Chapter 350: Suppressing the Rebellion

Chapter 350: Suppressing the Rebellion

In terms of martial vigor, the Hungarian nobility seemed far more resolute compared to their Polish counterparts. They promptly issued a formal statement denouncing the Emperor's actions as an infringement upon noble rights. They demanded an immediate investigation, the punishment of implicated officials, and a direct apology to the affected nobles.

Naturally, the Emperor sternly rebuffed these unreasonable demands. Consequently, the robust Hungarian nobility declared their resistance to taxation, refusing to pay levies to the Imperial government.

Simultaneously, the French government unexpectedly announced plans for joint military exercises with the Northern Italian Republic. This proclamation immediately garnered Europe's attention.

The Northern Italian Republic bordered Austria and lay in close proximity to Vienna. Historically, this region had been a contentious focal point between France and Austria. However, given Austria's current inability to contest France for this territory, it had become Austria's most vulnerable border. Should the French military breach this frontier, Vienna, the Austrian capital, would face direct threat.

The so-called "routine military exercises" by the French army were perceived throughout Europe as a means to constrain Austrian influence. Many feared a potential conflict between France and Austria, causing a significant plunge in Austrian bond prices.

During this period, certain financiers began massively purchasing Austrian bonds at low prices. In essence, one aspect of successful financial speculation involves leveraging a government wielding considerable coercive power to assist one's endeavors.

At a press conference held by the French Foreign Ministry, a journalist inquired about France's stance on the Austrian situation. Talleyrand made the following statement:

Following Talleyrand's statement, Austria swiftly responded. During a press conference at the Austrian Embassy in France, when asked about Talleyrand's speech, Metternich replied:

Empowered by this "support," both Hungarian and Polish nobility grew bolder, uniting to issue an ultimatum to the Austrian government.

In this ultimatum, they articulated a series of demands, primarily insisting on Austria's respect for their traditions, especially their traditional rights. Essentially, it aimed at reinstating the feudal system, a regression in historical terms (not my vassal's vassal but my vassal's fief). They demanded a reversal in history.

Ultimately, they displayed a modicum of conscience, allowing the Austrian government a relatively extended period for deliberation—within seventy-two hours to respond.

However, the reality hardly required such time. On the second day after issuing this ultimatum, French Foreign Minister Talleyrand and Austrian Ambassador Metternich jointly held a press conference.

During this conference, Talleyrand asserted that the events within Austria had severely disrupted European peace and stability. The absurd and reactionary demands from the insurgents indicated their staunch opposition to democracy, liberty, particularly free trade. They sought to rewind history, plunging Europe back into darkness. Such regressive actions against historical progress must be halted. At Austria's invitation, France pledged to dispatch military advisors to assist the Austrian army in quelling the rebellion, reinstating peace and stability across Europe, ensuring the continent becomes a haven for free trade.

Metternich expressed that the principle of free trade ensured European peace and the welfare of its people. For a prolonged period, certain reactionary elements within Austria obstructed free trade and impeded the formation of a unified European market, committing egregious offenses that aggrieved merchants across various countries. This situation could no longer persist. France and Austria were resolute in uniting to create a free economic environment for all European peoples...

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