Holy Roman Empire

Since Vienna became the capital of the Habsburg dynasty in the 13th century, it quickly became the political, economic, and cultural center of continental Europe, and one of the most prosperous cities in the world.

Now it is no exception. After the end of the Anti-French War, Austria once again confirmed its status as a great power. It is not only Russia that has the reputation of a European military police.

After the formation of the Holy Alliance in 1815, Austria became a representative of the restoration forces. It was a vanguard against capitalism and also played the role of European military police.

It is a pity that behind this glory is the continuous decline of Austria. When the revolution broke out in 1848, the European hegemony of the Austrian Empire ended.

Walking on the prosperous main street, Franz's mood was heavy, and he accidentally remembered Du Fu's sentence: "Zhumen wine smells bad, the road has frozen bones!"

On the prosperous Vienna street, there were occasionally ragged people passing by, and they could see that their bodies were still shaking.

Occasionally a beggar enters by mistake, and soon a police officer will come to drive them away or take them away.

This is the most prosperous street. If you go to the slums, you still don't know what kind of scene it is.

The little girl who sells matches is not a fairy tale. Franz sees too many children selling cigarettes, newspapers, matches ...

Franz did not accuse the capitalists of abusing child labor. It is already very good to have such a job to support myself in this era.

For more than a month, Franz traveled through Vienna's main city and saw the real scene of this imperial empire.

Perhaps in the Vienna Revolution a year later, what people really need is not constitutional government or freedom, but bread that can be wrapped in belly and clothing that can keep out the cold.

Public opinion fell into the hands of the bourgeoisie and the nobility. The so-called revolution actually became a tool for their struggle for power, while ordinary people became victims in the struggle for power.

Franz remembers an article from later generations that wrote about Polish nationalists who tried to persuade the peasant uprising in a village, claiming that as long as the Austrians were expelled, they would live a happy life ever since.

The farmers answered:

No, respected sir, things will not be like that.You just want to drive away the most benevolent ruler in this land (the emperor of Habsburg), and then let this country go to destruction.

My grandfather once told me that while the Polish Federation still existed, the lords could beat the peasants arbitrarily, and the peasants pleaded nowhere ...

If you drove the emperor out of this land, then each of you will want to taste the loneliness, and you will turn us into slaves as in the past!

...

In the history of the Vienna uprising failed, the bourgeoisie who lived as a patriotism was severely hit, but the lives of the people have actually improved.

I have to say that this is an irony. The people who shouted down the slogan of the exploiting class were actually a group of capitalists. As the emperor targeted by the revolution, they finally did the revolutionary work.

Thinking of this, Franz already knew what to do.It is always politically correct to unite the majority against a small group.

In Franz ’s view, before the completion of compulsory education, any constitutional reforms are very nonsense, and reforms that exceed the people ’s ability to accept can only hurt others.

"Raul, go to the Prime Minister's House!" Franz said quietly

A traverser who can't do things must not be a real traverser, this is Franz's motto.He has changed his mind and intends to do things.

An hour later, Franz appeared in the Prime Minister ’s House, because Prime Minister Metternich was not at home because he did not make an appointment in advance.

Franz was not surprised. The prime minister ’s work has always been very busy, especially for ministers like Metternich.

Europe is not the same as the East. Even power ministers like Metternich have actually limited power. His political domination of Austria relies on the support of the king.

"Dagong, please take a rest, we have sent someone to notify the Prime Minister!" The housekeeper said exquisitely

The meaning is very obvious. I have sent someone to inform the Prime Minister. As for when the Prime Minister will come back, I do n’t know that. The question between your big people, do n’t let the small characters like us sigh.

Franz smiled slightly, but he had no habit of showing off. The relationship between the original owner and Prime Minister Metternich was not bad, and the relationship remained after crossing.

In Franz's cognition, since ancient times, the ministers of power have been used to pit. The Austrian Empire wants to reform, but it also needs to be a traitor, and the notorious Prime Minister Metternich is the best choice.

The debt is too high, and he doesn't mind that he doesn't mind a few more black pots for Austria.

It wasn't until late evening that Metternich rushed back, and Franz was not angry. Anyway, he should eat and drink, no one dared to neglect him.

"Sorry, let you wait a long time! Little Franz, what's the matter with me today?" Metternich said lovingly

That's right, Franz is a junior in his eyes, and Metternich is also a veteran. He has been prime minister since his grandfather's time, and he has done it now.

"Dear Mr. Metternich, please remove that small print. I am 16 years old!"

Franz did not answer the question first, but expressed a little dissatisfaction.

"Okay, respected Grand Duke Franz, what are you doing today?" Metternich asked with a smile

"Mr. Metternich, I came for reform today!" Franz said straight away.

"Reform? How could Franz be interested in this, or did someone say something to you?" Metternich asked in surprise.

"No one said anything. I have been on a field trip to Vienna for more than a month. I have some doubts in my heart and want to ask you for advice!" Franz replied calmly.

"Oh, what's the question to listen to?" Metternich asked, pretending to be interested

"Mr. Metternich, the voice of constitutional reform outside is very high right now, but the workers I see are insensitive, and they are rushing around every day for three meals a day. Is it more important to them than dignity? Asked Franz without knowing it.

"No, Franz! They are working hard to survive. If they don't work one day, they may be hungry. Nothing matters in front of survival!" Metternich said decisively.

"Oh, so, why don't we reform lean towards them? At least let them have enough bread first!" Franz said pretendingly naively

"Franz, things are not so simple, the capitalists will not agree to increase the treatment of workers!" Metternich shook his head and said

"Well, that's too bad!" Franz sighed pretendingly

...