Solovyov in Tsarist Russia 1796.

Chapter 311 Europeans also use strategies (Part 013)
Solovyov knew that the French were actually "depending on the enemy for food", and it was obviously very important for them to simplify logistics and bring the war to the enemy's territory.

He also considered this when Grand Duke Constantine urged him to translate new content after the "Beginning of the Plan".

The success or failure of the Second Anti-French Coalition was indeed closely related to the Austrian emperor's foolish micro-management. At least under the advantageous circumstances at the time, the British had not yet started to betray their teammates, but were surprisingly dedicated.

After all, they are fighting the French, and Britain is very concerned about this matter.

Archduke Karl, who was enjoying his sweet married life in Teschen's manor and watching his wife's growing belly, also received a letter from Grand Duke Constantine.

The content is Sun Tzu's Art of War translated by Solovyov and analysis of battle examples.

"Karl, what are you looking at?"

"It was Grand Duke Constantine who wrote to me. We are both soldiers, and we talked about military matters."

"Little Cake" is now wearing loose clothes, leaning on the sofa, looking at her husband. This is her little hope of revenge. However, recently Archduke Karl is not even as good as Mark, who is being chased by MacDonald in Naples, in Emperor Franz's place.

Even she, an exiled princess who knew nothing about military affairs, knew that Archduke Karl was currently the most capable commander in Austria and that his health had recovered well. He should be the one to preside over the Austrian army's preparations for war.

But this is unlikely. The Vienna court has not yet determined its strategic deployment and may even send Archduke Karl to Italy.

"Although I don't understand military affairs, I am still curious about what kind of letter Grand Duke Constantine would write at this time."

"Ah, Maria Theresa, the little officer we knew, the one who dressed up like a girl and wrote some military theory for the Grand Duke."

"You mean Mikhail Soloviev?"

"Ah, that's him. He is considered the last disciple of Prince Suvorov. He has some skills, but he still needs to be honed and polished. It's just that his background will limit him, unlike my brothers."

By the way, Archduke Karl wanted to complain that if his brother Archduke John had half the cleverness and ability of Solovyov, Hornlinden would not have suffered such a terrible defeat.

"And, dear, what do you think of his abilities?"

"I heard from Prince Dolgorukov that he was a young Orientalist who had translated the classic novel, the one on your shelf."

"The books he translated have their purpose, which is to help readers better understand Chinese history through easy-to-understand content, and even learn some military content. I also like this kind of legendary story."

"It's a pity that he is not a civil servant, otherwise he could concentrate on translation and creative work. I still like his translations of lyric poems and pastoral poems, although because of his personal French level, the wording is not beautiful enough."

"But the practical content is still quite insightful. In this article, he translated a Chinese military theory book written more than 2,000 years ago, and the case analysis he provided was all about the actions of the French army."

When Marie-Thérèse heard this, she thought about her husband and friends fighting against the usurpers of France, and sometimes she would have a headache and a stomachache.

"Ouch."

"what happened?"

"The child may be moving again. I know that my mother and grandmother suffered a lot in the past, so it won't be easy for me either."

But it was not as severe as when the Cake Queen was born, where a caesarean section was required. This was a high-risk operation in the 18th century and could have cost Queen Maria Theresa her life.

"Your doctor has checked your body and it should be safe for you to give birth to a child. As long as you don't give birth to twins like Alexandra of Württemberg and Elizabeth of Russia, that would be very troublesome."

Archduke Karl saw that his wife looked a little sleepy, so he asked the maid to take her to the bedroom to rest.

He was still somewhat interested in Solovyov. A person's sharp mind has nothing to do with his background, but is the result of acquired education. The innate component is only a foundation and occupies a very small part.

This article talks about what Napoleon did in Italy during the war in 1796.

Archduke Karl knew that Archduke Constantine was a brave and powerful general. Although he was also somewhat intelligent, he was too simple and strong and was not the kind of general who was good at using strategies.

The content attached to his letter is actually very simple. He hopes that he, Austria's number one general, can make an evaluation based on the translated content.

Because he encountered Napoleon in the final stage of the Italian campaign and knew how the Austrian army was defeated from Turin to its home door, he had a lot to say about this review.

Solovyov's analysis was obviously clear and logical, and he also mentioned the difficulties faced by the Italian Army in the rear at the time, and even included things that could only be known in Paris.

Who made him rent the same apartment where the suspect who robbed the Italian Legion’s military funds had lived before?

It is no wonder that the French would use Italy to replenish their blood. There are many economic factors to consider. After losing Italy, Austria also faced serious financial difficulties.

It was as if the connection between France and its Caribbean colonies was cut off and the Haitian War of Independence broke out in the colony of Saint-Domingue, thus losing this important treasury in the Caribbean.

It is no wonder that the French would want to make up for their losses on the European battlefield. As for the methods used by Napoleon, they are also described in great detail here.

After all, the person involved has been to Rome and knows the contradictory attitude of Italians, both positive and negative.

Moreover, for the attacking party, a quick victory is obviously more advantageous, especially in the case of France.

They were under blockade by the British at sea and were eager to achieve something on the battlefield.

Archduke Karl was indeed inspired when he read the "War Chapter".

He also prepared to write back to Grand Duke Constantine, saying that Russia and Austria had already completed the signing of a military alliance treaty, and there was nothing wrong with correspondence between important generals of the royal families of both sides.

In the letter, he also told Grand Duke Constantine that such analysis was indeed in line with the situation on the Italian battlefield in 1796 and 1797, and had considerable reference value. He hoped that the author could complete the translation of the subsequent content and the analysis of battle examples as soon as possible.

He also prepared to add his own thoughts. Archduke Karl knew that Solovyov had traveled in Europe with his mission and on his way to France to take up his post, and he actually consulted the old-fashioned Duke of Brunswick. Then, when they were in Dresden, Archduke Karl also discussed it with Solovyov during the hunting days.

If this friend can learn something from his reply, at least the recipient, Grand Duke Constantine, will also take it seriously, which will always be beneficial to the common cause of opposing France in the future.

Moreover, he hopes that the following content will be translated as soon as possible.

While Archduke Karl was preparing his reply, Solovyov, except for occasionally visiting Madame Recamier, spent most of his time on the training ground or writing.

When it comes to combining cases, he couldn't think about it alone, so Solovyov also told Grand Duke Konstantin that a capable, energetic general who was familiar with military theory was needed to review these manuscripts.

However, what was unexpected was that after Grand Duke Constantine heard this idea, he rejected most of the Russian generals.

Because the Russian army still has many muscular generals, although Bagration, a "fierce Zhang Fei", knows how to use strategies, he only fights rearguard battles, and in terms of theory, Constantine denied him and Miloradovich.
Kutuzov was too lazy, Kamensky was too old, and the rest were incompetent. Bennigsen was not very loyal in Constantine's eyes and was sent to the Caucasus.
Finally, Grand Duke Constantine thought of Archduke Karl. At a time like this, a foreign friend was actually more reliable.

At least when in Switzerland, Grand Duke Constantine was always by Suvorov's side, and knew that Archduke Karl had painstakingly placed an Austrian column at the mountain pass to provide support, but it was defeated by Massena and Soult.

At least he is a foreign friend who will not betray his teammates, and the most conscientious one among the Austrian generals.

Solovyov didn't expect that he had invited such a heavyweight figure. This prince did sometimes overdo it.

Of course, this was a good choice. At least Archduke Karl made some corrections during the communication based on what he knew.

The evaluation of the parties involved is always more important.

Archduke Karl also expressed his hope to be provided with a complete copy of The Art of War, and the translated content could be sent to Teschen's court.

Solovyov really lacked someone to guide him. He was just a regiment commander now and always needed help.

Archduke Karl had a good impression of him and wrote a special letter in reply.

The first one to feel surprised was Grand Duke Constantine. He only knew that when his brother sent Solovyov abroad, this boy had met Grand Duke Karl and he had some impression of him.

He didn't expect that Archduke Karl, who was taciturn and always had a gloomy face, would be so enthusiastic about Solovyov's works.

Maybe when we talk about military theories, we will feel some resonance.

In addition, Solovyov's actions could be regarded as the "matchmaker" of Archduke Karl. When they were in Saxony, Archduke Karl happened to suffer an epileptic seizure.

If it weren't for the first aid measures, Marie Therese's soft and warm heart, and meticulous care, the Archduke, who had served as Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights, would not have fallen so quickly in front of a woman.

"So, you have to hand over the translated content and the combined analysis to me. I didn't expect that Karl would be so optimistic about you. It's no wonder. After all, Alexander Vasilyevich said that you are a promising talent. It's just that he was called by God and left without the time to guide you."

Speaking of this, Grand Duke Constantine also missed the Grand Marshal. After all, his brother could give full respect and trust to this old marshal, far more than other Russian generals.

For example, Kutuzov was blind in one eye and was not liked by his brother. People in social circles liked to ridicule him for being prone to dozing off, and this was always a topic of conversation.

If Suvorov were still alive, he would at least be an experienced adviser, and there would be only a handful of people whose opinions Alexander would listen to.

Think about how Alexander treated Suvorov's family. His son was promoted from the palace to a general, his nephew was sent to the Duke of Richelieu in Odessa, and even the servants received a pension of 1200 rubles a year.
He was also able to dissuade the Tsar himself from being confused on European issues.

There are also young fools. Just look at Franz, who can cause huge trouble while sitting in the court of Vienna.

"That is why I wrote to Archduke Karl. Among the generals of our country and our allies, he is the only one who meets this requirement."

Solovyov could be somewhat relaxed in front of Konstantin. After all, it was he who risked his life to rescue the Grand Duke from the Po River and prevented him from drowning with Phaethon.

"Your Highness, you have disturbed Archduke Karl's comfortable life at his manor."

"He should be feeling very proud right now, unlike my wife who ran back to her parents' home and didn't want to come back."

Soloviev was not so reckless as to tell Madame Recamier what she had said, but he also knew that Prussia was a weak ally and a very unreliable ally, so he could only not believe in the rumors or spread them.

Obviously, Archduke Constantine was very envious of Archduke Karl for marrying a wife like that.

Considering the Cake Queen's figure, her daughter must not be too bad.

Moreover, he took good care of his family, even Archduke Karl's adoptive father was very caring.
But Constantine had often abused his wife in the past. No matter what kind of wife he married, there would inevitably be some minor problems.

That is to say, now he has a daughter to stay at home, Princess Sophia, the only designated heir to the Marble Palace. With this child, he will not be gossiped by those gossipy adjutants.

Moreover, all the Russian royal family members, including the three men Solovyov had met, were daughter slaves.

Constantine saw his daughter being brought into his office by a maid and also turned his attention to the child.

He knows how to be a father now, but he was a foolish husband in the past.

"Sonia, come to Daddy."

"Your Highness, can I leave now?"

"You are quite capable of taking care of children, and you will be a good father in the future. Just stay here, and we can continue to talk about strategy."

(End of this chapter)