Life of Being a Crown Prince in France

Chapter 501: Chapter 414: Austria’s Finest Diplomat

Joseph immediately nodded and said, “Of course, as long as it can put your mind at ease, I can go anywhere.”

It just so happened that even without Queen Mary’s instructions, he was also planning to make a trip to Vienna.

He then looked at his mother and asked, “What exactly has happened to make you so worried, Mother?”

“Alas, since the moment I was born, I have been looked after by Madam Delvolf.” Queen Mary wiped her tears with a handkerchief and choked up, “She gave me her meticulous care and affection.”

According to 18th century European nobility traditions, a child would be handed over to a wet nurse as soon as they were born. Queen Mary’s mother, the former ruler of Austria, Maria Theresa, raised all seven of her children with a wet nurse plus a tutor.

Therefore, to Queen Mary, Madam Delvolf was almost like her mother during her childhood, and their emotional bond was very deep.

It was also because Queen Mary lacked maternal affection from an early age that she did not want her own children to suffer such pain. Thus, she was an avid follower of Rousseau’s advocacy that “natural methods—mothers should breastfeed their children themselves,” and she was one of the first mothers in European Royalty to practice this idea. After her, breastfeeding one’s children became gradually popular among French women.

By the way, Rousseau spent his life promoting the idea that “mothers should take care of their children themselves,” yet he put all five of his children into an orphanage (his wife Delais was not deceased), because he believed he was “absolutely free” …

“Madam Delvolf wrote in her letter that her health has deteriorated badly… and she also has a granddaughter.

“That poor child lost both parents to a fever at a very young age and was raised by Madam Delvolf.”

Queen Mary prattled on about Madam Delvolf’s granddaughter’s affairs, and then said, “When that child grew up, she turned out to be even more beautiful than her grandmother, with many young nobles pursuing her.

“And that beauty also brought her trouble. A year ago, a scoundrel named Walter started pestering her, and even though she has rejected him many times, he continues to harass her.”

Joseph frowned and asked, “Doesn’t the Sheriff of Vienna take care of this matter?”

“The Sheriff doesn’t dare to provoke that Baron Walter,” Queen Mary looked at Madam Delvolf’s letter, “he is a cousin of Maria Vidolucca, the wife of the Grand Duke of Tuscany.”

Joseph paused for a moment before connecting the name with its corresponding status, “Leopold II’s brother-in-law?”

No wonder no one dares to mess with that baron—Leopold II is about to be crowned Emperor of the Holy Rome.

Continuing, Queen Mary said, “Baron Walter has a very bad reputation, and Madam Delvolf worries that no one in Vienna dares to deal with him, so she hopes that Camellia, oh, that’s her granddaughter, could come to Paris, where I could offer her protection.

“You know, I cannot easily leave the Palace of Versailles, so I hope you can make a trip to Vienna on my behalf, to send Madam Delvolf my best wishes, and, to bring the poor Camellia back.”

“Hmm, rest assured, I’ll take care of these matters,” Joseph nodded seriously.

…

Half a month later.

Vienna, Schonbrunn Palace.

Accompanied by a solemn orchestral tune, Joseph walked between the sides of the ceremonial guard, with Leopold II by his side.

“I really didn’t expect you to come in person,” Leopold II said warmly, gesturing towards the main entrance of Schonbrunn Palace, “I’ve prepared a grand dinner for you.”

Joseph politely expressed his thanks and after some small talk, he brought up the matter at hand:

“Uncle, your urgent summon for Archbishop Talleyrand—does it pertain to something important?”

Leopold II revealed a ceremonial smile: @@novelbin@@

“Haha, France has given tremendous support to our country on the battlefields of Silesia and the Southern Netherlands over the past six months. Your Majesty has instructed me to express our sincere gratitude to France.”

Joseph murmured to himself, if you want to express gratitude, why not just send some florins? Why summon the French Foreign Minister?

As the banquet continued, Leopold II suddenly raised his glass and loudly proclaimed to everyone present:

“With the help of our French allies, General Leao has achieved a decisive victory in the Southern Netherlands! I believe it won’t be long before the rebels are swept away, and order will be restored to the Southern Netherlands.”

He then gestured with a smile towards Joseph:

“And the brave French soldiers will soon be able to return to their long-missed homes.”

Amidst the cheers of the Austrian nobility, Joseph also smiled and raised his glass in response, but his heart frowned—Leopold II seemed quite certain that the Southern Netherlands Rebels would be defeated. Yet he had not received any report from the front lines, except that the Hanoverian Army had changed guards a while ago, with no decisive battles having taken place.

Leopold II continued with passionate eloquence:

“In Silesia, our army taught the Prussians a harsh lesson. In the battles of Legnica, Marshal Lacy annihilated nearly ten thousand Prussian invaders. His cannons almost turned the enemy’s position into scorched earth!”

The Austrian nobles immediately erupted into cheers again:

“Long live the Emperor!”

“Marshal Lacy leads us towards victory!”

“To the valiant warriors on the Silesian front!”

Joseph felt even more puzzled; Austria had clearly made no progress in Silesia, so why was Leopold II speaking as if a triumph was imminent?

This way, the banquet ended amidst an excited and joyful atmosphere, followed by a ball that lasted until 11 o’clock, when Joseph finally managed to return to his room.

Soon after, Talleyrand knocked and entered, hastily bowed, and said with a grave expression:

“Your Highness, the situation doesn’t seem very good. Count Kaunitz wishes to see you immediately.”

Joseph nodded, signaling Eman to help him change into casual clothes, and followed by two servants who were already waiting outside, he quickly left Schonbrunn Palace.

In the carriage, Talleyrand reported with a furrowed brow:

“Your Highness, according to information I’ve gathered in Vienna, Charles II may soon withdraw back to Hanover, and the Prussians will also declare their disengagement from the situation in the Southern Netherlands.”

Joseph exclaimed in surprise, “How is that possible?”

“It’s said that Earl Franz masterminded this, persuading Charles II and William II with minimal benefits,” said Talleyrand. “He was also recently commended by Emperor Joseph II.”

Joseph scoffed. Charles II could be persuaded through diplomatic means, but how could Prussia easily agree to a reconciliation in the Southern Netherlands while actively engaged in war with Austria?

“What do you think?” he asked, looking at Talleyrand.

“It’s certainly not Earl Franz alone—there must be someone else pulling the strings behind the scenes. But if things are as the rumors say, our country’s military presence in the Southern Netherlands will become extremely passive.”