Chapter 355 Ambition of the Austro-Hungarian Empire

Austria-Hungary, Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace.

Marshal Herzendorf, chief of the Austrian General Staff, returned from the front line to report to the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I and report on the battle situation on the front line.

"Your Majesty, we worked closely with our allies to nearly completely annihilate the Russian Southwest Front on the front line. The Russian Southwest Front had a strength of 1.2 million soldiers before, but now there are probably only more than 200,000 who fled back to Russia. Plus If Germany had wiped out the Russian Northwest Front Army before, we would have wiped out two million Russian troops in the future." Baron Herzendorf said proudly.

Franz Joseph I also had a long-lost smile on his face. This is undoubtedly good news for him and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After the outbreak of the war, the Austrian army has been at a disadvantage on the battlefield. Well now, the situation is finally reversed.

"Our allies did not disappoint us! At the critical moment, they helped us win!" Franz Joseph I said with a smile.

"The fighting power of the German allies is definitely the best in the world!" Archduke Friedrich, commander-in-chief of the Austrian Army, also said.

Other important ministers and military generals of the Austro-Hungarian Empire agreed one after another, praising the strong combat effectiveness of the German Empire.

However, after hearing these praises, Crown Prince Karl's expression was not so good. Although, the Austria-Hungary Empire won the victory on the Eastern Front, which is very beneficial to the Austria-Hungary Empire and his crown prince. However, he couldn't hear everyone's praise for Germany, and these important ministers and generals of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, who pretended to be Germany's younger brothers.

In the view of Crown Prince Karl, Germany is orthodox in Austria. If it hadn't been for Prussia's powerful force to defeat Austria, they would not have withdrawn from the German Federation. Perhaps, the current Austrian Empire has completed the unification of Germany, and with the current territory, it has already become the hegemon of Europe.

Crown Prince Karl hopes that even if the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the German Empire are allied, the two sides should be equal allies rather than affiliations. In that case, it would be very unfair to the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Of course, the most critical factor is that Crown Prince Karl does not want himself to be inferior to Qin Tian. He hoped that he and Qin Tian would have an equal relationship. Of course, it would be great if he could overwhelm Qin Tian.

"Your Excellency Chief of Staff, the military is on the Eastern Front, what is the next step? Since the main force of the Russians has been eliminated by us, this is undoubtedly our good opportunity! If we can launch an attack on Russia, we can definitely take the opportunity to capture it. A large number of Russian territories." Crown Prince Karl said.

Immediately, all eyes were on Crown Prince Karl. Many people's eyes lit up and they nodded in agreement with Crown Prince Karl's point of view. Indeed, for them, this is undoubtedly a good opportunity to expand the territory of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Wasn't Austria-Hungary participating in the World War just to gain more benefits? Now, the benefits are already in front of him, so naturally he can't give up.

"His Royal Highness, I have made this suggestion to His Highness the German Crown Prince. However, His Highness Oscar has other considerations. His Eighth Army will return to Germany, and it is very likely that it will be involved in the battle on the Western Front. After all, for Germany It is said that the battle on the western front is the most critical." Baron Herzendorf said.

Franz Joseph I nodded: "His Royal Highness Oscar should consider it."

"That's just right, without Germany's participation, we don't have to share their interests with them. As long as our army fights over and defeats the Russians, we will be able to occupy the vast territory in western Russia." Crown Prince Karl said excitedly.

Marshal Herzendorf, Baron, couldn't help but frown, although, leaving Germany aside, the Austro-Hungarian Empire could gain greater benefits. However, I am afraid that in the future, I will face the counterattack of the Russians alone. With the strength of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it may be difficult to resist at that time.

But the other important ministers and generals of the Austro-Hungarian Empire all had bright eyes. Sharing those benefits with Germany is naturally better than obtaining those benefits alone.

A trace of disappointment flashed in the cloudy eyes of Joseph Franz I. He was a little dissatisfied with Karl, the Crown Prince. The layout is too small, and it is too easy to be blinded by immediate interests. If he had extra time, he would definitely choose a crown prince carefully. But unfortunately, his physical condition no longer allowed him to make these choices.

"I will think about this question carefully. I will give you an answer in a few days!" Franz Joseph I said.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Everyone replied.

It's just that they, who were caught up in excitement, didn't seem to understand the meaning of Franz Joseph I's words. They have all been blinded by the benefits of the upcoming blockbuster. Only Archduke Friedrich and Baron Marshal Herzendorf noticed this. However, they also know that it is almost impossible for everyone to give up the idea of ​​continuing to attack Russia and expand the territory with Crown Prince Karl taking the lead, and with the help of other people.

The essence of the First World War was still a war between the great powers in order to compete for more interests and re-divide the world. Therefore, all countries participating in this world war have their own interests. The Austro-Hungarian Empire originally hoped to complete its expansion in the Balkan direction. However, since they were able to expand on the Eastern Front, of course they would not give up this opportunity.

Crown Prince Karl does not think there is anything wrong with the choice of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. They won the war, so naturally they deserved corresponding benefits. If Germany is willing to participate, Germany will naturally be able to share the benefits. Since the Germans themselves refused, then of course they must accept all of these benefits as their duty.

"Let the Germans go and fight Britain and France to the death! We are taking advantage of Russia. If we can bite off a large piece of fat from the Russians, this will make the strength of the Austro-Hungarian Empire further It has been improved. At that time, we will have the strength to force the Germans to face us. I did this for the sake of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, not for my own self-interest. I think His Majesty the Emperor will understand me , will also support me. Crown Prince Karl thought secretly.

He thought that doing so would win the praise of Franz Joseph I. It never occurred to him that he was completely self-defeating.