Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 299 The Two Sicilies
Chilean Ambassador Garic visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs again; it was the same person, but now he should be addressed as His Excellency the Foreign Minister.

"Congratulations on taking the helm of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," Garic offered his congratulations.

"Thank you for your words, Ambassador. Inviting you here today is to formally give your country a reply. Regarding the situation of our citizens preaching in Araucania, our investigation has confirmed that this is indeed the case. However, your country only gained independence in 1830, so it is somewhat too late to declare independence at this time."

Garic knew that Iran had no intention of withdrawing, because news came from the capital that two ships from Saigon had recently arrived in Kerman. They were carrying fully armed soldiers, seemingly prepared for a long-term standoff.

"That's a real shame. I thought your country would understand."

Garic expressed his regret, but Abdullah's next words piqued his interest again.

"That's true, but I've heard there's some friction between your country and Peru or Bolivia. I wonder if you'd be willing to let our country mediate?"

Upon hearing this, Garic immediately understood that if he could exchange Araucania for Antofagasta in the north, it would be a worthwhile deal.

"Yes, Peru and Bolivia are openly provoking our country. You should know that they often do this to our country. They have also occupied our territory. This situation will not last long."

Garic's confidence is well-founded; Chile is one of the fastest-growing and most politically stable countries in South America. In contrast, Peru and Bolivia experience coups every three months and civil wars every eight months, despite possessing abundant resources – this is a complete waste.

"For the people of Antofagasta, joining Chile is the only right path for them."

"That's right. Although our country is reluctant to comment, this is the most correct thing to do for the local people."

Abdullah's words prompted Garic to quickly send a telegram to Chile, reasoning that if he did, Chile would also benefit.

However, Abdullah also brought other things with him this time, such as Iran's desire to invest in mineral resources in northern Chile and its hope for preferential treatment from Chile. This request will also be sent to Santiago via telegram.

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Meanwhile, troubles were brewing again in Europe. Garibaldi, a hero dedicated to the unification of Italy, led a volunteer army to land in Sicily.

At this time, King Francesco II of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies commanded an army of 15 men. However, his father's tyranny led to the emergence of numerous secret societies within the country, and the kingdom's Swiss mercenaries were suddenly recalled due to new Swiss laws prohibiting citizens from becoming mercenaries. As a result, the withdrawal of the Swiss mercenaries forced Francesco to rely on his unreliable local army, creating another excellent opportunity for Italian unification. Uprisings broke out in Messina and Palermo in Sicily, but these were quickly suppressed by the army loyal to the king.

Garibaldi was deeply resentful of France's annexation of his homeland and intended to organize his supporters to reclaim it. Cavour, fearing a war with France, lobbied Garibaldi to instead assist the rebels in Sicily. His army rallied the defeated rebels, gathered strength, and defeated the enemy. The two Sicilies were in danger.

At this point, Austria intervened. Franz's brother, Maximilian, declared that if he became king, he would immediately convene parliament and promulgate a free constitution. Simultaneously, he launched a massive attack on Sardinia, claiming that this barbarian from the north would inflict a devastating blow on southern civilization.

Austria's sudden statement caught everyone off guard, especially France, where Napoleon III opposed it, believing that Austria should continue to have an ally in the Apennines.

But Austria at this time was not the Austria of the past. The appropriate relaxation of restrictions on Bohemia emboldened the wealthiest region of Austria to support Vienna's decision. The local bourgeoisie was willing to spend money on Austria's adventures; the population and resources of the Two Sicilies were a continuous source of wealth, the best thing for their businesses.

Not only within Austria, but also among some royalists in the Two Sicilies, wavering began to advocate for Maximilian to become king. Only in this way could they preserve their wealth; Garibaldi was a formidable figure, and unification would certainly lead to suppression from the north for those in the south. Maintaining independence was preferable, allowing them to remain in their current position.

The royalists still held certain advantages in the region, possessing a large army and police force that enabled them to maintain domestic order to some extent.

Moreover, the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies controlled vital shipping lanes between southern Italy and the Mediterranean, giving it significant strategic value. The mountainous terrain surrounding Sicily and Naples provided a natural defensive barrier for the royalists. If they could secure Austrian support, changing the king wouldn't be difficult.

Austria also launched a propaganda offensive, attacking Garibaldi on why he went on the expedition, pointing out that his homeland had been ceded to France, yet he came to Sicily. Did this mean that Garibaldi did not love his homeland and that everyone was just a tool to him?

The headlines in the Vienna newspapers read: Hero or Traitor? Why did Garibaldi cede his homeland? A mixture of truth and falsehood, when combined, creates a powerful impact.

Franz took Naserdin's words to heart to some extent. Since they couldn't gain any advantage from Prussia, it would be better to restore the rights of the Apennines. That way, even if they went to war with Prussia in the future, the losses wouldn't be too great. Moreover, the Apennine states were easy targets, and could be easily dealt with.

Austria launched a full-scale attack against France, using every possible word imaginable. French newspapers retaliated, and the two sides engaged in a lively back-and-forth.

In a secluded chamber of Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, Franz was playing chess with his younger brother Maximilian. On the chessboard, the black bishop was threatening the white king. "Brother," Maximilian placed a white knight, "if I am crowned in Naples, the Bohemian factory owners are willing to provide three million in military funds."

Franz sneered, using the Black Queen to devour the White Knight: "Don't let your guard down. That old fox Napoleon III is waiting to see us make a fool of ourselves."

Meanwhile, on the balcony of the Tuileries Palace in Paris, Napoleon III gazed through binoculars at the golden dome of Les Invalides. "Tell Le Figaro," he said to the Foreign Minister behind him, "that the Austrians can't even manage their own Hungary, yet they want to interfere in Italy?"

The next day, newsboys on the streets of Paris hawked their wares: "Vienna's ambitious man! Archduke Maximilian's Italian dream, wake up soon!"

(End of this chapter)