Holy Roman Empire - Chapter 341

Chapter 341: Chapter 28, Reverse Psychology

Did Maximilian have the ability?

The answer is: Yes!

As long as he wasn’t inherently deficient, a person raised by the royal family was bound to be more capable than the vast majority of commoners.

However, capability often came with arrogance, which needed polishing. Only after taming their sharp edges could one truly excel.

Maximilian had never faced setbacks. Spoiled by Empress Sophie in his early life, his path had been smooth sailing, cultivating a spearhead of idealism.

Idealism is a monarch’s greatest foe. Once smitten by it, the best outcome is to become a rubber stamp, the worst yet can be seen in the history of Maximilian.

Franz sneered, “This is your prepared plan? My foolish brother, has your brain taken on water?

Is it your belief, by governing with your plan, that Mexico is not chaotic enough and needs another fire set, followed by a bloodbath, and by the way, sending you, the Emperor, to the guillotine?”

This wasn’t Franz taking shots in the dark; Maximilian’s plan was indeed unreliable—his central governing philosophy was liberalism.

Could any nation toy with liberalism? Not even Franz would dare embrace liberalism in Austria, nor would any monarchy around the world dare pursue such liberalism.

Dissatisfied, Maximilian retorted, “My brother, on what basis do you say my plan won’t work?”

Instead of directly answering, Franz turned the question, “Good, you’ve learned to question, that’s a sign of progress.

But unfortunately, it’s far from enough.

If you have a plan for governing the nation, then tell me, what is Mexico’s greatest social conflict? What are its strengths and weaknesses?

How about Mexico’s resource distribution—where is best suited to develop which industries?”

Now it was Maximilian who was stunned. Each country managed affairs in a rough manner, with specialized bureaucrats; others usually knew nothing.

Being far away in Vienna, of course, Maximilian wouldn’t possess such detailed data, and the information provided by Franz had only been about the domestic basics; even the Mexican Government hadn’t done a thorough census.

But in Franz’s view, these fundamental matters were essential for an Emperor to grasp; otherwise, how could he formulate development guidelines?

Take, for example, the development of heavy industry, planning to build a steel factory. Due to ignorance, bureaucrats might randomly pick a site, only to find that the raw materials were a thousand miles away.

After a moment’s hesitation, Maximilian answered with a frown, “Mexico’s main conflict lies between the reformists and conservatives, with additional skirmishes between republicans and constitutionalists.

As long as the political system’s issues are well-handled, these conflicts can be resolved. The latter questions are too tricky; I refuse to answer.”

Franz rubbed his forehead, resignedly commenting, “It seems my foolish brother has really been cheated foolish.

Systems exist because of people; it’s always the people that are flawed, not the system. As long as the people issue is resolved, none of these are problems.

There is no right or wrong in the face of interests. As a qualified Emperor, you don’t need to make such clear distinctions.

You only need to figure out what your own people want, who are neutral, and who are the enemies.

Your people can be entrusted with important positions, neutrals can be co-opted, enemies just need to be eliminated—matters are that simple.”

The fundamental social contradiction in Mexico is interest, the conflict of interests among various classes, as well as between different ethnicities.

Only by clarifying the chain of interests and fundamentally solving the problem can other conflicts be easily managed. If you can’t solve the problem, then solve the person who creates the problem.

This is just the basic condition for securing the throne, but ultimately it depends on national development, at least you must ensure the people are well fed.

Having said so much, do you still think my question is unimportant?”

This is a political lesson, the dark arts of imperial power. Before this, Franz had never taught Maximilian, nor had anyone in the Habsburg dynasty.

Hearing Franz’s words, Maximilian was completely stunned. He could never have imagined that Franz would say such things, which turned his worldview upside down.

If according to Franz’s meaning, the first thing to do to secure the throne of Mexico is not to smooth over conflicts, but rather to incite them and use a civil war to solve those who create problems.

Thinking back to the rebellion of 1848, the Vienna Government seized this opportunity to once and for all solve the Hungarian issue and also addressed internal social conflicts by enacting the Labor Protection Law, abolishing serfdom.

Maximilian instantly understood a lot, and the more he understood, the harder it was for him to accept. His brother, hailed as the greatest monarch of the Habsburg dynasty in a century, had actually done so many things in secret.

What made it indisputable for him was that Franz had succeeded, and a successful person should not be criticized. From 1848 to the present, Austria’s comprehensive national strength had more than doubled.

The nation became stronger, people’s lives improved, and significant progress was made in all sectors.

Struck by his thoughts, Maximilian did not know how he left, his mind echoing with the words of Franz, wavering between affirmation and denial.

Seeing her distracted husband, Princess Charlotte asked with concern, “What’s the matter, Maximilian, are you feeling unwell?”

Jolted into awareness, Maximilian responded listlessly, “Charlotte, do you think I’m not cut out to be an emperor?”

Princess Charlotte was shocked; she wanted to be an empress! She had gone to great lengths to encourage Maximilian to agree to become Emperor of Mexico. In such a short time, he had changed this much.

Princess Charlotte didn’t think being an emperor was that difficult, looking at Franz was enough. On average, he worked three or four hours a day, spending most of his time reading, looking at newspapers, drinking tea, and taking care of children, and Austria still developed very well.

“How so? You have to believe in yourself, you’re the best!”

Maximilian shook his head, “No, I might really not be suited to be an emperor, I don’t even know the basic essentials of being an emperor.”

Princess Charlotte tried to console him, “What has happened that has hit you so hard? The person I know isn’t like this, could a small setback really defeat you?”

Maximilian calmed his emotions and said, “I’ve just been to see my brother with the future development plan of Mexico, hoping to get his support.”

Charlotte asked uncertainly, “He doesn’t agree with you becoming Emperor of Mexico?”

It was known that Franz got along very well with his brothers. Normally, Franz would certainly support Maximilian becoming emperor.

This was also one of the reasons they dared to take on the mess in Mexico. After all, Austria’s reach had deeply penetrated the Central American region, requiring just a telegram, and Austrian troops could come over to provide them with military support.

Maximilian shook his head, “No. He just told me some basic knowledge about being an emperor, which shocked me profoundly.”

As for the specifics, Maximilian refused to speak further. He cared about his dignity and did not want his wife to know these troubling matters.

Relieved by this news, Princess Charlotte breathed a sigh of relief. As long as Franz the Emperor did not object, it didn’t matter if others in the Habsburg Family did.

In Mexico, the only support they could count on was the Austrian army stationed in the Central American region, and that only required Franz’s agreement.

“Don’t worry, there have been so many successful emperors throughout history, and each found their own path to success. The experiences of your cousin Franz might not all suit you, which is normal.

As long as I govern diligently and love the people, I believe things will get better!” Princess Charlotte continued to encourage.

Maximilian smiled wryly and said, “But the truth is right before us; he really did succeed. Under his rule, Austria was rejuvenated, and the glory of the Habsburg dynasty was restored.

And all this took just over a decade, with everyone giving him high praise. Walk the streets and you will hear the cry ‘Emperor Franz.’”

“Diligent governance and love for the people” — the latter two words might still be somewhat associated with Franz, but the first two are hard for people to link with him.

If there were a contest for the least diligent monarch in Europe, Franz would definitely be in the top three, along with possibly Queen Victoria.

This is quite embarrassing; in the United Kingdom, which has a constitutional monarchy, the monarch’s powers are limited. So, it’s understandable that Queen Victoria wasn’t much involved in politics.

But Franz was different; whether as Emperor of Austria or Emperor of the New Holy Roman Empire, he ruled absolute monarchies. Even covered by the veil of constitutional monarchy, the emperor’s power was still supreme.

Due to the weak presence of political parties, this form of constitutional monarchy is even stronger in terms of imperial power than most other absolute monarchies.

No matter how you put it, Franz still succeeded. Austria’s influence spread to all corners of the world where civilization existed, and the flag of the Habsburg dynasty was planted across all the oceans and continents.

From now on, the words “diligent governance” might have to be kicked out of the list of virtues for assessing a monarch. At least in the case of the Habsburg dynasty, all that was needed was success; who cared whether the emperor was diligent or not?

In reality, this was just a reflection of Franz’s self-awareness. If he had to interfere in everything, he’d be exhausted, and in the end, he might just create a big mess.

Rather than that, it’s better to just manage the top hundred or so officials in the government, and then they can manage the country.

This principle sounds simple, but it is difficult to implement. To build this bureaucratic team, Franz spent years tweaking and finally found the balance point.

Princess Charlotte said solemnly, “Maximilian, you are jealous. That’s not a good quality; jealousy can make one lose their way.”

Maximilian roared in exasperation, “That’s right, I admit there are such factors at play. I have lived in the shadow of Franz all my life; he is just too excellent.

All of his academic achievements made me despair, except for marksmanship, where I was the exception. Just when I finally saw his grades slip and I could breathe a sigh of relief, he started to act as regent and then became emperor.

You know the rest: before his ascension, Austria was just a great European nation; now, Austria is a world power.

If he wanted, he could also make the British proclamation: ‘On Austria’s soil, the sun never sets.’

You don’t understand the pressure of having such an excellent older brother. I’ve had to emulate and learn from him all my life.

But now, I’ve realized the gap between us hasn’t narrowed; instead, it’s grown even wider.

I really wish he could be mediocre in some aspect, so I could regain a bit of self-confidence!”

Princess Charlotte, who knew her husband very well, understood that him voicing these thoughts meant he was alright, and she followed up with, “At least you are better at shooting than he is.”

“It seems that’s the only confidence I have left,” Maximilian said helplessly.

Princess Charlotte flashed a radiant smile and asked, “So, do you want to give it a try and challenge yourself?”

Maximilian replied without hesitation, “Of course, I will prove myself in my own way, and I am not worse than him!”

Princess Charlotte joked, “Really? Maximilian, are you that confident?”

Maximilian answered confidently, “Of course! Oh, there might be a slight gap, but definitely not much, please believe me!”

Clearly, the education of the royal family had not been wasted. At least in fostering self-confidence, they had truly put in the effort. It allowed one to quickly regain their self-confidence.

This was also related to cultural traditions, as the vast majority of Europeans had the problem of excessive self-confidence. In such circumstances, it indeed could unleash potential, but it also made it easy to do foolish things.

And so, all of Franz’s efforts were in vain. Maximilian still insisted on leaping into the huge pit that was Mexico, unstoppable.

…

Receiving this news, Franz didn’t know what to do.

To forcibly stop him might end their brotherhood. To watch him walk into certain death was something Franz couldn’t do, either.

To clean up after him, Franz declared himself no nanny. Moreover, he couldn’t control what happened all the way in Mexico.

Franz made one last attempt, “You need to think this through, Maximilian. Mexico is no good place, and if being an emperor were that easy, it wouldn’t be your turn.

As far as I know, many in the Napoleon Family are coveting the throne, but they have all been blocked by Napoleon III, who also isn’t confident enough to help his own brother take the position.

Now, I can tell you clearly that the Vienna Government won’t spend a great deal to support you, because the cost can’t be recouped.”

Maximilian, brimming with confidence, responded, “The Napoleon Family indeed has their eyes on the Mexican throne, but they lack the support of the legal tradition, and the Mexican constitutionalists don’t support them at all.

Please believe me, brother, your investment won’t be wasted. I will become a great emperor like you.”

Franz said seriously, “Stop there. As your brother, I give you one last piece of advice: Nations only have interests between them, don’t mix in personal emotions.

So don’t expect to get much help from me. Austria will not support Mexico, as it’s not in our interests.

As for the support you want, sorry, I can only offer you moral encouragement, at most verbal support.”

Franz, lacking confidence in Maximilian, did not plan to waste resources in filling that bottomless pit, the chances of recovering the cost were just too low.

After all, Austria had troops stationed in Central America. Presumably, the Mexicans wouldn’t dare to behead this unlucky younger brother. If it really came to it, they could still send troops to rescue him.

Even without knowing Franz’s thoughts, Maximilian still felt a chill. He clearly understood that such a decision reflected a complete lack of faith in him.

With collective opposition from family members and his brother the emperor against him, this meant that aside from carrying the Habsburg dynasty flag, it would be difficult to gain any support from family forces.

An emperor with family support and one without are completely different concepts.

With the strength of the Habsburg Family, if they fully supported him, Maximilian could go to Mexico with an army and gain the support of Austria’s power in America.

With these resources, he could easily suppress domestic opposition and not be beholden to the French. Unfortunately, he had none of these, and he still had to rely on the French initially.

Talking now was useless, as the Habsburg Family had already made up their minds that he would fail, and they would not make a costly investment for him. Even his mother, who doted on him the most, did not support him this time.