Chapter 143: Foreign Policy

Chapter 143: Foreign Policy

With Russia's involvement, if the British were to interfere with French actions in North Africa, Russia would likely protest against Britain first.

Joseph handed the letter back to Brienne. "What's your take on what's discussed here?"

Brienne considered carefully before responding, "An alliance with Russia doesn't offer us many immediate benefits, but it could help us counter Austria, Prussia, and even influence the British in the future."

Joseph silently agreed, recognizing Brienne's keen political insight. He also knew that the outcome of the ongoing Russo-Turkish War would see Russia emerging victorious, forcing the Ottoman Empire to sign the Treaty of Jassy. This treaty would give Russia control over the entire northern Black Sea coast.

Historically, Austria was the first to support Russia, gaining significant political and strategic advantages. This time, Joseph was determined to ensure that these benefits wouldn't fall into anyone else's hands.

He nodded decisively. "I completely agree with you. So, at the next cabinet meeting, you should have someone propose an alliance with Russia and take a firm stance against the Ottomans. In fact, declaring war on the Ottomans should even be considered as an option."

"Understood, Your Highness. I'll begin preparations immediately."

After the series of recent events, Brienne had come to follow Joseph's lead without question.

Having discussed international affairs, Brienne naturally shifted to domestic issues, his tone filled with admiration. "Your Highness, I've reviewed the reports on potato planting across the provinces. I'm truly amazed at how you managed to convince so many people to plant potatoes. This year's grain supply should be very plentiful."

Joseph sighed internally: If we can barely scrape by, that would be an achievement. Plentiful is wishful thinking...

He quickly issued further instructions. "Archbishop Brienne, while the potatoes have been planted, it's crucial to focus on irrigation to combat the drought. If possible, I recommend equipping each parish with a steam-powered water pump. One of these pumps can irrigate dozens of acres of land."

In France, a "parish" was essentially the administrative unit of a village or town.

Joseph's suggestion wasn't without foundation. While France had few large coal mines, it had many smaller ones scattered across the country. With the right mining policies, it would be easy to meet the coal needs of villages and towns.

This would also promote the sale of steam engines, creating a positive economic cycle.

Brienne considered this. "That might work for parishes near Paris, but more remote areas might not be able to afford such an investment."

Joseph, recalling the situation of the farmer Gaisca's family, nodded slightly. "We could establish small parish banks specifically to lend to farmers. But we must regulate these banks to ensure they don't become tools for exploiting farmers."

Brienne immediately agreed. "That's an excellent suggestion, Your Highness. I'll have policies drawn up at once."

Joseph then turned his thoughts to the issue of grain transportation and continued, "We also need to consider that the low water levels might prevent grain from being transported."

"I recommend that major cities establish strategic grain reserves, with officials appointed to manage them, and a system in place for regular storage, access, and inspection. Especially in Paris, we should build at least two additional reserves."

France had long been one of Europe's great grain producers and had never really considered the need for reserve grain storage.

Brienne was puzzled. "Your Highness, we don't have a surplus of grain at the moment, so wouldn't the granaries just sit empty?"

"I'm working on securing grain supplies. For now, you just need to issue the orders to the provincial governors."

Brienne, while confident that the large potato crops would see France through the year without a crisis, didn't quite understand why the Prince was being so cautious. Nonetheless, his absolute trust in Joseph meant he agreed without hesitation.

After leaving Brienne's office, Joseph realized it was nearly dinnertime and decided to stay overnight at Versailles. After dining with the Queen, he returned to his quarters, only to find Talleyrand already waiting for him.

This man is certainly proactive and sharp, Joseph thought, understanding why Talleyrand had managed to navigate so many different political regimes without falling out of favor. Joseph nodded to Talleyrand, who bowed in greeting. "Please, take a seat, Father Talleyrand. It's late. What brings you here?"

"Your Highness, His Majesty the King told me that you are the only one who can save me."

Talleyrand then recounted how he had been blocked from becoming an archbishop, describing himself as a victim of injustice, as pitiful as a kitten stranded in a snowstorm, yet he never spoke ill of Queen Marie Antoinette.

Joseph admired his eloquence—no wonder he became the strongest diplomat of Napoleon's era. But instead of playing along with his rhetoric, Joseph cut straight to the point. "What did you do to upset the Queen?"

Talleyrand hesitated for a moment but quickly recovered, sighing deeply. "Your Highness, as you know, there were many rumors about the Queen. I foolishly believed some of them and mentioned them to others... The Queen found out about it."

Joseph thought, It seems the matter isn't too serious. If it's about placating the Queen, I should be able to manage that. A few kind words might do the trick.

He looked at Talleyrand. "I can help you with this."

"Really?!" Talleyrand was so moved that he nearly wept. "Your Highness, you truly are an angel sent by God to save us all!"

Joseph quickly raised a hand to stop him from continuing with the flattery. "It's nothing, Father Talleyrand."

"But His Majesty has been deeply concerned about you. You should find a way to thank him."

"Of course, of course. His Majesty has always cared for me." Talleyrand looked at Joseph inquisitively. "Um... do you have any suggestions on how I might express my gratitude?"

Joseph smiled slightly. "I've heard that His Majesty is planning to build a firearms factory."

Talleyrand nodded thoughtfully, understanding the hint.

The next day, Joseph personally instructed the royal pastry chefs to prepare a variety of exquisite desserts, which he brought to the Petit Trianon.

Queen Marie Antoinette's eyes sparkled as she gazed at the cakes, puddings, and pastries laid out on the table.

Joseph picked up a piece of puff pastry and fed it to the Queen. Seizing the moment while she was in high spirits, he brought up Talleyrand's situation.

Cradling her clever and sweet son in her arms, the Queen had little interest in holding a grudge against Talleyrand. After Joseph spoke a few kind words on his behalf—especially mentioning that he wanted to contribute to the country—she readily agreed not to hold his past mistakes against him.

Everything went smoothly.

Joseph then sent for Talleyrand. After the cleric delivered a heartfelt apology to the Queen, using his exceptional oratory and acting skills, she forgave him, and Talleyrand breathed a sigh of relief as he left.

As he stepped out of the Queen's presence, Talleyrand found Joseph waiting at the entrance of the Petit Trianon.

The cleric approached, overflowing with gratitude. He had spent over a year trying to resolve the issue with Louis XVI, with no success. Yet, Joseph had managed to fix it with just a few desserts.

Without Joseph's intervention, Talleyrand might have had to wait until the end of the year when his father passed away, for the Queen's compassion to finally grant him the position of archbishop.

Joseph asked casually, "By the way, Father Talleyrand, how familiar are you with the situation in North Africa?"

(End of Chapter)

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