Talleyrand's art

And so, Talleyrand's men either contacted Austria's senior officials directly or spread rumors, sending word that "the Austrian and French allied forces will join hands to retake Silesia" swirling far and wide.

And no one would hold the French accountable for "fanning the flames," because recovering Silesia and washing away decades of humiliation was currently the politically correct stance for every Austrian.

If anyone dared say the French were wrong, the Austrians beside him might well beat him up.

Schönbrunn Palace.

Joseph II's bedroom.

As His Majesty the Emperor's health had grown steadily worse, meetings of the imperial council had been held here for nearly a year.

The central issue at this meeting was naturally the war with Prussia, so besides a dozen or so senior ministers, almost all the military's top officers were present.

"Crown Prince" Leopold II first gave everyone a brief account of the situation, then turned and bowed slightly to Joseph II. "Your Majesty, that is roughly how things stand. The French propose that the allied forces advance directly on Silesia, forcing the Prussians to withdraw from the Southern Netherlands."

Sitting on his bed, Joseph II forced himself to rally and looked around at the officers and ministers in the room. "What are your opinions on this matter?"

Marshal Loudon was the first to speak. "Your Majesty, this is an excellent opportunity to reclaim our lost lands! I am willing to lead the army myself and teach those Prussian bastards a proper lesson!"

Seeing that the old marshal's health was scarcely better than his own, Joseph II hurriedly gestured for him not to get worked up, then reassured him, "Your experience and courage are precious treasures of Austria. Leave matters at the front to the younger men."

Marshal Lacy and several other senior officers immediately stepped