The Crown Prince of France - Chapter 19

Chapter 19: Assistant to the Minister of Finance

When the cabinet ministers heard the news, regardless of their personal thoughts, they all rose to congratulate the Crown Prince, their compliments flowing endlessly like a river of praise.

Joseph graciously returned the salutes, but before he could say more, the golden doors of the hall were pushed open. The herald’s voice echoed, “Their Majesties the King and Queen!”

The ministers inside were taken aback by the rare appearance of King Louis XVI at a cabinet meeting. Hastily, they turned to the King and Queen, who were stepping into the chamber, and greeted them respectfully with hand-over-heart salutes.

Louis XVI, familiar with his cabinet ministers, seemed more at ease, his social anxiety hardly visible. Smiling, he said, “You are all as diligent as ever. Oh, could someone tell me what’s being discussed?”

Count Morneau, ever affable, replied immediately, “Your Majesty, we were just expressing our admiration for the Crown Prince’s remarkable achievements in the police reform!”

The King, accompanied by Queen Marie Antoinette, took the seat at the head of the table. Their faces could not conceal their joy, especially Marie Antoinette, who enthusiastically recounted Joseph’s recent accomplishments in great detail.

Seeing the atmosphere was just right, Morneau gave Joseph a meaningful look, cleared his throat, and stood. “Your Majesty, during His Highness the Crown Prince’s tenure at the Police Bureau, he has demonstrated extraordinary talent. I recall Her Majesty mentioning that if His Highness performed admirably in municipal affairs, he should be appointed Assistant to the Minister of Finance.”

Marie Antoinette nodded with a smile.

The Minister of Justice, Sumiar, furrowed his brow slightly and glanced at the Duke of Orléans, only to find him indifferent. Pretending to mutter to himself, he said, “Her Majesty merely mentioned allowing His Highness to gain some exposure to financial matters...”

His words, however softly spoken, were just loud enough for those nearby to hear.

Marie Antoinette’s smile faded as her gaze swept across the others before settling on Bishop Brienne. “Archbishop Brienne, what is your opinion on this matter?”

At these words, Morneau shot Joseph a reassuring look, signaling that the matter had already been arranged with Brienne.

The round-faced elder rose from his seat, saluted the Queen respectfully, and said without hesitation, “Your Majesty, I believe His Highness the Crown Prince is fully capable of serving as Assistant to the Minister of Finance.”

As the Archbishop of Toulouse and both Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Brienne’s approval left no room for dissent. The other ministers quickly fell in line.

Marie Antoinette’s smile returned as she prepared to announce the decision. But before she could speak, Brienne added, “Your Highness, the current financial situation is of utmost importance. As Your Highness has limited experience in this field, I must insist on retaining final authority over fiscal policies. The Crown Prince cannot bypass me in handling financial affairs. I hope Your Majesty will approve.”

Joseph smiled wryly to himself. You’re really that afraid I’ll ruin the country’s finances? Who else but me can save your treasury now?

As he considered how to persuade the elder statesman, the Duke of Orléans unexpectedly rose and said, “Archbishop Brienne, the responsibilities of Assistant to the Minister of Finance are numerous. If you insist on personally overseeing every minor matter, it will greatly divide your attention. I believe you should focus on advancing the new tax reform bill rather than being distracted by trivialities.”

The chamber fell silent as everyone exchanged surprised looks. At the last cabinet meeting, the Duke of Orléans had been at daggers drawn with the Crown Prince, nearly coming to blows. Now, he was speaking in Joseph’s favor?

Marie Antoinette cautiously asked Brienne, “What are the current responsibilities of the Assistant to the Minister of Finance?”

“Primarily managing loans, repaying national debt, and organizing provisions for tax legislation.”

The Queen’s frown relaxed. These were straightforward tasks. Loans followed established banking practices, and drafting legislation was supported by clerks and lawyers.

Joseph would undoubtedly handle these tasks with ease, giving him a chance to familiarize himself with financial matters.

Without further hesitation, she exchanged a few polite words with Louis XVI before loudly declaring, “The Crown Prince will take full charge of the current responsibilities of the Assistant to the Minister of Finance, while other matters must still be approved by Archbishop Brienne.”

She added, “It is now official: His Highness the Crown Prince is appointed Assistant to the Minister of Finance. Count Barondin, please prepare the appointment documents.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Joseph bowed and accepted the appointment, delivering a few formal remarks. As he did, he cast a sidelong glance at the Duke of Orléans, puzzled by the man’s sudden cooperation.

The Duke’s expression remained composed, but inwardly, he was smirking.

He knew that with Joseph’s recent momentum, blocking his appointment was impossible. Days ago, he had begun plotting pitfalls for the Crown Prince.

Next month, a national debt of 6 million livres would come due. The Duke had already struck a deal with the banks to suspend all loans to the government.

The headline practically wrote itself: “Crown Prince Mismanages Debt, Sparks Financial Crisis.”

Marie Antoinette offered her son a few encouraging words before turning to Brienne. “Let us proceed with today’s agenda.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The round-faced elder produced a prepared document, donned his gold-rimmed glasses, and said, “Given this year’s financial situation, I propose further budget cuts for the second half of the year.”

He glanced at Marie Antoinette, who nodded. “Yes, I’ve reviewed your report and agree with your proposal. On behalf of the royal family, I pledge to reduce annual royal expenditures by 1 million livres to ease the financial burden.”

“Thank you for your generosity, Your Majesty,” Brienne said, then turned to a middle-aged man with a long face and prominent nose seated on the right side of the table. “I propose canceling the construction of one battleship and two second-rate ships in the Navy. This would save the treasury 1.35 million livres.”

The Minister of the Navy, Marquis de Castries, leaped to his feet, his voice booming, “Absolutely not! The British fleet already far outmatches ours! We need to add four more battleships to our plans just to maintain trade routes, and you propose cutting one, along with two second-rate ships?!”

Marie Antoinette motioned for calm and looked to the other ministers. “What are your opinions?”

Most expressed support for the cuts. With limited funds, sparing the Navy meant cuts elsewhere, and no one wanted their own budget reduced. Better to trim the Navy.

The Marquis de Castries, sweating profusely, realized he had little support. Desperate, he turned to the Crown Prince.

He had heard that Joseph had recently fought alongside guards against gang members in the Saint-Antoine District—a spirited and resolute young man who would surely advocate for military expansion.

“Your Highness, do you support Archbishop Brienne’s proposal? It would leave us even weaker against the British!”

“No!” Joseph said firmly. “Cutting a battleship is unacceptable.”

“Exactly!” the Marquis began, but Joseph’s next words left him dumbfounded.

“I believe all battleship construction plans should be entirely suspended!”

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