Chapter 1374: The Union of East and West Rome
Joseph had previously intended to use 'Bern's French-speaking population dominates' as the basis for the personal union, but clearly, the "Rome" flag was far more potent.
If Count Erlach and the others hadn't mentioned it, he really wouldn't have thought that Switzerland could, in a roundabout way, be linked to the Roman Empire.
He couldn't help but narrow his eyes; the Swiss had certainly given him an idea.
To speak of it, the Capetian dynasty was considered Charlemagne's only bloodline successor, and the Carolingian Empire was widely recognized as the legitimate continuation of the Western Roman Empire.
Currently, France's territory largely overlapped with that of the Carolingian Empire—especially after acquiring the Rhineland, even Aachen, the capital of the Carolingian Empire, was within French borders.
Now, for him to assert Charlemagne's legitimate heritage was simply perfectly justified!
Wait a moment.
Joseph suddenly realized that Alexandra, as a member of the Romanov family, also inherited the legitimate bloodline of the Eastern Roman imperial family!
This meant that his descendants would simultaneously possess the legitimate heritage of both the Eastern and Western Roman Empires.
However, he quickly suppressed this idea.
The banner of the Roman Empire indeed held immense appeal in Europe, but it would also provoke extreme vigilance from Austria, the Ottoman Empire, and even Russia.
Currently, France was in a crucial period of integrating the German and Italian regions, and it was not advisable to create further complications.
But when France was ready to expand its influence, this would undoubtedly be the optimal leverage.
Joseph couldn't help but look at the Swiss men before him. Perhaps this time France would not only gain an eastern province but also find an opportunity to begin laying out the 'Roman concept.'
Count Erlach was still speaking passionately: "We are well aware of Bern's barrenness and poverty. To avoid affecting the Empire's prosperity, the state council will raise two million francs to be submitted to the Ministry of Finance, to cover the tax shortfall of the past two years..."
Joseph was even a little touched.
These Swiss were truly clever; they even brought their own 'admission fee,' which made it even harder to refuse.
After Count Erlach finished recounting how "the Bernese state council had passed legislation by a large majority, deciding to withdraw from the Swiss Confederation," Joseph also stood up and declared solemnly:
"You are absolutely right.
"The glorious light of great Rome will forever connect us.
"As a descendant of Charlemagne, I have a duty to offer protection to all who still acknowledge themselves as Roman citizens."
The three Swiss men exchanged incredulous glances, all filled with wild joy: the French Crown Prince had actually agreed!
They hastily knelt on one knee, exclaiming emotionally, "We thank Your Highness for your benevolence, and humbly pledge our utmost loyalty to you!"
Joseph gestured for them to rise and instructed:
"Have the state council submit a 'Personal Union Application' to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and publish the full text in the major newspapers of all countries. Oh, and include the matter of compensating for the tax shortfall."
"Once His Majesty the King signs the application, 'Upper German Province' will become Bern's new name."
The reason he made it so elaborate was, on one hand, to use the publicity of Bern's request to join France as a warm-up for the 'Roman concept.'
On the other hand, it was to inform all countries, especially the small states in the Italian region, that France was not forcibly occupying Bern, but that they had voluntarily paid their own way to request a personal union. This was intended to dispel the small states' concerns about French expansion.
The Swiss men eagerly and reverently stated that there would not be the slightest oversight.
Joseph then inquired about the situation in Bern Canton for a while. He checked the clock, and just as he was about to invite the three men to a banquet, Count Erlach cautiously spoke up:
"Your Highness, after merging with the great France, the council still has a few minor matters we hope you can approve."
"Please, speak."
The Swiss man carefully chose his words: "Actually, everyone in Bern has long wanted to build a railway. If you could have the Ministry of Transport draw up a plan for it..."
Joseph frowned. "Build a railway?"
Count Erlach hastily replied, "It doesn't need to start immediately; just announcing the route plan would suffice. Oh, the state council had also raised some funds earlier, so we just need a small loan."
Joseph pondered for a moment, then shook his head. "I don't believe that's absolutely necessary."
The Swiss men immediately grew tense. "Yes, you are right. We should wait a few more years and raise the necessary funds ourselves, without government loans..."
What he most needed was the railway plan from the French Ministry of Transport. With that, the confidence of Bernese investors would be bolstered, and the current issue of project compensation would be alleviated. As for what came later, they would take it one step at a time.
Joseph smiled faintly. "No, what I mean is that Upper German Province temporarily does not need a railway."
Baron Fred also grew anxious and blurted out, "But we have already purchased a large amount of iron rails and machinery..."
Joseph raised a hand to signal him. "Without sufficient population and trade to support it, building a railway would only result in losses.
"Given Switzerland's current situation, what is most needed are well-maintained roads, clock factories, fertilizers, steam irrigation equipment, and facilities like schools and hospitals.
"As for those iron rails you mentioned, they can first be used to construct steam railcars within Bern.
"Only when all of these are complete will building a railway be meaningful."
Since Bern came with its own admission fee, he naturally wanted to help it achieve rapid development. This would also set an example for the other Swiss cantons.
Count Erlach could only present the truth with a wry face: "Your Highness, in that case, the funds the state council raised for building the railway..."
Joseph asked, "What is the promised return rate from the council?"
"4.5%, Your Highness."
Joseph nodded. "That's not high. I can have the Ministry of Finance send someone to Bern to suggest converting these funds into a 'City Development Fund,' raising the minimum return rate to 4.6%."
Count Erlach and the others immediately breathed a sigh of relief. With the backing of Paris's high-ranking officials, Bernese investors would likely accept it. Even if some insisted on withdrawing their investments, the number wouldn't be significant.
Joseph suddenly thought of something else. "By the way, I recall you previously mentioned the hot springs left from the Roman era?"
Count Erlach nodded awkwardly. "Yes, there certainly are... and theaters built during the Roman era, too. However, they are all in disrepair due to age..."
He had mentioned these dilapidated ruins earlier simply to associate Switzerland with a Roman label. The theater in Avenches had been used as a sheepfold centuries ago.
Joseph said nonchalantly, "No matter, I will allocate a sum of money to restore these imperial relics."
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