Struggle in Russia

Cavour was more of a constitutional monarch than a liberal. The freedom he advocated is very limited, and it is completely different from the kind of freedom advocated by the later Madonnas of the White Lotus.

However, beards still have a little influence in the Savoy Dynasty. This influence comes from his family. His father is a marquis and once served as the chief of police in Turin, the capital of the Kingdom of Sardinia. And early on, he arranged for the 9-year-old Cavour to be a servant next to Prince Carlo Alberto, the future king of the Kingdom of Sardinia. It can be seen how powerful his family is.

Of course, the relationship between the bearded man and the future king is very bad. When Carlo Alberto succeeded to the throne, the bearded man could only resign and go abroad to play.

The July Revolution in France in 1830 left a deep impression on the bearded man, and he began to lean towards the revolution. Of course, this kind of revolution, like his liberal status, is still quite limited.

But one thing is certain, Cavour was very interested in the unity of Italy and the rise of the nation. Therefore, the Agricultural Association and the "Guangfubao" were founded privately to promote the idea of ​​a constitutional monarchy.

At the end of 1847, when the whole of Europe showed a trend of unrest, Cavour felt that the time was ripe. He started to make extensive contacts with friends and started plotting to do something. And these so-called "friends" of his will be famous in the future Italian unification movement.

For example, Mazzini, such as Garibaldi, these two key figures who are also known as the three heroes of the founding of the Italian nation gathered together and began to discuss how to get rid of the influence of Austria and seek the independence and unity of Italy.

"The Austrians are big trouble."

Mazzini didn't have the aristocratic reserve of Cavour. Compared to the latter, he was more like a true revolutionary, speaking straightforwardly and directly.

"If there is no intervention from Austria, we can easily set off riots throughout the Apennines and destroy all the minions of these hateful invaders. At that time, unification is just around the corner!"

"So, how to deal with the Austrians is the key issue. As long as you defeat Austria, everything is not a problem!"

Compared to Mazzini's confidence and eloquence, Cavour, who is well versed in politics, is more experienced. He knows that things are not that simple. The problem of Italian unification is not only hindered by Austria. France, Britain, and Russia are all involved. in. After all, the existing political order in Italy was completely established by these powers after the elimination of Napoleon.

And the unification of Italy will undoubtedly greatly affect the interests of the great powers. Will these guys let Italy become an independent country so easily?

Cavour is skeptical. Moreover, he did not have much confidence in King Carlo Alberto. His Majesty the King was not a man for big things at all, but looked like a full-fledged opportunist.

This King Alberto was not of pure Savoy blood, but a collateral line of that dynasty. After Victor Emmanuel I abdicated in 1821, Prince Alberto took the opportunity to become regent. In order to please the people and stabilize his precarious position, he immediately promulgated a so-called constitution.

It's just that the regent's seat is not secure, and soon Victor Emmanuel I's younger brother Carlo Felicia was killed and returned, and Prince Alberto was directly sent to a prison for his care. It was not until Carlo Felicia died ten years later that the pure blood of the Savoy Dynasty was cut off, and Prince Alberto became the new owner of the Kingdom of Sardinia.

In the first ten years of his succession, King Alberto performed fairly well, like an enlightened and autocratic monarch, and promoted the development of industry and commerce to a certain extent. But this guy is always trying to engage in some gambling-style political activities, always wanting to make a big fortune with a small one.

Since the 1840s, this man has secretly been in touch with the Italian unification movement, trying to use the Italian unification movement to realize his political ambitions.

This speculative gambling mentality is also the reason why Cavour dislikes him.

In the bearded man's view, politics is not gambling, but action after planning. Every step must have reasonable planning and planning. It is not worth the loss to rely on temporary luck or to use the so-called opportunity for speculation.

Especially when the power of the Italian unification movement was still very weak, it couldn't stand such a toss. As long as one gamble failed, it would usher in a catastrophe.

It's a pity that King Alberto at this time is still very confusing. Even Garibaldi, the hero of the two worlds, is fascinated by this ambitious king full of fighting spirit. I feel that this king is a rare enlightened master in the history of Italy, and he can follow this enlightened master to do a great cause that will change the world.

"Your Excellency, you are too conservative. The Austrians are not as good as before. They are getting worse day by day. Today, there is no second Grand Duke Karl who can save them!"

Yes, Archduke Karl, the hero who defeated Napoleon, was buried in April 1847. This is the curtain call for a generation of famous Austrian generals. To be honest, there are really no people in Austria since Archduke Karl, and there is only an old Metternich who is still dawdling.

Compared with the former's peerless martial arts, Metternich has only one mouthful, and this Garibaldi is really not afraid. Having fought in South America for several years, he has long been accustomed to defeating the strong with the weak, let alone a not-so-strong talker.

Cavour sighed: "A mere Austria is certainly not a big problem. But, gentlemen, our enemies are not limited to Austria!"

Mazzini and Garibaldi frowned. In their impression, Austria was a confidant, other enemies? who?

"The French are also unreliable!" Cavour sighed again. "They have interfered in Apennines affairs for a long time and they will never give up their interests in Apennines. From this point of view, their interests are highly consistent with those of the Austrians. Back then Napoleon is a clear example!"

Indeed, when Napoleon slammed Austria and flattened the Apennines, he did not see him complete the unification of Italy. Instead, he made his brother the king of Naples. Italy is still divided, and the Austrians still occupy the boss's territory. They are really the same.

But Mazzini didn't see it that way. He was deeply influenced by the French July Revolution and had a blind favor for France. Although these favors have faded a lot in recent years due to some facts, he still has a blind enthusiasm for France. I feel that France will not be a big problem for the Italian unification movement. As long as the Austrians can be defeated quickly, France should not interfere forcefully.

"I hope so!"

Cavour sighed again. He really didn't have any expectations for this meeting. The two of them were blindly optimistic, thinking that they could win in a single battle, but he felt that they might not be that optimistic.

But continuing to talk about worries is completely meaningless. The purpose of their gathering is the issue of the Papal State, and that is the point!