Chapter 926: Gossip in Versailles
Once Brienne and the others had meticulously noted the industrial development layout for the Rhineland, Joseph continued. "As for the wooden tracks, just build some within the cities."
"The main mining areas in the Rhineland are close to the Rhine River. We can first transport the coal by ship to Baden and Strasbourg. From there, we can use the existing wooden tracks to bring them back into the country."
If Karl Friedrich had been there, he likely would have been moved enough to kiss Joseph's boots.
This essentially turned Baden into the primary distribution hub for all Rhineland goods. The transit revenue alone from the merchant caravans would be enough to make Baden burst with wealth.
In the future, a small nation on the Strait of Malacca would become a developed country simply by skimming off the passing merchant ships without doing much of anything else.
Brienne and Mirabeau whispered among themselves for a moment before Brienne turned back to Joseph. "Your Highness, based on the method you just described, we estimate the Industrial Development Fund will need to invest between 35 and 40 million francs."
Mirabeau added, "Once those coal mines are fully operational, we will likely need to invest another 30 million or more."
Although Joseph felt the numbers were likely accurate, he still felt a slight chill in his heart the moment he heard them.
'Seventy million francs! And that is pure investment.'
"Archbishop Brienne, please draft a detailed fund-raising plan and submit it to me as soon as possible. Oh, let's set the total amount at 50 million francs for now."
"Understood, Your Highness."
Joseph then turned his attention to Fulco, the Director of the Tax Bureau, to begin arranging the tax system reform for the Rhineland region.
Just then, Joseph felt the gaze of every noble in the room turn toward him. The Palace Chamberlain then called out loudly, "Your Highness, which piece would you like to select?"
Joseph let out a silent sigh of relief.
He knew it was time for him, as the representative of the younger generation of nobility, to take the floor and lead the dance.
"Bach's Orchestral Suite No. 1, please."
He gestured to the orchestra and then looked toward the young noble ladies. He was immediately met with countless excited and burning gazes.
He would have preferred to dance with Camelia, but her status was inappropriate for such a formal occasion. Consequently, he stepped forward and extended his right hand to a slightly plump girl about his age.
"Dear Sophie, may I have the honor of this dance?"
"Of course, my dear cousin," the girl replied, curtsying immediately before placing her hand in his.
She was the eldest daughter of the Count of Artois, the brother of Louis XVI, making her Joseph's cousin.
In the past, Joseph would usually invite his sister Thérèse to rescue him whenever he needed to dance.
This was because inviting any other noble lady would lead to them pestering him for quite some time afterward.
Since his sister was clearly occupied with another partner today, he had to rely on Sophie's help.
The lively Bourrée music began to play, and Joseph and Sophie danced gracefully in the center of the Hall of Mirrors. Over a dozen pairs of high-ranking young nobles surrounded them, joining the dance.
As Joseph spun around, he caught a glimpse of Princess Thérèse and Prince Ludovico of Modena pressed closely together, dancing with perfect synchronization.
'Well, those two have been inseparable lately, attending all sorts of balls together. It's only natural they are so well-coordinated.'
Joseph thought to himself, 'It seems I should start making arrangements for my sister's wedding.'
Indeed, he had already convinced Queen Mary to accept Prince Ludovico, who came from a small nation, as her son-in-law.
As the movement ended, Joseph and the other nobles exchanged positions, moving toward the edge of the floor.
He then heard Queen Mary lean over and whisper, "Madame Adelaide, are you feeling unwell?"
Curious, Joseph looked over and saw his great-aunt, Madame Adelaide, shielding her face with a folding fan. Her shoulders were trembling slightly, as if she were crying.
"Oh, I am fine. Thank you, Your Majesty," Madame Adelaide looked up and took a deep breath, glancing toward Princess Thérèse. "It is just that seeing the love of these young people, which is richer than honey, makes me feel breathless with envy..."
Queen Mary turned and hugged her with concern, whispering, "Oh, there is no need for envy. See? We all love you."
Joseph was somewhat puzzled. This great-aunt of his had been single her entire life and was now in her sixties. Why would seeing Thérèse and Ludovico being affectionate suddenly cause her to break down?
Seeing her cousin's distraction, Sophie followed his gaze and whispered, "Are you curious about Madame Adelaide?"
Joseph nodded.
His cousin immediately gestured with her eyes toward the circle of foreign dignitaries. "I suspect she probably saw Count Mercy."
Joseph looked into the crowd and indeed spotted the middle-aged man—Count Mercy, the former Austrian Ambassador to France. After the two countries went to war, the ambassadorial posts had been abolished.
This Count Mercy had another identity: he was the ambassador who had escorted Joseph's mother to France for her wedding.
Because of this, his status in France was quite unique. Even with France and Austria at war, he still held the right to enter Versailles.
A cold smirk flashed in Joseph's eyes. He knew exactly what Count Mercy was here for.
However, going to persuade his mother instead of talking to him first was a bit suspicious.
He then asked Sophie with some confusion, "But what does Madame Adelaide have to do with Count Mercy?"
"You did not know?" Sophie's eyes sparkled with the light of gossip as she lowered her voice. "Whenever His late Majesty Joseph II visited Versailles, Count Mercy accompanied him the entire time."
Joseph blinked. How did this involve the late Holy Roman Emperor?
Seeing him still looking confused, Sophie continued, "You have likely heard that Madame Adelaide was once deeply in love with Emperor Joseph II."
"After his wife passed away, she even tried to marry him. However, he rejected her."
Joseph nodded. So, seeing Count Mercy had triggered some old memories?
Just as he was about to remark on how devoted Madame Adelaide was, Sophie continued.
"Of course, others say her true love was Franz Xavier—you know, the Prince of Saxony."
"Or perhaps it was His Majesty Charles III. Though I doubt that one. After all, the King of Spain had already agreed to the marriage back then, but it never actually happened."
Joseph sighed inwardly. It was more likely that Louis XV had been unwilling to provide a dowry sufficient for a princess's status, which was why Madame Adelaide remained unmarried.
After all, five of his great-grandfather's daughters had never married.
He couldn't help but feel a pang of pity for his great-aunt's tragic fate.
Suddenly, a certain person came to mind, and he reflexively looked toward Madame Adelaide.
Perhaps he could help make amends on behalf of Louis XV.
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