The Crown Prince of France - Chapter 227

Chapter 227: Winds of Change in Europe

Topkapi Palace.

Sultan Hamid I, seated on a broad square chair, watched as Yusuf entered the room. He pressed his hand against the cushion in an attempt to sit up straighter, but the weakness of his muscles made him abandon the effort.

His years of confinement before the age of 43 had left his body in poor condition. Though he was now only 64, his frailty betrayed the signs of a waning life.

Raising his hand, he gestured for the Grand Vizier, Yusuf, who was bowing in greeting, to rise. In a voice that clearly lacked strength, he asked, “Is there news from Maghreb?”

The term “Maghreb,” meaning “land of the setting sun” in Arabic, was historically used by the first Arabs to arrive in North Africa to refer to the central and western parts of the region.

The Grand Vizier Yusuf nodded with a troubled expression. “Your Majesty, it is true that the Algerian Janissaries acted on Sayyid’s orders... He even used your name.”

Hamid I sighed. “Where is he now?”

“His servant returned to Constantinople last night, reporting that Sayyid had thrown himself into the Mediterranean half a month ago.”

“He preserved the dignity of an imperial envoy.”

Yusuf lowered his head. “Your Majesty, regarding the matter of Tunisia being annexed by France, what is your opinion?”

Hamid I gazed down at the patterns on the carpet, then waved his hand again. “Send someone to France to convey the Empire’s stance.”

After a moment’s thought, he added cautiously, “But let the tone not be too harsh. We must focus our strength on dealing with the Russians.”

Just days ago, Russian General Potemkin had divided his forces into six columns to launch a coordinated assault on the Ochakov Fortress. In mere hours, they had captured this strategic town on the northwest side of the Black Sea.

In the battle, Potemkin’s forces killed or captured over 13,000 Ottoman soldiers, paving the way for an advance toward the Danube.

“Speaking of Russia,” Hamid I glanced at Yusuf, “what preparations have you made?”

Although military matters were not directly under the Grand Vizier’s purview, as the Ottoman Empire’s equivalent of a prime minister, Yusuf was well-informed about troop deployments.

“The situation is grim...” Yusuf hesitated before continuing. “Austria and Russia are both increasing their forces. The generals believe we must do everything in our power to prevent their armies from linking up.”

“The preliminary plan is to assemble 150,000 troops by next summer to reach the Danube region, retake Bender and Akkerman one by one, and sever the Austro-Russian connection. Then we’ll move to recapture Ochakov.”

“150,000 troops...” Hamid I nodded. “What are the odds of defeating the Russians?”

“With our numerical advantage, we should be able to win.”

The Sultan motioned for Yusuf to step closer. Leaning forward, he whispered, “If we still cannot prevail this time, then find a way to negotiate peace with the Russians. Surrendering the northern shores of the Black Sea may buy us some tranquility...”

Little did Joseph anticipate that his actions in North Africa would accelerate the collapse of Ottoman morale. The Ottomans, who had originally planned to fight to the last soldier and only relinquished the northern Black Sea three years later due to exhaustion, now found themselves losing the will to resist Russia entirely.

...

London.

10 Downing Street.

British Prime Minister Pitt the Younger pushed the resignation letter on his desk back toward the Duke of Leeds and looked up at him. “There’s no need for this. North Africa was never part of our sphere of influence, and this time fortune favored the French. Your strategies were not flawed. I can protect you in Parliament.”

“Hollis acted on my orders, and he is dead.” The Duke of Leeds shook his head calmly. “Someone must bear responsibility for this, and that person cannot be you.”

Pitt fell silent.

Hollis, a member of the Whig Party and Pitt’s political opposition, had conveniently “committed suicide” to quell the diplomatic fiasco stemming from the “instigation of a Tunisian attack on the French.”

Meanwhile, the Duke of Leeds had spent nearly £700,000—a colossal sum—only to fail in preventing the French from securing Tunisia, resulting in a significant debacle.

The Whigs would undoubtedly seize upon this series of events to launch an attack in Parliament. Pitt’s position as Prime Minister, already precarious, might face impeachment if the issue escalated.

Pitt slowly lifted his hand off the resignation letter, sighed, and asked, “Then who should succeed as Foreign Secretary?”

“The Marquess Wellesley,” replied the Duke of Leeds without hesitation. “He is as young and capable as you, with the same sharpness and decisiveness. Though his political experience is limited, I will use my influence to fully support him.”

Pitt nodded thoughtfully. The Marquess Wellesley was one of his trusted allies and a remarkably talented individual whom Pitt had long intended to promote.

Pausing, Pitt turned to the Duke of Leeds again. “Then, in your opinion, how should we counter the advantage France has gained in North Africa?”

The Duke of Leeds immediately shook his head. “Prime Minister, France is too close to Tunisia, and they’ve already solidified their position there. Continuing to challenge them in that region would be a losing battle.”

“Are you suggesting we simply accept defeat?”

“Quite the opposite. We must do everything in our power to bring France to its knees and hold them there. That is the only path to Britain’s ascendancy!”

The Duke of Leeds smiled slyly. “North Africa is merely a piece of fat; we don’t need to focus too much on it. The Low Countries are the true jugular! Only by exerting force there can we deliver a crippling blow to France.”

The Low Countries referred to the northwest European nations of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg.

The Duke of Leeds elaborated on his strategic plan for the Low Countries before adding, “Additionally, the ambitions of Russia and Prussia are excellent weapons. You must find ways to exploit their potential.”

Pitt nodded as he mulled it over. “Prussia has always been a close ally of ours. However, Russia seems to have grown quite friendly with France of late.”

“Interests,” the Duke of Leeds said, raising a finger. “Russia’s greatest interest right now lies in Poland. If you can find a way to deliver Poland to Russia, the bear will be more than willing to destroy everything in its path.”

The Duke of Leeds spoke as though giving his “political last will.” “As for Austria, don’t be misled by their marriage alliance with the French king. In truth, Austro-French tensions are the deepest in all of Europe!”

“Remember, they’ve been sworn enemies for centuries.”

Pitt nodded. “You’re right. Their conflicts over the Rhine region and Italy are particularly pronounced.”

The Duke of Leeds gave him an approving look. “Prussia’s rapid rise has merely diverted Austria’s attention. If you can broker an understanding between Prussia and Austria, Austria will immediately expand westward and southward, leading to a fierce clash with France.”

...

Vienna, SchönBrenn Palace

Joseph II, the Holy Roman Emperor and Archduke of Austria, smiled after hearing the report from his diplomatic officials about the situation in Tunisia. “My dear sister’s sense of timing is impeccable this time.”

He turned to the older man with a long face and prominent nose beside him. “The combined pressure from the Russians and us has left the Ottomans with no time to spare. My sister seized the opportunity to pluck the fruit of Tunisia while the Ottoman Sultan could only watch helplessly.”

The older man, his expression stern, nodded. “Her Highness the Queen’s political acumen has indeed grown remarkably. Even the British find it difficult to object this time, as doing so would offend Russia, and perhaps even us.”

The “Her Highness” in question was none other than Joseph II’s sister, the current Queen of France, Marie Antoinette. This man, a veteran statesman from the era of Maria Theresa, had once cradled the young Marie Antoinette in his arms. His tone naturally carried a hint of affection.

Joseph II, evidently in good spirits, signaled for an attendant to pour him a glass of wine and shared another with the older man. “Does this mean France’s strategic focus has shifted to the southern coast of the Mediterranean?”

“That possibility cannot be ruled out, Your Majesty.”

“In that case, we should seize this opportunity to extend our congratulations to my dear sister and discuss the issue of Italy with her. Prince Kaunitz-Rietberg, your relationship with the French political establishment has always been excellent. Would you be willing to travel to Versailles on my behalf?”

The older man was none other than Wenzel Anton, Prince of Kaunitz-Rietberg, Austria’s State Chancellor—the equivalent of a prime minister. He was a masterful statesman who ended the centuries-long hostilities between Austria and France, orchestrated Marie Antoinette’s marriage to Louis XVI, and brokered the “Alliance of the Three Petticoats” among Austria, France, and Russia.

Although Joseph II had curbed much of Kaunitz’s power after ascending to the throne, the latter remained Austria’s most influential minister.

Kaunitz immediately rose and replied solemnly, “Your Majesty, forgive me for speaking plainly, but Austria’s national policy should firmly focus on the German territories and remain vigilant against Prussia. Diverting attention to Italy now will only provide Prussia with an opportunity to expand its influence in Germany.”

“No, this will not distract us excessively,” Joseph II retorted, his stubbornness well-known. “All you need to do is discuss the division of influence in Italy with France. We’re not looking to monopolize it.”

“Oh, and there’s the ‘United East India Company’ that they proposed to form with the Dutch. I’m very interested in that. You can discuss Austria’s potential involvement as well.”

“Your Majesty, I am willing to travel to France,” Kaunitz replied with a slight bow, his tone unwavering. “However, I must still remind you: Prussia is our true and immediate threat.”

“Yes, Prussia, you’re right. So, when do you plan to depart?”

“I can leave tomorrow, Your Majesty.”

“Excellent. I look forward to your bringing back good news.”

...

Saint Petersburg, Winter Palace

Count Alexei Bobrinsky stood nervously as he bowed to his mother. Despite her warm smile, he always felt a touch of unease in her presence.

Catherine II gestured for him to sit beside her. Smiling, she said, “Alyosha, I must admit, your earlier dealings with the French Crown Prince were exceptionally well-timed.”

In Russian, affectionate nicknames were often used for close relations, and “Alyosha” was the diminutive form of Alexei.

“Especially the ‘Twin Trading Company’ you established together. Now that France has secured a port in North Africa, your trade costs in the Mediterranean will drop significantly. Perhaps your company could even secure some special concessions in Tunisia.”

Alexei nodded. “Indeed, Your Majesty. Prince Joseph has written to me, stating his intent to double the company’s trade volume.”

“That much?”

“Not only have they acquired Tunisia as a colony, but they’ve also eradicated the Tunisian pirates. Nearly a hundred captured pirate ships will become company assets, and many of the sailors onboard are skilled seamen.”

In fact, Joseph’s forces had seized nearly 160 ships at the port of Tunis. However, only half of them were suitable for long voyages. As for the sailors, many were native Tunisians who had served in the navy. After the complete elimination of the pirate leadership, these Berbers could now be safely employed after careful vetting.

This immediately increased the tonnage of the Twin Trading Company’s fleet by 150%. Hence, Joseph’s confidence in doubling trade volumes.

Moreover, every increase in Franco-Russian trade meant a decrease in Anglo-Russian trade, significantly weakening the close commercial ties between Britain and Russia.

“Oh, that’s excellent news.” Catherine II gestured westward. “I believe you should personally congratulate your Crown Prince friend.

“Additionally, you could suggest that they capitalize on their victory and seize Algiers directly. If I recall correctly, those foolish Algerians even initiated an attack against them.”

She was eager to see France continue stripping the Ottoman Empire of its North African provinces. Although the Ottomans had no real control over those areas, the loss of overseas territories inflicted significant psychological damage, which would make Russia’s wars against the Ottomans easier.

If France’s campaigns went particularly well, they might even advance from the south to strike at Ottoman Anatolia.

After all, fighting a massive empire like the Ottomans was never a matter of three or five years. Over the course of a prolonged conflict, it was entirely possible for France to reach the southern shores of the Ottoman heartland.

“Yes, Your Majesty. In fact, I’ve been thinking of visiting Paris soon,” Alexei admitted. Although his main focus was managing the Twin Trading Company, the allure of Parisian high society was ever-present in his mind.

Catherine II seemed to remember something and added, “By the way, take Sasha with you. She’s been yearning to visit Paris. Just make sure to oversee her studies during the trip.”

Sasha was the affectionate nickname for Alexandra Pavlovna.

Previously, Catherine would never have entrusted her beloved granddaughter to her hedonistic youngest son. However, Alexei had shown signs of maturity over the past year, and she felt confident he could handle the responsibility of chaperoning Sasha.

...

Paris, Versailles Palace

The celebrations in Versailles for the triumph in North Africa lasted three full days before finally concluding.

Joan, Hilada Celebi, and Ishak Pasha promptly returned to Tunis, where a mountain of tasks awaited their attention.

Meanwhile, laughter echoed from within Louis XVI’s drawing room.

Queen Marie Antoinette admired a ceramic jar in her hands, its intricate geometric patterns painted in vibrant colors.

This “hand companion,” a rare masterpiece crafted by a Tunisian pottery master centuries ago, was a gift Joseph had brought back from North Africa for his sister.

Nearby, Louis XVI was engrossed in examining a hunting rifle case made of camel and crocodile leather—another gift from Joseph.

Tunisian leatherwork was renowned for its excellence, with top artisans’ creations being highly sought after across Europe.

The happiest of all was Joseph’s younger brother, Charles, who played gleefully with a vividly colorful parrot.

Table of content - Next Chapter >>>