Chapter 99: The Crown Prince's Council
Soumial felt the entire council hall filled with an aura of humiliation. He immediately trembled with rage, but could only rise indignantly and stalked out of the hall with a dark expression.
Once the gilded doors closed again, Queen Marie sighed softly and looked at Archbishop Brienne. "Archbishop Brienne, who do you think would be most suitable to succeed as Keeper of the Seals?"
Brienne replied promptly, "Your Majesty, the current court advisor, Baron Breteuil, is capable and loyal. He studied law at the University of Paris. We could appoint him as Keeper of the Seals."
This was the result of Joseph and Brienne's careful deliberation. Breteuil was adept at socializing and possessed considerable political skill.
Most importantly, he was a cousin of the King and extremely loyal to the Royal Family. Historically, at the most perilous moment when Louis XVI was preparing to flee Paris, Breteuil had worked tirelessly for the King, never once betraying him.
Queen Marie nodded. "Please ask him to see me after the meeting."
"Certainly, Your Majesty."
Joseph subtly glanced at Foreign Minister Vergennes. 'He's next. Once Vergennes is dealt with, it will be like pulling out all the political teeth of that vicious tiger, the Duke of Orleans.'
Brienne picked up another document and read aloud:
"Given that the High Court has relinquished its power to censor news, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince suggests establishing a Press and Publication Bureau to manage news censorship."
The Duke of Orleans let out a cold snort and lowered his head, his face clouded, remaining silent.
He had been utterly defeated in the recent "pamphlet war." Now, having lost the power of news censorship, he could no longer hope to control public opinion.
In the past twenty minutes or so, he had first lost a crucial political ally, then his media dominance shattered. Today's cabinet meeting was nothing short of a nightmare for him.
"Mmm, this is excellent." Queen Marie, however, nodded with visible delight.
Ever since she married into France, she had been continuously slandered by public opinion. 'Today, I can finally clear up the confusion and see the truth.'
Brienne gestured toward Monnot. "The duties of the Press and Publication Bureau are most closely related to internal affairs, so I suggest that Count Monnot be responsible for its management."
Monnot immediately bowed to the Queen with a hand over his chest. "Your Majesty, I shall ensure that all vulgar and shameless articles vanish completely from this world!"
Queen Marie displayed a satisfied smile, praised Monnot briefly, and immediately signed the document.
Brienne continued, "Third item on the agenda.
"His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has submitted a report asserting that after the signing of the Eden Treaty, France's interests have been severely damaged, particularly in industries such as textiles and steel, which are now almost unable to continue operations.
"Therefore, His Royal Highness suggests that Anglo-French trade negotiations should be reopened as soon as possible to revise the treaty's contents and prevent the situation from deteriorating further."
The Duke of Orleans felt he had finally seized an opportunity to retaliate. He immediately sneered, "Your Royal Highness is perhaps thinking too simply. Britain has gained considerable benefits from this treaty; how could they possibly agree to revise it?"
Joseph shot him a glance and bowed to the Queen. "Your Majesty, I am absolutely confident that I can persuade the British."
Without waiting for the Queen to question him, he added, "Even if negotiations might fail, we should still try. After all, we have nothing to lose."
All cabinet ministers except the Duke of Orleans, including Vergennes, immediately expressed their agreement. After all, they were either Joseph's political allies or stakeholders; how could they possibly disagree?
Queen Marie also nodded slightly and asked, "Archbishop Brienne, have you prepared the specific terms for the negotiation?"
Brienne immediately placed a document before her. "Yes, Your Majesty. These are our predetermined negotiation objectives.
"The core content consists of two points: Firstly, to persuade Britain to lower import tariffs on alcoholic beverages, which include wine, beer, and spirits, to below 10%."
The ministers, hearing these negotiation terms for the first time, immediately became filled with anticipation.
Alcoholic beverages, especially wine, were a pillar of French exports, but they currently faced fierce competition from Spain, Tuscany, Venice, and other regions.
If Britain could indeed unilaterally lower import tariffs on French alcoholic beverages, it would significantly boost the competitiveness of French wines.
Brienne continued, "Secondly, to raise our import tariffs on industrial goods to 25%, but then reduce them by 3% annually until they reach 5% after seven years."
The Foreign Minister immediately stood up in opposition. "5%? Absolutely not! This would leave French industry completely unprotected!"
Joseph smiled and said, "Even with the current 12% tariff, our industry is no match for the British. It would be better to let those workshops catch their breath, then swiftly transition to other ventures, which would actually reduce losses.
"Furthermore, only by significantly lowering industrial goods tariffs can we convince the British to reduce alcoholic beverage tariffs."
He naturally wouldn't mention the rapid improvement of French industrial capabilities, especially with that fellow Orleans present.
The Queen looked at Brienne with some hesitation. "Archbishop, do you also believe this to be true?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. This is currently the most advantageous approach for us." Brienne was actually somewhat bewildered, but out of absolute trust in the Crown Prince, he still chose to support these terms.
"Other negotiation points also include France and Britain jointly forming a combined fleet to combat smuggling."
Everyone present froze, thinking they had misheard.
'Britain and France forming a combined fleet together?'
'How utterly surreal that sounds!'
This was precisely the effect Joseph desired. The British would interpret this as France abandoning its bid for maritime supremacy, while combating smuggling was even more beneficial for France.
British industrial goods smuggled into France annually dealt a severe blow to French industry. This was because smuggled goods were essentially tariff-free, making their prices far lower than those produced domestically in France.
If this clause were successfully negotiated, it would be tantamount to using the British fleet to protect French industry.
Britain would save face, and France would gain substance. 'Why wouldn't we want that?'
Brienne continued, "Furthermore, we demand that Britain sell one million pounds of affordable wool to the Port of Le Havre annually..."
Since France's defeat in the Seven Years' War, it had lost many overseas colonies, leading to a wool shortage, which was detrimental to the development of its textile industry.
Of course, Joseph wasn't sure if the British would be so generous. 'But since we're forming a combined fleet, shouldn't the British show some goodwill? If not one million pounds, then at least half a million pounds.'
After the trade negotiations were discussed, Brienne proceeded to read out the next agenda item: "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince proposes the introduction of Patent Law and Company Law..."
Because these two bills were urgently needed by the Capitalist Nobility for industrial development, and posed no threat to the Old Nobility or commoners, Queen Marie swiftly signed the document and instructed for it to be presented to His Majesty the King for his signature.
As for the High Court, even if they had no reason to reject these two bills, under the watchful gaze of the Royal Supreme Court, they would still have no choice but to dutifully register the bills.
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