Catherine II's ambitions

To prevent Austria and Prussia from converging their interests, the first step was to prevent the partition of Poland.

Therefore, for Joseph, the only option is to endure hardship in Sweden for now.

If King Gustav III of Sweden knew his thoughts, he would most likely give him a thumbs up and exclaim, "You're amazing! You're so noble!"

Of course, Joseph did not intend to condone Russia's unbridled expansion; on the contrary, he was very wary of Russia's insatiable desire for territory.

The title of "Gendarmerie of Europe" was no joke. Once the massive Russia found its footing in war, its military might would sweep across the heart of the Europe continent. Historically, just twenty years later, in 1814, the Russia army escorted Tsar Alexander I into Paris.

Joseph pushed the Russia front toward Sweden because he knew very well that Sweden could withstand the Russia onslaught. Even if they failed to defeat the Russian Army at the Battle of Svensksund, they were certain that a decisive victory would follow.

There's no other reason than that United Kingdom stands behind Sweden.

United Kingdom was also very concerned about Russia expansion. They had always adhered to the Continental Balance Policy and would not allow the emergence of a dominant power on the Europe continent that could overwhelm other powers. Therefore, Sweden was the bridgehead that United Kingdom used to block Russia's westward advance.

As for Poland, the United Kingdom weren't so concerned. After all, even if Russia could annex Poland, the whole of Germany, including Austria and Prussia, would stand in its way, making it difficult for Russia to extend its influence further west.

If Sweden falls, Russia will be able to roam freely throughout the Baltic Sea, and United Kingdom will likely find itself facing a direct confrontation with the Russian Army.

Historically, Russia won several victories in the early stages of its war with Sweden, after which United Kingdom intervened strongly, joining forces with Prussia to put pressure on Russia's ally, Denmark.

After gaining some benefits, Denmark quickly withdrew from the war. This allowed Sweden to concentrate all its forces on dealing with Russia, and with massive United Kingdom aid, it ultimately defeated the Russia and regained all the land lost in the early stages of the war through the Treaty of Värälä.

Therefore, Joseph strongly supported Russia's attack on Sweden, which on the one hand gave Poland more breathing room to complete its national integration, and on the other hand, it allowed Sweden to weaken United Kingdom through Sweden. France, apart from making empty promises, did not need to invest anything in reality, making it an extremely worthwhile deal.

However, this was far too shocking for Queen Mary.

After the Russia ambassador Stroganov, finished speaking, her eyes widened as she tried to recall whether Talleyrand had ever submitted such an important report on national strategic planning to her.

Stroganov assumed she had tacitly agreed, so he moved closer to her and lowered his voice, "Your Majesty, His Majesty the Emperor thanks you for your stance."

"At present, Putin and Austria are engaged in fierce fighting in Silesia, and France has also intervened in the war there on a large scale."

"His Majesty the Emperor fully understands your claims to the Low Countries and is ready to provide support at any time."

"No..." Queen Mary was still pondering the matter of Sweden when she heard this, and her mind went completely blank. France had no designs on the Low Countries. Was the Russia ambassador drunk?

If Joseph were here, he would be very shocked— the French Army is still lingering on the Liège border, and Luxembourg is even legally part of Austria for the time being, Catherine II has already seen through his thoughts about the Southern Netherlands.

This woman truly deserves to be called one of the most outstanding Tsar of modern Russia; her strategic vision alone is enough to overwhelm all the major powers in the European Continent.

Of course, she was interpreting France's strategy through the lens of her own ambitions; in reality, Joseph only wanted the Wallonia in the South. Trying to eat too much at once can be overwhelming.

Count Stroganov continued, "However, His Majesty the Emperor believes that France's strategy should not stop at the Low Countries."

Queen Mary immediately shook her head. "I have never considered the Low Countries..."

"Yes, I understand." The Russia ambassador, thinking she meant to say "the Low Countries were never the ultimate goal," immediately nodded. "His Majesty the Emperor also believes that what you see is the vast Rhine River."

He raised his right hand to his chest and waved it forcefully. "But that is definitely a very difficult goal to achieve. Oh, I am not questioning your strength at all, but believe me, with France alone facing the whole of Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, and even Sweden will also become hostile to France. It will be a protracted war that will bring enormous losses to France."

"However, if France and Russia join forces, the situation will be very different."

"As long as His Majesty the Emperor's army can cross Poland, of course, after our war with Sweden ends, we can provide you with strong support from the east of Austria."

"As for the subsequent strategy, perhaps it will require detailed discussions between you and His Majesty the Emperor to determine."

His words were clear: Catherine II wanted to join forces with the powerful France to divide European Continent from both the east and west!

France captured the West Bank of the Rhine, while Russia gained eastern Sweden and Poland. Ultimately, the two armies attacked Austria from two directions.

As for how far they plan to go in the fight, that will need to be discussed and decided in detail by the two women.

After several mental lapses, Queen Mary finally concluded that the Russia ambassador was simply drunk.

What Low Countries? What Rhine River? What facing the whole of Germany?

Drinking only Wine wouldn't make you this drunk; you must have downed a whole bottle of Vodka!

Having grasped the point, she immediately regained her composure and smiled at Stroganov, "You're quite the joker. Perhaps you need a rest? De Berninac, please have someone prepare a rest room..."

Stroganov grew anxious and hurriedly said, "His Majesty the Emperor has asked me to convey to you that in Europe today, only France and Russia can bring about a new order. Although France is currently facing some Finance problems, under your rule, France will ultimately prosper!"

He suddenly turned to Alexandra beside him and gestured. "Oh, you see, His Majesty the Emperor has absolute sincerity in promoting closer ties between our two countries."

Queen Mary maintained her tolerant and polite smile towards the drunkard, "Very well, very well, I appreciate Your Majesty's sincerity. Would you like to go to the lounge and have something to eat first?"

Stroganov paused slightly, confirming that he had made everything clear, so the Queen of France's words meant that she needed time to consider.

He then bowed slightly, placing his hand on his chest, and said, "Then I won't disturb your enjoyment of the artwork any longer."

Joseph, far away in Luxembourg, never imagined that his previous actions would ignite such enormous ambition in Catherine II.

If Queen Mary were to choose her granddaughter as the Crown Princess Consort, it would surely cause a major upheaval throughout the European Continent.