She changed Europe

Page 20

Looking back at history, one will find a very interesting thing: those who can enter Italy from the foothills of the Alps will surely be remembered in history.

Chapter 69 The Brandenburg Eagle and the Snows of Jutland: Capter 4 Berlin of Hohenzollern (Seeking votes and collections)

With the train whistle blaring and the train slowing down, Gisela's train officially entered the heart of the Kingdom of Prussia—Berlin, which people in the old days preferred to call Brandenburg.

Berlin was not the core territory of Germany in the traditional sense. Until the establishment of the Holy Roman Empire, it was just a peripheral area with a population of less than a thousand. No one would have thought that hundreds of years after it was incorporated into the empire, it would develop into a large city that was even larger than Vienna, the traditional capital of the empire.

There is no doubt that Berlin is now the largest city in the German region, and the Hohenzollern family, which now rules the Kingdom of Prussia, is undoubtedly responsible for all of this great achievement.

Pulling herself out of her thoughts, Gisela carefully tidied her clothes. Rita had told her more than once that as a noble princess, she must always maintain elegance and grace in her attire. If the princess refused to cooperate due to laziness, then she would have no choice but to resort to the last resort: to criticize and educate the princess's tail.

Indeed, Gisela's greatest weakness has been discovered by her maid, so any mistake in principle will have serious consequences. Just thinking about this, Gisela couldn't help but feel a chill when she glanced at Rita in front of her, and even the fox ears hidden in her hat stood up a bit.

You should know that, in principle, you are the "master"!

"Your Highness, please stand in the aisle first, I'll get your suitcase for you." After saying that, Rita stood on tiptoe and easily reached the luggage rack, after all, Rita's figure can be considered tall.

“Rita, didn’t I tell you to just bring a few changes of clothes? Why is the suitcase so big?” Gisela hadn’t paid much attention to the suitcase when Rita was putting it down, since she was used to being a hands-off manager. But when she focused her attention on it, she realized why Rita had made her stand in the aisle – the suitcase was just too big.

“Your Highness, aren’t these the most basic preparations? For example, your nightgown, your underwear, your stockings, your dress, and…” Rita earnestly counted the types of clothes on her fingers, completely ignoring the fact that the aisle was blocked by luggage.

The passengers, somewhat embarrassed but still smiling, were stuck in the aisle, facing the master and servant duo. After all, everyone in the carriage was a well-mannered and educated person.

But Gisela noticed the stares of others and quickly grabbed Rita, covering her mouth and whispering a warning to her.

These were all essential garments for women of that era, and it wasn't a big deal to say them, but Gisela found it very strange because, in her opinion, it was as bizarre as if she were publicly admitting her "cross-dressing fetish."

After all, Gisela never wanted to see herself as a real girl.

Rita glanced at the passengers waiting to get off behind Gisela and realized her mistake. Of course, her mistake was only because she felt sorry for blocking the aisle, not because she wanted to apologize to Gisela.

Finally, the two of them managed to get off the bus successfully.

“This is my first time in Berlin,” Gisele said quietly, pulling Nishizaki 4 aside.

“Rita too,” Rita chimed in.

If this were her past life, Gisela would definitely take a picture of herself on the Berlin train platform first, and then immediately post the news of her arrival in Berlin on social media. She would definitely receive all sorts of envious comments and warnings about souvenirs.

"So where are we going next?" Gisela was now used to having everything arranged for her before she traveled; yes, that was the convenience that power brought.

“Your Highness, in principle, the Imperial Ambassador to Berlin, Count Klagenforth, should have come to greet you personally, but it seems I haven’t seen the Ambassador.” Rita observed the crowded platform, but did not see the somewhat portly but always amiable Count Klagenforth. She had met this Count once before at a banquet hosted by Empress Elizabeth.

“Count Klagenfort?” Gisela wasn’t a history encyclopedia, and she had no recollection of this ambassador at all, since the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s diplomacy at that time was not particularly remarkable.

"Yes, Your Highness, Earl of Klagenford, you may not remember him, but you met him once, when you were only 4 years old. It was your first time attending a court banquet hosted by Queen Elizabeth. Many important people in the palace held you in their arms. I remember that you, with your exceptional talent, played Mozart's 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' on the piano for the guests."

"Your Highness, because you were still quite petite, Queen Elizabeth was worried that you wouldn't be able to sit on the chairs prepared for the court musicians, so she personally carried you while you played. Your little prince, playing music for everyone, your well-behaved and adorable appearance touched the hearts of countless people." Rita's tone was gentle, her expression filled with nostalgia for the past.

"His Highness hasn't played the piano in so many years." Rita sighed at this thought, and her mood became gloomy.

"Alright! I'll play for you another day." Gisela didn't want to see her maid looking sentimental and nostalgic, so she made the promise directly.

"Ladies, is this your first time in Berlin? Would you like to stay somewhere or..." A short man stopped the two women.

“What if I say I want accommodation?” Gisela, a seasoned traveler, immediately saw through the man’s intentions.

“That’s perfect! Just two blocks from the station is Berlin’s best hotel,” the man said, introducing the place to himself. He was clearly hired by the hotel to solicit customers at the station. This kind of business practice wasn’t unique to China; it was common all over the world. In the latter half of the 19th century, lacking today’s online media for advertising, hotels and inns relied heavily on this rather primitive method, in addition to newspaper advertisements, to increase their visibility.

“Look at all this heavy luggage we’re carrying, do you have a carriage to take us?” Gisela asked, turning around to look at the large suitcase in Rita’s hands.

“Of course, but hiring a carriage will incur an additional price,” the man replied seriously.

"Oh dear! You won't get any customers like this," Gisela sighed at the man.

"Being too honest in this line of work isn't a good thing. If I were you, I wouldn't mention anything about price at this point. Instead, I would focus on introducing your hotel's facilities, accommodations, and service. Price should be discussed after you've actually brought the guests into the hotel. Because by then, considering their pride and the time it would take to find another place to stay, they're less likely to choose a different accommodation if their finances allow." This is the wisdom of our ancestors.

PS1: It should be released this Friday 0v0!

Chapter 70 The Brandenburg Eagle and the Snows of Jutland: Capter 5 Gisela's Business Acumen

Because the internet didn't allow consumers to easily compare prices in this era, there was a severe information asymmetry between buyers and sellers. Companies that could quickly obtain market information and make decisions in this era could naturally take the initiative in this information gap and maintain a significant competitive advantage.

“Miss, what you said makes perfect sense. The principle you just told me is a common phenomenon that exists in reality. I think it’s perfectly reasonable for me to elevate it to a social way of thinking.” The man said, resting his chin on his hand in thought. Compared to when he was a hotel employee soliciting customers, he seemed more confident and natural in his thinking.

"You have inspired me. Perhaps we can gain more unexpected insights by looking at some economic phenomena from a sociological perspective (mass psychology)."

"Excuse me, may I ask what your name is, Miss?"

"My name is Gisela. What is your name, sir?" Gisela showed great interest in the man in front of her. Of course, this interest was in her opinion of him and in his identity, since the man doing this job was obviously highly educated.

"My name is Karl Weber, a little-known jurist from Westphalia. I've come to Berlin to solve a problem that has troubled me for many years: can sociology and economics be analyzed cross-cuttingly, and what role does management play in this?" (Don't be surprised by this idea, as many disciplines are still in their infancy at this time.)

“Yes, they can intersect. I think the intersection of sociology and economics is management. The core purpose of management is to adjust social production relations, and by adjusting production relations, we can improve the efficiency of social production and thus maximize benefits.” Although Gisela didn’t have any impression of Carl Weber, that didn’t stop her from sharing her thoughts with the man in front of her.

Rita watched silently from the side, realizing for the first time the importance of learning. (23333)

"Your Highness! Your Highness! I am very sorry, I was late due to official business." While Gisela was talking with Mr. Karl, a middle-aged man who was a bit overweight but had an air of nobility and greasiness walked towards Gisela's direction, wiping the sweat from his brow with a handkerchief.

“Count Klagenfort, you are anything but punctual, keeping His Highness waiting for a full quarter of an hour.” Rita didn’t forget to criticize the man before her, in order to uphold Gisela’s authority and status.

"Your Highness?" Mr. Karl seemed somewhat surprised to hear the middle-aged man's address.

“Gisella…Gisella…” Mr. Carl repeated the name softly.

"Could you be Princess Gisela of Austria-Hungary?!" The news that the 12-year-old Habsburg princess had cleverly thwarted the Italian independence movement six months ago had already spread throughout Europe. The Austro-Hungarian media, in particular, had given the event extensive coverage. Aside from not revealing the princess's appearance, the name Gisela was already a household name. More importantly, it was rumored that Her Highness was also a powerful magic user…

"Then farewell, Mr. Karl, may we meet again someday." Gisela smiled and said goodbye to Karl, then called Rita and followed Count Klagenford toward the carriage.

Karl Weber rubbed his nose and then chuckled helplessly. He hadn't expected the young Austrian princess to be so knowledgeable. He wished his Max and Alfred were half as smart as this princess.

That's right, Carl Weber was the father of Max Weber and Alfred Weber. As for the great achievements of the two brothers in sociology, economics, political science, and management, those of you working in related fields should know about them.

"Your Highness, welcome to Berlin. By the way, did that commoner do anything disrespectful to you?" Count Klagenfort, despite his noble birth, still retained the arrogance of the old aristocracy and had no fondness for ordinary people of low birth. Even though he appeared very approachable to outsiders, he still looked down on them deep down.

Moreover, since they were in front of the royal family, she naturally had to demonstrate her so-called loyalty in order to gain the princess's favor.

“No.” Gisela’s tone was flat, and she didn’t even look directly at the ambassador. It wasn’t that she was being rude; she simply didn’t like the hypocritical manner of the middle-aged man in front of her.

"So, which places in Berlin does Your Highness intend to visit?" Count Klagenfort, a seasoned veteran of the political arena, had already given Gisela the answer, but out of goodwill, he still posed the question.

What else could a twelve-year-old princess do in a strange city but have fun? Even if the princess before him was the little hero who appeared in the newspapers six months ago, so what? A little girl is still a little girl. Thinking of this, Earl Klagenford's expression became much more relaxed.

“A tour? No need. Rita, just tell him about my planned itinerary.” Gisela glanced at Rita beside her, giving her a meaningful look.

"Your Highness plans to invite some businessmen and entrepreneurs from Berlin to lunch over the next week, and then travel around Berlin to inspect and select factory sites, visit important enterprises and factories in the Berlin area. Of course, it would be even better if there were an opportunity to have a private meeting with the Prussian Prime Minister." If the first few points were Gisela's own interests, the last point was entirely out of consideration for national interests.

Otto von Bismarck, the Iron Chancellor, was a legendary and charismatic German statesman who played a pivotal role in German history. If Otto I was the father of Germany, then Bismarck was the true architect of the modern German nation-state, much like Richelieu was to France. Both were political strongmen with exceptional political acumen, and both were ruthless and decisive, showing no mercy to their enemies. It is precisely this very character that has led to the rise of France and Germany as two of the most powerful nations in continental Europe today.

But none of that matters. What's most important to Gisela is that Bismarck in this world is a woman. The thought of meeting Bismarck, a mage, fills Gisela with curiosity.

"Entrepreneurs? Having lunch together?" Upon hearing this, Count Klagenford frowned. To him, it seemed absurd and beneath the dignity of an imperial princess to meet with a businessman so easily.

“Yes, Lord Count Klagenfort, please do not question His Highness’s decision. These matters were all requested by His Majesty Emperor Joseph himself.” This was the prepared statement Gisela Rita had prepared beforehand. Whenever such trivial matters were involved, she would bring up His Majesty the Emperor to deflect the question. After all, no official would be so idle as to report on matters that did not involve major issues, especially not the “upright and incorruptible” remonstrating officials of the current dynasty.

PS1: I'll be able to update this book a lot once I finish finishing my old book. I'm currently running two books simultaneously because I have to work, so updates won't be very fast 0v0!

Chapter 71 The Brandenburg Eagle and the Snows of Jutland: Capter 6 The Prussian Princess Asked Me to Bring You a Message

“In that case, I need not ask any further questions. And Your Highness just mentioned that you wish to meet with Prussian Chancellor Bismarck, is that right?” Count Klagenfort pulled a letter wrapped in a white envelope from his large robes, sealed with a clay stamp bearing an eagle emblem.

"This is an invitation from Princess Cloris Elizabeth von Hohenzollern, the youngest daughter of King William III of Prussia. She hopes you will attend the banquet she is hosting tonight." (King William III of Prussia is the same William I you are familiar with; after all, it would be illogical to call someone William I when there was no Second German Empire at that time.)

Gisela looked at the letter before her, her feelings complicated. If her memory served her right, only a very small number of Imperial officials should know about her trip to Berlin, and her choice of an ordinary train was precisely to keep a low profile. Yet, she had barely arrived before receiving the invitation; it was simply impossible for the other party not to know.

Thinking about it this way, Prussia's intelligence agency must be incredibly powerful, which made her worry about Mr. Siemens' safety. Indeed, her previous telegram actions were ill-considered.

"Your Highness?" Rita noticed Gisela staring at the envelope without moving for a long time, so she leaned close to Gisela's ear and whispered the question.

“I’m fine, Rita. I was just thinking about something.” Gisela shook her head and took the envelope from the count.

"Your Highness, the Princess of Prussia also asked me to pass on a message to you."

"A message? What message?" Gisela felt inexplicably uneasy about this Prussian princess she had never met before. After all, Gisela hated being passive and being manipulated and controlled by others, because she felt that she had been led by the nose by the Prussians ever since she arrived in Berlin.

"Princess Chloris wishes you to attend the banquet alone. It would be best if your servant remained at the inn." As Count Klagenford relayed the princess's words, he deliberately glanced at Rita beside him, emphasizing the word "servant," indicating that he still harbored resentment towards Rita's earlier reprimand.

“Of course I won’t bring my servants,” Gisela said with a smile, seemingly just echoing the man’s words. In truth, the astute Gisela had already sensed the less-than-friendly malice emanating from Count Klagenford towards Rita.

"How could such an elegant banquet be accompanied by boring servants?" Upon hearing this, a hint of disappointment flashed in Rita's purple eyes, but Count Klagenford found Rita's appearance particularly pleasing.

"The Prussian princess only said that servants were not allowed, but she didn't say that female companions were not allowed." Since the term "female companion" implies that the female companion has the same status as the person invited in the invitation, there is naturally no concept of master and servant. Out of a sense of duty to "protect his wife," Gisela made this decision.

“Your Highness, this is against the rules.” Count Klagenford had not expected Princess Gisela to value her maid so highly, and was at a loss for words.

"Rules?" Gisela glanced at the rather bloated and obese middle-aged man beside her, her tone quite serious.

“Count Klagenforth, Ambassador of the Empire to Prussia,” Gisela raised an eyebrow. Magic energy had been flowing around the two of them without their noticing, and even Count Klagenforth, whose magical energy perception was weak, could sense this change in the air.

Sure enough, these damned old-fashioned nobles still act the same way, clinging to their old so-called glory, enjoying the fruits of their ancestors' bloodshed, without any ambition, locking themselves in their mansions, enjoying treatment that ordinary families could never enjoy in their entire lives. They never listen to what their people really need, just take it for granted and then complain to their peers: "Why are these rioters still not satisfied?"

Do you want to satisfy your petty favors, or your cunning and plunder? Why do the people revolt? Isn't it because you forced them into it? Do you have to wait until you're hanging on a lamppost or on the guillotine to regret it? Gisela had long found these bureaucratic nobles disgusting. Since they met, she had emphasized countless times that there was a difference between nobles and commoners.

"Don't talk about rules in front of me, because from now on I am the rule." Gisela, who had long been fed up with this sarcastic man, stomped her high heel on the ground, creating a horrifying crack in the ground centered on the point of her stomp. Then she turned gracefully and walked towards the carriage, leaving behind a terrified Earl of Klagenford and a relieved Rita.

For some reason, she found His Highness even more charming than usual today…

At this moment, in the Prime Minister's office at the official residence in Berlin—

"I'm not going. This kind of thing that nobles like has nothing to do with an old person like me." The blonde woman in the gray military uniform leaned against her desk, crossed her long legs in black stockings, and opened a bottle of beer with a tool, ready to drink it.

If someone knew her well, they would recognize her immediately—it was Gisela's most desired Iron Chancellor, the Persian cat, no! It was Miss Bismarck.

"Aren't you also an aristocrat?" The woman with long silver-gray hair sat on the sofa, slowly picking up a cup of coffee to drink. After all, Bismarck, in terms of birth, still belonged to the Junker aristocracy, the von Neumann of old Berlin.

"Does Princess Chloris think I look like a noblewoman?" Bismarck spread his hands and twirled in front of Chloris. Her patched and worn military uniform, though her hair was in good condition, was still haphazardly draped behind her back, and even her black knee-high socks were covered in stains. It has to be said that her work appearance was absolutely terrible.

Chloris observed the Prime Minister for a moment before finally finding the so-called aristocratic characteristics.

"Your beauty and figure are just as wonderful as those of a noble lady."

“Ahem! Little Chloris, don’t try to talk like those frivolous noblemen. If your father knew you’d become so glib, he’d definitely give you a lecture,” Bismarck said with a smile.

“If only Father would be willing to lecture me. Right now, all he cares about is my brother Frederick. What difference does it make to him what I’ve become?” As she said this, Chloris’s bloodshot eyes showed a hint of indifference towards family ties.

“To me, you are more like my father, and your love for me far surpasses that of my parents.” Upon hearing Chloris’s words, Bismarck helplessly put down his wine bottle, walked up to the girl, and ruffled her gray hair.

"Fine! I'll go, okay?" Bismarck finally agreed reluctantly.

"I knew this trick would work," Chloris confirmed to herself. She then regained her composure, picked up her coffee again, as if everything before had been a deliberate act.

PS1: It will be available tomorrow! 0v0!

Chapter 72 The Brandenburg Eagle and the Snows of Jutland: Author's Note (Tomorrow's update will be a little late 0v0!)

Five years have passed, and this is now my fifth book. I wrote about a king who wanted to overthrow the Roman Empire by sheer force of will, although the story ended without a trace; I also witnessed the sea of ​​lilies blooming on the banks of the Danube, but ultimately could not escape the judgment of the world; finally, in the turmoil of the French Revolution, the story of a brother and sister was passed down; I look at the experienced proprietress in the antique shop in front of me, who is still waiting to tell her customers about the long and wonderful past; and finally, I look back to China and hope that the brilliance of humanity can shine in the chaotic world of the Eastern Han Dynasty.

This time it seems that everything has returned to the starting point. This book should have been abandoned, but whenever I see readers who have loved it over the past 5 years asking about the sequel, I can't help but feel a little guilty.

Gisela is a beloved child. Some admire her courage, others her wisdom, and still others her awkwardness in front of those she likes. But regardless, her story deserves to continue, even if not everyone will like it. This time, it will have a beginning and an end, so rest assured!

Returning to another question, who is the audience for gender-bending stories? I've thought about this question too... In real life, most boys are instilled with responsibility, courage, obligation, and the idea of ​​giving without expecting anything in return from a young age, as if they were born to live to love others.

But every strong child has a vulnerable side and a longing to be loved. If I were a girl, I could enjoy being loved. If I were a girl, I would dare to do things I wouldn't dare to do. Different perspectives give us a whole new experience, as if our lives have become richer again because of these different perspectives.

Of course, let's leave those digressions aside and set the tone for the book: Gisela is female, likes women, and the roles of top and bottom depend on who she's with. Whether they can become a couple depends on fate, but the empress will never lack suitors in the future.

The main storyline of this book is about how Gisela gradually revitalized the Austro-Hungarian Empire and conquered the European continent. As for why Gisela's Eastern ancestry is mentioned, it's because of the secret of Gisela's bloodline, which you will find out later.

One last thing: It's best to subscribe if you want to fatten up your book, but if you don't, voting is fine too. After all, the future of this book depends on average subscriptions. And writing original content on Shuke is really difficult QAQ, I'm still an old author.

Chapter 73 The Brandenburg Eagle and the Snows of Jutland: Capter 7 The Princess is Unmotivated (First Subscription!)

What does one need to prepare for a dinner party that conforms to the customs of the 19th-century upper class? Gisela looked at the five gowns that Rita had laid out on the large bed for her and fell into endless contemplation. What gave Gisela an even bigger headache was that her maid was still taking out more gowns from that bottomless suitcase.

She longed to wear the simple, smart menswear of gentlemen, because at least those clothes weren't troublesome to put on.

But reality is often cruel. When Gisela saw the kind-faced, despicable maid standing to the side, she realized that what was about to happen was a terrible dress-up game.

"Your Highness! This outfit looks too mature. Your Highness's attire should be more youthful."

"Your Highness! This outfit is too youthful, and the skirt is too revealing. Your Highness could dress a little more conservatively."

"Your Highness! You can't wear this dress like that; you'll tear the button."

“Your Highness, the color of your stockings doesn’t match your outfit.”

"Your Highness, you can't use this perfume, the scent is too..."

"Enough! I've had enough! Get out! Get out!" Gisela was inexplicably irritable and roared at Rita in a way that was completely out of character for her. At this moment, Gisela's fox ears and ahoge stood up high, just like her owner's rising blood pressure.

"Your Highness..." Rita wasn't angry at Gisela's sudden outburst. Instead, she smiled, nodded in greeting, and then carried Gisela's clothes out of the room.

The door was quickly and softly closed with a "thump".

Am I too short-tempered...? Gisela looked around the empty room and suddenly felt a strange sense of guilt, a feeling as subtle as if she had argued with her girlfriend.

Wait a minute! Gisela seemed to realize something more serious: in her haste to take off her clothes, she had thrown her bra and undergarments aside, leaving her in what was undoubtedly that terrifyingly bare state. The feeling of being so refreshed by the loss of coverings was somewhat subtle.