Chapter 1323: Financial Warfare VI
Godan nodded instinctively, feeling that what the Crown Prince said seemed to make a lot of sense, yet it contradicted the decades of economic theory he had studied. He found it difficult to accept all at once.
As for Lavalette, he had long since drifted into a stupor.
Joseph could only let them go back and process it slowly. For now, he continued discussing financial warfare.
"So at this moment, we must use every means available to drive up Britain's inflation, accelerating their descent into stagflation."
Godan immediately responded, "That perfectly aligns with our previous plans, Your Highness."
The original objective of the financial warfare was to seize the opportunity while the British government was printing vast amounts of currency to absorb National Debt, using various forms of imported inflation to plunge them into a high inflation predicament.
They had simply not expected the opportunity to trigger Stagflation in Britain to arise now.
Lavalette finally heard something he could understand, and quickly leaned forward, asking, "Your Highness, should we accelerate the next steps of the plan then?"
Joseph nodded. "We must ensure the Ministry of Civil Affairs has sufficient subsidy funds. The income of North African farmers must not be affected."
Indeed, sugar prices were already so high that there was little room for further increase. Therefore, Joseph had chosen Wheat as his 'weapon' to introduce inflation to Britain this time.
Due to extensive land enclosures for sheep farming and rapid population growth, Britain had become Europe's largest grain importer. North Africa was one of Britain's primary grain suppliers.
Of course, grain was not scarce in Europe; Russia, Poland, and even Prussia were all grain exporters. However, Joseph had already tampered with all of Britain's grain import channels, which would eventually come to light one after another.
Hearing Godan mention "Northern Italy," Joseph couldn't help but ask, "But Northern Italy doesn't need to import much grain."
Godan smiled faintly. "Count Segur negotiated with the Two Sicilies. Now Milan, Florence, Genoa, and even the Papal States have begun purchasing North African Wheat."
Joseph smiled and nodded in return.
Previously, Northern Italy's grain was mainly supplied by Naples in Southern Italy—part of the Two Sicilies, which boasted the finest farmland in the Apennines. However, during this war, Naples had consistently leaned towards the Anti-French Coalition and had even been involved in inciting riots in Northern Italy.
He had forgotten to teach that fickle kingdom a lesson earlier. This could be considered a punishment by restricting grain exports.
As for Naples directly exporting Wheat to Britain?
Leaving aside the certainty that Segur had already warned them, even if France didn't intervene, the Strait of Gibraltar was currently in the midst of fierce fighting. Naples' merchant ships would be daring indeed to try passing through.
Joseph felt a surge of emotion. France's administrative apparatus was finally gaining its own momentum, no longer needing him to personally oversee every detail; it could now handle matters appropriately on its own.
He mentally reviewed the subsequent steps of the Financial Warfare, then looked at Lavalette. "Where are those Russian prisoners of war now?"
Lavalette hesitated for a moment. "I received a report last week that they had reached Khotebuz. By now, they've most likely entered Poznan. Your Highness, as you know, the General Staff Headquarters is responsible for this matter, so it's not really my place to inquire too closely."
Joseph nodded, asking Eman to summon Berthier, then inquired of the head of the Security Bureau, "And Monsieur Bailly?"
"He arrived in Warsaw two days ago, Your Highness. I expect news to be sent back soon."
Joseph nodded.
He had already received reports on the negotiations with Denmark and the United States. Once Poland's negotiations were finalized, all of Britain's Wheat import channels would be completely blocked. Given the current relationship between France and Poland, Warsaw would undoubtedly cooperate fully.
Of course, Russian merchant ships could only be blocked for two months. And during this time, the British would also acquire grain through various smuggling channels, but it would already be enough to send their inflation levels soaring.
After a moment's thought, he instructed, "We need to push our plan forward another step.
"Once Britain's supply issues have temporarily subsided, we will immediately announce..."
Lavalette and Godan's eyes widened. The latter quickly interjected, "Your Highness, but that would also have a negative impact on our own country, especially in the trade sector."
Joseph said without hesitation, "Therefore, you must prepare in advance. Once Monsieur Bailly returns, you will both formulate a response plan and present it to me."
When there was an opportunity to kick an enemy while they were down, he would certainly throw the biggest possible stone, even if it meant straining his own back.
As Lavalette and Godan exited the Crown Prince's study, they saw the Crown Princess approaching. She was clad in an exceptionally lavish silver-white silk gown, its neckline adorned with delicate four-layered lace. Her high coiffure was decorated with peacock feathers arranged in a floral pattern, making her appear like a dazzling work of art.
After exchanging smiles with the two high-ranking ministers, Alexandra gracefully entered the Crown Prince's room.
She curtsied to Joseph, then lifted her skirt and twirled, asking with a sweet smile, "My dear, look at my gown. Do you like it?"
"Of course!" Joseph stepped forward and kissed her forehead, praising, "Your braids are silk woven from moonlight and the Milky Way, the shimmering light in your eyes dims all the lights of Versailles, and your most captivating elegance is like a melody even the Muses have never composed..."
Alexandra's cheeks immediately flushed, but she smiled even more brightly. Circling his waist with her arms, she said softly, "I was asking about *this* gown. Baron Candide said it's his proudest creation."
Feigning surprise, Joseph looked her up and down. "Forgive me, I was so captivated by the beautiful Sasha just now that I didn't even notice the gown.
"Hmm, it's truly exquisite, noble yet approachable and relaxed. This gown is for..."
Alexandra's face flushed even deeper. "It's for the wedding ball."
Joseph patted his forehead. "I'll have to quickly prepare my own attire then, or the nobles won't even 'see' me that day!"
Yes, Alexandra would turn eighteen next year, and according to their previous agreement, they would hold their official wedding early next year.
Of course, the two had already completed all the formalities concerning their marriage contract and some ecclesiastical ceremonies, but they had been living separately. This was a common marriage pattern among European royalty, though typically completed when the bride was around fourteen.
Well, next year's wedding would primarily consist of a series of celebrations, banquets, and balls.
If they were to follow Louis XIV's regulations, the wedding night would still include a public 'display' ritual—but Joseph had pushed for changes to the "Court Etiquette Regulations" a year ago, abolishing this 'privilege' for the nobles.
Comments