Chapter 80: Political Bargains
Monnot bowed to Joseph and Brienne, then stated gravely, "This cabinet resolution concerns the future financial path of the nation, and everyone will likely be extremely cautious in how they decide."
Brienne immediately smiled. "Count Monnot, I hear your child will soon turn fifteen and is exceptionally talented."
He extended his hands towards Monnot. "This might be somewhat presumptuous, but I believe he is indeed an excellent candidate to inherit your title."
Monnot's eyes immediately lit up. "Are you saying you can help him..."
He was over sixty years old, and his original wife and only son had both died from illness. Although he had several illegitimate children, according to French law, illegitimate children could not inherit the family estate.
Brienne nodded at him. "This will take some time, but I believe there are ways to achieve it. I can promise you that."
Monnot immediately clasped his hand, exclaiming with emotion:
"Archbishop Brienne, you will always be the Minister of Finance I most respect! That will never change."
He already had some connection with Brienne, and later developed a relationship with Joseph.
Brienne, for his part, offered a reward without hesitation. It was no easy feat to arrange for an illegitimate son of a Count to inherit his title; without Brienne's church background and his power as Chief Minister, it would have been almost impossible.
Of course, Monnot also took a significant political risk. However, he had calculated it carefully: even if Brienne lost, he would still gain the Crown Prince's favor, ensuring he wouldn't suffer a complete loss.
Brienne hastily bowed in thanks. "Thank you for your trust! Count Monnot, you will forever have my friendship."
With their interests aligned, Monnot immediately began contributing ideas and effort to their team:
"Archbishop Brienne, do you feel confident about tomorrow's resolution?"
Brienne replied truthfully, "Currently, only His Highness and you are confirmed to support me."
Monnot mused, "By convention, military officers generally do not participate in such matters.
"On the Duke of Orleans's side, there are the Minister of Justice and the Foreign Minister, making three people as well. So..."
Brienne finished his thought, "Count Nicolet's position will be especially crucial."
The Nicolet he referred to was the current Census Minister, a minister who usually had the least presence in the cabinet, but who had now become the focal point of the storm.
Monnot lowered his head and analyzed, "The Duke of Orleans should already be on his way to win him over."
Joseph looked at him and asked, "What do you think the Duke of Orleans can offer as leverage?"
Monnot considered for a moment, then replied, "It should be money, a large sum of it, or perhaps an estate. As you know, the Duke of Orleans is extremely wealthy."
Joseph then asked, "Can you tell me about Count Nicolet's situation?"
"Well, he used to be an advisor to His Majesty the King, and later became the Census Minister through Viscount Calonne's recommendation. However, he hasn't had much achievement in his regular duties; behind his back, everyone calls him 'the Invisible Nicolet'..."
Once Monnot finished speaking, a smile appeared on Joseph's face. "I think I can go and talk with him."
...
As dusk approached, Nicolet respectfully walked beside the Crown Prince, slowly advancing along the flagstone path at the edge of the Versailles Palace square.
He was well aware of the current situation, simply waiting for both sides to make their offers.
However, he had initially expected Brienne to seek him out, not the Crown Prince.
"Trade negotiations?" Nicolet appeared extremely surprised. "Your Highness, are you suggesting I lead the trade negotiations?"
Joseph nodded. "Yes, before long, we will reopen negotiations with Britain on the Eden Treaty."
Nicolet asked, puzzled, "But... what does that have to do with me? Such negotiations are usually handled by the Foreign Minister and the Minister of Finance."
Joseph chuckled. "That's not necessarily true. The Minister of Finance handles the specific drafting of terms, and another person is responsible for coordination and communication with the British.
"You see, after today's cabinet meeting, it will clearly be very difficult for Vergennes and Archbishop Brienne to cooperate any further. And the Minister of Finance must participate in the negotiations, so we will have to choose someone else to work alongside Archbishop Brienne. Someone like you, for instance."
Hearing this, Nicolet's heart stirred. Leading negotiations with the British — the political capital one could gain from such an undertaking far surpassed that of ten thousand population censuses.
Count de Vergennes, renowned in his time, had his greatest political achievement in fostering the Franco-American alliance, followed by the signing of the Eden Treaty.
'Could I also have a chance to gain prestige comparable to Count de Vergennes!'
As this thought struck him, he suddenly paused, then said with some hesitation, "But, Your Highness, I don't have experience in this area..."
Joseph promptly replied, "That's easy. You merely need to uphold the dignity of France before the British.
"I know you possess exceptional abilities; you simply haven't had the opportunity to display them yet.
"If you can demonstrate your diplomatic talents for all to see during these negotiations, you might even have the chance to be appointed Foreign Minister."
Nicolet's breathing quickened slightly, not merely because the Foreign Minister's authority was greater, but primarily because he had long grown weary of the census system — without any noteworthy opportunities, just monotonous documents and data, even being mocked as "transparent."
The Foreign Minister, however, could take the entire world as their stage, maneuvering freely among nations. How unrestrained and magnificent that would be!
He looked at Joseph and asked earnestly, "Your Highness, are you certain the trade agreement will be renegotiated?"
"Absolutely certain. You can inquire about the situation with the British Ambassador to France."
"So, Archbishop Brienne will co-chair the negotiations with me?"
"What I am conveying is precisely the Archbishop's own intention."
Joseph maintained his smile throughout. When he heard Monnot mention Nicolet's prosperous family background, coupled with his persistent lack of presence in the cabinet and his considerable dissatisfaction about it, Joseph knew exactly what to offer in exchange.
As expected, Nicolet stopped, turned, and indicated with a hand over his chest, "Your Highness, you will have the vote you desire."
Joseph nodded with satisfaction and added, "Count Nicolet, I have one final reminder for you. If Archbishop Brienne steps down as Minister of Finance, then Necker and Vergennes will be in charge of the trade negotiations."
Nicolet's tone immediately became resolute. "Yes, Your Highness, I will certainly not let such a thing happen!"
Compared to the allure of the Foreign Minister position, the hundreds of thousands of Livres the Duke of Orleans had promised him were utterly insignificant!
Joseph bid farewell to Nicolet and walked towards the Palace of Versailles, marveling internally: 'Politics is truly like a transaction between market vendors — someone makes an offer, someone haggles, and the highest bidder wins in the end.'
'Some also exploit the buyer's psychology, demanding an outrageous sum.'
'Or, if you're strong enough, you simply resort to forced buying and selling.'
'But ultimately, it's still just a transaction.'
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