Chapter 451: Chapter 364: From Austria to Russia (Long Chapter)_2

She truly deserves to be called the most resolute woman of the late 18th century.

To be honest, even Joseph was tempted by Catherine's proposal for a few seconds.

If France acquired all the rich lands of Western Europe, including the Netherlands and Belgium, to the west of the Rhine River, and most certainly Italy as well—since Austria would be too preoccupied to care, leaving the weakened Italy as easy prey for France—then France would surely soar to great heights, becoming the true hegemon of the European Continent!

However, he quickly cooled down and shook off these impractical thoughts.

It was clear that Catherine intended to draw fire onto France to facilitate Russia's expansion.