Metternich grew more animated as he spoke. "Yes, the Secret Police alone still cannot completely prevent the emergence of 'pests.' Fortunately, the majority of the Empire's subjects are absolutely loyal to Your Majesty.
"We can set up reporting stations in every village and every neighborhood, offering generous rewards to those who report people spreading harmful ideas.
"As for 'dangerous elements,' they can be convicted without public trial.
"I believe that before long, the Empire will be able to restore that fine, stable order of the old days."
"Your suggestion is excellent!" At the thought of those damned Liberals being thrown into prison by the Secret Police, Franz II's lips curled upward in excitement.
But he quickly grew worried again. "But would this cause... dissatisfaction among the people?"
He had wanted to say "resistance," but ultimately changed it to "dissatisfaction."
Metternich bowed slightly. "Your Majesty, the people's dissatisfaction will never stem from whether they can discuss those 'harmful ideas,' but from whether they can obtain enough bread, or whether the goods made in the workshops can be sold."
Franz II nodded in agreement. "But that will not be easy to achieve."
Metternich immediately said, "It will indeed require a great deal of effort, Your Majesty, but under your great rule, it can certainly be accomplished!"
"What I need are concrete measures."
Metternich had long possessed a complete plan for domestic reform, and he answered with confidence:
"Your Majesty, I believe it is time to resume Emperor Joseph II's Serf reform.
"Those landowners occupy a great deal of the Serfs' time, making them labor for them. Many Serfs have only three days a week to tend their own crops, and this will inevitably have a severe impact on the harvest.
"If the Serfs are allowed to redeem their own land, they will