The Crown Prince of France - Chapter 156

Chapter 156: The Two Princes' Trading Company

"Well, grilled lamb chops, beetroot truffle soup, and toasted bread."

Alexei casually listed a few dishes to the attendant beside him before turning to Joseph. "I’m curious—what is this 'unrelated to politics' matter you mentioned?"

"A cup of black tea for me, please. No milk, spices, or sugar," Joseph instructed the attendant before dismissing him with a smile. "For instance, engaging in business. If you were to establish your own ventures in Paris, Her Imperial Majesty would no longer need to worry about your conduct—oh, forgive my phrasing—and recall you to Russia."

"Business?" Alexei blinked, feeling as though the idea had some merit. After all, no one would associate a merchant preoccupied with making money with the throne of Saint Petersburg. It was indeed a viable way to distance oneself from politics while also shedding the image of a frivolous aristocrat.

Interestingly, Alexei’s descendants would eventually follow this path. To escape political entanglements, they ventured into commerce, ultimately founding the largest sugar company in Russia.

However, Alexei soon shook his head. "Thank you for your suggestion, Your Highness. But I have no talent for business. Every year, Her Imperial Majesty subsidizes me with tens of thousands of rubles. I wouldn't want to squander even more of her money."

"No, I believe you would profit handsomely," Joseph said with a confident smile. "And not just a little—substantially."

"Your Highness, forgive my bluntness, but that seems unlikely. I know my own abilities."

Joseph inhaled the delicate aroma from the tea just served and glanced at the illegitimate prince. "It’s not as difficult as you imagine. All you need is a capable partner."

"A partner?"

Joseph gestured to himself with a small spoon. "For example, me."

Alexei was startled. "You’re suggesting that I go into business with you?"

Joseph nodded. "We could jointly invest and establish a trading company focused on Franco-Russian trade."

This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment idea but part of a long-considered plan.

In truth, France and Russia had signed a trade agreement two years prior. Yet, due to France’s financial strain and the limited appeal of each country’s exports to the other, trade remained lackluster. France had little to offer Russia besides wine and Enlightenment ideas. Similarly, Russia's primary exports—flax, oils, and timber—had limited demand in France.

This stagnation in trade was something both nations were eager to overcome.

For Russia, there was a desire to reduce reliance on trade with Britain and diversify its trade portfolio, including boosting commerce with France, to mitigate British leverage.

For France, increasing trade with a large nation like Russia could significantly improve its financial situation.

Despite these aspirations, substantial progress remained elusive until Napoleon's rise to power, when Russia joined the anti-French coalition.

Joseph intended to alter this trajectory, and he possessed the means to do so.

Historically, France's limited demand for Russian goods stemmed from Britain’s dominance over the French textile industry. However, under Joseph’s guidance, French textile production was poised to challenge Britain. This would create a substantial need for raw materials, including Russian flax. As for cotton and wool, those could later be sourced from North America and Australia.

Moreover, Britain’s dependence on Russian flax—accounting for about 80% of its supply—meant that increased French purchases of Russian flax would lead to shortages in Britain, driving up the cost of British linen products. A win-win situation.

Simultaneously, as France’s industrial output surged, its goods would require large markets. With a population exceeding 30 million, Russia was an untapped market ripe for French products.

Initially, Joseph had planned to let Talleyrand establish initial contacts with the Russians before advancing the trade discussions. But today’s encounter with Alexei seemed like an even better opportunity.

"You needn’t worry about operations," Joseph assured him. "We can hire professionals to manage the company. I’ll contribute merchant ships as my share. These ships will fly the Russian flag, benefiting from your country’s ‘armed neutrality’ policy to avoid British interference.

"As for you, you can arrange for the acquisition of flax, oils, and perhaps even iron in Russia as your capital contribution.

"These goods would be shipped to Marseille, where they’d be loaded with French wine, textiles, and possibly paper or machinery in the future, before returning to Crimea."

The "Armed Neutrality Declaration" was a trade policy proclaimed by Catherine II in 1780. Its core principle was that Russia, as a neutral nation, had the right to navigate freely between ports and along the coasts of belligerent nations. Unless carrying contraband, its ships were not to be obstructed.

This policy had already been recognized by Britain. Thus, utilizing Alexei’s "Russian ships" for transportation would ensure uninterrupted trade, even if Anglo-French tensions flared.

Joseph also had an ace up his sleeve.

He’d studied the Anglo-Russian trade agreements, which stipulated that Russian merchant ships could transport goods from the East to Europe without British interference. At the time, the British assumed Russia had minimal presence in the East, so they readily agreed. This clause could later be exploited through the trading company he planned with Alexei.

Alexei pondered for a moment, then hesitated. "Your Highness, I must admit, your proposal is quite comprehensive.

"However, many are already engaging in Franco-Russian trade. I doubt we could compete with them."

Joseph smiled, pleased. Alexei wasn’t the frivolous playboy he appeared to be. Partnering with him would not be disappointing.

"First of all, current Franco-Russian trade volumes are woefully inadequate.

"If I’m not mistaken, over 300 merchant ships sail annually from Britain to Riga [Note 1], but only a tenth of that number travel from Lyon to the Black Sea [Note 2].

"France will soon undergo industrial reforms, significantly increasing its demand for Russian goods, particularly flax. Under such circumstances, the existing merchant fleet will be far from sufficient."

Alexei nodded slightly. So the French Crown Prince had insider information. In that case, this business venture seemed genuinely viable.

Joseph leaned in and lowered his voice. "Furthermore, I can guarantee you tariff concessions. The extent of these concessions will not be small."

"Are you serious?"

"Absolutely."

Joseph was confident he could secure these concessions from the cabinet. He wouldn’t even need to reduce tariffs directly—simply turning a blind eye to his trading company’s activities would suffice.

This strategy would not only strengthen ties with Russia but also lower the cost of raw materials for the French textile industry, boosting its competitiveness.

At the same time, reducing Anglo-Russian trade links would drive up costs for British linen products.

...

He continued, "At the same time, you can leverage your connections in Russia to procure cheaper goods like linen and oils. By reducing costs on both ends, how could we not make a profit?"

Alexi was overjoyed. If they could export large quantities to France at low tariffs, it would greatly alleviate Russia’s reliance on British trade—a task the Empress had aimed to achieve for over a decade without success! If these achievements were credited to his elder brother, it would surely improve their mother's opinion of him significantly.

Excitedly clasping his hands together, he said, "Your Highness, I believe your proposal is highly feasible. I will do my utmost to negotiate lower prices for the goods."

Joseph smiled and bowed slightly. "I am delighted to collaborate with you, Count Bobrinsky."

At the dinner table, the dishes Alexi had ordered had grown cold long ago, but he had completely forgotten to eat.

Joseph had another fresh meal brought to him and gestured to the illegitimate son. "I think you should enjoy your dinner now."

Once Alexi had finished eating, the two discussed additional details of the trading company, finalizing their cooperation thoroughly.

Joseph's decision to bypass the Russian government and establish a trading company stemmed primarily from his desire to avoid lengthy trade negotiations. Negotiations in this era were notoriously inefficient, especially given the distance between France and Russia. Whenever disagreements arose, it would take over two months for the representatives to return home and seek instructions.

By employing this private operation model, Joseph planned to initiate trade between the two countries directly. Once trade volume reached a significant scale and both sides became economically dependent, negotiating a formal trade agreement would become much easier.

Additionally, this arrangement effectively allowed him to control part of the raw material imports, ensuring that the capitalists would remain somewhat obedient.

…

Later that evening, after 10 p.m., Alexi bid Joseph farewell but lingered, gazing into the distance as Joseph departed. A sense of unreality swelled in his heart.

What kind of young man was this? He had appeared suddenly, resolving Alexi’s predicament with a single trading company while simultaneously gifting Russia a significant boon.

Previously, Alexi had been skeptical of the rumors surrounding this French Crown Prince: claims of his leadership in reforming public security, dramatically improving law and order in Paris, or orchestrating this grand fashion week. He had assumed the officials handled everything and merely attributed the credit to the Crown Prince.

Yet after tonight’s encounter, he was convinced that the rumors were all true. The Crown Prince's demeanor and wisdom exceeded even what the stories claimed.

Alexi suddenly felt a pang of regret. If only his elder brother Paul possessed such intelligence, he would not have spent so many years away from his homeland, numbing himself with alcohol and women, disguising himself as a useless playboy.

…

Meanwhile, as Joseph and Alexi discussed the trading company, a lively auction was underway in the grand hall on the first floor of the fashion week venue.

The attendees were dignitaries from various nations, including several members of royalty. Recently, Queen Marie, having given a brief speech for fashion week, had been led by her niece to a private box on the second floor.

The auction showcased luxurious dresses and other high-end items.

These items held little appeal for the Queen. Her thoughts lingered on her midday conversation with Louis XVI.

After lunch, she had casually brought up their son’s fiancée.

She had assumed her niece had already won the Crown Prince’s favor. However, the King revealed that he had spoken with their son, who expressed dissatisfaction with both Clementine and Maria.

The Queen looked with mild frustration at her lively and adorable niece seated beside her. Lord, how could Joseph not like her?

For a brief moment, she was tempted to follow the example of other monarchs and queens, simply declaring Clementine to be Joseph’s future wife. But she couldn’t bear the thought of seeing her son unhappy or dejected.

Perhaps it was best to wait a little longer... The Queen sighed inwardly. Both the Crown Prince and Clementine were still young. Perhaps with more time together, he would come to love his charming and beautiful cousin.

At that moment, the auctioneer’s melodic voice announced, "The next item is this exquisite piece, 'Wish of the Stars.' Designed by a master craftsman…”

Lost in thought, the Queen barely noticed as Clementine suddenly stood up. Her large blue eyes sparkled as she stared at the item, muttering excitedly, "He wore it, didn’t he? Yes, it’s definitely that one!"

The Queen shook her head with a smile. Young girls could hardly resist the allure of beautiful jewelry. She herself had reacted similarly to her favorite pieces in her youth.

What she failed to notice, however, was that this necklace bore an uncanny resemblance to the one depicted in the painting Son of God that showed the Crown Prince wearing it.

Heaven forbid, this necklace did not belong to Joseph. He had never even seen it.

The resemblance was entirely due to Madame Lebrun, who, sponsored by a jeweler, included the necklace in her painting. That said, the necklace, featuring a dazzling array of diamonds forming a starry galaxy motif, indeed complemented Joseph’s image perfectly.

When the auctioneer announced the starting bid of 80,000 livres, Clementine immediately signaled her maid, who promptly raised her hand.

Before the auctioneer could acknowledge her bid, a woman’s voice called out from a private box on the east side. "Ninety thousand."

Clementine puffed up her cheeks in indignation. Someone dared to compete with her for her cousin’s necklace—and had raised the bid by 10,000 livres!

She signaled her maid again.

The auctioneer responded promptly. "The bid here is 91,000 livres."

The same voice called out, "One hundred thousand."

Refusing to back down, the young girl raised the bid.

The woman in the eastern box raised it again, now calmly bidding in even increments. "One hundred and ten thousand."

Frustrated, Clementine placed her hands on her hips and shouted, "One hundred and twenty thousand!"

Hmph, did they think she wouldn’t match the 10,000 increments?

The voice responded without hesitation, "One hundred and forty thousand."

"You! Raising it again!" Clementine fumed, shouting, "One hundred and sixty thousand!"

"One hundred and eighty thousand."

"Two hundred thousand!" Clementine snapped, then turned to her maid and demanded, "Who is that person? Why are they trying to go against me?"

The maid leaned over the second-floor balcony, peering through the curtain crack of the eastern box. She caught sight of a red dress, long brown hair, and a pair of gentle hazel eyes.

She quickly withdrew and whispered in Clementine’s ear, "Miss, it appears to be the Princess of Two Sicilies."

"Ah!" Clementine bit her lip. If it was her, there was no way she could lose!

"Two hundred and fifty thousand!"

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