Chapter 226 The Storm Rises in Europe
Chapter 227 The Wind Rises in Europe
Topkapi Palace.
Sultan Hamid I, who was sitting on a large square chair, saw Karafat stepping in, and tried to sit up straighter with his hands on the cushion, but the weakness of his muscles made him give up.
His life of imprisonment before the age of 43 had made his physical condition very bad. Although he was only 64 years old now, he had already shown signs of running out of energy.
He raised his hand to the Grand Vizier who was saluting, and asked in a voice that was obviously out of breath: "Is there any news from the Maghreb?"
"Maghreb" means "the land of sunset" in Arabic. The Arabs who first arrived in North Africa used this word to refer to the central and western regions of North Africa.
Grand Vizier Calafat nodded with a worried look: "Your Majesty, the Algiers Guards did go out at the behest of Said... He even used your name."
Hamid I sighed: "Where is he?"
"His servant returned to Costantiniya last night and said that he had jumped into the Mediterranean half a month ago."
"He has preserved his dignity as an imperial envoy."
Calafat lowered his head and said: "Your Majesty, regarding Tunisia's annexation to France, you see..."
Hamid I stared at the pattern on the carpet with his eyes downcast, and waved his hand again: "Send someone to France to show the empire's proper attitude."
He also reminded with some concern: "Don't be too aggressive in your words. We have to concentrate our efforts on dealing with the Russians."
Just a few days ago, the Russian commander-in-chief Potemkin divided his troops into six routes to attack the Ochakov Fortress. It took only a few hours to occupy this important town on the northwest side of the Black Sea.
In this battle, Potemkin killed and captured more than 13,000 Turkish troops and pointed his troops directly at the Danube.
"Speaking of Russia," Hamid I glanced at Karafat, "How are you going to deal with it?"
Although the Grand Vizier was not directly responsible for military affairs, as the "Prime Minister" of the Ottoman Empire, he was very clear about the deployment of troops.
"The situation is not optimistic..." Karafat hesitated for a moment before continuing, "Austria and Russia are both increasing their troops. The generals believe that they must do their best to prevent Russia and Austria from joining forces.
"The initial plan is to gather 150,000 troops to the Danube area before next summer, successively capture Bindera and Ajud, cut off the connection between Russia and Austria, and then recapture Ochakov."
"150,000 people." Hamid I nodded, "How confident do you think you are in defeating the Russians?"
"This, we have a military advantage, we should be able to win."
The Sultan motioned Karafat to get closer, hunched over, and whispered: "If we still can't win this time, try to negotiate peace with Russia. Give up the northern shore of the Black Sea in exchange for peace..."
Joseph never expected that his actions in North Africa would accelerate the collapse of Ottoman morale. The Ottoman Empire, which was originally going to fight to the last soldier, gave up the northern shore of the Black Sea three years later due to exhaustion. At this time, it had lost the will to fight to the death with Russia.
...
London.
No. 10 Downing Street.
British Prime Minister Pitt the Younger pushed back the resignation letter on the table and looked up at the Duke of Leeds: "You don't have to do this. North Africa was not our sphere of influence. This time luck is on the side of the French. There is actually nothing wrong with your plan. I am sure I can keep you in Parliament."
"Hollis acted according to my instructions, and he died." The Duke of Leeds shook his head calmly, "Someone has to be responsible for this, and that person must not be you. "
Pitt the Younger was silent.
Hollis was a Whig, his own opposition party. Now, in order to suppress the diplomatic disaster of "inciting Tunisia to attack the French", he has "committed suicide".
At the same time, the Duke of Leeds spent a huge amount of money of nearly 700,000 pounds, but ultimately failed to prevent France from obtaining Tunisia, which can be said to have suffered a major failure.
The Whig Party will definitely use this series of events to make trouble in Parliament. His position as Prime Minister is not stable to begin with. If this matter gets out of hand, it may lead to impeachment by Parliament.
He slowly raised the finger that was holding down the resignation letter, sighed, and asked: "Then, who should take over as Foreign Secretary?"
"Marquis Wellesley." The Duke of Leeds was obviously well prepared, "He is as young and promising as you, full of strategy and decisiveness. Although he has little political experience, I will use my connections to fully support him. "
Little Pitt nodded silently. The Marquis of Wellesley was his confidant and was indeed very capable. He had always wanted to push him up.
He paused and looked at the Duke of Leeds again: "So, how do you think we should reverse the French advantage in North Africa next?"
The Duke of Leeds shook his head immediately: "Mr. Prime Minister, France is too close to Tunisia, and now it has established a foothold. We will suffer a lot if we continue to fight them there."
"Do you want us to just admit defeat?"
"No! On the contrary, we must do everything we can to knock France to the ground and press it into the mud. This is the only way for Britain to become strong!"
The Duke of Leeds smiled like an old fox: "North Africa is just a piece of fat meat, don't worry too much. The Low Countries are the fatal throat! We can only deal a heavy blow to France if we exert our strength there."
The so-called Low Countries refer to the three countries of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg on the northwest coast of Europe.
The Duke of Leeds discussed his lowland strategic plan in detail to little Pitt, and then said: "In addition, the ambitions of Russia and Prussia are also excellent weapons. You must try to bring out their power."
Little Peter nodded thoughtfully: "Prussia has always had a close relationship with us. It's just that Russia seems to be getting closer to France recently."
"Interests," the Duke of Leeds raised his index finger and shook it, "Russia's biggest interest currently lies in Poland. As long as you try to feed Poland to Russia, this giant bear will be willing to destroy everything."
The Duke of Leeds seemed to be explaining his "political affairs": "As for Austria, don't look at them marrying women to the French king, but in fact the conflict between Austria and France is the most serious on the entire European continent!
"Don't forget, they have been enemies for centuries."
Little Pete nodded: "You are right, they have serious conflicts of interest in the Rhine region and Italy."
The Duke of Leeds gave him an approving look: "It's just that the Prussians rose too quickly and attracted Austria's attention. If you can make some kind of understanding between Prussia and Austria, then Austria will immediately expand westward and southward, Thus there was a fierce collision with France!"
…
Austria Vienna.
Schönbrunn Palace.
Joseph II, the Holy Roman Emperor and Archduke of Austria, could not help but smile after hearing the diplomats' report on the situation in Tunisia: "My dear sister grasped the timing very accurately this time."
He looked at the old man next to him with a long face and a big nose: "The strong pressure from the Russians and us made the Ottomans unable to care, so my sister took the opportunity to pick the fruit of Tunisia. The Ottoman Sultan could only Watching helplessly."
The old man had a serious look on his face and nodded: "Her Royal Highness is becoming more and more proficient in political methods. Even the British can't say anything this time. After all, it will offend Russia, and even us."
The "Her Royal Highness" he was talking about was Joseph II's sister, Marie Antoinette, now Queen of France. He was a veteran of Maria Theresa's era and had hugged Queen Mary when she was a child, so his address was naturally affectionate.
Joseph II was obviously in a good mood. He made a rare gesture to the attendant to pour him a glass of wine, and then gave another glass to the old man: "Does this mean that France's strategic direction has shifted to the southern coast of the Mediterranean?"
"This possibility cannot be ruled out, Your Majesty."
"Then we should seize this opportunity to congratulate my dear sister and discuss issues about Italy with her. Prince Rietberg, you have always had a good relationship with French politics. Maybe you are willing to go there for me. Palace of Versailles?"
The old man was the Austrian Minister of State, Kaunitz-Rittberg, who was equivalent to the prime minister. The outstanding politician who single-handedly ended the century-old hostility between France and Olida, presided over the marriage of Queen Marie to Louis XVI, and ultimately led to the "Three Skirts" alliance of Austria, France and Russia.
Although Joseph II took back considerable power from him after he came to power, he is still the most powerful minister in Austria.
Kaunitz immediately stood up and said extremely seriously: "Your Majesty, with all due respect, Austria's national policy should be firmly directed towards the German region and keep its eye on Prussia at all times.
"Dispersing efforts now in Italy will only give the Prussians an opportunity to expand their influence in Germany."
"No, this won't take up too much of our energy." Joseph II was a headstrong person, and it was difficult to listen to different opinions. "What you want to do is to discuss with France the division of power between the two parties in Italy, and you are not trying to monopolize it.
"Oh, by the way, there is also the 'United Trading Company' they proposed to set up with the Dutch. I am very interested. You can also talk about investing in it."
"Your Majesty, I am willing to go to France." Kaunitz bowed slightly, but said firmly, "But I still want to remind you that Prussia is our most serious concern."
"Yes, Prussia, you are right. So, when do you plan to set off?"
"You can leave tomorrow, Your Majesty."
"Very well. I look forward to your return with good news."
…
St. Petersburg.
Hermitage.
Count Alexey of Bobulinsky saluted his mother nervously. For some reason, he felt a little nervous every time he saw her, even though she was smiling kindly.
Catherine II motioned for him to sit down beside her and said with a smile: "Alyosha, I must admit that your previous contact with the French Crown Prince was very timely."
Russians like to use simplified nicknames when calling close people. Alyosha is Alexei’s nickname.
"Especially the 'Twin Trading Company' you formed. Now that France has obtained a port in North Africa, your trade costs in the Mediterranean will be significantly lower than before. Perhaps your company can also obtain some Tunisian franchises. "
Alexey nodded: "Yes, Your Majesty, His Highness Joseph wrote to me, expressing his intention to double the company's trade volume."
"so much?"
"They not only acquired the Tunisian colony, but also eliminated Tunisian pirates. A large part of the nearly 100 pirate ships captured will become the company's assets, and there are even many skilled sailors on board."
In fact, Joseph seized nearly 160 ships in the port of Tunisia, but only half of them were large ships suitable for long-distance voyages. As for the sailors, many Tunisian locals originally served the navy. Now that the Tunisian pirates have been completely wiped out, these Berbers can basically be used with confidence after screening.
This directly increased the tonnage of the Gemini Trading Company's ships by 150%. That's why Joseph dared to say that the goal of doubling the trade volume.
And every point of French-Russian trade will be reduced by one point of British-Russian trade. This will greatly help weaken the close trade relationship between Britain and Russia.
"Oh, that's great." Catherine II gestured to the west, "I think you should congratulate your friend the Crown Prince in person.
"In addition, you can also suggest to him that he should take advantage of the great victory to directly seize Algiers. I remember that those stupid Algiers took the initiative to attack them. "
She was very happy to see France continue to reap the Ottoman provinces in North Africa. Although the Ottomans had no actual rule over those places, the continuous loss of overseas territories had a great psychological impact on them.
This will make it easier for Russia to fight the Ottomans.
And maybe France's progress is very smooth, and it may even be able to attack the Ottoman mainland directly from the south.
You know, it will not take three to five years to end the war against such a huge empire as the Ottomans. In the long process of fighting, it is not impossible for France to fight to the south bank of the Ottomans.
"Yes, Your Majesty. In fact, I also want to go to Paris in the near future." Although Alexei is now focusing on running the Gemini Trading Company, the colorful world of Paris is always attracting him.
Catherine II seemed to remember something and reminded: "By the way, take Sasha with you. She has been talking about where she wants to go to Paris. But you have to keep an eye on her homework during the trip. "
Sasha is Alexandra's nickname.
If it had been in the past, Catherine would not have trusted her beloved granddaughter to be raised by her youngest son. But Alexei has obviously become more mature and stable in the past year, so it should be no problem for him to take care of Sasha.
...
Paris.
In the Palace of Versailles, the celebrations about North Africa lasted for three days before finally ending.
Joan, Hilada, Ishak and others immediately returned to Tunisia, after all, there were a lot of things waiting for them to do there.
And in Louis XVI's living room, there were bursts of cheers. Laughter.
Queen Marie held a pottery jar with beautiful colorful geometric patterns and admired it.
This was the "hand companion" Joseph brought back from North Africa for her. It was a treasure made by a Tunisian ceramic master hundreds of years ago.
Louis XVI, on the side, was fiddling with the hunting rifle bag made of camel and crocodile skin given to him by his son.
Tunisia's leather craftsmanship is very good, and the works of top craftsmen are hard to find in Europe.
The happiest person was Joseph's young brother Charles, who was having fun holding a colorful parrot.