War Palace and Knee Pillow, Austria’s Destiny

London, UK.

The sudden peace left the British cabinet somewhat confused. They didn’t know since when the British people’s forecast of the diplomatic situation became increasingly vague, and it became increasingly difficult for them to grasp the pulse of the times.

This was a heavy blow to the entire British diplomatic community. At the same time, their voice in the diplomatic arena was constantly declining. Several key elements that were established with great difficulty were inexplicably denied, and the diplomatic order was disrupted by a few barbaric countries.

But no matter what, the fact that the Holy Alliance agreed to peace talks was a victory for Britain. What remained was how to preserve the Ottoman Empire as much as possible and ensure that the Black Sea Straits were not threatened.

The British government formulated several plans for this purpose, but as more and more detailed information was sent back, John Russell felt that his judgment was correct and that there must be some contradictions between Russia and Austria.

What Britain needs to do at this time is to magnify it and lay the groundwork for manipulating the relationship between the two countries in the future.

John Russell rummaged through the resources at his disposal. The Russians wanted to hold a peace conference in St. Petersburg. Perhaps this was the breakthrough point. After all, the Austrian Empire had previously liked to hold peace conferences to expand its influence.

St. Petersburg is too far away and transportation is inconvenient, so some people can be encouraged to demand that a peace conference be held in Vienna.

The British themselves would certainly not go directly to the Austrians. This would be too obvious and would underestimate the diplomatic skills of the Austrian Empire. After all, that was the country that produced Metternich.

However, it would be different if other countries came forward. On the one hand, it would satisfy the vanity of the Austrians, and on the other hand, it would put the Austrians in a difficult position. They could not admit that Vienna was not as good as St. Petersburg.

In the end, the British targeted Greece as the lucky one, because the Greek government itself was a huge makeshift team with leaks everywhere and was full of traitors.

Moreover, in terms of relationship stance, it was the country closest to the Austrian Empire, and was always more suitable than hostile forces such as Britain and the Ottoman Empire.

Soon a report about Otto I's proposal to hold a peace conference in Vienna spread throughout Europe, and the news also reached Franz.

Franz knew very well that his cousin was not smart enough to come up with this method to help him, so he immediately sent a telegram to Athens.

"Cousin, I want to know who gave you the idea that Vienna is a better place to hold a peace conference than St. Petersburg?"

At this time, Otto I was holding a celebration party in his own palace. He felt that this was a victory over Russia and could at least ruin Nicholas I's good mood.

Otto I attached great importance to Franz's telegram. He knew that without the latter's help, the Kingdom of Greece would have no hope.

"My dear cousin, no one has given me advice, but I sincerely think that your country is stronger than Russia, and Vienna is a more suitable place to hold this negotiation."

"Who was it, my dear cousin, who mentioned this incident, or did it happen to remind you of it on some occasion?"

"It's Antigo. He's a very smart man."

"Make this person disappear from the world as soon as possible. Check who he has contacted recently. These people are unreliable."

"I see."

Otto I placed the telegram on a candle and lit it until it turned into ashes, then he left the telegraph room with a heavy heart.

Antigo was a "family man" promoted by Otto I from a commoner. He held a high position at a young age. Otto I originally intended to use Antigo as an example.

Otto I trusted Franz very much, but he also had his own judgment and principles. Otto I called the attendant who had grown up with him since childhood.

"Lucas, go check Antigo for me."

"clear."

After some investigation, Otto I felt even more disappointed. There was no young man who admired him and understood his ambitions. Instead, he was just a scheming and opportunistic villain.

Antigo had been taking advantage of Otto I's trust to amass wealth, commit crimes, and even formed his own faction.

The most hateful thing is that he is loyal to the British and has feelings for the local Greek elites, but he just doesn't like King Otto I.

In fact, this is just a microcosm of the Greek bureaucrats at that time. They never regarded the foreign royal power as their own. The so-called king was nothing more than a rag.

Whenever a scandal hits the government, they need a new rag to clean themselves up.

Although Franz took action immediately, the news inevitably reached the ears of the Tsar.

As soon as the Tsar received the news, the British ambassador immediately brought up the matter.

"Your Majesty, what His Majesty Otto I said makes sense. Vienna is indeed more worthy of the title of international capital than St. Petersburg."

Nicholas I's original intention in hosting a banquet for ambassadors from various countries was to show his hospitality and improve his image in the international community.

However, he wanted to go back and look at the map as soon as the scene started. Fortunately, Nicholas I was still strong enough.

"Since you want to talk about business, I won't keep you company. Nishelov."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"You two should talk properly."

"Yes, sir."

"It was decided between your country and our country that the conference would be held in St. Petersburg. If you regret it, please bring your credentials."

Although Neshcherlov was a pro-British, he could not lose face in front of the Tsar.

This time it was George Villiers' turn to be embarrassed.

"I thought this was just an ordinary banquet, so I didn't bring any information. Why don't we start the feast?"

Nicholas I was very unhappy at this time. He felt that the British were targeting him. He had wanted to peacefully divide the Ottoman Empire with Britain in the past.

What happened just now almost made him lose face. How could Otto I be compared with him? In Bulgaria, if it weren't for the appearance of the Redwood Army, his army would have flattened Bulgaria by now.

It turned out that his son-in-law was trustworthy. He did not raise the price, nor did he take advantage of the situation to compete with him for the right to host the peace conference.