The Rise of the Empire

"The marriage between the Wittelsbach royal family and the Habsburg royal family has been decided?" When the prince came to Sanssouci Palace to bid farewell to William II, the Kaiser finally couldn't help but said.

"If there are no accidents, it should be next year." Ruprecht thought for a while and said, for this cousin, he really didn't think about how to deal with it. Is it a partner? Princess of a country? own wife? Or the queen of a new kingdom in the future?

The prince who was Lusi in his previous life has no idea how to face his fiancée. Even slightly conflicted with the marriage arranged by the family. But the prince also has to admit that the other party's choice is the best for both his career and his future development! As for feelings? The prince said that he was 28 years old and hadn't given much thought to this matter. Can anyone believe it? Anyway, believe it or not, that's the way it is.

"Then I want to know now, if the two families get married again, will it have some impact on Germany or Germany and Austria? How do you think about this issue?" Although it was expected, but when from After getting an affirmative answer from the prince, Crown Prince William was still a little depressed. This is a sense of powerlessness unique to a superior. Although he is the emperor, there are many things that are beyond your control.

"I hope that through this marriage, the two German countries of Germany and Austria can be united more closely. After all, in this world, the only country that cannot betray Germany is the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The two countries that are at the center of Europe As a monarchy, we should establish closer ties." The prince replied grandiosely.

"Don't use those words against me, I need to know what you really think! To be honest, I am a little uneasy about this marriage. Really, Ruprecht, I found that the distance between Germany and Bavaria that accompanied this marriage It's a little far away. You can definitely find a Prussian nobleman." William II finally couldn't help it.

"Prussian nobles? It seems that there is no equivalent. I am the prince of Bavaria, the future master of Bavaria. Those with low status cannot become princesses, and those with high status will not be able to combine due to religious or other issues. Can you accept it? A queen who believes in Catholicism?" The prince smiled wryly.

"As for worry? I'd like to know what worries you as the emperor of Germany? Except for a small amount of industry, the Bavarian royal family and the Hohenzollern family have been tied together. We share shipbuilding, internal combustion engine manufacturing, and ship use. Power, and electrification. We're all lost and we're all good!"

"And the German Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire also infiltrated each other in terms of heavy industry, arms, and finance. Now the situation has changed, and it is no longer the period of the Prussian-Prussian War. Even in that case, Bavaria remained neutral. You know, that There was still a marriage between Bavaria and Austria at that time. But in this situation, what effect does it have if there is a marriage?"

"But it was a branch of the Wittelsbach family who was married at that time. This time it is the direct line of both parties. You are the heir of Bavaria, and Princess Mary is the third princess of Austria-Hungary."

The Kaiser thought about it carefully, and it was true. If Bavaria wanted to use this marriage to do something that would undermine the unification of Germany, the Kaiser himself would not believe it. Bavaria's population and area are destined to be impossible to become the boss. It is definitely better to be with the stronger Prussia than to be with Austria, who can't even handle it at home. How good Bavaria is now, there is no reason to be loyal!

But agreeing like this in my heart does not mean that I will admit defeat with my mouth.

"I know you very well, Ruprecht. If there is no benefit, you will not agree to this marriage. Tell me, what do you want to get from this marriage? Needless to say, make money, use the marriage relationship to enter People who are familiar with you in the Austrian market know that you are a businessman, let’s talk about something else.”

"Making money is still my biggest goal, but at the same time I hope to make Germany, the most loyal ally, stronger and more measured in doing things. The value of an ally lies in political cooperation and military strength, while Austria-Hungary The empire did not do well on these two points." The prince thought for a while and said.

"When you got married, you actually thought of the German Empire first. This surprised me." The Kaiser said slightly mockingly.

"There is no surprise. Austro-Hungary collapsed and the empire survived. Then I am still the prince of Bavaria. If it is the other way around, I don't think Bavaria can be spared, and I don't think that Archduke Ferdinand will treat me like a king. Isn't it ?” asked the prince.

"It's good that you understand." Although the Kaiser was choked, it was obvious that the prince's answer satisfied him. "Can you speak more clearly, if possible?"

"Actually, not only Austria-Hungary, but also many people within us don't understand what Germany needs. Take the Balkan issue as an example, many people can't tell the priority. A long time ago, many people in the German army were very concerned about Russia. Be vigilant, this is true, whether it is the Three Emperors Alliance or any other treaty, it is just to maintain a calm. I don't think you think Germany and Russia are true friends?"

"Germany and Russia will not be true friends. The financial relationship between Russia and France is too close. Unless we can replace the French, the closeness between France and Russia will be inevitable!" said the Kaiser

The prince agrees with this very much. In history, France lent 350 million francs to the Russians before the Russo-Japanese War broke out! This is 14 million pounds! If you count the previous loans, then this number can be described as terrifying! Except for the usury empire France, how could Germany support such a large stall as Russia? After the war, in order to obtain financial support from France, the Russians could only choose to stand on the side of France.

"Yes, that's right, I think so too. There are many people who can see this, but seeing it doesn't mean they understand it, let alone doing it right. There is a huge gap. We are trying to contain Russia. But it does not mean that we will condone the intensification of conflicts between Austria-Hungary and Russia on the Balkan issue now! It does not mean that we will now provide an endorsement for the security of Austria-Hungary," the prince said.

"Hehe, your thoughts are very similar to Bismarck's. When he mentioned this, he seemed to have said that Germany cannot be kidnapped by a weaker ally. It's nothing new." Although the Kaiser said very well Low, but motioned the prince to continue. He is very interested in this matter now!

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