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Chapter 147: The Diplomatic Expertise of a Statesman
🕑 Added 2024-12-19 22:01:25 +0000 UTCChapter 147: The Diplomatic Expertise of a Statesman
The Navy Minister took a moment to process what the Prince was saying, finally understanding that the naval bases Joseph referred to were the strongholds of the Barbary pirates in places like Algiers and Tunis.
"But," the minister began, still trying to argue, "our actions in the Barbary Coast region will have limited impact on the Ottomans. The Gulf of Sidra would be a more effective..."
Seeing that the minister wasn't ready to give up, Joseph discreetly signaled to Brienne. The Archbishop promptly cleared his throat and said, "Marquis de Castries, you're aware that our finances are very tight, so there's no additional budget for this operation."
No additional budget? The Navy Minister immediately stopped arguing, muttering, "But even showing force around the Barbary Coast requires funding."
Joseph smiled. "That's why we need to bring the Americans and the Spanish on board for a joint operation."
Queen Marie looked at her son with interest. "Joseph, why involve the Americans and the Spanish?"
"Because the Americans can pay for it," Joseph explained. "Their merchant ships in the Mediterranean are frequently attacked by the 'Ottoman' navy. We can ask them for 600,000 livres to help protect their ships.
"Oh, and since it's a joint operation, the Americans will need some proper warships. I'm sure they'd be willing to buy a couple of frigates from us."
At this time, the United States wasn't the global power it would later become. They had only recently gained independence and were quite poor, with almost no navy to speak of. Selling them a couple of old French frigates would mean giving them what would be considered top-tier ships.
The Queen nodded. "And what about the Spanish?"
"They can provide the warships," Joseph replied. "Spain has significant interests in the Barbary Coast and would be more eager than us to drive out the Ottoman forces there."
Brienne seized the opportunity to support the plan. "Your Majesty, I believe Prince Joseph's proposal is very feasible."
Queen Marie nodded in approval. If the Americans paid and the Spanish provided the ships, while France reaped the benefits of Russian gratitude, could there be a better deal?
She turned to Brienne. "Archbishop Brienne, please draft a detailed plan for our alliance with Russia against the Ottomans and our actions in the Mediterranean, and submit it to me as soon as possible."
"Yes, Your Majesty. In fact, the plan is already prepared." Brienne placed a thick stack of documents in front of the Queen.
"Oh, your efficiency is impressive."
"Thank you for the compliment," Brienne replied with a smile, then continued, "I plan to appoint Viscount Leonidas as His Majesty's representative to Russia. If the Empress's terms are favorable, we could even agree to declare war on the Ottomans."
The Queen was about to nod when Foreign Minister Vergennes, who had remained silent until now, frowned and said, "Archbishop Brienne, it was I who brought back Empress Catherine's letter. Why send Viscount Leonidas this time?"
Brienne thought to himself, Of course, it's to keep you from getting the credit for this diplomatic victory. But outwardly, he remained composed and said, "Count Vergennes, there are other important matters that need your attention."
"Oh? What could be more important than an embassy to Russia?"
"You will represent His Majesty the King on a mission to Constantinople."
Constantinople, known to the Turks as Kostantiniyye and later as Istanbul, was still commonly referred to by its Roman name, Constantinople, in Catholic countries.
Vergennes was taken aback. "What would I do in Constantinople?"
"It's very important," Brienne said seriously. "We must minimize the possibility of the Ottomans turning their attention to the Mediterranean.
"Your mission is to reassure Sultan Abdul Hamid I that our actions are to ensure the freedom of trade in the Mediterranean by targeting the Barbary pirates."
The other ministers found it amusing that a moment ago they were resolutely targeting the "Ottoman navy," and now it was suddenly all about the "Barbary pirates."
Vergennes quickly realized he was being set up. The Ottomans had no reason to turn their attention to the Mediterranean when Russia was pressuring them from the north. But what could he say? Refuse to go? That would just give Brienne an excuse to have him removed.
At that moment, the Duke of Orleans, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "Archbishop Brienne, if we align with Russia, it will surely anger the Ottomans. Sending Count Vergennes to Constantinople might be too dangerous."
The Ottoman Empire had, on several occasions, detained or even killed envoys from Catholic countries, and Catholic states had often retaliated in kind.
Joseph immediately looked at Vergennes, speaking earnestly. "Count Vergennes, this is your moment to demonstrate the professionalism of a true diplomat!"
Vergennes was furious, but he could only nod with a grim expression. "I will fulfill my mission."
Brienne then discussed some details about the operations around the Barbary Coast. After Queen Marie signed off on the action plan, he produced another document with a smile. "Next, we need to discuss the proposal made by Prince Joseph to establish grain reserve depots in major cities."
Joseph suddenly remembered something and turned to Vergennes. "Count Vergennes, once you arrive in Constantinople, you must immediately inform our ambassador to the Ottoman Empire to return home with all embassy staff."
"What?"
"We may end up declaring war on the Ottomans, and they would be in great danger."
Vergennes's face turned pale. So you're aware it's dangerous there! And yet you still want me to go? I'm the only one who has to show 'diplomatic professionalism,' right?!
He gritted his teeth and muttered, "Fine, I'll remind them."
The ministers then discussed the grain-related proposals. Since there was general agreement on this issue, the proposals were quickly approved.
Joseph also managed to secure an additional 3 million livres in special funds for grain purchases. This was all the money the French treasury could muster at the moment.
As the cabinet meeting ended, the ministers left, satisfied with the outcomes—except for Vergennes and the Duke of Orleans, who looked rather grim.
As Joseph walked out of the golden doors, he remembered the message he had received from Flesselles that morning, saying that all preparations for Paris Fashion Week were complete. He decided to head to the Tuileries Palace to check on the arrangements.
As he rounded a corner in the corridor, he suddenly felt a gaze full of unspoken emotions directed at him.
He turned and saw Princess Maria of the Two Sicilies bowing her head and curtsying silently nearby.
What's wrong with her?
Then it hit him—he had promised to take her on a tour of Paris, but he had been so busy that he'd completely forgotten about it…
He quickly stepped forward, placing his hand over his chest as he bowed. Smiling, he said, "My beautiful princess, would I be fortunate enough to have you accompany me on a tour of Paris?"
The wistfulness in Princess Maria's eyes vanished in an instant, replaced by a radiant smile. "Thank you for the invitation, Your Highness. I would be delighted!"
(End of Chapter)
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