She changed Europe

Page 143

"Serve Russia. I had intended to take on the most difficult and heaviest burden and entrust you with a peaceful, well-arranged, and happy kingdom, but God has made a different arrangement for this." Nicholas I's dying words still lingered in Alexander II's mind.

That very night, the Tsar delivered his final orders to Moscow, Kiev, and Warsaw: "Your Emperor is dying, and I bid you all my final farewell." Unable to bear the humiliation of defeat, Nicholas I committed suicide by poison.

"Your Majesty, Russia will never forgive any enemy, just like the Mongols, the Turks, the Swedes, whom we defeated in the past... The rise of the Russian Empire has always been accompanied by sacrifices." Aside from offering words of comfort, the old man didn't know how else to alleviate his emperor's anguish.

"I have never been confused about my decision, nor have I ever regretted starting this war."

"Your will." The old man bowed respectfully, his tone filled with admiration.

Unlike his father, Alexander II was a true reformer. Starting with the abolition of serfdom, he devoted his life to revitalizing the stagnant Russian society. It was from the beginning of his reign that the capitalist economy of the Russian Empire truly began to develop.

Despite her seemingly "crazy" actions that offended all the imperial nobles, she ultimately sought only one goal—to complete her revenge.

PS1: Ra!

Chapter 531 The Turkish Symphony of the Vienna Rose: Capter 28 Anastasia (Seeking votes)

Just then, there was a soft knock on the door. Alexander II turned around, gave the old man a wink, and the old man nodded. He then walked to the door and slowly pushed it open.

At this moment, a girl with long silver hair and snow-white skin walked in. Although one eye was covered by her long hair, her unique youth and beauty could still be seen in her clear blue eyes, which were as blue as the water of Lake Baikal.

"Anna, my beloved, what brings you here?" Alexander II's affection for his youngest daughter was well-known. Anastasia, who was only sixteen years old and not yet of legal age, was granted the title of Grand Duchess by the Tsar the day after she woke up, ahead of his other children.

Furthermore, the power she awakened made her the youngest magic user in the Russian Empire, which is why Alexander II allowed her to stay by his side.

Her excellence is beyond doubt, and her existence will inevitably have a profound impact on the Russian Empire, because she is the only magic user among the younger generation of the Romanov family.

“We must attend Father’s meeting in Constantinople.” The girl’s tone was icy, her voice completely flat. Although she was discussing an important topic, her face remained expressionless.

"Anna, how did you know?" Alexander frowned slightly and looked at the old man beside him.

"I apologize, Your Majesty, but the Grand Duchess insisted that I reveal the Ottoman ambassador's visit to me." The old man lowered his head, humbly admitting his mistake, and quietly prepared to face Alexander II's wrath.

"Well, it's not really a secret anymore. Anna, you'll find out sooner or later anyway." Alexander II placed the letter on his desk, then walked over and sat down on the sofa.

"Alexey, prepare some tea."

"As you command, Your Majesty."

"Little Anna, come and talk to your father about why he is so insistent on my attendance at the meeting." For Alexander II, when a conflict was inevitable, there was clearly no need to waste time attending a meeting that was destined to be meaningless and then signing an agreement that was destined to fail.

“Father, this meeting always presents both risks and opportunities.” Anastasia slowly smoothed her dress and sat down on the sofa opposite Alexander II.

"Oh?" Alexander waited with interest for his daughter to say next.

"Does Father know why we lost the Crimean War?"

"Because of the British navy, the French army, and the Turks' familiarity with the terrain," Alexander said without hesitation. The Tsar himself had never ceased to reflect on the defeat in the last war. In simpler terms, from the perspective of the Chinese people, they had failed to capitalize on any of the advantages of timing, location, or popular support.

“Father, what we really lack is an ally.” Anastasia raised her head and looked at the map of Europe not far away.

"Today, the Turks are backed by the British, and the number of allies the British can attract will directly determine the opponents we will face in the future. And right now, apart from us and Britain, the only other powerful countries in Europe that can be considered are France, Austria, and Prussia."

"As far as I know, Prussia has been severely damaged, so our only hope is France and Austria. Therefore, our first task at the Constantinople Conference is to form an alliance with either France or Austria."

"This is the opportunity I was talking about. As for the risks, Father obviously knows better than I do. If the British reach an agreement with other powers, then we will have to face more enemies."

"In conclusion, I believe it is necessary for us to attend the Constantinople Conference." Anastasia took a deep breath, clasped her hands together at her chest, and appeared exceptionally elegant.

"Your Majesty, Your Highness, your coffee." Alexei quickly brought over two cups of coffee and gently placed them on the coffee table in front of the two men.

"So Anna, which country do you prefer to befriend?" Alexander II continued to pose this new question to his daughter.

“Father, I choose the Frenchman,” the girl said resolutely.

"Father, regardless of whether we win the next war, Germany will always be an enemy we must face." The reasons are twofold. First, if Russia expands westward, it will inevitably use the Balkans as a breakthrough point, and most of these lands are controlled by the Austrians. The second reason is somewhat mystical: in the girl's earlier dreams, her homeland, the Russian Empire, was destroyed because it was embroiled in war with Germany.

Although there is no unified Germany now, and she doesn't know if this land will ever be unified, she must prepare in advance if it is an enemy.

"I understand, I will consider your opinion." Alexander II picked up the coffee on the table and savored the rich aroma of the liquid.

"By the way, your magic armor is finished. I'd like to ask for your wishes. Do you want to go to the Caucasus or the Danube?"

“Father, I want to go to the Danube, because I want to lead our army to conquer Constantinople.” There was no hesitation in the girl’s eyes, because she believed that her destined nemesis would be there.

"Very well, I will contact your uncle and have him deploy you in his army." The girl's uncle was none other than Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolayevich, the commander-in-chief of the Danube region of the Russian Empire.

“Anna, you’ve changed a lot. You’re much more mature than you were four years ago. Although I don’t know what you’ve been through, I still hope you can bring me more surprises.” Alexander’s tone was somewhat sentimental.

"Then I'll take my leave, Father." Anastasia stood up and walked directly towards the door.

In fact, Alexander II wanted to add that he felt his daughter was as cold and icy as a Russian winter. Compared to her past cuteness and cheerfulness, she had become more ruthless and rational, making people feel intimidated.

To be honest, this feeling was extremely unfamiliar to him.

But just as the name Anastasia means "resurrection" in Russian, her rebirth will share the glory and shame of Russia's rebirth. Moreover, he still has an excellent trump card to play in this war against the Ottomans: the dormant al-Shabaab in Turkey.

These people were determined to overthrow the Sultan's rule and drive all foreign powers out of the Ottoman Empire, including not only Russia but also Britain...

Thinking of these things only strengthened Alexander II's resolve to continue the war.

PS1: We've basically reached the point where the story ended abruptly before.

Chapter 532 The Turkish Symphony of the Vienna Rose: Capter 29 Departure for Constantinople (Seeking votes)

Vienna Central Station, the Imperial Capital

Following the opening of Prague's central train station, which boasts a strategic location, Vienna Railway Station, the second largest train station in the empire, also began operation at the beginning of this year, before Empress Gisela's accession to the throne. As the core of the empire's railway strategy, it serves as a transportation hub connecting inner and outer Leitania with the entire German region. The two stations were designed from the outset to act as a bridge connecting Western and Eastern Europe.

The station, in both its scale and size, was designed according to international standards. In this respect, Gisela could proudly claim that even London's train stations could not compare to the two major stations of the empire. After all, compared to the island nation of Great Britain, with its small land area, it naturally could not compare to the vast territory of the empire.

Moreover, the vast plains within the empire greatly reduced the cost of railway construction.

Railways are the lifeblood of a country, especially for countries with vast land areas. For example, the construction of the famous Trans-Siberian Railway in the Russian Empire truly extended the centralized rule of the Russian Empire to the Far East. Before that, the vast eastern territories were actually in a state of semi-autonomy.

Of course, the train station was just the beginning of Gisela's strategic plan. In the future, Gisela will also focus on developing the two cities of Vienna and Prague. The former will become the political and cultural center of the empire, and the latter will become the economic center of the empire.

"Time now." Gisela, dressed in military uniform, held his scepter, head held high, and confidently looked straight ahead. His black military boots tapped on the polished marble floor, producing a steady yet crisp sound.

“It’s 2:29 PM now. Your Majesty, according to your schedule, the train will depart on time at 3:00 PM.” Rita followed closely behind Gisela, holding a black notebook in her hand, and said.

"Salute!" At this moment, the Imperial soldiers standing on both sides, under the command of their officers, placed the butts of their rifles beside their legs and slightly raised their right hands, placing them directly in front of their chests.

"Play music." Soon, the royal band, which had been waiting for a long time, played the solemn imperial anthem, "God Save Empress Gisela."

"Has my magic armor been installed on the train?" Gisela is now enjoying immense prestige, but she is also well aware that she has made countless enemies. In order to prevent a repeat of the previous attack by the Hungarians, Gisela ordered her subordinates to install her magic armor on the train so that she could use it at any time.

"It's all set up. Your and Miss Jeanne's magical armor has been fully assembled." Rita nodded, which was her response to Gisela.

After all the events that had happened, Rita had become much more cautious than before.

"Remember to report to the Ottoman embassy that we've deployed strategic-grade magic armor. I don't want to cause any diplomatic trouble because of this." Strategic-grade magic armor refers to the magic armor used by magic users. After all, transporting one's own magic armor to another country's capital naturally carries diplomatic risks, especially since Gisela hopes to travel to Constantinople with goodwill this time.

"Of course, Your Majesty. Your Foreign Minister had already informed the Ottoman side, and they understood Your Majesty's concerns." Now that the Russians are right on their doorstep, how could they not understand?

Now it is the Ottomans who seek the affairs of the empire, not Gisela.

It's worth noting that the publicly acknowledged entourage consists of Rita and Jeanne, while the behind-the-scenes team includes Aponia, Shahrador, and Mata. Although they each have their own purposes, they now share a common goal: to ensure Gisela's visit proceeds smoothly.

"Your Majesty, I have a question. Putting aside the ordinary servants who accompany you on your trip, why is there a researcher from the Magic Energy Research Institute on your list?" Logically speaking, such a person should not be present in this kind of political occasion.

“Say her name again,” Gisela said, looking at Rita with a slight smile.

“Zoe Paliologus,” Rita repeated softly.

“Her ancestors were Greek,” Gisela added.

"Wait a minute, you're not thinking about Zoe Palaiolo!?"

“That’s right, Paliologs is a German transliteration of Palaiolo, and his real surname is Palaiolo.” Gisela didn’t quite remember who had told her this, but as a “reputationist,” she remembered it quite clearly.

Of course, Gisela wasn't very interested in reviving Rome, but what could she do when she controlled Venice (by hanging the Doge of Venice)? So, she could be happy about that.

With Venice and Genoa under its control, and maintaining absolute influence over Rome, and even extending its influence to southern Italy, what percentage of Rome could Austria be considered part of the empire?

“I’m already looking forward to seeing the Ottomans’ expressions when they see the name Palaiolo on my list of followers.” This was clearly just Gisela’s wicked sense of humor.

What could the already declining Ottoman Empire do even if it knew that the Austrians had brought the descendants of the Palaiologos dynasty to Constantinople? Would it use this as a pretext to start a new Austro-Turkish war?

"Alright, we should get in the car now." Gisela whispered to Rita before turning to look at the ministers standing beside her.

“Mr. Prime Minister, I hope you will handle the domestic issues well during my trip abroad. If any problems arise, please consult with other members of the cabinet. For economic matters, you can seek Ms. Hannah’s opinion. You are more knowledgeable than I am in other areas,” Gisela politely instructed the old man.

"Your Majesty, rest assured, I will certainly not let you down."

"Bella, I am very relieved to entrust the defense of Vienna to you. You must do your best to protect the citizens of Vienna." Since Gisela ascended the throne, Bella has remained in Vienna, replacing the original garrison troops to protect the safety of the capital.

"Yes, sir." The brown-haired Bella was a military commander that Gisela particularly valued. Although she was not a magic user or a magic warrior, her talent in military command had been tested in actual combat.

Gisela quickly entered the train. When she pushed open the door of her private carriage, she saw a silver-haired little girl sitting inside, eating the snacks Rita had brought her while playing chess with Shahrado.

"Didn't you set off for Rome a long time ago? Why are you still in Vienna?" Of course, Gisela actually wanted to add, "Why are you still on my train to Constantinople?", but after thinking it over, she decided against it...

PS1: Ra!

Chapter 533 The Turkish Symphony of the Vienna Rose: Capter 30 Leisure Time (Seeking Votes)

He is the Pope, a figure of great influence in the Catholic world, especially in countries with strong religious traditions like Spain and Portugal.

As for the German region where Austria is located? Sorry, Germany, having experienced the baptism of religious wars, has become very tolerant of religion itself.

In short, I'm past the age of being interested in competitions and physics-related educational doctrines.

“With Grandpa Otto in Rome and the cardinals handling the affairs of the Papacy, I can’t help much if I stay there. I might as well wander around.” Delilah took a bite of her pastry, a few crumbs still on her face. Rita knelt down and wiped Delilah’s cheeks.

"Lady Theresa, please eat slowly." Rita looked at the silver-haired girl in front of her with a doting expression, her tone exceptionally gentle.

Looking at the scene before her, Gisela was suddenly reminded of Rita's classic line: "Lady Theresa is such a lovely child... Sorry, I lost my composure..."

Of course, what surprised the believers even more was that the Pope, the spiritual leader of the Christian world, was playing chess with a pagan woman named Osman Pasha. The key point was that they were playing chess. Chess was something Gisela had created in her spare time to reminisce about her homeland, but because its rules were somewhat similar to international chess, it was particularly popular with Shahrado. Clearly, this dark-skinned Turkic woman had successfully persuaded the Holy See.

Gisela, intrigued, walked over to the chessboard where the two were playing, intending to watch the game, and casually glanced at Aponia. Whether it was a misperception or not, Gisela saw a fleeting blush on Aponia's face for a brief moment.

A few minutes later————

"Are you an idiot! Don't you know this is called a 'horse leg sweep'?" Gisela slapped the silver-haired little girl's head. It felt surprisingly good, soft and plump.

"Asian horses are ponies, they can't jump over a human wall, and they're not European horses," Gisela casually remarked. After all, she didn't know much about horses, and she was just making things up.

But to be honest, this explanation is surprisingly reasonable, and even Gisela herself is convinced of it.

"And what river are you crossing with your war elephants! Did you build a bridge?!" Gisela slapped Delilah's hand again, and by this time, the Holy See's fair little hand had been slapped red by Gisela.

"The 'shi' are guards, like your Papal Guard, not those Sultan's Royal Guards!" Gisela stood there sternly, criticizing Deli. To the others present, this sounded like a mother disciplining her daughter.

However, Gisela has a sharp tongue but a soft heart, and she certainly has no ill intentions towards the Holy See. Otherwise, that wicked fox would have locked the Holy See in a dark room and staged a scene reminiscent of the Vienna prisoner.

At this moment, the train sounded its whistle and started moving.

Gisela stopped watching the two play chess, after all, she didn't want to get upset for no reason, and the most important thing for a person is to be happy.

"What book are you reading?" Gisela tilted her head and looked at Marta across from her, who was elegantly and quietly reading. At this moment, the intelligence queen really seemed as reserved as a lady from a noble family, but Gisela knew that it was all a disguise.

"Official Ottoman language and historical and cultural materials." Marta slightly raised her book, positioning the title so that Gisela could see it clearly.

"I had little dealings with the Ottomans before, after all, their intelligence was never very valuable, and apart from the Russians, no other country paid attention to it. But I didn't really like doing business with the Russians..." With the decline of the once-powerful Ottoman Empire, the country had now become a piece of meat to be slaughtered, and the undisputed "sick man of West Asia".

"Really?" Gisela's gaze involuntarily fell on Marta's legs as she spoke to her. Her beautiful legs, encased in black stockings, possessed all the beauty that conformed to male aesthetics. The more secretive parts hidden in the shadows as her legs crossed and moved back and forth were all instinctively drawn to Gisela's eyes.

Someone once said: "Romance lies in the veiled, the obvious is vulgar." As it turns out, the human imagination has no limits.

As an experienced driver, Marta obviously noticed Gisela's gaze. So she calmly opened her book and continued reading, while slowly stretching her legs toward Gisela's feet, then using her nimble toes to slowly move upwards.

Finally, he reached Gisela's thighs, then gently pinched Gisela's stockings with his toes and slowly pulled them off, deliberately touching Gisela's skin with the smooth skin of his leg during the process.

Gisela had never seen such nimble legs before. At this moment, she was both surprised and delighted. She was surprised because she was afraid of being discovered by everyone, but her delight was easy to understand. How could she not be happy when a beautiful woman was flirting with her?

Even a dignified empress couldn't shake her lecherous habits. If her adoring subjects knew this, they would probably be utterly astonished...

"Your Majesty, Constantinople is a beautiful city."

“Yes, I know.” Gisela propped her head up and turned it toward the window. At this moment, apart from Marta, almost no one could see Gisela’s expression.

“To her north lies the Golden Horn, protected by iron chains, where countless treasures lie buried, waiting for us to unearth.” As she said this, Marta slightly increased the pressure on her legs.

“Her east and south sides are protected by ocean currents, making it impossible for old-fashioned fleets to anchor stably, let alone attack the city.” Marta crossed her legs and began to remove Gisela’s other sock.

“To the west lies the Theodosian Walls, a marvel of medieval military defense.” Marta lifted her leg, continuing to tease Gisela, who, driven by instinct, squeezed her legs together.

“But in the end, this city was still captured in the west, the place least likely to be captured, wouldn’t you say, Your Majesty?” As Marta withdrew her foot, stood up and left, Gisela, panting heavily, slumped on the table, her eyes looking rather unwell.

“Even the strongest fortress is often breached from within, and the human heart is always the most unfathomable thing.” Marta looked thoughtfully out the window, a piece of intelligence about the Turkish al-Shabaab party coming to mind.

"Your Majesty, the Ottomans are not a piece of cake."

“I know that, and I also know about the Russians’ plans,” Gisela, regaining her breath, replied to Marta’s words, as the speeding train headed towards Constantinople.

PS1: I've never been to Constantinople, but I'll write some interesting stories about the city in the next chapter.