Holy Roman Empire

Raul stopped abruptly after speaking halfway.

Franz nodded, he also knew about the royal family's intelligence organization.Under normal circumstances, this organization is only responsible to the emperor.

The scale of this intelligence organization is small, and its business scope is relatively single, that is, to monitor the situation in the country and a few neighbors.

After his uncle came to power, the organization was almost abandoned, and many intelligence personnel were poached by Prime Minister Metternich.

How much loyalty the remaining personnel have is also a question worth considering.

When the emperor was timid, if he didn't take the opportunity to reach out to these departments, Franz would despise these nobles.

This also means that the current intelligence organization under the royal family is actually a sieve that does not know how many forces it has.

From the very beginning, Franz wanted to start anew, and for this reason, he wanted to create an intelligence organization that was completely loyal to himself.

Now it seems that time is running out, and the Vienna Revolution is about to break out in a year. When he trains the intelligence personnel, he can't even touch the hair.

"Well, Raul will send someone to investigate first. Those big forces have infiltrated this organization. Let's do it secretly. I believe there must be people loyal to the royal family!" Franz said firmly.

If all the personnel were bought off, then the Habsburg family would not have to mess around.Being able to inherit from the 11th century to the present, and has always stood at the top of Europe, the Habsburg family is definitely not as simple as it seems on the surface.

From the situation in Austria, Franz can speculate a thing or two about this.Now Uncle Ferdinand I was unable to handle government affairs, and the power fell to Prime Minister Metternich.

But this power minister is outrageous, not to mention oppressing the royal family, even his policies are often influenced by the Vienna court.

You must know that Grand Duke Franz Karl, the most important representative of the royal family of this generation, is also born with defects, and his political IQ is infinitely zero.

Franz can easily obtain military support, and the biggest reliance is his birth, the heir of the Habsburg family and the crown prince of the Austrian Empire.

Otherwise, no matter how hard he tried, it would be useless. Didn't you see that after the outbreak of the Vienna Revolution, Prime Minister Metternich was forced to step down without the support of the military?

Then the situation is not as bad as imagined. Perhaps the aristocratic forces have reached out to the intelligence organization, but this does not mean that they have betrayed the royal family.As long as their interests are not involved, this intelligence organization can still be used normally.

Thinking of this, Franz breathed a sigh of relief. Everyone may have conflicts of interest on other issues, but on the issue of suppressing the rebellion, the great nobles of Vienna are definitely on the side of the emperor.

As for the bourgeoisie, it's not that Franz underestimated them. They are not qualified to infiltrate this era. You must know that most of the members of the current intelligence organization are nobles.

Otherwise, if there is no funding for more than ten years, they will have been disbanded long ago, and there will be nothing left?

These nobles are scattered all over the country, and domestic intelligence can be easily collected through their royal family, and most of them don't even need to be paid.

The intelligence organization of the Habsburg family is not Jinyiwei. Apart from collecting ordinary intelligence, it has no law enforcement power at all.

The European nobles were enfeoffed, and the emperor had no right to ask about matters in the fief. Moreover, the information was provided by them themselves. If they didn't want the emperor to know the content, they would naturally hide it and not report it.

After hesitating again and again, Franz decided to get the organization first. No matter how bad the intelligence organization is, it is better than nothing. At least a rebellion broke out in the local area, and he could receive the news as soon as possible.

Besides, a poor man like him can only support such an intelligence organization.

Chapter 11 Palace Guard

Standing under the spotlight, Franz became even busier, and the continuous entertainment made him exhausted.There is no way, this is the aristocratic life in Vienna.

The younger brother Maximilian, who also went to these occasions, seemed to be able to do a job with ease. Not only did he not feel tired, but he enjoyed it, which made Franz envious.

Communication has never been Franz's strong point, especially when facing a bunch of courteous nobles, he has to be vigilant all the time.

"Grand Duke, you have to attend the banquet of Grand Duke Louis tonight, you can go now!" the maid Jenny reminded

"Understood, call Maximiliano and let's go together!" Franz ordered

"Yes, Grand Duke!" Jenny replied

If it wasn't for his mother's strong intervention, Franz would not mind bringing the other two younger brothers along.When dealing with noble girls, at least they can share most of the firepower.

It's a pity that the other two younger brothers are too young. Mrs. Sophie doesn't let them attend this kind of occasion, and Franz doesn't want to lower the age line of the banquet.

You must know that they are much more attractive to noble ladies than Franz.The status of the crown prince gave Franz a higher status, and it was also destined that his marriage must be a political marriage.

In contrast, his younger brothers are much more free in marriage, and there is no problem in marrying these big nobles in the country.

……

Seeing Massimiliano having a good time with a group of noble girls, Franz pulled him out and joked, "How about it, has my brother met the other half of his heart?"

Massimiliano fought back without hesitation: "Dear brother, if I say yes, do you think Madam Sophie will..."

Franz smiled and said: "Really? Dear brother, for your lifelong happiness, I don't mind being scolded, but can you bear the pressure?

Today, the noble ladies here are all much older than you. Do you have an Oedipus complex?

My God, Massimiliano, you are so amazing that you..."

"Stop, my dear brother, if you continue, my fame will be ruined!" Maximiliano hurriedly stopped

This is not the first time the two have had such a small joke.

"Stop a bunch of flies for me later, I want to talk to Grand Duke Louis!" Franz said seriously

"Okay, I know that you will find nothing good with me!"

Massimiliano made an expression of lovelessness, and Franz rolled his eyes in disdain.

How could the noble banquet attended by Franz be a simple banquet?If it wasn't for the purpose of deceiving others, he wouldn't be bothered to come out to socialize!

……

"Dear Duke Louis, I want you to support me in controlling the palace guard!" Franz said straight to the point

"God! My little Franz, why do you have such an idea? You must know that you are only 16 years old, not yet 17 years old!" Grand Duke Louis said in surprise

As the crown prince, it is not difficult to want the army to dawdle, but it is not so easy to really take charge of an army, especially Franz is not yet 17 years old.

Therefore, he had no choice but to take the command of the Palace Guard.Although the number of this army is not large, and its combat effectiveness is also a question mark, it is the only one that Franz can get.

"Uncle Louis, you know that I have always liked military affairs since I was a child, and my dream is to become a real general!

But it is impossible for my identity to develop in the army for a long time. Now I can only enjoy myself with the palace guard. ’ explains Franz

Grand Duke Louis shook his head and said, "It's impossible. You have to know that the palace guard is very important. You haven't proved your ability. If you really want to become a general, you can join the city defense army!"

What is the Austrian City Defense Army, Franz still doesn't know?Known as the general's concentration camp here, it is said that this is the only unit in Austria that has more officers than soldiers.

According to the traditions in the German region, nobles must serve in the army after reaching adulthood, otherwise they will be condemned by public opinion.

The nobles of the Austrian Empire were also mostly born in the German region, and this tradition has also been preserved.But the Austrian Empire is decayed after all, and everyone has to turn a blind eye to these noble gentlemen.

Except for those who are really interested in developing in the army, most of them enter the army for gold plating. Grand Duke Louis let Franz take charge of this army, which is definitely uneasy and kind.

Franz frowned and said, "Uncle Louis, are you sure you're not cheating me? Don't you know what the city defense army is? Even if Grand Duke Karl goes into battle in person, there's nothing he can do about them. Do you think I can do it?" Is it?"

The window paper was punctured, and the face of the old and cunning Grand Duke Louis did not change at all.

"Frantz, don't be angry. Isn't this a test for you young people? If you can even handle the city defense army, then what else can you not do?"

It may be useful to fool the sophomores with these words, but it is a pity that Franz is no longer, and he will not know the heights of heaven and earth just because of a few words of flattery.

"Uncle Louis, it's not impossible, as long as you order all the gold-plated nobles inside to retire, I will go to the city defense army!" Franz pretended to be angry

"Frantz, this is impossible, even His Majesty the Emperor, there is no way to let them go!" Grand Duke Louis said helplessly

"So, I can't go to the city defense army. The palace guard is more suitable for me. Uncle Louis, you can't bear it!" Franz said pretending to be angry

"how is this possible!"

"Okay, Franz, you can join the palace guard, but you can't be given the position of coach. Now you are too young, and you have to practice for a few years!" Grand Duke Louis retreated and said

"This damn age! Well, then I'll just wait a few more years!" Franz pretended to be helpless.

His goal has been achieved, the Palace Guard or the Praetorian Guard, this force is different from other armies, they are only loyal to the royal family.

For Franz, it is not necessary to be the commander-in-chief of this unit in order to master it. Under normal circumstances, the commander-in-chief is held by the emperor himself, or appointed by members of the royal family.

Now this army is in the hands of the Regency Council, with Archduke Louis as the coach, and Franz entering it as the crown prince, naturally someone will take the initiative to defect.

He had already expressed his attitude, and he was determined to enter the palace guard. Even if Grand Duke Louis was dissatisfied, it was impossible to really prevent Franz from entering.

Chapter 12 For the Glory of Nobility

The goal was achieved, and the two continued to chat, as if nothing had happened just now. In fact, Franz had already hinted that he accepted the favor of Grand Duke Louis.

Favor debts are not easy to repay, but for Franz, sometimes it is not a good thing to owe a few more favors.

For example, now that he has hooked up with the leader of the conservative faction, everyone can be regarded as his own.

Otherwise, why did Franz come to him and ask him to sell this favor?As the crown prince of the empire, is there no other way to enter the royal guard?

Obviously, it does not exist. As long as Franz is willing, even if he does not have any position, he can step in. The royal guard only serves the royal family. The first object of allegiance is the emperor, and the second is the object of allegiance to the crown prince.

"Uncle Louis, the country is not very peaceful recently!" Franz asked pretendingly curious

"Well, isn't our prime minister calling for reform every day, and now a bunch of capitalists have turned into reformists, seeking benefits under the banner of patriotism.

Our prime minister pretends not to see it, and stares at us nobles every day, as if it is a cancer that hinders Austria's progress! ” Archduke Louis said dissatisfiedly

Does Prime Minister Metternich care about the bourgeoisie?So what do the secret police do?It can't be used to arrest nobles, right?

As a representative of the aristocracy, Prime Minister Metternich, apart from harming everyone's interests on the issue of the abolition of serfs, is most of the time a defender of the interests of the aristocracy!

Of course, you can just think about these words, and Franz will never say them.This is the leader of the Austrian Conservative faction in front of him. Isn't talking about this in front of him arousing hatred?

"Uncle Louis, since capitalists can use the name of patriotism to advocate reform, we nobles can also hold high the banner of reform!" Franz smiled.

This is a good habit that Franz has developed. For some reason, after crossing, he likes to dig holes everywhere.

"Oh, Franz, are you kidding me?" Archduke Louis asked incredulously

Isn't it nonsense that the aristocracy holds high the banner of reform?We must know that the current reforms are all about cutting the flesh of the nobles, and let them cut their own flesh. Is this possible?

Franz explained: "Of course, Uncle Louis, I'm not a joking person! Capitalists can propose reform plans, can't we nobles propose reform plans?"

Archduke Louis fell into deep thought. It was a consensus that the Austrian Empire must carry out reforms, but such reforms could not harm their interests. This was the reason why conservatives opposed reforms.

Franz's proposal, in his opinion, is to allow the nobles to take the initiative and hold the right to reform in their hands.

He did not suspect that Franz had bad intentions, because the bourgeoisie was also the enemy of the royal family, and the reforms led by the capitalists would first deprive the emperor of his rights.

This is just a moderate faction. If you change to a radical bourgeoisie, they will play with the masters of the republic. Just refer to Charles I and Louis XVI. No emperor will have a good opinion of them.

Franz, the crown prince, is naturally no exception, and his ass decides his position.Now when Franz talked with him, didn't he repeatedly emphasize "we", this is determined by class, the royal family and the nobles naturally stand together.

"Frantz, what plan do you have, can you explain it in detail?" Grand Duke Louis asked with concern

Now he didn't dare to underestimate Franz. Judging from the contact just now, he was clearly a little fox, and he played political tricks very smoothly.

"Uncle Louis, have you noticed that the bourgeoisie demanded the emancipation of the serfs under the banner of freedom and equality?" Franz asked

"Of course, those people shouted every day, besides these, they also put forward a lot of unreasonable demands such as constitutional reform and ethnic autonomy.

Essentially, it's not for your own benefit.Their factories lack cheap labor, so they want to abolish serfdom. They are actually a group of vampires.

We must know that the vast majority of workers are not as good as serfs. We will at least provide food, clothing, housing and transportation for serfs, and we will support them when they are old.

But the evil capitalists are not so kind. Once they become their workers, very few can survive for ten years. Once they are old, they will be driven out to fend for themselves.

I have worked hard for them all my life, but in the end I have to live on the streets. May God punish these vampires! ” Archduke Louis complained angrily.

I have to admit that Grand Duke Louis told a part of the truth. The capitalists in this era are really dark, and the life of most workers is not as good as that of serfs. This is not wrong.

Judging from the average life expectancy, the average life expectancy in cities is 3-5 years lower than that in rural areas, and the cruelty of capitalists can be seen.

After ordinary workers enter the factory, they are abolished in almost ten years, and most of them will not live to be 40 years old.

However, most of the nobles are also not good things. Everyone is a vampire, and no one is nobler than the other.

"Uncle Louis, I know all these things. Since the capitalists can demand the abolition of serfdom under the guise of fighting for the rights and interests of the serfs, why can't we limit the development of the bourgeoisie under the banner of benefiting the working class?" Franz sneered

See people talking, see ghosts talking.

Now Franz is making the face of the feudal aristocracy look like a novel, and he looks like he can't tear the bourgeoisie apart.

"For the benefit of the working class? I'm afraid it won't work. Many of our aristocrats also have workshops. Improving the treatment of workers will harm the interests of many people!" Grand Duke Louis said hesitantly.

Looking at the expression of Grand Duke Louis, Franz knew that history's evaluation of him was correct—indecisive, but such a person has the possibility of success in deception.

"Compared with the glory of the nobility, what are a few benefits? If the bourgeoisie is not restricted, I am afraid that it will not take many years for them to shit on our heads!

Uncle Louis, don't you realize that the power of the bourgeoisie is always growing?If things go on like this, one day we will not be able to suppress them! "Frantz said foolishly.

These words are still valid now, the nobles have not yet transformed into the bourgeoisie, even if someone invests in industry and commerce, they will not go to battle in person.

If you want them to sit on an equal footing with the capitalists, I'm sorry that the aristocrat can't afford to lose that person.This is true for ordinary nobles, let alone grand nobles like Archduke Louis.