Chapter 6: Daily Operations – Digging a Hole
Chapter 6 Daily Operations – Digging a Hole
Since Vienna became the capital of the Habsburg Dynasty in the 13th century, it quickly became the political, economic, and cultural center of the European continent, and one of the busiest cities in the world.
Now is no exception, after the end of the war against France, Austria has once again confirmed its status as a great power, and Russia is not the only one who has the name of European gendarme.
After the formation of the Holy Alliance in 1815, Austria became the representative of the restoration forces, the vanguard of the opposition to capitalism, and also acted as the gendarme of Europe.
Unfortunately, behind this splendor was the continuous decline of Austria, and in 1848 the revolution broke out, and the hegemony of the Austrian Empire in Europe came to an end.
Walking in the busy Dada Street, Franz’s mood is heavy, inadvertently recalled Du Fu’s line: “Vermilion door stinks of wine and meat, the road has frozen dead bones!”
On the busy Vienna street, there are still ragged people hurrying past from time to time, and it can be seen that their bodies are still shivering.
Occasionally there are beggars who enter by mistake, and the police will quickly come to drive them away, or take them away.
This is still the busiest street, if you go to the slums, do not know what kind of scene.
The little girl who sells matches is not a fairy tale, along the way Franz saw too many children selling cigarettes, newspapers, matches ……
Franz did not accuse the capitalists of abusing child laborers, but in this day and age it was good enough to have a job to support oneself.
For more than a month, Franz traveled through the main city of Vienna and saw the real scene of the waning empire.
Perhaps in the Vienna Revolution a year later, what the people really needed was not constitutional government or freedom, but bread to wrap their bellies and clothing to keep them warm.
Public opinion fell into the hands of the bourgeoisie and the aristocracy, and the so-called revolution was in fact reduced to a tool in their struggle for power, while the common people became victims in the struggle for power.
Franz remembers a later article about Polish nationalists who tried to persuade the peasants to revolt in one village, claiming that if only the Austrians were expelled, they would live happily ever after.
Instead the peasants replied.
No, honorable sir, it won’t be like that. You simply want to drive out the most benevolent ruler of the land (meaning the Habsburg Emperor) and leave the country to its destruction.
My grandfather once told me that when the Polish Commonwealth existed, the lords were allowed to beat the peasants, and the peasants had no recourse!
If you drive the Emperor out of the land, then every single one of you will want to taste the taste of being an orphan, and you will turn us into slaves, just like in the past!
……
Historically the Vienna Uprising failed, the patriotic bourgeoisie was devastated, and the people’s lives were tangibly changed for the better.
I have to say it’s ironic that the people who spouted slogans about defeating the exploiting class were actually a bunch of capitalists, and the emperor, who was the target of the revolution, actually ended up doing revolutionary work.
Having thought of this, Franz already knew what to do. Uniting the majority against a small group was always politically correct.
In Franz’s opinion, before the completion of compulsory education, any constitutional reform is very bullshit, and the reform that exceeds the ability of the people to accept it can only end up hurting people and themselves.
“Raul, go to the Prime Minister’s residence!” Franz said calmly
A traveler who won’t make things happen must not be a true traveler, this was Franz’s motto. He had already changed his mind and was planning to get things going.
After an hour had passed, Franz appeared in the Prime Minister’s residence, as Prime Minister Metternich was not at home because he had not made an appointment in advance.
Franz wasn’t surprised, prime ministers were always busy with their work, especially powerful ministers like Metternich.
Europe was different from the East, even a powerful minister like Metternich’s power was actually limited, and his domination of Austrian politics depended on the king’s support.
“Archduke, please take a moment to rest, we have already sent someone to inform the Prime Minister!” The butler said
The meaning of that is very obvious, the prime minister I have already sent someone to notify, as for when the prime minister will come back, that is unknown, the problem between you big shots, don’t take it out on us small characters.
Franz smiled slightly, he did not have the habit of taking it out on people, the relationship between the original owner and Prime Minister Metternich was not bad, and after crossing over this relationship was also preserved.
In Franz’s perception, since ancient times, powerful ministers are used to pit, the Austrian empire wants to reform, but also needs a backstabber, and the already infamous Prime Minister Metternich is the best choice.
The debt was too much, and I’m sure he wouldn’t mind taking a few more black pots for Austria.
Waiting until the evening, Metternich rushed back, Franz did not get angry, anyway, the food should be eaten, the drink, no one dares to slow him down.
“Sorry to keep you waiting! Little Franz, what is it that you came to see me today?” Metternich said lovingly
That’s right, Franz was a junior in his eyes, and Metternich was also an old minister, the prime minister since his grandfather’s time, a job that he had done until now.
“Dear Mr. Metternich, please remove that small word, I am sixteen years old!”
Franz didn’t answer the question first, but slightly expressed the dissatisfaction in his heart.
“Well, honorable Archduke Franz, what is it that you came here for today?” Metternich asked smilingly
“Mr. Metternich, I came today for the matter of reform!” Franz said as he opened the door
“Reform? Franz why are you interested in this, or did someone say something to you?” Metternich asked in surprise
“No one said anything, in the last month or so, I’ve been on a field trip to Vienna, and I have some questions in my mind that I want to ask you for advice!” Franz replied calmly
“Oh, what doubts tell me?” Metternich asked with feigned interest
“Mr. Metternich, now the outside world’s call for constitutional reform is very high, but the workers I see are insensitive, every day for three meals a day to run around, is work more important to them than dignity?” Franz asked, feigning ignorance
“No, Franz! They are working for survival, a day without work and they might have to go hungry, nothing matters before survival!” Metternich said decisively
“Oh, in that case, why don’t we reform in their favor? At least let them have enough bread first!” Franz said in mock innocence
“Franz, it’s not that simple, the capitalists won’t agree to improve the workers’ treatment!” Metternich shook his head and said
“Really, that’s too bad!” Franz said with a fake sigh
……
(End of chapter)