Life of Being a Crown Prince in France

Three streets away from the Palace of Versailles, in a villa purchased by a Dutch merchant, the senior advisor of the French Foreign Minister, Hoettinger, with a haughty expression, said to Schmelpenink:

“Prime Minister, you know this matter involves the entire Lowlands’ situation. That gentleman must unite with several Cabinet Ministers to persuade the Crown Prince.”

Schmelpenink nodded repeatedly: “Thank… ah, the selfless assistance of that gentleman. I will certainly not let him help in vain.”

Hoettinger picked up the pen on the table and wrote a line: “300,000 francs, send it to this address, and the matter will turn around.”

Schmelpenink was startled for a moment but then gritted his teeth and said: “Okay, I will handle it as soon as possible. Please thank that gentleman for me.”

“I will.”

Hoettinger got into the carriage, a satisfied smile on his face.

Three days later.

Schmelpenink paid the bribe and soon received a notification from Hoettinger, stating that the Crown Prince, under the suggestion of “that gentleman,” had agreed to restrain the Flemish and have the Dutch Parliament withdraw the border troops to suppress the rebellion.

Additionally, France’s Walloon Corps would be on standby in Gai’erden. If the Dutch Parliament couldn’t overpower William V’s troops, they could intervene at any time—for an additional fee.

Of course, this was something Joseph had decided early on, letting Talleyrand notify the Dutch. The Foreign Minister had temporarily withheld the news and pocketed a small fortune of 300,000 francs.

Hoettinger stood up, walked to the door, then stopped and turned to say casually: “By the way, Prime Minister, the Crown Prince is very interested in that ‘International Maritime Treaty’ proposed by the Danes. If the Netherlands chooses to join, he should be quite pleased.”

Schmelpenink hastily said: “Thank you very much for the reminder. I will propose a bill to parliament as soon as I return.”

…

Vienna.

Schonbrunn Palace.

Franz II glared at Kobutsel and shouted angrily, “These damned profiteers, even the greediest vampires can only be their apprentices!

“The salt tax for Bohemia and the Erz region for 10 years? They might as well rob Schonbrunn Palace!”

Kobutsel looked extremely helpless:

“Your Majesty, the financial sector is worried that Prussia might launch a war against us. Mr. Rothschild’s asking price is already the lowest.”

He didn’t dare to say that bankers throughout the Germanic Region believed Austria would be defeated, especially since the domestic rebellion hadn’t been completely resolved.

In such a situation, giving a loan to the Emperor could likely result in total loss, thus requiring enough collateral.

Franz II clutched the chair’s armrest tightly, unwilling to be extorted by these capitalists, but he immediately thought of the report sent by Archduke Karl a few days ago.

The Ottoman People were menacing, amassing large troops in the northern regions of Bulgaria, ready to strike at any time.

He believed the Ottomans might have reached some understanding with the Prussians, preparing to attack from both the north and south simultaneously.

At present, his empire couldn’t even prepare for war. Archduke Karl’s troops for suppressing the rebellion could only receive one-third of their salaries. Once war broke out, surrender would be his only option.

Thus, he planned to borrow 3 million florins from the usurious moneylenders to fund military supplies. As a result, they demanded the collateral of the Bohemia and Erz region’s 10-year salt tax.

He knew that this sum was unlikely to be repaid on time, so he effectively exchanged the salt tax of two regions for 3 million.

Simply a huge loss!

But circumstances were overwhelming; after a bout of anger, he closed his eyes and waved his hand to the State Minister:

“Go tell that profiteer he can have what he wants, and immediately give me the gold coins…”

Before the latter could reply, he saw the Emperor’s attendant leading Count Moses in swiftly.

Kobutsel said with some surprise: “Why have you returned?”

Moses ignored him and, excitedly bowing to Franz II, said: “Your Majesty, good news! I persuaded the Queen of France; she agreed to loan us 13 million francs, with only 16% interest!”

In fact, it was just Joseph having Queen Mary convey his decision, not Moses “persuading” anyone.

Yes, it was also to allow his mother to gain some gratitude from her family.

Franz II abruptly stood up from his chair: “Really?!”

“Absolutely true, Your Majesty.”

Franz II’s face was instantly filled with the ecstatic joy of a reprieve: “Wonderful, truly wonderful! My aunt still remembers this bond.

“Ha, let that damned profiteer go to hell!”

He then pointed to the State Minister: “Count Kobutsel, immediately use this money to prepare logistical supplies and transport them to Legnica.”

The latter bowed: “Yes, Your Majesty!”

Moses, however, reached out to stop him, then said to Franz II:

“Your Majesty, the French Queen also asked me to inform you that she understands the Empire must avoid falling into a situation of fighting on two fronts.

“So she will find a way to ensure the Prussians launch an attack after July.

“Before then, we must quickly quell the rebellion and defeat the Ottomans, then concentrate our forces to defend Silesia.”

Franz II immediately widened his eyes, his lips trembling slightly: “Oh, my dearest aunt… she, she truly has saved all of Austria. God, I had previously spoken very harshly of her…”

Kobutsel, however, looked at Moses: “But how do the French intend to hold back the Prussians? Are they planning to send troops to Silesia?”

“She did not mention a specific plan to me.” Count Moses said, “But for now, we can only trust she can accomplish it.

“Anyway, the situation can’t possibly get any worse, can it?”

Kobutsel remained silent.

Franz II impatiently gestured to the attendant: “Quickly, bring Marquis Besellar here, quickly!”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Count Moses then addressed the Emperor: “Your Majesty, in addition, the French Queen mentioned she hopes you can decree that the Holy Roman Empire join the ‘International Maritime Treaty’ organization.”

“International Maritime Treaty? What is that?”

“A Dane initiated an organization to regulate maritime rights.” Moses then introduced the main points of the “Maritime Treaty.”

Kobutsel squinted, “This treaty is clearly targeting the British.”

Franz II snorted coldly: “What’s wrong with that? The damned British dropped us earlier like an old boot.

“Now there’s no need for us to care about their opinions!

“I believe we can fully support this ‘Maritime Treaty’.”

Indeed, there’s a factor of wanting revenge against England, but more so, he couldn’t refuse the conditions of France.

After all, joining a “treaty” that hardly affects Austria is better than surrendering to the Ottomans and Prussians.

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