Chapter 432: Bastille 2.0
The climate on the Indian Peninsula was suitable, with abundant sunshine and rainfall, leading to extremely high grain yields. Coupled with a plentiful supply of fruits and vegetables, the Indian people generally had no habit of hoarding food.
However, Joseph knew that during the Third Mysore War, Tipu Sultan had twice suffered due to a lack of food reserves.
The British had besieged Seringapatam twice, and each time, the city quickly ran out of supplies.
The first time, the early monsoon rains flooded the British army's logistics, allowing Tipu Sultan a lucky escape. The second time, Tipu Sultan was forced to risk leading his army out of the city, attempting to find a breakthrough. But the British constantly brought in auxiliary forces from various Indian principalities to block him, leaving him unable to advance. Ultimately, with his provisions exhausted, he had no choice but to sue for peace with the British, ceding half of Mysore's territory, paying 3 million Pound Sterling in war reparations, and surrendering his two sons as hostages to the British, barely retaining his position.
The East India Company swiftly used that enormous sum of 3 million Pound Sterling, equivalent to 75 million Livres, to expand its military might in the Far East, laying the foundation for unifying the Indian Peninsula. Eight years later, Tipu Sultan was killed by the British army, and the Kingdom of Mysore fell.
In reality, a severe plague had already broken out in the British army at that time. If Tipu Sultan had held out for a few more months, they would likely have had to withdraw on their own.
Therefore, Joseph's first recommendation to Tipu Sultan was to stockpile a large amount of grain.
Given India's grain production, merely allocating a small portion would be enough to feed the entire city of Seringapatam for two or three years.
Tipu Sultan, however, was somewhat puzzled.
Lafayette said with a grave expression:
"At present, Mysore has achieved some victories, but you must not underestimate the British because of them. Their strength is formidable, and if they commit more troops, you will likely face a difficult siege."
A flicker of disdain crossed Tipu Sultan's eyes. Both he and his father had defeated the British before—during the first two Mysore Wars.
Nevertheless, he still gave considerable weight to Lafayette's words. After all, the latter had brought him many advanced tactics, and the soldiers he trained were significantly stronger than those Tipu Sultan had trained himself.
Lafayette continued to explain the Crown Prince's battle plan:
"After that, you only need to wait for the monsoon season.
"The British have come across tens of thousands of nautical miles, and their supplies are incredibly problematic. The monsoon season will devastate their logistics. That will be your opportunity to launch a counterattack. However, try to avoid direct confrontation with the British. Your primary target should always be their supply lines."
The cost of waging war in distant India was immense for Britain, and if their supplies were constantly destroyed, the financial pressure would force them to seek an armistice.
Lafayette continued:
"Besides food, you must also be careful not to engage with the British auxiliaries unless absolutely necessary.
"In dire circumstances, you can directly offer them benefits to secure their retreat or neutrality. Especially concerning Hyderabad, even ceding some territory to them is an option worth considering."
Britain's core strategy in India was to use Indians to fight other Indians, allowing them to reap the benefits.
While suppressing Mysore, the most powerful kingdom on the Indian Peninsula, they were also extremely wary of their own allies, particularly Hyderabad. After all, Hyderabad had once allied with Mysore, and its strength was not insignificant.
If striking Mysore only strengthened Hyderabad, wouldn't all their efforts be in vain?
Therefore, the British would undoubtedly prevent Mysore from transferring benefits to Hyderabad, which would inevitably anger Hyderabad.
As for how things would develop later, Joseph couldn't be certain, but making trouble for the British was definitely necessary.
As long as France did not directly interfere in the war between Mysore and Britain—at this time, all French nationals in Mysore, including artisans, had already been withdrawn—it would be in compliance with the Non-Intervention Treaty, and the British would have no grounds for complaint.
However, Joseph could offer Tipu Sultan some insider tips, which would be enough to infuriate the British.
...
Morocco.
Meknes.
Sultan Mohammed III looked at the French Special Envoy, trying his best to appear resolute:
"My Janissaries merely went to help train soldiers in Algiers. Although some misunderstandings occurred with the French army during that time, this was absolutely not what I wished for."
Count Segur declared with righteous indignation:
"You are quite right, it was merely a misunderstanding. However, His Majesty the King's soldiers did suffer casualties, and the town of Tamra was also damaged."
Mohammed III felt utterly distraught. His own Janissaries had suffered dozens of times more casualties than the French, and as for Tamra, his men had only looked at it from a few miles away—how could that cause damage?!
However, circumstances were against him. Not long ago, the British ambassador had suddenly stated that he 'did not wish to see friction between Morocco and Tunisia' and had cut off all aid.
Though he did not fear the French, he certainly did not wish to anger this powerful European nation. Ultimately, it was his own fault for being misled by the British and proactively provoking the French.
"I am willing to offer compensation for these losses."
Count Segur, however, smiled:
"Alternatively, you could do me a favor to offset the compensation."
In truth, the Moroccan Janissaries had barely engaged the French army before being scared off by Moreau's feints. French losses were negligible.
Mohammed III said cautiously, "How do you need me to help you?"
"It's simple, just use your caravans to transport some goods for me," Segur replied. "From here, via the Ottoman lands, to the Indian Peninsula.
"You will procure the goods, and the buyer will pay the full amount. As for any goods you cannot acquire, you can purchase them from Spain."
"That's all?" Mohammed III was somewhat surprised. Morocco and the Ottoman Empire had always had close trade relations, so this request would incur no losses for him. He could even hand the goods directly to Ottoman merchants in Basra, who would then transport them to India.
"Are you certain someone will pay?"
"Of course," Segur affirmed. "Otherwise, you can immediately cease transport. If you help me transport goods for two years, the misunderstanding between our two nations will be completely forgotten."
Mohammed III narrowed his eyes.
He knew that the French intended to use his channels in the Ottoman Empire for smuggling, but if the so-called buyer genuinely paid and the demand was substantial, he could even make a profit.
"Alright, I can give it a try."
France could completely stop supporting Mysore, but if Mysore obtained supplies from the Ottoman Empire, Britain would never be able to pin it on France.
Segur smiled at Mohammed III again, stating in a deep voice:
"Most importantly, these trades you conduct must appear entirely unrelated to France."
He wasn't worried that Mohammed III would inform the British.
Firstly, Britain had just recently wronged Morocco, and now the latter loathed them fiercely, so why would they report anything? Secondly, the Moroccans had no evidence; even if they told the British, France would not admit it—from the source of the goods to the smuggling routes, no French person would be involved.
If the Moroccans refused, Segur would seek out the Persians, obtaining goods from Russia via the Caspian Sea and transporting them to India via the Gulf of Oman. However, the Persians would likely demand some benefits, making it less cost-effective than Morocco. Fortunately, Mohammed III agreed immediately.
After leaving Morocco, Count Segur immediately headed north to Spain. He would request Carlos IV to provide some weapons, steel, and other supplies. This would not only benefit Spain but also put France in their debt, so he believed they would not refuse.
...
January 12, 1790.
Paris.
A top-of-the-line, light gray "Gem" model carriage sped past pedestrians, then screeched to a halt beside the Bastille Square.
A servant hastily set down the step and then pulled open the carriage door.
Mr. Walsh, a wool merchant, eagerly leaped out of the carriage, complaining to his wife behind him:
"I told you we should have taken the rail omnibus, but you insisted on driving..."
He gazed at the teeming crowds in Bastille Square, his voice growing louder:
"We've been delayed so long, we'll never squeeze through now."
Mrs. Walsh, dressed in a long gown of the season's latest fashion, followed him out, muttering:
"It's just a bank moving, what's so special to see? I heard the British pavilion is already set up; we might as well buy a preview ticket and go see that..."
Mr. Walsh cut her off:
"What do women know? The Crown Prince will certainly announce some financial policies today, which will concern everyone's business. Of course, we have to come and see!"
A boy of about ten, noticing Walsh's anxious expression, quickly approached with a bright smile:
"Good sir, the Crown Prince has already arrived. Would you like to get a closer look?"
"Of course. You have a way?"
"Three Livres."
Walsh unhesitatingly shoved three silver coins into his hand. "Quick!"
The boy whistled towards the Bastille, and immediately seven or eight children in the crowd began jostling those around them. A "passage" quickly appeared between them.
Walsh quickly pulled his wife and squeezed through, making their way very close to the Bastille's main entrance.
Hearing music begin to play around them, the little boy waved to his companions:
"It's already started; probably no one else is coming. Now, let's go help queue up outside the 'Habitable' store."
"Okay, Brother Gilles," the children chirped, squeezing out of the crowd and skipping along behind him.
Walsh craned his neck to see the scene. The usually grim and terrifying prison entrance was now adorned with colorful ribbons. Several rows of palace guards in neat red uniforms stood on the steps, behind them a host of reporters. An orchestra nearby played with gusto. Judging by their skill, it was likely the royal court orchestra.
At the very top of the prison's main entrance, a huge, newly hung brass plaque read: "French Reserve Bank - Head Office."
With a booming salute, the music instantly ceased. Joseph, clad in a crisp new blue and white cavalry uniform and a tricorn hat, swiftly ascended the platform directly beneath the plaque, accompanied by several officials.
The surrounding crowd immediately bowed, and Joseph smiled, raising a hand in greeting:
"Thank you all for coming to the relocation ceremony of the French Reserve Bank."
He turned and gestured towards the Bastille:
"I know you all didn't care much for this place before."
Laughter immediately erupted from the crowd.
"But you'll definitely like it here now," Joseph declared loudly. "This will become the headquarters of the French Reserve Bank.
"At the same time, the French Stock Exchange will occupy its west side.
"And its second floor will house the Royal French Insurance Company's main hall."
He brandished an arm: "There will be no more prison here, only a symbol of Paris's wealth!"
The crowd immediately cheered! Indeed, no Frenchman didn't hate and despise this prison.
Previously, when Joseph was selecting a site for the French Stock Exchange, he suddenly thought of this place and decided to transform it into Paris's financial center.
Abolishing the notorious Bastille would undoubtedly significantly boost the French public's goodwill towards the royal family.
Moreover, the prison had long lost its purpose. As a correctional facility, it held few prisoners; its primary role was actually to maintain order in Paris. Previously, a large number of soldiers were stationed here, ready to suppress any unrest in Paris. But now, law enforcement in Paris had been handed over to the police.
So, after Joseph proposed that the French Reserve Bank purchase the fortress, Queen Marie agreed with hardly any hesitation. And the Marquis de Launay, commander-in-chief of the Bastille, who had previously received the Crown Prince's favor during Necker's case, was also very cooperative with the relocation this time.
More than half a month ago, the Bastille's guards and prisoners had all moved to the new location in the southern suburbs of Paris, and its name had been changed to "First National Prison."
On the platform, Joseph waited for the cheers to subside before continuing:
"Besides the relocation of the French Reserve Bank and the Stock Exchange, there is another very important announcement today."
He gestured to Brienne, the Minister of Finance, who stood beside him.
The latter quickly stepped forward two paces, cleared his throat, and announced loudly:
"His Great Majesty the King has decreed that, effective immediately, the banknotes issued by the French Reserve Bank shall become the official currency of France, and shall be renamed the Franc!
"One Franc banknote will be equivalent to one Livre silver coin, and equivalent to 0.3 grams of gold.
"National financial law will guarantee the Franc. Anyone holding Franc banknotes can exchange them for an equivalent value of gold at the bank at any time. Similarly, gold can also be exchanged for Francs at the bank.
"Within the territory of France, no one may refuse to accept Francs, or they shall be prosecuted. Livres, Ecus, and other coins will continue to circulate concurrently."
The crowd immediately burst into an uproar. Although the French Reserve Bank's banknotes were already circulating in many places, formally establishing their currency status now still greatly astonished everyone.
After all, decades ago, John Law had caused countless French people to go bankrupt overnight by indiscriminately issuing paper money during the Mississippi Company Bubble. Since then, people had been very resistant to banknotes.
Brienne glanced sideways at the Crown Prince, raised a hand to signal for quiet, and then continued:
"To maintain the stable value of the Franc, the Royal Family, the Ministry of Finance, the French Reserve Bank, and the French Chamber of Commerce will jointly establish a 'Monetary Regulation Council' with full authority to oversee banknote issuance, ensuring there is no uncontrolled printing."
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