Chapter 72: Chapter 16: Basic Operation - Digging a Hole
The initiation of compulsory education marked a temporary end to Austria's internal reforms. The government's energy is limited and cannot focus on every aspect at once.
Seizing the opportunity of the 1848 Revolution, Austria's domestic reforms have taken a significant step forward. Now it's time to consolidate these successes.
No reform can be achieved by a single decree from the government. It's more about implementing policies effectively.
The entire government was bustling with activity, which gave Franz some relief. In his view, as long as the bureaucrats under him were busy, the emperor's days would be comfortable.
Once they have free time, problems arise. Either there would be intensified power struggles within the government, or they would unite to seize power from the emperor, or even both simultaneously.
Schoenbrunn Palace
A maid named Jenny whispered into Franz's ear, "Your Majesty, this is the best tea that Count Paul Korchagin brought back from the Qing Dynasty - Longjing (Dragon Well).
It is said to come from West Lake, where the water quality is the best. It's unexpected that tea trees can grow in water. Truly, the world is full of wonders."
Franz laughed, "Nonsense, who told you tea trees grow in water?"
How could an emperor be without sycophants? Once they learned of Franz's fondness for tea, they naturally tried to appease him.
Due to cultural differences, many things get lost in translation.
As for whether the tea is really West Lake Longjing, only heaven knows. Franz can only confirm that it's Longjing tea, but whether it comes from West Lake, Yuezhou, or Qiantang is too challenging to determine.
Considering the production volume, Franz speculated that even if the tea came from West Lake, it wouldn't be the best Longjing. Paul Korchagin was likely deceived by merchants.
In that era, they couldn't venture deep into the inland areas, and many were cheated in business there.
"Did that bastard Paul Korchagin deceive me? Hmph! Later on, I must settle accounts with him!" Jenny said angrily.
She was genuinely upset. As Franz's maid, there were many who tried to please her.
For instance, this batch of tea - if Franz drank it alone, he probably wouldn't finish even by the next century.
Paul Korchagin had highly praised the tea and even presented lavish gifts to have Jenny mention it in front of Franz.
However, this ended in a blunder, and the embarrassed maid naturally vented her frustration.
Franz soothingly touched Jenny's forehead and said, "Don't be angry. He probably was deceived as well.
West Lake Longjing has a history of over a thousand years. Centuries ago, it was just a premium tea. But in more recent times, a Qing emperor visited West Lake and developed a fondness for Longjing.
Its reputation improved, and the best Longjing tea became tribute goods with very limited production and circulation.
In reality, there's no 'best' tea in the world since everyone's taste differs. The one you like most is the best.
This tea is still good, possessing color, aroma, taste, and appearance – it's a top-tier product."
After this display, Franz successfully earned admiration from the young maid.
...
After a small interlude, Franz successfully remembered the name Paul Kochagin.
Austria is still not short of talent. Even though these people haven't made a big name for themselves in history, it's a matter of the stage they were given, not because they were genuinely incompetent.
In this era, those who ventured overseas were usually one of three types: fugitives, those desiring higher social status, and those wanting to get rich.
Regardless of which type they were, Franz saw them all as talents. Once Austria's overseas colonization plan kicked off, there would be a place for these talents.
Drinking tea, reading newspapers, reading books — this was Franz's leisure time.
He wanted to experience the intoxicating luxurious life, but his character couldn't indulge in such whims. The original emperor was an ascetic, after all. A sudden change would easily cause trouble. An emperor is not an ordinary person; every word and action can influence politics.
If Franz were to lead a life of corruption, the recently improving Austrian bureaucracy would probably revert to its corrupt ways.
For the happiness of over 30 million Austrians, Franz had to continue playing his role, at most occasionally sneaking in some relaxation.
"Your Majesty, Mr. Metternich is here," the maid's voice announced.
"Let him in," Franz said calmly.
The emperor didn't have fixed days off. He was used to being disturbed during his rest.
"Your Majesty, news just came in. The Schleswig War has erupted again," Metternich began.
After the Berlin Revolution, the Kingdom of Prussia reached a preliminary internal compromise. To divert domestic contradictions, Frederick William IV and the liberals started the Schleswig War, attempting to annex Schleswig and Holstein.
Eventually, under strong pressure from Russia, Prussia conceded, and a ceasefire was reached.
"What happened? Did the Prussians notify us in advance?" Franz inquired.
On the issue of Schleswig and Holstein, the Austrian government was Prussia's sole supporter.
Even though it was just verbal support, given that many European countries supported Denmark, Prussia should still seek Austria's backing.
"The differences between the two sides were too great. Negotiations broke down three days ago, and they declared war on each other yesterday. Only after the war erupted did Prussia inform us," Metternich replied with a furrowed brow.
He was clearly very dissatisfied with the Prussians' behavior. Not even giving prior notice, isn't this ignoring Austria?
Franz understood the Prussian government's actions. Even if they consulted with Austria, Austria would not support the annexation. It's better to create a fait accompli and let Austria begrudgingly accept it later.
"In that case, contact the Russians. Express our stance so they can act boldly. Austria will only support Prussia nominally," Franz said with a smirk.
Denmark of this era had already declined and was no match for Prussia. However, with Russia backing Denmark, without Austria's full support, Prussia would need Russia's consent to annex Schleswig-Holstein.
Public opinion is essential. However, if it results in conflict between Prussia and Russia, Franz wouldn't mind going against public sentiment once. He's already thought of an excuse: Austria can't afford a war.
If the Austrians don't develop an internationalist spirit, they won't protest over such a minor issue. If anyone demands war, Franz wouldn't hesitate to confiscate their property for military expenditure.
"Your Majesty, if there was a small chance that Russia attacking Prussia, they would already done it last year.
If we don't intervene, Prussia might really occupy Schleswig-Holstein, which is disadvantageous for us," Metternich analyzed.
Russia doesn't want to fight Prussia for Denmark's sake. This war doesn't serve Russia's interests.
If Russia doesn't want to fight, European countries wouldn't either. They might voice their support, but actual intervention is unlikely.
"Express our dissatisfaction to the Prussians. At the same time, through German nationalists, put pressure on Prussia. If necessary, we can initiate a preventive war and cede Polish territory to Russia in exchange for their intervention," Franz contemplated.
At the very least, this is the ideal scenario. As long as the Prussians aren't foolish, they should see it coming, as they did historically.
Franz's scheme was a precaution. If Prussia falls into the trap, it would be a major victory.
"Your Majesty, if we want to deceive Prussia, we should avoid secret contacts with other German states. It would be hard to keep a secret if too many states get involved," Metternich pondered.
Although he doubted Franz's plan would succeed, Metternich didn't mind trying. If it failed, Austria would only have put on a show. If successful, Austria's leading position in Germany would be solidified.
"Let the Foreign Ministry handle it. If Prussia doesn't take the bait, have the nationalists pressure them to prolong the war," Franz concluded.
War is costly. Each day the Schleswig War drags on is a significant expense for the Prussian government.
The revolutionary government in Schleswig-Holstein also needed Prussian support, which was pure investment with no short-term returns.
Even if Prussia wins against Denmark, there's no reward. With Russia backing Denmark, Denmark won't cede territory or pay reparations.
Historically, Prussia withdrew from the war due to international pressure, watching as the revolutionary government they supported in Schleswig-Holstein was defeated by the Danes.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
SusshiRoll
SusshiRoll Check chapter comment for more info.
I could have added it into paragraph comment but not everyone has that turned on, I personally don't when I read stuff.