Because the Austrians failed to anticipate the Prussian withdrawal, they hesitated for a few days after discovering the Prussian retreat. Marshal Lacy believed that the Prussians were luring them into a trap. It was not until they learned that the Prussian crown prince had died and Frederick had returned to Potsdam that they marched to the Austrian border.
When European countries learned that Prussia had given up at this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, they all felt sorry for Frederick. When the Russian Empress Catherine II learned about it, she lamented to her ministers: Frederick gave up his last chance in his life.
However, Austria did not launch an offensive against Prussia. Maria Theresa was worried that there would be no room for easing tensions with Prussia. Although there was no direct evidence that the crown prince was killed on the orders of the Austrians, it was solid evidence that the murderer of the crown prince was an Austrian.
European countries strongly condemned the Austrians' blatant behavior. Under external pressure, Austrian Emperor Joseph II had to announce his abandonment of his territorial claims to Bavaria.
It was the first day of October 1778, the day of the funeral of Frederick William II. All the nobles who received the news gathered in the cathedral in Potsdam that morning.
Little William, dressed in a neat suit, was led by Frederick to the front row, and his mother, Princess Louise, stood behind him with several of William's brothers and sisters. As the last note of the Bishop of Potsdam fell, everyone in the church bowed their heads and began to pray.
Amid Louise's sobs, Frederick William II's coffin, covered with the national flag, was buried in a garden behind the Sanssouci Palace.
After the funeral, Frederick took William into the study and pointed to the map of Europe on the table.
"William, because of this sudden accident, our army has been completely withdrawn, but the envoy I sent to Austria came back and told me that Joseph II does not want to end the war like this. What do you think our army should do next?"
William knew that this was a test from Frederick, and he said calmly:
"I think that at present, our army is really not suitable for a large-scale war with the Austrians. Although our army still retains most of its strength, the country is not stable now, and we don't know how many Austrian spies are among us.
So I think we should order the main force of Saxony to dig deep trenches and take a defensive posture. And the Bohemian Front led by Prince Henry should find an opportunity to teach the Austrians a small lesson, so that those Austrians understand that the armistice is a gift to them."
After listening to William's words, Frederick nodded and said:
"William, if Prussia wants to rise, it must unify the entire Holy Roman Empire, and the Habsburg family in Austria within the current empire is our biggest enemy.
When I was a teenager, I went to Vienna, where I was warmly received by the then Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI. Charles VI accepted me as his godson. I am very grateful to him, as he was really good to me.
But in Vienna I also realized the gap between Prussia and Austria, and I swore that sooner or later Prussia would surpass Austria.
That autumn, I met a girl in the Vienna court. The girl was very beautiful, cheerful and generous. Being with her always made you feel warm and free of worries.
Later I learned that the girl was my godfather's daughter, Maria Theresa. I asked my father to ask the godfather for marriage, and the godfather agreed.
But later, due to the opposition of Maria and Prince Eugene, he overturned his promise to me. I was not reconciled. Why should I oppose it? How was the husband that woman found better than me? As long as we were together, the Holy Roman Empire would become the most powerful country in Europe, no, in the world.
Later, when my godfather died, the War of the Austrian Succession broke out. I told Maria that I would help her if she would give me Silesia, and I would go to Vienna myself to fight for her, but she refused.
When Austria was in the most dangerous situation, she promised to give me Silesia. I immediately stopped attacking Austria. Countries led by France accused me of despicable behavior, but I really couldn't bear to hurt her.
But after she gained the upper hand in the war, she wanted to take back Silesia. I was finally irritated by her and I could not tolerate her playing tricks on me again and again.
I decided to stick with her, and I would fight her as long as she wanted, and I would never give in to her. The Seven Years' War that followed was all a game between me and her.
Now I don't care about it anymore, William. I just want to tell you that there is no emotion between countries. If you want, don't care what others think, just do what you want.
Everyone has to take risks in their life, William, the future of Prussia is in your hands." After Frederick finished speaking, he motioned for William to leave. William saluted Frederick, responded, and left.
"Maria, you're not that old anymore, haha... God won't give you longevity, haha..." Frederick's laughter echoed in the room.
When little William returned to his room, he found old Hans, Rocks and old Zitten in his room.
"William, starting tomorrow, you will learn more things. I hope you will work hard," Prince Henry said immediately after seeing little William.
"Yes, Your Highness, you need to grow up as soon as possible. His Majesty's health is really worrying," Rocks said from the side.
Little William thought about it. Although Frederick died in 1786 in the original history, his stepfather had died earlier. Under the influence of the bad news, Frederick's health would definitely be affected.
"Thank you all for your concern. I will definitely work hard. Please do your best to teach me. Thank you very much," William said to everyone.
"Your Highness, I have something to explain to you. Now that your status has changed, I will conduct a strict review of your attendants. Please understand," Rocks said to William apologetically.
"It's okay, Your Majesty, I can understand your approach. By the way, I wonder if those damn assassins have been caught," William said to Rocks.
"I'm sorry, Your Highness. Although I mobilized all my men to search, I couldn't find Lichtnau and his butler Ryan. I only found their carriage in the woods outside the city," Rocks replied.
"Have you searched the city yet?"
"I have found them all, Your Highness."
"I guess that woman must still be in the city. She can't have run far. Lord Rocks, I ask you to search the city again."
"Yes, Your Highness, as you wish," Rocks agreed in a low voice.