The Crown Prince of France - Chapter 144

Chapter 144: Foreign Policy

With Russia's concerns in mind, if the British interfered in France's actions in North Africa, Russia would be the first to protest to Britain.

Joseph handed the letter back to Briand. "What do you think of what it says?"

Briand pondered for a moment. "Aligning with Russia may not bring us many immediate benefits, but in the long run, it could help us constrain Austria, Prussia, and other countries, and even influence the British to some extent."

Joseph silently thought to himself that Briand had a good political vision.

He also knew that the outcome of the Russo-Turkish War would be a great victory for Russia, forcing the Ottoman Empire to sign the Treaty of Jassy. From then on, the entire northern Black Sea coast would belong to Russia.

Historically, Austria was the first country to support Russia and, as a result, gained significant political and strategic advantages.

This time, Joseph could not allow this benefit to fall into someone else's hands.

He nodded immediately. "I fully agree with your viewpoint. So, at the next cabinet meeting, you may propose an alliance with Russia and a firm stance against the Ottomans. In fact, declaring war on the Ottomans could be one of the options."

"Understood, Your Highness. I will start preparing it."

After a series of events, Briand had practically become someone who fully trusted Joseph.

Having discussed international affairs, Briand naturally transitioned to domestic politics and spoke with admiration.

"Your Highness, I reviewed the report on potato planting across the provinces. I really don't know how you convinced them to plant so many potatoes. This year's grain supply should be quite abundant."

Joseph sighed silently. "As long as there's enough to eat, that's good enough. There won't be an abundance..."

He quickly instructed, "Briand, although the potatoes have been planted, attention must still be paid to irrigation to combat the drought. If possible, I suggest that each parish be equipped with steam pumps. One pump could irrigate dozens of hectares of land."

In France, "parish" referred to administrative units of villages or towns.

Joseph's suggestion was not without purpose. While France had few large coal mines, there were many small ones scattered throughout the country. With appropriate mining policies, it would be easy to meet the coal needs of villages and towns.

This would also stimulate sales of steam engines, creating a positive feedback loop.

"Well..." Briand hesitated, "parishes near Paris might manage, but the more remote ones probably won't be able to afford it."

Joseph recalled the situation at Gaizka's farm and nodded slightly. "We could establish some small parish banks to offer loans to farmers. However, we need to set limits on interest rates to prevent these banks from becoming tools for exploiting the farmers."

Briand immediately nodded. "Your suggestion is excellent. I'll have people start working on it."

Joseph then thought about the issue of grain transportation and continued to issue instructions.

"Also, we need to consider that during dry periods, transporting grain may become difficult.

"Therefore, I suggest that major cities establish strategic grain storage facilities, with officials in charge and regular checks on storage and distribution. And, Paris especially needs to build two more."

France had always been a major grain producer in Europe, but it had never considered building grain reserves before.

Briand looked puzzled. "Your Highness, we don't have much grain right now, so building storage facilities would just leave them empty."

"I have a plan for the grain," Joseph responded. "You just need to issue a decree to the provincial governors as soon as possible."

Although Briand thought that with the large number of potatoes planted, this year's grain crisis could be smoothly overcome, he didn't understand why the crown prince was still so cautious.

However, out of absolute trust in Joseph, he readily agreed.

...

By the time Joseph left Briand's office, it was nearly time for dinner, so he decided to stay overnight at the Palace of Versailles.

After dining with the Queen, he returned to his chambers and found Talleyrand already waiting there respectfully.

Talleyrand was indeed a person of action, and his sharp mind explained why he had managed to survive through several regimes. Joseph silently assessed him before nodding toward the man who had started to bow.

"Please, sit down, Director Talleyrand. You’ve come to find me so late. Is there something urgent?"

"Your Highness, His Majesty the King says you are the only one who can save me."

Talleyrand then recounted the obstacles he had faced in his promotion to archbishop. His tone was full of complaints about the unfair treatment he had received, painting a picture of a poor, homeless cat in the snow. However, he never spoke ill of Queen Marie Antoinette.

Joseph couldn't help but admire Talleyrand's eloquence. No wonder he had been considered one of the most powerful diplomats during the reign of Louis XVI.

Joseph, however, decided to get straight to the point. "What did you do to upset Her Majesty the Queen?"

Talleyrand froze for a moment but quickly recovered. He sighed and explained, "Your Highness, you know there were many rumors about the Queen. I foolishly believed some of them and discussed them with others... And, unfortunately, Her Majesty found out."

Joseph thought to himself: It seems the matter isn't too serious. When it comes to comforting the Queen, I’m still confident. A few well-chosen words on Talleyrand's behalf should solve the issue.

He then looked at Talleyrand. "I can help you with this matter."

"Really?!" Talleyrand exclaimed, nearly crying in relief. "Your Highness, you truly are the angel sent by God to save me!"

Joseph raised his hand to stop him from continuing with the flattery. "This isn't a big deal, Director Talleyrand.

"However, His Majesty the King has been worried about your situation and has been working hard for you. You should be thanking him, not me."

"Yes, yes. His Majesty always cares for me," Talleyrand said, looking at Joseph with a questioning glance. "By the way... How should I thank His Majesty? Can you give me some advice?"

Joseph smiled slightly. "I heard His Majesty is planning to build a weapons factory."

Talleyrand nodded thoughtfully upon hearing this.

...

The next day, Joseph personally instructed the court pastry chefs to prepare over ten different kinds of exquisite desserts, which he then brought to the Petit Trianon Palace.

Queen Marie Antoinette gazed at the various cakes, puddings, and pastries on the table, her eyes sparkling with delight.

Joseph picked up a puff pastry and fed it to the Queen. While she was still happy, he quickly mentioned Talleyrand's situation.

The Queen, holding her clever and obedient son in her arms, didn’t care much about Talleyrand. When Joseph spoke kindly of Talleyrand and mentioned that he wanted to contribute something to the country, she readily agreed not to hold his previous mistakes against him.

Everything went smoothly.

Joseph then had Talleyrand summoned. After the clergyman used his remarkable eloquence and acting skills to sincerely apologize to the Queen, she forgave him. Talleyrand breathed a sigh of relief and exited.

When Joseph left the Queen, he saw Talleyrand waiting by the entrance of the Petit Trianon Palace.

The clergyman approached, overflowing with gratitude. He had spent over a year trying to resolve the issue with Louis XVI, but it had taken just one table of sweets to settle everything with the crown prince.

Had Joseph not intervened, Talleyrand would have had to wait until his father's death at the end of the year before being promoted to archbishop under the Queen's compassion.

Joseph casually asked, "By the way, Director Talleyrand, how much do you know about the situation in North Africa?"

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