Chapter 13: Chapter 13 – Passing of the Military Star

“You’re right; the glory of the nobility cannot be profaned!” Archduke Louis replied fiercely.

Franz stealthily gauged the Archduke’s reaction and became certain that his plan to provoke conflict between the nobility and the bourgeoisie had succeeded.

Through his words, Franz had managed to inspire a sense of crisis in the leader of the conservatives. Having done his task, Franz was ready to depart.

However, Archduke Louis was not yet ready to let Franz leave as he directly asked, “Franz, what do you think we should do to combat the capitalists?”

Despite not wanting to involve himself any further in the fight between the nobility and the bourgeoisie, Franz knew that he couldn't back down now, or else all of his previous efforts would be wasted.

“Uncle Louis, I have a rough idea: we can create a Labor Protection Act. We should investigate the wages, working hours, and labor security of the workers. After having a deeper understanding of how the capitalists operate, we can create legislation that will indirectly curb their influence.”

“For now, the most important thing is to divert public attention and create a draft quickly, since the reformists always keep a close watch on us.”

Archduke Louis felt a sudden sense of relief in his tension-ridden heart. People all over Austria were shouting for reform with each new reform plan being more radical than the first. As the leader of the conservatives, he had almost broken down under such immense pressure.

For the time being, a Labor Protection Act would corner the capitalists by channeling public outrage towards their wrongdoings.

Afterwards, there would be no conservatives left in the Austrian Empire. Everyone, regardless of their social status, would turn into reformists with the only difference being the type of reform each supported.

The bourgeoisie could gain supporters through the promotion of liberation of serfs, constitutionalism, and suffrage; meanwhile, the nobility could counter them through the promotion of labor protection, higher wages, and lower working hours.

During the 19th century, the nobility was still the group in control of Austria. The bourgeoisie could only clamor for their reforms, but the nobility’s reforms would become law immediately.

Why would the working class ever refuse assistance from the government to protect their interests, reduce working hours, and raise wages?

Once Franz’s plans were carried out, it would not be as easy for the capitalists to influence workers to make trouble again.

Archduke Louis was already thinking about the future: undoubtedly, if the Labor Protection Act became a law, labor costs would increase dramatically for the capitalists, and their profits would naturally decrease.

Currently, the wealth and influence of Austria’s capitalists was limited compared to French or British capitalists. If Austrian capitalists faced a decline in profits, it would become difficult for them to survive, let alone expand.

Then, Archduke Louis, as the man who succeeded in suppressing the bourgeoisie, would be the hero of the nobility and perhaps even managed to oust Metternich and become the Chancellor himself.

***

Franz knew nothing of Archduke Louis’s complacent thoughts. It was enough for him to know that someone else would implement his plans. Whether that was Archduke Louis or Chancellor Metternich, it did not matter to Franz so long as he himself did not have to play on the front foot.

Franz did not believe that the capitalists would sit still while the government passed legislation that harmed their interests. As the public leader of the reforms against them, Archduke Louis would certainly end up on the capitalists’ blacklist.

When he thought of this, Franz decided that, once the Labor Protection Act was passed, he would never publicly appear with Archduke Louis. He didn’t plan on getting caught up in the capitalists’ revenge.

In fact, he did not believe that the Labor Protection Act alone could curb the growth of the bourgeoisie.

The capitalists were all smart people while most workers were relatively easy to fool. As a result, Franz reckoned that even if there were legal protection, it would be difficult to implement.

If nothing else, it could dumbfound the vast majority of workers when they learned that their payments were in arrears. If they wanted to bring a lawsuit, the costs of litigation would be beyond the affordability of ordinary workers.

Of course, in the short term, the act would be effective. The nobles had plenty of lawyers working for them to get the capitalists into trouble.

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The government departments would be working in full force to squeeze the capitalists by taking advantage of this opportunity. As long as they were targeted, it was almost certain that they would be sucked dry, considering Austria’s social situation.

Having accomplished his two small goals, Franz bid farewell to Archduke Louis and returned to , satisfied.

***

The next day, Franz was carefully sipping from a cup of tea while reading the latest edition of the Vienna Daily.

In an age lacking entertainment, Franz had to cultivate a good habit of reading books and newspapers to avoid being bored.

“Your Imperial Highness, I just received word from Archduke Charles’s butler that the Archduke had an accident last night; he is in a critical condition and wants to take one last look at you!” Johanna informed Franz anxiously.

Franz’s facial expression greatly changed. He quickly stood up and yelled, “Get my carriage ready at once!”

After sending off his maid, Franz recalled that it was indeed time for Archduke Charles’ passing, according to history.

Archduke Karl was born in 1771 and had turned 75 this year. In a time when the average lifespan was less than 40 years, he had already lived a long life.

In fact, Franz had hoped that Archduke Charles would live to be a hundred years old because, with his presence, the pressure on Franz would be significantly reduced.

Whether for the military reform or the impending civil war, Franz needed the Archduke to help share the weight on his shoulders.

After his carriage arrived, Franz quickly got on the road and rushed towards Archduke Charles’ residence.

On the way, he received word regarding the Archduke accident — Archduke Charles had had a few too many drinks last night before accidentally falling. As a result, he had sustained a lumbar fracture, and in this age of medical underdevelopment, there was no treatment.

The doctors had made the prediction that he would be dead soon. Any important political figure had to give his dying words, and Archduke Charles was no exception.

Franz, as his self-proclaimed favorite student, had to accompany the Archduke during his final moments. Without sharing his last words with Franz, Archduke Charles would not be at ease even after his death.

When Franz arrived, there were already many senior military officers in Archduke Charles’ house. Franz paid them no attention as he rushed straight into the inner chamber.

“Grandpa Charles, Franz has come to see you!” Franz spoke sorrowfully.

“Oh, Franz...”

“Never forget, soldiers must only shed blood, not tears!”

“Albrecht, give Franz... my unfinished army reform plan... Remember my words, Franz... If Austria is to be... truly strong, reform must be implemented!”

***

Archduke Charles’ speech was so broken that Franz had a hard time following all his words. In summary, he told Franz to follow in his footsteps and carry on military reform.

“Let your heart be at ease, Grandpa Charles. I, Franz Joseph, promise in the name of God that I will carry your military reforms through to the end!”

Having heard Franz’s promise, Archduke Charles smiled with relief before finally closing his eyes for the last time.

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