The Crown Prince of France - Chapter 99

Chapter 99: The Meeting of the Crown Prince

Sumiar felt the atmosphere of humiliation in the entire meeting hall. His body trembled with anger, but he could only rise indignantly and, with a dark expression, walk toward the exit.

When the golden doors were shut again, Queen Marie let out a soft sigh and turned to Bishop Brienne: “Bishop Brienne, who do you think would be most suitable to succeed as Minister of Justice?”

Bishop Brienne immediately replied, “Your Majesty, the current court advisor, Baron Bretigny, is efficient and loyal. He has studied law at the University of Paris. We could appoint him as the new Minister of Justice.”

This suggestion was the result of repeated deliberations between Joseph and Brienne. Bretigny was skilled in socializing and had considerable political acumen.

Most importantly, he was a cousin of the king and very loyal to the royal family. Historically, at the most dangerous moment when Louis XVI was preparing to flee Paris, it was Bretigny who had worked tirelessly for the king, never betraying him.

Queen Marie nodded. “Please have him come to see me later.”

“Certainly, Your Majesty.”

Joseph subtly cast a glance at Foreign Minister Vezinier. He was the next target. Once Vezinier was dealt with, it would be like pulling the political teeth of the Duke of Orléans, that vicious tiger.

Bishop Brienne picked up another document and began reading:

“Second agenda item.

“In light of the Supreme Court’s decision to relinquish its power to censor the press, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince proposes the establishment of a Bureau of News and Publishing to manage press censorship.”

The Duke of Orléans snorted coldly, his face dark as he lowered his head, remaining silent.

The recent “pamphlet war” had left him utterly defeated, and now with the loss of press censorship power, he could forget about controlling public opinion in the future.

In the past twenty minutes, he had first lost an important political ally, then seen his dominance over the media crumble. Today’s cabinet meeting had turned into a nightmare for him.

“Hmm, this is good,” Queen Marie said with a smile, visibly pleased.

Since her marriage to France, she had been continuously defamed by the press. Today, she could finally see the light.

Bishop Brienne signaled toward Count Morneau. “The Bureau of News and Publishing is most closely related to domestic affairs, so I suggest that Count Morneau be responsible for managing it.”

Count Morneau immediately placed his hand over his chest and bowed to the Queen. “Your Majesty, I will ensure that those vulgar and shameless articles are eradicated from the world!”

Queen Marie smiled with satisfaction, praised Count Morneau briefly, and immediately signed the document.

Bishop Brienne continued: “Third agenda item.

“His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has submitted a report stating that the signing of the Eden Treaty has greatly harmed the interests of France, especially in industries such as textiles and steel, which are nearly unable to continue operations.

“Therefore, His Royal Highness suggests that we should quickly resume Anglo-French trade negotiations and amend the treaty to prevent further deterioration of the situation.”

The Duke of Orléans felt he had finally found an opportunity to retaliate. He immediately sneered and said, “The Crown Prince seems to be overestimating the situation. Britain gained vast benefits from the treaty. How could they possibly agree to amend it?”

Joseph glanced at him and bowed slightly to Queen Marie. “Your Majesty, I am absolutely confident that I can persuade the British.”

Before the Queen could voice any doubts, he continued, “Even if the negotiations fail, we should at least try. After all, we stand to lose nothing.”

All the ministers in the cabinet, including Vezinier, immediately expressed their agreement—most of them were either Joseph’s political allies or had vested interests, so how could they disagree?

Queen Marie nodded slightly. “Bishop Brienne, have you prepared the specific terms for the negotiations?”

Bishop Brienne immediately placed a document before her. “Yes, Your Majesty. These are our set negotiation objectives.

“The two most crucial points are: First, to secure a reduction in the import duties on alcoholic beverages, including wine, beer, and spirits, to below 10%.”

The ministers, hearing this for the first time, were immediately filled with anticipation.

Alcohol, especially wine, was a key export for France. However, it currently faced intense competition from places like Spain, Tuscany, and Venice.

If Britain agreed to lower the import duties on French alcohol, it would significantly enhance the competitiveness of French wine.

Bishop Brienne continued, “Second, we aim to raise the import duties on our industrial products to 25%, but to lower them by 3% each year, until they drop to 5% in seven years.”

The Foreign Minister immediately stood up in opposition. “5%? Absolutely not! This will leave France’s industry completely unprotected!”

Joseph smiled. “Even with the current 12% tariff, our industries cannot compete with the British. It’s better to give those workshops a breather, let them adjust, and minimize the losses.

“Moreover, only by significantly reducing tariffs on industrial goods can we persuade the British to lower the import duties on alcohol.”

Naturally, Joseph didn’t mention the rapid improvement of French industrial capabilities, especially with the Duke of Orléans in the room.

Queen Marie hesitated and looked at Bishop Brienne. “Bishop, do you agree with this?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. This is currently the most beneficial approach for us,” Bishop Brienne replied. In truth, he was also somewhat confused, but out of absolute trust in the Crown Prince, he chose to support these terms.

“Other negotiation points include the joint formation of a fleet with Britain to combat smuggling.”

The ministers were momentarily stunned, thinking they must have heard wrong.

A joint fleet between Britain and France?

How absurd does that sound?!

But that was precisely the effect Joseph was aiming for. The British would see this as a symbol of France’s abandonment of its maritime dominance, while combating smuggling would benefit France even more.

Each year, British industrial goods smuggled into France dealt a heavy blow to French industries—because smuggled goods effectively came in with no tariffs and were much cheaper than domestically produced French goods.

If this proposal succeeded, it would essentially mean that the British fleet would be protecting French industry.

The British would gain face, and France would benefit in substance. Why wouldn’t they agree?

Bishop Brienne continued, “Additionally, we will request that Britain sell 1 million pounds of affordable wool to Le Havre port each year…”

Since France lost many of its overseas colonies after the Seven Years' War, it faced a wool shortage, which hurt its textile industry.

Of course, Joseph wasn’t certain that the British would be so generous. However, considering they had agreed to a joint fleet, surely the British would make some concession. If not 1 million pounds, at least 500,000 pounds.

After discussing the trade negotiations, Bishop Brienne continued to the next agenda item: “His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has suggested introducing the Patent Law and Company Law…”

These two laws were urgently needed by the capitalist nobility to develop industrial enterprises, and they posed little threat to the old nobility or the commoners. Therefore, Queen Marie promptly signed the documents and instructed them to be sent to King Louis XVI for approval.

As for the Supreme Court, even if they had reasons to reject the laws, under the watchful eye of the royal court, they had no choice but to register them.

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