Jalal nodded deeply in agreement. "You are right. Though Ali Pasha is extraordinarily capable, he is also immensely ambitious. There are rumors that he even wants to serve concurrently as Governor of Hejaz.
"And your country once helped him defeat the Mamluks and has maintained intensive trade with Cairo. At present, only your country's powerful influence can make Ali accept 'advice.'"
Talleyrand then spent quite a while talking with him about how difficult it would be to make Ali withdraw from Hejaz. Only after Jalal repeatedly pleaded with him did he put on a greatly troubled look. "For the sake of the profound friendship between our two countries, I ultimately cannot stand by with folded arms."
He lowered his head and pondered for a moment before sighing. "How about this? Seven million Krusch, and I will personally go to Cairo to try."
Seven million Krusch was twenty-one million Francs. That was truly opening a lion's mouth!
Yet there was not the slightest displeasure on Jalal's face. A flicker of relief even passed through it.
What he feared most was that the French would refuse the matter because they did not wish to offend Ali, who was currently at the height of his power.
As long as the French were willing to take it on, there was no need to fear a high price. Where there was an asking price, there was room to bargain. The Sultan had sent him here precisely to do that.
He immediately put on an expression of overwhelming gratitude. "Thank you so much! France will forever be the great nation most worthy of trust and respect in this world! It is only that, as you can see, the Empire's finances are not in ideal condition. His Majesty the Sultan's army is still in Transcaucasia teaching the