She changed Europe

Page 40

“That Rudolph…” Gisela carefully chose her words. She knew that the historical Rudolph was at risk of depression, otherwise why would he have chosen to commit suicide with his lover in the hunter’s cabin?

"What is it, Your Highness?" The boy innocently looked up, his clear blue eyes reflecting Gisela's image. His gaze held a hint of expectation, but it was quickly replaced by pessimistic thoughts, even though he was happy that Gisela had spoken to him for the first time in a long time.

"Regarding that letter from six months ago..."

"I thought my elder sister hadn't received it yet." Rudolf appeared calm, but was full of anticipation.

"I received it, but I just want to say that you don't want me to tell Mother about this, do you?" Upon hearing this, Rudolf froze, looking up at his second sister with a surprised expression.

"Wait a minute! Sister, aren't you supposed to be answering...?" No! My second sister has never given me a direct answer; I've been too presumptuous in assuming she's tacitly approved of this...

Oh no! By doing this, I've handed my weakness over to my second sister. My love-struck mind has given rise to the self-awareness that a heir to the throne should have, but it seems I've already fallen into my sister's hands.

Thinking of all this, Rudolf sighed and spoke again in a serious tone:

"Alright! I don't know why I've fallen for my elder sister. Whenever I see you or hear about what you've done, I feel genuinely happy. The people around me tell me not to be happy about my sisters' achievements because they tell me that you will all be stumbling blocks on my path to the throne." Rudolf, like a deflated balloon, chose to confess.

"I am truly sorry for writing this terrible letter in a moment of impulse. God will surely not forgive someone like me who desires incest." These words revealed to Gisela that Rudolf was an overly sentimental person, a trait he shared with their mother, Empress Elisabeth. Otherwise, why would it be said that the Wittelsbach family of Bavaria was a breeding ground for both handsome men and beautiful women, and also a haven for madmen? Perhaps it was precisely because of their excessive sentimentality.

"My foolish brother, you don't actually think that by saying these words I'll decide to wipe the slate clean, do you?" Gisela's lips curled up slightly, her expression becoming more playful.

PS1: It's getting disgusting.

Chapter 145 Irises Withering in the Alps: Capter6 How Could My Sister Steal Your Throne? (Seeking Votes)

"My foolish brother, you don't actually think that by saying these words I'll decide to wipe the slate clean, do you?" Gisela's lips curled up slightly, her expression becoming more playful.

"What does my elder sister want me to do?"

"It's simple, once I go to Bohemia, I'll be in charge of everything!"

"besides……"

Journey dividing line —

After several hours of travel, the train finally arrived at Prague Central Station. It seemed that they had received the news from Vienna in advance, as the platform on track 3 of the central station had already been completely cleared by the Prague police. The only people still on the platform were Prague regional officials, local nobles and big businessmen, and of course, some officially appointed newspaper reporters, all of whom came from newspapers with mainstream values ​​and political correctness.

After hearing the train's whistle signaling its arrival at the station, Rita and another maid entered the carriage where Gisela and Rudolph were. As non-royal members, even personal maids were not allowed to enter this carriage without special circumstances.

"Your Highnesses, we have arrived in Prague." The first to open the door was Nika, Rudolf's personal maid. She was a striking beauty with long black hair and a beauty mark under her right eye. She was said to be a noblewoman from Transylvania, but no one knew her surname, and she had never spoken of her hometown or family history. She had been chosen as Crown Prince Rudolf's head maid because Emperor Franz Joseph had selected her from a list of eligible Hungarian noblewomen in an attempt to win over the Hungarians.

The old emperor's requirements for choosing a maid for Rudolf were actually quite simple: first, she had to be beautiful and elegant; second, she had to be Hungarian; and third, she couldn't be from a prominent Hungarian family. Doesn't it feel like he was choosing a daughter-in-law? After all, as a monarch, he could only have one wife in name, but there was no limit to the number of mistresses, and the politics of mistresses was an unwritten rule in European courts.

However, since the beginning of modern times, the power of public opinion has been stronger than ever before. An emperor's excessive promiscuity was, after all, a major scandal for the royal family. Rather than having one's son impregnate another man's wife or daughter, it was better to prepare "backup options" for him. Although this seemed very unreasonable and unfair to the maids, it was the truth.

Historically, when Emperor Joseph and Empress Elizabeth had a strained relationship, the Empress even found an actress specifically for Joseph to help him alleviate his distress. Unfortunately, Joseph was a devoted lover, and while the Empress was away recuperating, he wrote to his wife every day to inquire about her well-being, until the Empress was assassinated in Switzerland.

"Is Prince Rudolf already asleep?" Nika covered her mouth and smiled as she looked at the scene inside the carriage. At this moment, Rudolf was obediently sleeping on the table, the tear stains at the corners of his eyes revealing that he had just been crying. Gisela, on the other hand, put down the book she was reading and calmly observed the woman in front of her.

"The little devil sleeps so well, let him sleep if he wants to." Of course, she wouldn't say that Rudolf's crying was all because of the various "unequal" treaties she had signed. In short, her foolish little brother was much more obedient after this incident.

“His Highness Rudolf values ​​family ties very much.” Nika, unaware of the relationship between the siblings, assumed the heartwarming scene was simply a testament to their deep bond. She turned and waved to Rita behind her, signaling her to be quieter as well.

It was already past 7 p.m., and the early spring in March meant the sun hadn't had time to return to the tropics, so it still got dark quite early.

Unlike Nika, who was unfamiliar with Gisela, Rita, seeing the tail wagging behind Gisela, knew that her mistress had definitely done something naughty again. However, her mistress would never do anything to harm her interests, so as her maid, she had no reason to expose her. She simply bowed to Gisela and said:

"Your Highness would be better off waking Prince Rudolf. Although making your subjects wait is a monarch's prerogative, it's still not a good idea," Rita whispered a reminder.

“Yes, Your Highness, please tell Lord Rudolf to get up quickly,” Nika echoed.

“Okay.” Gisela didn’t want to waste time anyway. Seeing that Rita had prepared steps for her, she could just follow them. As for her younger brother’s thoughts, she didn’t need to care that much.

"Rita, quickly prepare a basin of water for me," Gisela commanded her maid in a perfectly normal tone. But this seemingly ordinary order sounded extremely alarming in this context, causing Miss Nika to widen her eyes in disbelief.

"Your Highness, please stop! You can't splash water on your own brother!" This way of waking her up was too harsh, and for a moment Nika's expression showed a bit more fear.

Then she suddenly remembered the rumors circulating in the palace that Rudolf and his sisters were at odds, their political struggles fierce, bordering on ruthless. She'd thought it was just a rumor, but it seemed to have become a reality. Did you think she and Rudolf, as "orphans and widows," could possibly fare well against Princess Gisela, a sorcerer?

"Huh? What are you thinking? I wanted you to help Rudolf wipe his face. Can't you see his face is all stained from crying?" Gisela stood up, walked over to Rudolf, lifted him up like a kitten, and pinched his face to show the two maids. This action successfully woke up the sleeping Rudolf.

"What are you going to do now, my royal sister..." The blond-haired handsome boy suddenly became alert, his eyes filled with a hint of fear.

It has to be said that a 12-year-old boy is the kind of boy that priests like. Perhaps because he hasn't started to grow and develop in a real sense, he looks like a delicate little girl at this age.

“Get up, still sleeping? Our future beloved King of Bohemia, welcome to your loyal Prague.” Gisela’s tone was playful as she reached out and pinched the boy’s nose with her slender finger.

"No, no, no! I don't want to be king. The throne should all belong to my sister!" Rudolf said in a panic, trying to correct her. This scene stunned Nika, who had been looking forward to going to Bohemia to participate in politics.

"What nonsense are you talking about? How could I possibly steal your throne?" Gisela shrugged, sighed somewhat innocently, then handed Rudolph to Nika. After giving Rudolph a warning look, she took Rita's hand and walked out of the carriage.

PS1: My little brother is just a tool, just handle him!

Chapter 146 Irises Withering in the Alps: Capter 7 The Light of Prague

As the music of "God Save Emperor Franz" played, Gisela slowly stepped off the royal train to the sound of the imperial anthem.

The Austro-Hungarian soldiers on the platform noticed Princess Gisela's appearance and straightened their backs, raised the tips of their guns, and saluted her.

Listening to the song, Gisela felt a sense of familiarity, as if she had heard it more than once in later generations.

This sense of familiarity is quite normal, given that "God Save Emperor Franz," also known as the "Emperor Quartet," was composed by Austrian composer Haydn in 1797 as a tribute to the Habsburg family. Its second movement served as the empire's national anthem from its inception until the empire's collapse. However, the melody of this classic piece did not fade into obscurity. In the Weimar Republic of 1922, the Third Reich, and even postwar West Germany, its melody was used as the German national anthem.

Times may change, regimes may change, but this melody that resonates with the core spirit of the German people has continued to resonate into the 21st century, inspiring this nation to remember the past and look to the future.

"Long live the Emperor!" cheers erupted from the welcoming crowd, for they were all now playing the role of "loyal" subjects.

"Long live the Empire!" Gisela shouted along, though she was unwilling, some formalities had to be followed. Just then, Rudolf got off the train.

The officials who had appeared, like ants drawn to a sweet scent, swarmed toward Rudolf, bowing to him with utmost politeness. Gisela was already prepared for this scene; after all, the vast majority of people in the empire now regarded Rudolf as the future emperor, not just an ordinary prince.

Unlike the crowd surrounding Rudolf, Gisela's attention was drawn to the figures standing still, not immediately approaching. Among them were Rania, the daughter of the Marquis of Moravia, her senior at the Magic Academy, and Siemens, the former Prussian engineer on whom she had placed high hopes.

It's worth mentioning that Gisela originally planned to look for Ms. Tesla, but unfortunately, this scientist from the Empire had already left her homeland for the Americas.

"Your Highness, it's been a long time. Look what we brought you." Rania, with her red hair, smiled, rubbed the tip of her nose, and took something that looked like a light bulb from Mr. Siemens's hand.

“This is…” Although it looks like a light bulb, Gisela didn’t dare to call it a light bulb too presumptuously, as that would seem too far-fetched.

"This is a lighting device invented by Mr. Siemens using a generator as its power source. It can emit a strong light that pierces through the darkness." Rania raised her head proudly when this great invention was mentioned, like a cat wanting to show off its achievement to its owner.

The light bulb was a revolutionary invention; its advent greatly enriched how people used their nighttime hours. (Overtime work has become possible, lol)

“Strange?” Gisela rested her chin on her hand, examining the light bulb in her hand. She remembered that the first electric light was invented by Edison around 1880, but why is it here now? You know, it’s 1870 now, which is a full ten years earlier.

"Is there any defect in this light bulb?" Obviously, it's unusual for it to appear so early, and there must be some unsolvable technical problems.

When the issue of defects was mentioned, Rania lowered her head, and Mr. Siemens coughed somewhat awkwardly.

"It can only emit light for about fifteen minutes." In the end, the explanation was handed over to Mr. Siemens. When it came to technical issues, it was naturally more convincing for him to speak.

So it's still just a half-finished product? Gisela couldn't help but sigh inwardly, but she wasn't discouraged. After thinking for a moment, she asked proactively:

"So what materials do you use to make the filament?"

"Copper wire..."

"Copper wire?" Although Gisela was a liberal arts student before coming to this world, she still had some common knowledge about light bulbs. If her memory was not wrong, Edison ultimately chose bamboo wire from thousands of materials and tens of thousands of experiments. That's right, it was bamboo wire. As for tungsten wire, it was only after being improved by Americans in 1906 that it began to be gradually promoted.

Although bamboo is cheap, the empire doesn't produce bamboo at all, so the only way to obtain it is to import it, and the cost of that is not much lower than that of tungsten wire... Moreover, making tungsten wire is something that will have to be done sooner or later.

There were three major challenges to the successful invention of the incandescent light bulb. First, Siemens had already solved the electricity problem. Second, there was the issue of choosing the right gas for the bulb. Inert gases such as neon, argon, krypton, and xenon, as well as metal halides and mercury, were all being experimented with at the time, and these bulbs had a specific name: arc lamps. Third, there was the choice of filament material. A qualified filament must be able to withstand temperatures above 2,000 degrees Celsius and have a long service life.

“I suggest not injecting gas into it, and then using a tungsten filament while evacuating the bulb.” Gisela examined the bulb in her hand as if it were her own treasure.

"Why is Your Highness wearing tungsten wire?" Tungsten, as a non-ferrous metal, is what the ancient Chinese called "heavy stone". The exploration and mining of tungsten in the West began as early as 1781 when the Swedish chemist Scheele discovered scheelite. However, before that, tungsten was used as a by-product in steel manufacturing and as part of alloys, so it was not expensive.

Of course, Gisela was unaware that the use of tungsten as a core component in electrovacuum technology required overcoming another challenge: the processing of tungsten itself, which relied on a technique called powder metallurgy.

"I think the melting point of tungsten wire is higher than we think, and tungsten is also a relatively inexpensive mineral." That was all Gisela could say, since she wasn't a professional.

“But Your Highness, we don’t have the technology to process finished tungsten wires right now.” Mr. Siemens frowned slightly, tapping his cane lightly with his fingers. Although His Highness had provided him with a good idea, its feasibility was still debatable.

“We can try processing tungsten metal using Spanish technology.” Since Gisela entrusted Rania with the task of investing in and building a factory, in addition to her studies, Rania has been diligently studying all kinds of knowledge about industrial production and management experience back in Prague, showing the demeanor of someone who wants to become a technical management guru.

Her father, the Marquis of Moravia, naturally wouldn't object to her studious attitude. It's not a bad thing for young people to enjoy scientific research and experiment with new technologies. The key is that these things are beneficial for them to continue supporting Princess Gisela, which is in line with their family's political interests. After all, Elizabeth has essentially handed over the Brno family to her second daughter.

PS1: It's getting cold QAQ

Chapter 147 Irises Withering in the Alps: Is Captain8 Scary? (Seeking Votes)

"Spanish technology?" Spain? Gisela heard this familiar yet unfamiliar name. This former world hegemon, the super empire that divided the world into two hemispheres, was now in decline. Spain's 19th century had passed by in obscurity.

“Yes! It’s Spain. The Spanish used to mass-produce platinum sponge granules through hot pressing, forging, molding, and sintering. I think we can try using this method to manufacture tungsten wire.” Rania earnestly recalled the information she had inadvertently seen some time ago and put forward her idea.

"Then we can give it a try. What do you think, Mr. Siemens?"

"Your Highness's wishes will be obeyed." As his investor and major financial backer, could Mr. Siemens possibly refuse at this point?

“Alright, it’s settled then.” Gisela waved her hand and called her maid Rita to her side. She took the note that had been prepared in advance from Rita’s hand and handed it to Rania.

"Once this invention is successful, we will first build the first electrified street in Prague, regardless of the cost. At the same time as the street is successfully energized, Siemens will be renamed Deutsche Allied Power Company (in order to expand its power business in the greater German region). The headquarters will be located in Prague, and the factory will be further expanded. You must establish a sound invention reward mechanism. At that time, I will secretly propose a relevant proposal on intellectual property protection to Father."

Although he didn't know what the prince was planning in secret, everything in Prague seemed much more tempting than continuing to be an unknown entrepreneur in Berlin. Besides, it was all for Germany, so why not do it anywhere?

"Rania, have you made any progress with those people I asked you to find?" Gisela brought up another question that she was more concerned about.

"As for Skoda, we didn't find the ordnance engineer Your Highness was looking for. Our family's intelligence network only found a Count Skoda in Bohemia, but he wasn't an engineer either. However, two years ago he bought a machine manufacturing plant from a Czech man named Arno, and the factory is now indeed called the Skoda Factory."

"I need this factory." Although the small factory is still in its infancy, Gisela wants to acquire it because of the sentimental value associated with Škoda, especially since she has an order to place with them. The Imperial Army's re-equipment is imminent, and this will be a considerable expense. Although it's unrealistic for Škoda to take on the entire order given its current size, getting a share of the profits is no problem.

“No problem! Your Highness, I will arrange it for you right away.” The wealth of the Brno family is the tool that Gisela is currently most comfortable using. As for the issue of her loyalty, as long as she firmly grasps this little girl, it is equivalent to grasping the Brno family’s weakness. After all, she is the only daughter of the elderly Marquis of Moravia.

“Your Highness Gisela, the carriage is ready, and His Highness Rudolf is waiting for you.” A courteous gentleman appeared behind Gisela, bowing respectfully.

“Then we’ll part ways for now, and we can talk about it later.” Gisela said goodbye to the two of them and walked towards the station exit with Rita by her side. Meanwhile, Rania picked up the list that Gisela had given her earlier and began to examine it carefully.

"Lady Rania, what did Her Highness the Princess write on it?" Mr. Siemens' tone sounded somewhat uneasy.

"Sir, you can see for yourself." Rania handed the note to Mr. Siemens, watching the departing figure with a helpless sigh.

"He is both an angel and a devil; this prince remains unfathomable."

Inside the carriage —

"Imperial sister, is something on your mind?" The blond, handsome young man observed Gisela nervously for a moment before speaking softly.

"Really? You must be mistaken." Gisela glanced at Rudolf out of the corner of her eye, then reached out to Rita for a mirror.

"Your Highness, this is for you." Rita handed a mirror to Gisela.

"Hmm?" The reflection in the mirror showed that the ears were twitching rhythmically, and the golden hair was sticking up high like a swaying ahoge (cowlick).

"Ha! She really is damn charming!" Gisela muttered to himself. He couldn't deny his own beauty, so he ran his fingers through his hair, his smile becoming even more playful.

“Rudolph…” Gisela suddenly called out her brother’s name.

　 "What is it, Your Majesty?" the young man asked Gisela with some trepidation.

Do you think my sister is scary?

"..."

The carriage, bearing the imperial double-headed eagle insignia, proceeded from the central train station on Königsroad, escorted by the Bohemian Royal Cuirassiers, towards Prague Castle. Although it was already evening, many Prague citizens still chose to light kerosene lamps and gather along both sides of the road, hoping to catch a glimpse of the imperial princess.

After all, the story of this lovely and powerful fox-eared princess had become a household name thanks to the extensive publicity by the Austro-Hungarian media. Two years ago, Princess Gisela, who was only 12 years old, thwarted the plot of the Italian separatists. Last year, Princess Gisela single-handedly turned the tide of the battle in the Battle of Missonde, severely defeating Princess Alexandra of Denmark, who was known as the "Hammer of the North Wind".

In fact, the chances of a decisive battle in a contest between magic users are very rare; most battles are a long process of ebb and flow.

Unfortunately, the citizens of Prague were likely to be disappointed, as the royal carriage was not open-topped. Even if they went out into the streets, they still wouldn't be able to catch a glimpse of the princess. Of course, while there were enthusiastic citizens welcoming her, there were also some ill-intentioned individuals.

Meanwhile, inside a two-story building along the route Gisela's carriage would take, a man wearing a baseball cap was finalizing the loading of his revolvers and the preparation of explosives with his companions. While they didn't expect to kill Gisela, a mage, without her magical armor, their weaponry was more than sufficient to deal with the young crown prince.

As an underground organization of the Czech independence movement, this leader was different from his uneducated and simple-minded comrades. He not only considered the assassination, but also planned how to get away unscathed afterward.

This was a golden opportunity. Unlike Vienna, where security was tight and secret police were everywhere, it was clearly feasible to assassinate Rudolf on their own soil.

PS1: I'm on a business trip, so update times might be irregular, but I'll definitely be posting twice a week.

Chapter 148 Irises Withering in the Alps: Capter9's Points Have Shortcomings (Seeking Votes)

Capter9 indicates a shortness.

"Gentlemen, in 15 minutes the carriage carrying the Habsburg Crown Prince will arrive at our ambush point. These German exploiters have been trampling on us Czechs for centuries. I can't think of any chance of reconciliation with them anymore. So I call on my brothers and sisters, let's take up our guns, light the explosives, let our anger burn over Prague, and let the crown of the white lion return to the hands of our own king." The tall, thin man with glasses stood on a huge wooden crate, looking down at his dozen or so comrades, his tone firm and powerful.

The people below the stage responded to the man's words, raising their hands. At this moment, their morale was high, as if they were really about to do something noble.

After the cheers subsided, the group of militants, filled with hostility towards the Habsburgs, bowed to the Bohemian flag hanging on the wall in the center of the room, picked up their weapons, skillfully concealed them in their backpacks or pockets, and then, organized by the tall, thin man with glasses, left the building in twos and threes, blending into the throng of people.

At this moment, Gisela and her companions' carriage had arrived at Charles Bridge, a landmark of Prague.

This bridge, standing tall over the Vltava River, has a history of nearly 500 years since its completion in 1400. It has witnessed too many of the city's past years. It once carried prison wagons of defeated nobles from the Battle of White Mountain, carrying the shame and resentment of Bohemia. It also carried envoys of the Habsburg emperors, carrying the glory and favor of making the city the new capital of the empire. Prague was captured by the Swedish army during the Thirty Years' War, and the bridge was burned down by the Protestant army. Several times in history, floods have also seriously threatened its existence. But like the Czech people, this bridge has always been able to rise from the darkness and be reborn from the flames of war.

As they traveled across this historic bridge, Gisela gently opened the carriage window to carefully observe the scenery. Interestingly, the bridge features two distinct architectural styles on either side: Baroque on the west and Gothic on the east. These two contrasting styles are like two different worlds, separated only by the river and the bridge, showcasing the captivating charm of Prague.

"Your Highness will arrive soon. Prague Castle will be close once we cross this bridge." Prague Castle, commonly known as the Old Royal Palace, is a building perched atop the highest point in Prague. It served as the palace of the Bohemian kings and was the heart of the Habsburg family's rule over the Holy Roman Empire until the fall of Prague. However, after the Habsburgs moved their palace to the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, the Old Royal Palace became a temporary residence for the family and fell into disuse.

In this respect, the Old Royal Palace has indeed been untouched for over a century, not to mention that the Habsburg-Lorraine dynasty, to which Gisela belonged, had little interest in the city of Prague itself.