Start 1861: I Just Inherited the Dutch Throne

On October 14, 1869, the Franco-Prussian War seemed to have chosen a two-day armistice for this wedding, which was a shame for Britain and Greece.

The quiet mountain city glowed with scorching brilliance, and people held a grand dance under the lights of the Port of Athens all night long. Even actors from the Greek Palace Theater in Athens came to join in the fun.

Greek socialites in gentlemanly clothes, as well as royal families and governments from various countries, all showed their style, but what people were most concerned about was the final appearance of the two newlyweds who were about to tie the knot. Of course, many men present were also concerned about today's event. Among the royal and aristocratic ladies who appeared late, who is more charming and who is more elegant?

In the Greek palace, a dinner party that could only be attended by guests from various countries and high-ranking Greek nobles was also being held.

The entire dinner was magnificent and worthy of being the prosperous place of Eastern Rome.

William IV stared at the various people in the entire venue. Everyone had a gentleman-like smile on their face, but behind this smile, they were trying every possible means to scheme against others and for themselves.

Birds of a feather flock together.

Although William IV is the King of the Netherlands, he is also the eldest son of King William III of Greece, and it is his younger brother who is getting married today. He is considered a half host, but he also helps William III greet everyone.

And around him, currently gathered are his father-in-law, King Christian IX of Denmark, King Carl XV of Sweden, Queen Isabella II of Spain, in addition to Nicholas Pearson who came with him tonight, etc. People also attended the dinner as guests, but they were having courtesy talks with their counterparts from various countries.

Sweden (Southern Finland plus Norway) and Denmark belonged to the Kalmar Union for nearly 130 years from 1397 to 1524, and from the late 14th to the early 16th century there was the Scandinavian Republic composed of Denmark, Sweden, Southern Finland, and Norway. In the main federation, the three kingdoms share one monarch, and each country surrenders its sovereignty without compromising its independent status and divergent interests.

At that time, this alliance was to deal with their common enemies at the time, the Hanseatic League on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea and the economic influence of the German region on Scandinavia.

Because of this, although Denmark and Sweden fought fiercely for Norway before, the natural closeness between the two countries once belonged to the same country made them choose to stand together when facing things.

It is said that during the last Prussian-Danish War, Sweden was preparing to lend a helping hand to Denmark, but the domestic bourgeoisie challenged the rule of the royal family Karl XV, so Karl XV had to annex first before supporting Denmark. Because of this incident, Denmark almost fell out with Sweden, but this indirectly enabled William IV's Netherlands to obtain the general territory of western Greenland from Denmark and become a member of Northern Europe. Later, it legitimately promoted the Nordic Three Kingdoms Alliance. .

"This time, Spain can become a partner country of the Nordic Alliance. I would like to thank the three of you for your help. I sincerely thank you all."

Queen Isabella II of Spain, who was in full dress, looked at the three of them with a peach-filled face. Isabella II, who was born in 1830, was the year when women were most in demand. It was precisely because she was in the Madrid Peach Blossom News Flying all over the sky, her reputation is not very good, but fortunately she is smarter and can use her own advantages to make Spain develop gradually.

But she also knew in her heart that the youngest William IV in front of her was the most handsome, only 29 years old, but Christian IX sitting next to him was his father-in-law.

Although Isabella II likes mature men, Christian IX is 51 years old this year. He is not much older than her and can eat as much as he wants. However, William IV, who has a harmless smile on his face, makes The son-in-law of Christian IX, the relationship between the two made it difficult for Isabel II to increase the "feeling" between Spain and the royal family of the Netherlands or Denmark.

Looking at King Karl XV who was sitting opposite him as steady as the Alps, this guy was famous for his devotion. In addition to giving birth to the Swedish eldest princess Louisa in 1851, he gave birth to his eldest son in 1852 but died young in 1854. After that, he had nothing to do for more than ten years. The strange thing is that he did not have any scandals and became a model student of the European royal family. Faced with this being who was the opposite extreme to himself, Isabella II was too lazy to touch him. The other person, because it's a complete waste of time.

So, from the beginning, she went straight to the point.

The main table in the middle is Queen Victoria and William III, who will become in-laws tomorrow.

William IV and the others were sitting at a table by themselves.

Therefore, as long as the voices of four people are not too loud, it is a good chatting environment.

William IV smiled and said: "Spain is in the same situation as our three countries. We are surrounded by superpowers. If we don't share the same hatred and support each other, then sooner or later we will become others' food."

Karl XV smiled and said: "Yes, the Russian Empire, France, Prussia, the British Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, etc., these behemoths all pose a threat to us. Because of this, Sweden formed an alliance with the Netherlands and Denmark. Just to make these countries surrender, Sweden's army, Denmark's navy, the Netherlands' navy and army, as well as high technology and advanced economy comparable to Britain, all laid the foundation for our alliance, but "

Isabella II seemed to be unaware and asked: "But what?"

Karl XV looked at you, William IV, and when he saw that the latter didn't care, he smiled and said: "But the small population of our three countries is a shortcoming. Although Sweden's economy has developed well in recent years and retained a lot of people, However, there are still quite a lot of people lost to overseas countries. Currently, Sweden has a population of 8 million, Denmark has a population of 3.5 million, and the Netherlands has a white population of 13 million.

On the contrary, Spain has the largest population, reaching 21 million. If Spain can become our like-minded partner, then the shortcomings in population of our three countries will be enriched in an instant. After making up for this shortcoming, it will not be No longer afraid of other countries”

Christian IX also smiled and said: "Yes, if Spain can make up for the shortcomings of our population allies, we need them."

After speaking, he looked at William IV and said, "William, what do you think?"

William IV's face changed slightly, but he seemed to hold it back, and said with a gentlemanly smile: "Yes, Spain is indeed a good ally, but it is a pity that Spain has no territory in Northern Europe. Otherwise, it could become a member of the Nordic Alliance instead of partner country"

King Karl XV shook his head, seemed to hesitate for a while and then said: "Actually, I was about to tell you that when Greenland was divided from east to west, the west belonged to the Netherlands and the east belonged to Sweden. Now we in Sweden feel that we are unable to manage the territory of Greenland. , therefore, we are preparing to sell the half of the border between Greenland and the Netherlands, and many people in the Swedish Parliament support the sale to Spain.”

After speaking, William IV's gloomy face, he and Christian IX looked at each other, both showing determination. Karl XV said to Isabella II: "If Spain is willing to buy it, then it will also have it in Northern Europe." Territory, at that time it was not unreasonable for us to support Spain as a member. At that time, even the state-owned opinions of Britain and Russia did not speak out, William, right?"

"Ah" William IV showed a stiff smile, nodded pretending to be nonchalant, and said, "Yes, this is a good method."

After speaking, William IV smiled at Isabella II and said: "It is enough for Spain. I support Spain becoming a new member of the Nordic Alliance."

Karl XV and Christian IX breathed a sigh of relief when they heard this, and then looked at Isabella II expectantly.

"This" Isabella II thought about it, "Spain's budget is not very big, I'm afraid."

Charles XV: "100,000 pounds is enough"

Isabella II: "But it's so big there. Even a quarter of Greenland seems to be bigger than mainland Spain."

Karl XV: "The area is a bit large, but it is covered in ice and snow and is relatively barren. The price is enough for you and me to pay tribute to our respective citizens."

Isabella II finally said embarrassedly: "Okay, I will launch a purchase policy on this when I get back."

The two received a satisfactory answer, and soon Karl XV and Christian IX left jointly to socialize at other tables.

After seeing the two people leaving, Isabella II still had the embarrassment on her face, but she showed a vixen-like smile.

She said to William IV, who was holding a glass of wine and savoring it like a gentleman: "Speaking of William, I found that you are getting better and better at pretending. If I hadn't been the one who knew the inside story, I would have been deceived by you just now."

William IV glanced at Karl XV and Christian IX, who were four or five tables away, and said in a casual tone: "I was also deceived by you. It would be a pity that you don't act in dramas. The world Many people think you are the Queen of Fengliu, but they know that they are just wretches you play with in your hands. This world is really wonderful."

Isabella II: "Stop talking about philosophy, I don't understand. I just know now that you seem to be in a bad situation."

William IV straightened himself up and smiled calmly: "How do you say that?"

Isabella II: "The actions of the two people just now clearly showed that they are not willing to let the Netherlands become the leading force in the three countries, let alone be kidnapped by the Netherlands. Otherwise, they would not involve Spain. Am I right?"

William IV: "So what?"

Isabelle II: "Aren't you worried that two important allies of the Netherlands in Europe will alienate Germany?"

William IV smiled slightly: "You have said that this is an ally of Europe. You also know about the development of the Netherlands in the Far East. That is the most important territory of the Netherlands."

"You" Isabella II saw that William IV looked like a dead pig and was not afraid of boiling water, but there was really nothing he could do.

"Okay, let me tell you the truth. Regarding the war between the French Empire and Prussia, you actually supported Prussia. You are not worried about France's retaliation."

William IV looked at Isabella II curiously, only to see the hair on the latter's body before he asked: "Isn't Spain also dismissive of France?"