Chapter 147: Preparing for War
Chapter 147: Preparing for War
Leaf springs were quite mature at the time; Joseph simply had the artisans adapt them for a new use, so the technical aspects were quickly explained to them.
Emerging from the carriage workshop, Joseph instructed his newly appointed workshop manager, "Monsieur Laspina, your most crucial task is to quickly recruit skilled artisans. Don't hesitate to poach them from other workshops, even if it costs a bit more."
"Of course, Your Highness. I will see to it," the manager, who hailed from Parma, nodded respectfully.
Joseph continued, "Once the new leaf spring suspension prototypes are complete, our workshop will focus solely on building chassis. All carriage bodies will be custom-ordered from other workshops, utilizing the most luxurious materials and furnishings."
Laspina cautiously remarked, "Your Highness, that would make the costs quite exorbitant..."
"Don't concern yourself with the cost," Joseph replied. "Our profits will be substantial."
Joseph smiled, then instructed, "Remember, every carriage body must be engraved with the 'Royal Warrant,' and the rear with 'Official Carriage Identical Chassis.' Make the word 'chassis' slightly smaller."
Securing a Royal Warrant was simple enough for Joseph; a word with his mother would suffice. For the "Official Identical" claim, he would need to present one of his workshop's carriages to his father, allowing him to ride around in it a few times. Naturally, only the chassis could be identical; if the carriage body were also exactly the same, palace officials would certainly raise objections.
Joseph was quite confident about the sales prospects of his carriages.
His shock absorption system, copied from future light trucks, offered comparable comfort to current coil spring suspensions, yet cost only a tenth as much. This allowed more funds to be allocated to enhancing the luxury of the carriage bodies. Even then, the overall cost of the finished vehicle would be significantly lower than those using coil spring suspensions, meaning the selling price could be reduced accordingly.
Currently, carriages with coil spring suspensions were affordable only to a select few of the wealthiest individuals, truly synonymous with ultra-luxury—essentially the equivalent of a future Maybach or Porsche.
Joseph, however, planned to price his new carriages at around 60% of those with coil spring suspensions, roughly bringing them down to the price point of a future Mercedes-Benz or BMW. Nobles who couldn't afford the "ultra-luxury" carriages would undoubtedly clamor for this "Royal Warrant" model, which would boast a more opulent interior than the "ultra-luxury" ones while offering comparable comfort.
Joseph's only concern was the workshop's production capacity.
If demand far outstripped supply, he could consider licensing the patent to other workshops for a fee. Unlike the winemaking technology, where he only charged a 3% patent royalty to encourage plantation owners to cultivate potatoes, this carriage venture was purely commercial. The patent fee would have to be at least 30%.
...
The following day, a cabinet meeting was proceeding as usual in the Conference Hall of the East Wing of the Palace of Versailles.
"This should suffice, yes?" Queen Marie returned the document appointing Talleyrand as Senior Diplomatic Advisor to Brienne, her signature already affixed.
Brienne hastened to nod respectfully. "Indeed, Your Majesty. Thank you."
The assembled ministers didn't pay much heed to a clergyman, and since a diplomatic advisor was not a crucial position, Brienne's proposal for the appointment was swiftly approved.
Archbishop Brienne collected the appointment document and gestured for an aide to distribute copies of Catherine II's letter to those present.
Though styled as a letter, its content was essentially a diplomatic dispatch, containing nothing confidential.
Brienne stated, "The current Russo-Turkish War originated last year when the Ottoman Empire demanded that Russia return Crimea and subsequently attacked a Russian frigate.
"The current battle situation sees Ottoman forces repeatedly attacking Port of Kinburn, but they have been repelled by the Russian army each time. Notably, late last year, the main Ottoman assault force was almost entirely annihilated by Suvorov's legion, temporarily halting their offensive. Meanwhile, Russia is mobilizing legions and warships."
Foreign Minister Vergennes, recently returned from Russia, added, "According to what I heard in Saint Petersburg, the Russian Empress is highly determined this time, preparing to capture Ochakov in a single decisive strike."
Ochakov was a strategic stronghold between Russia and the Ottoman Empire; any invading force, from either side, would have to pass through it. It also served as a vital naval port overlooking the Black Sea.
Brienne continued, "As things stand, Austria is highly likely to support Russia and dispatch troops to attack the Ottoman Empire. Sweden, meanwhile, is mobilizing its forces, seemingly preparing to flank the Ottomans from the north and assault Russia."
Queen Marie subtly furrowed her brow, muttering as if to herself, "So what does this mean?"
"Your Majesty, although Hamid I has initiated military reforms and made thorough preparations, the previous engagements show Russia still holds the advantage," Brienne hastily analyzed for her. "Moreover, Saint Petersburg is very keen for us to join the campaign against the Ottoman Empire, and they should be willing to offer some benefits for our involvement."
Hamid I was the current Ottoman Sultan.
Brienne and Joseph exchanged glances, then Brienne added, "If we are to intervene in the Russo-Turkish War, now would be an opportune moment."
The Queen looked somewhat perplexed. "But our armies would have to cross Austria and travel four thousand nautical miles to reach Crimea."
Joseph interjected, "Your Majesty, we don't need to go to Crimea. Sweden can support its allies to Russia's north; we can act on the Ottoman Empire's western flank."
"The Crown Prince is quite right," Brienne affirmed. "Simply demonstrating our strength in the Mediterranean Sea will significantly tie up Ottoman deployments."
Upon hearing talk of action in the Mediterranean Sea, the Minister of the Navy immediately perked up. "I concur with Archbishop Brienne's perspective. If merely cruising through the Gulf of Sidra can earn us Russia's gratitude, it's a strategically sound move."
Joseph sighed inwardly. 'What is the old man thinking?' he wondered. 'Where would we find the military budget to parade our strength around the Ottoman Empire? Wouldn't it be more appealing to secure tangible benefits closer to home, in the Barbary Sea?'
The Gulf of Sidra was in the southeastern Mediterranean, near the Ottoman Empire's southern coast. While it posed a significant threat to the Ottomans, it was also far from France. For now, France couldn't truly attack Ottoman territory, as that would merely be pulling chestnuts out of the fire for Russia.
The Barbary Sea, however, lay in the central-western Mediterranean, adjacent to France's southern coast and bordering North Africa. That was where France's true interests lay.
He quickly interjected, "Marquis de Castries, our operational objective this time should be the Ottoman naval forces in the western Mediterranean Sea."
"The Ottoman navy in the western Mediterranean..." The Minister of the Navy took a full two seconds to process this. "Are you referring to the Barbary Pirates?"
"Indeed," Joseph nodded. "Including their naval bases."
Comments