Russian Ambassador Peter and French Foreign Minister Talleyrand are old friends.

The so-called old friends generally do certain things together, such as reading books together, carrying guns together, flowing through together, or sharing stolen goods together.

Talleyrand was from a Catholic seminary. Peter was an Orthodox, so it was impossible for them to have studied together. As for carrying guns together, although Peter had experienced serving in the army, Talleyrand had never served in a military service. One of them was Russian and the other was French, so this was impossible. As for the flow of flowing together, it was of course even more impossible, so the "old friend" of the two could only "divided the stolen goods together".

Since he was a reliable old friend who "divided the stolen goods together", Peter was very direct in his conversation with Talleyrand.

"My friend, I heard that your country is helping Turkish Sudan train its troops in Türkiye?"

"How do you know?" said Talerran. "Ah, although this matter is kept secret, the confidentiality of Turkey, well, I have said a long time ago that Turkey is just a colander."

"Char, we are friendly countries with France. You help the Turks, which is not very friendly to us," Peter said.

"Ah, Peter. France's friendship with Russia has not changed at all. As for the matter between us and Turkey, it is just business. We are friends, so I don't hide it from you. This business can make a lot of money from France. Many people in our country are counting on making money from this transaction. Moreover, I can also be sure that this transaction has no impact on your country's security.

You know, although Turkey only allows a delegation of Greeks and Orthodox people in the form of civil groups, the Turkish officials also clearly stated that they would abide by the Olympic truce. The reason why the Turkish Sultan stepped up training of the new army was mainly due to internal considerations, because his previous reforms offended many people, and the pressure we put him on forced him to place the most elite troops far away from the capital. This made the Sultan very worried, so he asked us to help train the army."

"My friend, the Turkish Sultan may have his internal considerations, but if he can really solve the internal problems, it is a danger to the entire Christian world."

Hearing this, Talleyran laughed: "My friend, you are afraid that you will not believe this. The world is different now. To be honest, in the Middle Ages, those pagans were once more civilized than us. But now, they are too behind.

For example, what will you Russians do when you come to us? You will learn everything you can learn, from science to art, everything you can do. You will even spend a lot of money to try to get our scholars to work at the University of Petersburg. But what about those Turks? How many of them are studying these in France? They just buy some weapons and then learn how our weapons are used just like black bears learning to walk like humans. But they are limited to this. What threat can they pose to you in such a country?

As for Turkey's reforms succeed and then become stronger. My friend, I think that if Turkey's reforms succeed, they will be in danger of dying. Turkey is already a seriously ill patient. The reform methods are too fierce and his body will bear them and will be completely destroyed. The reform movements are too slow, and they will be quickly opened up in this radical era, and then they will be in danger again. Do you think so?"

Talleyran's words did not completely convince Peter. Indeed, Peter believed that even if Turkey had more new troops, it would not be possible to surpass Russia in the development competition. However, in any case, the French helped Turkey train its troops were still unfavorable to Russia.

But Peter also knew that for France, this was an opportunity to make money. Today, France may have made many progress elsewhere, even those who sympathize with Bourbons must admit this; but in some virtues, it is even worse than the Bourbon era, for example, being shameless to ask for money. Even the allies of the French admit that the French government will immediately ignore everything whenever it hears the jingle of gold coins. So Peter also knew that it was almost impossible to make the French give up this deal.

But Peter must also express his dissatisfaction to the French government. Although this kind of expression is actually just to express his opinion. Everyone, whether it is France or Russia, will not care too much. However, it is necessary to express his opinion.

"Mr. Foreign Minister," Peter said seriously, "we think your country's actions are inappropriate. He has harmed our country's interests and also damaged the friendly feelings of our people towards your country. Our country will retain the power to respond accordingly, although our country's commitment to the "Olympic Armistice" will not be shaken. We also hope that your country will not do anything like this that will damage the friendship between the two countries."

"I will pass your opinion on Bonaparte's ruler." Talleyrand returned formally.

Talleyran also understood what the Russians meant. They might have some small moves on the border with Turkey, but they certainly would not elevate these small moves to war. At least not before the Olympics.

As for the Olympics, well, at that time, the Olympic truce has passed. If the Russians' actions make the Turks really unable to withdraw their troops, it is not a big deal, it is not a big deal, as long as they are willing to spend money, the French army will do it. What? Not enough money? Isn't there any bank? Well, let's not talk about money, it hurts feelings. Let's talk about mines and railways? Even from the perspective of the French, if the Russians can really make the Turks unable to withdraw any troops, it means that the French can earn more, which is definitely not a bad thing.

Talleyrand saw the Russians away, and then welcomed Austrian ambassador Metternich.

Unlike the relatively honest Peter, Metternich is more cunning, and his friendship with Talleyrand is deeper and he is more "old friend".

So, as soon as Metternich spoke, he went straight to the point.

"My old friend, I heard you have a conspiracy with the Turks," said Metternier.

"I can guarantee that we and Türkiye have no conspiracy against your country," replied Talleyrand.

"That means that the conspiracy really exists."

"There is always conspiracy between the state and the state."

"Okay, you make sense." Metternier said, "But who are your conspiracy with Turkey against? If it is not against us, it is most likely to be against the Russians. However, if it is against the Russians, it is completely unreasonable for not participating in this conspiracy. Therefore, it is unlikely that this conspiracy is against Russia. My old friend, aren't you trying to fight the Barbarian pirates?"

Metternier's words surprised Talleyran. He didn't expect that Metternier even knew this. However, Talleyran felt that Metternier should not know much, and it was probably because of some speculation based on certain signs. But it was also possible that the Austrians really knew something.

In fact, Talleyran's conjecture is basically in line with the facts. Metternich's personal ability, especially in studying the balance of power between countries, was outstanding. In the original history, when Napoleon failed, Russia became the most powerful country in Europe in military affairs. The military power of Austria across the country was equivalent to a Russian front army. However, Metternich relied on very successful diplomatic activities, making Austria, which was not outstanding in military affairs, once became the dominant force of Europe. This person felt keen and had very outstanding ability to handle affairs.

"Fortunately this guy is not a French man, otherwise, the First Governor would definitely be willing to use him to replace me." For some reason, such an idea suddenly appeared in Talleyran's mind.

Talleyran thought in his heart. On the surface, he replied calmly: "We do have the influence of Turkey and negotiate with the Barbary pirates, demanding that they hand over the looted French ships and crew."

"These Barbary pirates are too rampant, and their actions are a serious threat to free trade. Many of our ships have also suffered huge losses as a result. Maintaining free trade is the obligation of all European countries. Therefore, we also hope to fulfill our obligations in the actions to maintain free trade."

To say "fulfilling obligations" is of course a nonsense, because in international affairs, obligations and rights are always connected. If you fulfill your obligations, you must share your rights. The true meaning of the Austrians is actually to take advantage of them.

"We are old friends," said Talerran, "so, I will tell you the truth. Your country is willing to take on more responsibilities, which is of course a good thing. But I have to remind you that taking responsibility requires strength. In matters involving Barbary pirates, your country's navy is insufficient."

Austria's maritime power is inconspicuous among European countries. Not to mention that it is incomparable to Britain and France, it is far from the second-class Spain and the Netherlands, and even compared with the Barbary pirates, it is actually far inferior to the ones.

"Our ship is certainly not enough, but we have recently had an unplanned funding and are looking for an opportunity to make more money." Metternier said with a smile.
Chapter completed!