Chapter 237: Small, the pattern is small.

Replacing France as the Protectorate of the Papal States, it would also be able to criticize Italy in the name of religion in public opinion. The most important thing would be to delay the process of Italian unification, which would be a huge temptation for the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Although the Papal State is now very small, it is not another region, but Rome, one of the most economically developed regions in Italy. At the same time, its cultural history and political status are unrivaled in Italy. The most economically developed are Venice and Lombardy, the former territories of the Austrian Empire.

Ernst just put forward a rough plan and wanted it to become a reality. He also wanted professionals to perfect the details. If he could attract Franz's attention, it meant that the matter was half done.

…

"Ernst!"

Ferdinand, who had just walked out of Schonbrunn Palace, called to his future son-in-law.

"Father-in-law, what's wrong?"

"Do you have any grudge against the Italians? You came up with such a damaging method!"

"Hahaha, how is it possible? Italy has never offended me, and my business dealings with Italy are not small. How can I have any objection to them?"

"You are a businessman. According to your past style, you will definitely not be able to do anything early without profit. There must be some reason for you to cheat the Kingdom of Italy like this."

"Nonsense, where did you hear these rumors? I have always operated with integrity, and friends and businessmen are very willing to cooperate with my companies, and the business I operate has always been legal and compliant. It is not comparable to those unscrupulous capitalists. Tell me the person who spreads the rumors, and I will definitely give him some color!"

"Franz said it."

"Forget it, but being an emperor shouldn't make a distinction between black and white."

"What is the reason that makes you take the initiative to dig a hole for Italy?"

"Don't think blindly. The reason is very simple. East Africa needs a strong Austro-Hungarian Empire, not a strong Italy. It's that simple." Ernst interrupted Ferdinand and said.

"Well, that's right! It seems that I'm overthinking it. By the way, what did you mean when you said at Schönbrunn Palace that you could make a lot of money from it if the law-enforcement war breaks out?"

Compared with politics, money was not less attractive to Ferdinand. If someone else had said this, Ferdinand would definitely not believe it. Ernst had a talent beyond ordinary people in this regard.

"If you want to make a profit without losing money, just buy bonds issued by the Prussian government."

"You don't think so highly of France!"

Ernst's words are equivalent to clearly saying that France must be defeated, otherwise Prussia will take the lead to pay off its debts? The military expenditures spent on the previous war and the debts owed have not yet been repaid.

"France only has a slightly stronger army than the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but has no obvious advantages over the Austro-Hungarian Empire in other aspects. How can it fight Prussia?"

"Although I am an Austrian and a member of the Habsburg family, to be honest, the Austro-Hungarian Empire is far inferior to France. The Hungarian issue alone is very difficult."

"Do you think France is monolithic? There are three royal families in France now. The Orleans and Bourbon families are opponents of Napoleon III, and there is also the largest reactionary group in France - the Republicans."

Ernst said that the French republicans are reactionary groups, which are all understated. A government that is a spokesman for big capitalists who colluded with enemy countries during the war and brutally suppressed the people can be ranked among the top two most disgusting governments in France. The other one was during World War II. of the French government.

"You mean the French would backstab Napoleon III?"

"Those people have soft bones. It's okay to play with the wind. As long as Napoleon III makes a slight mistake on the front line, these idiots will definitely do bad things." Ernst said.

To be honest, the emperor Napoleon III was quite capable. France did develop vigorously under his hands. In terms of national power, France was indeed above Prussia. However, during the Franco-Prussian War, the French rear government's operations said that they were even promoted by insects.

Napoleon III was still not ruthless enough. If he were half as decisive as Napoleon, he would not be stabbed in the back by his men.

…

Schönbrunn Palace.

"Go and call the generals from Vienna."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The main high-ranking imperial generals in Vienna gathered at Schönbrunn Palace before dusk.

"Do you think the Franco-Prussian War can be fought?" Franz asked while sitting on the sofa.

"We must fight, but the time is hard to control."

"What if the Franco-Prussian War will break out in two months!"

"Your Majesty, it shouldn't be possible!"

"Tell me first if there is such a possibility."

"There is definitely a possibility. France has always been obsessed with the German region, and Prussia is not a bad enemy either. Its army size has always remained at the upper level."

"Then, assuming that the Franco-Prussian War suddenly broke out, what should we in Austria-Hungary do?" Franz asked.

"Well, to be honest, it would be better for us in the Austro-Hungarian Empire not to end early."

"But if we don't end early, we won't get anything. We can only sit back and watch as one of the generals gets the exclusive spoils."

"Then what can we do? Our chances of winning are not very high if we join the battlefield. The risks and benefits are completely disproportionate."

Seeing his men quarreling fiercely, Franz remained silent. Austria was indeed in decline. The attitude of the generals towards Prussia and France became unclear. In other words, they were not confident enough.

"Okay, let's not discuss this matter. What if we don't take sides in the Franco-Prussian War, but open up a new battlefield?" Franz said.

"Huh?" The Austrian general was confused by Franz's words!

"Just imagine, if the Franco-Prussian War broke out, a country would be ready to take action."

"Your Majesty, you mean Britain!"

Franz shook his head and said: "I have already said that if we do not discuss the issue of the promotion of France, the empire will not intervene in the promotion of France this time. But if there is a fight for the promotion of France, Italy will not be idle."

"Italy? Could it be that your Majesty is referring to the Papal State!" A keen general immediately noticed the factors and asked.

"Yes, if a war breaks out between France and Prussia..." Franz explained Ernst's analysis and plan in detail.

"Do you think this plan is feasible?"

"Meet in the Papal States and prevent Italy from unifying the Apennine Peninsula! If this is just the goal, it doesn't seem too difficult."

"What's in it for us?"

"Italy's non-unification is the biggest benefit to us. I think Italy's threat to the empire is much higher than that of Tsarist Russia and Prussia. A unified Italy will definitely be detrimental to us. In addition to the navy, it may also have ambitions in the Balkans." Navy Chief said Commander Wilhelm von Tegersov.

The Ottoman Empire can actually be counted, but the Ottoman Empire only has paper strength and is very costly in practice.

"Well, if we are launching an operation against Italy, I think the scope of this plan is still too small. Can we take this opportunity to regain Venice?" an army general suddenly suggested.

His words instantly opened the minds of the Austro-Hungarian generals.

"Yes, this is an opportunity. If the Franco-Prussian War breaks out, Italy will have no backer, and in order to win over us..."

"Wonderful! We all know Italy's combat effectiveness. If it hadn't been supported by France in the past few times, it would have been impossible to pose a threat to us."

"Your Majesty, since there is a war, we should take action now. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

The military generals who had been submissive to Prussia and France just now suddenly changed their attitude. It seemed that the victory of the Austro-Hungarian Empire was in sight and Italy had become meat on the chopping board.

Morale is available, and Franz is very satisfied. The Austro-Hungarian Empire is at the bottom of the four major powers, and it is more than enough to defeat Italy. Now it is time to send personnel and weapons to the Papal States as soon as possible.

As long as the French army retreats and the Pope reaches an agreement with the Austro-Hungarian Empire, there will be an excuse for war. At the same time, as the generals said, Venice cannot be considered impossible to take back.

As for risks, even if the front line advance does not go smoothly, Italy will not be able to counterattack into Austria, but if it succeeds, then Venice...

Venice was too tempting for the Austro-Hungarian Empire. As for the population problem, if you have too many lice and you don't have to worry about debts, doesn't that kid Ernst want to immigrate? When you arrive, pack up the opponents and send them to him to contribute to the development of Africa.

"Now, you come up with a thorough plan. This operation must not attract the attention of interested people. When the time comes, we will catch the Kingdom of Italy by surprise."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" This time everyone is the main combatant.