Chapter 293: A Storm Brewing in Vienna
Archbishop Talleyrand didn't grasp the true significance of the steam engine, but Joseph understood it better than anyone.
The steam engine was the soul of the First Industrial Revolution; whoever mastered the most advanced steam engine technology held the key to unlocking the future!
And Watt, the soul of Britain's Industrial Revolution, would no longer be the fated one history had recorded.
Unlike the later eras where nations heavily invested in technological competition, 18th-century European countries were far from realizing the immense impact these mechanical devices would have on national power. Consequently, the British government had no intention of subsidizing the Watt Company.
Furthermore, the previously signed Eden Treaty between Britain and France stipulated that French industrial goods sold to Britain would enjoy negligibly low tariffs—the British, a year and a half prior, had firmly believed France couldn't possibly export any respectable industrial products to Britain. Thus, even if the British government wished to protect its domestic steam engine industry, it would be rendered powerless under the treaty's restrictions.
The French United Steam Engine Company had already begun establishing a branch office in Birmingham. This would not only facilitate the repair of machines sold in Britain but also allow them to poach British talent in the field. When promising individuals were found, they would be sent to France on business trips, effectively pulling the rug out from under Britain.
Meanwhile, the funds Britain spent on buying steam engines would continue to fuel the United Steam Engine Company's technological research and development.
In essence, France was one step ahead in this regard, and would continue to stay ahead in every subsequent step!
Joseph had already written to the United Steam Engine Company, urging them to increase investment and boost production to quickly capture the British steam engine market.
Joseph gave him an appreciative glance. "You are quite right, Archbishop Talleyrand. In fact, my primary mission in Austria this trip is to sign a trade agreement between Austria and France with my uncle.
"Oh, ideally, under Austria's influence, other German states would also proactively seek to sign trade agreements with France. If things don't go that smoothly, I must at least sign agreements with Saxony and Bavaria before returning to France.
"Oh, as for the diplomatic matters, I'll have to trouble you and your subordinates."
French industrial products required vast markets to achieve sufficient sales volumes.
His current trip was precisely to find markets for French goods.
The affluent core regions of Europe were naturally the best markets at the moment. The markets of Austria, Saxony, and Bavaria alone accounted for over sixty percent of the German territories. If possible, Joseph even wanted to sign a trade agreement with Prussia.
As for smaller nations like Poland, Denmark, and the various Italian states, those agreements would be handled by the Minister of Commerce.
Bilateral trade agreements were still a novelty in Europe. The most prominent example was the Anglo-French Eden Treaty. Other European nations were keen to try them but were unclear on the intricacies, making it an opportune moment for Joseph to exploit this information asymmetry.
Of course, the fact that French goods hadn't yet begun to flood the European market was also a crucial reason why these agreements could be signed; otherwise, shrewd European nations wouldn't easily allow French products to be dumped on their markets.
Throughout his journey, Joseph was preoccupied with France's industry and trade, unaware of the major storm brewing for him in Vienna.
...
About ten days later.
Along the main road southwest of Vienna, the banners of the Austrian Imperial Guard stretched for several kilometers.
At the forefront of the procession was Leopold II, the future Holy Roman Emperor. However, since the Holy Roman Emperor was elected by the Prince-Electors, his official title at the moment was Grand Duke of Tuscany.
He had come to greet the Crown Prince of France on behalf of the ailing Joseph II. Austria was on the verge of deploying troops in the Southern Netherlands, and Prussia was likely to intervene in the conflict. Therefore, he sought to leverage this visit from the French Crown Prince to secure France's support for Austria.
Beside him stood a noblewoman dressed in the latest pale purple gown from Paris Fashion Week, adorned with a wide-brimmed hat decorated with colorful feathers. This was the current Grand Duchess of Tuscany, Maria Vidaluca.
Leopold II spotted the French motorcade approaching from afar and immediately signaled to his attendants behind him.
A squad of ceremonial officers promptly raised their banners, while a band began playing cheerful music.
The carriage came to a halt. Eman was the first to disembark, then bowed and lowered his head as he opened the door on the other side.
Escorted by a large retinue of Austrian officials, Leopold II stepped forward to greet Joseph. "Ah, my dear Joseph, I've been waiting for you for so long! Look, all of Vienna welcomes you!"
He immediately greeted Joseph with a familiar familial address, the implications of which were quite intriguing.
Joseph dismounted and quickly took a few steps forward, bowing to Leopold II with a hand over his heart. "Dear Uncle, I am delighted you came to greet me; it feels as if I've returned to Paris. Oh, and Mother—she asked me to convey that she misses you very, very much."
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Joseph courteously bent down, took Maria Vidaluca's hand, and lightly kissed its back—a gesture of respect for a lady of noble standing.
"Dear Aunt, you are like the spring dew of Vienna, spreading boundless kindness and care to everyone. You are also Austria's most dazzling morning light, illuminating the entire kingdom with your nobility and grace."
Maria Vidaluca returned his smile and, while observing the strikingly handsome French Crown Prince, felt her heart blossom with joy after such effusive flattery.
'No wonder Clémentine couldn't stop praising her cousin after she returned,' she thought. 'Seeing him now, he certainly lives up to his reputation—there's probably no better son-in-law to be found in all of Europe!'
She then glanced at the carriages laden with gifts in the distance, thinking, 'These must be the betrothal gifts, right? Oh, no, no, the groom-to-be shouldn't bring the betrothal gifts himself; these must merely be welcoming presents.'
'If the welcoming gifts are this generous, then when the Queen of France truly sends the betrothal gifts, it will probably fill more than a dozen carriages!'
"Oh, you must be tired from your journey," Maria Vidaluca said, delightedly taking her future son-in-law's arm and gesturing towards Vienna. "His Imperial Majesty has prepared a grand banquet and is awaiting you at Schönbrunn Palace."
She then lowered her voice, adding with a hint of regret, "Clémentine didn't know you were coming; she returned to Tuscany a fortnight ago. If you can stay in Vienna a little longer, I can send someone to urge her to come back."
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