Daily Operations -- Digging a Pit

Ever since Vienna became the capital of the House of Habsburg in the 13th century, it had quickly evolved into the political, economic, and cultural center of the European continent, as well as one of the most prosperous cities in the world.

The present was no exception. Following the conclusion of the Napoleonic Wars, Austria had reaffirmed its status as a Great Power; it was not only Russia that bore the title of "Gendarme of Europe."

After Austria helped form the Holy Alliance in 1815, it became the representative of the restorationist forces, the vanguard against capitalism, and likewise served the role of Europe's gendarme.

Regrettably, behind this brilliance lay the constant decline of Austria. By the time the revolution broke out in 1848, the Austrian Empire's hegemony over Europe would come to an end.

Walking along the bustling main street, Franz felt a heavy heart. Involuntarily, he recalled the lines of Du Fu: "Behind the vermilion gates, wine and meat go to waste; on the road, there are bones of the frozen dead!"

On the prosperous streets of Vienna, ragged figures hurried past from time to time, their bodies visibly shivering.

Whenever a beggar accidentally wandered into view, police would quickly arrive to drive them away or take them into custody.

This was the most prosperous street; one could only imagine the scenes in the slums.

The "Little Match Girl" was no fairy tale. Along the way, Franz had seen far too many children hawking cigarettes, newspapers, and matches.

Franz did not blame the capitalists for abusing child labor; in this era, having a job to feed oneself was already considered quite fortunate.

Over the course of more than a month, Franz had traveled through the main districts of Vienna, witnessing the true face of this sunset empire.

Perhaps in the Viennese Revolution a year later, what the masses truly needed was not constitutionalism or freedom, but bread to fill their stomachs and clothing to ward off the cold.

Public opinion had fallen into the hands of the bourgeoisie and the nobility; the so-called revolution had effectively become a tool for them to vie for power, while the common people became the sacrificial lambs in their struggle.

Franz still remembered an article from later history, which described Polish nationalists attempting to incite a peasant uprising in a village, claiming that once the Austrians were expelled, they would live a life of happiness forever after.

The peasants replied:

"No, honorable sirs, that is not how it will be. You only wish to drive away the most benevolent ruler on this land (referring to the Habsburg Emperor) and lead this country to ruin."

"My grandfather once told me that when the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth still existed, the lords could beat the peasants at will, and the peasants had nowhere to turn for justice."

"If you drive the Emperor from this land, then every one of you will want to taste the power of being the sole ruler, and you will turn us into slaves just as they did in the past!"

Historically, the Vienna Uprising failed. The bourgeoisie, who styled themselves as patriots, suffered a heavy blow, yet the lives of the common people actually improved.

It had to be said that this was ironic: those who shouted the loudest about overthrowing the exploiting class were actually a group of capitalists, while the Emperor, the very target of the revolution, ended up doing the work of the revolution himself.

Thinking of this, Franz already knew what he had to do. Uniting the majority to strike at the minority was always politically correct.

In Franz's view, any constitutional reform before the completion of compulsory education was utter nonsense. Reforms that exceeded the capacity of the masses to accept would only end up hurting everyone involved.

"Raul, to the Prime Minister's office!" Franz said calmly.

A transmigrator who did not stir up trouble was not a true transmigrator; this was Franz's motto. He had changed his mind and intended to stir up some trouble.

An hour later, Franz appeared at the Prime Minister's office. Because he had not made an appointment, Prime Minister Metternich was not at home.

Franz was not surprised; the Prime Minister's work was always busy, especially for a powerful minister like Metternich.

Europe was different from the East; even for a powerful minister like Metternich, his power was effectively limited. He relied on the support of the monarch to dominate Austrian politics.

"Your Highness, please rest for a moment; we have already sent someone to notify the Prime Minister!" the butler said with practiced tact.

The implication was clear: I have sent someone to inform the Prime Minister, but as for when he will return, that is unknown. Do not take your frustrations out on us small fry over issues between you big shots.

Franz smiled slightly. He had no habit of taking his frustrations out on others. The original owner of his body had a decent relationship with Prime Minister Metternich, and that relationship had been preserved after his transmigration.

In Franz's understanding, powerful ministers had been meant to be used as scapegoats since ancient times. If the Austrian Empire wanted to reform, it needed a scapegoat, and the already notorious Prime Minister Metternich was the best choice.

A man with many debts does not worry about one more; presumably, he would not mind carrying a few more black pots for the sake of Austria.

It was not until evening that Metternich returned. Franz was not angry; he had eaten and drunk as he pleased, and no one dared to slight him.

"Apologies for keeping you waiting! Little Franz, what brings you to me today?" Metternich said with fatherly affection.

Indeed, in his eyes, Franz was just a junior. Metternich was an old minister who had served since the era of Franz's grandfather, holding his position to this very day.

"Honorable Mr. Metternich, please drop the 'little'; I am already sixteen!"

Franz did not answer the question first, instead expressing his dissatisfaction.

"Very well, honorable Archduke Franz, what brings you here today?" Metternich asked with a chuckle.

"Mr. Metternich, I am here today regarding the matter of reform!" Franz said, getting straight to the point.

"Reform? Franz, why would you be interested in this? Or has someone been saying something to you?" Metternich asked in surprise.

"No one has said anything. Over the past month, I have been conducting field research in Vienna, and I have some questions I would like to consult you on!" Franz replied calmly.

"Oh? What questions? Let's hear them," Metternich asked, feigning interest.

"Mr. Metternich, the calls for constitutional reform from the outside are very loud, yet the workers I see are numb and indifferent, struggling every day just for their three meals. Is work really more important to them than dignity?" Franz asked, pretending to be ignorant.

"No, Franz! They are struggling for survival. If they don't work for a single day, they might go hungry. In the face of survival, nothing else matters!" Metternich said firmly.

"Oh, since that is the case, why don't we tilt our reforms toward them? At least let them have enough bread first!" Franz said, feigning naivety.

"Franz, things are not that simple. The capitalists will not agree to improve the treatment of workers!" Metternich shook his head and said.

"Is that so? That is truly a pity!" Franz said, feigning a sigh.