Chapter 15 Internal Troubles (Part 2)

Is there such an operation? Count Korolov's words opened Friedrich List's eyes.

"But how should we do it?" Friedrich List was obviously tempted. After all, this kind of no-cost business is very attractive to anyone.

"It's very simple. Our emperor trusts you very much now. You can take advantage of this great opportunity of our emperor's trust in you and find a way to get a business license from him. As long as we work together and cooperate seamlessly, we can naturally achieve a win-win situation."

It's strange to say that human beings are very strange animals. It only takes a moment for them to go from full of enthusiasm to self-degradation.

Faced with huge temptations, few people can keep their original intentions.

Count Korolov's proposal can make Friedrich List earn more money than he could earn in the past few decades.

Seeing Friedrich's expression, Korolov knew that he had pulled this extremely dangerous economist to his side. He must be a surprise weapon for him to deal with Metternich in the future.

Korolov knew that it was difficult to keep people with ideals and beliefs alone, and only common interests and sins could bind people tightly.

At the same time, Prince Metternich, as Count Korolov said, found his old friend, Solomon Rothschild, the leader of the Austrian banking industry and the Rothschild family in Vienna.

"Solomon, my old friend, I have great news to tell you."

"Dear Metternich, you are really my lucky star. You always have so much good news, what did you bring me this time?"

The two have known each other for many years and have many common interests. There was not much nonsense when they met, just a few simple greetings and then got to the point.

"With the approval of His Majesty Franz II, the Northern Railway Company has been announced. Congratulations on becoming the founder of the first steam railway in the Austrian Empire. This will be a historic moment, and the people will remember your achievements."

In fact, the Rothschild family has its own intelligence system. He had learned the news before Metternich arrived, and had prepared a generous gift for Prince Metternich.

But it was unusual that Metternich came in person today. However, he just wanted to meet this old friend.

"You are too kind, I am just a businessman. This is all thanks to your Majesty's wisdom and your help." Solomon Rothschild continued to say while being modest.

"Your Excellency, you can just let your butler Berg make a trip for this kind of thing. Why come in person? I think you have more than just this good news to tell me."

Metternich said with a smile.

"Solomon, you are still so smart, nothing can be hidden from you. There is also good news. According to the original plan, the route operated by the Northern Railway Company is from Vienna to Brno, and then through Olmutz to Lviv. This will connect Vienna with Moravia, Silesia, Galicia and Bukovina."

Metternich took the tea handed over by the servant, blew it, and maybe it was a little hot, so he put it aside and continued.

"Now His Majesty Franz II has granted you permission to add a line. This line starts from Vienna in the south, passes through Prague, and ends in Dresden. When the Austrian Empire officially joins the German Customs Union, you should know how much potential this route will have."

Even if Austria did not join the German Customs Union, this line was very popular in history because it passed through all the rich areas.

If according to what Metternich said, the Rothschild family will have a railway line that completely covers the north of Netalenia. The total length will reach an astonishing 1,100 kilometers, which connects the most developed areas of Netalenia, and its economic value is self-evident.

"Mr. Prime Minister, please convey my sincere gratitude to His Majesty the Emperor. Our Rothschild Bank will always be a friend of the Habsburg family." As he said this, several strong men walked in from the door, pulling a cart with a large iron box on it.

"Metternich, my old friend, I have prepared a gift for you, but you need to promise me one thing."

Metternich is also an old man. He knows that Solomon Rothschild, a greedy guy, must be planning a bigger conspiracy. He did not answer.

Metternich did not answer, which was also within Solomon Rothschild's expectations. He ordered his men to open the box, the heavy chain was removed, and the lid was slowly opened, which was filled with neatly arranged gold bars.

"Here are 1,500 gold bars, each of which is a standard 100 ounces. If you can get His Majesty the Emperor to accept my proposal, I am willing to give another 2,000 gold bars as a thank you."

A 100-ounce gold bar is about 4,250 florins, equivalent to the salary of an ordinary soldier for 42 and a half years. The total price of this gift is 17,000 years of military pay for an ordinary soldier.

In addition, the density of gold is very high, three times that of iron, so it is entirely possible to put 1.5 tons of gold in a large iron box.

"Solomon, my friend, what do you want?"

"Southern Railway Company."

"Excuse me, my friend, your condition is difficult to meet." Metternich replied.

"Your Highness, I know you have been worrying about the affairs of the northern Italians. Now we have a chance to solve the problem once and for all. As long as we build the railway to Venice, we can tie the interests of Italian merchants and nobles to the interests of the empire. At that time, the Italians will no longer be able to resist the rule of the Austrian Empire."

Solomon Rothschild didn't need to say these words, Metternich knew them in his heart.

It's just that the railway in Netalenia cannot be controlled by one person or one company. This is something that His Majesty the Emperor will never allow. Having served Franz II for so many years, he knows very well where Franz II's bottom line is.

And personally, he doesn't want Solomon Rothschild to control the entire Austrian transportation system. Because by then, this Solomon "Emperor" will become even more arrogant.

This Solomon Rothschild likes to compare his family to the sixth power in the world. His subordinates naturally cater to his preferences and call him "Emperor".

Although Solomon Rothschild liked this title very much, he did not allow others to mention it in public, after all, there was another emperor in Vienna.

The reason why Metternich came to visit in person was that he was afraid that Solomon Rothschild had ambitions for the Southern Railway. For this reason, Metternich also planned to ask the emperor for the route from Vienna to Dresden to satisfy Solomon Rothschild's appetite.

"Solomon, you know, our emperor is an extremely cautious person. He will not put his eggs in one basket, let alone allow someone to take his basket."

Metternich's words were very clear, but Solomon Rothschild did not seem to give up.

"You and your majesty should think about it again. If your majesty needs it, Rothschild Bank is willing to provide your majesty with an interest-free loan of 10 million florins."

The reason why Solomon Rothschild was so persistent was not only because he was optimistic about the future of the Austrian Empire Railway, but also because a French friend made him a promise.

As long as Solomon can take over the Austrian railway and transfer the control to the French company, or provide help to France at a critical moment, he will be the most important friend of France.

Austria's road to joining the customs union of Germany is long and difficult. Before joining the customs union of Germany, the factions within the government began to divide their interests.