Chapter 380: , Unexpected funds

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, they have read books together, or carried guns together, or strayed together, or shared the stolen goods together.
Talleyrand came from a Catholic seminary, and Peter is an Orthodox, so it is impossible for them to read together. As for carrying a gun together, although Peter has served in the army, Talleyrand has never been a soldier, and one of them is a Russian and the other is a French, so this is also impossible. As for passing off together, it is of course even more impossible, so this "old friend" of two people can only "divide the spoils together".
Since he is a reliable old friend who "divided the spoils 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 confidential, the confidentiality capability of the Turkish side, um, I said long ago, the Turkish side is a colander. "
Charles, we and France are friendly countries. You help the Turks, which is not very friendly to us. "Peter said.
Ah, Peter. France’s friendship with Russia has not changed. As for the matter between us and Turkey, it is nothing more than business. We are friends, so I do not hide it from you, this business can make France a lot of money. Many people in our country count on making money from this transaction. Moreover, I can also be sure that this transaction has no impact on the security of your country.
You know, although Turkey is only allowed to use civil society, it has sent a delegation of all Greeks and all Orthodox Christians. However, Turkish officials also made it clear that they will observe the Olympic truce. The reason why the Sultan of Turkey has stepped up training new-style troops is mainly due to internal considerations, because his previous reforms have offended many people, and the pressure we put on him forced him to place the most elite troops away from the capital. The place. This worried the sultan, so he asked us to help train the army. "
My friend, the Sultan of Turkey may indeed have his internal considerations, but if he can really solve the internal problems, it is a danger to the entire Christian world. "
Hearing this, Talleyrand laughed: "My friend, don’t you believe it. Now the world is different. To be honest, in the Middle Ages, those heretics were more than us. More like civilized people. But now, they are too backward.
For example, what do you Russians do when you come to us? You will learn everything you can learn, from science to art, everything. You will even spend a lot of money trying to get our scholars to work at the University of Petersburg. But what about the Turks? How many of them study this in France? They just buy some weapons and go back, and then learn how to use our weapons like a black bear walking like a human. But they are also limited to this. What kind of threats can they pose to you in such a country?
As for Turkey’s successful reforms, it then became stronger. My friend, I think that if Turkey’s reforms succeed, then they are in danger of perishing. Turkey is already a severely ill patient. The reform methods are too intense, and his body bears it, and it will be over directly; the reform actions are too slow, then they will be quickly opened up in this turbulent era , Then they are dangerous again. Are you saying that? "
Talleyrand’s words did not fully convince Peter. Indeed, Peter also believed that even if Turkey had more new-style troops, it would not be possible to surpass Russia in the development competition, but in any case, the French will always help Turkey train the army. Not good for Russia.
But Peter also knew that for France, this was an opportunity to make money. In France today, there may be a lot of progress in other places-even those who sympathize with Bourbon must admit this; but in certain virtues, they are not as good as those in the Bourbon era, for example, asking for money. shameless. Even the allies of the French admit that as long as the French government hears the clink of gold coins, it will immediately ignore it. 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 kind of expression is actually just to express his stance. Everyone, whether it is France or Russia, will not care too much. However, it is necessary to make a statement.
"Mr. Foreign Minister," Peter said sternly, "We believe that your country's actions are inappropriate. He has harmed our country's interests and our people's friendship towards your country. my country will retain the right to respond accordingly, although my country's commitment to the'Olympic Truce' will not be shaken. We also hope that your country will refrain from doing such things that damage the friendship between the two countries. "
I will pass your opinion to the governor of Bonaparte. Talleyrand also returned formally.
Talleyrand also understood what the Russians meant. They may have some small actions on the border with Turkey, but they will certainly not raise these small actions into war. At least not before the Olympics.
As for after the Olympics, well, at that time, the Olympic truce was over. If the actions of the Russians really made the Turks unable to draw troops, it would not be 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, how about money hurting feelings, let's talk about mines and railways? Even from the French point of view, if the Russians can really make the Turks unable to extract any military strength, it means that the French can earn more, which is by no means a bad thing.
Talleyrand sent away the Russians, and then met Metternich, the Austrian ambassador.
Unlike the relatively simple and honest Peter, Metternich is more cunning, and his friendship with Talleyrand is deeper and more "old friends".
Therefore, Metternich went straight to the subject as soon as he spoke.
My old friend, I heard that you have a conspiracy with the Turks. "Metternich said.
I can assure you that we and Turkey have no conspiracy against your country. Talleyrand replied.
That is to say, the conspiracy really exists. "
Between countries, there will always be conspiracies. "
Well, you make sense. 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 aimed at the Russians, it is totally unreasonable that we did not participate in this conspiracy. Therefore, it is unlikely that this conspiracy is aimed at Russia-ah, my old friend, are you trying to beat the Barbary pirates? "
These words of Metternich surprised Talleyrand, he did not expect Metternich even knew this. But Talleyrand felt that Metternich didn't know much, and it was very likely that it was really a guess based on certain signs. But it is also possible that the Austrians really know something.
In fact, Talleyrand’s conjecture is basically in line with the facts. Metternich's personal ability, especially his personal ability to study the balance of power between countries is very outstanding. In the original history, after Napoleon's defeat, Russia became the most powerful military country in Europe. The military power of Austria is equivalent to just one front army of Russia. However, Metternich relied on very successful diplomatic activities to make Austria, which was not prominent in the military, once become the dominant force in Europe. This person's keen sense and ability to handle affairs are very, very outstanding.
Fortunately, this guy is not French, otherwise, the first ruling would be willing to replace me with him. "I don't know why, such a thought came to Talleyrand's heart.
Talleyrand thought so in his heart. On the surface, he replied calmly: "We do have the influence through Turkey to negotiate with the Barbary pirates and ask them to hand over the looted French ships and crew~EbookFREE.me~ these Barbary pirates. Pirates are too rampant. Their actions are a serious threat to free trade. Many of our ships have suffered huge losses as a result. It is the duty of all European countries to maintain free trade. Therefore, we also hope that Do your part in the action of safeguarding free trade."
It is of course nonsense to say "due obligations", because in international affairs, obligations and rights are always linked together. After fulfilling the obligations, of course, we must share the rights. What the Austrians really meant was to take advantage of it.
We are old friends. Talleyrand said, "So, I will tell you the truth. Your country is willing to take on more responsibilities, which is of course a good thing. But I have to remind you that taking responsibility also requires strength. In matters involving Barbary pirates, your country’s navy is insufficient. "
Austria’s maritime power is simply inconspicuous among European countries. Not to mention that it is incomparable with 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, our ship is insufficient, but we have recently got an unplanned fund and are looking for an opportunity to make more money. Metternich said with a smile.