The Crown Prince of France - Chapter 21

Chapter 21: The Enigmatic Crown Prince

"The key to this battle lies in Princess Wilhelmina," Joseph had already considered this point. "As long as the Patriot Party can hold on a little longer, we can make good use of Princess Wilhelmina and station some troops at the French-Prussian border. Prussia should then retreat."

"I will submit a detailed plan as an official document to Marquis de Castries."

Marie Antoinette nodded. "Very well. I will decide whether to continue providing aid based on the Minister of War's recommendations."

At this moment, Louis XVI, who had been silent throughout, suddenly spoke, "There’s no need to draw from the national treasury. I will personally contribute 600,000 livres to aid the Patriot Party."

After speaking, he gave Joseph an affirming smile.

Bishop Brienne immediately breathed a sigh of relief and bowed to Louis XVI. "Your Majesty, thank you for your generosity.

"With this funding from Your Majesty, the treasury can temporarily suspend payments to the Patriot Party. Two months later, we can reassess the situation in the Netherlands and decide whether to continue support."

He turned to Marie Antoinette. "Your Majesty, does this arrangement suit you?"

The queen nodded. "Very well. Proceed to the next item."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Bishop Brienne cast a cautious glance at the Crown Prince, dreading that he might stir up trouble again. Fortunately, Joseph did not interfere further with the subsequent budget cuts, allowing most proposals to pass smoothly.

The cabinet meeting then moved on to miscellaneous matters, and the discussions eventually neared their conclusion.

Marie Antoinette signed the last two documents and, without looking up, asked Bishop Brienne, "Bishop Brienne, I heard there has been little progress with the tax reform bill."

She was referring to the new tax reform plan that the government had been pushing since the beginning of the year. Its main components included: requiring the privileged noble class to pay land taxes like commoners, permitting the free transportation and trade of grain, abolishing corvée labor, and increasing the stamp tax.

The goal, naturally, was to boost fiscal revenue and alleviate the national treasury’s deficit. If implemented, it would genuinely benefit ordinary citizens.

However, the tax reform bill faced unanimous opposition from the high nobility. After months of stagnation, it had yet to pass, and the previous Minister of Finance had even been dismissed over the issue.

Bishop Brienne wore a pained expression and nodded. "Your Majesty, the new bill has been delayed by the High Court. I’ve received word that they are likely to reject it outright."

Under French law, the tax reform bill needed to be registered with the High Court and then signed by the king to become effective.

However, as the French courts were firmly controlled by the nobility, the bill, which threatened their interests, was stuck at the registration stage, unable to proceed.

Marie Antoinette’s voice carried a hint of exhaustion. "You are aware of our financial situation. The tax reform bill must be implemented as soon as possible."

"Yes, Your Majesty. I will do everything in my power!"

Joseph silently shook his head. He knew that, according to the original trajectory of history, Bishop Brienne had ultimately failed to pass the bill. In desperation, Louis XVI had heedlessly taken advice from a hardliner, stripping the High Court of much of its power, exiling stubborn judges, and replacing it with a royal tribunal to forcibly implement the bill.

However, the nobility immediately seized upon this move to incite public opinion, portraying Louis XVI as an autocratic tyrant who disregarded the law. This sparked a nationwide anti-tax movement, throwing the nation’s finances into chaos.

Devoid of any control over public discourse, Louis XVI found himself unable to defend his actions and was ultimately forced to recall the exiled judges, restoring the High Court’s authority. In turn, the High Court terminated the newly implemented tax reform bill.

The worst consequence of this debacle was that the nobility became convinced that the king could not outmaneuver them. Emboldened, they grew increasingly defiant. Louis XVI, left with no choice, convened the Estates-General, hoping the commoners would side with him against the nobility.

The outcome? The nobility exploited the Estates-General to incite rebellion. This coincided with the Great French Famine of 1788, which sent the situation spiraling out of control and ignited the French Revolution...

Joseph glanced at Bishop Brienne and thought, You’re trying to convince the nobility to accept a bill requiring them to pay more taxes? That’s like bargaining with a tiger.

To enact tax reform, the nobility must first be thoroughly subdued, forced to recognize the authority of the crown. Only then would they comply with paying taxes.

Additionally, control over public opinion was crucial. These nobles excelled at distorting facts, inciting public sentiment, and destabilizing the nation for their own gain. Only by ensuring that the French people could hear the government’s voice and understand the truth could they avoid being manipulated by the nobility.

Taking a deep breath, Joseph resolved himself. He had taken his first step by assuming the role of Assistant Minister of Finance. However, altering the course of history would undoubtedly entail numerous challenges. Whether dealing with obstinate nobles, the clergy, or capitalists, he would show no mercy to those who dared oppose him.

"That will be all. This meeting is adjourned."

The queen’s voice interrupted Joseph’s thoughts. Along with the other ministers, he rose, bowed to the king and queen, and prepared to leave.

"Joseph, stay for a moment," Marie Antoinette called after him.

Reluctantly, Joseph returned to his seat.

Once the other ministers had left the chamber, the queen smiled and turned to him. "Joseph, your police reforms have been well-executed. The Saint-Antoine District has evidently become the safest area in Paris."

She paused and sighed. "However, the police reforms must come to an end."

"Why is that?" Joseph asked, puzzled.

The queen replied earnestly, "Your reforms have made the officers’ salaries too high, and they are funded by the municipal government. Previously, you used your own money to pay the police, but the municipal treasury simply cannot sustain this expense. Public safety for ordinary citizens will have to rely on civilian patrols."

Joseph responded without hesitation, "Public safety is paramount. I believe the reforms should not only continue but also expand to all of Paris, and even nationwide!

"As for funding, you needn’t worry. Now that I am... involved in financial management, the treasury will soon be flush with funds."

Marie Antoinette looked at her son, intrigued. "And where do you plan to find this money?"

Joseph hesitated, thinking about steam engines, steelmaking, rubber, mining, cement, and even arms manufacturing—each of which could generate millions of livres.

But he couldn’t reveal these to her...

After a moment’s thought, he picked options the queen might accept. "For instance, finance, real estate, and luxury goods. In short, I have confidence."

Marie Antoinette frowned, finding his answer somewhat unreliable. After some thought, she said, "Very well. I’ll give you six months. If you can resolve the issue of police salaries, the reforms can continue. Otherwise, they must revert to their original state."

"Understood. I believe I won’t need six months."

Louis XVI glanced at the time and said to the mother and son, "It’s nearly lunchtime. No task should delay a meal."

He led the two of them toward the royal dining hall. As they walked down the corridor, Joseph remembered something and asked Marie Antoinette, "Mother, do you have any recommendations for a suitable Chief of Police for Paris?"

"The Chief of Police? You’d best consult Count Morneau."

"Hmm, he will heed my suggestion."

The queen was startled but quickly grasped the implication. "You’re leveraging the matter of Guizot against him?"

"Absolutely not," Joseph replied candidly. "I’m simply offering him peace of mind."

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