December 10, Europe, Grand Residence of Luxembourg.
"Father, you asked me to come. What can I do?"
Guillaume IV was very satisfied when he looked at his daughter with golden hair decorated in front of him.
The standard oval face is becoming more and more beautiful, with a pair of bright almond eyes, and a slender figure that is graceful. Under the luxurious princess dress, the steady and dignified temperament exudes from the inside out.
The fifteen-year-old Marie Adelaide is now a slim and beautiful woman, but she is becoming more and more aloof.
Guillaume IV, who was born in 1852, became increasingly old and disease-ridden as the years passed.
However, although he is getting older, he is happy and fortunate that he has found a good partner for his daughter.
"Mary, you haven't heard from Tangning for a long time, haven't you!?" Guillaume IV asked his daughter gently.
"Yes, Tangning hasn't contacted me for a week."
Hearing her father's concern, Mary couldn't help but complaining about the fact that her fiancé, whom she missed so much recently, hadn't contacted her for a long time.
"However, I also understand Tangning. The Kingdom of Brazil has just been restored and has been very busy recently.
Before Helen went to Brazil, Tangning only took some time to relax. Now that she is involved in state affairs, it is now difficult for Charlotte to spend time with him. "
Complaints are complaints, but Mary understands Tangning's current situation very well.
Tangning still pays close attention to her when he has time. Whenever he has time, he communicates with her through telegrams. He cares about her life, tells interesting stories from his side, and often tells each other how much they miss each other.
Mary sometimes has troubles or is confused when she encounters something she doesn't understand. When Tangning receives the telegram, she will try her best to reply as soon as possible to answer her questions.
Today, Mary is an aristocratic girl who can skillfully use telegraphs, which is not common among aristocrats.
"Charlotte, you sent me a telegram a few days ago, telling me that Tang Ning was in a bad mood recently.
The Germans in the Kingdom of Brazil have always been very restless, and the few moderates who were promoted are also careless and unable to solve the country's worries.
The person who can make Tangning happy recently is a minister named Gawain. The day before yesterday, he helped the kingdom secure French capital.
Gawain not only acquired various industrial technologies, but also used 25% of the Itabira iron ore as collateral to borrow one billion francs at an interest rate of 8%, which would be returned in ten years. "
Hearing his daughter talking about his fiancé's recent situation, she obviously knew a lot, which made Guillaume IV a little embarrassed.
“Sure enough, I’m still old.
It turns out that you use telegraphs to communicate. I said you should learn telegraphs before, but now you have received more information than I have. "
Originally, Guillaume IV thought that his daughter didn't know much about his fiancé, but he didn't expect that his daughter would communicate with Tangning so frequently.
"My daughter, you are indeed as gentle and virtuous as your mother. You will definitely be a good wife in the future."
Fortunately, his next decision was still a big surprise to his daughter Mary.
"Princess Isabel of Brazil was very excited when she heard that Tang Ning restored the Kingdom of Brazil under the name Pedro III and decided to return to the country.
Before she prepares to leave Europe, she wants to invite you, the future queen, to go to Brazil with her. I wonder if you are willing! ? "
Sure enough, after Guillaume IV finished telling the news, Mary's brows were filled with joy, and her joy was clearly revealed.
"Really, really?"
Mary, I can't believe it.
Guillaume IV looked at his daughter with doting eyes and replied with a smile: "It's true, my daughter."
"I want to go to Brazil, Father!"
Mary was overjoyed. After saying this excitedly, she quickly realized that she hadn't asked her father's opinion yet.
"Father, do you agree with me going to Brazil?" Mary asked with some anxiety.
"Of course, my daughter!"
How could Guillaume IV hinder the opportunity for a pair of lovers to meet?
Now that his daughter has grown up, it's time to go out and see the world. Moreover, he and Tangning have been separated for too long, and they really need to meet and get familiar with each other again.
"But, father, you..."
Mary is a filial daughter, and she cannot ignore her father's existence and feelings just because she wants to see her lover.
"It's okay, Mary, our family's succession to the throne in Luxembourg has been secured."
Guillaume IV cared most about the succession to the throne. Now that this aspect was completely stable, his heart dropped.
The political situation in Luxembourg is now stable, the Nassau family controls the country, the Republican Party has been shattered, and the monarchists have an overall dominance.
Even if he dies suddenly one day, Marie Adelaide will still inherit the Kingdom of Luxembourg.
"I know you are worried about my health. It is not a problem. I think I can live for a few more years and still be able to control Luxembourg.
This time you and Isabel go to Brazil, stay for a while, talk more with Tangning, and try to get married there. Luxembourg will merge with Brazil in the future, and you will be in charge of it! "
Luxembourg is too small, with a population of tens of thousands. As an independent country, it is too difficult to be sandwiched between big countries.
In the current situation in Europe, the Allied Powers and the Entente Powers are fighting endlessly. Anyone with a little bit of political insight knows that a war will break out in Europe.
When the war breaks out, Luxembourg is on the sidelines of Germany and France and will definitely not be spared. It is really possible that all the people will take refuge in Brazil.
Thinking of this, Guillaume IV said with a precious tone.
"Sooner or later there will be a war in Europe. We, Luxembourg, are small and weak, and we are in a strategic location, so we cannot escape.
If we, the people of Luxembourg, want to avoid the war and seek refuge, we may need Brazil under your and Downing's rule to receive our blessings.
Brazil is developing now, and Luxembourg has nothing to help it, but it still has a bit of industrial foundation.
This time you go to Brazil, take the essence of Luxembourg's industry with you. This will be my gift for your future wedding. "
At this moment, Mary could deeply feel her father's expectations.
"Father, thank you so much. Tangning and I will definitely live up to your expectations."
"Okay, daughter, go back and clean up quickly. Isabel is your elder. She will come to pick you up tomorrow. You can't let her wait for you then."
"Well, Mary stepped back first."
When Mary heard that Isabel was coming tomorrow, she understood the urgency of time and hurriedly resigned to her father with joy.
After Mary left, Guillaume IV picked up the secret telegram sent by Tangning the day before on the table. After thinking about it for a while, he finally decided to agree with his son-in-law.
Luxembourg should start showing pro-Germany and break with Belgium at the same time.
Guillaume IV picked up the phone on the table, dialed the liaison officer, and asked her to transfer the call to the Prime Minister.
"Mr. Andre, Luxembourg can now promote the Greater Luxembourg Plan to the outside world."
"Well, yes, I know the consequences."
"What kind of friendly neighbor is Belgium? It's not our friendly neighbor. It occupies our land, so it's friendly."
"We Luxembourgers have a way out. If it doesn't work out, we will all go to Brazil."
"Mr. Prime Minister, don't you want Belgium to return the Luxembourg province that invaded us? Is it because Luxembourg is small that we can't make our own voice?"
"Don't worry, can Belgium still attack us?"
"Yes, that's it!
Promote the Greater Luxembourg Plan through our media, and our officials show that they must obey public opinion. "
"Also, as for the territories of the German Empire involved in the Greater Luxembourg Plan, we will keep a low profile for the time being and only target Belgium."
