From Egypt to Poland

Of course, France's control over Tunis had already become an established fact, but recognition from the Ottoman was tantamount to dispelling the last lingering concern.

From this day onward, Tunis would become France's undisputed inherent territory.

After another round of haggling, Talleyrand ultimately raised the priority purchase quota to 70 percent and agreed upon a series of preferential trade terms.

Thus, the Ottoman's overall trend toward turning to the United Kingdom was officially reversed.

Selim III then invited Talleyrand to a banquet.

As the two, surrounded by a throng of officials, passed around the enormous swimming pool in the palace, Talleyrand suddenly said with grave concern:

"Your Majesty, I am somewhat worried whether Egypt can carry out your will in full."

After all the lengthy groundwork, this was the true centerpiece of his trip.

Selim frowned slightly. Though lacking confidence, he still waved his hand proudly.

"Please rest assured. They would not dare defy My will, or they will face God's punishment."

"Then I am relieved." Talleyrand let out an exaggerated breath, then seemed to think of something. He moved closer to the Sultan and lowered his voice. "Your Majesty, in fact, now is the perfect opportunity for you to campaign against those rebels."

"I do not understand what you mean."

"The conflict between Murad, Ibrahim, and Egypt's local beys is growing ever more intense. Even within the Bey Alliance, they are hostile toward one another. Even people in Paris are discussing how, if a great army were sent now to eliminate these disloyal subjects, the glory of Hasan Pasha's day could surely be restored!"

Egypt was still nominally an Ottoman province, and the Sultan would send a governor there—a Pasha—but for hundreds of years, the actual rulers of Egypt had been the Mamluk military group.

Especially in recent years,