Fox of France

Russian Ambassador Peter and French Foreign Minister Talleyrand are old friends.

The so-called old friends, generally speaking, have done certain things together. For example, read books together, or carried guns together, or spent time together, or shared stolen goods together.

Talleyrand came from a Catholic seminary, and Peter was an Orthodox Christian, so it was impossible for them to have studied together. As for carrying guns together, although Peter has served in the army, Talleyrand has never been a soldier, and one of them is Russian and the other is French, so this is impossible. As for passing and letting go together, that is of course even more impossible, so this "old friend" of two people can only "split the spoils together".

Since he is a reliable old friend who "divided the loot together", Peter was very direct in his conversation with Talleyrand.

"My friend, I heard that your country is helping the Turkish Sultan train the army in Turkey?"

"How do you know?" Talleyrand said, "Ah, although this matter is kept secret, Turkey's ability to keep it secret, well, as I said earlier, Turkey is a colander."

"Charles, we and France are friendly countries, and you help the Turks, which is not very friendly to us." Peter said.

"Ah, Peter. France's friendliness to Russia has not changed in any way. As for the matter between us and Turkey, it is all business. We are friends, so I will not hide it from you, this business will make France a lot of money." Less money. Many people in our country are counting on making money from this transaction. Moreover, I can be sure that this transaction will not have any impact on the security of your country.

You know, although Turkey is only allowed in the form of non-governmental organizations, it sent a delegation that was all Greeks and all Orthodox Christians. But the Turkish official also made it clear that they will abide by the Olympic truce. The reason why the Turkish Sultan stepped up the training of the new army was mainly due to internal considerations, because his previous reforms offended many people, and the pressure we put on him forced him to place the most elite troops far away from the capital. The place. This worried the sultan so much that he asked us to help train the army. "

"My friend, the Sultan of Turkey may indeed have his own internal considerations, but if he can really solve his internal problems, it will be a danger to the entire Christian world."

Hearing this, Talleyrand laughed: "My friend, you may not believe this. The world is different now. To be honest, in the Middle Ages, those pagans were once more than us. More like civilized people. But now, they are too backward.

For example, what will you Russians do when you come to us? You will learn everything you can, from science to art. You will even spend a lot of money trying to get our academics to serve in Petersburg universities. But what about those Turks? How many of them studied these in France? They just bought some weapons and went back, and then learned how to use our weapons like a black bear learning how to walk like a human. But that's all they can do. Such a country, what threat can they pose to you?

As for Turkey's reform success, and then become stronger. My friend, I think that if Turkey's reforms are successful, then they, I'm afraid, are in danger of perishing. Turkey is already a seriously ill patient. The means of reform are too drastic, and his body will bear it, and it will be over immediately; if the reform is too slow, then they will be quickly opened up in this era of turbulent radicalism. , then they are in danger again. Don't you think so? "

Talleyrand's words did not completely convince Peter. Indeed, Peter also believed that even if Turkey had more new-style troops, it would be impossible to surpass Russia in the development competition. However, the French helped Turkey train the army anyway. Not good for Russia.

But Peter also knew that for France, this was an opportunity to make money. Today's France may have improved a lot in other places-even people who sympathize with Bourbon will admit this; but in some virtues, it is not as good as Bourbon's time, for example, asking for money shameless. Even the allies of the French admit that the present French government will throw everything away at the sound of the jingle of gold coins. So Peter also knew that it was almost impossible for the French to give up this deal.

But Peter must also express the dissatisfaction of the Russian government to the French government, although this expression is actually just to express his position. Everyone, whether it is France or Russia, will not care too much. However, you still have to make a statement.

"Mr. Foreign Minister," Peter said sternly, "we believe that your country's actions are inappropriate. He has harmed the interests of our country and the friendly feelings of our people towards your country. Our country will reserve the right to respond accordingly. , although our country's commitment to the 'Olympic Armistice' will not waver. We also hope that your country will not do such things that damage the friendship between the two countries."

"I will pass on your opinion to Bonaparte in power." Talleyrand also replied formally.

Talleyrand also understood what the Russians meant. They may make some small moves on the border with Turkey, but they will certainly not escalate these small moves into war. At least not until the Olympics.

As for after the Olympics, well, at that time, the Olympic truce has passed. If the Russians' actions make the Turks really unable to draw troops, then it's not a big deal, no, as long as they are willing to spend money, let the French army do it also the same. What? Not enough money? Isn't there a bank? Well, let's not talk about money, and talking about money hurts feelings. How about we talk about mines and railroads? Even, from the perspective of the French, if the Russians can really prevent the Turks from drawing any troops, it means that the French can earn more, which is by no means a bad thing.

Talleyrand sent off the Russians, and then welcomed the Austrian ambassador Metternich.

Unlike the relatively simple and honest Peter, Metternich is more cunning, and his friendship with Talleyrand is deeper and more "old friends".

Therefore, as soon as Metternich spoke, he went straight to the point.

"My old friend, I heard that you have a conspiracy with the Turks." Metternich said.

"I can guarantee that we and Turkey have no conspiracy against your country." Talleyrand replied.

"That is to say, the conspiracy really exists."

"There will always be a conspiracy between nations and nations."

"Well, you have a point," Metternich said, "but who is your conspiracy with Turkey against? If it is not against us, it is most likely against the Russians. However, if it is against the Russians , then this conspiracy without our participation is completely unreasonable. Therefore, it is not very likely that this conspiracy is against Russia—ah, my old friends, you are not thinking about Barbary pirates?"

Metternich's words surprised Talleyrand. He didn't expect that Metternich even knew this. However, Talleyrand felt that Metternich should not know much, and it is likely that he really guessed based on certain signs. But it's also possible that the Austrians really knew something.

In fact, Talleyrand's conjecture is basically in line with the facts. Metternich's personal ability, especially in the study of the balance of power among countries is very outstanding. In the original history, when Napoleon failed, Russia became the most powerful country in Europe militarily. And the military power of the whole country of Austria is equivalent to a front army of Russia. However, Metternich relied on very successful diplomatic activities, making Austria, which was not outstanding in military affairs, once the dominant force in Europe. This person's keen senses and ability to handle affairs are very, very outstanding.

"Fortunately, this guy is not French, otherwise, the First Consul would be willing to replace me with him." For some reason, Talleyrand suddenly had such an idea in his mind.

Talleyrand thought so in his heart. On the surface, he replied calmly: "We did negotiate with the Barbary pirates through Turkey's influence and asked them to hand over the looted French ships and crew."

"These Barbary pirates are too rampant, and their behavior is a serious threat to free trade. Many ships in our country have also suffered huge losses. It is the obligation of all European countries to maintain free trade. Therefore, we also I hope that we can do our part in maintaining free trade."

It is of course nonsense to say "fulfilling obligations", because in international affairs, obligations and rights are always linked together. Once the obligations have been fulfilled, of course the rights must be shared. The real meaning of the Austrians is actually just to take advantage of it.

"We are old friends." Talleyrand said, "So, let me tell you the truth. Your country is willing to take more responsibilities, which is of course a good thing. But I have to remind you that taking responsibility also requires strength Yes, your navy is not strong enough when it comes to Barbary pirates."

Austria's maritime power is simply inconspicuous among European countries. Not to mention that it is not comparable to Britain and France, it is far from the second-class Spain and the Netherlands. Even compared with the Barbary pirates, it is actually far away. Not as good.

"Of course we don't have enough ships, but we recently had an unplanned fund and are looking for an opportunity to make more money," Metternich said with a smile.