To win, they had to beat the United Kingdom

If France's finances were currently as healthy as the United Kingdom's, it could easily issue Special Treasury Bonds to tide it over the six-month gap in funding.

But the French Government had already exhausted the market for Government Bonds while dealing with its debts of over two billion. Even if it raised the interest rate to 12% now, it would probably struggle to sell many.

Joseph nodded gravely as well. Based on the French Government's annual revenue of 500 million francs, they would have to raise at least 250 million in one go before they could begin the reform to abolish the tax farmer system-they would rely on this money through the first half of the year, then sustain themselves in the second half with the taxes collected during the first.

To be on the safe side, however, they might need 300 million francs.

Joseph quickly ran through the fundraising cases he knew from later generations. There should still be some cards he could play in banking, insurance, securities, and other fields.

He tentatively selected a few as backups and told Mirabeau, "I'll find a way to handle the finances. Tax reform must move forward as soon as possible.

"You can start by contacting those who support reform and leaking word in advance to build momentum. At the next Cabinet Meeting, I'll propose establishing a Tax Bureau as the first step toward the government taking over tax collection.

"The rest will have to wait until we've resolved the funding problem."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Hearing "Tax Bureau," Bayei immediately thought of another problem. "Your Highness, all tax collection is currently handled by the Tax Farmers, and the government has no experience collecting taxes. I'm worried this will throw tax collection into chaos."

The very reason Louis XIV had handed tax collection