Novels online

Chapter 596: A Polish Song, Part One

Bailly continued to describe his envisioned "Northern Trade Hub":

"Even if the British deploy a large number of warships, say, over a third of their naval power, to completely blockade the entire western coast of the Southern Netherlands, we can still shift our 'business' to Dunkirk, or even Calais, and continue operations."

Joseph looked at his Minister of Trade with some surprise, sensing that this plan wasn't something he'd improvised on the spot.

Both Dunkirk and Calais are ports in northwestern France, barely more than 50 kilometers from Ostend, and they are even connected by waterways, making transfers incredibly easy.

He could already imagine the British angrily coming to France to question the rampant smuggling, only for Bailly to innocently declare: "Large numbers of Southern Netherlands smugglers have infiltrated Dunkirk, causing severe disruption to local order. However, as a border town, our police force is insufficient. The French government is currently mobilizing officers to address the situation, and we ask the British side to exercise restraint and wait patiently."

They might even get the British to "sponsor" some funds for cracking down on Southern Netherlands smugglers.

Brienne, clearly appreciating the ingenuity of the plan, smiled and nodded.

"The British will surely regret selling Dunkirk to us. In fact, there are numerous small ports along the northern coast of the Southern Netherlands, and I believe it will be very difficult for the British to completely blockade them."

Dunkirk had been sold to France by Charles II for 400,000 pounds.

Brienne immediately thought of another issue: "Your Highness, those interested in engaging in smuggling... ah, 'special trade' are likely not very wealthy, so they probably won't be able to acquire ships. Furthermore, funding for goods will also be a major problem for them."

Joseph smiled faintly. "The Tripolitan pirates we previously eradicated left behind some ships, most of which are stored in the sheltered harbor of the Gulf of Gabes. We can sell them at a low price to these 'traders,' or even lease them out."

Bailly immediately added, "Or they could use the ships as equity."

"Yes, equity is a good idea too." Joseph gave him an approving glance. "As for the initial capital for goods, the Industrial Development Fund can act as a guarantor, allowing factories to sell products on credit to these 'traders.'"

Brienne hesitated. "Your Highness, wouldn't that involve too much risk? I mean, what if the goods are confiscated by the British...?"

"That's why we'll mandate everyone purchase insurance," Joseph stated matter-of-factly. "Cargo loss insurance, personal accident insurance, and so on, to minimize the risks."

Brienne and the others exchanged peculiar glances. Buying insurance for smugglers seemed utterly preposterous, yet somehow, it made a strange kind of sense.

Joseph continued, "Furthermore, have the Walloon Chamber of Commerce fund the construction of a wooden track from Hainaut to Ostend to facilitate goods transport.

"Also, recruit local personnel to form a 'Special Trade Patrol Team' to protect these 'special trade' activities. They must be well-equipped, as they may clash with British Royal Marines attempting to land."

He then looked at Fouché. "The Intelligence Bureau must also provide full cooperation. Hmm, let's establish a 'Trade Investigation Department'..."

That afternoon, Bailly, in his capacity as president of the "Special Trade Association," convened numerous French departments, including finance, industry, taxation, and police, to begin detailed planning for "special trade." A week later, he submitted the preliminary proposal to His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince.

...

Poland.

Warsaw.

Inside the Royal Castle in Warsaw, an orchestra played a melodious and solemn tune. King Stanisław II and Father Sais walked side-by-side through the richly uniformed honor guard, the King speaking eagerly:

"Please convey my most sincere gratitude to His Majesty the King and His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince. In Poland's hour of greatest need, they are the only ones who remember us."

Father Sais replied with a calm expression. "I will certainly convey your message, Your Majesty. However, my current visit to Poland is to discuss matters concerning the Holy See with the Archbishop of Poznań, so I may not return to Paris for some time."

Stanisław II glanced at his nephew, Prince Poniatowski, wondering inwardly, 'Father Sais seems to be a bishop appointed by Avignon, why is he still handling matters for the Holy See?'

Prince Poniatowski was the first to react, quickly saying, "It's wonderful that you'll be staying in Poland. Oh, His Majesty has prepared a welcome banquet for you, which will begin shortly."

"Thank you very much for Your Majesty's hospitality." Father Sais bowed slightly. As they walked down the corridor, he turned his head to the Prince and added, "Truthfully, if it weren't for the demands of etiquette, I would much prefer to forgo such social engagements.

"One could say that Poland cannot afford to waste a single moment right now."

Stanisław II and his nephew exchanged glances, both looking shocked. "Are you implying...?"

Father Sais lowered his voice. "His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, asked me to tell you that certain neighboring countries may accelerate their plans against Poland. War could break out as early as six months from now."

Prince Poniatowski's expression immediately turned grave. "We have indeed noticed unusual movements from Mikhail Kakhovsky's corps in Russia."

"That is likely just the beginning," Father Sais stated. "With the armistice between Prussia and Austria, Prussian forces will soon gather in the Tuchola to Kulm region. Poland will then face enemies on two fronts.

"However, His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, is pleased that you heeded his advice and did not become embroiled in the Prusso-Austrian War. This makes the Austrian side more willing to maintain the status quo in Poland."

As they spoke, the group arrived at the entrance of the banquet hall. Father Sais paused and said:

"Though it might be abrupt to ask, I hope to gain a detailed understanding of your country's war preparations, especially regarding military development."

Two years prior, Joseph had already instructed Prince Poniatowski that Poland needed to assemble an army of over 100,000 capable fighting men to withstand the fierce onslaught from both Russia and Prussia.

The Prince looked somewhat embarrassed. "Currently, we have only recruited and trained 40,000 troops, though the enthusiasm among the Polish people for military service remains very high."

Stanisław II quietly added, "It's just that training and funding issues have constrained us..."

Father Sais was clearly quite displeased with the pace of these war preparations, but if Joseph were here, he would likely be commending Prince Poniatowski.

Historically, the main Polish army consisted of only around 30,000 men, plus some volunteer militias, right up until the Second Partition of Poland began. Under Joseph's warning, they had already assembled 40,000 troops, two years earlier than in history.

Father Sais stated gravely:

"Your Majesty, it seems you must accelerate your efforts. Regarding military funding, His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, suggests increasing the exploitation of the Tarnowskie Góry silver mine. As His Highness understands, the current mining scale there has not yet reached 20 percent of its maximum output."