Furthermore, with Russia’s concern, if the British interfere with France’s actions in North Africa, Russia would be the first to issue a protest against England.
Joseph returned the letter to Brian, “What do you make of this?”
The latter pondered, “Allying with Russia may not be of much benefit to us in the short term, but in the future, it could be used to constrain countries like Austria and Prussia, and even have a certain influence on the British.”
Joseph thought to himself that Brian’s political vision was indeed not bad.
And he knew that the result of this Russo-Turkish War would be a complete victory for Russia, forcing the Ottomans to sign the Treaty of Jassy. From then on, the entire north coast of the Black Sea would belong to Russia.
Historically, the first to come out in support of Russia was Austria, gaining huge political and strategic benefits as a result,
But this time, Joseph could not let these advantages fall into someone else’s hands again.
He immediately nodded, “I agree with your view. Therefore, at the next Cabinet meeting, you can propose an initiative to ally with Russia and take a tough stance against the Ottoman Empire. In fact, declaring war on the Ottomans could also be one of the options.”
“Very well, Your Highness, I will begin preparations,” Brian acknowledged.
After a series of previous events, Brian had essentially become compliant to Joseph’s advice.
Having discussed international affairs, Brian naturally brought up domestic matters, speaking with admiration, “Your Highness, I have seen the report on potato cultivation in all the provinces. I really don’t know how you persuaded those people to plant so many potatoes. This should make this year’s food supply quite ample.”
Joseph sighed silently: Being barely enough to eat would be good, where would there be a surplus…
He quickly instructed, “Archbishop Brienne, although the potatoes are planted, we must still pay attention to irrigation to combat drought. If possible, I suggest that each parish be equipped with some steam pumping machines. One machine alone can irrigate dozens of acres of land.”
In France, “parishes” were actually administrative units of villages and towns.
Joseph’s suggestion was not without aim. France did not have many large coal mines, but there were many small coal mines scattered across the country. With an appropriate mining policy, it was easy to meet the coal needs of village and town inhabitants.
On this basis, it would also promote the sale of steam engines and form a virtuous cycle.
“This…” Brienne pondered, “The parishes around Paris might manage, but those in more remote areas probably can’t afford this expense.”
Joseph remembered the situation of the farmer Geiszler’s family and nodded slightly, “We could establish some small parish banks, specifically for lending to farmers. However, we need to restrict the interest rates for these banks to prevent them from becoming tools for exploiting farmers.”
Brian immediately agreed, “Your suggestion is excellent. I will formulate a policy right afterwards.”
Joseph then thought of the food transportation issue and continued to give instructions, “Also, we must consider that during the dry season food will not be transportable.
“Therefore, I suggest that each major city should establish strategic grain reserves, appoint officials to manage them, and set up regular storage, retrieval, and inspection mechanisms. Right, especially for Paris, we should build two more.”
France had always been a major grain-producing country in Europe and previously had no concept of establishing grain reserves.
With some confusion, Brian asked, “Your Highness, there isn’t much grain right now, building grain reserves would leave them empty.”
“I’m already thinking of ways for the grain. You just need to issue the decrees to the governors of the provinces as soon as possible,” Joseph responded.
Although Brian felt that with the substantial amount of potatoes, this year’s food crisis should be safely overcome and did not understand why the Crown Prince was still so cautious,
out of absolute trust in Joseph, he still agreed without hesitation.
…
Joseph emerged from his meeting with Brian as dinner time approached and had no choice but to stay overnight at the Palace of Versailles.
After dining with Queen Mary, he returned to the Crown Prince’s bedroom to find Principal Talleyrand already waiting for him there, respectfully.
This was indeed a very active man, smart too; no wonder he had survived several reigns unscathed. Joseph appraised him internally and nodded to the bowing Talleyrand, “Please take a seat, Principal Talleyrand. What brings you to me so late in the day?”
“Your Highness, King Louis XVI said that you are the only one who can save me.”
Talleyrand proceeded to tell him about the obstacles he faced in his promotion to Archbishop. Between the lines, he painted himself as unfairly treated, as pitiable as a homeless kitten in a snowstorm, not uttering a single negative word about Queen Mary.
Joseph couldn’t help but admire his eloquence; no wonder he was the strongest diplomat during Napoleon’s era, truly skilled.
Joseph, however, decided not to beat around the bush and asked directly, “What did you do to displease Her Majesty the Queen?”
Talleyrand paused briefly, then sighed, “Your Highness, you are aware that there have been some rumors about the Queen. I was foolish enough to believe some of them and discussed them with others… The Queen came to know of this.”
Joseph inwardly thought: it doesn’t seem too serious. When it comes to cheering up the Queen, he was quite confident. If he spoke a few words on behalf of Talleyrand, that should be enough to resolve the issue.
So, he looked at Talleyrand and said, “I can help you with this matter.”
“Really?!” The other man was so moved he almost cried, “Your Highness, you truly are an angel sent by the Lord to save us all!”
Joseph quickly raised a hand to stop his flattery, “It’s nothing, Principal Talleyrand.
“However, you should indeed thank His Majesty who has been worried and working hard on your behalf.”
“Yes, yes. His Majesty is always so concerned about me.” Talleyrand looked at Joseph with a probing gaze, “That… could you give me some advice on how to thank His Majesty?”
Joseph smiled slightly, “I hear that His Majesty intends to build a firearms factory soon.”
Talleyrand seemed thoughtful and nodded at the information.
…
The following day, Joseph personally ordered the royal confectioner to make a dozen exquisite desserts and took them to Petit Trianon Palace.
Queen Mary looked at the array of cakes, puddings, and pastries on the table, her eyes twinkling like stars.
Joseph picked up a piece of puff pastry cake, fed it to the Queen, and while she was in high spirits, he quickly spoke of Talleyrand’s issue.
Queen Mary, hugging her smart and amiable son, was in no mood to care about Talleyrand. After hearing a few good words from Joseph about Talleyrand, especially his desire to do something for the country, she graciously promised her son she wouldn’t hold Talleyrand’s past mistakes against him any longer.
All went smoothly.
Joseph then sent for Talleyrand. After the Priest apologized to the Queen with his exceptional oratory and acting skills, she forgave him. Talleyrand took a deep breath of relief and left.
Upon leaving the Queen, Joseph saw Talleyrand waiting for him at the entrance of Petit Trianon Palace.
The Priest approached, overflowing with gratitude. He had sought King Louis XVI for over a year without resolving the problem but was amazed that the Crown Prince had managed it with just a table of desserts.
Without Joseph’s intervention, it wouldn’t have been until the end of the year, after Talleyrand’s father’s death, that he would have been promoted to Archbishop under the Queen’s pity.
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Joseph asked casually, “By the way, Principal Talleyrand, how much do you know about the situation in North Africa?”