Monopolizing Mediterranean Trade

"I understand your beautiful wishes." Melek Mehmed adjusted his enormous white turban and straightened his back. "However, the great Sultan has already decided that our nation's trade will fully align itself with England."

Talleyrand shook his head. "The girl you are infatuated with may still be smiling sweetly at you, but what you may not know is that the moment she turns around, she goes to meet your enemy in secret.

"Ah, I mean the one who stole the North Frontier Peninsula from your home."

The only peninsula at the northernmost edge of the Ottoman Empire was Crimea, so he was clearly referring to Russia.

Melek Mehmed narrowed his eyes. "Trade between England and Russia has always been close, but that has not stopped the number of English merchant ships arriving in Constantinople from growing by the day.

"Moreover, England's immense commercial influence over Russia may, at certain times, help us keep Russia in check."

"Haha," Talleyrand laughed heartily. "You actually still have expectations for a woman who has changed her heart?

"Oh, you just mentioned merchant ships.

"I nearly forgot. The main reason I came to see you this time was to discuss merchant ships."

A flash of displeasure crossed the Ottoman Grand Vizier's face. "Although your country obtained control of the ports of Tunis and Tripoli through certain improper means, English merchant ships can simply bypass those places, replenish their rowers in Mitija, and then sail directly to Constantinople."

"I must remind you that we merely cleared out pirates. And those pirates all came from Anatolia. It was precisely because the Duke of Tunis was grateful for our righteous act that he decided to pledge allegiance to His Majesty the King." Talleyrand first refuted him with righteous indignation, then adopted the expression of a businessman.

"Let us return