Chapter 14
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Chapter 14: The Great Villain
The wave of liberalism can no longer be contained.
Liberalism protests have started to appear frequently all over Germany, not only related to liberalism, but various social conflicts that have been suppressed for a long time are erupting together.
Commoners versus nobles and Junkers.
Emerging capitalist class versus conservative feudal powers.
Liberal scholars and progressive students versus feudal monarchy.
Workers versus factory owners.
Primary industry workers whose interests are harmed by industrialization.
Traditional religion leaders are not happy with liberalism and freedom of thought.
The people all want a united Germany. Everyone hopes for the prosperity of the nation. There are peace advocates, military advocates, supporters of a large Germany, supporters of a small Germany, and more.
Various social contradictions and people’s aspirations will wave the flag of liberalism at this critical moment. Most common people don’t really understand what liberalism is, but they know that shouting "freedom" is the right thing to do. If everyone shouts like this, it can seem very powerful.
On the surface, it’s the Liberal Revolution, but its true nature is very complex, with various forces working behind the scenes.
Cunning politicians also wave the flag of liberalism, taking away the victory fruits from the people.
In late January 1839, the Prussian Parliament was re-elected. This time, there were 175 seats for the liberal faction out of a total of 280 permanent members of Parliament, which means the liberal faction had the majority.
But if you look closely at the name tags, it seems like all these liberal faction members have the word "von" in their names.
There are also many familiar faces among them. Just last week they were sitting with the conservative faction, but today, with the rise of liberalism, they suddenly become proponents of freedom and democracy.
Anna looks down on these politicians with no clear stance, and the politicians also look down on Anna.
The Liberal Revolution started in Bavaria, Germany. The Bavarian King allowed his mistress, Lola, to form a cabinet. Lola’s scandalous behavior led to a revolt by the people of Bavaria, who dissolved Lola’s cabinet and set up a new one with representatives from the middle class.
In Prussia, Anna was associated with Lola, and people wanted to drive out the Prince Regent’s mistress, Anna.
Not only the newly elected liberal members of parliament, but also the conservative lords, traditional aristocrats, emerging aristocrat capitalists, and landowners called Junkers, wanted to get rid of Anna. They felt that the public unrest needed an outlet.
The members of parliament unanimously decided to blame Anna for all the wrongdoings and crimes, making the people direct their anger towards her. Anna’s reputation in the public was already tarnished, known by all as a villain.
It is common for when there is public unrest, the parliament and the cabinet scapegoat someone to vent the public’s anger.
Unfortunately, they chose the wrong person, and Anna was not an easy target.
Following the instructions in Prince Regent Redel’s letter, Chief Secretary of the Ministry of National Defense, Ron, revised the military reform plan and submitted a report to Anna.
Financial Chief Secretary Anna had already completed a statement explaining the 1839 government spending adjustments for Prussia, increasing the military expenditure for the year. She planned to present it to the parliament for their vote.
Anna arrived outside the parliament building at nine forty in the morning.
Baron Schultz walked over to remind Anna not to conflict with the passionate atmosphere in the parliament today. He advised her to concede a little for now.
"I understand," Anna checked her pocket watch and entered the room as soon as the time was right.
As she entered the chamber, a barrage of insults hit her like a storm, stronger than ever before. The members of parliament cursed her with harsh words, demanding Anna to leave.
Earlier, Anna had a heated confrontation with Austrian Prime Minister Metternich in Vienna, and the people accused her of being a criminal who wanted to start a war and harm Prussia.
Almost two months later, the heat had not died down, and the fervor of the Liberal Revolution was rising, adding to the attacks against her.
"Now, I will present the Ministry of Finance’s explanation of this year’s government spending adjustments."
Despite the chaotic noise, Anna tried to make her speech loudly, but she was completely drowned out, with no member of parliament listening to her.
The situation in parliament was almost out of control. The chairman sitting on the dais frantically banged on a small gavel until it broke, but the situation remained uncontrolled.
It wasn’t until all the military representatives stood up.
"If the Congress falls into chaos and the agenda cannot proceed normally, I will mobilize the constabulary to maintain order."
As soon as the military spoke, the irritable members of the Congress immediately behaved, sitting quietly in their seats without speaking, and the scene finally returned to calmness.
Anna said, "After national defense and finance…"
"Bismarck, leave! We don’t want to hear your nonsense, we won’t agree to any of your proposals."
The members of Congress stood up in unison and began to curse, completely ignoring what Anna wanted to say. They were determined to oppose her and drive her away.
After the military restored order once again.
Anna threw the documents in her hand towards the seats of the members of Congress, clenched her fists and slammed the table fiercely. She angrily shouted, "My proposal is right here, whether you like it or not, agree or disagree, you bunch of scoundrels."
After shouting, and regardless of how the angry members of Congress responded, she left the meeting directly.
Baron Schultz sighed helplessly at the door, watching Anna leave with a proud stride, allowing the next person to enter and continue presenting.
At noon, the newspaper reported that angry politicians splashed more dirty water on Anna and even caused some unnecessary trouble.
European criminal Bismarck made the Mongols throw bodies, leading to a huge outbreak of the Black Death.
Insignificant Bismarck provided artillery to Mohammed, leading to the fall of Constantinople.
Traitor Bismarck cut down crooked-necked trees, allowing the Great Ming Empire to continue to this day.
Notorious German traitor Bismarck guided Davout, resulting in the Prussian army conquering Berlin in two weeks.
Parliament has unanimously passed a resolution to dismiss Chief Secretary Bismarck, who handles finances and foreign affairs.
Anna was sitting at home when suddenly countless slanders fell from the sky. Why did all the bad things end up being blamed on her, and why do parliament members want to remove her from her position?
Prussia is a monarchy where Cabinet Ministers and Chief Secretaries of various departments can only be appointed by the king or prince regent personally. The parliament has no authority in this matter, even if they vote unanimously.
Knowing that their actions cannot force Anna out, the politicians just wanted to upset her a bit.
But who is Anna? As long as liberal politicians dared to challenge her, she dared to retaliate immediately.
The next day, the parliament was proceeding with its agenda when suddenly the doors were kicked open, and everyone saw Anna standing there with five fierce wolves by her side.
Anna let go of the wolves.
The wolves ran wild in the parliament hall, causing panic among the terrified politicians who scattered in all directions.
"Close the doors of the parliament and lock them with thick iron chains, don’t let those vicious dogs escape," Anna instructed.
After giving the orders, Anna happily went back to her office to work, and the loyal guards of the parliament obeyed her command, securing the doors with heavy chains.
The politicians tried to hide from the wolves inside the parliament hall, attempting to break through the doors without success. Eventually, they had to escape by climbing out of the windows, looking disheveled and embarrassed.
