Life of Being a Crown Prince in France

However, Kobutsel was only excited for a second before he immediately reacted.

If a ceasefire with France were to be reached, then as the State Minister, he would be responsible for signing the surrender treaty.

This would be a task condemned by everyone, and if not handled well, one could face disgrace and ruin…

Kobutsel’s mind was racing quickly, and he immediately thought that the defeat was the fault of the Tugut government, and the surrender could completely be “decided” by Tugut.

His responsibility would only be the aftermath work.

Yes, that’s how to promote it. He could even become a hero who saved the critical situation.

Once in power, he could cooperate with the Konitz family to carry out a strong reform, restoring the Empire’s strength and one day defeating France, avenging the humiliation.

By that time, he would be forever etched in the Empire’s glorious history!

Thinking of this, Kobutsel no longer hesitated and bowed towards Kaunitz, saying:

“Your Excellency, the Earl, I also believe that the ceasefire is currently the only way out. I will stand firmly by your side!”

“Thank you for making the right decision.” Kaunitz nodded to him.

Nearby, Metternich continued: “Another Mr. Kobutz will take over the position of Foreign Minister.”

He was referring to Ludwig von Kobitzel.

“Count Speerman will serve as Minister of the Interior. Count Stadion will serve as Finance Minister…”

In this way, the Konitz family, Kobitzel family, and the Stadion family reorganized the core positions of Austrian politics in the form of an alliance.

Indeed, Kaunitz was not at all worried about Kobutsel betraying him. Ludwig von Kobitzel was his student, and his father, Johann von Kobitzel, also agreed to ally with him.

Even if Kobutsel could refuse the temptation of the State Minister position, he could not possibly betray his family’s interests.

Kobutsel immediately got into character, worrying: “What if the French do not agree to a ceasefire? Napoleon could attack Klagenfurt at any time.”

Metternich said: “As long as there are enough benefits, the French have no need to completely fall out with the Empire.

“In fact, my father-in-law sent someone to Paris half a month ago to mediate.”

Kobutsel was shocked: “By doing this… the Emperor might be furious.”

Kaunitz, a retired minister, privately engaging with the Empire behind the scenes could entirely be considered treason.

Kaunitz waved his hand and said: “I just had a chat with an old friend.”

“Old friend?” Kobutsel quickly remembered that the Austrian Princess back then was married off to Louis XVI under Kaunitz’s arrangements, who is the current Queen Mary.

This indeed was a relationship that could be utilized.

Subsequently, the few people in the room discussed the specific action plan until nightfall before each left.

The next day, under Kobutsel’s suggestion, Franz II sent Baron Tugut back to Vienna to tidy up the chaos and prepare for His Majesty’s return to the palace.

And Tugut also gladly accepted this. It was very beneficial for him to take the opportunity to clear out those opposed to him and to have a firmer grip on the political situation.

In the afternoon of Tugut’s departure, Baron Walter was placed under house arrest by Marquis Besellar.

Although Walter was the Emperor’s uncle, Tugut used him merely for his imperial influence and gave him no real power. So now, he could do nothing but rage impotently.

Next, the Kobutsel brothers, Count Speerman, Count Stadion, and a group of ministers came to Franz II’s temporary palace.

The persuasion process was very smooth.

Without interference from the Tugut faction, Kobutsel took less than an hour to get the Emperor to agree to the ceasefire suggestion.

Of course, it was also because the consecutive riots in Vienna and Transylvania severely startled Franz II.

The Holy Roman Emperor sat slumped in his chair, muttering to himself: “But, but this way, I will become a ruler despised by all… I have brought shame to the Habsburg family…”

“No, Your Majesty,” Kobutsel said firmly, “this is all the fault of Tugut and his ilk. Their incompetent management allowed the Empire, despite having a massive army advantage, to be repeatedly ambushed successfully by the French.

“It is they who brought shame to the Empire.

“And Your Majesty, you have always strived to maintain the Empire’s integrity, yet now you and the entire nation are exhausted.

“We just need a few years of rest and capable ministers to assist you, and the Empire can certainly erase today’s disgrace!”

Franz II was stunned for a moment and slowly nodded: “You are right, it was Tugut, Bolieu, and others who wasted countless opportunities that brought us to today’s situation.”

Count Stadion took the opportunity to step forward and said: “Your Majesty, I suggest dismissing Baron Tugut from his position as State Minister.”

Franz II nodded again: “Yes, it’s time to replace him…”

Paris.

Palace of Versailles.

Joseph threw the report in his hand into the drawer, and said to Bertier: “Please immediately send an order through the Sharp Signal Tower to General Napoleon, prohibiting any attack on Austrian soil without my permission.”

“Yes, Your Highness!” The Chief of Staff first stood at attention and then, somewhat hesitantly, said, “Your Highness, currently Austria is in turmoil, and the Austrian Army defending the Klagenfurt Fortress has very low morale. This is indeed a good opportunity. I mean, if all goes well, Napoleon’s Army could likely march into Vienna.”

Joseph waved his hand: “Firstly, attacking Austrian soil now will only give the Austrians a strong sense of crisis, prompting them to set aside their differences and unite against us.

“That might even help them…”

He initially planned to say “awaken their national consciousness early,” but considered it too abrupt, so he changed it to, “boost the people’s morale instead.”

“Secondly, even if we capture Vienna, it wouldn’t mean much to us. It would only elate the Prussians greatly.

“We would find it challenging to maintain a stable control over Austria – The Habsburg family, for centuries, has failed to resolve the endless rebellions of the Hungarians, Romanians, and Bohemians. We would only waste an enormous military budget there.

“And once Prussia loses Austria as a counterbalance, it will soon unify the Germanic Region, or at least Northern Germany. Hmm, Austria might even request the Prussians to help them deal with us.”

Bertier nodded thoughtfully: “Yes, Your Highness, indeed, I have been lacking in consideration.”

He then immediately asked: “Your Highness, but this war can’t drag on forever, can it?”

Joseph smiled slightly: “If I am not mistaken, the representative for ceasefire negotiations from Vienna will soon arrive in Paris.”