After Karl said these words, Berger's eyes filled with tears. People who have not experienced it in a military camp will never know the emotions between comrades who rely on each other for life and death.
After Ferdinand ordered the disbandment of the Third Army, many soldiers of the Third Army felt unwilling and desperate, because for them, the army was where they belonged. After leaving the army and facing a new life, these
The men who grew up between blood and fire were immediately at a loss as to what to do.
"As you command, Your Majesty the King!"
Berger solemnly gave a military salute to Karl, and Karl returned a military salute to Berger with a solemn face.
After Berger finished his salute, he immediately led his small group of soldiers to act as the leader of Karl's team, and the group marched towards Vienna again.
Karl ordered his people to fly his Austrian flag. Looking from a distance, the Austrian flag fluttering in the wind was so eye-catching and dazzling.
"The great King of Austria, His Majesty Karl, God bless him, has returned to Vienna!"
And just after Karl ordered people to put up the Austrian royal flag, Berger, who acted as the leader of Karl and his party, immediately ordered people to shout loudly to the surroundings.
Upon hearing the news of Karl's return, the Austrians outside Vienna looked in the direction of Karl and his party. After they saw the flags of Karl and his party clearly, these Austrian people half-knelt on the roadside to salute Karl.
Not long after Karl raised the royal flag, the defender general at the Vienna city gate suddenly changed his expression when he saw the scene outside the city gate, and then he quickly called one of his cronies to him. He ordered this man
The confidant immediately went to the Austrian palace to inform Ferdinand that the Austrian flag appeared outside the city and that Karl might have returned.
At this moment, Ferdinand was arguing with a group of his cronies about his side's deployment in the Austrian army. After a while, Ferdinand received a report from the general who defended the city.
Ferdinand's expression changed when he heard the news that Karl had returned to Vienna, but soon Ferdinand's expression calmed down.
"Okay, there's no need to discuss it anymore, our King is back!"
After Ferdinand finished speaking, some of the people present suddenly turned ugly.
Before Karl returned to Vienna, as the regent of Austria, Ferdinand was undoubtedly one of the most powerful people in Austria. Under such circumstances, it was natural for some people with certain purposes to seek refuge in Ferdinand.
There are many people with this motive among those present.
But it would be different if Karl came back. Karl was not only the legitimate king of Austria, but also had considerable prestige in the army and among the people. However, in this regard, Ferdinand was not as good as Karl for the time being.
In this case, after Karl returns to Vienna, some of the previous edicts issued by Ferdinand that were unfavorable to Karl will inevitably be abolished. And those of them who are close to Ferdinand will naturally become a thorn in Karl's side. If Karl
If he is really angry, he may not fall out with Ferdinand for the time being, but those who have taken refuge in Ferdinand will definitely become the first targets of Karl's purge.
Seeing the strange expressions on the faces of some people in the palace, Ferdinand also secretly resented it.
Although the people he could call to the palace for discussion were basically officials or generals close to him, it was obvious that due to time issues, Ferdinand was still unable to recruit these people as his confidants.
If Karl could come back a month later, then Ferdinand would not be worried at all that a large number of people would betray him among the group of people in front of him, but now he is a little uncertain.
There has never been a shortage of fence-sitters among officials. This has been true at all times and at home and abroad, and when Ferdinand was trying to win over Austrian senior officials, because of Ferdinand's great power, he gained the support of many officials. Of course, these
There are many fence-sitters among officials.
But now Karl is back, and it is obvious that what Ferdinand did during this period will definitely cause great dissatisfaction with Karl after Karl comes back. Under this situation, there must be a conflict between Karl and Ferdinand.
A fierce conflict will break out, and this will make the noble officials who are sitting on the fence feel a little entangled.
"Okay, let's all disperse. We are in a hurry, so we will not go to the gate of Vienna to greet him. Instead, we will convey my order and let all qualified nobles in the Austrian city go to the gate of the palace to welcome the return of His Majesty the King!"
With that said, Ferdinand ignored the people in the palace and turned around and left.
At the entrance of the Austrian Palace, when Karl arrived, what appeared in front of him was a welcoming team that included the entire Vienna high-level, and Ferdinand stood at the front and center of the welcoming crowd.
Riding on the horse, looking at Ferdinand in the blue dress from a distance, Karl's eyes revealed a trace of scrutiny.
And just after Karl gradually stopped his horse, Karl's entire team stopped. At the entrance of the palace, Ferdinand and Karl looked at each other, and a different kind of light flashed in their eyes.
Finally, the stiffness between the two was broken, and Ferdinand, who was standing at the door of the palace, smiled and walked towards Karl.
Seeing this scene, Andre, who was guarding Karl, made a move to ride his horse in front of Karl, but just when he was about to take action, Karl gave him a cold look.
Andre then obediently tightened the reins and stayed where he was.
Karl rode his horse forward and took a few steps forward. When the distance between him and Ferdinand was less than forty meters, Karl turned over, stepped off his horse and faced Ferdinand.
The distance between the two became shorter and shorter. When the distance between the two was only a few meters, Ferdinand was the first to open his arms, and then Karl also opened his arms and Ferdinand.
Nan hugged each other tightly.
"Your Majesty the King, my brother Karl, I miss you so much!"
Ferdinand leaned into Karl's ear and whispered softly, and the smile on his face was still very bright.
After hearing what Ferdinand said, Karl also had a smile on his face, but the strength in his hands increased a bit.
"My good brother, I miss you very much during this time. I hope you haven't caused me any trouble!"
"How could it be? We are good brothers!"
"Really? I'm very pleased that you said that, but what you say is never easy to understand. I think you have to give me an explanation about Tuscany and the Third Army!"
"Karl, don't forget. You are my younger brother. Sometimes, it is not good for a younger brother to cross his elder brother. I am just giving you a reminder!"
"After all, I'm still the King of Austria, right? And you, my brother, I think it's best for you to go to Hungary to visit our dear brother Alexander within this month!"
"Haha. You are His Majesty the King. Whatever orders you give me, I will naturally obey them!"
After saying that, the two gradually let go of their hands hugging each other and then looked at each other and smiled.
Later, surrounded by Ferdinand, Karl met with the upper-class Austrian nobles at the entrance of the palace. During this process, Ferdinand stood beside Karl with a smile. Karl also turned around and spoke to him from time to time.
Ferdinand is speaking. To outsiders, this scene is simply a model of brotherhood and brotherhood.
Of course, both Ferdinand and Karl knew that the break between them began from the moment Karl returned to Vienna.
The person sent to Copenhagen to contact the Russians this time was Kurt, the deputy prime minister of the Prussian government.
In the cabinet of the Prussian government, the deputy prime minister is actually a relatively embarrassing position, because for a militaristic country like Prussia, the prime minister controls most of the powers in the government, while other powers are delegated to him.
It is implemented by the cabinet ministers in charge of various departments. In this way, although the deputy prime minister is nominally second only to the prime minister in the government, his power is even compared to that of the cabinet ministers who are the heads of major departments.
Said there is a certain gap.
But Coote, the deputy prime minister of the government, was very supportive. The reason was very simple. As a close confidant of Rocks, Rocks had always regarded him as his successor.
Rocks has even revealed more than once that he will recommend Kurt to succeed him after he reaches retirement age.
According to Coote, this trip to Copenhagen is an extremely important step in accumulating political capital.
Outside the city gate of Copenhagen, Kurt received a grand welcome from all walks of life in Copenhagen. The Governor of Copenhagen, Rielengel, personally led a team to welcome Kurt's arrival.
"Your Excellency, Prime Minister, welcome to Copenhagen! On behalf of the people of Copenhagen, I would like to extend a warm welcome to you!"
The moment Kurt stepped off the carriage, Rirengale walked a few steps to the front of the carriage. Then after Kurt stood firm on the ground, Rirengale quickly saluted Kurt and said.
Seeing the respectful attitude of Ruilen Gale, Kurt felt very satisfied.
In the officialdom, a deputy is never willing to let others call him a deputy in front of him. After all, it is a matter of face. Of course, unless there are two situations, one is that the other party does not give face, the other is that the other party does not give face.
That is when the official is present.
But obviously, Ruilen Gale is still very generous.
"Your Excellency, Governor, you are so polite, I don't dare to call you that. Your Excellency, the Prime Minister, is busy with official duties and is still working hard in Brandenburg day and night. I don't dare to take over your power!"
"Lord Coote, you are too humble. Your Excellency, the Prime Minister, values you for all Prussians to see. In two years, you will be called Prime Minister, and you deserve it!"
The two chatted at the gate of Copenhagen, laughing endlessly.
That night, Rirengel held a grand banquet for Kurt, and Russians were also invited to the banquet that day.
"Your Excellency Kurt, this is Rojevich, the envoy representing the Russians to liaise with our country!"
Halfway through the banquet, Relengaier brought a tall Russian to Kurt and introduced him to Kurt.
After introducing Rojevich's identity, Relengaier said to Rojevich:
"Your Excellency Royevich, this is our Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Prussia, Mr. Kurt!"
After hearing Relengel's introduction, Rojevich immediately saluted Kurt and said:
"Dear Lord Kurt, hello, it is a blessing from God to see you today!"
Kurt nodded reservedly and then said to Rojevich:
"I am deeply saddened by the misfortune that has occurred in your country, but as a member of the Royal Prussian government, I strongly condemn Brankov's rebellion!"
Kurt's sudden statement stunned Rojevic for a moment, and then a look of ecstasy appeared on his face.
As the deputy prime minister of the Prussian government, what Coote said on this occasion did not just represent his own personal views. To a certain extent, Coote's statement represented the current views of the Prussian government. After all, if not
How could Kurt say this if authorized by the Prussian government?
Rojevich's ecstasy is not unreasonable. You must know that during the civil strife in the Russian Empire, the Prussian government's previous attitude has always been neutral, but the change in the Prussian government's attitude is really a surprise for Rojevich.
surprise.
Seeing the gaffeful look on Rojevich's face, a meaningful smile appeared on Kurt's face.
Before leaving, Locks met with Coote. According to Locks' explanation, Coote must let the Russians know that the Prussian government's attitude has changed, and at the same time let the Russians persist in their determination to fight.
Otherwise, once Alexander fled overseas in despair, wouldn't the Russian treasures and the powerful Baltic fleet be slipping away from the Prussians?
After the banquet ended that night, Rojevich couldn't wait to return to the flagship of the Russian Baltic Fleet stationed in Copenhagen.
When he relayed Kurt's statement at the banquet to Ushakov and Alexander without any emotion, Alexander and Ushakov also showed joy on their faces.
At present, Prussia can be said to be the largest power in the European continent. Under such circumstances, the Prussian government's stance is obviously not that simple. It is foreseeable that if Alexander makes another effort and agrees to some of the conditions,
It is impossible to say that the Prussians would support Alexander's restoration of the country!
Although Alexander had to go into exile at the moment, it did not mean that Alexander was willing to become an exiled monarch. For Alexander, from the moment he left St. Petersburg, it became his unswerving goal to set foot on the territory of the Russian Empire again.
"Your Excellency, Marshal, do you think it is possible for us to ask the Prussians to send troops to help us restore our country? Of course, I also understand that if Prussia agrees to this condition, then the reward they ask for will definitely be not small, but now we have no other way!
"
Alexander said to Ushakov with excitement.
But when Alexander was talking, Ushakov just sat aside and listened quietly without saying a word. After a while, Ushakov frowned and said:
"Rojevich, that Deputy Prime Minister of Kut, did you ever tell you about His Majesty and the fleet?"
"No, Your Excellency Marshal, the Prussian Deputy Prime Minister did not talk to me about His Majesty Alexander and the Baltic Fleet!"
The reason why Ushakov didn't speak just now was because he had his own considerations in mind.
For Ushakov, the Prussians did not take a stand earlier and later but took a stand at this time. Obviously, things are not as simple as imagined.
The Prussians are not philanthropists. Their government changed its previous tone and revealed its support for Alexander. Obviously, it must have something to ask for. At present, Ushakov believes that the only people who can make the Prussians have plans are Alexander and
The Baltic Fleet and those properties on board the fleet.
"Okay, Marshal, we can contact the Prussians first. If that doesn't work, we have almost purchased supplies during this period anyway. We can leave Copenhagen. When we reach the sea, the Prussian navy can't stop us at all.
Stay with our fleet!"
Before Ushakov could speak, Alexander spoke first, obviously having an idea in his mind.
Faced with Alexander who had already made a decision, it was naturally difficult for Ushakov to refute, so he could only nod and acquiesce to Alexander's statement.
Seeing that Ushakov agreed, Alexander called Panin over. In Alexander's view, dealing with senior Prussian officials naturally requires professionals, while Rojevich could only be considered a dabbler. Such a big thing was still
It's better to leave it to a veteran like Pan Ning.
When he heard that Alexander sent someone to summon him, Pan Ning was also stunned.
After leaving St. Petersburg, Alexander's attitude towards Panin declined. At least Alexander discussed everything with Ushakov, but as for him, the former imperial prime minister, it seemed that he had been forgotten aside.
Alexander's summons made Pan Ning's heart become hot again, and he quickly followed the attendants sent by Alexander to see Alexander.
When Penning walked into the cabin where Alexander lived, Alexander was sitting on a chair and tasting black tea.
Seeing Pan Ning, Alexander motioned Pan Ning to sit down and said:
"Sir Pan Ning, I have something I need you to help me with!"
"Your Majesty, for the sake of the Empire and Your Majesty, I am willing to go through fire and water!"
After listening to Pan Ning's words, Alexander's face showed a look of satisfaction, and then he only heard Alexander say:
"Prussian Deputy Prime Minister Kurt has arrived in Copenhagen. It can be seen from Kurt's words that the attitude of the Prussian government has changed. I need you to discuss with Kurt. It is best to let the Prussians help.
We are restoring our country, do you understand what I mean?" (To be continued...)