Bastille 2.0

The Indian Peninsula has a suitable climate with abundant sunshine and rainfall, resulting in extremely high grain yields. In addition, fruits and vegetables are plentiful, so India generally do not have the habit of hoarding food.

However, Joseph knew that Tipu Sultan had suffered twice in the Third Anglo-Mysore War because he had not stockpiled food.

The United Kingdom besieged Seringapatam twice, and the city quickly ran out of ammunition and food on both occasions.

The first time, the early rainy season flooded the English Army's supplies, allowing Tipu Sultan to escape. The second time, Tipu Sultan had to risk leading his army out of the city in an attempt to find a breakthrough, but the United Kingdom continuously summoned auxiliary troops from Indian Princely States to block his advance, causing him to return empty-handed. Ultimately, due to depleted Provisions, he was forced to sue for peace with the United Kingdom, ceding half of Mysore, paying Pound Sterling 3 million in War Reparations, and handing over his two sons to the United Kingdom as hostages, barely managing to retain his throne.

The East India Company used the Pound Sterling 3 million, or 75 Livre, to rapidly expand its Armaments in the Far East, thus laying the foundation for the unification of the Indian Peninsula. Eight years later, Tipu Sultan was killed by the English Army, and the Mysore Empire was destroyed.

In reality, a severe plague had broken out among the English Army at the time, and if Tipu Sultan had persisted for a few more months, they would likely have had to withdraw on their own.

Therefore, Joseph's first piece of advice to Tipu Sultan was to stockpile as much grain as possible.

Given India's grain production, a small amount could be allocated to feed the entire city of Seringapatam for two or three years.

Tipu Sultan, however, was somewhat puzzled:

Why hoard food?

Lafayette said with a solemn expression:

"Although Mysore has achieved some victories, do not underestimate the United Kingdom. They are very strong, and if they reinforce their forces, you will likely face a tough defensive battle."

Tipu Sultan's eyes flashed with disdain; he and his father had both defeated the United Kingdom —in the first two Mysore War.

However, he still took Lafayette's words quite seriously. After all, the latter had brought him many advanced tactics, and the soldiers he trained were far superior to those he had trained himself.

Lafayette continued recounting the Crown Prince's battle plan:

"After that, you just need to wait for the rainy season."

"The United Kingdom have come from thousands of nautical miles away, and their supplies are very difficult to obtain. The rainy season will destroy their logistics. That's when you can launch a counterattack. However, try not to engage the United Kingdom in direct combat; your primary objective should always be their logistical supplies."

United Kingdom's war in distant India was extremely costly, and if its supplies were constantly destroyed, the Finance pressure would force them to choose to cease hostilities.

Lafayette continued:

"Besides food, you should also be careful to avoid fighting with the United Kingdom vassals."

"As a last resort, we can offer them benefits in exchange for their withdrawal or for them to remain on the sidelines. Especially for Hyderabad, even ceding some land to them is something we can consider."

United Kingdom's core strategy in India was to use India to weaken India, while reaping the benefits themselves.

While suppressing Mysore, the most powerful kingdom on the Indian Peninsula, they were also extremely wary of their allies, especially Hyderabad, which had once allied with Mysore and was not weak in strength.

If attacking Mysore makes Hyderabad stronger, then all their fighting was for nothing, right?

Therefore, the United Kingdom will certainly prevent Mysore from transferring benefits to Hyderabad, which will inevitably anger Hyderabad.

As for how things will develop, Joseph couldn't be sure, but he was certain he would try to sow discord among the United Kingdom.

As long as France did not directly intervene in the war between Mysore and United Kingdom —by this time, all France people in Mysore, including Craftsman, had already evacuated—it was considered to be in accordance with the Non-Interference Treaty, and the United Kingdom could find no fault with it.

However, Joseph could offer Tipu Sultan some advice for those with extraordinary abilities, which was enough to make the United Kingdom want to vomit blood.

Morocco.

Meknes.

Sultan Mohammed III looked at the French Envoy, trying to appear as confident as possible:

"My Guard Corps were merely there to help train soldiers in Algiers. Although some misunderstandings occurred with the Army of France during the process, this was by no means what I desired."

Count Segur said righteously and sternly:

"You're right, it's just a misunderstanding. However, King Majesty's soldiers did suffer casualties, and the town of Tamirai was also damaged."

Mohammed III was incredibly frustrated. His own Guard Corps had died dozens of times more than the France, and as for Tamirai, his men had only glanced at it from a few miles away—how could that have caused such destruction?!

However, circumstances are beyond our control. Not long ago, the British Ambassador suddenly stated that he "did not want to see friction between Morocco and Tunisia" and suspended all aid.

Although he wasn't afraid of the France, he absolutely didn't want to provoke this powerful Europe nation. Ultimately, it was because he had been misled by the United Kingdom that he had deliberately provoked the France.

"I am willing to provide compensation for these losses."

Count Segur smiled.

"Or you could do me a favor to offset the compensation."

In reality, the Moroccan Guard Corps barely engaged the French Army before being frightened away by Moreau's feint. The France losses were negligible.

Mohammed III asked somewhat warily, "How can I help you?"

"It's very simple, just have your caravan transport some goods for me," Segur said. "From here, through the Ottoman, to the Indian Peninsula."

"You will be responsible for procuring the goods, and the buyer will pay in full. As for the goods you cannot obtain, you can purchase them from Spain."

"Just like that?" Mohammed III was somewhat surprised. Morocco and the Ottoman had always maintained close trade relations, so this request would not be a loss for him. He could even directly hand over the goods to Ottoman merchants in Basra, who would then transport them to India.

Are you sure someone will pay?

"Of course," Segur said. "Otherwise, you can immediately stop the shipment. As long as you help me transport goods for two years, all misunderstandings between our two countries will be wiped clean."

Mohammed III narrowed his eyes.

He knew that the France were using his channels in the Ottoman for smuggling, but if the so-called buyers actually paid and the demand was large, he could even make a profit.

"Okay, I can give it a try."

France could have easily stopped supporting Mysore, but if the latter obtained supplies from the Ottoman, United Kingdom would have no way of holding France responsible.

Segur smiled again at Mohammed III and said in a deep voice:

"Most importantly, these trades you are conducting have absolutely nothing to do with France."

He wasn't afraid that Mohammed III would inform on him to the United Kingdom.

First, United Kingdom had just tricked Morocco, and the latter were now seething with resentment towards them, so why would they report it? Second, the Morocco had no evidence, and even if they told the United Kingdom, France wouldn't admit it—from the source of the goods to the smuggling channels, no France person was involved.

If the Morocco refused, Segur would have approached the Persia to source goods from Russia via the Caspian Sea and then transport them to India via the Gulf of Oman. However, the Persia would likely have demanded some benefits, making the deal less cost-effective than with the Morocco. Fortunately, Mohammed III readily agreed.

After leaving Morocco, Count Segur immediately headed north to Spain. He would seek supplies such as weapons and steel from Carlos IV. This would not only benefit Spain but also earn them a favor from France, so he believed they would not refuse.

January 12, 1790.

Paris.

A top-of-the-line light gray "Gem" Carriage sped past the pedestrians and then came to a sudden stop next to the Bastille Square.

A Servant hurriedly set up the steps for getting out of the carriage, and then opened the door.

Mr. Walsh, the Wool merchant, jumped impatiently from the car, complaining to his wife behind him:

"I told you we should have taken the Tracked Bus, but you insisted on driving..."

He looked at the sea of people in Bastille Square, and his voice grew louder:

"We've been delayed for so long, there's no way we can squeeze in."

Mrs. Walsh, dressed in the season's most fashionable long dress, got out of the car and muttered to herself:

"It's just a bank relocation, what's so interesting about that? Apparently, the British Pavilion is already set up; we might as well buy a Preview Ticket and go in for a look..."

Mr. Walsh interrupted her:

"What do women know? His Crown Prince will definitely announce some Finance policies today, which will affect everyone's business. Of course we have to come and see!"

A boy of about ten years old saw Walsh's anxious expression and quickly came over, smiling brightly, and said:

"Sir, His Crown Prince has arrived. Would you like to get a closer look?"

"Of course. You have a way?"

"3 Livre."

Without hesitation, Walsh shoved three Silver Coin into his hand. "Quick!"

The boy whistled towards the Bastille, and immediately seven or eight children squeezed through the crowd, creating a passageway between them.

Walsh quickly pulled his wife inside, and they went right up to the front gate of the Bastille.

The little boy heard music playing all around him and waved to his friends:

"It's already started, there shouldn't be many people coming. Now, let's go help queue up outside the ' Yiju Furniture Store ' store."

"Okay, Giller." The children squeezed out of the crowd and skipped after him.

Walsh craned his neck to look and saw that the once gloomy and terrifying prison gates were now adorned with colorful ribbons. Several rows of Court Guards in red uniforms stood neatly in front of the steps, with a large group of reporters behind them. A band was playing energetically nearby. Judging from their skill level, it was probably the Court Orchestra.

At the top of the prison's main gate, a huge Brass plaque has been newly hung, which reads "France Reserve Bank - Headquarters".

With a booming cannon salute, the music stopped abruptly, and Joseph, dressed in a brand-new blue and white cavalry Military Uniform and wearing Tricorn Hat, strode up to the high platform directly below the plaque, accompanied by several officials.

The surrounding crowd immediately bowed in respect, while Joseph smiled and raised his hand in acknowledgment.

Thank you all for attending the relocation ceremony of the France Reserve Bank.

He turned and pointed to the Bastille:

I know that people didn't really like this place before.

People immediately burst into laughter.

"But you'll definitely like it here in the future," Joseph said loudly. "This will become the headquarters of the French Reserve Bank."

"At the same time, the French Stock Exchange will occupy its western side."

"And its second floor houses the service Hall of the French Royal Insurance Company."

He raised his arm and declared, "This is no longer a prison, but a symbol of the wealth of all Paris!"

The crowd erupted in cheers! Yes, no France didn't hate and loathe this prison.

Previously, when Joseph was choosing a site for the French Stock Exchange, he suddenly thought of this place and decided to turn it into the financial center of Paris.

The removal of the infamous Bastille would undoubtedly boost French People favorability toward the Royal House in France.

Moreover, this prison has long lost its purpose. As a prison, it doesn't hold many prisoners; its core function was actually to maintain order in Paris. Previously, a large number of soldiers were stationed here so they could suppress any unrest in Paris. Now, however, the security of Paris is the responsibility of the Police.

So when Joseph suggested that the French Reserve Bank buy the fortress, Queen Mary agreed almost without hesitation. The Marquis de Launay, the Commander-in-Chief of the Bastille, who had previously received favors from the Crown Prince due to the Necker case, was also very cooperative with the relocation.

About two weeks ago, the guards and prisoners of the Bastille were all moved to a new address in the Southern Suburbs of Paris, and the name was changed to "National First Prison".

On the high platform, after the cheers of Joseph and the others subsided, he continued:

"In addition to the relocation of the French Reserve Bank and the Stock Exchange, there is another very important announcement to be made today."

He gestured to the Minister of Finance, Brienne was standing nearby.

The latter quickly stepped forward, cleared his throat, and said loudly:

"His Majesty the King has decreed that, effective immediately, Bank Notes issued by the French Reserve Bank will become the official currency of France and will be renamed the Franc!"

One Franc Paper Money is equivalent to one Silver Coin Livre, which is equivalent to 0.3 grams of gold.

"The State Finances decree will guarantee the Franc, and anyone holding Franc Paper Money can exchange them for an equivalent amount of gold at any bank. Similarly, gold can also be exchanged for Franc at banks."

"Within France, no one may refuse to accept Franc; otherwise, they will be prosecuted. Livre, Ecu, and other currencies will circulate simultaneously."

The crowd erupted in excitement. Although the French Reserve Bank's Paper Money were already in circulation in many places, the official confirmation of their monetary status at this moment still shocked everyone.

After all, decades ago, John Law issued excessive Paper Money due to the Mississippi Incident, bankrupting countless France people overnight. Since then, people have been very resistant to Paper Money.

Brienne glanced at the Crown Prince, raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet, and then continued:

"To maintain the stability of the Franc's value, a ' Currency Regulatory Council ' will be jointly established by the Royal House, the Treasury Department, the French Reserve Bank, and the French Chamber of Commerce. This council will have full authority to oversee the issuance of Paper Money to ensure that there is no excessive issuance."