Carlo understood that if he could not persuade his father now, not only would his schemes regarding the Austro-Prussian War vanish into thin air, but even the independent wealth management rights he had finally obtained would once again fall under Victor Emmanuel II’s supervision.
Looking at Victor Emmanuel II’s serious expression, Carlo organized his words in his mind: “Father, I believe that there is no harm in letting General Garibaldi prepare an army in advance at this time.
There will inevitably be a war between Prussia and Austria.
As Prussia’s ally, we are bound to participate in this war as well.
Austria is also our enemy.
If we want to take this opportunity to recover the Venice region, we must make preparations in advance, rather than responding hastily after the war breaks out.” Victor Emmanuel II nodded, quite satisfied that Carlo could understand this much.
However, satisfaction was one thing.
Regarding the matter of Garibaldi regaining military power, Victor Emmanuel II was not going to compromise so easily.
“Continue,” Victor Emmanuel II said, his face devoid of emotion as he continued to look at Carlo with a serious expression.
“Father, you also know that General Garibaldi holds extremely high prestige among the Italian public.
He could easily organize a powerful army of tens of thousands.
If we can utilize this point, it could deal an unexpected blow to the Austrian forces in the Venice region, and perhaps speed up our progress in recovering Venice,” Carlo continued.
Victor Emmanuel II rubbed his brow and asked, “Rather than the utility this army of tens of thousands could bring, I am more worried about the harm it could cause to the kingdom.” “That is exactly what you don’t need to worry about, Father,” Carlo said with a smile.
Seeing Victor Emmanuel II’s surprised expression, Carlo knew his words had taken effect, and he quickly added, “After the war between Prussia and Austria breaks out, you can take the initiative to order Garibaldi to join the fight against Austria.
If Garibaldi’s army achieves good results, then the credit will naturally not omit you.
But if Garibaldi suffers a defeat in the battle against Austria, the public’s disappointment will have nothing to do with you, will it?” Such tactics were not unfamiliar to the monarchs of various countries: putting oneself in a position to share the credit without having to shoulder the blame.
However, this could not completely dispel Victor Emmanuel II’s concerns.
“Child, you don’t understand how terrifying that man Garibaldi’s prestige is among the people.
If his prestige were to increase again, it would be a fatal blow to the entire House of Savoy,” Victor Emmanuel II said to Carlo earnestly.
Garibaldi’s prestige among the public was already a threat, and to make matters worse, he had once aligned closely with the republican system.
This was an extreme danger to a monarchic state, and it was the reason why Victor Emmanuel II, risking the danger, still dispatched a certain number of soldiers to closely “protect” Garibaldi.
“But he is almost 60 years old, Father,” Carlo replied.
Garibaldi was old, which was the only thing that gave Victor Emmanuel II some comfort.
In this era of extremely poor medical technology, even in Europe—the most developed region in the world—average life expectancy was still stuck at a brief 30 to 40 years.
Yes, average life expectancy in Europe at this time was only a little over 30 years.
Reaching an age close to 60 like Garibaldi was a rare sight, which was also a reason Victor Emmanuel II felt relatively at ease.
Looking at Carlo, who repeatedly provided moving reasons, Victor Emmanuel II stared for a long time before finally squeezing out a sentence: “My child, I admit you have a great talent for being a diplomat.” “Then you agree?
Father,” Carlo asked eagerly, feeling somewhat joyful.
“I need to discuss it with the cabinet.
Some things cannot be decided by the King alone, do you understand?
Carlo.” Looking at Carlo, who still couldn’t freely hide his emotions, Victor Emmanuel II’s feelings were complex.
But no matter what, showing his intelligent side was beneficial to the royal family.
Victor Emmanuel II also needed more helpers to stabilize royal power, especially a child connected by flesh and blood like Carlo.
“And even if the cabinet agreed, the country doesn’t have any funds to help Garibaldi rebuild an army.
Alright, regardless of whether the cabinet agrees or not, this matter has nothing to do with you anymore, Carlo.
Once there is a result, someone will notify Garibaldi.
Your primary task right now is to complete your studies at the military academy.” Victor Emmanuel II patted his son’s head, finally returning to the role of a father.
After this conversation, Victor Emmanuel II looked forward even more to Carlo’s growth.
Although there was only one Crown Prince, that didn’t mean the future Crown Prince wouldn’t need close assistants.
If both Amedeo and Carlo could grow into excellent military commanders, the future Kingdom of Italy would witness a wonderful situation: the Italian Royal Army would be entirely controlled by the royal family, and the status of the House of Savoy would be even more secure.
“I understand, Father,” Carlo nodded.
Carlo naturally also knew that he couldn’t directly persuade Victor Emmanuel II to agree to let Garibaldi reorganize an army.
Although Victor Emmanuel II stated he would seek the cabinet’s opinion, if he, the biggest anti-Garibaldi figure, hadn’t refused, presumably the Italian government wouldn’t reject this opportunity to gain tens of thousands of troops for nothing.
As for Garibaldi’s military talents, Carlo wasn’t worried at all.
Historically, whether in the Austro-Prussian War or the subsequent Franco-Prussian War, Garibaldi had displayed excellent military talent.
It could be said that the current Garibaldi was the last fig leaf of the Italian Army.
At the very least, an army led by Garibaldi could still go toe-to-toe with the Prussian, French, and Austrian armies.
If he truly managed to facilitate Garibaldi’s participation as soon as the war broke out, perhaps the Italian army’s performance on the southern front wouldn’t be so terrible.
This might have a significant impact on the entire Austro-Prussian War.
Italy might be able to eat more meat in this war, and the position of the House of Savoy would be more secure.
If this suggestion achieved good results, it was believed that some of Carlo’s future plans would proceed more smoothly, at least making it much easier to persuade Victor Emmanuel II.
(END CHAPTER)