Inside Rome, the lingering heat of summer still remained, but the vegetation had already begun to wither, announcing the arrival of autumn.
Leisure time is always short-lived; after a few days of rest, and not yet fully out of the joy of victory, the Papal States' soldiers were once again about to embark on a new journey.
"Your Holiness, did you call us here to give us further instructions?"
As the army was about to depart, Karl, Duke, Giovanni, and Riccardo were summoned to the Papal Palace.
After resting for a few days in Tuscany, Riccardo returned to the Papal States with his army.
Grand Duke Ferdinand did not blame Riccardo for the heavy losses, but instead greatly commended Riccardo for his bravery in battle, and replenished Riccardo's troops with soldiers and weapons.
When he returned to the Papal States, the army Riccardo brought had even greater numbers and combat power than before.
Augustus made a gesture, signaling everyone to sit down, and then unhurriedly had a servant serve tea to each person.
At this moment, Duke was very anxious, and Karl was also very anxious, eager to show off their skills.
Augustus's actions were telling them: I know you are very anxious, but don't be anxious yet; on the battlefield, you must never be anxious.
"Your Holiness, stop beating around the bush, just tell us what instructions you have, and we will firmly remember them." This battle held extraordinary significance for Karl, so the usually calm and collected Karl was uncharacteristically more anxious than Duke.
Karl seemed to have completely missed his intention, and Augustus felt a faint sense of unease, so he had to speak plainly: "Karl, you have always been calm and collected, why are you so impatient today?
Impatience on the battlefield is a great taboo in military strategy! When you get to the Hungary battlefield, you cannot be like this!"
Karl was slightly stunned for a moment, then nodded thoughtfully: "Understood, Your Holiness, I will remember that."
Karl's reaction made Augustus feel a little more at ease, but he still had some concerns; however, with the arrow already on the string, it was impossible to change commanders at the last minute.
After thinking about it, this was the only way.
Duke seemed to have seen through Augustus's thoughts, and patted his chest, guaranteeing: "Your Holiness, you can rest assured!
Previously, the Venice Navy was also boasted as invincible, but we still annihilated them in just a few short hours!
Now that we have integrated the strength of Venice, and our morale is high, our power is even greater than before; we will surely defeat the Ottoman Empire like we destroyed the Venice Republic, sweeping them away like withered leaves!"
Seeing that his generals were all overly confident, Augustus felt deeply worried and immediately poured cold water on them: "Never think that way.
The combat power and will to fight of the Ottoman Empire are far from comparable to Venice; even after many years of fierce fighting, they should not be underestimated.
As soon as we enter the battlefield, the Ottoman Empire's army is very likely to have their fighting spirit re-ignited, attempting to deliver a heavy blow to us to force us to retreat.
Everyone must not underestimate the enemy and advance rashly because of the victories achieved before; the Hungary battlefield is a completely new and huge test for our army!"
Giovanni deeply agreed: "Understood, Your Holiness, our Navy's plan is: after transporting the main army to the Balkan Peninsula, we will first sweep the Ottoman Empire's coastal navy and merchant ships, and then enter the Danube River from the Black Sea estuary.
On one hand, this can further ensure the logistics of the main army, and on the other hand, it can continue to assist the main army in movement and combat.
Coupled with Austria's naval power, we will have an absolute advantage on the Danube River.
At that time, the main army can advance along the Danube River, and the Danube River will be like a sharp blade, directly piercing into the heart of the Ottoman Empire!"
After hearing Giovanni's plan, Augustus couldn't help but slam the table in admiration: "Excellent! Your plan is very good!
With the Navy's coordinated operations, our Papal States' army can be said to advance and retreat freely; under advantageous conditions, we can quickly pursue, and if the situation is unfavorable, we can immediately withdraw.
However, there is one thing that you all must pay attention to.
The objective of this operation is different from the previous attack on Venice; we are not truly seeking to destroy the Ottoman Empire in one battle, which is also an impossible task.
Entering the Hungary battlefield, we are merely fulfilling our promise; even if we achieve great results, we may not necessarily benefit, so we do not need to take too great risks for possible results, nor do we need to put our army in an extremely dangerous situation.
Preserving our strength is the most important thing, and you must firmly remember this."
"Understood, Your Holiness, you have emphasized this matter repeatedly so many times, how could we not remember it!
However, if the Ottoman Empire is vulnerable and there is a suitable opportunity for battle, we cannot waste it, can we?
What's more, we also have Giovanni's Navy for support, so we are already in an invincible position."
Augustus originally wanted to say something more to admonish them, but after thinking about it, what Duke said seemed to be correct, so he directly moved on to the next topic: "In addition, there is another matter that also needs attention.
Austria's army has been fighting for a long time, their high-level government is unstable, and the army itself is a mixed bag, with mercenaries, regular soldiers, militias, and even recruited bandits, mountain brigands, and pirates from various places.
Although our army's entry will greatly boost morale, their combat power and will to fight are still very poor, and they are very disorganized.
In order not to affect our army's combat power, even if there is a need for coordinated operations later, you must clearly distinguish yourselves from them and absolutely not get entangled with them.
You can let them cooperate with us to achieve our strategic objectives, but you must never let them influence our strategic objectives.
Do you understand what I mean?"
"You can let them cooperate with us to achieve our strategic objectives, but you must never let them influence our strategic objectives…" Karl silently recited this sentence several times, carefully pondering its meaning.
"Doesn't this mean we can use them as cannon fodder, but we can't let them use us as cannon fodder! Understood! Our army's soldiers are also our brothers who have gone through life and death together, and their lives are naturally what we commanders cherish the most!
Who would risk the lives of their own brothers for unrelated people!" Duke said bluntly.
Augustus felt a bit ashamed; the words were crude but the meaning was not, it seemed that was indeed what he meant, but Duke stating it so directly made him feel somewhat sinful.
After thinking about it, Augustus gave a positive evaluation: "It's correct for you to think that way, but everyone has their own understanding, you will gradually comprehend it, and I believe that by then you will all understand the meaning of this sentence!"
"Oh, that's right.
Also, Riccardo, our army can be said to be merely coping in this battle, and you in Tuscany don't need to push yourselves too hard.
Last time in the attack on Venice, you suffered such heavy losses; although we tried our best to compensate, no amount of money can bring back so many vibrant lives, and I still feel very sorry."
Augustus was not just saying pretty words, but was sincere; if every battle caused heavy casualties to allies, then afterwards, if he wanted allies again, others would have to seriously reconsider.
Although they were both allies, Tuscany and Austria were fundamentally different in nature.
"Understood, thank you for your kindness, Your Holiness.
A soldier's duty is to be loyal to their country, and they should not fear death, but this certainly does not mean making meaningless sacrifices; I have noted your words."