War Palace and Knee Pillow, Austria’s Destiny

Russia, St. Petersburg, Winter Palace.

"Hello, Your Majesty the Tsar. Long time no see. How are you and your wife?" Compared with the enthusiasm of Tsar Nicholas I, Grand Duke Karl was much more rigid and cold.

But the former doesn't care, because this is exactly the latter's style. However, the atmosphere of the conversation between the two seemed very awkward. At this time, Queen Alexandra, who was sitting next to her, had to come out to smooth things over.

"Dear Carl, why haven't you answered my husband's question? And we've prepared a sumptuous dinner. We hope you'll feel at home."

To be honest, it was also the first time for Archduke Karl himself to be a lobbyist. He was an expert at fighting, but he was a mess when it came to dealing with interpersonal relationships. He even had many conflicts with his brother, who was the emperor.

Especially after his wife's death, he often locked himself in his study. The only pastime is to take his little daughter to observe military exercises or to have his family's private guards practice.

However, this time the apple of his eye was absent from this trip to Russia. Of course it has nothing to do with playboy Alexander.

But she simply didn't understand that her father had specially visited the bitter cold land of Russia for one thing, so she simply hid in Venice.

"I came here specifically to give you a gift." Archduke Karl's answer was straightforward.

Queen Alexandra looked at her husband with questioning and teasing eyes; this was the first time she saw someone who spoke without mincing words like her husband.

Soon the attendants of the Winter Palace presented gifts from distinguished guests from afar. As the boxes like works of art were opened, pieces of exquisite and dazzling jewelry were displayed in front of Tsar Nicholas I and his family.

These jewelry are all inlaid with exquisite diamonds, sapphires and precious stones. Obviously their workmanship is impeccable, and there is no doubt that they are priceless treasures.

But there was no surprise on Nicholas I's face. He felt that a real soldier should not care about these external things. But soon the appearance of a novel thing changed his mind.

It was a revolver without a powder pot (containing gunpowder), but the bullets it was equipped with were all strangely conical in shape. There is also a design drawing at the bottom of the box.

This immediately aroused the curiosity of the Tsar, and he asked, "Karl, what is this? Is it an American pistol?" As a military fan, he naturally knew about the famous Colt revolver, and he also collected several of them. .

However, because it is expensive and cannot be equipped with troops, this weapon is not paid much attention to.

However, this revolver is obviously quite different from the Colt 1835 he previously collected, such as the difference in workmanship and materials, and the strange-shaped bullets.

"No, this is a pistol produced by us in Austria, modified on the basis of the American Colt. It is far superior to the 1836 Colt in terms of reliability, power and accuracy."

Archduke Karl naturally knew what Nicholas I was most concerned about, but he deliberately let it slip and then changed the subject.

“This is paper-loaded ammunition, which can speed up soldiers’ reloading speed, increase the range and accuracy of rifles, and even change the pattern of war.

But words are not valid, Your Majesty the Tsar, you'd better try it yourself. "

After Archduke Karl finished speaking, he was about to get the revolver. Tsar Nicholas I on the side was watching with excitement. The spy leader Duke Liubai, who was in charge of the Special Section 3, shouted "Escort" and faced Archduke Karl. Rush away.

But just as Duke Liubai ran halfway, he was kicked out by a 1.2m long leg. He only felt that his body left the ground, made several tumbling movements in the air, and then fell heavily to the ground. Even the internal organs are about to be squeezed out.

In fact, Duke Liubai is not short, he is 175cm tall. He was once a soldier, but he still looked like a child in front of the tall Nicholas I.

"You're a spoiler! If you do bad things again, I'll test the gun on you!"

Nicholas I treated Archduke Karl as a friend. In addition, he did not think that Austria sent a very prestigious royal elder all the way to assassinate him; seeing that his donkey-like subordinates could not even think clearly about this matter , so I couldn’t suppress my anger.

Archduke Karl seemed to have noticed that something was wrong with his behavior, and hurriedly handed the box to the owner of the Winter Palace. "Your Majesty, I was negligent just now.

Duke Liubai is also faithfully performing his duties, which is understandable. "Nicholas I didn't pay attention, but passed the box directly.

What he is most concerned about now is whether this bullet is as magical as his guests described. Loading the bullet, turning the wheel, the whole sequence of movements was smooth and smooth, which made the Tsar feel very comfortable.

This gun doesn't have the sluggish feel of a Colt revolver at all, everything seems so silky smooth. This is of course because Franz’s researchers used electroplating technology; it not only enhances the metal texture, but also increases the smoothness between parts, as well as corrosion resistance and other characteristics.

Nicholas I, who was in a good mood, picked up a pistol and searched for targets in the palace, which frightened the accompanying officials in the palace.

But they didn't dare to make any evasive moves, for fear of making a fool of themselves and angering the Tsar, who would be lucky enough to become a target. Only Queen Alexandra looked at her husband with a smile.

She knew very well that he was only declaring his authority as the supreme ruler of all Russia, and at the same time he was also deliberately testing whether these officials were really loyal and reliable.

Sure enough, Nicholas I put away his pistol after taking aim for a while.

"Karl, today we can go to my hunting ground and have a great time hunting! Compared to the wild boars and deer that you guys often hunt, we Russians prefer hunting bears!"

"No problem, but before that I have other gifts to give to your family." Archduke Karl said.

"What is that?" Nicholas I looked very interested, but he was disappointed when he saw some clocks.

Although these new pocket watches have both timekeeping and alarm clock functions. But they were nothing new, which greatly reduced Nicholas I's interest.

However, the design of the watch made Her Royal Highness the Queen and the children find it very novel. Although pocket watches are not lacking in meticulous and beautiful workmanship, watches are obviously more suitable as decorations.

What's more, the latter has another advantage. If you don't want to be seen wearing a watch, you can choose to lengthen the sleeves to completely cover it up.

The watch industry in the 19th century was definitely a hot industry, but the transformation of the key technologies of tourbillon and escapement had been completed, so the intention of using technological advantages to trigger an industrial revolution could not be realized.

After many discussions between Franz and his experts, the best they can do is to use standardized production and industrialization to reduce costs, but their reputation cannot be compared with Swiss watches at all, let alone dominate the European market.

Although the Swiss watch industry started late, it has become highly specialized and intensive after more than a hundred years of development. Even the pioneers of the Industrial Revolution across the Taiwan Strait were unable to compete with it and could only resort to desperately raising tariffs. to prevent its products from entering the British Isles.