Chapter 650: Brothers and sisters
"The Austro-Hungarian Empire is the main force in the war against Italy. But the Italians bypassed us and went directly to the Germans for peace. This is clearly contempt for the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which we cannot accept." Crown Prince Karl continued Said.
The ministers all looked at Crown Prince Karl, more or less angry in their hearts. It's just that it's not as intense as Crown Prince Karl's performance.
"Crown Prince, what are you going to do? Don't you go to Berlin to participate in the peace talks? Or directly accuse Germany and tear yourself apart?" Franz Joseph I asked.
Suddenly, Crown Prince Karl was speechless. He only dared to say that. He really didn't have the courage to question Germany and tear himself apart with Germany. He deeply knows how powerful Germany's military strength is. Although the Austro-Hungarian Empire is also one of the major powers in the world, its military strength is far behind that of Germany. If there is a fight, the Austro-Hungarian Empire is absolutely impossible to be Germany's opponent.
When Franz Joseph I saw the speechless Crown Prince Karl, he couldn't help but sighed. Now he feels more and more that the heir to the throne is a bit inappropriate.
"The communication between countries depends on the strength of the country after all. Although we are allies with Germany. But, don't you see that the strength of the Germans has far surpassed ours? This is why Italy The reason why people will bypass us and directly hold peace talks with Germany. If the Germans want to, they can even ignore us. Therefore, if we are not as strong as humans, if we blindly force it, not only will it not bring us benefits , On the contrary, it will put the empire in trouble." Franz Joseph I said.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Everyone replied. They all knew what Franz Joseph I meant. That is, the strength of the Austro-Hungarian Empire is not as good as that of Germany, so don't be too demanding of benefits.
Crown Prince Karl was very unwilling. But in front of Franz Joseph I, he didn't dare to refute at all. Although, Franz Joseph I was dying. But his influence in the entire empire is far from what Crown Prince Karl can compare. If Franz Joseph I wanted to, he could depose him as crown prince with one sentence.
"Crown Prince, you and Baron Berchdold, go to Berlin to participate in the negotiations. I don't expect you to win much benefits for the empire. I only hope that you can form a good relationship with His Majesty William III. The Hungarian Empire is the most beneficial. You are about the same age as His Majesty William III, but His Majesty William III's performance is far better than yours. Therefore, I hope you can learn from His Majesty William III." Fran Ci Joseph I went on to say.
It's just that Franz Joseph I didn't seem to expect that Crown Prince Karl's character was rather paranoid. The more he said that, the more conflicted Crown Prince Karl felt. He is one year older than Qin Tian, so how can he do it if he is asked to learn from Qin Tian?
After leaving Schönbrunn Palace, Crown Prince Karl directly stopped Baron Berchdold who was about to leave.
"Your Excellency the Baron, have the French also sent representatives to Berlin?" Crown Prince Karl asked.
"Yes, Your Highness. According to the information we have received, the French Foreign Minister led a delegation to Berlin. It should also be for peace negotiations. Their navy has failed, and the French also see no hope of victory. Therefore, choose peace talks," Baron Bercidold said.
"Damn, the Germans didn't notify us to participate in the negotiations with the French. They clearly want to eat alone!" Crown Prince Karl's expression became hideous.
Baron Berchdold said nothing. However, the performance of Crown Prince Karl made him a little worried. This time the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I sent them to Berlin to participate in the negotiations. If the relationship between them and Germany was affected because of Crown Prince Karl, it would not be very good. However, Crown Prince Karl has always been paranoid, and he has nothing to do about it!
Crown Prince Karl, with anger, boarded the train to Berlin with the delegation of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
At this time, the French delegation and the Italian delegation have already arrived in Berlin. German Foreign Minister von Kidren Wachter came forward to entertain the two delegations. Although, the two sides are still enemies now. Our soldiers are still fighting to the death on the battlefield. However, this did not prevent the upper echelons of the two sides from starting to contact. Especially when everyone has the will to end the war.
German Emperor Qin Tian and Prime Minister Biluo and other important officials did not show up. This time, the negotiations with France and Italy have been handed over to Vacht to be responsible. With Qin Tian already drawing the bottom line, he should know how to negotiate and how to win more benefits for Germany.
The atmosphere of the banquet was not bad. Everyone exchanged cups and cups, with smiles on their faces. It seems that they have forgotten that both sides are enemies.
However, the smiles of the French and Italians are somewhat far-fetched. After all, they rushed to Berlin this time to seek peace. Soon, the Germans will kill them hard. For peace, they will pay an unimaginable price. Under such circumstances, naturally no one can laugh.
The banquet did not last long before it ended. Due to the urgency of time, peace talks will be held the next day. Therefore, both parties need to take time to prepare.
That night, French Foreign Minister Théophile Delcase and Italian Foreign Minister Paul Bocelli met in secret.
For France and Italy, they are now like a pair of suffering brothers. Losing the war is already inevitable. Next, they will inevitably be slaughtered by the Germans. Although, no one wants to be butchered by the Germans. But in the case of not being able to beat Germany, they can only accept it passively. Otherwise, they will pay a higher price for it. After all, Germany now has enough strength to destroy their countries.
France and Italy hope to form an offensive and defensive alliance during the negotiations. In this case, you may be able to pay less. Their country also suffered heavy losses in the war. If the Germans blackmailed too hard, then I don't know how long it will take to recover.
