Mirabeau strode quickly into the Crown Prince’s study and handed his hat to Eman before bowing to Joseph, “Your Highness, from yesterday until half an hour ago, a total of 41 people have written to Her Majesty the Queen or had direct audiences to express their opposition to the proposal to abolish noble privileges.”
As he spoke, he handed over a list: “Most of them are influential high nobility.”
Joseph took the list and, with a smile, gestured towards a chair on the side, “Please, take a seat.”
He glanced over the paper and nodded, “Hmm, just about what I expected, mostly those from the Assembly of Notables. It makes things easier to handle this way.”
Behind the grain crisis in the southern provinces, there was the considerable handiwork of those fellows from the Assembly of Notables – Joseph certainly hadn’t forgotten about them.
After dealing with the military, he had deliberately not implicated others, just so they would let down their guard.
The Duke of Mushi, who had originally presented the “palace coup” document signed by more than twenty generals to the Queen, had openly leaped out these past two days, rallying the nobles to oppose the abolition of their privileges, acting utterly fearless.
Well, his name was the first on Mirabeau’s list.
In reality, it was Louis XVI and Queen Mary who had spoiled these nobles with their ways, always thinking that as long as one had enough reputation and there were many participants, the Royal Family would not touch them.
So this time, they thought it would be just like before – with the military bowing down to the Royal Family, these “peripheral” members would be in the clear.
In reality, Joseph just felt that dealing with them directly would not yield serious enough charges. He figured they would end up with nothing more than a scolding and a fine. Therefore, he had kept them in suspense.
Now, he was almost ready, just in time to deal with them along with the stubborn, conservative forces of the Palace of Versailles all at once.
Joseph pocketed the list and looked calmly at Mirabeau, “Have all arrangements been made in the western and southern provinces?”
The latter nodded, “Yes, Your Highness, everything has been arranged as per your orders. The funds and registers were prepared half a month ago.”
“Very good,” Joseph smiled, “Then let’s begin. The Police Affairs Department will also give you their full cooperation.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Mirabeau bowed slightly to signal his understanding, then suddenly remembered the Crown Prince’s astonishing plan and couldn’t help but show a look of hesitation, “Your Highness, isn’t this action a bit too drastic?”
Joseph sighed inwardly, Ah, you Feuillants, always so indecisive and full of compromise. If it weren’t for my fear of the Jacobins causing an uproar that couldn’t be subdued, I would have sent Mala and Danton to handle this.
He gravely said to Mirabeau, “Given the current situation in France, even with the same resources as England, it is impossible for us to win the industrial competition. Not to mention our colonies and trade routes are significantly behind the British.”
“The power of the Old Nobility is a major impediment to industrial development; they occupy a large amount of land and labor, yet contribute nothing to the nation’s progress. We must take advantage of this rare opportunity to weaken them as much as possible.”
“Ordinary measures are just too slow. It is only by using this method that we can see quick results.”
“You know, the ‘Eden Treaty’ can only protect our industries for three years. Not even three years, because the British, as soon as they find the situation unfavorable to them, may very well tear up the treaty at once. We must make the most of our time!”
Joseph was well aware that to complete the industrialization of the nation, the Capitalist Nobility needed to be given a voice, to become the pillars of the state. It was precisely by taking this initial step that the British had become the world’s dominant power.
The tidal wave of the transition from feudal to capitalist was unstoppable by anyone, and rather than letting the pure capitalists seal the fate of the Royal Family, it was better to actively support the emerging force within the nobility, the Capitalist Nobility.
Inherently close to the Royal Family, the Capitalist Nobility would naturally support the monarchy since everything they held was acquired through its efforts.
As for the concentration of royal power seriously hindering the development of capital? That was an issue that only appeared in history.
With a 21st century mind, he could implement various advanced reforms and policies much faster than the groping bourgeoisie, and without taking any detours.
One could even say, the greater his power, the faster and more smoothly France’s industry, technology, and capital would develop.
Mirabeau was somewhat moved, finally casting aside the thought of compromise, and stood up to touch his chest, “Your Highness, I understand. I will not let anyone hinder the prosperity of France!”
Of course, his dedication in serving the Crown Prince was rooted in the fact that he was a typical representative of the Capitalist Nobility. The Crown Prince’s current endeavors would greatly boost the development of national industry and commerce, precisely what they desired.
Mirabeau paused, then inquired, “Your Highness, in this proposal, there’s only content about abolishing nobility privileges, but the ‘Grain Production Law’ you mentioned earlier isn’t included… “
Joseph smiled and nodded, “There’s also the abolition of local tariffs, the revocation of toll booths everywhere, all of which will be promoted later on.
“But if you add all these contents at once, it will inevitably bring great resistance—not just from the Old Nobility Forces but also from the governors of the provinces.
“So we will introduce a little at a time, and after the opposition forces reluctantly accept it, we will introduce a little more, until all our goals are fully met.
“Oh, this is called the ‘salami slicing’ strategy.”
Mirabeau’s eyes widened, astonished by the Crown Prince’s mind full of such cunning methods… cough, no, the term should be exquisite strategies.
“Praise your wisdom, Your Highness,” he said hastily bowing before exiting the study.
Joseph, on the other hand, pulled out the plans for implementing police reform nationwide and was making revisions when he saw Mirabeau return.
The latter hurriedly bowed and then said somewhat urgently, “Your Highness, it seems Duke of Mushi has persuaded the Count of Artuwa. The Earl is currently at the Petit Trianon Palace.”
Although the Count of Artuwa was just an earl by title, he was no ordinary one; he was the brother of Louis XVI, with immense influence. In history, he held another title, Charlie X—the last King of the Bourbon Dynasty[Note 1].
Joseph was not surprised by this; the Count of Artuwa had always been an extreme conservative, and he was certain to strongly oppose the abolition of noble privileges.
The Count of Artuwa and Queen Mary were very close, and his influence on this matter couldn’t be ignored.
After thinking for a moment, Joseph said to Mirabeau, “Perhaps we could give Duke Mushi another push, you find someone to persuade Lady Adelaide to also speak to Her Majesty the Queen. You know she definitely opposes the abolition of noble privileges too.”
Marie Adelaide was the daughter of Louis XV, the current King’s aunt.
Mirabeau blinked in confusion, “Are you, are you serious?”
[Note 1]Charlie X was forced to abdicate after the July Revolution, and his heir became the King, that is, Louis XIX. However, Louis XIX abdicated only 20 minutes after acceding to the throne. Thus, Charlie X is usually considered the last King of the Bourbon Dynasty.