The Royal House's Precious Specimen

Less than ten minutes after Fuerke and other high-ranking Tax Bureau left, Brienne followed Eman into the room, bowed to Joseph, and said, "Your Highness, there is a thorny matter that I'm afraid requires your intervention."

"Oh? What happened?"

Brienne looked troubled and said, "It was Her Majesty the Queen. She summoned Baron de Breteuil this morning and spoke to me about the Tax Farmers Guild forging documents. Her Majesty's intention was that it wasn't a serious matter; a fine would suffice, and there was no need to prosecute in the High Court."

Joseph was somewhat surprised. "Why would His Majesty suddenly inquire about this matter?"

Brienne leaned closer and said, "Your Highness, I heard that the Count of Artois spoke on behalf of the Tax Farmers Guild before His Majesty. Also, it seems His Majesty received an expensive diamond tiara, and Countess de Berninac mentioned that Versailles Palace will be undergoing some renovations soon."

Joseph frowned immediately—these Tax Farmers were quite influential, managing to get the King's brother and the Queen's personal maidservant involved, and even getting their way to the Queen.

If Mom really wanted to get involved, it would be quite troublesome. After all, forging documents isn't exactly a serious crime, and it wouldn't be surprising if she let it go lightly out of consideration for Count of Artois and the maid.

Currently, the audit of the Tax Farmers' accounts has not yet begun. Once the case of forged documents is resolved, the "banking rectification" period must be extended; otherwise, the Tax Farmers may flee abroad with the huge sums of money they have siphoned off France.

The banking sector restructuring has already lasted for more than half a month, and any further delay will definitely have a negative impact on the France economy.

Brienne said, "Your Highness, only you can persuade Her Majesty the Queen now..."

Joseph nodded, gesturing for Eman to fetch his coat.

He was somewhat confident in persuading his mother, but the allure of the expensive diamond crown and the palace renovation was certainly considerable, and he would probably have to use his persuasive skills to convince her.

When he saw the Versailles Palace Square in the distance, he suddenly had a thought and narrowed his eyes slightly.

Even if he manages to convince his mother this time, Count of Artois can always go to her and pressure her again. His mother and her brother-in-law have a very good relationship, and if she loses her temper and signs the Pardon, it will be troublesome.

Therefore, we must address the problem at its root.

The Carriage stopped. Joseph got out, but instead of heading towards Petit Trianon, he turned towards the residence of the Count of Artois.

The Count of Artois was clearly surprised by the Crown Prince's visit and hurriedly came out to greet him with Count Maria Joseph, bowing in greeting:

"Dear Joseph, what brings you here? We're getting ready to go camping, it looks like a lot of fun. Would you like to come along...?"

Joseph nodded to them and smiled, "Let me guess, was it Viscount Ford who convened this meeting, or Mr. Hope?"

Count of Artois paused for a moment, then ushered Joseph into the house, frowning slightly as he asked, "What does Your Highness wish to say?"

Joseph didn't beat around the bush, turning to him and saying, "Dear Uncle, you seem to be in quite a lot of contact with the Tax Farmers Guild lately."

Count of Artois smiled. "I have some personal acquaintance with Viscount Ford. Why is Your Highness suddenly interested in this?"

Joseph nodded. "Well, then he must have shown considerable 'sincerity' in asking for your help, right?"

Count of Artois's expression shifted. He had heard that the Crown Prince had recently become increasingly involved in politics, but his impression of Joseph was still that of a young nephew. Therefore, he adopted the demeanor of an elder and said:

"Your Highness, I don't know what you've heard, and I don't wish to comment further."

Joseph's tone turned cold. "Dear Uncle, this is of great importance to the Tax Farmers Guild's investigation. I suggest you don't get too involved."

Count of Artois, not expecting his nephew to warn him so bluntly, narrowed his eyes and said rather rudely, "Your Highness, this doesn't seem to be your business, does it?"

Although he didn't participate much in state affairs, he was the King's closest brother, a close friend of Queen Mary, and the uncle of the Crown Prince. He held a very high position in the Versailles Palace and wasn't particularly afraid of the Crown Prince.

Most importantly, the Tax Farmers Guild give him a kickback of 1.5 million Franc to help settle minor cases of forged documents.

The Tax Farmers Guild also sent Her Majesty the Queen an exorbitantly priced gift, so this matter should be easily settled, and the huge sum of 1.5 million will be in hand.

How could he possibly spit out the prize he had already gained just because of a few words from the Crown Prince?

Joseph picked up the hot tea the Count had just brought and said, slowly and deliberately, "Your actions will cost France hundreds of millions of Franc. I'm not here to discuss this with you; you must distance yourself from those Tax Farmers."

"My dear Joseph, I don't know what you're talking about. But my personal relationships are none of your business."

Joseph, inhaling the aroma of the tea, calmly said, "You hold shares in the French Reserve Bank, Paris Angel Company, and a substantial amount in the Industrial Development Fund. These profits are more than enough to cover all your expenses, with plenty to spare."

He glanced at Count of Artois: "It doesn't seem worth it to jeopardize your stable income for a little money from the Tax Farmers Guild, does it?"

The latter was immediately startled. "What does the Crown Prince mean by this?"

Joseph said, "You know, I control the French Reserve Bank and Paris Angel Company, and I have many ways to dilute your shares. I can get discounts on dividends from the Industrial Development Fund, and even your annuity."

Count of Artois panicked. He currently receives nearly 1.8 million Franc annually from various dividends and annuities. If this money is affected, he will truly be devastated.

No, you can't...

Joseph slammed his teacup down on the table and said in a deep voice, "Your income, such as dividends, is all based on the premise that France can thrive."

"Yet you are willing to destroy your own foundation for a little gain!"

He reprimanded him sternly, and Count of Artois, blushing, listened with his head bowed, as if Joseph were his elder.

After a long pause, Count of Artois finally managed to say with difficulty, "But I've already promised Viscount Ford to plead on his behalf..."

Joseph glared at him coldly. Even after all this, he was still stubbornly insisting on his point!

He sighed softly and said, "If you still insist on interfering in this matter, I can only have the Public Notary Investigation Bureau persuade you."

"No! Please, please don't do this! Let's talk this out!" Count of Artois had heard of the madmen in the Public Notary Investigation Bureau —as a top Nobility, he himself had done his fair share of despicable things.