Chapter 550: Sacrificing Poland
The Marquis of Wellesley nodded slowly.
"You're absolutely right. As long as Prussia and Austria are unable to expand eastward, they'll be left with no choice but to vie for dominance over the German territories."
In this era, survival in the global jungle of nations required constant growth—a universally accepted truth. Without strengthening itself, a state would inevitably be devoured by stronger powers.
Expansion was undoubtedly the most effective way to bolster national strength.
Lord Grenville continued:
"And as long as Prussia and Austria remain embroiled in conflict, no nation on the continent will possess the strength to challenge France.
"To restore balance in Europe, we must first end the hostility between Prussia and Austria."
The Marquis frowned.
"That's easier said than done. They were fighting over Silesia just months ago, and their armies of over a hundred thousand each remain in a tense standoff near Breslau."
"It won't be easy," Grenville acknowledged, "but it's not impossible.
"After last year's prolonged conflict, both Prussia and Austria are suffering from dire financial straits. The recent droughts have devastated nearly every country's economy. As far as I know, both powers are eager to resolve the Silesian stalemate.
"What's needed now is a new target—one more attractive than Silesia and easier to seize."
"You mean Poland?"
"Exactly," Grenville replied with a faint smile. "Prussia and Austria have spent years fighting over Silesia, sacrificing countless lives, only to gain little of value.
"But if they were to redirect their forces—each with over a hundred thousand troops—into Poland, they could gain territory several times the size of Silesia with minimal resistance.
"Given the right timing, they wouldn't be able to resist such a temptation."
"But Prussia and Poland are allies," Wellesley hesitated. "Surely—"
"Believe me," Grenville interrupted, "Prussia's hunger for the port of Gdańsk will outweigh any treaty.
"Gdańsk, situated at the mouth of the Vistula River, connects Poland's fertile plains to the Baltic Sea and the Atlantic trade routes. For resource-starved Prussia, this port is indispensable.
"In fact, it's so strategically valuable that when Germany launched its blitzkrieg on Poland in World War II, one of its primary objectives was to seize Gdańsk. The Allied blockade against Germany also focused heavily on this port."
Wellesley swirled his wine glass thoughtfully.
"Then we return to our original issue. To achieve this, we must first broker a peace between Prussia and Austria."
"That will require our intervention—and perhaps some necessary sacrifices," Grenville replied confidently, revealing that he had been planning this strategy for some time.
"Fortunately, we can leverage Russia's ambitions.
"Russia desires Minsk and Podolia more than anything. These territories would give them a forward base to extend their influence into Europe's core regions.
"I believe Russia would be willing to make concessions—and issue appropriate threats—to achieve this goal.
"With Russia's involvement, we can mediate between Prussia and Austria. I'm confident they will sign a truce."
Wellesley's eyes lit up. Using Russian power to serve Britain's strategic objectives demonstrated Grenville's brilliance as a planner.
Unlike others, who might shower Grenville with praise at this moment, Wellesley pondered carefully before posing a final question:
"Even if we succeed in using the prospect of partitioning Poland to unite Prussia and Austria, forming a military alliance of sorts, how can you be certain they'll turn against France?
"Austria, in particular, is currently allied with France."
"To be honest, I have no foolproof plan," Grenville admitted with a shrug.
"But at the very least, we'll have established a counterweight to France outside its borders.
"There is one factor we might exploit: Empress Maria Ludovica of the Holy Roman Empire harbors a deep resentment toward the French. I believe she would be willing to assist us."
"Oh? I've been away from Europe too long. What happened?"
"It seems her dear cousin's lover was stolen by the French Prince," Grenville said with an amused smile. "Later, the French, still uneasy, sent an assassin to kill Baron Walter. The baron survived but lost his left hand."
Indeed, Walter's left hand had to be amputated after an infection caused by an ill-advised herbal remedy. Though he barely survived, his ordeal left him with a seething hatred for the French Prince, whom he blamed for orchestrating the attack.
Walter constantly whispered his grievances to Maria Ludovica, who already bore a grudge against the French royal family for allegedly rejecting her daughter's marriage proposal. With this new affront, she became the leader of Vienna's anti-French faction.
Wellesley shook his head.
"That won't be enough. Vienna's pro-French faction is still quite powerful.
"We need to identify areas of friction between France and Austria and amplify them to sway Vienna's overall stance."
Grenville shrugged.
"As it stands, France and Austria have little conflict of interest. On the contrary, they share common goals, such as in the Southern Netherlands—"
Before he could finish, Wellesley's face lit up with excitement.
"You're a strategic genius! Of course—the Southern Netherlands!"
Amidst the ballroom's melodies, the two brightest young minds in British politics exchanged knowing smiles and nodded in agreement.
Many decisions that shaped nations and cost countless lives were not made in solemn chambers but at lively balls and salons.
Five Days Later
In the Cabinet Room at 10 Downing Street, Pitt surveyed his gathered ministers.
"I believe Lord Grenville's diplomatic proposal is excellent. It offers us a reliable, effective military alliance on the continent to counterbalance France."
Get 30% off on my Patreon and enjoy early access to new chapters.
You can also purchase the next 100 chapters of the novel directly from my Patreon page.
Hurry up! The promotion ends on February 2, 2026.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/johanssen10