I Am the Crown Prince in France

No. 5 (asking for monthly ticket)

Bai went on to describe his envisioned "Northern Trading Point":

"Even if the British mobilize a large number of warships, for example, more than one-third of their naval force, to blockade the entire west coast of the Southern Netherlands, we can still transfer our 'business' to Dunkirk or even Calais to continue operations."

Joseph looked at his trade minister with some surprise, feeling that his plan didn't seem to be a temporary one.

Dunkirk and Calais are both seaports in northwest France, just over 50 kilometers away from Oostende, and there are rivers connecting the two, making transfers very easy.

He could already imagine that the British would come to France angrily to question the rampant smuggling. Baiyi said innocently: A large number of smugglers from the South Netherlands had sneaked into Dunkirk and caused serious damage to the local order, but Because it is a border town, the police force is insufficient. The French government is currently mobilizing police to deal with it. The British side is asked to exercise restraint and wait patiently.

The British can even "sponsor" some funds for combating smugglers in the Southern Netherlands.

Brian obviously also appreciated the subtlety of this plan, smiled and nodded:

"The British will definitely regret selling Dunkirk to us. In fact, there are so many small seaports on the north coast of the Southern Netherlands that I think it will be difficult for the British to completely blockade them."

Dunkirk was sold to France by Charles II for 400,000 pounds.

Brian then thought of another question: "Your Highness, those who intend to engage in smuggling... Ah, the people in the 'special trade' are probably not very rich, so they may not be able to get a ship. In addition, the purchase funds are also a big problem for them. question."

Joseph smiled and said: "We have left some ships behind after destroying the pirates in Tripoli, and most of them are sealed in the leeward port of Gabes Bay. They can be sold to 'traders' at low prices, or even rented to them."

Bai immediately added: "Or use ships to buy shares."

"Yes, it's not bad to invest in shares." Joseph gave him an approving look and added, "As for the purchase funds, the industrial development fund can be used as a guarantee, so that the factory can lend the products to the 'traders'."

Brian hesitated: "Your Highness, is this too risky? I mean, if the goods are confiscated by the British..."

"So we must force everyone to buy insurance." Joseph said matter-of-factly. "Cargo damage insurance, personal accident insurance, etc., to minimize risks."

Brian and others looked at each other strangely. It was unbelievable to buy insurance for a smuggler, but it seemed quite reasonable.

Joseph continued: “In addition, let the Walloon Chamber of Commerce fund the construction of a wooden track from Hennegau to Ostend to facilitate the transportation of goods.

"Also, recruit people locally to form an 'anti-smuggling patrol' to protect the 'special trade'. They must be well-equipped, because they may conflict with British marines who risk landing."

He looked at Fouche again: "The Intelligence Bureau must also fully cooperate. Well, let's add a 'Trade Investigation Division'..."

In the afternoon of the same day, Bailly, as the president of the "Special Trade Association", convened many French finance, industry, taxation, police and other departments to start detailed planning for "special trade" and submitted the preliminary plan to the French government a week later. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.

…

Poland.

Warsaw.

In the Royal Castle in Warsaw, the band played melodious and solemn music. King Stanislaw II and Sieyès passed side by side among the guards in costumes and said eagerly:

"Please give me my most sincere thanks to His Majesty the King and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. At this time when Poland needs help the most, they are the only ones who still care about this place."

Sieyès looked calm and said: "I will convey it to you, Your Majesty, but the reason I came to Poland this time is to discuss some Vatican matters with the Archbishop of Poznan. I may not return to Paris for a while."

Stanislaw II looked at his nephew, Prince Poniatowski, and wondered: Sieyès seemed to be the appointed bishop of Avignon, so why did he still care about the affairs of the Holy See?

Prince Poniatowski was the first to react and said hurriedly: "It's great that you want to stay in Poland. Oh, your Majesty has prepared a welcome dinner for you, which will start soon."

"Thank you very much for your hospitality, Your Majesty." Sieyès leaned over and turned to the prince as he walked through the corridor, "Actually, if it were not for etiquette, I would really like to avoid such entertainment.

"It should be said that Poland has no time to waste at this time."

Stanislaw II and his nephew looked at each other in shock: "What do you mean?"

Sieyès lowered his voice: "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince asked me to tell you that some neighboring countries may attack Poland earlier. A war will break out in half a year at the earliest."

Prince Poniatowski's expression suddenly became solemn: "We did notice that Russia's Mikhail Kakhovsky Corps had unusual movements."

"This should be just the beginning." Sieyès said, "With the armistice between Prussia and Austria, the Prussian army will soon gather from Tuchel to Kulm, and Poland will face enemies on both sides.

"However, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is very happy that you followed his advice and did not get involved in the Austro-Prussian War. This makes Austria more willing to maintain the status quo in Poland."

While they were talking, the group of people had already arrived at the entrance of the banquet hall. Sieyès stopped and said:

"It may be a little abrupt to ask this, but I hope to learn more about your country's preparations for war, especially in terms of military construction."

Two years ago, Joseph told Prince Poniatowski that he must form an army of more than 100,000 people, and it must be the kind that can fight, in order to withstand the fierce attacks of Russia and Prussia.

The prince was a little embarrassed: "At present, only 40,000 troops have been recruited and trained, but the enthusiasm of the Polish people for joining the army is still very high."

Stanislaw II added in a low voice: "It's just that training and funding issues restrict us..."

Sieyès was obviously quite dissatisfied with the progress of such preparations, but if Joseph were here, he would probably praise Prince Poniatowski.

Historically, until the second partition of Poland began, the main Polish army had only 30,000 people, plus some volunteers. Under his own warning, they have formed an army of 40,000, and it is two years earlier than in history.

Sieyès said seriously:

"Your Majesty, it seems that you must speed up. Regarding the issue of military expenditure, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince suggested increasing the mining of the Tarnovsk Mountain silver mine. As far as His Royal Highness knows, the mining scale there has not yet reached 20% of the maximum output."