The Crown Prince of France - Chapter 80

Chapter 80: Political Bargains

Count Morneau bowed respectfully to Joseph and Brienne, speaking earnestly: “This cabinet resolution is pivotal for the future of fiscal policy. Everyone will tread with extreme caution when making their decisions.”

Brienne immediately smiled. “Count Morneau, I heard that your child is about to turn fifteen—an exceptionally bright young person.”

He extended his hands toward Morneau. “This might be presumptuous, but I believe he is an excellent candidate to inherit your title.”

Morneau’s eyes lit up. “Are you saying you have a way to help him...?”

At over sixty years old, Morneau had lost both his wife and his only legitimate son to illness. Although he had a few illegitimate children, French law barred them from inheritance.

Brienne nodded. “This will take considerable time, but I believe there are ways to make it happen. I can give you my word.”

Morneau immediately grasped Brienne’s hand, his voice trembling with excitement.
“Archbishop Brienne, you have always been the Minister of Finance I respect the most! That will never change.”

He had already established a rapport with Brienne and later with Joseph.
Given the Crown Prince’s firm support for Brienne, Morneau had more or less decided his stance, though he still sought appropriate political returns.

Brienne, on the other hand, was forthright in offering rewards. To secure inheritance rights for an illegitimate son—a daunting task without Brienne’s ecclesiastical connections and his power as the Prime Minister—was almost unthinkable.

Naturally, Morneau was taking a significant political risk. Yet he calculated carefully: even if Brienne failed, he could still earn the Crown Prince’s goodwill, ensuring he wouldn’t walk away empty-handed.

Brienne inclined his head gratefully. “Thank you for your trust, Count Morneau. You will always have my friendship.”

With the deal sealed, Morneau eagerly offered his advice.
“Archbishop Brienne, regarding tomorrow’s resolution, are you confident of its passage?”

Brienne answered truthfully: “At present, only His Highness and you are confirmed to support me.”

Morneau pondered aloud: “Traditionally, military officers do not involve themselves in such matters.

“Meanwhile, the Duke of Orléans has the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Foreign Affairs on his side—also three votes. So…”

Brienne continued, “Count Denico’s position becomes critical.”

He was referring to Count Denico, the current Minister of Registries, who was usually the least noticeable figure in the cabinet but had now become the focus of the storm.

Morneau lowered his head and analyzed. “The Duke of Orléans is likely already courting him.”

Joseph turned to Morneau. “What do you think the Duke of Orléans might offer?”

Morneau considered. “Most likely money—a substantial sum—or perhaps a manor. As you know, the Duke of Orléans is exceedingly wealthy.”

Joseph asked further, “What can you tell me about Count Denico?”

“Well, he once served as an advisor to His Majesty before becoming Minister of Registries on Viscount Léon’s recommendation. However, he hasn’t accomplished much, and people privately refer to him as ‘Invisible Denico.’”

When Morneau finished, Joseph’s face showed a smile. “I think I’ll have a word with him.”

…

As dusk approached, Count Denico walked respectfully beside the Crown Prince along the cobblestone paths skirting the Palace of Versailles.

Denico was acutely aware of the situation, simply awaiting offers from both sides. He had expected Brienne to approach him but was surprised to see the Crown Prince himself.

“Trade negotiations?” Denico looked incredulous. “Your Highness, are you saying you want me to preside over trade negotiations?”

Joseph nodded. “Indeed. Before long, we will reopen negotiations with Britain on the Eden Treaty.”

Denico was puzzled. “But...what does that have to do with me? Such negotiations are typically handled by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Finance.”

Joseph smiled. “Not necessarily. The Minister of Finance handles the specific terms, while another person coordinates and communicates with the British.”

“After today’s cabinet meeting, it is clear that Prime Minister Villemain and Archbishop Brienne can no longer cooperate. Since the Minister of Finance must participate, someone else will need to work with Archbishop Brienne. That someone could be you.”

Denico’s heart skipped a beat. Presiding over negotiations with Britain offered political capital far exceeding anything he could achieve through endless population surveys.

Years ago, Count Vergennes had earned renown for forging the Franco-American alliance and signing the Eden Treaty.

Could he, too, gain such prestige?

The thought gave him pause. Hesitantly, he said, “But, Your Highness, I lack experience in this area…”

Joseph immediately reassured him. “It’s simple. All you need to do is uphold France’s dignity before the British.

“I know you possess extraordinary abilities that have simply lacked the opportunity to shine.

“If you can demonstrate your diplomatic talents during this negotiation, you might even have a chance to become Minister of Foreign Affairs.”

Denico’s breathing quickened—not merely due to the greater authority of the Foreign Affairs portfolio but because he was thoroughly fed up with the registry system.
Repetitive paperwork and ridicule as an “invisible” figure had long sapped his enthusiasm.

In contrast, the Minister of Foreign Affairs wielded influence on the global stage, navigating between nations with elegance and bravado—a life of unparalleled freedom and grandeur.

He looked at Joseph and asked seriously, “Your Highness, are you certain the trade agreement will be renegotiated?”

“Absolutely. You can confirm it with the British ambassador to France.”

“And Archbishop Brienne will co-lead the negotiations with me?”

“Those are the Archbishop’s own words, conveyed through me.”

Joseph’s smile never wavered. When Morneau had mentioned Denico’s comfortable financial situation and dissatisfaction with his cabinet obscurity, Joseph had known exactly what to offer.

Sure enough, Denico stopped, turned, and placed a hand over his chest in salute. “Your Highness, you shall have my vote.”

Joseph nodded in satisfaction and added, “One final reminder, Count Denico. If Archbishop Brienne is removed as Minister of Finance, the negotiations will fall to Necker and Villemain.”

Denico’s tone immediately turned resolute. “Yes, Your Highness. I will ensure that does not happen!”

Compared to the allure of the Foreign Affairs portfolio, the Duke of Orléans’ promise of several hundred thousand livres paled in significance.

As Joseph took his leave and headed back toward the Palace of Versailles, he reflected: politics was no different from a merchant’s marketplace—offers made, bids countered, and the highest price winning.

Some exploited the buyer’s desperation to demand exorbitant prices.

Others, with sufficient power, simply enforced their terms.

But at its core, it remained a trade.

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