Withdrawal

William II's brow furrowed even more deeply.

The United Kingdom were right—although Prussia survived last year's drought thanks to the large-scale planting of Potato, the poor harvest still severely impacted the national economy.

Prussia was soon drawn into the Brabant Revolution and the Silesian Wars, and its treasury was drained of funds at an alarming rate.

If the fighting continues as it is now, the State Finances may collapse by March of next year.

Ending the war in the Southern Netherlands would indeed alleviate Finance pressure.

Lord Grenville continued:

"Furthermore, transferring General Blücher to Silesia would also alter the balance of power there."

Seeing the King of Prussia nod instinctively, he immediately threw out another bait:

"To allay your concerns, the Bank of England will provide you with a loan of Pound Sterling 700,000 to help you achieve victory in the Silesian Wars."

He knew that the Prussia were worried that United Kingdom and Austria would collude and betray Prussia interests, so he had to show his support for the latter's war in Silesia.

William II's eyes lit up – Pound Sterling 700,000 was 7 million Florin! That was enough for his army to fight until October of the following year, by which time the autumn harvest would have been over, and the Finance would be secure.

But he remained quite hesitant:

"But this would also allow Austria to reclaim the Southern Netherlands."

Grenville said, "It will also cause them to lose France. As you may know, the Austria have always been wary of France influence in the Southern Netherlands, and the end of the Rebellion there means that the France have lost their value to them."

"Of course, we will also exert some influence in Vienna to divide France and Austria."

Upon hearing this, William II finally nodded and fell into deep thought.

Austria, Vienna.

In a Villa on the west side of the Schönbrunn Palace, Count Frenz hurriedly dismissed the Servant, carefully closed the door, and then nervously looked at the middle-aged officer standing to the side:

Is what you're saying really reliable?

He knew that this officer was ostensibly a member of the garrison in Vienna, but in reality, he was working for the United Kingdom ambassador to Austria.

The officer nodded immediately. "Yes, Count Excellency, this was agreed upon by Lord Grenville and His Majesty William II."

Count Franz's expression changed; in other words, United Kingdom and Prussia had simply abandoned the rebels in the Southern Netherlands.

He pondered for a moment and asked, "Then why did His Excellency specifically send you to tell me this?"

"You know, the Hanover Army can only leave after the French Army have withdrawn from the Southern Netherlands," the officer said. "This is to ensure that Brussels doesn't fall into France hands."

"Yes, you're right." Count Franz rubbed his hands excitedly. If His Majesty the Emperor reclaimed Southern Netherlands after his "advice" at the Schönbrunn Palace, then he would surely rise to prominence in the future.

He immediately thought of another question:

"However, Kaunitz and his group will certainly speak to His Majesty against my proposal."

Kaunitz, a representative of the Pro-France Faction in Austria, had always supported strengthening France-Austria cooperation, and naturally would not agree to the France withdrawing from the Southern Netherlands.

The officer smiled.

"Marshal Lacy and General Würmser will stand by your side, and we will cause some trouble for Kaunitz."

Lacy wielded considerable influence in Austria politics and was also the Commander-in-Chief of the Silesia theater. His opinions carried at least the weight of those of State Minister Kaunitz.

Würmser's influence was also considerable. With their endorsement, Count Franz's confidence increased significantly.

The United Kingdom informant continued:

"Most importantly, this could potentially end the war in Silesia."

After he explained it to Count Franz, the latter immediately nodded excitedly:

"Please convey to Lord Grenville that I will certainly persuade His Majesty to get rid of the France."

Paris.

The Versailles Palace, the Petit Trianon.

Queen Mary looked at the trembling handwriting on the letter in her hand, and her eyes instantly welled up with tears.

"Madame Delvaux, I remember you as so cheerful and healthy, how could you..." She choked up, took a deep breath, put the letter aside, and made the sign of the cross. "May God bless you."

Madame Delvaux was her wet nurse and one of the people closest to her before her marriage. In that letter, the old lady told her that her health was not good and that the doctor said she could be called away by God at any time.

The old lady said she originally didn't want to bother Her Majesty the Queen with her trivial matters, but she couldn't bear to leave her only granddaughter, so she had no choice but to write this letter.

Queen Mary thought for a moment, then turned and instructed her maid:

"De Berninac, please invite the Crown Prince here."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Joseph happened to be in the Minister of Foreign Affairs's office at the Versailles Palace at that moment, discussing something with Talleyrand.

"According to the Intelligence Bureau and information from the ambassador to Austria, Vienna has likely decided to have us evacuate from the Southern Netherlands."

Talleyrand frowned in thought:

"Given the strength of Austria's forces in the Low Countries, dealing with the Blücher Legion is already extremely difficult. Once we leave, the Brabant Rebels will immediately occupy the entire Southern Netherlands and declare independence."

Joseph nodded:

"This is too unusual; perhaps I should go to Vienna with you."

Just yesterday afternoon, the Versailles Palace received Diplomatic Note from Austria inviting France diplomats to Vienna for discussions. Due to the suddenness of the event, Talleyrand immediately went to the Tuileries Palace to report the matter to the Crown Prince.

As the two were discussing, the Queen's maid knocked on the door and entered, curtsying to Joseph.

"Your Highness, Her Majesty the Queen requests your presence."

"Oh? Is there something you need, Mother?" Joseph stood up, gestured for Talleyrand to wait a moment, and headed towards the Petit Trianon with Countess de Berninac.

"It seems to be related to Madame Delvaux's letter," the maid said, turning her head slightly. "His Majesty became somewhat downcast after reading the letter."

Joseph nodded. The fact that Madame Delvaux could write directly to his mother suggested that their relationship was quite special.

In this era, the right to send private letters to the Royal House was not something anyone could have. Even Catherine II's illegitimate daughter had to have her letters forwarded by Potemkin's old subordinates before reaching the Tsar.

Before long, Joseph entered Queen Mary's Bedroom, bowed, and before he could speak, he saw his mother's tears falling.

He hurried forward and took the Queen's hand, asking with concern:

"Mother, what's wrong with you?"

"My dear, I hope you can go to Vienna for me." Queen Mary tried to stop her sobs and looked up at him. "Madame Delvaux is my wet nurse; she has cared for me since I was a child. And now she is in trouble."