Chapter 1259: Diplomatic Maneuvers
During lunch, Baron von Stein and the other Prussian ministers had largely reached a consensus.
"At least this will allow us to retain the power to fight against Austria," Foreign Minister Hertzberg stated.
"It's just that Silesia might be lost..." Marquis Hardenberg sounded rather pessimistic.
"Better than submitting to Vienna..."
Prince Heinrich interrupted them. "What we need to discuss now is how to secure the best possible armistice terms."
Baron von Stein sighed, then murmured, "Shouldn't we report to His Majesty first?"
Prince Heinrich shook his head slightly. "His Majesty is still suffering from a high fever and likely doesn't have the energy to deal with these matters. Let him make the final decision after the specific terms have been finalized."
At two in the afternoon, Count Monthion returned to the Hall of Mirrors with his assistant.
After the usual pleasantries, Baron von Stein immediately declared, "Your Excellency, regarding the armistice, our nation generally agrees to the terms.
Ten million thalers amounted to 37 million francs. Not only was Prussia currently facing consecutive years of deficits and fresh from a defeat, but even during the most glorious years of Frederick the Great, the national treasury never held that much money.
Count Monthion waved a hand. "It can be paid over ten years, with interest calculated according to the Bank of France base interest rate."
The Prussian prime minister, steeling himself, said, "If the reparations could be reduced to three million thalers..."
The French Special Envoy replied coldly, "The damage your nation has inflicted upon ours far exceeds ten million thalers.
"In fact, the General Staff Headquarters initially calculated the figure at 27 million thalers. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince reduced it to ten million only after considering your financial situation.
"If you have any objections, I can have General Augereau come and speak with you instead."
Baron von Stein lowered his head in resignation. A key reason Prussia had agreed to surrender was the hope that the French army would not enter Berlin. If Augereau were to come, how could he possibly do so without his troops?
Prince Heinrich cleared his throat, breaking the awkward silence. "I wish to discuss the issue of the Magdeburg garrison with you, as well as the maximum size of our army."
According to the surrender terms proposed by Count Monthion, France was to station troops in Magdeburg, a crucial Prussian stronghold in the west, while also limiting the Prussian army to no more than 50,000 soldiers.
The French Special Envoy replied almost without hesitation, "These are fundamental requirements. I do not believe there is anything to negotiate."
Hertzberg exclaimed from the side, "Your terms are too harsh! We need to negotiate seriously..."
"With all due respect, you have no other choice," Count Monthion said, rising and walking towards the door. "Perhaps you still need to discuss it further.
"However, I must remind you all that General Augereau is not a patient man. It took great effort to convince him to wait in Potsdam for the time being just two days ago."
The faces of the Prussian ministers were all ashen.
Baron von Stein lowered his head and said, "It seems we can only report to His Majesty the King."
Prince Heinrich's hands trembled. "Accepting these terms will surely destroy Prussia!"
"But what else can we do?"
"Perhaps there isn't only one way forward," a young voice interjected from the side.
The Prussian ministers turned their heads in surprise, seeing that the French Special Envoy's assistant was still in the hall.
"Were you eavesdropping?" Hertzberg snapped, his face stern.
Prince Heinrich, however, raised a hand to stop him, then asked the unusually young Frenchman, "Did you just say there were other options for an armistice?"
The young man nodded. "Actually, it's more than just an armistice.
"We could be bolder, for example, by working together to create a better future."
Prince Heinrich looked at him in astonishment. "I don't quite understand what you mean."
The young man stated earnestly, "Look, your country doesn't need to perpetually follow Britain's lead. I know Britain has provided you with some financial support, but my country can offer you the same, and even more.
"At the same time, your nation would eliminate a powerful enemy, allowing you to dedicate more energy to Silesia. If I recall correctly, the Austrians still occupy your Liegnitz."
Foreign Minister Hertzberg immediately shook his head. "France poses a significant threat to our nation along the Rhine River."
The young Frenchman smiled. "My country can promise not to seek any territory on the east bank of the Rhine River. In that case, the biggest issue between our two nations would disappear."
Prince Heinrich realized something and quickly asked, "Could you tell me your true identity?"
"Of course," the young man said, straightening his back, an air of nobility radiating from him. "Gentlemen, I am Louis-Charles-Dieudonné de France, Duke of Normandy.
"I have come here on behalf of my elder brother to discuss matters of cooperation with your esteemed nation."
"A French Prince?"
Only then did Prince Heinrich notice the young man's shoes, specifically the red heels—a privilege of the House of Bourbon's attire.
A nearby guard then displayed a gold-inlaid ivory tablet bearing the Fleur-de-lis Insignia.
Charles smiled. "This is my 'King's Secret Letter.' Do you also need to see my passport?"
The Prussian ministers and Prince Heinrich exchanged glances, then quickly bowed, hand to chest. "Your Highness, Charles."
Prince Heinrich gestured for Charles to sit, then eagerly asked, "You just mentioned cooperation?"
"Yes, cooperation." Charles had begun learning diplomatic skills under Talleyrand after his last visit to Warsaw, and he now displayed remarkable proficiency. "My brother even hopes that France and Prussia can form some kind of alliance."
Prince Heinrich's eyes widened in astonishment. "Please elaborate."
"For instance, my country will commit to providing you with unlimited high-yield sugar beet seeds, along with the necessary fertilizers and cultivation techniques. The prices will remain consistent with those within France.
"We can also sign a trade agreement, allowing your products to be sold in France.
"After the necessary trade negotiations, your nation could even qualify for entry into the Iberian-Apennine Common Market."
Prince Heinrich felt a sense of unreality. Just moments ago, they were pleading for France to reduce war reparations; how had the conversation suddenly shifted to trade negotiations?
Yet, if they could truly enter the French and even Italian markets with low tariffs, it would undoubtedly be a dream come true for Prussia.
Charles continued, "Your nation's financial situation is poor, but it can be entirely resolved by exporting sugar. At current sugar prices, if you increase your sugar beet cultivation area by another sixty percent, you could achieve a financial surplus.
"To facilitate this, my country will provide loan support to help you expand your cultivation area."
Joseph understood clearly that suppressing a militaristic nation like Prussia was useless; it would only stir up their rebellious spirit, leading the entire nation to unite and strive for strength.
Against such countries, the methods of economic control used by certain great powers in later eras were far more effective.
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