The Fox of France

In terms of martial vigor, the Hungarian nobility seemed far more resolute compared to their Polish counterparts. They promptly issued a formal statement denouncing the Emperor's actions as an infringement upon noble rights. They demanded an immediate investigation, the punishment of implicated officials, and a direct apology to the affected nobles.

Naturally, the Emperor sternly rebuffed these unreasonable demands. Consequently, the robust Hungarian nobility declared their resistance to taxation, refusing to pay levies to the Imperial government.

Simultaneously, the French government unexpectedly announced plans for joint military exercises with the Northern Italian Republic. This proclamation immediately garnered Europe's attention.

The Northern Italian Republic bordered Austria and lay in close proximity to Vienna. Historically, this region had been a contentious focal point between France and Austria. However, given Austria's current inability to contest France for this territory, it had become Austria's most vulnerable border. Should the French military breach this frontier, Vienna, the Austrian capital, would face direct threat.

The so-called "routine military exercises" by the French army were perceived throughout Europe as a means to constrain Austrian influence. Many feared a potential conflict between France and Austria, causing a significant plunge in Austrian bond prices.

During this period, certain financiers began massively purchasing Austrian bonds at low prices. In essence, one aspect of successful financial speculation involves leveraging a government wielding considerable coercive power to assist one's endeavors.

At a press conference held by the French Foreign Ministry, a journalist inquired about France's stance on the Austrian situation. Talleyrand made the following statement:

"As you all know, our nation adheres to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. Therefore, I would not have ordinarily commented on Austria's internal affairs. However, our French merchants have substantial investments within Austrian borders, and their legitimate interests should be safeguarded. Hence, we hope that everyone can exercise restraint, resolve matters amicably, and refrain from disrupting the hard-earned peace and tranquility..."

Talleyrand's speech was widely interpreted as French support for Hungarian actions, cautioning the Austrian government against rash actions. Consequently, the Hungarian people grew increasingly complacent, even organizing their own national defense forces.

Following Talleyrand's statement, Austria swiftly responded. During a press conference at the Austrian Embassy in France, when asked about Talleyrand's speech, Metternich replied:

"As Minister Talleyrand stated, the tax resistance occurring in Hungary is solely an internal matter of the Holy Roman Empire. Other nations should neither intervene nor hold any authority to do so. Regarding Minister Talleyrand's concerns about the legitimate rights of French merchants, I can assure everyone that our past, present, and future commitment lies in protecting the lawful rights of any individual engaging in legitimate activities within the Holy Roman Empire. Minister Talleyrand need not worry about this. As for the hard-earned peace and tranquility, it is certainly something worthy of cherishing. However, this appreciation must be mutual. I can assure everyone that our government will strive to uphold this hard-earned peace and tranquility as much as possible."

Metternich's statement, for the most part, was seen as a direct response to Talleyrand. Even underground gambling dens began placing bets on whether war would erupt between France and Austria.

Three days after Metternich's speech, in a seemingly inconspicuous section on the second page, the "Scientific Truth Gazette" published the following news: "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urgently summoned the Austrian Ambassador."

Known readers of the Scientific Truth Gazette understood a particular characteristic: the shorter the news, the more significant the event. Such succinct news without further elaboration often heralded an impending major event. Consequently, in underground gambling establishments, the odds of war erupting between the two countries within the current month swiftly decreased from around 1 to 9.3 to 1 to 2. Some newspapers even drafted articles about France declaring war on Austria, only leaving space for the specific date. This way, once the war began, they could promptly publish an extra edition.

Certain tabloids commenced war simulations, dedicating extensive sections to discussing the comparative military strengths, potential developments in the war, and the changes it might bring to Europe—altogether portraying an imminent storm.

Subsequently, the Austrian government declared its military on high alert. Consequently, the odds of France and Austria going to war within the month decreased to 1 to 1.5. A day later, France announced the temporary suspension of demobilizing its military for the year, reducing the odds further to 1 to 1.1.

Empowered by this "support," both Hungarian and Polish nobility grew bolder, uniting to issue an ultimatum to the Austrian government.

In this ultimatum, they articulated a series of demands, primarily insisting on Austria's respect for their traditions, especially their traditional rights. Essentially, it aimed at reinstating the feudal system, a regression in historical terms (not my vassal's vassal but my vassal's fief). They demanded a reversal in history.

Ultimately, they displayed a modicum of conscience, allowing the Austrian government a relatively extended period for deliberation—within seventy-two hours to respond.

However, the reality hardly required such time. On the second day after issuing this ultimatum, French Foreign Minister Talleyrand and Austrian Ambassador Metternich jointly held a press conference.

During this conference, Talleyrand asserted that the events within Austria had severely disrupted European peace and stability. The absurd and reactionary demands from the insurgents indicated their staunch opposition to democracy, liberty, particularly free trade. They sought to rewind history, plunging Europe back into darkness. Such regressive actions against historical progress must be halted. At Austria's invitation, France pledged to dispatch military advisors to assist the Austrian army in quelling the rebellion, reinstating peace and stability across Europe, ensuring the continent becomes a haven for free trade.

Metternich expressed that the principle of free trade ensured European peace and the welfare of its people. For a prolonged period, certain reactionary elements within Austria obstructed free trade and impeded the formation of a unified European market, committing egregious offenses that aggrieved merchants across various countries. This situation could no longer persist. France and Austria were resolute in uniting to create a free economic environment for all European peoples...

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