Wilhelm II's frown deepened.

The British had a point—though Prussia managed to survive last year's drought by planting a large amount of potatoes, the poor harvest had still dealt a heavy blow to the national economy.

Prussia was soon drawn into the Brabant Uprising and the Silesian War, causing the treasury to bleed money rapidly.

If the current situation continued, the country's finances could collapse by March of next year.

Ending the conflict in the Southern Netherlands could indeed ease the financial strain.

Lord Grenville continued:

"Furthermore, transferring General Blücher to Silesia would shift the balance of power there."

Seeing the Prussian king nodding instinctively, he quickly added another incentive:

"To alleviate your concerns, the Bank of England will offer you a loan of £700,000 to help you secure victory in Silesia."

He knew the Prussians were wary of Britain and Austria colluding to undermine Prussian interests, so he needed to show that they supported Prussia in the Silesian War.

Wilhelm II's eyes lit up—£700,000 was equivalent to 7 million florins! That sum would be enough to fund his army until October of next year. By then, the autumn harvest would provide some relief to the finances.

However, he still hesitated:

"But if we withdraw, Austria could regain control of the Southern Netherlands."

Grenville replied, "It would also cause them to lose France. You might be aware that Austria has always been wary of French ambitions in the Southern Netherlands. If the rebellion ends, France will lose its value to them.

"Of course, we will also exert influence in Vienna to drive a wedge between France and Austria."

Wilhelm II, deep in thought, finally nodded.

...

Vienna, Austria.

In a villa on the west side of Schönbrunn Palace, Count Frentz hurriedly dismissed the servants, carefully closed the door, and nervously looked at the middle-aged officer standing beside him:

"Is what you're saying reliable?"

He knew that this officer, officially part of the Vienna garrison, was actually an agent for the British ambassador to Austria.

The officer immediately nodded, "Yes, Count. This was jointly decided by Lord Grenville and King Wilhelm II."

Count Frentz's expression changed, realizing that Britain and Prussia had decided to abandon the rebels in the Southern Netherlands.

He thought for a moment and asked, "Why did the Lord specifically send you to tell me this?"

"As you know, we must ensure that the French withdraw from the Southern Netherlands before the Hanoverians can leave," the officer explained. "This is to ensure that Brussels doesn't fall into French hands."

"Yes, you're right." Count Frentz rubbed his hands together excitedly. If he could "advise" the Emperor to reclaim the Southern Netherlands, his future would be bright.

He immediately thought of another problem:

"But Count Kaunitz and his faction will surely advise the Emperor against my proposal."

Kaunitz represented the pro-French faction in Austria and had always supported stronger ties with France, so naturally, he wouldn't agree to the French withdrawal from the Southern Netherlands.

The officer smiled:

"Field Marshal Lacy and General Wurmser will support you, and we'll also make things difficult for Kaunitz."

Lacy held significant influence in Austrian politics and was the commander of the Silesian front. His opinion would carry at least as much weight as Chancellor Kaunitz.

Wurmser was also a powerful figure. With their backing, Count Frentz's confidence surged.

The British agent continued:

"Most importantly, this could bring an end to the Silesian War."

After explaining further, Count Frentz eagerly nodded:

"Please tell Lord Grenville that I will persuade His Majesty to get rid of the French."

...

Paris.

Versailles Palace, Petit Trianon.

Queen Marie looked at the trembling handwriting on the letter in her hand, and her eyes instantly welled up with tears.

"Madame Delvaux, I remember you as so lively and healthy, but how could this have happened…" She choked up, took a deep breath, placed the letter aside, and made the sign of the cross. "May God bless you."

Madame Delvaux was her nursemaid and one of the closest people to her before she married. In the letter, the elderly woman explained that her health was failing, and the doctor said she could pass away at any time.

She said she didn't want to trouble the Queen with her issues, but she was deeply worried about her only granddaughter, which prompted her to write this letter.

Queen Marie thought for a moment, then turned to her maid:

"Dubernet, please fetch the Prince for me."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

At that moment, Joseph was at the Foreign Minister's office in Versailles, discussing something with Talleyrand.

"According to reports from the intelligence service and our ambassador in Austria, it seems Vienna may have already decided to demand our withdrawal from the Southern Netherlands."

Talleyrand frowned in thought:

"Given Austria's limited forces in the Low Countries, they're already struggling against Blücher's corps. If we leave, the Brabant rebels will quickly occupy the Southern Netherlands and declare independence."

Joseph nodded:

"This is too unusual. Perhaps I should accompany you to Vienna."

Just yesterday afternoon, Versailles had received a note from Austria inviting French diplomats to Vienna for discussions. Due to the suddenness, Talleyrand immediately rushed to the Tuileries Palace to report to the Prince.

As they were discussing, the Queen's maid knocked and curtsied to Joseph:

"Your Highness, the Queen requests your presence."

"Oh? What does Mother need?" Joseph stood up and signaled Talleyrand to wait while he headed to Petit Trianon with Countess Dubernet.

"It seems to be related to a letter from Madame Delvaux," the maid said. "Her Majesty became quite emotional after reading it."

Joseph nodded. For Madame Delvaux to write directly to the Queen, she must have had a special relationship with her.

In this era, not everyone had the right to send personal letters to royalty. Even Catherine the Great's illegitimate daughter had to send her letters through Potemkin's old subordinates to reach the Empress.

Before long, Joseph entered Queen Marie's bedroom and bowed. Before he could speak, he noticed tears already streaming down his mother's face.

He quickly stepped forward, taking the Queen's hand with concern:

"Mother, what's wrong?"

"My dear, I need you to go to Vienna for me," Queen Marie said, struggling to hold back tears. "Madame Delvaux was my nursemaid and has cared for me since I was a child. She's now facing a difficult situation."

(End of Chapter)

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