She changed Europe

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Hearing this, Zoe frowned. To be honest, she didn't like the surname because it didn't bring any value to her career or life; instead, it became a burden and a curse.

"You yearn to restore your country, don't you?" Most people who knew her surname would ask her this, but she had no interest in politics whatsoever.

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty, but Palaiologos and the Roman Empire came to a complete end with the fall of my ancestors and Constantinople. Since Europe at that time decided to abandon the Roman Empire, there is no longer a Palaiologos in the world. There is only Paliologus of Austria." Zoe made no secret of this. Hundreds of years had long since worn away everyone's ambition and aspirations, leaving only those who were determined to sever ties with the past and begin a new life.

"I understand, you may leave now."

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Zoe turned and quickly left the meadow, her steps firm and without hesitation.

"Aponia, do you think she's telling the truth?" Gisela turned her gaze to Aponia beside her.

“Your Majesty, there is no point in her hiding this from you now.” Anyone who is realistic understands that Greece alone cannot restore the glory of the Eastern Roman Empire. As for these so-called Western powers, they did not help Byzantium to restore its kingdom back then, so they are even less likely to take the risk now.

Even the Russian Empire, which considered itself the Third Rome and the Byzantine Empire, only sought a suitable pretext to invade Constantinople and gain access to the sea in the south.

“Indeed, but her surname still holds value.” Gisela nodded in agreement with Aponia’s point of view.

As Gisela was lost in thought, a blonde beauty she had met once before was walking towards her.

"Who was that again?" Gisela stared at the girl in the distance, the name of which was already on the tip of her tongue, but she just couldn't say it for a moment.

“Your Majesty, that is His Highness the Prince of Wales,” Aponia whispered to Gisela.

Why is she here? Could it be that Queen Victoria of England has already arrived in Constantinople? Gisela looked at the girl who shouldn't be here, her expression becoming somewhat confused.

According to the Ottoman Empire's diplomatic ministry, Victoria should arrive this afternoon or tomorrow morning.

"Rita, help me tidy up the cue stick." Gisela tossed the cue stick to Rita, then took off her hair tie and retied her golden hair, just as the Prince of Wales arrived in front of Gisela.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty the Beautiful Queen Gisela!" The Prince of Wales approached Gisela with elegance and grace, bent down, took Gisela's right hand in his hand, and gently kissed it.

The kiss on the hand has always been an important part of European court etiquette. Unfortunately, even Gisela, who had become Empress, was still somewhat unaccustomed to it. Although she no longer blushed as before, she still experienced some emotional fluctuations.

"Has your mother arrived yet?" Gisela asked, looking at the Prince of Wales. She was particularly excited at the thought of the "tender and interesting" "auntie," after all, the two had "hurt each other" last time, which had created a deep "conflict."

“Mother will arrive this afternoon or tomorrow.” The Prince of Wales straightened up and smoothed her hair. Unlike Victoria, the Prince of Wales often dressed as a man. Compared to the traditionally feigned fragility of aristocratic women, she was like a knight, an elegant and handsome young man.

However, Gisela was not surprised by this, after all, she was the "big sister" and the leader of the British-backed four boats.

"What's the name of your weapon?" Gisela's gaze quickly settled on the girl's waist, where the red-hilted sword stood out prominently.

“Clarent, son of King Arthur, a magical artifact once wielded by Mordred, is second only to the Sword in the Stone in Britain in terms of power.” The Prince of Wales spoke with particular pride about her weapon, taking the sword from her waist and then displaying it to Gisela with a showy air…

PS1: Ra!

Chapter 545 The Turkish Symphony of the Vienna Rose: Capter 42 Positive-Sum Game (Vote Requested)

“It’s heavier than I imagined…” Gisela had intended to take the weapon from the Prince of Wales with one hand, but found it difficult to lift, so she used both hands instead.

“What’s wrong with me? I don’t think so.” The Prince of Wales took the Clarent from Gisela with one hand again, then drew it from its scabbard and planted his own weapon in the soft grass.

This is a typical broadsword, more suitable for heavy infantry than for knights, at least that's what Gisela thought.

Of course, it wasn't as exaggerated as the greatsword wielded by the famous servants of the Holy Roman Empire.

The sword is a fine sword, but unfortunately, its name is not a good one, because in the Arthurian legend, Clarent is also a sword of rebellion, a sword of treason, and a "sword that betrays one's father."

Mordred, King Arthur's illegitimate son, used this sword to severely wound his father, leading to King Arthur's death in battle and his soul returning to Avalon.

It is said that Victoria's sword was the sword in the stone. When Gisela thought of this legend, she couldn't help but find it interesting. She was really curious whether the Prince of Wales would do the same thing as Mordred.

After all, Britain is a place that produces a lot of family dramas, from the legend of King Arthur to Shakespeare's King Lear and Macbeth, they just love this kind of thing.

However, it seemed impossible. The Prince of Wales was the first in line to the throne, and Gisela couldn't think of any reason for the Prince of Wales to rebel.

Could it be that she's dissatisfied with Victoria's emotional neglect of her, and then she'll stage a scene of "My mother loves me again"?

“Alright, what brings His Highness the Prince of Wales to visit me now?” Gisela asked with a smile.

“We should cooperate!” The blonde girl patted her chest without any attempt to hide her seriousness, but when the Prince of Wales uttered those words, Gisela noticed that her attendant took a deep breath with a hint of helplessness.

"Cooperation with what? Does Your Highness mean cooperation between me and you personally, or cooperation with your Britain?" Gisela calmly sat down in the chair that Rita had brought for her, while Aponia skillfully held up a parasol for Gisela to prevent her skin from being sunburned.

"We'll provide the navy, you provide the army, and we'll help the Ottomans defeat the Russians..."

"Your Highness!" The attendant gently tugged at the Prince of Wales's sleeve, signaling her not to speak so bluntly. The Prince of Wales nodded and stopped speaking further, then stepped behind the man.

"I'm very sorry, Your Majesty, it's very hot. Our prince would like to keep things brief, please forgive me." The man bowed, appearing exceptionally polite.

Gisela didn't actually care whether the Prince of Wales's remarks were straightforward or not. In fact, Gisela was surprisingly used to his "big brother's" frank and forthright personality, after all, he had seen quite a few hypocritical politicians like Gisela.

They often like to go in circles, just to cover up a very simple fact, just like in the famous British TV series "Yes, Prime Minister":

In the first phase, we declared that nothing had happened.

In the second phase, we said that something might happen, but we shouldn't take any action.

The third phase says that perhaps we should take action, but there's nothing we can do.

In the fourth stage, perhaps we could have done something back then, but now it's too late.

To put it in all that complicated terms, it boils down to just two words: nothing was done.

“Your Majesty, in fact, we, Britain, wish to establish friendly relations with your country. Putting aside the disputes we have had in the past, we clearly share common interests in the Near East.”

"What benefits?" Gisela crossed her legs and propped her head up with her right hand, waiting for the man to speak further.

"Strategic security in the Balkans." Gisela almost laughed when she heard this.

“Oh? I don’t see any harm in the Russian Empire’s southward expansion for us.” At present, Gisela appears to be showing sympathy for the Ottomans, but there is no sufficient evidence to suggest that the young Austrian empress intends to send the empire’s army into Turkish territory.

Confronting Russia would not bring any benefit to the Austrian Empire today, even though it had completed the economic integration of the German region due to previous domestic reforms and the civil war with Prussia.

Besides, those suggestions at the banquet that seemed friendly to the Ottomans, upon closer examination, show that regardless of whether Russia or Turkey ultimately wins, Austria can still exercise these rights through neutrality, whether it be the rights to railways or factories in the Persian Gulf region.

Gisela had originally intended to approach Victoria, but now that the Prince of Wales had come on his own initiative, it seemed to Gisela that the British were more concerned about the Ottoman problem than she was. This was exactly what she wanted, so she was happy to play along with the troublemakers.

"After Russia defeats the Ottomans, it will certainly expand westward, which will then threaten Your Majesty's interests in the Balkans."

"My brave soldiers are confident that they will keep the invaders out of the country." Gisela still showed no sign of backing down.

Austria had the confidence to say these things because they had already defeated France in Italy and Prussia in Germany. Judging by their army alone, they had become the undisputed number one army.

“Sir, you haven’t understood one thing yet. This time, it’s not about what we need to worry about, but what Britain can offer us.” Fox already had a diplomatic strategy in mind, and her willingness to discuss this with the British was simply to better understand their bargaining chips and pave the way for a formal meeting later.

The discussion between the two grew increasingly heated, while the Prince of Wales, still unwilling to think, sat down on the chair Rita had prepared for her and began sharpening his knife. She just couldn't understand why such a simple matter had to be made so complicated; it was only natural to ask someone to do something and then pay them afterward.

Unfortunately, British diplomacy always seems to favor getting others to do things for them, and then pretending to give away what others would inevitably gain as a concession. This ugly face is all too obvious.

This is an open strategy, which may be very valuable when the empire is weak, because the zero-sum nature of the game forces the British to base their diplomatic strategies on this fact.

In contrast, Gisela's Eastern mindset dictates that she is more inclined towards positive-sum games.

Just as Confucianism occupies a dominant position in traditional Chinese culture, one of its core concepts is "harmony is precious" and "benevolence is loving others," emphasizing harmonious coexistence and mutual care among people. This ideology encourages people to seek cooperation and win-win outcomes when dealing with relationships of interest, rather than simple confrontation and competition. For example, the idea of ​​"helping others to achieve what you want to achieve" reflects that people consider the interests of others when pursuing their own interests, thus providing an ideological foundation for positive-sum games.

The inspiration from Taoist thought: Taoism advocates following nature and governing through non-action, promoting a way of thinking that follows the laws of development and pursues balance and harmony. This thought has also influenced Chinese people in dealing with power struggles, making them more focused on adapting to the situation and acting in accordance with the trend, seeking opportunities for cooperation, and maximizing the interests of all parties.

PS1: Ra!

Chapter 546 The Turkish Symphony of the Vienna Rose: Capter 43 Prussian "Ambition" (Seeking votes)

Half an hour later————

"It's time to end this pointless discussion. You can't offer me the terms I want right now, and I'm sure you know that only your Queen can promise me what I want." Gisela calmly expressed her opinion, and after she said this, the diplomat who had accompanied the Prince of Wales wisely shut his mouth and stepped behind the Prince of Wales.

“I understand your thoughts. If there’s nothing else, you may leave now.” Gisela frowned slightly; it was rare for someone as good-tempered as her to issue an order to leave.

“I’m very sorry to have wasted your time, Your Majesty.” The man bowed apologetically to Gisela, then prepared to leave with the Prince of Wales.

The two seemed to part on bad terms, and Gisela only breathed a sigh of relief after they disappeared from Gisela's sight. She then leaned back wearily in her chair.

"Rita, what do you think of this eloquent man?" Gisela tilted her head and looked at the maid beside her.

When asked what she thought of a man, Rita subconsciously assumed that her Majesty had taken a liking to someone else. However, considering the fact that her Majesty was attracted to certain sexual orientations, and given that the question was about the man's abilities, she realized that the question was actually asking about his or her romantic interests.

“He is much more astute and intelligent than the British officials we have met in the past. His strategic vision and grasp of the European situation are, in my opinion, comparable to those of former Prime Minister Palmerston.” Rita answered the question while kneeling on the ground, gently lifting Gisela’s ankle and skillfully massaging her calf muscles.

“What do you think, Aponia?” Gisela asked another maid beside her.

"A formidable opponent. I don't know him well, but in my opinion, with his talent, he could clearly have a good career in the British Parliament. Yet he is willing to be an advisor to a prince without any real official position. This is simply too incomprehensible." After all, a prince is a prince as long as he is a prince, but he is not the ruler of the country. Just like the British king who was the crown prince for sixty years in later years, his own mother lived to be over ninety, and he himself was approaching seventy.

Because of the existence of magical energy in this world, the Queen's reign will only last longer...

In response to her words, Aponia placed her hand on Gisela's shoulder and gently massaged it.

Perhaps because it was too comfortable, Gisela rested her head comfortably on Aponia's chest, feeling the cool summer breeze and the faint scent of roses wafting past her nose.

“What I really care about isn’t their opinions or thoughts, but their motives. These matters could have been discussed with us when Queen Victoria arrived, but the Prince of Wales arrived in Constantinople ahead of time. It seems to me that they are in a hurry.” Gisela’s keenness is a skill honed over many years of experience. She was outmaneuvered by her opponents time and time again in the past, and now that she is the Queen, she cannot afford to be careless.

"Your Majesty, should I send someone to investigate?" Aponia leaned her head close to Gisela's fox ear and asked softly.

“This needs to be investigated, and thoroughly investigated. It should be given higher priority than this ring.” The ring Gisela was referring to was clearly the Heart of Rome, which she wore on her right hand.

"Rita, I remember that besides the Queen of England, who else is going to be sent to Constantinople today?" Gisela said in a very lazy voice, as this was just a trivial matter to her.

The focus shifts to the train station outside Constantinople.

A few days ago, Mustafa welcomed Empress Gisela of Austria here. Today, the queen of another powerful nation will also arrive here. She is none other than Queen Chloris of Prussia, who is famous throughout Europe for her impressive marriage proposal some time ago.

Although Prussia suffered a heavy blow in the war with Austria, the reshuffling of domestic power cleared the way for reforms in the country. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Chloris joined Gisela's Frankfurt Agreement without any burden, laying a solid foundation for the eventual economic unification of Germany.

"Bismarck, the banquet and diplomatic activities with the Turks will be in your hands in a little while." At this moment, Chloris was adjusting the collar of her favorite Prussian military uniform, while two dutiful maids were kneeling on the ground, carefully adjusting her trouser legs and wiping her boots.

"Your Majesty, following our defeat in the last war, our kingdom has rarely had the opportunity to attend international conferences. You must demonstrate to the world the new glory of the Kingdom of Prussia's resurgence." The beautiful Prime Minister was still diligently fulfilling her duties, carefully managing the already battered Kingdom of Prussia for Chloris.

“I would love to too, but if we don’t integrate into the German culture of the Austrians, we’re doomed.” Whether it was sarcasm or a statement of fact, as she spoke, Chloris’s lips curled up slightly, and she glanced at Bismarck with a very aggressive and seductive look.

“I’m confident I can handle her this time.” Chloris stood with her hands on her hips, gazing at her exceptionally handsome and elegant reflection in the mirror. After all, Chloris was different from those who overestimated themselves. As a magical being, she possessed a beauty and figure that others could hardly match, and she also held the reins of power in the Kingdom of Prussia.

“Your Majesty…” Bismarck took a deep breath, rubbing her temples with a hint of helplessness. She was the one who wrote the love letters, and she was also the one who governed the country. For a moment, Bismarck even had the illusion that she was the Queen of Prussia. Perhaps she should take it a step further?

Of course, such a thought was impossible, since she didn't have that kind of thought, and she wasn't surnamed Hohenzollern.

The Western world places far greater emphasis on lineage than the East, which is why there are very few examples of peasant uprising leaders becoming rulers of a country. Of course, there are precedents, such as Carolingian of the Frankish Kingdom replacing the Merovingian family as mayor of the palace.

As soon as she finished speaking, Chloris pushed open the train window and, under the watchful eyes of everyone inside, jumped off the still-moving train and disappeared into the bushes beside the tracks.

“You two, king and minister, are quite amusing. It reminds me of King Louis XIV of France and his prime minister, Cardinal Richelieu.” At that moment, a teasing voice reached Bismarck’s ears. Bismarck turned around and saw a beautiful black-haired woman leaning against the wall near the train carriage door.

PS1: There are many ways to unify Germany.

Chapter 547 The Turkish Symphony of the Vienna Rose: Capter 44 The Story of the Relics (Seeking votes)

“I am not worthy to be compared with the great Richelieu, for I have not led my country to strength.” Bismarck lowered the brim of his hat, shrouding his blue eyes in shadow.

“Interesting. To outsiders, it seems like you haven’t done anything. But I know that the number of Junker nobles you eliminated was no less than the number Richelieu dealt with when he dealt with nobles, and your reforms of the army were no less gentle and subtle than what Richelieu did.” In fact, Bismarck took advantage of the defeat in the war and used tough methods to completely reshuffle the original political structure of the Kingdom of Prussia.

Her policies were comprehensive and efficient. The Junkers could no longer use their image as protectors of the state to build up substantial domestic interests, which in turn created space for a new phase of expansion. Prussia now needed to fully embrace Austria; only through cooperation between the two countries could true German unification be achieved. However…

“Mata Hari, I don’t recall inviting you today. Let me guess which of your customers sent you to visit me?” Bismarck raised her hand to signal the maid to leave, while she herself took out several bottles of beer from under the sofa on the inside of the table.

“Your wine tasting skills haven’t improved much, Miss Bismarck.” Marta took the beer bottle from Bismarck, then skillfully opened the cap. Because it had been shaken earlier, the beer spilled out of the bottle and onto the ground.

“Giselle Louise Marie? If I remember correctly, it was your covert actions during the Hungarian Crisis that led Russia to decide to side with Austria, and that's when your cooperation began.” Bismarck poured the yellow liquid from the bottle into a glass, then downed the beer inside in one gulp.

“That’s right, I’ve decided to retire from the underworld and fully support the fox.” Marta’s tone was calm, as if she were describing a trivial matter.

“You’re not that kind of person. Tell me your true purpose.” Bismarck propped his head up and looked at the black-haired woman in front of him. If the two of them hadn’t had a decades-long friendship, Bismarck might have believed her.

“Following her will lead to a bright future, and I can get things that no one else can give me.” At this point, Marta suddenly stood up, bent over, and crawled on the table. Then she slowly crawled toward Bismarck and finally stopped when her face was inches away from Bismarck’s.

"Your lips are so soft, your face is so captivating, and your figure is so perfect, I really want to..." Marta's tone was teasing and mocking. An innocent young girl would likely be easily deceived by such a beauty, but...

Our Bismarck remained expressionless, and Marta, realizing this, withdrew her provocative gesture and sat back down on the sofa.

“We both know the future of Pu’ao, but when will the two lords we serve be willing to cross this line?” Marta regained her usual seriousness and earnestness, as if everything just now was an illusion.

"A marriage without offspring is meaningless, and even if such a union is recognized, it cannot benefit the people of both countries or the whole of Germany." Bismarck's answer still maintained her unique rationality.

"Then why would you, sir, be willing to write love letters for Her Majesty Chloris by hand?"

"The king's orders cannot be disobeyed."

“No! You don’t need to live such a contradictory and conflicted life. Your real wish is for Germany to be unified. Deep down, you are actually willing to accept any other path.” Marta pointed out Bismarck’s crux of the matter incisively. Even at this moment, a flicker of wavering crossed Bismarck’s composed expression.

"Lord Bismarck, don't you want to see a unified Germany standing tall above Europe? A superpower surpassing the Holy Roman Empire, uniting the nations of Europe to break the shackles imposed on us by the old world and create a new and better future? Most importantly, you know that both of you have such talent."

“Mata, you are a living monster. Sometimes I can’t help but wonder what you really want.” Even Bismarck couldn’t truly fathom the woman’s motives and what she was pursuing, but the other woman understood him very well.

But it is precisely because she knows that even if the theories she speaks today seem plausible, she will discard them like toys when she grows tired of them, just as she has done since 1848.

"It's an honor that the Iron Chancellor Bismarck can give me such high praise." Marta stuck out her tongue, looking particularly amused.

"Oh, right, there's one more thing. In the Basilica Cistern of Constantinople, I discovered a magical relic from the Byzantine Empire. That ring has a close connection to the one held by the Roman Catholic Church. What do you know about it?"

"A magical artifact from the Byzantine Empire, a ring?" Upon hearing Marta's words, Bismarck quickly fell into deep thought.

"This story begins with Sainte-Helena, the mother of Constantine I."