Talleyrand nodded:
"Yes, Your Highness, regaining Silesia is a common desire of Austria, shared by everyone from nobles to commoners."
Joseph continued:
"Then there's Bavaria. If it hadn't been for the Prussians' interference, Austria may well have acquired this land already."
"In fact, both Prussia and Austria aim to become the true masters of Greater Germany and have therefore always kept a close watch on each other."
"If Austria could gain our support and there were no other factors to interfere, they would be all too happy to knock Prussia down hard, even if it meant committing all their national resources."
"Because once successful, the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire would truly possess the empire."
Indeed, during the Middle Ages, the Holy Roman Empire was the true hegemon of Europe—from the Netherlands to the east of France, from Italy to Hungary, including Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and the western part of Poland, all were territories of the empire.
However, under the influence of the papacy, the empire began to implement the Electoral College system.
In the 14th century, Emperor Charlie IV issued the "Golden Bull," which formalized and solidified this pattern, turning the Emperor of Sanctum into a "representative" elected by the prince-electors, leading to the progressive weakening of imperial power, as the independence of the states within the empire grew stronger.
By the 18th century, the empire had split into two behemoths, Prussia and Austria, as well as a multitude of smaller states like Wurttemberg, Bavaria, Saxon, Hesse, Hanover, and so on. And from over a century ago, the Habsburg family monopolized the imperial throne of Holy Rome, with the current Archduke of Austria serving as the emperor.
At the same time, relying on the linguistic and ethnic similarities between the states of the Greater German region and itself, Prussia also aspired to unify Germany. In fact, almost half a century later, Bismarck more or less realized this long-standing wish.
But at present, Austria, holding the title of Emperor, clearly has a better chance of reviving the glory of Holy Rome.
And the two have thus been at loggerheads over the empire's "inheritance," with ceaseless wars, but they are roughly equal in terms of strength.
Joseph returned to the previous topic:
"As for Poland, it's an unexpected factor. If the Tsar of Russia swallows up Poland and Poland clearly has no power to resist, then Prussia and Austria will have no choice but to turn their attention eastward.[Note 1]"
"Because neither can afford to watch the Tsar of Russia gobble up such a large benefit in Poland alone[Note 2]. They only have two choices: either join forces to support Poland against Russia, or join Russia's partitionist actions and tear off a piece of Poland for themselves."
"In either case, Prussia and Austria would find a substantial common interest, and might even form an alliance because of it, which would greatly reduce their willingness to wage war against each other. In the worst-case scenario, the alliance they form might seek other targets, like France."
"Keep in mind, the British would certainly delight in seeing this situation arise and would actively facilitate it."
Upon hearing this, Talleyrand's expression grew solemn. He had to admit, the Crown Prince saw things deeply and far into the future.
Joseph continued:
"So, we must erect a 'barrier' between Prussia, Austria, and Russia, and that is Poland."
"As long as Poland stands firm, Prussia and Austria will inevitably have to turn their gaze back to the German region. And competition for the German region would lead them to irreconcilable contradictions!"
In truth, Joseph had further plans he hadn't mentioned, which included helping Austria realize its "Sanctum dream" and even spreading the message of the great and prosperous, invincible Holy Roman Empire across the world.
At the same time, France could benefit continuously from Austria's wars to unify Holy Rome, and ideally, acquire territories on the west bank of the Rhine River, turning the Rhine into France's natural barrier.
At that time, the most eye-catching behemoth in Europe would be the Holy Roman Empire under Austrian rule. And given the British penchant for meddling, they would not ignore the dominion of the European Continent.
Afterward, whether Britain stirred up an "Anti-Roman Alliance" to besiege Holy Rome, or rallied the now battered Prussia, while inciting the annexed German states to revolt, France could watch the tigers fight from the mountain and seize opportunities to benefit.
For a powerful country, the best strategic pattern is to develop silently while others fight bitterly. By the time other nations are heavily scarred, one is already an uncrowned king without having to lift a finger.
Historically, Napoleon did the opposite of this principle. Despite his great military prowess, leading his troops across almost the entire European Continent, he ultimately exhausted the nation's resources and was dragged to his demise by the British and their allies.
Joseph knew well the direction of later history. To repeat such mistakes would be insane.
In gaming, everyone knows that quietly farming under the tower is the key to success. Look at the United States in later times—it strongly observed World War I and World War II from the sidelines until the powers were all scrambled, then leisurely joined the fray, easily reaping the benefits, and ultimately emerged as the world's hegemon.
Talleyrand pondered:
"Your Highness, should we then reject the Tsar of Russia's intentions towards Poland?"
Joseph immediately shook his head:
"We must maintain good relations with Russia as much as possible so we can maximally weaken the British-Russian trade system, and we also need Russia's exported raw materials."
Talleyrand became a little confused:
"But you just said..."
Joseph flashed a slight smile:
"France cannot stop their encroachment on Poland, unless it forms an alliance with the country," Joseph mused. "On the surface, we can certainly go along with Russia's position, but in secret, we need to find ways to enhance Poland's resistance. However, this requires that we do not show our hand and need a 'white glove' to act on our behalf."
"White glove?"
"Oh, that refers to a nation that could handle Polish affairs for us, like the United States, or even the Ottoman Empire could be considered."
Talleyrand nodded thoughtfully upon hearing this. Both America and Russia were raw material exporting countries and were very far apart, without much mutual concern. The Ottoman Empire, on the other hand, was the sworn enemy of Russia and had always cooperated with Poland.
Joseph sighed lightly and said,
"Of course, what's most important is Poland itself. Given the current state of affairs within their country, I fear they might not be able to resist Russia for even a month."
He remembered that the second partition of Poland by Russia, Austria, and Prussia should occur in five years. Russia had just concluded a ceasefire with the Ottoman Empire and instantly set upon Poland.
To have Poland 'propped up' in a mere five years was indeed not an easy task.
After discussing the European mainland's strategic planning, Talleyrand continued to report on his trip to Russia:
"The Tsar of Russia is very enthusiastic about Russo-French trade and hopes that we can make better use of the 'Russo-French Trade Agreement' to increase the trade volume between both sides.
"Oh, and by the way, she also expressed great support for your Gemini Trading Company, promising to give Count Bobrinski the monopoly rights to Russian Far East fur exports, as a gift to the company."
Joseph chuckled inwardly. Catherine was indeed a sly old fox, presenting it as a gift to the Gemini Trading Company, when it was actually for her own illegitimate son, and thus obliging France to owe her a favor.
However, the volume of fur exports from the Far East was also astounding, and the profits the company would derive from it each year would undoubtedly be substantial.
Talleyrand continued, "Your Highness, there's another matter. During our last meeting, the Tsar of Russia repeatedly expressed her admiration for you and hinted at the possibility of a marriage alliance between our two countries."
Joseph rubbed his temples, feeling tired at the thought; as the Crown Prince, almost all of Europe was concerned with his marital affairs...
A Franco-Russian marriage would involve many issues, and he hadn't carefully considered it yet; he'd rather not respond at the moment. After all, he was still young, and by current European tradition, one would typically only consider marriage at the age of sixteen, giving him two more years to contemplate the matter.
After chatting with Talleyrand for a while, he let him go rest.
Talleyrand left the parlor and was inwardly astounded by what the Crown Prince had said; the young man, then in Paris, had already planned out Europe's future for the next decade. How had he managed it? Perhaps, in a few decades, France would have a great king of historic renown, leading the nation to unprecedented glory!
At 9:50 pm, Joseph saw the Spanish Crown Prince and his future Crown Princess again at the grand banquet hosted by the King.
Joseph turned his head and threw an inquiring glance at Eman, who quickly whispered:
"Your Highness, everything has been arranged. Mr. Fouche has also sent people to help."
Joseph nodded, assured by the steward's reliable work. He then smiled and walked over to Antonio.
After exchanging greetings, he sat down to the left of the Spanish Crown Prince, and the master of the royal household adeptly ordered the seats to be rearranged.
Joseph continued the conversation from a mechanical perspective, quickly bringing up the topic of a new boring machine:
"You know, the British have done a lot of research in this area. Their machines can bore holes with an error margin of less than the thickness of two sheets of paper. His Majesty himself made adjustments, and now that boring machine can be said to be the most precise in all of Europe."
Antonio's eyes lit up:
"Oh, dear Joseph, you must let me see this unrivaled machine!"
"Of course," said Joseph, whose goal was to "distract" him, creating "opportunities" for certain individuals, "after the banquet, I will take you to the Royal Workshop where there are many interesting things."
"I can't thank you enough!"
The sound of trumpets rang out from the east side of the hall, and the Ceremonial Officer followed by tapping his staff on the ground. Nobles responsible for serving dishes placed two large soups and two small ones on the table.
As per court etiquette, it was now inappropriate to converse freely; everyone began to focus on their meals quietly.
Joseph was pondering over the plan for the upcoming operation when, out of the corner of his eye, he spied Antonio, who was enthusiastically spinning soup with partridge right beside him. A light sigh escaped Joseph; he truly had been worrying over this relative of his.
An hour later, the banquet concluded, and the Spanish Crown Prince couldn't wait to drag Joseph off on a tour of the Royal Workshop.
However, the Crown Princess expressed no interest in those things and wished to attend a gambling party instead.
Without a second thought, Antonio happily bid her farewell. At present, that was the custom among European nobility—each did as they pleased, without meddling in the other's business.
Crown Princess Louisa, along with Godoy, headed towards the gaming hall, spotting on the way lovers lurking in every corner and behind the columns, which made her itch with curiosity.
Surely, French people are daring! She thought to herself with a flushed face as she stepped into the gaming hall.
Amidst the soft music, Louisa found a card table and sat down, inhaling the refined scent of incense, and started playing cards.
Somehow, after only playing for half an hour, she felt a warmth spread through her body, and involuntary images of the passionate scenes she witnessed earlier in the corridor flooded her mind, leaving her parched and restless.
"The fireplace here is too intense!" she muttered under her breath, tossing down her cards and intending to step out for some fresh air when she happened to catch sight of her lover.
His face seemed especially handsome and captivating today.
Louisa stepped outside the hall and, with seductive eyes, softly asked Godoy, "Well, is everything arranged?"
He nodded with a smile, "Rest assured, I've had Juan and Negro following and making sure everything is perfect."
Pleased by the news, Louisa asked further, "Is there a suitable place?"
"Plenty. The French like to immediately indulge when the mood strikes... ahem, so there are many resting rooms set up, with no servants close by."
Just as Louisa was about to ask him to lead the way, she suddenly remembered the bedroom the Palace of Versailles had arranged for Antonio, with its soft drapes and spacious comforts, and she couldn't help but smirk with satisfaction.
"No need, follow me."
Inside the Royal Workshop, as Louis XVI was still entertaining, this place had become Antonio's personal playground.
He was like a child in a treasure trove, touching this and looking at that, utterly absorbed in his own world.
Soon, a rather ordinary-looking servant brought in some wine and beverages, and muttered something swiftly to Eman at the door.
Taking advantage of the moment the Spanish Crown Prince was engrossed with a rotating clock, Eman whispered a report to Joseph.
"Oh? Enjoying themselves so much?" Joseph revealed a knowing smile.
He hadn't wasted effort in arranging so many "entertainments" for the Spanish Crown Princess; she was indeed unable to resist.
Yes, all those "emotional plays" Louisa had seen today were orchestrated by Eman, including the special substance added to her incense—how could she, with her libertine nature, possibly refrain?
However, Joseph had not anticipated the woman would be bold enough to get intimate with Godoy in her and Antonio's room.
Of course, she was also very cautious, sending two men to keep an eye on Antonio. Should he show any sign of returning, they were to notify her immediately.
But this was Joseph's territory, and to the agents of the Police Affairs Department, their schemes were like child's play. Soon after the two had set out, they were already being followed by special agents.
[Note 1] At the end of the 18th century, the main countries on the north side of the European Continent were positioned as follows: on the westernmost side were the Netherlands and Belgium (Southern Netherlands). East of these two countries were Hanover and Prussia. Southwest of Prussia was a cluster of Holy Rome city-states. South of Prussia was Austria.
To the east of Germany and Austria were Poland and further east, Russia.
[Note 2] At the time, the area of Poland was comparable to that of Austria and far exceeded Prussia, making it an irresistible "piece of fat meat."