Chapter 54 Conversation at Schonbrunn Palace

Habsburg Schönbrunn Palace.

Ernst came to Franz for help.

To be honest, Franz has been very busy recently. In addition to the follow-up to the defeat, he also has to deal with the unreasonable troubles of the Hungarian Magyar nobles.

But Franz still found time to meet his future niece-in-law.

"Ernst, why do you have time to come to Austria!" Emperor Franz asked.

"Your Majesty, I am here this time hoping that Austria can support my recruitment work in Austria." Ernst said frankly.

"You don't need to tell me about such a trivial matter!" Franz said puzzled.

For such a trivial matter as recruiting workers, you still need to go to the palace to tell yourself in person. So many companies in Austria have to report to you every day. It is really an exaggeration.

"Actually, that's the case, Your Majesty, the number of people I'm recruiting this time is a little too high. And I hope the Austrian government can endorse this recruitment."

"How many people do you want to recruit?" Franz asked curiously. After all, if there are few people, the government will not be needed.

"If possible, tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands." Ernst replied without changing his expression.

"Ernst, are you kidding! Are you planning to arm an army? So many people are outrageous!" Franz asked in disbelief.

Ernst explained clearly: "Your Majesty, this is actually the case. I think you should know that I have a colony in East Africa. The current economic benefits are pretty good and I can barely balance the books. However, there are factors that hinder the development of the colony. It’s the population. Because no one wanted to go to East Africa for development, I recruited a lot of people from Asia. Just like the German population in the Austrian Empire, the number of white people in the colonies is very small. I think you know what this means!”

"So you want to recruit people from the Austrian Empire to balance the Asians in the colonies! But why don't you recruit people from Prussia?" Franz asked curiously.

How do I answer the call? Ernst complained in his heart, could it be that the Austrian people have a low cultural level and are easy to fool!

"This is actually the case, Your Majesty." Ernst said bravely: "Prussia's army has solved Prussia's employment problem very well in recent years, so there are fewer people who choose to go overseas for development. It is known that the size of Prussia's army is outrageous. So it’s been difficult to recruit workers in recent years.”

Of course Franz didn't believe a word of this nonsense, but he still decided to give Ernst a chance: "As long as you can tell me the reasons that make me tempted, I may still support you."

Ernst said calmly: "Your Majesty, is Austria now having a headache from nationalists?"

Franz nodded: "That's true, especially the Hungarians, who have been pushing their limits recently and are causing trouble with the central government of the empire!"

Ernst asked: "Then what does Your Majesty think the Hungarian Magyar nobles rely on to negotiate with the Austrian government?"

"It is naturally the strength of Hungary. Hungary has a vast area and a large population. If the Hungarians become independent, Austria will also lose its position in Europe. The empire cannot give up here!" Franz said.

"That's right! Your Majesty." Ernst agreed: "The rise of nationalism in Europe is actually a conspiracy by Britain and France against your country. The Germans in your country do not account for 30%."

“German talents account for more than 20%, but Hungary’s population accounts for 20%, and there are also 10% Poles, Czechoslovaks, Croatians and other Slavic peoples in the empire, as well as a small number of Romanians and Italians. people."

"Among them, the Hungarians alone have the ability to challenge the German nation, let alone the Poles and other Slavic nations in Galicia. In the past, with the entire German region behind, the empire could still suppress these nations."

"But now the international situation is becoming more and more turbulent, and Austria cannot be as powerful in Europe as it used to be. Clowns like Italy dare to pursue the territory of the empire. And once they incite rebellion against the Italians in the empire, then Trieste and The southern part of the empire is very dangerous."

"Poles have always been actively seeking support from European and American countries for national restoration, but Poland is only a country that has existed historically. What motivates the Poles is the cultural identity shaped by the glorious history of the Polish region."

"But are the Poles really just asking for territory within the Russian territory? They are now focusing on smearing Russia in Europe because they need support, but they will not forget Prussia and Austria back then."

"Even if the Poles in the empire currently support the royal family, there is a saying that we can share the blessings but not the hardships. Their current support for your country's rule is based on the suffering of the lives of the Poles in Russia. Once a certain person If there is an economic problem in the Austrian Empire, they will blame Austria."

"In addition, there are other Slavic peoples in the empire. Now the Russians hate your country because of the Crimean War, and Russia's influence among the Slavs is obvious to all. In the past two years, the Ottoman Empire has suffered a lot. It’s a painful experience.”

…

Franz frowned as he listened to Ernst's tirade and interrupted: "That's enough, of course I understand what you mean."

Franz stood up, put his hands behind his back, looked at the territory map of the Austrian Empire, and said in a depressed mood: "I don't know the many shortcomings of the empire, but politics is not as easy as you think, Ernst."

He slowed down and said: "Maybe you are still young, and young people always have the courage to face difficulties, but Austria is so old that a small change may cause a catastrophe and kill the Austrian Empire. "

"For example, that guy Maximino was very radical. As a result, he fell into trouble in Mexico. He was also very aggressive and unwilling to ask me for help. I don't know how he is doing now!"

He walked up to Ernst and said with firm eyes: "The Austrian Empire was once the hegemon of Europe. Although it is facing unimaginable difficulties now, I don't think my ability can solve Austria's problems, but I still have the ability. Help this great country continue its journey."

He turned his back to Ernst and said: "When I grow old, the future belongs to you young people. I believe that you and the younger generations of Austria will use your wisdom to make Austria great again."

"Austria has indeed become turbulent because of nationalists, and the Austrian government itself wants to change this situation."

"But the pressure we face is unimaginable by ordinary people. The aristocrats of various ethnic groups in the country have far more control over the local areas than the central government. Moreover, the Austrian central government's own problems are also very difficult now. Finances have always troubled the government to promote Austria's reforms."

Speaking of this, Franz felt a little lonely and said to himself: "I have also tried to learn from my ancestors to promote centralization and strengthen German education for the people."

"However, whenever the government puts forward these suggestions, the local dignitaries try their best to stop them. At the same time, the economic situation of the empire has become worse and worse in the past two years, and the government does not have the extra financial resources to support reforms."

Of course Ernst was aware of these difficulties. Austria was indeed facing a difficult transition problem, and there was no figure in contemporary Austria who could turn the tide.

For example, although Franz was an emperor, he could not be a radical reformer. His identity determined that he must put the interests of the Habsburg family first.

If he implements reforms, it may shake Habsburg rule, so the royal family will not take the initiative to lead reforms.

And the current Austrian government does not have politicians with outstanding abilities and unparalleled influence in the entire empire.

Prussia next door produced Bismarck, and William I and the previous Prussian monarchs were relatively wise, which laid a good foundation for Prussia. Bismarck also established his personal prestige with the help of war victories and diplomatic achievements.

If Austria can produce a Bismarck-like figure at this time, then Austria still has a chance. Unfortunately, Austria is not a gambler like Prussia and has no spirit of self-innovation.

Of course, the purpose of Ernst's coming here was not to help Austria solve political problems, but to gain population for the colony.

"Your Majesty, Austria's problem is indeed more difficult, but we can choose to reduce the difficulty of the matter."

Ernst continued: “For example, when I recruit workers within the empire, I actually absorb the unemployed farmers from the Austrian empire, who have just entered the city from rural areas across the country. The problem is that Austria’s jobs obviously cannot absorb so many people. "

"Once these people are unable to find jobs, it will aggravate Austria's social crisis and make reforms more difficult. What's more, they will be exploited by radical capitalists. After all, they have criminal records."

Franz sighed and said, "Okay, I know your little thoughts."

"You can recruit workers within the Austrian Empire. As long as you have the ability, you can recruit as many people as you want. But I want to warn you first. Don't pay attention to the Germans. As for other ethnic groups, if you can recruit more, not only will we not If you oppose it, you will still support it.”

In this way, the two people reached a tacit verbal agreement. Austria reduced the number of other ethnic groups through Ernst, and Ernst obtained the white labor force to develop Africa.

Everyone has a bright future...