Chapter 8

Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW

Chapter 8: The Plan Succeeds

The Prussian delegation returned from Vienna to Berlin, receiving a warm welcome from the people along the way. The people greeted Ms. Anna’s return with the greatest congratulations, offering their homeland’s soil, stones, rotten eggs, and spoiled vegetable leaves.

Upon entering the city center of Berlin, the delegation switched to a fully enclosed carriage. However, the carriage was smeared with rotten eggs, filthy water, and mud, thrown by the crowds that had gathered at Brandenburg Gate and Unter den Linden Street to intercept the convoy, a massive and uncountable number of people. Your Highness the Regent ordered a guard of horsemen to clear the way but could only move forward through the crowd with great difficulty.

"That cursed Bismarck! You’re going to harm Prussia!"

"You are a sinner of the German people, you will start a civil war in Germany!"

"Bismarck must step down! Bismarck must step down! Bismarck must step down!"

Outside the train carriage, there were loud opposition voices like a raging storm.

Inside the carriage, there was a silent Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, a Baron Schultz lost in thought, and a relaxed Anna half-lying down sipping wine.

This bottle of champagne was stolen from the Austrian Prime Minister Metternich, stolen goods always taste better.

Baron Schultz said, "I have served the country in politics for decades, I have never seen such strong opposition. Anna, you have set a record."

"Thank you, I am honored," said Anna.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs now had a grim expression, he was partly frustrated and partly resigned as he said to Anna, "Now, the people see us as the country’s sinners, we all have to leave."

Anna corrected him, "Only you are resigning, I am not leaving, and no one can make me leave."

The Minister of Foreign Affairs was very angry, "Even the prince regent won’t be able to save you this time. Look at how furious the people are."

Anna said, "I don’t care."

In 1838, the difference in strength between Prussia and Austria… The people of Prussia saw Anna’s provocation as a foolish act of seeking death. A single punch from Austria would leave Prussia in a dire state.

As for Metternich, he was known as the chancellor of Europe, a leader of his time, the creator of a political and diplomatic system. Though the public strongly disliked Metternich, nobody dared to provoke him. Anna’s provocation of Metternich made those who disliked him feel scared, and Prussia was on the brink of a national crisis.

However, due to the delayed and limited access to information, the people had a narrow view of the situation and couldn’t see the future steps ahead.

In fact, all of this was planned; Anna’s actions had long been approved by the prince regent.

The resentment towards Austria had been brewing for a while. The northern lords of Germany gritted their teeth, feeling constantly bullied and wanting to fight back.

On the eve of the impending revolution, it was an important opportunity for Prussia. Due to internal issues, Austria couldn’t intervene too much in North Germany, allowing Prussia to take advantage of the situation.

It was a direct challenge to Austria and Metternich, showing the other lords that Prussia had raised its flag high and the German Confederation’s second-in-command was ready to rebel.

Austria was busy dealing with internal issues and had little control over the economy and industry. Unable to retaliate when provoked, Austria couldn’t start a war or impose sanctions. Seeing Prussia causing trouble without consequences, other lords also began to feel rebellious.

Last year, Prussia started preparing for an industrial revolution. Prince Regent Redel requested to share the industrial cake, mainly with the North German lords and the South German lords who were pro-Prussia.

To promote the effective implementation of a customs union, plans were made to integrate currencies and harmonize laws, gradually uniting the northern regions of Germany.

A few days ago in Vienna, Anna slapped Metternich in the face, completing her diplomatic mission.

Today back in Berlin, Anna is about to announce a big surprise later in the evening.

Prussia’s Industrial and Financial Situation Annual Report 1838

During a year of full industrialization, Prussia’s industrial output increased by 900%. The number of domestic factories surged from 220 to over 2,100 in just one year.

Coal production increased fourfold and steel production increased by 190%, despite the initial phase of industrialization when production capacity was not fully utilized. These numbers are expected to rise significantly in the coming years.

The country’s total economic output increased by 18.9% compared to last year, while the national fiscal revenue increased by 25%. The annual net income of the Hohenzollern family increased by 17%, effectively easing the national debt pressure.

This report will publish a summary in the newspaper, showing strong evidence that Prussia is on the right path and making progress, with the German princes following Prussia and working together towards industrialization, and turning against Austria together.

Based on the strategic goal of persuading the North German princes, Anna boldly struck Metternich at the meeting.

The public was unaware, only knowing that Prussia had angered Austria and might be in trouble.

Baron Schultz had some information about the entire strategic plan, not being part of the prince regent’s inner circle, but through rumors and speculation, he deduced it quite accurately.

The delegation’s convoy left the crowded area under the protection of the elite soldiers, and the outside voices became quieter, allowing Baron Schultz to start talking to Anna.

"There is a fundamental issue with this strategy – Prussia’s weakness in military power. If Austria really goes to war, Prussia will be in serious trouble. What makes you so sure that Austria won’t dare to start a war?" Baron Schultz asked.

Anna explained her analysis of the Austria issue, mentioning the Liberal Revolution, the uprising in Bohemia, the uprising in Hungary, the awakening of national consciousness in the Balkan Peninsula, and Austria’s control over the Polish uprising.

The prince regent predicted that after the revolution, there would be wars for the independence of Italy and Switzerland, and Austria would have to make every effort to compete with France.

In the next three years at least, Austria will be overwhelmed by these events. If they divide their forces to fight Prussia, it would be suicidal behavior.

Baron Schultz shook his head, "In the end, it’s all just predictions, and the unpredictability is too high."

Anna didn’t respond. The timing of the whole chain of events must be tight to ensure Austria doesn’t have the energy to deal with Prussia. If the predicted strategy fails, they will have to rely on diplomatic maneuvering. If diplomacy also fails, then Prussia will be in real trouble.

Of course, the probability of this happening is very low. Some people want Prussia to fail, while others don’t want Prussia to fail.

Prussia will use these precious few years to rapidly develop and build a strong alliance of North German princes, and after a few years when Austria stabilizes, they will not dare to harm Prussia.