Make France Great Again-Chapter 771 - 762 Prussia: Waking Up to Find Ourselves at Odds with the World
"It would be wonderful if the Kingdom of Prussia is willing to contribute its part to the peace of Europe!"
Valveski said to Mantel with a smile, seemingly agreeing with Mantel’s idea.
"So, the French Empire is willing to support us?" Mantel excitedly asked Valveski.
"As long as tomorrow at the congress, the Kingdom of Prussia can gain the support of the majority of countries against it, the French Empire will naturally follow suit," Valveski continued to misleadingly speak ambiguously to Mantel.
To Mantel, Valveski’s words undoubtedly seemed to support them in disguise, because the Kingdom of Prussia had already "convinced" the Russian Empire and the Kingdom of Britain (or so Mantel believed). As long as these two countries were willing to block the Austrian Empire from taking action against Poland, the French Empire would naturally follow suit.
"Thank you very much!" Mantel nodded to Valveski.
"Mr. Mantel, if you have no other matters to discuss, then let that be the end of our conversation," Valveski issued an eviction order to Mantel.
"It was a hard work for you to come in person, Mr. Valveski!" Mantel extended his hand to Valveski.
"It’s nothing! It’s what I should do!" Valveski continued smiling as he spoke to Mantel.
As Mantel’s hand clasped Valveski’s, Mantel suddenly leaned in and whispered in Valveski’s ear, "Mr. Valveski, I’ve already sent the gift to your residence. I hope you’ll be satisfied!"
After saying this, Mantel quickly released Valveski’s hand and distanced himself from Valveski.
"Thank you very much!" Valveski nodded with a calm expression and responded.
Subsequently, Mantel left the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while Valveski took a carriage back to the Tuileries Palace.
Upon Valveski’s arrival at the Tuileries Palace, Mokar promptly informed him that Jerome Bonaparte was waiting for him in the study.
Under Mokar’s guidance, Valveski entered the study.
At this time, Jerome Bonaparte was sitting with one leg crossed over the other on an armchair. Valveski’s arrival prompted him to uncross his legs.
"What did Mantel say to you?" Jerome Bonaparte inquired calmly, adjusting his sitting posture.
Valveski hurriedly conveyed the entire content of his conversation with Mantel to Jerome Bonaparte. After hearing Valveski’s account, Jerome Bonaparte displayed a look of disbelief, never having imagined that the Kingdom of Prussia’s diplomatic route could develop decades in advance in the direction of Weiwei’s smile.
It was unexpected that the Russian Empire, originally supposed to be a back-to-back ally, would be betrayed by the Kingdom of Prussia. Did the Kingdom of Prussia have too many allies for its liking, or was it simply overly confident?
Or was it because Prussia itself was a nation with terrible diplomacy, and the emergence of Bismarck was purely a miracle?
At that moment, Jerome Bonaparte also felt uncertain about his own diplomacy, and immediately asked Valveski, "Do you think the Kingdom of Prussia will truly abandon the Russian Empire?"
"Your Majesty! Under normal circumstances, it’s unlikely for the Kingdom of Prussia to abandon the Russian Empire! However, I don’t know at this moment!" Valveski shook his head and replied to Jerome Bonaparte.
"Forget it!" Jerome Bonaparte also shook his head in response to Valveski, "Immediately send someone to inform Nesselrode and Gorchakov about this news, and leave the rest alone!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Valveski immediately responded to Jerome Bonaparte.
Mantel probably never imagined that Jerome Bonaparte would convey the content of the meeting between the Kingdom of Prussia and the French Empire to the Russian Empire.
After all, it was commonly believed among all nations that the relationship between the French Empire and the Russian Empire would always be confrontational.
So Mantel thought that whatever he said to Valveski would never reach Russian ears.
However, he wouldn’t have thought that the nation at the top of Jerome Bonaparte’s list of targets was not the Russian Empire, but the Kingdom of Prussia.
After Valveski left the study, he immediately dispatched his subordinates to relay Mantel’s conversation separately to Nesselrode and Gorchakov.
Both parties were indignant at Mantel’s "treacherous" actions, and were also curious as to why Valveski chose to inform them. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺
"My esteemed ministers say that the relationship between the French Empire and the Russian Empire is not purely adversarial but is characterized by mutual competition and cooperation! The Russian Empire’s goal should not be limited to westward expansion; a southern strategy is also viable!"
Nesselrode and Gorchakov realized that France only wishes for them to cease their activities in Europe, and if the Russian Empire serves in Central Asia, France might even support them.
The relationship between England and France is not as solid as imagined, and the Russian Empire might still benefit from it.
"Please convey my thanks to your ministers!"
...
The time quickly arrived for the second meeting to begin. As usual, the eight ministers first entered the hall and sat down, followed by the national representatives in the audience who also arrived at the hall.
At 1:55, Valerovsky appeared in front of everyone once again.
"After a day of consideration, I trust everyone already has an answer in mind! Let’s wait quietly for another five minutes, and then reveal the answer!" Valerovsky said solemnly.
When the clock struck two times, the second meeting officially began.
As the arbitrator, Valerovsky once more reiterated the unresolved topic from the last meeting: the monarchial status of Poland.
He then pointed to the Kingdom of Prussia’s representative, Mantel, who opposed Grand Duke Maximilian, and asked if they still insisted that Maximilian was not suitable for the position of Grand Duke of Warsaw.
Mantel firmly stated that Grand Duke Maximilian assuming the role of Grand Duke of Warsaw would disrupt the balance of power in Europe. Therefore, he proposed to reject Maximilian’s appointment and instead choose a suitable prince from the Saxon-Gotha Dynasty or the Wittelsbach Clan to inherit the position of Grand Duke of Poland.
Only this way can the balance of the entire European continent be maintained, preventing Europe’s peace from facing collapse once again.
In response to Mantel’s speech, Count Baur expressed a clear opposition, stating that it was the collective will of the Polish people for Grand Duke Maximilian to become the monarch, and that the Kingdom of Prussia had no reason to object.
As for the claim that Maximilian’s appointment would disrupt European balance, it is pure nonsense.
The newly-formed Poland is not a vassal of the Austrian Empire, and hence the relationship between Austria and Poland is merely that of two countries.
As soon as Count Baur finished speaking, Valerovsky immediately called upon all countries to vote on whether Maximilian should be the King of Poland.
As Mantel jubilantly anticipated the support of both Britain and Russia, Russia dealt him a heavy blow.
Gorchakov Envoy was the first to express his position, "The Russian Empire supports Maximilian as the King of Poland?"
Subsequently, Nesselrode also echoed, willing to support Grand Duke Maximilian as the King of Poland.
Then, the Earl of Clarion from the Kingdom of Britain also smiled and said, "The Kingdom of Britain supports Grand Duke Maximilian as the monarch!"
With Britain and Russia setting the example, the three countries of Rui, Sa, and Turkey, who were initially hesitant, immediately expressed their support for Maximilian as the King of Poland.
After six out of eight ministers chose to support Grand Duke Maximilian, Valerovsky could only cast a helpless glance at Mantel.
At this moment, Mantel’s eyes were vacant and his gaze unfocused; he had never expected this outcome. He couldn’t understand why the Russian Empire didn’t side with him, or why the Kingdom of Britain would support the Austrian Empire.
While Mantel was in a daze, Valerovsky’s voice appeared in his ear: "Mr. Mantel, Mr. Mantel!"
Coming to his senses, Mantel looked at Valerovsky with a hint of pleading, hoping Valerovsky would end it like last time.
Unfortunately, Valerovsky did not fulfill his wish but merely reminded him plainly, "Mr. Mantel, is your Kingdom of Prussia still opposed?"
"I..." Mantel felt as if a bone was stuck in his throat. He wanted to maintain his opposition but feared complete isolation by France, Russia, and Britain.
"Mr. Mantel, it’s time for you to make a choice!" Valerovsky once more "considerately" reminded.
"I..." Mantel said to Valerovsky with difficulty, "Prussia agrees to Maximilian assuming the position of the King of Poland!"
Seeing that the Kingdom of Prussia ultimately succumbed, Valerovsky smiled and said, "Since we’ve unanimously passed, this issue is now considered settled!"
Next, Valerovsky publicly brought up the Danube Duchy and announced before everyone that the Austrian Empire has the right to protect the Danube Duchy, and Austria’s troops can be stationed there.
There was generally no objection from the attendees regarding this proposal.
After resolving the issue of the Danube Duchy’s affiliation, the Earl of Clarion also debated the issue of whether Bessarabia should separate from Russia.
Both Russia and Britain held firm positions and were unwilling to give an inch.
Ultimately, through Valerovsky’s mediation, both sides made concessions.
Bessarabia could remain within Russia’s framework but must retain autonomy.
