The Crown Prince of France - Chapter 185

Chapter 185: The Dawn of French Finances

The united fleet was unsurprised to see the pirate ship attempting to flee. Maintaining their formation, they steadily compressed the pirates’ escape routes.

The pirate ship's oars thrashed frantically, nearly lifting it off the water. Just as it seemed they might slip through the pincer attack from the east and west, a towering warship appeared to the south, its mainmast flying the blue fleur-de-lis banner.

It was the 42-gun frigate Claydai.

Although galley-sail hybrids had certain speed advantages in the gentle winds of the Mediterranean, the united fleet's formation was impeccable. Claydai merely had to hold its position as the other warships closed in from both directions.

Finally, cornered and desperate, the pirate ship engaged in battle with the Claydai. The outcome was inevitable. On its third broadside, the Claydai shattered the 12-gun pirate ship’s mast, blasting away its prow with its 28-pound cannons.

A larger pirate ship attempted to seize the opportunity to break free, but a single shot from the Claydai severed seven oars on its port side.

The rowers aboard the pirate ship failed to react in time and continued rowing with all their might. The imbalance in thrust caused the vessel to veer sharply 60 degrees to the left.

By the time the pirates realigned their direction, two escort frigates from the united fleet were already in pursuit.

The Dutch frigate Walrus fired the first salvo. When Charles aboard the Constellation arrived and prepared to unleash its cannons, a massive explosion suddenly erupted at the pirate ship's stern. Clearly, their ammunition cache had been struck.

Thus, the battle ended.

Charles stepped onto the deck, greeted by the scorching wind carrying the acrid stench of charred wood and flesh. He saw pirates screaming as they leapt into the sea, flailing like fish hauled from a net, splashing violently in the water.

He recalled the scene of pirates boarding the Golden Wheat earlier. Anger surged through him. Snatching a loaded musket from a nearby sailor, he aimed at the struggling pirates below and fired without hesitation.

Soon, the triumphant notes of victory horns echoed from several warships.

Charles was cursing loudly at the burning pirate ship when Captain White's voice came from behind. "Young man, you’ve earned yourself a commendation this time."

...

Versailles.

One of Queen Marie Antoinette's least favorite tasks had always been presiding over cabinet meetings. They often brought bad news, particularly about the perpetually gaping hole in the royal finances.

But today, she had eagerly anticipated the cabinet meeting since breakfast.

The reason? She had read Brienne's report the previous day. A series of operations funded by the Industrial Development Fund had miraculously alleviated the nation’s debt crisis.

The chronic illness that had plagued France since the reign of Louis XV—a problem that had haunted the nation for over a century—was finally showing signs of improvement, thanks to her tireless efforts.

First, she visited the royal workshop, where she found Louis XVI, dark circles under his eyes, tinkering with a loom. After persuading him to change into proper attire, she led him to the council hall.

The cabinet ministers were already gathered, their faces glowing with excitement. Clearly, they had heard the good news. Only the Duke of Orléans, dressed in black, sat despondently with his head bowed.

After the ministers bowed to the King and Queen and took their seats, Brienne stood and enthusiastically announced, "Today, I bring you monumental news."

"Through the grace of God and the prudent governance of Their Majesties, France’s debt has significantly decreased over the past month!"

He opened a document and continued, "As of three days ago, the national debt has been reduced by 1.3 billion livres, leaving a balance of only 21.1 billion livres."

Pausing to gauge the audience’s reactions, his voice grew even more impassioned. "More importantly, annual interest payments have dropped from 1.8 billion livres to less than 1 billion livres.

"At this rate, France’s finances will soon achieve balance!"

France’s current annual revenue was 5.1 billion livres, with debt interest payments previously consuming nearly 4.3 billion. This meant that an additional 20 million in revenue would suffice to achieve a historic financial equilibrium.

The ministers immediately rose and bowed to Louis XVI. "Long live His Majesty!"

"And Her Majesty!"

The Duke of Orléans echoed their words outwardly but inwardly seethed.

Did he not know how the national debt had been reduced? It had come from thirteen major banks, including his own.

The crisis had devastated the banks under his influence. With figures like the Marquis Ludo now supporting the royal court, his power within the banking guild had plummeted.

His chest tightened as he realized that losing control of national finances meant he had no chance of toppling the monarchy.

As the others lavished praise on the King and Queen, the Duke slumped into his chair, despair settling over him.

The Orléans family’s century-old ambition now seemed doomed in his generation. He sighed inwardly, resolving to focus on raising Philippe, hoping his son might succeed where he had failed...

The discussion on finances continued for nearly an hour before the council moved on to the next topic.

Brienne held up another document and addressed the ministers. "His Majesty has signed a decree establishing a new cabinet position: Minister of Industry, tasked with overseeing industrial supervision, management, and investment."

He gestured toward the gilded doors of the hall. Two guards opened them to reveal Count Mirabeau, resplendent in a deep blue coat and impeccably groomed, entering with an air of confidence.

Brienne continued, "At the Crown Prince’s recommendation, Count Mirabeau will assume the role of Minister of Industry."

Privately, Brienne harbored some reservations about the appointment. Count Mirabeau, a newly ennobled figure with little familial legacy, had somehow secured the Crown Prince’s favor and vaulted into the cabinet.

However, the Crown Prince had emphasized Mirabeau’s expertise in industrial development, noting that his leadership could greatly advance France’s industrial sector.

Currently, France’s greatest potential for fiscal growth lay in industry. If Mirabeau could elevate France’s industrial capacity to even half that of Britain, it could generate tens of millions in annual revenue, enabling the nation to achieve true financial balance.

Such achievements would immortalize Brienne as the architect of France’s financial resurgence, surpassing even Cardinal Richelieu’s legacy as the nation’s greatest statesman.

Thus, Brienne accepted the Crown Prince’s proposal, allowing this rising nobleman to become the first Minister of Industry.

After a brief formal ceremony, Mirabeau took a seat at the far end of the council table.

At that moment, a court official entered quietly and handed a report to the Marquis de Castries, the Minister of the Navy.

The Marquis quickly read through the report, then turned to the King with a smile and bowed. "Your Majesty, there is more good news. One week ago, our fleet sank a Barbary pirate ship and captured another."

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