Chapter 643: The Strong Emperor (asking for monthly votes)

Chapter 644: The Tough Emperor (please vote)

Baron Turgut, the Minister of State, nodded and said:

"Your Majesty, the empire's trade revenue has indeed been declining in the past two years."

Francis II asked again:

"And the key to reversing the trade situation lies in France?"

Baron Turgut hesitated for a moment and nodded again:

"In a sense, you could say that."

Baron Walter on the side waved his good hand and said angrily:

"The French used unreasonable trade agreements to steal our market in South Germany and squeezed out many of our factories. As long as that treaty is still there, our trade situation cannot get better!"

Baron Turgut interrupted him quickly and said:

"In fact, when the treaty was signed, the terms were favorable to us."

The Treaty of the Rhine-Seine was signed by him on behalf of Austria, so naturally he could not slap himself in the face at this time.

Francis II looked at Count Rheinfels:

“So how do you think we should deal with the adverse effects of the treaty?”

The latter had already thought about it on the way back to Vienna and hurriedly said:

"Your Majesty, at present, the southern German countries do not dare to offend France. We may be able to negotiate privately with France and strive to reach independent tariff quotas for the two countries outside of the treaty."

What he meant was to abandon the South German market and blend interests with France to preserve Austria's own market.

Francis II looked at Baron Turgut again:

"Do you also agree with Count Rheinfels?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, this can indeed temporarily stabilize our country's trade income." The Minister of State said, "Then we can use our influence in the German region to call on other countries to boycott French goods, and ultimately achieve the goal of re-signing the treaty. ”

Franz II nodded and said:

"Okay, let's do it."

The monarch and his ministers discussed in detail the details of the exchange of interests with France, and the sky was gradually getting dark.

Palace officials came to remind His Majesty that the dinner was ready. The ministers bowed and said goodbye, and Francis II walked towards the banquet hall surrounded by servants.

Suddenly he heard familiar footsteps behind him, turned around and saw his mother Ludovica chasing after him quickly.

"I thought you wouldn't dine with me."

"It's true that we haven't had dinner together for a long time, and I happen to be free tonight." Ludovica came to his side, but her face became serious, and she whispered, "Actually, Franz, I have something to say. I’ll just tell you.”

"Oh? What can you do, mother?"

"As the emperor, you have to be tougher." Ludovica said. "Those ministers, if they think you are weak, will continue to push you into a corner."

Franz II nodded:

"Well, you're right."

Ludovica's voice was like dry stone:

"As the emperor, you are a sharp sword. Anyone who dares to stand in front of you will be cut off ruthlessly!

"Today you have been too indulgent towards the Foreign Minister. Since he has returned from Karlsruhe with failure and disgrace, he must be punished accordingly.

"Similarly, the French dared to threaten you with their troops. But you chose to humbly exchange benefits for their charity. This will only make the French more arrogant!" Franz II was stunned and nodded again:

"Indeed, I should be tougher."

Ludovica was already dissatisfied with France, and Baron Walter had been slandering France in her ears for more than a year, causing her to hate France to the core.

"You want the arrogant French to know how powerful the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire is and how careless their previous behavior was. Then, immediately revise that damn treaty!"

Franz II had a particularly soft ear. He was only 23 years old and lacked experience in governing the country. After hearing his mother's words, a heroic and arrogant air suddenly surged in his chest.

"Yes! I can't just retreat, Austria's interests must be guaranteed." He straightened his back, "I am the Emperor of Shinra, and I am a sharp blade!"

The next day.

Baron Turgut, Count Kobczl and other Austrian ministers once again gathered in front of the emperor.

Francis II severely reprimanded Count Rheinfels as soon as he came up, saying that his incompetence had seriously harmed Austria's interests, and fined him half a year's annuity.

Then, Emperor Shinra looked at Turgut: "As for the attitude towards France, I think we should not be too weak. Yesterday's negotiation plan needs to be revised."

"But, Your Majesty..."

Just as the Minister of State was about to say something, Baron Walter lowered his height and said:

"Your Majesty is wise and mighty! You must let the French know how powerful you are so that you can effectively protect our country's interests!"

Francis II nodded and looked around at the ministers:

"So, do you guys have any suggestions?"

Since Kaunitz's resignation, the pro-French faction in Vienna's political arena has declined, and the pro-British, UNP and even pro-Russian factions are all brightening at this time.

Chief Royal Advisor Kolinek and Baron Walter looked at each other and said first:

"Your Majesty, we can definitely use our influence over the Italian countries to warn the French that if they do not re-sign the Treaty of the Rhine-Seine, they will lose the Italian market."

At present, Italy mainly includes Sardinia, Genoa, Venice, Tuscany, Sicily-Naples and other countries.

Venice is completely under Austrian control. The Grand Duke of Tuscany is the younger brother of Franz II. Sicily-Naples and the Habsburg family have a lot of marriages.

It can be said that Austria has a significant influence on most of the Apennine Peninsula.

Especially Venice, a major commercial city, accounts for nearly one-third of Italy's trade volume.

For France, losing most of the Italian market for the sake of Austria's market is absolutely not worthwhile.

Franz II nodded with satisfaction:

"This is a good idea, then let's plan it in detail."

Count Rheinfels was reprimanded just now, and wanted to restore his position in the emperor's mind as much as possible, so he hurriedly added:

"Your Majesty, France's previous military exercises were indeed very effective. I think we can hold a joint exercise with Tuscany, which can not only deter France, but also show our strength to the Italian countries."

Everyone then offered suggestions one after another, and soon formulated a diplomatic plan for the trade agreement.

Franz II once again gave the mission to France to Count Rheinfels and announced the end of the meeting.

All officials left, but Baron Thugut stayed and handed a financial report to His Majesty the Emperor.

Franz II was really not familiar with the country's financial situation, and Thugut could hardly explain it to him just by talking, so he had to submit a written document.