Talleyrand immediately put on an act, declaring that even if they had to raise the loan amount, they absolutely had to obtain this "interesting" weapon. Three days later.
A fierce argument was underway in Schönbrunn Palace.
"Given the Empire's financial situation, an immediate ceasefire is the most advantageous choice," State Minister Kobzl declared passionately. "The Empire exposed many shortcomings in the previous wars. What it needs most now is reform.
"This will bring the Empire more tax revenue, greater cohesion, and more troops, allowing us to defeat our enemies at the lowest possible cost!" As he spoke, he gave the young man beside him a meaningful look.
Metternich, serving as an adviser to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, immediately stepped forward two paces and bowed to Franz II. "Your Majesty, Archduke Karl has achieved a series of victories in the wars against the Ottoman Empire and Prussia, bringing unprecedented unity to the entire Empire.
"If you implement reforms at this time, you will encounter no resistance.
"For example, serfdom has already severely hindered the Empire's industrial development and has even greatly reduced the number of soldiers we can recruit. England and France have both completely abolished serfdom; we should follow suit as soon as possible."
Austria had sought to abolish serfdom ever since Joseph II, so this topic had long ceased to be taboo.
Implementing reforms was the governing course Metternich had planned for Kobzl. This young man had gradually become the chief strategist of Kobzl's political faction.
Metternich continued, "There is also the tax system. England and France have less territory and smaller populations than the Empire, yet their tax revenues far exceed ours. That is precisely because they have both adopted centralized government taxation, preventing Tax Farmers from profiting off tax revenues.
"As for noble privileges, they too