Foreign policy

Moreover, given Russia's concerns, if the United Kingdom were to interfere arbitrarily with France actions in North Africa, Russia would likely lodge a protest with the United Kingdom first.

Joseph returned the letter to Brienne: "What do you think of what's written here?"

The latter pondered, "In the short term, uniting with Russia may not bring us much benefit, but in the future it could be used to contain Austria, Prussia, and other countries, and even have some influence over the United Kingdom."

Joseph thought to himself, "It seems Brienne has a good grasp of politics."

Moreover, he knew that the outcome of this Russo-Turkish War would be a resounding victory for Russia, forcing the Ottoman to sign the Treaty of Iasi. From then on, the entire northern Black Sea coast would belong to Russia.

Historically, Austria was the first to stand up for Russia, and thus gained enormous political and strategic benefits.

This time, Joseph absolutely cannot let this benefit fall into the hands of others.

He immediately nodded and said, "I agree with your point of view. Therefore, at the next Cabinet Meeting, you can have a proposal put forward to unite with Russia and take a hard line against the Ottoman. In fact, declaring war on the Ottoman could also be an option."

"Yes, Your Highness, I will begin preparations."

After the series of events that followed, Brienne had essentially become completely subservient to Joseph.

Having discussed the international situation, Brienne naturally moved on to domestic affairs, speaking with admiration:

"Your Highness, I've read the reports on Potato planting in all the provinces across the country. I really don't know how you convinced those people to plant so many Potato. This year's grain harvest should be plentiful."

Joseph sighed silently, "It's good enough to barely have enough to eat, let alone more..."

He hurriedly instructed, "Archbishop Brienne, although the Potato have been planted, we still need to pay attention to irrigation to combat the drought. If possible, I suggest that each diocese be equipped with some Steam Water Pump. Just one of these can irrigate dozens of hectares of land."

In France, a "parish" is actually a village or town administrative unit.

Joseph's suggestion was not unfounded. While France has few large coal mines, it has numerous small Coal Mine scattered throughout the country. With appropriate mining policies, it is easy to meet the coal needs of villages and towns.

This can also boost the sales of Steam Engine, creating a virtuous cycle.

"Well..." Brienne hesitated, "The parishes near Paris might be able to afford it, but those in more remote areas probably can't."

Joseph, recalling the situation of the farmer Gaizika's family, nodded slightly. "Small Parish Bank could be established specifically to provide loans to farmers. However, interest rates on these banks need to be limited to prevent them from becoming tools for exploiting farmers."

Brienne immediately nodded and said, "Your suggestion is excellent. I'll have someone formulate a policy immediately."

Joseph then thought of the grain transportation issue and continued, "Also, we must consider that grain may not be able to be transported during the dry season."

"Therefore, I suggest that major cities establish Strategic Grain Reserve, set up official management systems, and establish mechanisms for regular storage, retrieval, and inspection. By the way, Paris, in particular, should build two more."

France has always been a major grain producer in Europe and had never considered stockpiling grain before.

Brienne asked with some confusion, "Your Highness, there isn't much food right now, so building granaries would just leave them empty."

"I'm already working on securing the food supplies. You just need to issue the orders to the provincial Governor as soon as possible."

Although Brienne felt that with a large quantity of Potato, this year's food crisis should be weathered safely, he did not understand why the Crown Prince still so cautious.

However, out of absolute trust in Joseph, he readily agreed.

Joseph left Brienne's place just before dinner time, so he had no choice but to stay overnight at the Versailles Palace.

After he had dinner with the Queen and returned to the Crown Prince's Palace, he saw Talleyrand already waiting respectfully there.

"He's certainly a very proactive person, and with his sharp mind, it's no wonder he's managed to survive through several dynasties," Joseph thought to himself, then nodded to Talleyrand, who was bowing to him. "Please have a seat, Dean Talleyrand. Is there something you need so late?"

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

Talleyrand then recounted the obstacles he had encountered in his promotion to Archbishop. In his words, he described the injustices he had suffered, as pitiful as a homeless kitten in a snowstorm, but he did not utter a single word against Queen Mary.

Joseph was also full of admiration for his language skills. No wonder he became the strongest Diplomat during Napoleon; he was indeed quite capable.

Joseph, however, wasn't going to play games with him and asked directly, "How did you displease Her Majesty the Queen?"

Talleyrand paused slightly, then quickly sighed and said, "Your Highness, as you know, there were many rumors circulating about the Queen. I was very foolish to believe some of them and told others about it... Her Majesty the Queen found out about it."

Joseph thought to himself: It seems things aren't too serious. I'm fairly confident I can please the Queen. I can just say a few good words for Talleyrand, and that should solve the problem.

So he looked at Talleyrand and said, "I can help you with this."

"Really?!" The latter was so excited she almost cried. "Your Highness, you really are an angel sent by God to save the world!"

Joseph quickly raised his hand to stop him from continuing his flattery, "This is nothing, Dean Talleyrand."

"However, His Majesty the King has been very worried and troubled about your affairs. You should thank him properly."

"Yes, yes. His Majesty always cares about me." Talleyrand looked at Joseph with a questioning gaze. "Um... as for how to thank His Majesty, could you give me some advice?"

Joseph smiled slightly, "I've heard that His Majesty is planning to build a Firearm Manufacturing Plant."

Talleyrand nodded thoughtfully upon hearing this.

The following day, Joseph personally instructed the court pastry chef to prepare more than ten exquisite desserts, which he then took to the Petit Trianon.

Queen Mary stared at the various Cake, Pudding, and desserts on the table, her eyes sparkling.

Joseph picked up a piece of Cake and fed it to the Queen, then, taking advantage of her happiness, told her about Talleyrand.

The Queen, embracing her obedient and intelligent son, paid no attention to Talleyrand. When Joseph spoke a few good words about Talleyrand, especially mentioning his desire to use him for something in the country, she readily promised her son that she would not hold his past mistakes against him.

all the best.

Joseph immediately sent for Talleyrand. After the priest sincerely apologized to the Queen with his exceptional eloquence and acting skills, the Queen forgave him. Only then did Talleyrand breathe a sigh of relief and leave.

After leaving the Queen, Joseph saw Talleyrand waiting at the entrance of the Petit Trianon.

The priest approached, overflowing with gratitude. He had been seeking help from Louis XVI for over a year without success, but the Crown Prince had solved the problem with just a table full of desserts.

Without Joseph's intervention, Talleyrand would not have been promoted to Archbishop until the end of this year, after his father's death, thanks to the Queen's mercy.

Joseph asked casually, "By the way, Dean Talleyrand, how much do you know about the situation in North Africa?"

(End of this chapter)