last dignity of the nobility, then I will speak more clearly!"
"Stop your despicable actions immediately! His Majesty Emperor Ferdinand I is the legitimate ruler of the Austrian Empire recognized and respected by His Majesty the Tsar of our country! His status cannot be desecrated by a few despicable conspirators and villains! Stop you
That ridiculous little idea!”
“The great Russian Empire will defend the position of His Majesty Emperor Ferdinand I and will not allow anyone to harm this sympathetic and gentle ruler! If you dare to do anything wrong, you will taste the terrible wrath of Russia!
"
After saying this, Duke Alexander Gorchakov said coldly to Schwarzenberg: "Now you understand it, right?"
At this moment, Schwarzenberg was already dripping with cold sweat, because Duke Alexander Gorchakov was no less than an earthquake or a tsunami. He knew that he was in big trouble!