The Crown Prince of France - Chapter 165

Chapter 165: The Big Swindler vs. The Old Fox

"This is excellent news! Those damned pirates are finally going to be..."

Jefferson, responsible for American diplomatic affairs, had barely gotten halfway through his excited declaration when Franklin interrupted him with a weak chuckle, "Haha, dear envoy, I suspect there's something you've yet to disclose. Surely, the mighty French Navy would not go to such lengths for just a few American merchant ships."

Franklin was a cunning old fox—during the American Revolutionary War, it was he who maneuvered between Britain and France, leveraging France to threaten Britain and enticing France with British concessions. Notably, he had coaxed tens of millions of livres in loans from Louis XVI, along with vast military supplies and tens of thousands of French soldiers, laying the foundation for the independence of the thirteen American colonies.

He wasn’t as easy to fool as the younger Jefferson.

Talleyrand smiled knowingly and nodded.
"Indeed, His Majesty is also motivated by the principle of free trade around the Mediterranean, seeking to benefit all coastal nations. However, this is a matter of utmost urgency for a nation like the United States, which lacks significant naval power."

Franklin glanced at Jefferson, who quickly responded with a smile,
"Of course! We are deeply grateful, dear envoy!"

"Ah, our king is always so kindhearted and mindful of his friends across the Atlantic," Talleyrand replied. He then painted a vivid picture of the French Royal Navy's imposing might and how it would undoubtedly sweep the Barbary pirates from the seas.

"You must understand, the center of global civilization still lies on the European continent. For America to survive and thrive, relying solely on its barren and isolated lands is surely insufficient. Oh, please pardon my bluntness, but this is simply the reality.

"Imagine, if piracy were eradicated, how many merchant ships America could save each year from destruction, how much tribute and ransom money could be avoided.

"In the long run, the increased trade volume with Mediterranean coastal nations will also bring prosperity to America."

Franklin nodded indifferently, knowing full well that the real crux of the matter had yet to be addressed.

As expected, Talleyrand sighed and said,
"The Navy has already submitted a plan to eliminate the pirates. Now, there’s just a small issue left."

Jefferson reflexively asked, "What issue?"

"You see, our government’s finances are not in the best condition, and deploying such a large-scale force requires significant funding. As a beneficiary of this anti-piracy campaign, perhaps the United States could contribute a portion of the expenses."

Finally, Franklin spoke,
"That seems reasonable. How much do you believe the United States should contribute?"

With a faint smile, Talleyrand said,
"Every year, the Barbary pirates cost the United States losses amounting to $300,000 to $400,000. Now, for a mere $200,000 annually, the Royal Navy can free you from this scourge."

Two hundred thousand dollars equaled one million livres.

Having navigated the circles of Versailles aristocracy for years, Talleyrand was well-versed in the art of negotiation and had deliberately left room for counteroffers.

"That’s quite a sum," Franklin mused, frowning. "You may not be aware, but the financial situation across the states isn’t great. Just last year, we experienced the Shays' Rebellion. I’m afraid it would be difficult to come up with such a large amount."

As he spoke, Franklin shot Jefferson a look.

"Indeed, such an amount is unlikely to pass through the state legislatures," Jefferson quickly added. "If it were closer to $50,000 or $60,000 annually, they might give it serious consideration."

Inwardly, Talleyrand sneered: These North American bumpkins are not only poor but also miserly and calculating.

He shook his head with a smile.
"Oh, you misunderstand. This isn’t a long-term expense. The operation will conclude within a few years. After that, there will be no further payments required.

"This time, we are not merely targeting pirate ships at sea—yes, in the past, we’ve done that for centuries, but piracy persisted. Instead, we aim to solve the problem at its root by dispatching troops to completely eradicate the pirates’ land-based strongholds!"

He spread his arms and closed his eyes, as if reveling in the vision he painted.
"From that moment on, the Barbary pirates will become a thing of history, and the Mediterranean will transform into a haven for maritime trade."

Franklin’s cloudy eyes suddenly sparkled.
"Are you saying that France’s army will land in North Africa?"

"Not exactly," Talleyrand corrected immediately. "We will only engage near the Barbary pirates' strongholds. In fact, we hope the North African nations themselves will participate in eradicating the pirates."

Franklin had not anticipated the French government embarking on such an ambitious endeavor and felt tempted. If the Barbary pirates could truly be eliminated within a few years, America could save substantial losses in the long term.

In comparison, paying $200,000 a few times didn’t seem so unbearable.

However, the old fox feigned hesitation.
"God is my witness, we are more than willing to support His Majesty’s initiative and bear part of the costs, but $200,000 annually is truly excessive."

Talleyrand smiled amicably.
"Mr. Franklin, let me be transparent. His Majesty has authorized me to lower the figure by up to $20,000. Frankly, I am eager to return to Paris as soon as possible, so let’s not waste time—$180,000 annually, and you gain perpetual peace for your trade routes, while I return to bustling Paris."

"Oh, just a little lower! You know, America is newly independent and has endured the ravages of war..."

"You’re making this very difficult for me. Remember, French soldiers are risking their blood and lives to help you combat the pirates!"

After further haggling, they finally agreed to a proposal: Franklin reluctantly agreed to submit an annual fee of $175,000 to the Federal Congress for approval.

$175,000 was approximately 875,000 livres—a figure significantly higher than the 600,000-livre base price Joseph had set for Talleyrand, but still far less than America’s annual losses due to the Barbary pirates.

Having resolved the main issue, Talleyrand smiled and added,
"I actually have one more sincere suggestion."

"I’m eager to hear your advice," Franklin replied.

"America should outfit two warships—oh, small frigates would suffice—to join the Royal Navy in combating the pirates."

Franklin instinctively shook his head—America had disbanded its navy a few years earlier to save military expenses and was unwilling to maintain warships again.

Talleyrand immediately countered,
"You must understand, even if the Barbary pirates are eliminated, minor pirates will still emerge like flies from decaying flesh. This would be an excellent opportunity for your forces to familiarize themselves with the Mediterranean, ensuring the safety of your merchant ships.

"Two frigates wouldn’t cost much and could later assist small nations like Denmark and Tuscany with escort duties, earning additional revenue."

"Your suggestion is reasonable," Franklin acknowledged. "Very well, envoy, I will present your proposal to Congress as well. Ultimately, the decision lies with their vote."

"Of course," Talleyrand replied. "Incidentally, I recall the Royal Navy recently commissioning several frigates. If needed, I could help arrange a purchase. The cost would certainly be much lower than building new ships."

"Thank you for your kind offer."

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