Chapter 19 Assistant to the Finance Minister

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The Cabinet Ministers heard the news and, regardless of their actual thoughts, all rose to offer their congratulations to the Crown Prince, with endless flattery pouring forth.

Joseph was politely returning the gestures when the golden doors to the hall were pushed open, and the voice of the Ceremonial Officer announced, "Their Majesties the King and Queen have arrived."

The ministers inside the chamber were somewhat surprised by the King's rare attendance at a Cabinet meeting. They quickly turned toward the entering Louis XVI and Queen Mary, respectfully placing their hands over their hearts and bowing.

Louis, who was quite familiar with the Cabinet Ministers, displayed less of the symptoms of his social anxiety, and said with a smile, "You are all always so diligent. Oh, can anyone tell me what you were discussing?"

Mono immediately responded with a beam, "Your Majesty, we were just expressing our admiration for the brilliant achievements the Crown Prince has made in the reforms of the Police Headquarters!"

Louis took a seat at the head of the conference table with the Queen, their faces alight with barely hidden joy—especially Queen Mary, who again tirelessly recounted Joseph's recent exploits.

Seeing that the atmosphere was just right, Mono gave Joseph a meaningful look and, with a light cough, stood and said, "Your Majesty the Queen, during his tenure at Police Headquarters, the Crown Prince has amply demonstrated his exceptional abilities. I remember, Your Majesty, you once mentioned that if the Crown Prince performed well at the City Hall, you would have him serve as an assistant to the Finance Minister."

Queen Mary nodded with a smile.

Somiare, the Justice Minister, frowned slightly and side-glanced at the Duke of Orleans, noticing his unresponsiveness. Pretending to speak to himself, he murmured, "All Her Majesty said was to allow the Crown Prince to be involved with financial affairs... "

His voice was just loud enough for a few nearby people to hear clearly.

Queen Mary's smile faded as her gaze swept across the others, finally resting on Brian, the Finance Minister. "Archbishop Brian, what is your opinion on this matter?"

Mono gave Joseph a reassuring look, indicating that he'd already communicated with Brian.

The round-faced elder sitting next in line stood up and offered a bow to the Queen without hesitation, "Your Majesty, I believe the Crown Prince is fully capable of serving as an assistant to the Finance Minister."

He was the Archbishop of Toulouse, serving as the Chief Minister of the Cabinet as well as the Finance Minister. With his approval, no one else would voice any objections.

A smile once again appeared on Queen Mary's face, and she was about to announce the appointment when Brian added, "Your Highness, the financial issues at hand are of great importance, and since the Crown Prince lacks experience in this area, I ask to have the final decision on financial policies, and that the Crown Prince cannot deal with financial matters without going through me. I hope Your Majesty will agree to this."

Joseph could only wryly smile to himself, thinking how much the old man must fear him bankrupting the nation's treasury. Now, who besides me is capable of saving your coffers?

As he pondered how to persuade the old man, he saw the Duke of Orleans suddenly stand and say, "Archbishop Brian, there's a great deal to deal with in national finances, and in the past, many minor things were handled by assistants to the Finance Minister. If you need to overlook all these things, it will inevitably greatly distract your energy. I believe that you should concentrate on pushing forward the new tax law at this moment, rather than being distracted by trifles."

The meeting room suddenly grew quiet, with everyone quite surprised—during the last Cabinet meeting, the Duke of Orleans had been at odds with the Crown Prince, nearly coming into open conflict, so why was he now speaking on his behalf?

Queen Mary cautiously looked at Brian and asked, "Currently, what affairs are being handled by the assistant to the Finance Minister?"

"Mainly dealing with loans and repayment of the national debt, as well as the organization of some tax law clauses."

The Queen's brow relaxed; these were rather simple tasks. The bank had a long-standing cooperation for loans, and organizing laws would have the assistance of Clerks and lawyers.

Joseph would surely handle these tasks with ease, which would be a perfect opportunity to familiarize himself with financial matters.

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Without any further hesitation, she politely asked Louis XVI a few questions and then loudly announced, "The Crown Prince shall be fully in charge of the affairs previously managed by the assistant to the Finance Minister, and any other matters must be approved by Archbishop Brienne."

"The formal appointment is hereby made, the Crown Prince will serve as the assistant to the Finance Minister. Please have Count of Barongden prepare the appointment documents."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Joseph bowed to accept the order, exchanged a few pleasantries, and glanced curiously at the Duke of Orleans, wondering what the man was up to.

Although the Duke of Orleans maintained a composed expression, he was smugly sneering inside.

He knew he couldn't prevent Joseph from becoming the assistant to the Finance Minister given his recent popularity, so he had started to scheme a few days earlier to set a trap for Joseph.

The government had six million livres of national debt coming due next month, and he had already reached an agreement with banking capital to suspend all loans to the government.

He had even thought of the headline—The Crown Prince's mishandling leads to government debt default, triggering a financial crisis.

Queen Mary encouraged her son with a few words and then turned to Brienne, "Please start with today's agenda."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The round-faced old man pulled out the prepared documents, put on his gold-rimmed glasses, and said, "Given this year's fiscal revenue and expenditure, I believe budget spending must be cut again for the next half-year."

He looked towards Queen Mary, who nodded in agreement, "Yes, I have reviewed your report and fully support this proposal. On behalf of the Royal Family, I state that the Royal Family will reduce its expenditure by one million livres each year to alleviate financial pressure."

"Thank you for your majesty's kindness," Brienne looked towards the long-faced, large-nosed middle-aged man to his right, "I suggest that the Navy reduce the construction of one battleship and two second-rate ships, which will save the treasury 1.35 million livres."

The Navy Minister Marquis of Castries immediately sprang from his chair, protested loudly, "How can this be?! The British fleet has already far surpassed ours! We need to add four more battleships to the original plan just to barely maintain our trade lines, and you're not only refusing to increase appropriations but also cutting one? Oh, and two second-rate ships too!"

Queen Mary signaled for him to remain calm and looked towards the other ministers, "What do you think?"

The vast majority expressed agreement with the cuts, given the fixed budget. To avoid cuts in their own domains, they preferred to choose the Navy for reductions.

The Marquis of Castries was sweating with anxiety, realizing he couldn't count on the others, his gaze inevitably fell on the Crown Prince.

He had heard that not long ago, the Crown Prince had led guards into battle against the gangs of the Saint Antoine District; he should be a youthful and staunch supporter of military expansion!

He addressed Joseph without delay, "Your Highness, do you also agree with Archbishop Brienne's reduction plan? That would leave us even more powerless against the British!"

"No!" Joseph said emphatically, "Reducing the number of battleships is inappropriate!"

"Exactly..."

The Marquis of Castries had barely spoken two words when Joseph's next statement left him stunned, "I believe all current battleship construction plans for the Navy should be put on hold!"