The Navy Minister took a moment before he understood that the naval base the Crown Prince referred to was in places like Algiers and Tunisia, where Barbary pirates were entrenched.
“However, in the Barbary Coast region, the impact on the Ottoman Empire would be limited. The Gulf of Sidra might be more…”
Seeing him persist, Joseph subtly gave Brian a look. The latter immediately cleared his throat and said, “Marquis of Castries, you know that our finances are extremely tight, so there is no additional allocation for this operation.”
No funding? Hearing this, the Navy Minister’s enthusiasm deflated, muttering, “But even showing force near the Barbary Coast requires funds.”
Joseph smiled, “That’s why we need to bring in the United States and Spain for a joint operation.”
Queen Mary looked with interest at her son, “Joseph, why involve Americans and Spaniards?”
“Because the Americans can pay,” Joseph said. “Their merchant ships in the Mediterranean are often attacked by the Ottoman Navy. We can ask them for 600,000 livres to help protect their merchant ships.”
“Oh, and since we’re doing a joint operation, the United States will also need some decent warships. I believe they would be willing to buy a couple of escort ships from us.”
The United States of now is not the world police of later years. They had just recently founded their country and were as poor as ghosts, with virtually no navy. Selling them two of France’s old escort ships would make those ships the main force in their navy.
The Queen nodded, “What about the Spaniards?”
“They can provide warships. The Barbary Coast has a lot of Spanish interests, and they are more eager than we are to expel Ottoman power from there.”
Without missing a beat, Brian chimed in, “Your Majesty, I think that the Crown Prince’s proposal is highly feasible.”
Queen Mary smiled in agreement, the Americans would provide money, the Spaniards would provide ships, and France would gain favor with Russia. Could there be a better deal?
She turned to Brian, “Archbishop Brienne, please draft a detailed plan for the operation against the Ottoman in alliance with Russia, and for activities in the Mediterranean. Submit it to me as soon as possible.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Actually, the corresponding plans have already been drawn up.” Brienne placed a thick stack of documents in front of the Queen.
“Oh, your efficiency is truly astonishing.”
“Thank you for your praise,” Brian smiled and continued, “I intend to send Viscount Leonidas as the King’s representative to Russia. If the Empress of Russia offers suitable terms, we might even agree to declare war on the Ottoman Empire.”
Just as Queen Mary was about to nod, the Foreign Minister, Vilran, frowned and said, “Archbishop Brian, it was I who brought back the Empress Catherine’s letter last time. Why replace me with Viscount Leonidas for this mission?”
Brian thought, of course, it was to prevent you from taking credit for this diplomatic achievement.
However, on the surface, he said earnestly, “Earl Vilran, there are other, more important tasks for you.”
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“Oh? What could be more important right now than a mission to Russia?”
“You will represent His Majesty the King of France on a trip to Constantinople.”
Constantinople was the capital of the Ottoman Empire known as Constantinople, and in modern times as Istanbul. However, “Constantinople” was the name given after the Turkish people captured it; Catholic countries still preferred the name given by the Romans – Constantinople.
Vilran was taken aback, “To Constantinople for what?”
“It is very important,” Brienne said gravely. “We must minimize the chance of the Ottoman Empire turning its sights towards the Mediterranean as much as possible.
“So, you must convey to Hamid I that we are striking at the Barbary pirates to secure free trade in the Mediterranean.”
Several Cabinet Ministers inwardly chuckled upon hearing this, having just now been resolutely talking about attacking the “Ottoman Navy,” the subject had swiftly changed to the “Barbary pirates.”
Vilran immediately realized this was a setup against him. Did the Ottomans even have time to “shift their focus to the Mediterranean” with Russia exerting such pressure on their northern front?
But what could he say? Could he say “I won’t go”? Wouldn’t that just give Archbishop Brian a pretext to dismiss him?
Just then, the previously silent Duke of Orleans suddenly spoke up, “Archbishop Brian, if we were to ally with Russia, it would surely enrage the Ottomans. Given the circumstances, sending Count Vilran to Constantinople might be quite unsafe.”
It was not the first or second time that the Ottoman Empire had detained or even killed envoys from Catholic countries for various reasons. Of course, those countries often treated Ottoman envoys with similar discourtesy.
Joseph immediately looked at Vilran and spoke earnestly, “Count Vilran, this is the time to demonstrate your professionalism as a diplomat!”
Vilran, frustrated, could only nod with a gloomy face, “I shall fulfill the mission as an envoy.”
Brian discussed some further details of the operations in the Barbary Coast. Once Queen Mary had signed the action plan, he smiled and pulled out another document, “Next, we need to discuss a proposal put forth by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince regarding the establishment of grain reserves in major cities.”
Suddenly, Joseph had an idea and said to Vilran, “Count Vilran, upon arriving in Constantinople, you must immediately inform our ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, instructing him and the embassy staff to return to France as soon as possible.”
“Ah?”
“We might declare war on the Ottomans, which would put them in grave danger.”
Vilran’s face nearly turned green—after all this talk, you know it’s not safe there! Why aren’t you saying the ambassador to the Ottomans should show “diplomatic professionalism” now? So it’s just me who needs to be professional, is that it?!
With clenched teeth, he forced out a few words, “Alright, I will remind them of that.”
Subsequently, everyone began discussing the proposal concerning grain. Since there was a consensus on this matter, the proposals were smoothly passed.
Joseph even managed to secure an additional three million livres in special funding for purchasing grain. This was all the money the French finances could muster for now.
After the Cabinet meeting concluded, all the ministers left satisfied, except for Vilran and the Duke of Orleans, who had grim expressions.
Joseph stepped out of the golden door, recalling the message Freselle had sent that morning about the completion of preparations for the Paris Fashion Week, and decided to check on the Tuileries Palace.
Just as he rounded a corner in the corridor, he suddenly felt as if he was being watched by eyes filled with silent resentment.
He quickly turned to look and saw two Sicilian princesses bowing their heads and kneeling quietly to the side, paying their respects.
What was wrong with the young girls?
Joseph suddenly slapped his forehead—of course, he had promised to take them sightseeing around Paris, but had been so busy he completely forgot…
He hurriedly stepped forward and placed his hand over his heart in a gesture of politeness, smiling, “Beautiful princesses, would I be so honored to have the pleasure of exploring Paris with you?”
Princess Maria’s eyes instantly cleared of any silent resentment, and she smiled radiantly, nodding repeatedly, “Thank you for your invitation, Your Highness, I would be delighted!”