Start 1861: I Just Inherited the Dutch Throne

The meeting between the emperors of the two great empires, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Tsarist Russian Empire, in Amsterdam naturally attracted the attention of countries around the world.

London, Berlin, Constantinople, and even Washington and Richmond on the other side of the Atlantic began to pay attention.

William IV looked at the two bearded emperors of major European countries in front of him and felt sick in his heart.

Especially when you look at them drinking tea and pretending to be polite, this is even more true.

The three of them were in the reception room of William IV, and there was no one else.

All three of them spoke German. Alexander II knew multiple languages ​​since he was a child, and William IV was naturally familiar with the language of his powerful neighbors. As for Joseph I, who had just been kicked out of the German Confederation, he was naturally more familiar with this language. It's so familiar that it can't be more familiar.

This time the three of them sat together at an oval table. William IV sat on the short side, Alexander II sat on the long side to his right, and Joseph I sat on the left. In Europe, the right is respected, and in Tsarist Russia The empire was stronger than Austria-Hungary, so Alexander II felt more natural about this arrangement, and Joseph I had no objection.

Although William IV acted as a mediator for the first time, he also knew that it was his mission to break the deadlock.

"You two, there is a saying in the Netherlands recently, that is, you would rather have your enemies stand inside your tent and urinate outside than let them stand outside and urinate into the tent."

William IV explained: "It means that if you are familiar with your enemy, then you will be more confident that you will not be wet by his urine, but if you are not familiar with it, you will be just like the person standing outside the tent. It made him feel elusive, and there was always crisis and uneasiness in his heart.

Therefore, I think that the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Tsarist Russian Empire were both great powers in Europe, and they were old neighbors for hundreds of years.

If after this war, everyone becomes the same person standing outside the tent, then the people inside will be too dangerous. I suggest taking down this eye-catching tent to make everyone safer. What do you think? "

Joseph I ruled the Austrian Empire and the Kingdom of Hungary as emperor from 1848, shocking the German Confederation.

At first, Nicholas I committed suicide because of his pro-Western Europe.

Therefore, from the moment he walked into this reception room, he began to be very wary of Alexander II.

The hatred for killing his father was a mortal hatred, so he was already prepared to face Alexander II's "attack".

He secretly thought: If it weren't for the fact that the Austro-Hungarian Empire was at war with Prussia, he would really not want to come here.

Although Alexander II never looked at the other party directly from the beginning, the sharp eyes that appeared from time to time made him very uncomfortable.

Obviously, the other party wanted to eat his flesh and drink his blood to satisfy his hatred.

Neither of them spoke.

William IV could only enlarge his moves.

So, he revealed the information that Britain might be involved in the civil strife in the Russian Empire.

The two of them suddenly changed their colors.

"really?"

Asked by Alexander II.

Joseph I also had his eye on William IV.

"Although I am not 100% sure, it is said that the author of "Crime and Punishment" has close contacts with certain people in London, and Dutch intelligence has learned that these people have close contacts with the British MI6.

You know, Viscount Palmerston has always liked to play this kind of game. Back then, the Belgians suddenly changed their reputation and dislike of the Netherlands, which eventually led to Belgium becoming independent from the Netherlands. "

The two fell silent after listening.

At that time, the Principality of Belgium and the Principality of Luxembourg were both territories of the Dutch Royal Palace. In 1830, Belgium was finally promoted to break away from Dutch rule, but it became Viscount Palmerston's famous entry into the international political arena. This is shocking in Europe.

It was not until Viscount Palmerston later led the invasion of the Qing Empire in the Far East after 1840 that it got rid of the reputation of being Palmerston's first masterpiece.

William IV already believed them when he saw them.

"Compared to the situation in the Balkans, everyone understands that I won't say more. I don't think it is necessary for the Russian Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire to continue fighting. After all, both countries are currently experiencing their own difficulties. If the war If it has been delayed for too long, it will be a crisis for each country."

Alexander II's expression changed. Regardless of whether it was the British who were causing trouble or not, it had already caused such a large scale. If it was not handled well, it was very likely that the Romanov dynasty would be overthrown, so he actually felt this in his heart. Somewhat anxious.

Otherwise, he would not have traveled all the way to Amsterdam to attend this mediation meeting.

Joseph I was no better.

The Austrian Empire was defeated by the Kingdom of Prussia, and the entire German Confederation was captured by the Kingdom of Prussia. Only later did we realize that everything seemed to have fallen into Bismarck's trap. From the beginning, Austria had been calculated and used by Bismarck.

In order to maintain his imperial status, he couldn't wait to win over the Kingdom of Hungary and established a dual empire.

You must know that Hungary has its own parliament and government. Compared with the previous Austrian Empire, which was completely ruled by him, the power is far worse.

Moreover, the population of the Kingdom of Hungary is about the same as that of Austria. If it were later, the ethnic composition of the Austro-Hungarian Empire would be too binary, which is not conducive to governance and is full of contradictions.

He naturally understands this principle before fighting against the outside world. Therefore, when he attended the Amsterdam mediation meeting this time, he realized his sense of urgency.

If you want to maintain Austria's status as the largest ethnic group, then you must take back Northern Austria and Galicia, which were occupied by Prussia and the Russian Empire.

Therefore, feeling weak, Joseph I sighed, looked at Alexander II and said: "The Austro-Hungarian Empire has gradually withdrawn from the war in the Balkan Peninsula. I think there can be a complete truce between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Tsarist Russian Empire."

Alexander II snorted softly. He wanted to say a few words, but something came to mind.

Finally, he said: "A ceasefire is possible, but how to cease the war and how to draw borders is the key this time."

"Nature follows the original boundaries," Joseph I couldn't help but said. But after he finished speaking, he smiled bitterly. Because even he himself didn't believe this was possible.

Sure enough, Alexander II sneered at him and said: "If that's the case, then there is no need to continue this meeting."

After saying that, he stood up and prepared to leave.

When William IV saw this, he naturally would not let him go.

"Wait a moment, His Majesty Alexander II, we have something to discuss."

William IV winked at Joseph I, who moved his mouth, and finally said: "Austria is willing to make concessions elsewhere to compensate for the loss of the Tsarist Empire's return to Galicia."

Alexander II felt proud, but he sat back down with an expressionless expression on his face and said, "What kind of compensation?"