Chapter 299: Kicking a Man When He's Down
Vienna Palace
Franz looked at the telegram Napoleon III had sent him and said with a chuckle, "The French want to make a move against the Kingdom of Sardinia. Now they want us to honor our promise. What do you think we should do?"
Minister of the Interior Archduke Louis proposed, "Your Majesty, the French are wildly ambitious in Italy. I fear the Kingdom of Sardinia alone will not satisfy their appetite.
"Once French influence penetrates deep into Italy, the pressure on our national defense will increase. For the security of Lombardy, we should stop this."
Metternich objected, "It is not that serious. The Vienna System has only just been established. The French will not violate the treaty at this time. At most, they will seize a few advantages; they cannot possibly swallow the Kingdom of Sardinia in one bite.
"If the French truly intend to annex the Kingdom of Sardinia, then let them have it. Once the French take that step, a new anti-French alliance can be formed."
Prime Minister Felix said with a sneer, "Exactly. France is no longer the France of Napoleon's era. Since Napoleon III harbors such ambitions, we might as well grant them their wish.
"The nations of Europe have only just relaxed their vigilance against the French, and now the French have leapt out again. Let us give them another push and make them stand a little taller."
Strength determined one's stance. If Austria lacked strength, it would naturally have to stop French expansion and nip the danger in the bud.
But circumstances were different now. Even if the French annexed the Kingdom of Sardinia, it would remain within Austria's capacity to bear.
With a powerful Russia and a powerful France, the emergence of another