Eagle's Glory

But after reading the letter, he will definitely change his mind.

Aigron deliberately grasped the scale, not only looking forward to the future, but also not looking too far into the future-the steam age is something the marshal can understand, if he goes further, he will definitely be regarded as a madman's idiot, there is no need significance.

But this scale alone is enough to cause earth-shaking changes in human civilization.

Human beings have had a history of civilization for thousands of years, but after all, it is nothing more than dynasties coming and going, feudal lords annexing each other and then splitting, empires rising and destroying, everything seems to be like a documentary that is constantly rewinding. Birth, old age, sickness and death in chaos and ignorance, the average life expectancy is no more than 40 years old, the infant mortality rate is extremely high, ordinary people even eat a meal of meat is a luxury life - pain is the normal state of life, living is just to silently meet death, it depends on religion In order to get some illusory comfort.

Only after the industrial revolution, material production began to be greatly enriched, most people got rid of the heavy and arduous farm work, and finally hoped to live beyond the age of 60, and obtaining food was no longer a daily worry.

Most people are finally entitled and have the leisure to acquire knowledge, to think about metaphysical issues, and to live truly.

Only after the Industrial Revolution did history really have meaning.

Of course, the industrial revolution will also bring some side effects, such as environmental pollution, metropolitan diseases, etc., but that is the "disease of wealth" of civilization, and people in the past were not even qualified to expect such a life.

Aigron can't share this with others, but he hopes he can contribute to the process.

Owning an empire is of course a dream of happiness, but where to take this empire is a heavy responsibility. He is not the kind of person who says "who cares about the flood after I die", on the contrary, he cares about himself What kind of reputation can be left for future generations.

He will try to make his mark on the world, maybe even outlast his dynasty.

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After Aigron sent his reply letter to Marshal Soult, his life returned to the track of the past, and he began to prepare intensively for his next action.

According to the idea discussed with Michel Ney and Andre Davout, he wrote to Prince Otto, who has become the king of Greece, and vaguely hinted that he wanted to make some big moves in the near future .

Soon, his hint was noticed by King Otto, who eagerly wrote back to Eggron, trying to find out what he wanted to do.

Egron didn't reply to the king quickly this time, but just put on a posture of wanting to make a big move, and began to recruit his own army.

After the establishment of the Principality of Ioannina, his original army was roughly divided into several parts: some Greeks retired directly and were allocated to the land around the city of Ioannina, as self-cultivators, and became the barrier of the Principality; They went to several important strongholds and ports as a garrison; part of them patrolled several cities in the principality as a mobile force, and took on the task of suppressing bandits by the way; finally, they were the main force staying in the city of Ioannina.

Of course, after the dispersal, Aigron also paid great attention to maintaining the principality's violent machine. He has always emphasized the need to maintain mobilization. Once something happens, he can remobilize the soldiers and reserve soldiers everywhere and reorganize them into an army.

After Aigron issued the order, according to the various regulations set before, the principality quickly carried out corresponding mobilization, and small troops continued to gather towards the city of Ioannina. Nina's informants from various countries also truthfully reported all these disturbances to their governments.

For a time, the rumors that "Duke Lechstadt is restless again" spread across many countries in an instant.

As Aigron said, no one actually cared about the small Principality of Ioannina. After all, it was small and weak, and it was located in a remote place; but many people cared about him very much.

People everywhere are guessing what Aigron wants to do. Are they dissatisfied with the current territory of the Principality of Ioannina and want to continue to expand and conquer?

However, Aigron didn't seem to care about this. After he issued the mobilization order, he kept silent all the time, just maintaining the tension of the situation and letting the outside world speculate on his actions.

As a neighbor and ally of the Principality of Ioannina, Greece is the country that is most concerned about his actions. They want to find out whether the Duke of Reichstedt is really not satisfied with the status quo.

Because of this, King Otto wrote several more letters to Aigron, with more and more sincere words, trying to figure out Aigron's intentions.

Even, the king hinted in the letter that if the Duke really wanted to do it, the Greeks might still actively support it.

At the end of the letter, he also sincerely hoped that he could meet with Aigron to discuss the current major issues. He is very willing to provide support to the principality within his capacity as an ally.

The fire is here!

When Aigron saw the reply, he was also quite happy... This is the response he wanted.

He could see that King Otto had noticed the tense situation and had the idea of ​​"just in time".

However, judging from the wording, he was still a little sensible, and he did not encourage Aigron to do it, nor did he promise that he would directly participate in the war.

That's good too, Aigron is really afraid that the little guy will be hot-blooded, and in the end it will cause big trouble for everyone, and make himself self-defeating.

After receiving this reply letter, Aigron finally broke the silence during this period of time, and formally wrote to King Otto, inviting him to meet with him on the border between the two countries for a hunting trip and review the army together.

He knew that Otto would agree.

Fengyun was being stirred by him, but the eye of the storm was not here.　　

150, disclosure

According to the agreement with Prince Otto, after making preparations, Egron left the city of Ioannina with his entourage and a group of guards, and marched towards the southern border.

In order to celebrate Prince Otto's enthronement as the king of Greece, he had already been to Athens once to participate in the celebration. At that time, the atmosphere was harmonious and warm, and everyone was cheering for the king and for him.

But this time, he will be much more nervous. After his deliberate manipulation for a period of time, everyone feels that the Duke of Reichstedt is restless again, and the war that has just subsided in the Balkan Peninsula may be rekindled.

Some people cheered it, some people worried about it, but in any case, only Aigron and his few cronies knew that the tension was just a cover-up, and he had no intention of fighting now.

Now, he will work hard to quell the flames that he has created with his own hands.

A few days later, Aigron and his party came to a small town on the border and camped in the wilderness on the outskirts of the town; King Otto and his party also arrived at this small town at about the same time.

Now, both of them are the de facto rulers of a country. Although the strength of the country is limited, the pomp and ceremony must still be in place-they both brought a guard of honor to pay tribute to themselves and each other.

The autumn weather is refreshing, in the warm and comfortable cool breeze, accompanied by the roar of the salute and the cheers of the people, two people surrounded by a large group of entourages in various uniforms met in an open space noodle.

The cheers around him were deafening, but Egron was already used to this kind of scene, so he didn't care much about it. He focused all his attention on King Otto on the opposite side.

I haven't seen him for a few months, and this young man has grown taller again, his facial expression has become a bit more serious than that of an adult, and his gestures have become a bit more like a king. This demeanor, coupled with his brand-new flashy The bright uniform and medals made King Otto even more majestic.

However, if you want to be a good king, it is not enough to just show off. In other respects, young Otto still has a lot to learn and adapt to.

Eggron looked at the other party with a smile, and quickly approached him, and Prince Otto also walked towards him.

Soon, the two groups of people came together, and the two leaders faced each other, then stretched out their hands and hugged each other, in order to show the friendly and intimate relationship between the two people and the two countries.

Although on the surface he did a lot of politeness, and his demeanor and movements calmly displayed the majesty that the king should have, but Aigron still saw a trace of nervousness in King Otto's eyes from a close distance.

This is also normal. After all, it has only been a few months since he took the throne, and he encountered the problem of a possible war. It would be a bit of a headache for anyone, let alone a child who is only about 13 years old?Aigron also understands this very well, and will not despise the other party because of this.

"Otto, my brother, I haven't seen you for several months. I am very happy to see you again." After the two people separated their arms, Aigron only called each other by their first names to show kindness, "And I am more I am glad that you have won the support of your subjects so quickly, and I am grateful for this country."

"It is my honor to receive such praise from you, Your Highness." Otto also smiled reluctantly, trying to show kindness to Aigron, "I am very grateful for everything you have done to stabilize my country, and I will continue to I perform my duties with the greatest enthusiasm, and I hope to receive more help and guidance from you in the future..."

"Of course, I will do my best to help you. After all, we have the same interests now, and our two countries share weal and woe." Aigron nodded with a smile, "I believe that today we can show the outside world that we are The determination to continue to uphold these principles, as long as we continue to stand together, we will win anything."

Hearing these words, King Otto was a little embarrassed, and he didn't answer for a while.

He didn't want to fight, but he didn't dare to offend Aigron and affect the relationship between the two sides - logically speaking, Aigron was the one who appointed him to be the king of Greece, and he had been helping him maintain his rule, and he was kind to him ;From a political point of view, Egron has always had close allies in Greece. If he offends him, his ruling foundation will be seriously shaken, and even unexpected things may happen.

So now he is also in a dilemma, a bit difficult to choose.

Presumably, now King Otto is also distressed about how to not offend Aegron and calm down the possible war.

Aigron could see what the other party was thinking, and he was also secretly amused, but on the face of it, he still made a smug and ambitious look to imply that he was really about to make a big move, so he gave The other party's greater sense of crisis.

In this way, the two people had their own thoughts, but they still completed the courtesy greetings with impeccable manners, and then they walked into the big tent prepared in advance under the cheers of their respective guards and honor guards.

Although the tent was big, there were not many people who could come in. Egron brought his captain Andre Davout, his secretary Leon, and several other personal followers; King Otto also brought only his side Several accompanying officers brought over from Bavaria.

Now is the time to really talk about the big issues.

"Otto, please sit down." Aigron unceremoniously put on the air of the host inviting guests, sat down first, and then motioned to Otto, who also sat down obediently, but his expression was a little hesitant to speak. end.

Aigron was not in a hurry, he leaned back on the chair contentedly, and his attendants immediately poured wine for the two of them.

Because he was so worried, Otto couldn't sit still first. He just took a sip of his glass and asked quickly.

"Your Highness...I've heard a lot of rumors about you recently. I don't know if it's true or not, so I implore you to solve my doubts with the attitude of a brother, is that okay?"

"Of course, Otto, feel free to ask anything—" Eggron spread his hands, "I'll answer everything you know, as always."

"Are you really planning to go to war?" Otto didn't go around in circles, and went straight to the point, "From the information I got, you have been mobilizing the army and gathering them to the north and east of the border... I have written to you to ask you about this, but you have not given me a clear answer, and I would like to take the opportunity of meeting you today to get your personal answer, do you think it is okay?"

"Before I answer, can I ask what your attitude is on this?" Aigron asked calmly, "Otto, your opinion is also of reference value to me."

Otto became even more nervous. He was deeply afraid that what he would say next would make the famous young man on the opposite side angry.

He subconsciously looked aside, and the Bavarians in his eyes finally gave him some courage. He mustered up the courage and said what he had discussed with his staff before. "Your Highness, you are like a brother to me, and I can completely confide in you, so we should speak freely and without concealment. I admit that my people are full of revenge and hatred for the Turks, and they are very happy to treat the Turks. Humans have been oppressed for centuries to make reasonable revenge, but I don't think this means that it is suitable for a war now... Our country is small and weak, and we have just come out of a decade-long war. Everything is still waiting to be done, and we really can't stand the devastation of a large-scale war. We are willing to join hands with the Principality of Ioannina to fight against the enemy, but I and my officials believe that now is not the best time , we need to wait patiently for a while.”

After a pause, as if he was afraid that Aigron would turn his face and get angry, he immediately added, "However, my people are full of admiration for you, and we are willing to provide help within our ability. If you really want to do it, then we will provide As far as material support is possible, if someone is willing to volunteer to fight for you, the government of the Kingdom of Greece will not stop it. We wish you all the best and pray to God for you."

Aegron laughed secretly again after listening.

Obviously, the latter passage was thought up by Otto and his staff in order to appease them. Although it sounds nice, it has no real meaning—to provide material support, but there is no specific number and scale, and you can give it if you want. , You can stop it whenever you don’t want to give it; as for “pray to God”, if this kind of thing is useful, Constantinople would have been owned by the Greeks long ago, so why wait until today?

Therefore, no matter how nice it is, it is nothing more than a tactful expression of wishing to stay out of the matter-if Aigron really wants to fight, then he will definitely not get much help.

But Aigron was not angry that King Otto was not on his side, on the contrary he was quite happy.

Although he got a crown at a young age, Prince Otto is still a little sensible and knows that this world is not a place where he can do whatever he wants.

That's good too, Aigron is really afraid that the little guy will be hot-blooded, and in the end it will cause big trouble for everyone, and make himself self-defeating.

"Otto, I thank you for your kindness to me, and I also understand your current difficulties. As a witness to the Greek War of Independence, I have witnessed the great sacrifices made by this country before its birth, so I, like you, have no regrets. Willing to let it devote itself to the sacrifice of the God of War less than a year after the founding of the country, it should not be done at all." Aigron looked at the other party with a smile on his face, and then replied unhurriedly, "And, Please rest assured that this war will not be fought, we just need to put on airs."

"Huh?" Otto was dumbfounded by this answer, and he was completely in shock.

In other words, the Duke of Lechstedt made such a big gesture, but in the end it was just to drum up momentum?It's just unbelievable.

Although he secretly breathed a sigh of relief and let go of his greatest worry, but his heart seemed to be blocked by something, which was extremely uncomfortable.

"Why did you do this?" Puzzled, he couldn't help asking Aigron.

The subtext is—it's nothing, why are you tossing everyone so much?

"Otto, don't you feel it? In order to consolidate your rule and mine, we need to put on such a posture to let the people remember that they need us." Aigron suddenly restrained his smile, and then reached out and patted each other shoulders, "You have only been in this kingdom for a few months, you have not participated in the War of Independence before, and you have not paid any price for it. The people only welcome you as king because you come from a noble and long-established family. Very good, but not solid enough, your prestige comes only from your surname and not from yourself, you have not established your own authority-only your own authority is the real authority, Otto."

Otto was confused at first, and then seemed to understand something.

"What do you mean, creating a crisis and making noise is not for the sake of fighting, but to make the people feel that they are facing a big enemy, so as to unite the hearts of the people?"

"That's right, that's right, you are really smart." Aigron nodded again, "You have just arrived, and your achievements and prestige are not enough, so don't you urgently need some opportunities to create prestige? And now is an excellent time Yes, I have brought you an opportunity... Otto, I want you to know that there is nothing like hatred to unite people. As long as you become the carrier of hatred, the people will remember that you are the protector of this nation. When the time comes Naturally, it will get the prestige it deserves.”

Otto suddenly realized, and then countless thoughts suddenly sprouted in his heart.

He doesn't want to fight, but if he can gain the support and prestige of the people just by putting on a posture without fighting, it is tempting enough for him.

He looked at the cronies next to him, and their eyes and expressions were quite confused, obviously they hadn't come out of the shock just now.

"You really don't want to go to war?" he asked again cautiously, for final confirmation.

"I assure you on my honor that I don't want to fight, and I won't fight." Aigron solemnly promised the other party, "Now I'm just doing something that is beneficial to both of us. You all have similar needs. You want to gain support, either to lead the people to become rich and prosperous, or to lead them to resist the invasion of evil and powerful enemies. Since we can't bring our respective countries to become rich and prosperous immediately, we might as well try Try the latter, you might as well join me in shouldering the burden of defending the country and the nation, and this is why I met you specially."

King Otto had mixed feelings, and he didn't know what to do. He felt that he couldn't make a decision now and needed to discuss it with his ministers. But at least he didn't have to worry about his country being thrown into a war for no reason. risk.

If it's just a show, it's really doable!he thought.

Since the Duke of Reichstedt can act, why can't he act?In any case, as long as he is tough on the Turks, the Greeks will definitely cheer him, not to mention that if the two countries advance and retreat together, he can also get more favor.

"Please allow me to discuss with the ministers." After a while, he hesitated to reply.

"No problem, Otto, we don't need to make a decision now, it's just a gesture anyway." Aigron spread his hands lazily, "It's rare to have free time, how about we take a few days here as a vacation? Now is the season , it is a good time for hunting..."

Otto did not object to this proposal at all.

As a young man, he is naturally very keen on lively hunting - not to mention that this is his first attempt as a king.

"Of course, Your Highness, I am very glad to be able to enjoy leisure time with you."　　

Fanwai (18) long-cherished wish fulfilled

[Undertake Fanwai 1 and Fanwai 8, live in seclusion with Teresa and become a world line of literary giants]

In March 1835, the cold wind of early spring came to the world with the clarion call of the revival of all things, and the world that was originally covered with white snow and plaster began to rejuvenate. the earth.

Originally, this was a season full of hope. However, in the Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, the joy of welcoming spring could not be seen at this time. On the contrary, it seemed a bit more depressed than in winter.

Because, not long ago, His Majesty Franz I, the last emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, the founding emperor of the Austrian Empire, passed away.

The death of the emperor shocked the whole country. The ruler who has ruled the empire for nearly 40 years has witnessed the most turbulent moment of the empire. He may not be a perfect or almighty monarch, but he has also become a king during his long reign. Some kind of symbol of the empire, and his death inevitably caused the empire to fall into a temporary loss.

This bewilderment is also partly due to the heir: as we all know, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Ferdinand suffers from severe epilepsy, often mentally disturbed, and his ability to govern the country has been questioned.

But since he is the crown prince, even if he is so worrying, according to the ancient succession law, he will inherit the throne. No one knows where the empire will go under his rule. Most people can only think in their hearts. Secretly hope that Prime Minister Metternich, who has always been in power, can continue to be trusted, assist the new emperor to govern the country, and lead the empire to a new era smoothly.

No matter what the future holds, according to the ancient tradition, a grand national mourning must be held after the death of the emperor. The old man who ruled the empire before his death must also show his majesty to the world after his death, so that people can remember the continuation of the Habsburg family.

Of course, various grand occasions were indispensable for this funeral. The nobles, political figures and celebrities from all walks of life of the empire gathered in the Schönbrunn Palace one after another, making this originally lonely palace lively again for a while.

The emperor's coffin was placed in the center of the audience hall, surrounded by flowers.

In order to allow people to see the last side of the emperor, the coffin was not covered, and people could see the emperor lying in it, as if he was sleeping peacefully, and seemed to be thankful that this troubled empire was still alive after all. My generation is over, and I can finally go to heaven with a clear conscience to face my ancestors.

The closest to the coffin are the emperor's blood relatives—that is, members of the most noble Habsburg royal family in the empire. They have been notified as early as when the emperor was seriously ill and comatose. They gathered in Schönbrunn Palace to see off their patriarch for the last time.

As members of the royal family, they naturally have undergone strict etiquette training. No matter what thoughts they have in their hearts at this time, their expressions are all solemn and mournful, and they seem to be deeply saddened by His Majesty's death.

As the grandson of the emperor, the Duke of Reichstedt is among the group of people. In front of him is his mother Luisa, Grand Duke of Parma, and on the right is his father-in-law, Grand Duke Karl. Next to him, His wife, Princess Teresa.

The couple were both dressed in black mourning clothes, blending into the whole solemn environment.

Standing in the position of Aigron, it is easy to see that there are tears in the corners of Luisa's eyes, obviously crying just now - although the royal family is doomed to be weak, after all, as a father and daughter, Luisa will naturally understand the death of her father. Some grief.

Compared with his mother, Eggron was the complete opposite. His expression was serious, but that was just polite indifference.Although it was a day of national mourning, and the deceased was his maternal grandfather, he did not feel any grief, and no one cared whether he was grieving or not.

He was now considered a Habsburg, partly by blood, partly by marriage, but neither by others nor by himself was he considered a true Habsburg.