Chapter 144: Foreign Policy
Moreover, with Russia's concern, if the British were to interfere arbitrarily with France's actions in North Africa, Russia would first protest to Britain.
Joseph returned the letter to Brienne. "What do you think of what's written here?"
The latter considered. "Aligning with Russia might not bring us many short-term benefits, but in the future, it could be used to curb nations like Austria and Prussia, and even exert some influence over the British."
Joseph mused inwardly, 'It seems Brienne's political foresight is quite good.'
He also knew that the outcome of this Russo-Turkish War would be a decisive victory for Russia, forcing the Ottoman Empire to sign the Treaty of Jassy. From then on, the entire northern coast of the Black Sea would belong to Russia.
This time, Joseph absolutely couldn't let this advantage fall into anyone else's hands.
He immediately nodded. "I completely agree with your viewpoint. Therefore, at the next cabinet meeting, you can propose a motion to ally with Russia and take a strong stance against the Ottoman Empire. In fact, declaring war on the Ottomans could also be an option."
"Very well, Your Royal Highness, I will begin preparations."
After the previous series of events, Brienne had basically come to obey Joseph implicitly.
"Your Royal Highness, I've reviewed the reports on potato planting across all provinces. I truly don't know how you persuaded those people to plant so many potatoes. This year's grain supply should be incredibly abundant now."
Joseph sighed inwardly. 'It'll be good enough if we can just manage to eat, let alone be abundant...'
He quickly instructed, "Archbishop Brienne, though the potatoes have been planted, we must still pay attention to irrigation to combat drought. If possible, I suggest that each parish be equipped with some steam water pumps. Just one of these machines can irrigate tens of hectares of land."
France's "parishes" were essentially administrative units for villages and towns.
Joseph's suggestion was not without purpose. Although France had few large coal mines, small, scattered mines were abundant throughout the country. With appropriate mining policies, it would be easy to meet the civilian coal demand of villages and towns.
Building on this, it could also stimulate the sales of steam engines, creating a virtuous cycle.
"Well..." Brienne pondered, "Parishes near Paris might manage, but more remote ones probably wouldn't be able to afford the expense."
Joseph recalled the situation of the farmer Gaizka's family and nodded slightly. "We can establish small parish banks specifically to provide loans to farmers. However, interest rates for these banks must be limited to prevent them from becoming tools for exploiting farmers."
Brienne immediately nodded. "That's an excellent suggestion, Your Royal Highness. I will have policies drafted for it right away."
Joseph then thought of the issue of grain transportation and continued his instructions. "Also, we must consider that during the dry season, grain might become untransportable.
"Therefore, I suggest that major cities establish strategic grain reserves, with appointed officials to manage them, and a mechanism for regular deposits, withdrawals, and inspections. And Paris, in particular, should build two additional ones."
France had always been a major grain-producing nation in Europe, and previously, there had been no concept of creating grain reserves.
Brienne looked somewhat perplexed. "Your Royal Highness, there isn't much grain available right now; building granaries would mean they'd be empty."
"I'm already working on securing the grain supply. You only need to issue the decrees to the provincial Governors as soon as possible."
Although Brienne believed that with the abundant potato harvest, this year's food crisis should be safely navigated, he didn't understand why the Crown Prince was still so cautious.
However, out of absolute trust in Joseph, he readily agreed.
...
Joseph emerged from his meeting with Brienne, and it was nearly dinner time, so he had to stay overnight at Versailles Palace.
After he had dinner with the Queen and returned to the Crown Prince's chambers, he saw Archbishop Talleyrand respectfully waiting there.
'This man certainly has initiative, and with his clever mind, it's no wonder he can survive through several reigns,' Joseph assessed inwardly, then nodded towards Talleyrand, who stepped forward to bow. "Please, sit, Archbishop Talleyrand. Is there something you need, coming to me so late?"
"Your Royal Highness, His Majesty the King said that you are the only one who can save me."
Talleyrand then recounted the obstacles he faced in his promotion to Archbishop. In his narrative, he had suffered immense injustice, portraying himself as pitiful as a homeless kitten in a snowstorm, yet he uttered not a single word of blame towards Queen Marie.
Joseph couldn't help but admire his linguistic skills. 'No wonder he became the strongest diplomat during Emperor Napoleon's era; he truly has a way with words.'
Joseph, however, didn't play along with his tactics and directly asked, "How did you displease Her Majesty the Queen?"
Talleyrand paused for a moment, then quickly recovered, sighing, "Your Royal Highness, you know there were many rumors circulating about the Queen previously. I foolishly believed some of them and spoke of them to others... and Her Majesty the Queen found out."
Joseph thought to himself, 'It seems the matter isn't too serious. When it comes to cheering up the Queen, I still have some confidence. A few good words on Talleyrand's behalf should resolve it.'
So he looked at Talleyrand and said, "I can help you with this matter."
"Truly?!" The latter was so excited he nearly wept. "Your Royal Highness, you truly are an angel sent by God to save the world!"
Joseph quickly raised a hand to stop him from continuing to shower him with such exaggerated praise. "It's nothing, Archbishop Talleyrand.
"However, His Majesty the King has been worried and toiling over your situation. You should properly thank him instead."
"Yes, yes. His Majesty always cares for me." Talleyrand looked at Joseph with a searching gaze. "Erm... could you offer me some advice on how to properly thank His Majesty?"
Joseph smiled faintly. "I've heard that His Majesty recently plans to build a firearms manufacturing plant."
Talleyrand nodded thoughtfully at the mention.
...
The next day, Joseph personally instructed the royal pastry chefs to prepare over a dozen exquisite desserts and took them to the Petit Trianon.
Queen Marie's eyes sparkled as she gazed at the various cakes, puddings, and pastries on the table.
Joseph picked up a puff pastry cake and fed it to the Queen. While she was delighted, he quickly brought up Talleyrand's matter.
Embracing her clever and obedient son, the Queen hardly cared about Talleyrand anymore. After Joseph spoke a few good words on Talleyrand's behalf, especially mentioning his desire to use the man for some national service, she readily promised her son that she would no longer dwell on the latter's past transgressions.
Everything went smoothly.
Joseph immediately sent for Talleyrand. After the clergyman, using his exceptional eloquence and theatricality, offered a solemn apology to the Queen, she declared her forgiveness. Only then did Talleyrand breathe a sigh of relief and withdraw.
Upon leaving the Queen's presence, Joseph saw Talleyrand waiting at the entrance of the Petit Trianon.
The clergyman approached, overwhelmed with gratitude. He had sought King Louis XVI's help for over a year to no avail, yet the Crown Prince had resolved the issue with just a table full of desserts.
If Joseph hadn't intervened, Talleyrand would only have been promoted to Archbishop at the end of that year, after his father's death and by the Queen's pity.
Joseph asked, seemingly casually, "By the way, Archbishop Talleyrand, how much do you know about the situation in North Africa?"
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