Life of Being a Crown Prince in France

In the luxurious villa across the street from Schonbrunn Palace, Kaunitz lay on a recliner, listening to his son-in-law talk about French aid, a smile gradually appearing on his face:

“Clemens, you see, the facts have proven I was right.

“If the Emperor had listened to my advice back then, the Empire wouldn’t be in its current predicament.”

He was in exceptionally good spirits today, speaking at length:

“In the end, it all depends on France’s help.”

Metternich nodded: “And it relies on the political wealth you left for the Empire.”

He was referring to his father-in-law’s facilitation of Queen Mary’s marriage to France.

Kaunitz raised his hand to grab his son-in-law — he hadn’t made such a large gesture in a long time — and said seriously: “But you must remember, Austria is a country maintained by bloodlines and inheritance, diplomacy is our forte.

“What is diplomacy?

“It’s about finding common interests among numerous nations, whether or not they have conflicts with us, and utilizing them to deal with…”

Metternich waited for a moment but didn’t hear the rest, so he softly reminded, “To deal with what, Father-in-law?”

There was no response.

Metternich felt his father-in-law’s hand droop downward, and was suddenly shocked, hurriedly reached for his neck, and found no pulse.

“Someone!” he turned and shouted to the door, “Get a doctor!”

At one o’clock in the afternoon, Kaunitz, the political mastermind who orchestrated the Austria-France marriage, returned to Heaven.

This seemed to also herald the end of the Empire’s last glow, which began fifty years ago during Queen Theresa’s reign.

…

The capital of Russia, Saint Petersburg.

Countless flowers and ribbons filled the entire Winter Palace. Everywhere was music and laughter.

Thousands of nobles gathered on both sides of the road, craning their necks to look into the distance, while excitedly discussing in French,

“The Tsar’s foresight is truly unparalleled. France has really defeated all its opponents!”

“You forgot England, but they can’t set foot on land either. Now we have the most powerful ally on the European Continent.”

“Soon the Queen of France will be Russian, haha. The two greatest royal families in Europe are united!”

“Even the proud French people have recognized us, I feel like I’m dreaming…”

Yes, Russia is a country filled with “French refinement.”

No, to be precise, almost the entire noble class of Russia is “French refined.”

Previously, they only admired French culture and fashion, now another aspect is added — France’s formidable military power.

Russia is a country that greatly admires strength, and after France defeated the Anti-French Alliance, their level of “French refinement” has elevated significantly.

And Catherine II, with her keen political sense, had “invested” in France ahead of time, achieving a France-Russia marriage, earning national acclaim.

This also allowed her to free herself from the political crisis brought about by the failure of the Russo-Polish War.

Now the nobles in Saint Petersburg are all discussing their French Crown Princess, and the bright future of the France-Russia union, no one talks about overthrowing her and letting Crown Prince Paul ascend the throne early anymore.

With the betrothal ceremony approaching, the Empire has gradually forgotten the shadow of unfavorable war, and started preparing energetically for the next war.

Yes, Russia is that kind of country — either at war or preparing for war.

During the occasional intervals between wars, they usually engage in coups to liven up the atmosphere.

Finally, the deafening sound of salutes began.

Right after, the court band started playing vigorously.

All the nobles immediately stopped talking, looking at the dozen or so carriages approaching from the end of the road.

Before long, the convoy stopped at the square in front of the Winter Palace. The door of the frontmost carriage was opened by a servant, and Louis Antoine, the eldest son of the Count of Artuwa, acting as the marriage envoy, stepped down from the carriage.

Behind him were the French Foreign Minister Talleyrand and others.

Immediately, an enthusiastic cheer erupted in the Winter Palace.

Crown Prince Paul welcomed the group to Catherine II, and after a round of elaborate rituals, they were ushered into the Imperial Palace amidst the nobles’ admiration.

The marriage agreement had long been signed, so now they directly proceeded with the betrothal process.

Walking beside the Tsar, Antoine elegantly gestured to the carriages on the square, smiling, “Your esteemed Emperor, my dear cousin has meticulously prepared some betrothal gifts.”

Catherine II assumed they were gold, silver, and jewelry, and seeing a large amount, she appeared quite pleased, “Thank dear Joseph, he’s truly thoughtful. I believe Alexandra will certainly love them.”

According to European tradition, betrothal gifts usually comprise the bride’s dresses and jewelry, not too vast. The dowry, however, would be quite ample.

A dozen carriages full of gifts were considered a lot.

Antoine smiled meaningfully, “Your Majesty, actually these gifts are mostly not for the Princess, and there are more, because they are inconvenient to transport and somewhat dangerous, so most are stored in the suburbs.”

“Oh?” Catherine II curiously asked, “What has Joseph sent?”

“Chaleville Flintlock Guns,” Antoine said, “Brand new, shining like gemstones. A total of 33,000 units. Each gun comes with 50 rounds of ammunition.”

Catherine II’s eyes lit up instantly, her double chin quivering with laughter: “Haha, this is really the best gift. Joseph is truly the best husband in all of Europe, oh, I’m a bit jealous of Alexandra.”

Joseph had decided to re-equip the entire French Army with Caplock Guns, and his direct corps even planned to use expensive rifled guns as standard equipment, so the many flintlock guns that were replaced had to be put to good use.

French-made flintlock guns are the finest in all of Europe, their quality outshining Russian goods, so it’s no wonder Catherine is so pleased.

The Russian Army received so many guns from Joseph, they couldn’t possibly reject his request to conduct maneuvers in Lithuania.

Lithuania is right next to East Prussia, only a few dozen kilometers away.

And these guns will soon have other important uses.

After another round of lengthy betrothal rituals, they reached the final stage.

Alexandra, wearing an ivory satin gown, appeared at the front entrance of the Winter Palace, her youthful face full of longing for future happiness.

Her gentle skirt brushed over the inlaid floor, like the spring sunlight sweeping over the colorful meadow.

Maids followed closely, holding the three-meter-long lace veil.

Sixty to seventy Guard officers, hands on sword hilts, holding their heads high, walked in lockstep on either side.

Behind them was a group of pageboys holding a heater wrapped in sable fur, and the princess’s grooming tools, luxurious jewelry, and such.

The melodious sound of the organ rose, causing the nobles outside to bow their heads, saluting the future Crown Princess of France.

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