Start 1861: I Just Inherited the Dutch Throne

William IV looked at Queen Isabella II of Spain, who was already irritated by him, and said with a smile: "Okay, I admit, in fact, I have already grasped their ideas, but what they didn't expect was that Spain would join The Nordic Alliance is what I want to see most.”

Isabella II looked at him puzzled.

The Netherlands is not afraid that Spain's joining will take away their power?

Isabella II stared at William IV in disbelief.

"Don't believe it, the future of the Netherlands will be in the Far East, not Europe. Therefore, whether the Netherlands' goal is to be the leader of the European Union, I would rather support Spain to become our leader." William IV threw out a sweet date. Isabella II was so sweet that she looked at William IV in disbelief.

William IV, who had long guessed this result, said sternly: "They also said just now that Spain's population is 21 million, which is more than 7 times that of the Netherlands. Once again, the Netherlands in Europe is willing to support Spain in maintaining the Nordic Alliance. The interests of this team, of course, Spain wants to maintain its leadership, so only by helping the interests of the members of this team can it gain support."

Naturally, Isabella II would not object after hearing this, but she still had some doubts. Spain actually became the leader of the organization?

Is William IV so easy to talk to? The organization that we worked so hard to build was just given away to others?

But it doesn’t look like William IV was joking. She could only temporarily suppress this doubt. Of course, more importantly, she was attracted by this "good news".

So much so that she spent the entire dinner in a trance until the return of Karl XV and Christian IX.

After the two came back, William IV left to greet the guests at other tables.

Therefore, only Charles XV, Christian IX, and Isabella II were left at this time.

Isabella II saw that she was still far away talking and laughing with Prince Alexandrovich, the Crown Prince of the Russian Empire, and Prince Umberto, the Crown Prince of Italy. She turned her eyes and suddenly had an idea, so her eyes showed hope. Looking at the two kings at the same table,

"His Majesty William just said that he is willing to support Spain in becoming the fourth member of the Nordic Alliance."

Seeing the two people smiling, she thought to herself: These two people are really jealous of William IV of the Netherlands, especially Christian IX. William IV is his son-in-law, but he is married to Karl XV. They came together to plot against him. Sure enough, it is absolutely right for brothers to settle their accounts. It’s so dark!

Although marriage may seem to bring closer relations, there is no royal family in Europe that does not have marriages. Paul I of the Tsarist Russian Empire had marriage partners all over the European continent, but during the First Crimean War, the countries where his children lived were not cannibalizing each other. , or at least stood idly by while watching the enemies of Tsarist Russia being defeated by Britain, France, Italy and other countries. Therefore, Isabella II never thought that the marriage could last long, it was just a temporary need.

Not long ago, in 1850, Princess Victoria of the United Kingdom married the Crown Prince of Prussia. Everyone who thought that Britain and Prussia would become allies through marriage were greatly disappointed. Since then, Prussia has become a thorn in the side of Britain many times and annexed Hanwei, which was supported by Britain. Kingdom and States of Saxony. It can be said that it has greatly touched the nerves of the UK.

The British alliance failed to make profits, but was exploited time and again by Prussia. It can be said that the chicken was stolen but the rice was lost.

Perhaps William IV had already seen clearly the cruelty of political marriage.

However, it is understandable when I think about the marriages between the Spanish royal family and the French royal family and other countries, which seem to have similar endings.

She said to the two people in front of her, who seemed to think that she had successfully plotted against William IV: "His Majesty William just said that he is willing to support Spain to become the leading force in the Nordic Alliance."

What!

Karl XV and Christian IX looked at Isabella II in astonishment. They thought they had heard wrong for a while, but seeing her serious expression, how could this be a joke?

No wonder that guy William agreed so quickly. He wanted to choose retreat instead of advance?

Both of them have been involved in politics in their respective countries for decades, and they still don't understand William IV's thoughts.

The Netherlands retreats and Spain enters!

Isabella II said charmingly: "His Majesty William said that his attention will be mainly in the Far East in the future, so he needs to find a reliable and powerful ally for the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden. It happens that the two majesties The proposal belongs to the object of his approval, so there is a saying that goes well, everything is destined."

There is a fate, but that is for you Spain.

Christian IX felt a little regretful at this time, because he was worried that the Netherlands would betray Denmark if it was too powerful, so he and Karl XV of Sweden took action to win over Spain to check and balance the Netherlands. Now William IV This son-in-law chose to let Spain go. So Denmark originally had a slight advantage in facing Sweden, but it was instantly overwhelmed by Sweden and Spain, which were stronger than itself. William made the Netherlands become an audience. Now Denmark seems to be the only one in the game. Make smaller portions from the remaining three countries.

The gain outweighs the loss!

Thinking of this, Christian IX felt regretful.

Not far away, William IV did not know the calculations of several people, but he had just clinked a goblet with Crown Prince Alexandrovich of Tsarist Russia.

William IV smiled and said: "My cousin has a happy family. Speaking of which, both of us are married to the princess of the Kingdom of Denmark. It is quite destined."

Crown Prince Umberto of Italy next to him laughed and said to William IV: "Yes, Queen Alexandra's beauty is the highest in the European royal family. The most valuable thing is that she has both talent and beauty. Now she manages the International Women's League. The organization is really famous all over the world."

After finishing speaking, he smiled at Crown Prince Alexandrovich and said: "Princess Damage, no, it should be said that Crown Princess Maria Feodorovna was said to be a lady in the Tsarist Empire, and she was highly praised. His Majesty Alexander II and His Majesty the Queen are very fond of each other, and the Crown Prince and his wife are said to be extremely affectionate. I really envy others."

He raised his head and said: "The two are not only cousins, but also brothers-in-law. In addition, the Russian Empire and the Kingdom of the Netherlands have been helping each other for hundreds of years, which makes Italy very envious."

William IV nodded, touched the goblet to Crown Prince Umberto, and said: "It makes sense, but Italy is becoming more and more powerful now. It has huge influence in the east, west, north and south of the Mediterranean, and the Netherlands does. I hope to get closer to Italy.”

Crown Prince Umberto's eyes showed a hint of joy, and he affirmed: "Italy thinks so too. Of course, Italy is also willing to get closer to the Tsarist Empire."

Sure enough, politics is everywhere at this European banquet.

After William IV joked with the two for a while, he met the kind but sharp eyes on the main table from a distance. He had seen those eyes several times and was deeply impressed. Yes, it was Queen Victoria's eyes seemed to be calling him, and he couldn't help but nod towards her. After saying something to the side, he took steps and walked over. He knew that there would be a verbal battle next. .