Chapter 821: A Comprehensive Counterattack
For parliamentary states like Genoa and Lucca, freedom of the press was a cornerstone of their political architecture. In monarchies, however, the media could never be left entirely to its own devices.
Politicians and orators, backed by massive capital, could transform a kingdom or duchy into a constitutional monarchy—or even abolish the throne entirely—within a few short years.
Perhaps only modern France could confidently claim to be unafraid of capitalists and politicians stirring up trouble.
Joseph looked at Talleyrand with approval.
"You are quite right. Therefore, we must prioritize the 'development' of countries where propaganda is easily disseminated, such as Genoa, to create a 'model effect.'
"For instance, if Genoa develops better than its neighbors, the citizens of those other nations will naturally gravitate toward Genoese concepts—which are the very concepts we have 'planned' for them in advance.
"Genoa will quickly become the journalistic center and intellectual source of Northern Italy, eventually forcing even the monarchs to accept these ideals.
"Currently, our propaganda focus should encompass several key areas.
"First, we must instill a sense of longing and admiration for France within the Italian populace. We must promote French strength, fashion, elegance, and prosperity with all our might. We must establish the mindset that 'everything French is correct' and that 'the French are the superior people.'
"Third, we must fan the flames of Italian hatred toward Austria and incite demands for the return of lands occupied by the Papal States. I will leave the specifics to Mr. Denicot; he has several editors under him who are quite skilled in this regard.
"To begin, we shall establish several newspapers, theaters, and civic organizations in Genoa and Lucca."
Talleyrand interjected immediately.
"You mean NGOs?"
He had read the "guidelines" Joseph had written for Fouché and knew exactly what those organizations were intended to do.
Joseph nodded.
"Oh, and there is one more vital area: the schools.
"We will provide special stipends to schoolteachers, encouraging them to include specific content in their lessons. We will provide our own printed textbooks to schools free of charge, or even build new schools ourselves.
"Every educated individual has the potential to influence a hundred people around them."
He paused for a moment of reflection before adding, "For nations like Parma and Sardinia, we can only use subtle, long-term methods for now.
"I will have Mr. Beaumarchais write several new plays that align with our propaganda requirements and organize theater troupes to tour the Northern Italian states."
Count Ségur, applying the same logic, added a suggestion.
"Your Highness, novels and songs would have the same effect."
"Exactly. From now on, at least every six months, a new batch of plays, novels, and songs must be written and released into Italy."
Having finished his instructions, Joseph looked at the two men before him and smiled.
"Do you still think it is necessary for us to militarily occupy the Italian states after these strategies are implemented?"
At that moment, Talleyrand and Ségur shared a single thought—how did the Crown Prince come up with such brilliant methods?
He was a political genius!
While this operation would require some funding, the cost was practically negligible compared to the massive civil service salaries and military expenditures required for a direct occupation.
Furthermore, if the newspapers and theaters were managed well, they might even turn a profit.
Meanwhile, everything France sought—raw materials, markets, and even manpower for the military—would be secured without compromise.
Ségur bowed with sincere admiration.
"Your Highness, as you said, military occupation is indeed the least efficient method."
Talleyrand looked at his notebook and added, "Upon our return, we will immediately work with Archbishop Brienne to draft a detailed implementation plan based on your instructions."
In truth, Joseph had another significant plan he hadn't shared with them: the political infiltration of Genoa.
As long as France could control Northern Italy's most important port, it effectively controlled Northern Italy's maritime trade. Combined with France's control over the region's land trade, the "closed management" of this "back garden" would be complete.
However, that task would be handled by the Intelligence Bureau.
As if summoned by Joseph's thoughts, Fouché entered the office shortly after Talleyrand and Ségur departed.
"Your Highness," the Director of Intelligence said with a bow, placing a roster before Joseph. "General Thien sent word yesterday. The Flemish Parliament has been fully formed, and this is the list of the first assembly members.
"General Thien says that as soon as you crush the Duke of York's army, the Flanders Region will immediately convene parliament, declare independence, and expel all foreign troops.
"Naturally, the area around Leopoldsburg will be left for us to continue our push north."
Leopoldsburg was located in Loon Province, east of Antwerp. From there, heading straight north led to Tilburg, the transportation hub of the Dutch province of Breda.
Joseph didn't look at the list, merely nodding as he asked, "How are Scheyck's troops prepared?"
According to his plan, the French army would penetrate deep into the southern Netherlands under the pretext of "pursuing the remnants of the Duke of York's forces." After crushing the Dutch army—though the Netherlands hardly had any decent forces left, with Davidovich's 10,000-man main force still besieged in Ghent—Scheyck would lead the Flemish National Army to occupy those areas. Then, the French army would "retire with honor" and recognize the Flemish Republic.
While the Flemish army lacked combat power, they were more than capable of handling Dutch civilians.
Furthermore, the Flemish and the Dutch were close kin with the same language and customs. Their ancestors even provided historical claims for ruling Dutch provinces like Zeeland and Breda, so they would likely face little resistance in taking control.
Fouché replied, "Your Highness, Scheyck has already left Leuven, and the Flemish troops in Antwerp will also come under his command, totaling seven thousand men.
"However, he seems concerned about encountering the British, so he has been lingering south of Diest."
Diest was barely ten kilometers from Leuven. In other words, Scheyck had effectively remained stationary.
Joseph wasn't surprised. After all, he had chosen the man precisely because he was somewhat incompetent.
Joseph exhaled and said to Fouché, "The Intelligence Bureau should also prepare to coordinate with Thien. I expect we will launch our counter-offensive against the Coalition Forces within the next few days."
According to news that had arrived from Italy yesterday, Napoleon's troops had already reached Mantua.
As soon as he launched his attack, the Army of the Rhine would simultaneously move against the Duke of Brunswick.
When that happened, the Duke of York would surely fall into a panic. Joseph intended to seize that moment to strike, leaving the Duke trapped between a retreat he couldn't afford and a position he couldn't hold.
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