Chapter 20, Conspiracy

The failure of the market strike shook the prestige of the bourgeois leader, Mr. Verris, and many were skeptical of his ability to lead everyone in compelling the government to make concessions.

In contrast, the Bourgeois Revolutionary Party became active again. A fraction of the capitalists changed their stance, covertly allying with the revolutionaries in an attempt to overthrow the Vienna Government and establish a bourgeois regime.

Of course, as much as they desired it, it was out of the question for them to raise the flag of rebellion. Even if a revolution were necessary, it could only be others who took the lead. They all had enormous wealth at stake, and their lives were far too valuable to risk.

All being clever, the frailty of the Austrian Empire had not yet been exposed. Rebelling at this point could easily lead to becoming martyrs.

Most capitalists lacked confidence in the Revolutionary Party, still relying on the prospect of non-violent struggle to pressure the government into concession.

A banquet was being held at an estate on the outskirts of Vienna, where the host, Mr. Verris, was giving a fervent speech.

Indeed, this was the banquet movement that had spread from France, but it seemed to suffer in the Austrian soil, attended only by capitalists and a handful of scholars who had been beguiled by liberalism.

"Gentlemen, we must unite. We failed last time because we did not act in unison, which allowed the enemy to defeat us one by one!

If we stand together and resist, the enemy will inevitably be vanquished, and victory will ultimately belong to us.

There is no need for revolution, no need for bloodshed. We can beat the enemy at our own game, in our own arena, and doing so is not difficult!

As long as..."

Not everyone was pleased with Verris's speech, least of all the revolutionaries who had come to the banquet.

"Mr. Verris, do you genuinely believe that such bloodless resistance can force the enemy to yield? Wake up, the decayed Vienna Government will not heed the people's cry. True freedom can only be achieved through revolution..."

Before he could finish, Verris roared angrily, "Who let him in? Throw this bastard out immediately; he wants to get us all killed!"

Damn, shouting about revolution so openly, as if the Vienna Government's secret police were idiots!

Verris wasn't the only one enraged; many of the capitalists at the banquet were furious as well. Even if there were a revolution to consider, it should be discussed in private. We could secretly support you, but by being so indiscreet, you put us all in a difficult spot, didn't you?

To support the revolution? It probably wouldn't be long before we'd all be thrown into prison. With so many attending this banquet, who could say there weren't traitors among us?

We must oppose, we must resist, it concerns our safety. Capitalists are very cautious when their own welfare is at stake, and they vehemently denounced the Revolutionary Party, as though they were all paragons of loyalty and patriotism.

Vienna is not Paris; revolutionary fervor isn't as intense here, and the Vienna Government isn't as unpopular as the July Monarchy. Not everyone is eager to rebel.

The intervention of the revolutionary had disrupted the speech, turning the gathering into a clandestine meeting.

The "Labor Protection Law" still wielded considerable force; even the servants hosting the banquet were among its beneficiaries. Anyone of them might, in a moment of fervor, betray their masters. Caution was paramount.

"Mr. Verris, do you truly believe that manipulating market prices can make the government concede? Keep in mind the nobility's influence is not insignificant. If they take measures against us, we might end up losing more than we bargained for," said the capitalist Hamm, voicing his skepticism.

The two were business rivals who had come together over a common interest, but that did not dissolve the tensions between them.

Verris explained, "It is precisely because of the Nobility that we will ultimately prevail. Don't forget our Prime Minister is an advocate for the abolition of serfdom. The Nobility, not wanting to oust him, would rather not risk him enforcing legislation like he has this time, would they?"

The moderate capitalist Feilude joined in, "Mr. Verris is right. Metternich, that wretched old bastard, has made plenty of enemies over the years. There's no shortage of people wanting to see him out of office.

Once that crafty fox is gone, the new Prime Minister won't have his prestige. Without making concessions to us, he won't be able to stabilize the situation!"

Feilude and Verris shared similar political ideals; both opposed violent revolution, advocating for rights through bloodless means.

It was a matter of interest; as some of the leading capitalists in Austria, they each owned extensive industries.

A revolution would mean a reshuffling of interests, and failure would equate to utter financial ruin.

Verris continued, "Mr. Hamm, the Nobility aren't saints either. By manipulating prices, we can fully involve them too. Let everyone make money together. When it comes down to their own interests, they will not stop us.

We only need a fifth of the Nobility on our side, and Metternich will be powerless. This time our slogan is to bring down Metternich!

Issues such as repealing the 'Labor Protection Law,' constitutional government, and universal suffrage can wait, to be taken up with the next administration."

Clearly more cautious after one failure, Verris was not prepared to risk as much as before.

The "Labor Protection Law" was a tool used by the Conservative Nobility to strike at the bourgeoisie and was unlikely to be repealed without a fight.

Constitutional government and universal suffrage, even less so; such calls would face immediate and comprehensive resistance from the Aristocratic Group.

But focusing solely on ousting the Prime Minister Metternich was a much easier target, as even within the Nobility, there were plenty who opposed him.

Hamm considered and said, "I'll trust you one more time, but what about the revolutionaries that showed up today? We're all smart here; no need for pretenses!"

Feilude sneered, "Is that even a question? Of course, we need to draw a clear line. You're all aware of what went down during the French Revolution. Who would want to go through that again?"

Hamm replied sarcastically, "Mr. Feilude, let's forego the sanctimonious rhetoric, shall we?

I know everyone here has been in touch with them behind the scenes. What I'm wondering is whether you've considered increasing your support just to tie up some of the Government's resources—not that they need to succeed, just to provide a distraction."

Verris interjected quickly, "Mr. Hamm, let's put an end to this joke. I certainly have never made the acquaintance of any revolutionaries!"

Unlike the bold Hamm, Verris, older and vested in large enterprises, was no longer willing to take risks. Secretly funding the revolutionary activities was the limit of what he was prepared to do.