Winds Rising over the European Continent

Topkapi Palace.

Sultan Hamid I, seated in a large square chair, saw Kalahat step into the room. He tried to straighten his body by supporting himself on the cushion, but the weakness in his muscles made him give up.

His life of confinement before the age of 43 had taken a toll on his health, and although he is only 64 years old now, he is already showing signs of his impending death.

He raised his hand and gestured to the Grand Vizier who was bowing, then asked in a clearly weak voice, "Is there any news from the Maghreb?"

"Maghreb" is Arabic for "land of the setting sun," and the first Arabs to arrive in North Africa used this word to refer to the West regions of North Africa.

Grand Vizier Al-Karahafat nodded with a worried expression. "Your Majesty, the Algiers' Imperial Guard did indeed send troops at Said's behest... He even used your name."

Hamid I sighed. "Where is he?"

"His Servant returned to Kostantiniyye last night, saying that he had jumped into the Mediterranean Sea two weeks ago."

"He preserved his dignity as an imperial envoy."

Kalafat bowed his head and said, "Your Majesty, regarding the matter of Tunisia's potential annexation by France, what do you think...?"

Hamid I lowered his eyes to the pattern on the carpet, then waved his hand again. "Send someone to France to show the attitude that an empire should have."

He added somewhat anxiously, "Don't use overly harsh language. We need to concentrate our efforts on dealing with the Russia."

Just a few days ago, Russian Army commander-in-chief Potemkin his forces into six routes to launch a fierce attack on the Ochakov fortress, and captured this important town on the northwestern side of the Black Sea in just a few hours.

In this battle, Potemkin killed or captured more than 13,000 Ottoman Army, and his army advanced directly towards the Danube River.

"Speaking of Russia," Hamid I glanced at Kalafat, "How do you plan to deal with it?"

Although the Grand Vizier was not directly in charge of military affairs, as the "Prime Minister" of the Ottoman Empire, he was very clear about troop deployment.

"The situation is not optimistic..." Kalafat hesitated for a moment before continuing, "Both Austria and Russia are reinforcing their troops. The generals believe that we must do everything we can to prevent the Russians and Austrians from joining forces."

"The initial plan is to assemble 150,000 troops by next summer and arrive at the Danube River region, successively capturing Bendery and Akkerman, cutting off Russia's connection with Austria, and then retaking Ochakov."

"150,000 men," Hamid I nodded. "How confident are you of defeating the Russia?"

"We have a numerical advantage; we should be able to win."

The Sultan gestured for Kalafat to come closer, then, hunching over, whispered, "If we still can't win this time, let's try to make peace with Russia. Give up the northern Black Sea coast in exchange for peace..."

Joseph never imagined that his actions in North Africa would accelerate the collapse of Ottoman morale. The Ottoman Empire, which had originally intended to fight to the last man and only abandoned the northern coast of the Black Sea three years later due to exhaustion, had now lost the will to fight Russia to the death.

London.

10 Downing Street.

British Prime Minister Pitt the Younger. pushed the resignation letter back onto the table, looked up at the Duke of Leeds, and said, "You don't need to do this. North Africa was never within our sphere of influence, and luck has once again been on the France side. Your plan is actually sound. I'm confident I can save you in Parliament."

"Hollis acted on my instructions, and he's dead." The Duke of Leeds shook his head calmly. "Someone has to be held accountable, and that person can't be you."

Pitt the Younger. fell silent.

Hollis was Whig. Now, in an attempt to quell the diplomatic disaster of "inciting Tunisia to attack the France," he has "committed suicide."

Meanwhile, the Duke of Leeds spent a huge sum of nearly Pound Sterling 700,000, but ultimately failed to prevent France from acquiring Tunisia, which can be described as a major failure.

The Whig Party will definitely use this series of events to launch an attack in Parliament. Their position Prime Minister is already unstable, and if this matter blows up, it may lead to impeachment in Parliament.

He slowly raised the fingers that had been pressing down on the resignation letter, sighed, and asked, "Then, who should succeed him as Minister of Foreign Affairs?"

"The Marquess Wellesley," the Duke of Leeds said, clearly prepared. "He is as young and capable as you, resourceful and decisive, though less politically experienced. I will use my connections to fully support him."

Pitt the Younger nodded silently. The Marquess Wellesley was his confidant, and indeed, he was exceptionally capable. Pete had always wanted to promote him.

He paused, then looked at the Duke of Leeds again. "So, how do you think we should reverse the France advantage gained in North Africa?"

The Duke of Leeds immediately shook his head. "Your Prime Minister, France is too close to Tunisia, and we have already established a firm foothold there. It would be very disadvantageous for us to continue fighting them head-on."

Are you asking us to just accept this defeat?

"No! On the contrary, we must do everything in our power to knock France down and pin it to the ground. This is the only way for the United Kingdom to become strong!"

The Duke of Leeds gave a sly smile, "North Africa is just a piece of fat meat, nothing to worry about too much. The Low Countries are the fatal throat! We need to exert our strength there to deal a heavy blow to France."

The so-called Low Countries refer to the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, located on the northwestern coast of Europe.

The Duke of Leeds then elaborated on his Low Countries strategy to Pitt the Younger, adding, "Furthermore, the ambitions of Russia and Prussia are excellent weapons; you must find a way to harness their power."

Pitt the Younger. nodded thoughtfully. "Prussia has always maintained close relations with us. It's just that Russia seems to be getting closer to France lately."

"Interests," the Duke of Leeds said, raising his index finger and waving it, "Russia's greatest interest right now lies in Poland. If you can just manage to feed Poland to Russia, then this giant bear will be willing to destroy everything."

The Duke of Leeds seemed to be resigning to his "political fate": "As for Austria, despite them marrying their women to the King of France, the conflict between Austria and France is actually the most serious in all of Europe!"

"Don't forget, they are centuries-old rivals."

Pitt the Younger nodded. "You're absolutely right. They have serious conflicts of interest in the Rhine River region and in Italy."

The Duke of Leeds gave him an approving look. "It's just that the Prussia have risen too quickly, attracting Austria's attention. If you can get some kind of understanding between Prussia and Austria, then Austria will immediately expand westward and southward, thus clashing fiercely with France!"

Austria, Vienna.

Schönbrunn Palace.

Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II, who was also Archduke of Austria, smiled as he listened to a diplomatic report on the situation in Tunisia: "My dear sister has seized the opportunity very accurately this time."

He looked at the old man beside him, who had a long face and a large nose. "The pressure from the Russians and our overwhelming force kept the Ottomans preoccupied, and my sister seized the opportunity to take Tunisia. The Ottoman Sultan could only watch helplessly."

The old man, with a stern expression, nodded and said, "Your Highness's political skills are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Even the United Kingdom can't say anything this time, since it would offend Russia, and even us."

The "Princess" he referred to was none other than Marie Antoinette, the sister of Joseph II and now Queen of France. He was a veteran of the Maria Theresa era and had held the young Queen Mary in his arms, hence the affectionate tone in his address.

Joseph II was clearly in a good mood, and unusually, he gestured to his attendant to pour him a glass of Wine, then offered another to the old man. "Does this mean that France's strategic direction has shifted to the southern coast of the Mediterranean Sea?"

"That possibility cannot be ruled out, Your Majesty."

"Then we should seize this opportunity to congratulate my dear sister and discuss the matter of Italy with her. Prince Rietberg, you have always had good relations with the France political circles; perhaps you would be willing to make a trip to the Versailles Palace for me?"

The old man was none other than Kaunitz-Rietberg, the Austria State Minister, equivalent to Chancellor. He was the outstanding statesman who single-handedly ended the century-long hostility France and Lida, presided over the marriage of Queen Mary to Louis XVI, and ultimately facilitated the "Three Skirts" alliance between Austria, France, and Russia.

Although Joseph II took back a considerable amount of power from him after assuming power, he remains the most powerful minister in Austria.

Kaunitz immediately stood up and said very seriously, "Your Majesty, if I may be so bold, Austria's national policy should be firmly directed towards the Germany region and keep a close eye on Prussia."

"Focusing our efforts on Italy now will only give the Prussia the opportunity to expand their influence in Germany."

"No, this won't take up too much of our energy." Joseph II was stubborn and rarely listened to different opinions. "What you need to do is discuss the division of power between the two sides in Italy with France, not to take over the place entirely."

"Oh, right, and that ' United Trading Company ' they proposed to start with the Dutch people, I'm very interested in it. You can also discuss investing in it."

"Your Majesty, I would be very willing to go to France," Kaunitz said with a slight bow, but his tone was firm. "However, I must remind you that Prussia is our greatest threat."

"Yes, Prussia, you're right. So, when do you plan to depart?"

"I can leave tomorrow, Your Majesty."

"Very good. I look forward to hearing good news from you."

Saint Petersburg.

The Winter Palace.

Count Bobrinsky Alexei somewhat nervously to his mother. For some reason, he always felt a little nervous whenever he saw her, even though she was smiling kindly.

Catherine II gestured for him to sit beside her and smiled, saying, "Alyosha, I must admit, your previous contact with the Crown Prince of France was very timely."

Russia often use simplified nicknames when addressing close friends or family members. Alyosha was Alexei's nickname.

"Especially that ' Gemini Trading Company ' you've established. Now that France has acquired ports in North Africa, your trading costs in the Mediterranean Sea will be significantly reduced. Perhaps your company can also obtain some concessions in Tunisia."

Alexei nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty, His Highness Joseph wrote to me, indicating that he intends to double the company's trading volume."

"So much?"

"They not only acquired Tunisia Colony, but also eliminated Tunisia pirates. A large portion of the nearly one hundred captured Pirate Ship will become company assets, and these ships even carried many skilled Sailor."

In fact, Joseph captured nearly 160 ships in Port of Tunisia, but half of them were large vessels suitable for long voyages. As for the Sailor, many of the Tunisia originally served the navy, and now that the Tunisia pirate network had been wiped out, these Berbers, after being screened, could be used with confidence.

This directly increased the tonnage of Gemini Trading Company's ships by 150%. That's why Joseph dared to set a goal of doubling the trade volume.

For every bit of trade between France and Russia that increased, trade between Britain and Russia decreased. This greatly benefited the weakening of the close trade relationship between Britain and Russia.

"Oh, that's wonderful." Catherine II westward. "I think you should congratulate your Crown Prince friend in person."

"Furthermore, you could suggest to him that we seize Algiers directly, taking advantage of the great victory. I remember those foolish Algerians even launched an attack on them."

She was pleased to see France continue to reap the benefits of the Ottoman provinces in North Africa. Although the Ottoman did not have actual control over those areas, the continuous loss of overseas territories was a huge psychological blow to them.

This would make things easier for Russia in its war against the Ottoman.

Moreover, France might be making very good progress, and might even be able to launch a pincer attack on the Ottoman mainland from the south.

It's important to understand that dealing with a massive empire like the Ottoman is not a war that can be ended in three or five years. During the long campaign, it was not impossible for France to reach the southern coast of the Ottoman.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Actually, I'd like to visit Paris soon as well." Although Alexei is currently focused on managing the Gemini Trading Company, the allure of Paris is constantly drawing him in.

Catherine II seemed to remember something and added, "Oh, right, take Sasha with you. She's been talking about wanting to go to Paris. Just make sure you keep an eye on her studies during the trip."

Sasha is Alexandra's nickname.

In the past, Catherine would never have felt comfortable entrusting her beloved granddaughter to her spoiled youngest son. However, Alexei had clearly matured and become much more stable over the past year, so having him look after Sasha should be no problem.

Paris.

At the Versailles Palace, the celebrations about North Africa lasted for three days before finally ending.

Joanne, Hilada, Ishaq, and the others immediately returned to Tunisia, as there was a lot of work waiting for them there.

Meanwhile, bursts of laughter and cheerful conversation could be heard in Louis XVI's drawing room.

Queen Mary held a ceramic jar decorated with exquisite colorful Geometry patterns, admiring it from top to bottom.

This is a "companion" that Joseph brought back for her from North Africa; it is a precious piece made by a Tunisia pottery master hundreds of years ago.

Meanwhile, Louis XVI was fiddling with a camel and Crocodile skin holster, a gift from his son.

Tunisia's leatherworking craftsmanship is exceptional, and the works of top Craftsman are highly sought after in Europe.

The happiest of all was Joseph's younger brother, Charles, who was having a wonderful time playing with a brightly colored parrot.