Chapter 670: Isn't It Just Going to Hell?
Of course, with their current lack of strength, the Italian states could only talk tough.
But if Austria, which wields immense influence in Italy, were to provide covert backing, they would truly dare to bite off a chunk of the Papal States!
"But, Your Highness, why would Austria want to stop the Holy See from supporting Poland?"
"Austria is also preparing to move against Poland," Joseph replied without hesitation.
Meeting Talleyrand's surprised gaze, he instructed Eman, who was standing by the door, "Please have Mr. Fouché come to see me."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Poland needs to immediately strengthen its defenses in the southwest," Joseph said, frowning.
"Your Highness," Talleyrand voiced his concern, "the current relationship between Poland and Austria is close. They might not take this seriously."
"And it conflicts with the planned military operation," Joseph sighed. "It seems we'll have to help them defend. At the very least, we must block the Austrians' initial assault."
"No, that would plunge us into a diplomatic crisis." Joseph shook his head, looking at the map beside the table. "We own a forty percent share of the Tarnowskie Góry silver mine.
"If the rugged miners arm themselves to protect the mining area, then it's no concern of ours."
He then turned to Talleyrand. "So, what's the situation with the Ottomans?"
Talleyrand visibly relaxed. "Salem III has agreed to provide logistical support for the Black Sea region.
"Regarding trade, he demands control of forty percent of the steam transport ships, for us to assist in building an artillery foundry, and to provide two thousand sets of infantry equipment in exchange for priority purchasing rights for seventy percent of the cotton and sugarcane."
"You've done exceptionally well," Joseph said, nodding with satisfaction. "This will provide strong support for our Polish strategy."
If the Ottomans had refused to support Poland, Joseph would have been forced to use the smuggling ships of the Special Trade Association to buy supplies from the Levant and transport them to the northern coast of the Black Sea.
This approach would not only be extremely costly but also limited in transport capacity.
With the Ottomans supplying from nearby, it would be far more efficient. More importantly, the Ottomans have numerous merchant ships in the Black Sea, making it easy to conceal the presence of supply convoys.
As the two conversed, Eman gently rapped on the door. "Your Highness, Viscount Calonne and Mr. Mesmer have returned."
Talleyrand, having finished his report, rose and excused himself upon hearing this.
Moments later, the "duo of swindlers" entered, led by Eman.
The two immediately bowed respectfully, then showered the Crown Prince with an unrestrained torrent of obsequious praises.
Joseph skillfully raised a hand to interrupt them, then turned to Calonne. "Viscount Calonne, have all the 'funds' from Britain been properly managed?"
The latter bowed slightly, as if expecting commendation. "Rest assured, Your Highness, every single penny has returned to France, and I swear, absolutely no one will be able to trace the whereabouts of these funds."
Through their collaboration on the entire London gas streetlight project, he and Mesmer had secured a total of 1.04 million pounds sterling in "investment." However, after such a substantial sum was transferred from Britain, it could easily be traced as flowing into France.
As a professional who had once served as Minister of Finance, Calonne was dispatched by Joseph to manage these funds.
Ultimately, he indeed lived up to expectations, ensuring that all the funds safely flowed into France through various means such as investments, loans, and stock manipulations.
He had spent the better part of the past six months handling this matter and had only just returned to France.
"You've done an outstanding job!"
Joseph praised him, then, suddenly recalling the matter concerning the Holy See, his eyes narrowed.
All he wanted was for the Holy See to issue a call for a "Holy War" against heretics. If Pius VI was unwilling to cooperate, Joseph could perfectly well issue the call himself.
As long as Polish morale could be ignited, what difference did it make if it was the true Holy See or a false one?
He looked at Mesmer. As it happened, he had an individual here who was very skilled at "impersonation."
Joseph quickly outlined a plan in his mind, confirming its feasibility. He then took a letter of pardon from a drawer and handed it to Mesmer. "You provided considerable assistance to Viscount Calonne in London. Now it's time for me to fulfill my promise. This is your letter of pardon; from now on, you won't have to return to prison."
Mesmer eagerly took the letter of pardon, unfolded it, and saw the signature and seal of Louis XVI. His eyes immediately reddened with emotion, and he bowed deeply to Joseph. "Thank you, Your Highness! Your most loyal servant will remember your grace for a lifetime! Oh, and His Majesty the King, his benevolence is like..."
Joseph had to raise his hand again to cut him off. He smiled faintly. "If I'm not mistaken, all your assets have been confiscated, haven't they?"
"Yes, yes, Your Highness."
"So, even if you're free, you'd have to resort to begging?"
Mesmer laughed awkwardly. "Your Highness, I used to be a doctor."
"But your medical license has also been revoked."
"That... is indeed true."
Joseph nodded. "Then, do you wish to regain a respectable life?"
"Yes! Of course, I do!"
"I have something I need your help with," Joseph said, baiting the swindler. "Once it's done, I will grant you a new identity, as well as twenty thousand francs. You will return to high society."
Mesmer, brimming with excitement, bowed again. "Thank you for your trust, Your Highness! I am willing to do anything for you, even if it means sacrificing my life, without fear."
Joseph smiled, watching him. "I need you to disguise yourself as a Papal Special Envoy and travel to Eastern Europe to spread some 'Papal doctrines' for me."
The room instantly fell silent.
Mesmer was clearly caught in a fierce internal struggle.
He dared to deceive kings and swindle beggars, but falsely transmitting God's will was something he truly feared!
Indeed, in his view, the Pope's doctrines were the will of God himself.
His lips quivered, and he retreated a small step. 'Your Highness, this... this could lead to damnation...'
Joseph maintained his smile. "A thirty-thousand-franc bonus."
'I will be punished by God...'
"Forty thousand francs."
'No, Your Highness, you can't...'
"And a noble title."
Mesmer froze.
After a moment, he nodded with an expression akin to someone facing execution. 'I... I am willing to serve you.'
He wasn't feigning it; people in this era truly believed such things.
However, the Crown Prince's offer was simply too generous.
'Let hell claim me then. I'll enjoy this life first.'
Just then, Fouché also arrived.
After Fouché had bowed, Joseph pointed to Mesmer. "Please select some individuals familiar with ecclesiastical affairs to accompany Mr. Mesmer to Poland."
After thoroughly explaining the mission, Joseph dismissed the duo of swindlers, then continued to instruct Fouché, "You must send people to swiftly confirm Austria's intentions to send troops into Poland and closely monitor troop movements along the Austrian-Polish border.
"Furthermore, Ottoman goods will arrive before long. You need to prepare in advance with the Crimean resistance organization."
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