Chapter 884: The Duke of Florence
Crown Prince Ludwig wiped a bead of cold sweat from his brow and stammered, "As you are well aware, should our nation enter into a trade agreement with France, Austrian retaliation is inevitable..."
Talleyrand offered a thin smile. "France will provide you with the most resolute support—delivered by our cannons."
The statement carried a sharp double meaning: French cannons could defend him against Austria, but they could just as easily be aimed at his own head.
Talleyrand raised his glass toward the pale-faced Crown Prince of Württemberg.
"Furthermore, our nation does not seek to establish an exclusive market. Members of the trade alliance may continue their commercial dealings with Vienna. In truth, we do not care if the tariffs you offer Austria are identical to those within our union."
On the surface, this condition seemed designed to alleviate the pressure these small South German states felt from Austria. In reality, it was a masterful stroke of secret maneuvering.
Given Austria's current industrial capacity and technological level, a massive generational gap had already opened between them and France.
With equal tariff conditions, Austrian goods simply could not compete with French products. Consequently, France was entirely indifferent to the trade between Austria and the South German states.
On the contrary, if the South German states could reach a low-tariff agreement with Austria, French goods could then flow through these countries and flood the Austrian market.
Indeed, even in the twenty-first century, the highly digitized United States remains at its wits' end regarding the problem of origin tracking. Eastern nations have long bypassed tariff barriers by routing exports through Mexico to reach American markets in massive quantities.
Naturally, once Austria realized something was amiss, they could hike tariffs against the South German states. However, doing so would be tantamount to cutting themselves off from the South German market entirely.
Relieved to hear that he would not have to exclude Austria, Ludwig finally let out a breath and nodded. "I understand, Monsieur Talleyrand. I will do my utmost to facilitate the formation of this trade alliance."
Talleyrand extended his glass, lightly clinking it against the prince's. "I look forward to the day the agreement is signed," he murmured with a smile.
The following day at noon.
Talleyrand caressed the slender waist of his latest paramour, Countess Notman, whispering into her ear, "Oh, my sweet, I have official business to attend to. I shall return to see you next month."
After a lingering moment of affection, Talleyrand boarded his carriage and departed for Rothenburg.
He intended to conduct a diplomatic circuit through the South German states to ensure the trade alliance was successfully established.
It was predictable that, at the very least, those nations that had defaulted on their loan agreements would be compelled to join.
...
One month later.
Under the call of Württemberg, seven nations, including France, Upper Hesse, and Rothenburg, convened in Karlsruhe, the capital of Baden, to begin the preparatory meetings for the Rhine Trade Alliance.
Indeed, after taking control of the Rhineland region, France could be considered a nation along the Rhine River. Consequently, the name of the Seine-Rhine River Agreement was modified accordingly.
This was an point Joseph had specifically emphasized.
In the past, the mere mention of the Rhine would instinctively lead people to view it as a symbol of Germany.
From now on, however, France would continuously assert its presence along the banks of the Rhine, eventually turning the name into a purely geographical term.
The negotiation process for the trade alliance was remarkably smooth.
The text of the agreement was almost an exact replica of the previous Seine-Rhine River Agreement. Since France kept the negotiation terms relatively loose, the main clauses—including the tariff rates for each country—were roughly finalized after only five days.
It was worth noting that, at the suggestion of Upper Hesse, the member states of the trade alliance decided to collectively condemn Austria's previous violation of the Seine-Rhine River Agreement.
Heaven as my witness, this was not at France's instigation. Rather, it was an expression of resentment from those Holy Roman Empire states that had been dragged into the war against France and subsequently denied compensation by Austria.
...
Central Italy.
The Colina Pass, northeast of Florence.
Adrian looked back at the Medici family crests fluttering across the hillside, feeling as though he were in a dream.
A few months ago, he had been nothing more than a petty merchant in Venice. Having been swindled in an investment, he had faced the imminent danger of losing his entire family estate.
Now, he stood as the formidable Duke of Florence, with over eight hundred soldiers sworn to his service standing behind him, ready to reclaim the Medici ancestral lands.
"Your Grace, the enemy has deployed their formation one mile to the south," a tall hussar reported, bowing before him. "They number approximately one thousand men."
The Duke of Florence looked toward his brother-in-law for guidance. "Ferrari, what do you think we should do?"
Indeed, just a week prior, Caterina Lucrezia de Gradini, a famous widow of the prominent Tuscan Gradini family, had married him in a whirlwind ceremony.
The new Duchess of Florence had brought him a staggering dowry of 280,000 Ducats, one hundred and fifty family guards, and her cousin, Ferrari de Gradini.
The latter had attended a military academy in Naples for several years and naturally became the commander-in-chief of the Duke's Janissaries.
General Ferrari drew his saber with a flourish and declared loudly, "I will lead the men to crush any enemy bold enough to stand in your way!"
Nearby, Blot Bernard, a French advisor dressed in clerical robes, stepped forward to restrain the novice general. He then bowed to Adrian. "Your Grace, I believe your prestige as the Lord of Florence is sufficient to intimidate these reckless foes into retreat."
"Ah? Oh, very well," Adrian nodded, still somewhat bewildered.
Bernard took up a banner embroidered with the Medici coat of arms. Accompanied by four guards, he rode toward the front lines of the Tuscan army.
The commander of the Tuscan forces immediately rode out to meet him, but Bernard ignored him entirely. He raised the banner high and rode along the enemy's line, shouting at the top of his lungs:
"The great House of Medici has returned!
"The ancient glory of Florence shall be restored!
"The Duke of Florence promises you that, with the exception of the exile of Ferdinand III, the property and interests of all people shall be guaranteed.
"Now, clear the way and welcome the Medici back to his domain!"
A wave of whispers immediately rippled through the Tuscan ranks.
There was no doubt that in the hearts of the Tuscans, the Medici family was a legendary symbol.
During the Medici rule over Florence, the economy had flourished, and the city had become the commercial, cultural, and artistic heart of central Italy, leading the era of the Renaissance.
Bernard waited a moment before continuing, "His Majesty the King of France believes that only the House of Medici is the sole legitimate master of Florence. Should His Grace the Duke of Florence require it, General Napoleon will assist him in returning to the palace."
The Tuscan military formation fell into a sudden, heavy silence.
While the Tuscany region was highly developed in commerce and art, it also suffered from a long-standing, unfortunate tradition of being non-militaristic.
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