Since the Austrians failed to anticipate the Prussian withdrawal, they still hesitated for a few days after discovering the Prussian retreat. Marshal Lacy believed that the Prussians were deceiving them until they learned that the Prussian crown prince had died, and Frederick also
After returning to Potsdam, they marched to the Austrian border.
When European countries learned that Prussia had given up at this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, they all felt sorry for Frederick. When the Russian Czarina Catherine II learned about it, she sighed to her ministers: Frederick
Giving up the last chance in his life.
However, Austria did not launch an offensive against Prussia. Maria Theresa was worried that there would be no room for relaxation with Prussia. And although there was no direct evidence that the crown prince was killed under the instructions of the Austrians, the murderer of the crown prince was
Austrians This is ironclad proof.
Countries in Europe expressed strong condemnation of the Austrians' blatant behavior. Under external pressure, Joseph II of Austria had to renounce his territorial claims to Bavaria.
On the first day of October 1778, today was the day of the funeral of Frederick William II. All the nobles who had received the news gathered in the Potsdam Cathedral on this morning.
Little William was wearing a straight dress and was led by Frederick to stand in the first row. His mother, Princess Louise, and several of William's brothers and sisters stood behind him. As the last note from the mouth of the Bishop of Potsdam fell, everyone in the church
They all lowered their heads and began to pray.
Amid Louise's sobs, Frederick William II's coffin covered with the flag was buried in a garden behind Sanssouci Palace.
After the funeral, Frederick pulled William into the study. He pointed to the map of Europe placed on the table and said:
"William, because of this sudden accident, our army has been completely reduced, but the envoy I sent to Austria came back and told me that Joseph II did not want to end the war like this. What do you think our army should do next?"
William knew that this was Frederick's test for him, and he said calmly:
"I think that at present, our army is really not suitable for a large-scale war with the Austrians. Although our army still retains most of its strength, the country is not stable now. We don't know how many Austrian spies there are among us.
So I think the main force of Saxony should be ordered to dig deep trenches and assume a defensive posture. The Bohemian Front led by Prince Henry should look for an opportunity to teach the Austrians a small lesson and let the Audi people understand that the armistice is a gift to them."
After listening to William's words, Frederick nodded and said:
"William, if Prussia wants to rise, it must unify the entire Holy Roman Empire, and the Austrian Habsburg family in the current empire is our biggest enemy.
When I was a teenager, I once went to Vienna, where I was warmly received by Charles VI, the then Holy Roman Emperor. Charles VI accepted me as his godson. I am very grateful to him. He was really kind to me.
.
But in Vienna I also learned about the gap between Prussia and Austria, and I swore that Prussia would surpass Austria sooner or later.
That autumn I met a girl in the court of Vienna. She was very beautiful, cheerful and generous. Being with her always makes you feel warm and free of any worries.
Later I found out that the girl was my godfather's daughter, Maria Theresa. I asked my father to propose marriage to my godfather, and he agreed.
But later, under the opposition of Maria and Prince Eugen, he overturned his promise to me. I was unwilling to give in. Why, why should I object? The husband that woman found was better than me in any way. As long as we are together, it will be sacred.
The Roman Empire would become the most powerful country in Europe, no, in the world.
Later, when my godfather died and the Austrian succession war broke out, I told Maria that as long as she would give me Silesia, I would help her and I would personally go to Vienna to fight for her, but she refused.
When Austria was in the most dangerous situation, she promised to give me Silesia, and I immediately stopped attacking Austria. Countries led by France accused me of being despicable, but I really couldn't bear to hurt her.
But after she gained the advantage in the war, she wanted to take back Silesia. I was finally angered by her, and I couldn't tolerate her playing tricks on me again and again.
I decided to accompany her and fight as long as she wanted, without making any concessions to her. Even the subsequent Seven Years' War was a game between me and her.
Now I have taken it lightly, William, I just want to tell you that there is no emotion between countries. If you want it, then don't care what others think and do it according to your own ideas.
A person always has to take several risks in his life. William, the future of Prussia will be left to you." After Frederick finished speaking, he motioned for William to leave. William bowed to Frederick and left.
"Maria, you don't have a few years left, haha,,, the year never ends, hahaha," Frederick's laughter echoed in the room.
When little William returned to his room, he found old Hans, Rocks and old Zyten all in his room.
"William, starting from tomorrow, you will learn more things. I hope you will work hard." Prince Henry said immediately after seeing little William.
"Yes, Your Highness, you have to grow up as soon as possible. Your Majesty's body is really worrying," Rocks said from the side.
Little William thought for a moment. Although in the original history, Frederick died in 1786, now his cheap father had passed away early. Under the influence of the bad news, Frederick's body would definitely be affected.
.
"Thank you for your concern, sir. I will definitely work hard, and please try your best to teach me. Thank you very much," William said to everyone.
"Your Highness, I have something I have to explain to you. Now that your identity has changed, your attendants will conduct a strict review. Please forgive me," Rocks said to William apologetically.
"It's okay, Lord Duke, I can understand your approach. By the way, I don't know if those damn assassins have been caught," William said, looking at Rocks.
"Sorry, Your Highness, although I mobilized all the people to search, I still couldn't find Lichtnau and his butler Lane. I only found their carriage by the woods outside the city," Rocks replied.
"Have you found everyone in the city?"
"We've found them all, Your Highness."
"I guess that woman must still be in the city. She can't run very far. Mr. Rocks, I beg you to search the city again."
"Yes, Your Highness, as you wish," Rocks promised in a low voice.