Chapter 719 - 333: The German Emperor Dies Again, Canal Struggle

Just as Carlo anticipated, while William I’s funeral was being held in Germany, France was also engaged in discussions about whether to wage war against Germany.

Carlo learned about the situation not because the Royal Security Intelligence Bureau was particularly adept, but because the French debate over whether to go to war with Germany had already become a public matter.

The hawks and doves in France had a fierce quarrel about it, and they almost came to blows in Parliament. The hawks accused the doves of being a bunch of cowardly enemy-fearing fools who were willing to overlook the country’s shame for their own interests.

The doves, on the other hand, accused the hawks of being reckless brutes who were intent on revenge against Germany, disregarding France’s diplomatic situation.

The argument was quite intense, and the controversy even made it into the French media, becoming one of the hot topics among the people of Europe.

When Carlo learned about the fierce quarrel between the hawks and doves within the French Parliament, he realized that it was unlikely France would actually go to war with Germany.

If France truly had plans for war, they wouldn’t expose their plans in such a comical manner. Secrets are the key to success; France would surely make secret preparations before launching a war, so that by the time other countries found out, the war would have already begun.

The current disputes seem more like a show the two factions are putting on to win the support of the French populace. Naturally, the more radical individuals would support the hawks’ ideas, while the more reasonable ones would consider the doves’ viewpoints.

For both parties, they don’t have to pay a price to gain public support, making it a win-win situation for them.

The fact that the Prime Minister of France personally went to Germany for William I’s funeral also indicates that the French Government doesn’t want war with Germany. For France, perhaps what they desire is long-term stability and peace.

On the German side, Bismarck, the Prime Minister, is fully prepared for any potential trouble from the French Government.

Since the new Emperor Frederick III couldn’t meet with guests, Bismarck became his full representative, responsible for receiving all guests who came to Germany to attend the funeral.

Naturally, Bismarck’s list of meetings included Franz Joseph I and Umberto I.

In a private meeting room prepared by the German Government, Bismarck, Franz Joseph I, and Umberto I held secret talks, once again reaffirming the content of the Treaty of the Three Emperors Alliance, stating that the diplomatic relationships among the three countries would not change due to any accidents.

After the representatives of the three countries promised that the treaty wouldn’t change, it was clear everyone was relieved. The current status of the Triple Alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy is one of mutual reliance and need.

This close relationship among the signatory countries ensures that the treaty won’t end due to William I’s death.

The Treaty of the Three Emperors Alliance is Bismarck’s true trump card in response to any potential trouble from France. The contents of the current Treaty of the Three Emperors Alliance remain rather secretive, and no other country is aware that these three have already entered a military alliance.

It is precisely because of this that Russia hasn’t completely leaned towards France, choosing instead to have a foot in both camps, accepting French capital while not willing to sever ties with Germany entirely.

Bismarck is confident that during such turbulent times, the Treaty of the Triple Alliance can deal a fatal blow to France. Should the French dare to initiate war, Prime Minister Bismarck will once again march upon Paris, just as in the Franco-Prussian War, and force the French Government to sign a treaty with a compensation as high as 50 billion francs.

Fortunately, the French Government currently doesn’t intend to initiate war, and it’s unclear for a moment whether the avoidance of war counts as a good thing for both Germany and France.

William I’s funeral was held promptly and was rather grand in scale. As the first Emperor of the German Empire, the Germans highly recognized William I’s contributions.

On the day of the burial, hundreds of thousands of Germans flooded the streets of Berlin. They gazed wistfully at the stone casket bearing William I, not dispersing until he was taken to his resting place.

After the funeral ended, representatives from various countries who attended quickly departed from Germany.

However, many international diplomats continue to monitor the situation in Germany, focusing primarily on the condition of the new Emperor Frederick III.

Carlo wasn’t disappointed; Frederick III soon lived up to his historical reputation, as he rapidly passed away just under 100 days into his reign, with the German crown quickly passing to Crown Prince William.

Less than 100 days after William I’s funeral concluded, Germany once again held a funeral for an emperor. Such frequent changes in the German crown drew attention from the various nations in Europe, and the extremely unfortunate emperor Frederick III, who reigned for less than 100 days, was labeled by the European media and public as the ’Hundred Days Emperor.’

Clearly, the frequent changes of the crown dealt a heavy blow to Germany’s international standing and influence. Bismarck, who organized two imperial funerals in succession, was visibly showing signs of age, his stooped posture and waning spirit a stark contrast to previous years.

Spain still sent Prime Minister Canovas to attend the funeral of German Emperor Frederick III, and for Prime Minister Canovas, the German funeral was by now a familiar journey.