Life of Being a Crown Prince in France

Almost half of the British members of Parliament immediately voiced their agreement, "The Fao Allied Forces have already taken the initiative on the battlefield, we must respond!"

"If Austria regains Silesia, the strategic balance Germany had achieved will be shattered."

"Not just Silesia, the Fao alliance could even influence the political situation across the European Continent..."

As a traditional troublemaker, England would never allow a dominant power to emerge in Europe.

However, some more cautious members of Parliament shook their heads in discussion, with one of them standing up and saying,

"Lord Fox, we are not at all prepared for war, we haven't even begun to mobilize our troops."
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England had committed all its mobile forces to India last year, and currently could dispatch no more than 30,000 men to Silesia, and logistical supplies were also not ready, so even if they went to war, it would be difficult to affect the outcome.

Fox immediately slapped the war proposal in front of him and shouted, "That's why we should begin preparations for war immediately."

He pointed vigorously at the air to the east, "By the time the French people help Austria defeat our allies, it will be too late!

"Weak Holland can hardly be relied upon, Prussia is our only support point in Europe. If Prussia is defeated and chooses to side with France and Austria, it would be a nightmare for Britain!"

In the Parliament hall, the shouts supporting him grew louder. Members of the Tory Party, although reluctant to support his proposal, couldn't find a reason to refute at the moment.

In just over an hour, the British Senate passed the resolution to immediately begin preparations for war, and in three months, send troops to participate in the Silesian war with no fewer than 60,000 men. It also sharply increased Hanover's troop presence in Silesia and requested that allies like Holland, Lower Hesse, and Poland also dispatch troops.

The resolution was quickly sent to Ten Downing Street for Prime Minister William Pitt Junior's signature.

It seemed that soon, Europe might be completely ignited with Silesia as the focal point.

...

Silesia.

South of the City of Liegnitz.

"Please accept this token of appreciation." General Leao, grinning widely, gestured towards the carriage stopped on the road, "I heard about it, even Marshal Lacy was opposed to sending more troops to Ratibor, but it was you who overcame the opposition and had General Kellermann lead 30,000 troops to assist me."

"Ah," Joseph coughed and smiled, patting his shoulder, "We are old friends after all, I couldn't just watch you fall into danger."

Leao was once again profusely grateful. He had always thought it was his own poor combat abilities that led to him being surrounded in Ratibor, but it was ultimately the Crown Prince of France who saved him.

Joseph was also happy to maintain a good relationship since it meant more connections in Vienna.

He and General Leao exchanged pleasantries as they entered the tent. At that moment, an adviser approached and whispered, "Your Highness, they are all jewels and luxury goods, worth at least 500,000 francs."

Joseph's smile grew even brighter, it seemed Leao had sent everything Vienna had awarded him. Indeed, because of Austria's great victory, Leao's actions in Ratibor were characterized as "fighting bravely and tenaciously, thereby tying down a large number of enemy troops." He was thus commended, and his promotion to Marshal was likely a done deal.

Soon, Leao's conversation shifted to the ongoing war.

He took out a letter personally written by Marshal Lacy and said to Joseph, "Your Highness, the Allied Forces currently hold a significant advantage in Breslau.

"The headquarters has already drawn up the 'March Offensive' combat plan, just waiting for your Corps to arrive, and we will soon be able to break through the Breslau fortress."

Joseph couldn't help but sigh to himself, as General Willemze, who had earlier rushed him, had not yet left, and now Leao was urging him again.

The Guard Corps had been "resting" here for over half a month, it seemed they really couldn't delay any longer.

As he reluctantly turned to Bertier, preparing to order the troops to set out, he heard the rapid approach of hoofbeats. Soon after, an officer holding a black obituary entered the tent, and said in a solemn tone, "Your Highness, gentlemen, the Holy Roman Emperor has been summoned by Jesus..."

Although Joseph was rather saddened by the passing of his uncle, after all, he was a relative , he too felt a sense of relief.

Joseph II, according to the course of history, had passed away at the end of February 1790.

And France would now be able to use this occasion to extricate itself from the whirlpool of the Silesian Wars.

Joseph looked toward General Leao, who was shocked, and said mournfully, "My beloved uncle has passed away, I must return to Vienna to attend the funeral."

Leao also came to his senses, and began to beat his chest and lament, "May His Majesty rest in peace in Heaven..."

For a moment, no one brought up the situation of the war anymore, Marshal Lacy urgently revised the battle plans, switching to full defensive positions. Fortunately, the Austrian Army had gained some advantages previously, and Prussia was also unable to seize the opportunity to launch a full counterattack.

One week later.

Vienna did not have any somber air, in fact, the death of Joseph II even seemed to excite some people.

Inside Schonbrunn Palace, several ministers were advising Leopold II, "Your Majesty, if the nobles continue to be uncooperative, the nation's finances will be depleted within a few months."

"Your Majesty, we have made a breakthrough in Silesia, but we have also expended a large amount of material."

"The separatist activities in Hungary are becoming increasingly rampant, I suggest we redeploy some troops to Pest to deter..."

Leopold II furrowed his brows, he was well aware that these nobles' words added up to one thing—"Please abolish Joseph II's reforms as soon as possible."

Although he has always advocated an end to his brother's reforms, the influence of the reformists could not be ignored, especially since he had not yet officially been crowned Emperor.

Given Germany's political structure, the Electoral Princes could only vote for him, but before that, he did not want to stir up too much political turbulence.

At this moment, an attendant at the doorway loudly announced, "Count Kaunitz arrives—"

Leopold II quickly turned his head and saw State Minister Kaunitz briskly walking in, saluting him by placing his hand on his chest, then loudly said, "Your Majesty, it is urgent that we suspend the reforms. As for those reformers filled with fanciful ideas, I believe they could be arrested for inciting riots!"

Although Kaunitz was not favored by Leopold II and had gradually moved away from the center of power, his influence as an important political force in Vienna was not to be underestimated.

Seeing his firm support to end the reforms, Leopold II hesitated no longer, and said to the Minister of the Interior, "Please draft the decree to suspend the reforms immediately, we will discuss it at the imperial conference tomorrow morning."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Joseph II's coffin slowly proceeded down the streets of Vienna, carried by the robust imperial guards. The Pope's personally dispatched Cardinal led a group of priests, carrying various ceremonial instruments, followed closely on either side.