Launching an Attack

Hartley did a quick mental calculation: at this rate, France Tariff would drop below 10% in less than five years. 😾🐺 ൠ✌ France industry would never recover!

Once Tariff were reduced to 5%, France became almost like a United Kingdom Colony, a dumping ground for goods.

He suppressed his excitement, hiding his trembling hands behind his back, and said, "I will report this to the Parliament. However, I personally believe that your suggestion is very helpful!"

Joseph breathed a sigh of relief: if Tariff remained at the current level, France industry would soon be overwhelmed by the United Kingdom goods.

The 25% Tariff would give the Workshop a much-needed breather. Once they had a political foundation, they would begin to drive the France Industrial Revolution.

Having acquired the technology and ideas of the future, if he couldn't make France industry surpass United Kingdom industry in seven years, he might as well buy a cheese block and smash his head against it.

Once France completes its enhanced version of the Industrial Revolution, it will be dumping its France on the United Kingdom, where Tariff are extremely low!

Having finished his persuasive talk on the industrial front, Joseph was now ready to collect his interest. "Mr. Ambassador, France has made significant concessions on industrial Tariff. Shouldn't United Kingdom reciprocate in terms of agricultural products?"

Hartley immediately nodded and said, "That's no problem, the Wine Tariff is negotiable."

In the last trade negotiations, the France were most concerned about Wine exports, and they even traded most of their industrial goods market for the United Kingdom Wine market.

Joseph smiled and said, "Actually, besides Wine, we also have some Beer Workshop in Normandy, and I think we also have some Spirits. It would be best if the Tariff on these drinks could be reduced to below 10%."

"Oh, right, luxury goods, and more luxury goods. You may have heard that I own some luxury goods businesses. If you could do me a favor, I would be extremely grateful..."

Hartley pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "I will certainly convey your message to the Parliament."

France Beer is of mediocre quality, and Spirits sell even less; the United Kingdom market could be opened up to them. The luxury goods market isn't very large either. Compared to the huge profits from industrial products, these are just a drop in the ocean.

"I'm pleased to have reached an agreement with you," Joseph said. "Both of us should expedite the resumption of trade negotiations."

Hartley then thought of another question, "Your Highness, what you just said, was it your personal opinion, or did it represent...?"

"This is just my opinion. However, I believe this will also be the terms proposed by the France Negotiating Delegation."

Hartley nodded, raised his glass to Joseph, and said, "To prosperous Anglo-French Trade!"

He thought to himself, "With the Crown Prince's political power alone, it's unlikely he can completely influence the negotiations. I must suggest that Parliament mobilize United Kingdom resources in France to help him achieve this."

Even if an agreement cannot be reached in the short term, as long as the King has this idea, a new treaty will be signed sooner or later.

Joseph raised his glass and clinked it lightly with his, just as Hunter Xiao on stage shouted, "Thirty years Seine River, thirty years Seine River! Don't humiliate a young man because of his poverty!"

His impassioned words drew the attention of the entire audience, who stood up and applauded enthusiastically; some were even moved to tears.

"Then I won't disturb your enjoyment of the wonderful Drama any longer." Hartley rose gracefully, bowed, and took his leave.

He was already calculating in his mind that if the negotiation conditions proposed by the Crown Prince of France could be met, he, as a meritorious official, might be able to compete for the next Prime Minister.

His original goal for this trip—to promote the Shipbuilding Treaty —was completely forgotten.

The next day.

Conference Hall East Hall Versailles Palace will host the first Cabinet Meeting since the Tax Law was rejected by the High Court.

Joseph walked through the main entrance of the golden Hall and put away the few pages of the report he was holding.

That was the Investigation Report that Fouche had just sent. It mentioned that they had found the mistress of the former Police Commissioner Guizot, a woman Anna.

Following Guizot's arrest, Anna fell into poverty. Eventually, under the influence of Spy from the Police Intelligence Division, she revealed that Guizot and Similien had conspired at her residence to disrupt the Saint-Antoine District and cause trouble for the Crown Prince.

The key point is that during Guizot's conversation, he mentioned that if something went wrong, a "big shot" would help clean up the mess.

After Guizot's arrest, Anna visited him. Guizot told her to go to the Paris Municipal Commissioner, Le Verber, and that he would try to help him.

Although there is no conclusive evidence, it is essentially certain that Le Verber is the person behind Guizot.

Le Verber's Political Faction belonged to the Duke of Orléans's lineage, and he himself had no conflict of interest with Joseph. Therefore, it can be inferred that the mastermind behind it all was the Duke of Orléans!

Furthermore, Fouche discovered that before Joseph took over Assistant Minister of Finance, the Duke of Orléans had attended a reception hosted by the Banking Guild, where he publicly requested that banks delay the government's 6 Livre loan as much as possible.

Because there were many people attending the party, this news was easy to obtain.

Therefore, it was all the Duke of Orléans ' doing.

Joseph's eyes were icy. He had to find a way to get rid of this menace, otherwise who knows what trouble he might cause in the future!

Soon, Queen Mary arrived at the Meeting Hall. Everyone bowed respectfully. The Cabinet Meeting officially began.

As the Chief Minister, Brienne was about to summarize the important events of the past period as was customary, when he saw the Minister of Justice Sumiyar, and the Duke of Orléans exchange a glance, then suddenly stand up and loudly proclaim:

"Archbishop Brienne, the most important thing for France right now is to advance the Tax Law. I think everyone is waiting for you to update us on the progress."

Brienne's face immediately darkened. Everyone knew that the High Court had rejected the bill, and for the Minister of Justice to specifically ask about it here was clearly a provocation and an insult.

He suppressed his anger and said in a deep voice, "The High Court has refused to Registration. However, I have amended the terms of the bill and will resubmit it to the High Court."

Sumiyar smiled. "Your last bill was heavily targeted at all Nobility, which is why it was rejected. How do you plan to adjust it this time? Target the military, or directly target the Royal House?"

"You!"

Sumiyar continued, "As far as I know, the High Court has reached a consensus to refuse to cooperate with you. In other words, any bills you submit from now on will definitely be rejected."

He looked at Queen Mary and raised his voice. "Your Her Majesty the Queen, I believe that for the sake of France's Finance stability, the Minister of Finance should be replaced to ensure the Tax Law is passed as soon as possible."

Before the Queen could say anything, Minister of Foreign Affairs Vergennes and placed a hand on his chest. "I agree with Count Sumiyar's suggestion. The State Finances is on the verge of collapse, Archbishop Brienne should be held responsible."

Thanks to the big guys: "White Night Returns to Dust" and "Bee Mountain" for their generous rewards for this book. Your support is the motivation for me to code. The young author would like to express his gratitude.

(End of this chapter)

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