Unexpected Funds

Russia Ambassador Peter and France Foreign Minister Talleyrand are old friends.

So-called old friends are generally those who have done certain things together. For example, they may have studied together, fought together, been exiled together, or shared spoils together.

Talleyrand graduated from a Catholicism seminary, while Peter was Eastern Orthodoxy Christian, so it was impossible for them to have studied together. As for fighting together, although Peter had served in the army, Talleyrand had never been a soldier, and one was Russia and the other France, so that was also impossible. As for being exiled together, that was even more impossible. Therefore, this "old friend" of theirs could only have "shared spoils."

Since they were reliable old friends who had "shared the spoils together," Peter was very direct in his conversation with Talleyrand.

"My friend, I've heard that your country is helping the Turkey train his army?"

"How did you know?" Talleyrand asked. "Well, although this matter is confidential, Turkey's ability to keep secrets is... well, I've said it before, Turkey is a sieve."

"Charles, we are a friendly country with France. Your help to the Turkey is not very friendly to us," Peter said.

"Ah, Peter. France's friendship with Russia remains unchanged. As for our dealings with Turkey, that's purely business. We're friends, so I won't hide it from you; this deal will make France a lot of money. Many people in our country are counting on this transaction to make money. And I can assure you that this deal has absolutely no impact on your country's security."

As you know, although Turkey only allowed a delegation comprised entirely of Greece and Eastern Orthodoxy Christians to be sent as a civilian group, the Turkey government has clearly stated that they will abide by the Olympic Truce. The Turkey Sultan's intensified training of the new army is mainly due to internal considerations. His previous reforms have offended many people, and the pressure we've put on him has forced him to deploy his most elite troops far from the capital. This has greatly worried the Sultan, hence his request for our assistance in training the army."

"My friend, the Turkey Sultan may indeed have his own internal considerations, but if he can truly resolve his internal problems, then it is a danger to the entire Christianity world."

Upon hearing this, Talleyrand laughed, "My friend, you probably don't even believe that yourself. The world is different now. To be honest, in the Middle Ages, those pagans were once more civilized than us. But now, they are far too backward."

For example, what do you Russia do when you come here? You learn everything you can, from science to art, nothing is off-limits. You even spend a fortune trying to get our scholars to work at universities in Saint Petersburg. But what about the Turkey? How many of them studied these things in France? They just buy some weapons and then try to learn how to use them like bears trying to walk like humans. But that's all they do. What threat can such a country pose to you?

As for Turkey succeeding in its reforms and becoming stronger, my friend, I think that if Turkey succeeds, they might actually face the danger of extinction. Turkey is already a seriously ill patient. If the reforms are too drastic, its body can't handle it and it will collapse; if the reforms are too slow, they will fall far behind in this turbulent and radical era, and then they will be in danger. Don't you think so?"

Talleyrand's words did not completely convince Peter. Indeed, Peter also believed that even if Turkey had more modern troops, it would be impossible for it to surpass Russia in the development race. However, in any case, the fact that the France were helping Turkey train its army was still detrimental to Russia.

But Peter also knew that this was a money-making opportunity for France. And while France might have improved considerably in other areas—even those Bourbon had to admit it—in certain virtues it was worse than the Bourbon era, for example, its shamelessness in its pursuit of money. Even France's allies acknowledged that the current France government would disregard everything at the mere sound of clinking gold coins. Therefore, Peter knew that getting the France to abandon this deal was virtually impossible.

However, Peter also had to express the Russia government's dissatisfaction to the France government, although this expression was really just to make a statement. Neither France nor Russia would care too much. But it was still necessary to make a statement.

"Mr. Foreign Minister," Peter said sternly, "We believe your country's actions are inappropriate. They have harmed our national interests and damaged the friendly sentiments of our people towards your country. Our country reserves the right to take appropriate action, although our commitment to the 'Olympic Truce' remains unwavering. We also hope that your country will refrain from doing anything that would damage the friendship between our two countries."

"I will pass your opinion on to Bonaparte," Talleyrand replied formally.

Talleyrand understood the Russia's meaning. They might have some minor skirmishes along the border with Turkey, but they certainly wouldn't escalate those skirmishes into war. At least not before the Olympic Games.

As for after the Olympic Games, well, by then the Olympic Truce will have passed. If the Russia's actions really prevent the Turkey from spareing any troops, it's not a big deal, is it? As long as they're willing to spend the money, the French Army can handle it just as well. What? Not enough money? Aren't there banks? Well, let's not talk about money; talking about money hurts feelings. How about we talk about mines and railways? In fact, from the France perspective, if the Russia can really prevent the Turkey from sparing any troops, it means the France can make even more money, which is definitely not a bad thing.

After seeing off the Russia, Talleyrand welcomed the Austria ambassador Metternich.

Unlike the relatively honest Peter, Metternich was more cunning, and his relationship with Talleyrand was much deeper; they were more like "old friends."

Therefore, Metternich got straight to the point as soon as he opened his mouth.

"My old friend, I've heard you have a conspiracy with the Turkey," Metternich said.

"I can assure you that we and Turkey have no conspiracy against your country," Talleyrand replied.

"That means the conspiracy really exists."

"There will always be conspiracies between nations."

"Well, you have a point," Metternich said. "But who is your conspiracy with the Turkey aimed at? If it's not against us, then it's most likely against the Russia. But if it's against the Russia, then it makes no sense that we weren't involved. So, it's unlikely that the conspiracy is against Russia —ah, my old friend, you're not thinking about the Barbary Pirates, are you?"

Metternich's words surprised Talleyrand; he hadn't expected Metternich to know even this. However, Talleyrand felt that Metternich probably didn't know much, and it was likely just a guess based on some clues. But it was also possible that the Austria did know something.

In fact, Talleyrand's conjecture is largely consistent with the facts. Metternich's personal abilities, especially in studying the balance of power between nations, were exceptional. In the original historical record, after Napoleon's defeat, Russia became the most militarily powerful country in Europe. Austria's entire military strength was equivalent to only one Russia army group. However, through highly successful diplomacy, Metternich transformed Austria, which was not militarily prominent, into a dominant force in Europe. His keen intuition and ability to handle affairs were truly outstanding.

"It's a good thing this guy isn't France, otherwise, the First Consul would definitely be happy to replace me with him." For some reason, this thought suddenly popped into Talleyrand's mind.

Talleyrand thought this to himself, but outwardly replied calmly, "We did indeed use Turkey influence to negotiate with the Barbary Pirates, demanding that they hand over the France ships and crew that had been plundered."

"These Barbary Pirates are far too rampant, and their actions pose a serious threat to free trade. Many of our ships have suffered enormous losses as a result. Upholding free trade is the obligation of all Europe countries. Therefore, we also hope to fulfill our duty in upholding free trade."

To say they were "fulfilling their obligations" is obviously nonsense, because in international affairs, obligations and rights are always intertwined. If you fulfill your obligations, you must share the rights. The Austria's real intention was simply to gain some advantage.

"We are old friends," Talleyrand said. "So, I will tell you the truth. It is certainly a good thing that your country is willing to take on more responsibility. But I must remind you that taking on responsibility also requires strength, and your navy is insufficient when it comes to matters involving Barbary Pirates."

Austria's naval power was insignificant compared to Europe nations. It was not only incomparable to England and France, but also far inferior to the second-tier Spain and the Netherlands. In fact, it was far inferior even to the Barbary Pirates.

"We certainly don't have enough ships, but we recently received some unexpected funding and are looking for an opportunity to make more money," Metternich said with a smile.