North America 1849, from Gold Rush to Warlord

Chapter 266 The Runaway Princess

In August 1853, it arrived at the port of Hamburg in Europe, escorted by a fast armored cruiser and two fast armored frigates.

Having received advance notice, Jones arrived early from Paris to welcome his brother-in-law.

Meanwhile, Bismarck, who had come from Frankfurt, was also there to greet Azu.

Ambassador Bismarck, on behalf of the Prussian government, personally welcomed the Count of the Goldberg on his second visit.

Having just disembarked from the fast armored cruiser "Guilin", Azu hugged Jones, who had grown half a head taller and stronger.

"You little rascal, you've grown taller than me in just two years!"

At just over 1.8 meters tall, Ah Zu was considered quite tall for that era.

But Jones inherited the Moore family's excellent genes, growing half a head taller than his father and even slightly taller than Azu.

"Hehe...!" Jones gave his brother-in-law a big hug: "Brother-in-law, the French cuisine in Paris is just so nourishing...!"

Ah Zu looked his brother-in-law up and down carefully: "How's it going in Paris, kid? Are you spending your days partying and drinking...?"

"Hehe...!" Jones scratched the back of his head guiltily. "Brother-in-law, you know, in that kind of extravagant and decadent environment, if I'm completely unaffected, am I still a man...?"

"But brother-in-law, don't worry, I still know how to keep myself pure. As you say, I can pass through a hundred flowers without a single petal clinging to me...!"

"Hahaha...!" Azu patted Jones's increasingly broad shoulders with satisfaction: "You little rascal, I'll tell your sister when we get back... You still manage to flit from flower to flower without a single petal getting on you...!"

"Even I, your brother-in-law, couldn't do that, how could you possibly have the ability?"

……

After greeting Jones warmly, Azu's hand was then clasped with Bismarck's.

“My lord, although it has been more than a year since we last met, I have heard news of you constantly, even though I am far away in Europe…!”

Bismarck laughed, "The news that you married six brides in one day has caused quite a stir in the courts of various European countries, hahaha...!"

Bismarck patted Azu's arm and laughed heartily: "And your battle report of annihilating tens of thousands of Indian cavalry has also greatly amazed many Europeans!"

"And then there's your fleet, the news of forcing Japan to open its doors... all these things, in just over a year, you've accomplished more than most people do in a lifetime!"

Faced with Bismarck's smiling face, Azu simply smiled calmly and asked, "Ambassador Bismarck, I would like to ask you a question."

"What's the question?" Bismarck smiled. "My lord, please ask whatever you want, and I will answer to the best of my knowledge."

Azu said calmly, "Mr. Ambassador, we've known each other for two years. I wonder if I've offended you in any way?"

"You've been visiting my California for months, have I ever failed to entertain you in any way that has left you dissatisfied?"

Upon hearing this, Bismarck's smile vanished instantly, replaced by an expression of utter astonishment: "Count, why would you ask such a question?"

"Ever since we met in Frankfurt, I thought we'd been good friends...!"

“Friends?” Azu raised an eyebrow. “Mr. Ambassador, if you consider yourself my friend, then why did you force Sissi to go on blind dates with the Prussian princes when you knew that Sissi and I were in love?”

"Why are you still forcing Sisi to marry into your Prussian royal family?" Azu said coldly, "Is this what a friend should do?"

“This…!” Upon hearing this, Bismarck immediately understood that the Count of Goldberg had come to Prussia to demand an explanation!
"My lord, please let me explain. Things aren't as you imagine...!"

Azu waved his hand dismissively: "Mr. Ambassador, I do not believe I have offended you, much less Prussia."

“I provided Prussia with the most advanced weaponry and warships. I got along very well with the ambassador and His Majesty Wilhelm IV. I never expected that you would stab me in the back like this…!”

Bismarck's expression turned awkward: "Count, please believe me, Prussia and I will always be your friends. As for Princess Sissi, His Majesty and I had no choice but to do so...!"

"Heh heh...!" Azu sneered, "What a desperate measure... We'd better explain this to His Majesty William IV face to face!"

……

After landing at the port of Hamburg, Azu did not stay there, but instead took the special carriage brought by Jones and headed straight for Berlin.

A few days later, at Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam, southwest of Berlin, Azu met with Wilhelm IV.

Sanssouci Palace was the summer residence of the Prussian kings. During the sweltering heat from June to September each year, successive Prussian kings would retreat here to escape the heat, holding banquets and balls every day, as if taking a summer vacation.

In the magnificent Golden Hall of Sanssouci Palace, William IV descended from his high throne and personally shook hands with Azu, welcoming the Earl of the Gold Mountain with the highest honors.

Since my last visit to Prussia, the ties between Prussia and California have grown increasingly closer over the past two years.

California imports large quantities of high-quality steel from Prussia, as well as various types of machinery and equipment.

Prussia also imported munitions and warships from California, as well as various special drugs such as penicillin and artemisinin, and fertilizers such as nitrogen fertilizer, phosphate fertilizer and potash fertilizer.

For both parties, this business relationship is absolutely mutually beneficial and greatly promotes their interests.

In particular, the military equipment and warships imported from California further enhanced the already powerful Prussian army, making it virtually unmatched, at least on the European continent.

Special drugs such as penicillin and artemisinin have greatly improved the health of the population and significantly reduced the mortality rate of various diseases.

Fertilizer was particularly important to Prussia, as it significantly increased agricultural output, enabling this relatively small country to support a larger population.

A larger population means a larger market, greater economic potential, greater war potential... and greater national power!
Moreover, Prussia also benefited greatly from the growing scale of exports to California.

Therefore, William IV was very satisfied with the current relationship with California and hoped to further strengthen the ties between the two sides.

……

After the two were seated, William IV, beaming, said, "On behalf of Prussia, I extend a warm welcome to the Count of the Goldberg on his second visit!"

"I extend my heartfelt congratulations on the series of great achievements California has made under your wise leadership in just two short years!"

"In just two years, California, under your leadership, won the Panama War, won the Indian War, dispatched a fleet to force the ignorant Japan to open its doors, and vigorously promoted the abolition of the barbaric and backward system of slavery within the United States...!"

"On behalf of Prussia, I express my heartfelt admiration for the series of great achievements you, Count!"

"At the same time, I am quite pleased with the increasingly close ties between Prussia and California in all aspects, and I look forward to promoting even closer relations between Prussia and California!"

……

Faced with William IV's enthusiastic opening remarks, Azu couldn't help but scrutinize him carefully for a few moments.

Historically, this Prussian king likely exhibited a series of early signs of mental illness.

Azu recalled that starting this year, the signs of William IV's mental illness would become increasingly apparent, until a few years later, due to a stroke and a relapse of his mental illness, he would have to be regented by his brother, Prince William.

But at least for now, on the surface, King William IV's ailment doesn't seem too serious. His thinking is clear, his speech is fluent and sincere, and there are almost no signs of illness.

Azu wore his signature smile: "Thank you for Your Majesty's warm welcome and hospitality... For me and California, strengthening ties with Prussia is equally important."

"According to our own statistics, in 1852, that is, last year, the trade between California and Prussia exceeded fifty million US dollars! I believe that both sides have benefited greatly from this!"

"Not only in trade, but also in people-to-people exchanges between our two sides, we are becoming increasingly close."

"The University of California, which I founded, has several outstanding scientists from Prussia who have made significant contributions to education and scientific research in California!"

……

After some pleasantries, William IV asked about the purpose of Azu's visit: "Count, last time you took away a huge arms deal worth ten million dollars from Prussia, which started our close relationship."

"I'd like to know, what is the purpose of your visit to Prussia again...?" At this point, William IV chuckled: "My treasury doesn't have a surplus of ten million dollars to support me placing another large arms order...!"

"Although the weapons and fast armored steam warships from California have received high praise in my army, and I am willing to acquire more advanced California weapons... I really don't have the extra funds in the short term!"

Azu smiled and said, "Your Majesty, I have no other intention than to marry Princess Sissi of Bavaria and hope to receive Your Majesty's blessing...!"

"What...?" Upon hearing this, William IV's brow twitched, and his face showed displeasure. "Count, as far as I know, you just married six beautiful brides in one day. Now, why are you involved with Princess Sisi of Bavaria?"

Azu remained unfazed, turned to look at Bismarck, and said, "It will be up to Ambassador Bismarck to explain all of this himself...!"

Upon hearing this, William IV turned to look at Bismarck and asked, "My ambassador, what is going on? I need your explanation!"

Bismarck slowly rose, bowed to Wilhelm IV, and then began to explain everything in a leisurely manner.

Although Bismarck personally promoted the marriage between the Prussian and Bavarian royal families in order to undermine the marriage alliance between Bavaria and California and avoid jeopardizing Prussia's great cause of unifying Germany.

However, Bismarck never explained to his king why he did this, given its significant connection to distant California.

……

So, after Bismarck calmly explained everything, William IV's eyebrows were practically knitted together.

"No wonder, I've always wondered why the beautiful Empress Sisi was so resistant to so many excellent princes from Prussia...!"

William IV exclaimed in realization, "So, Princess Sissi already had someone she loved...!"

After saying that, William IV glared at Bismarck: "My ambassador, your actions are completely inconsistent with the status of a nobleman and the conduct of a kingdom's ambassador!"

Bismarck calmly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, you are absolutely right! My actions, while not in accordance with my personal identity and code of conduct, are at least in the national interest of Prussia!"

"Hmph...!" William IV grumbled, "Your actions have severely damaged relations between Prussia and California. And you still claim it's in Prussia's national interest?"

Bismarck remained composed: "I apologize, Your Majesty, but I did not anticipate things would develop this way!" "I underestimated the bond between the Count and Princess Sissi… and also underestimated the importance of the relationship between Prussia and California!"

"This is my personal fault, and I hope to receive forgiveness from His Majesty and the Earl!"

With that, Bismarck bowed deeply once again to Wilhelm IV and Adrian.

William IV had no intention of pursuing the matter against Bismarck for the time being, after all, the matter had been approved by him.

So he turned his gaze back to Azu: "Count, in your opinion, how should this matter be handled?"

"Although you and Princess Sissi knew each other beforehand and were mutually in love, you already have six wives. For us Christians, marrying Princess Sissi is completely unacceptable!"

"Even a commoner girl cannot openly marry a married man, let alone a noble Bavarian duchess like Princess Sissi...?"

William IV said in a deep voice, "I can restrain the Prussian princes from harassing Princess Sissi, but to ask me to bless you... that is truly impossible!"

In William IV's mind, maintaining good relations with California and with this Earl of the Gold Mountain was far more important than Prussia marrying a Bavarian princess who had no real power.

When it comes to matters of national interest, William IV was clear-headed about it.

Azu said without changing his expression, "Then, in Your Majesty's opinion, how can I legally and legitimately marry Princess Sissi?"

William IV pondered, "I can't think of any other way, unless...!"

"Unless what?"

"Unless you publicly divorce your six wives and then marry Princess Sissi, there will be absolutely no problem!"

Ah Zu calmly shook his head: "I have very deep feelings for my six wives. I'm sorry, I can't bring myself to publicly divorce them!"

"Then I'm afraid I can't help you!" William IV spread his hands. "I can only wish you and your loved one a happy ending..."
-
After leaving Sanssouci Palace, Azu took a carriage and headed straight for Posenhofen Castle, a suburb of Munich.

A few days later, when they were still half a day's journey from the castle, Azu, sitting in the carriage, looked out the window, seemingly lost in thought.

The fast-moving carriage made the beautiful rural scenery and pedestrians outside the window flash by.

Suddenly, a somewhat familiar figure appeared in Azu's line of sight!

Ah Zu frowned slightly, quickly stuck his head out, and looked back at the rapidly receding figure!

It was the silhouette of a young girl carrying a small suitcase, walking alone on an empty road.

The girl was dressed in ordinary country clothes, and her figure was tall and slender from behind.

The more he looked at it, the more familiar it seemed. Ah Zu quickly ordered, "Stop the car! Stop the car now...!"

"Uh...!"

Upon hearing this, the coachman quickly reined in the horses.

The carriage came to a stop on the empty road.

Azu pushed open the car door and got out, quickly walking after the girl's retreating figure.

Upon getting closer, Ah Zu couldn't help but say, "Excuse me, may I ask...?"

Hearing the sound, the girl turned around with a slight panic.

Their eyes met, and for a moment, they were both stunned into silence!

"Wow……!"

Suddenly, the girl burst into tears, dropped her small suitcase, and threw herself into Azu's arms!
That's right!

This girl was none other than Sisi!
"Wow……!"

Sisi buried her face in Azu's broad arms and burst into tears.

Tears streamed down, quickly soaking Ah Zu's chest.

"Alright, stop crying, my little princess, I'm here now!"

Ah Zu held Qianqian's delicate body tightly, gently patting her even more slender back, and kept comforting her.

"Wow... I thought... I'd never see you again...!"

"Do you...do you know...how much I miss you...!"

"Do you...do you know...how desperate I've been over the past year!"

Sisi nestled in Azu's arms, repeatedly pounding Azu's chest with her slender, small fists.

"Those Prussian princes...they keep harassing me!"

"My...my mother keeps urging me to accept those princes' marriage proposals!"

"Even...even His Majesty the King of Prussia personally stepped forward to propose marriage for the princes!"

"I...I've been rejecting them...rejecting all of them...I...I'm being driven crazy by them!"

Sisi's tears flowed like a broken string of pearls, unstoppable: "But...but when I heard that you were marrying six brides at the same time, do you...do you know how desperate I was?"

As she spoke, Sisi, nestled in Azu's arms, raised her tear-filled eyes and sobbed, "Back then, I...I...I even thought about committing suicide...!"

"At that moment, I...I felt that I would never...never see you again...!"

"Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu...!"

Feeling guilty, Ah Zu held her slender waist tightly, speechless for a long time.

"I'm sorry, it's all my fault, I'm late...!"

……

After finally comforting Sisi, he helped her into his carriage.

Inside the carriage, the two clung tightly to each other. Sisi, in particular, was afraid that if she let go, she would never see the person in front of her again.

Ah Zu looked at her closely with a pained expression, noticing her coarse cloth dress covered in dust, her shoes covered in mud, and her messy hair...!
Even her beautiful face showed signs of travel fatigue...!
"Sissi, why are you here?"

Ah Zu couldn't help but ask, "And, in this state? Could it be...!"

Sisi, like an exhausted kitten who had finally found a warm home, closed her eyes and curled up in Azu's arms.

She answered softly, "I...I ran away from home...!"

"I...I'm going to California to find you...!"

Upon hearing this, Ah Zu couldn't help but feel a lump in her throat!
What an innocent and devoted silly girl!
At that moment, Ah Zu decided that he would protect her and cherish her for the rest of his life...!
Suppressing the bitterness in his heart, Azu pressed on, "Where is Duke Joseph? Where are your mother and sister? How could they let you run away from home like this?"

"Hmm...they all went to Vienna!"

Sisi, with her eyes closed, seemed to be murmuring in her sleep, "Father and Mother took Nei Nei to meet that Emperor cousin on a blind date...!"

"They originally wanted to take me with them... but I listened to you and insisted on not going...!"

"After they all left, I sneaked out...!"

Ah Zu remembered that at this point in history, Duke Joseph and his family did indeed travel to Vienna to meet with Emperor Joseph I of Austria.

Originally, Nene was the only choice for Empress, but Joseph I fell in love with Sissi at first sight...!
This led to the tragic life that Sisi led for most of her later years.

Ah Zu gently wiped away the tears and dust from her face and asked softly, "My little princess, how many days have you been running away from home?"

"Three...three days...huff...huff...!"

Before she could finish speaking, Qianqian curled up in Azu's arms, looking peaceful and happy, and fell asleep!
It even made a soft, adorable snoring sound...!
Having grown up in a branch of the royal family and a top-tier noble family, Sisi has suffered countless hardships and tribulations these past few days!
Azu felt extremely heartbroken. He gently held Qianqian's increasingly thin and frail body, unable to bear letting her suffer any more turbulence or endure any more wind, frost, rain, or snow...!
……

When Sisi woke up again after being exhausted and fast asleep, she found herself in her own bed!
"what……!"

Sisi, who had just woken up, suddenly let out a heartbreaking scream.

He thought he had found the lover he had been longing for, but little did he know that it was all just a dream.

“Crack…!”

When Ah Zu, who was waiting outside the door, heard her voice, he quickly pushed the door open and went inside.

Sisi's eyes were already brimming with tears of fear and anxiety again, but when she looked up and saw Ah Zu come in, she was overjoyed.

Sisi jumped off the bed barefoot, hugged Azu tightly, and cried and laughed at the same time: "Azu, I thought this was just a dream...!"

"So, you really did find me... Waaaaah!"

"Promise me you'll never leave me again... I'm afraid I'll wake up one morning and never see you again!"

Ah Zu gently cupped her face in his hands and solemnly declared, "From this day forward, we will be together forever, for all eternity!!!"

(End of this chapter)