I'm the Dauphin in France

Chapter 1259 Diplomatic Skills (Seeking Double Monthly Tickets)
During lunch, Baron Stein and other Prussian ministers had already reached a basic consensus.

"At least, this will give us a fighting chance when facing Austria," said Foreign Minister Herzberg.

“It’s just that Silesia might not be able to be saved…” Marquis Hardenberg was rather pessimistic.

"It's better than having to submit to Vienna..."

Prince Heinrich interrupted them: "Now, what we need to discuss is how to secure the best terms for a ceasefire."

Baron Stein sighed and said in a low voice, "Should we report to His Majesty first?"

Prince Heinrich shook his head slightly: "His Majesty is still running a high fever and probably doesn't have the energy to deal with these matters. Let him make the final decision after the specific terms are finalized."

At two o'clock in the afternoon, Count Monteon returned to the Hall of Mirrors with his assistant.

After a series of routine formalities, Baron Stein immediately said, "Your Excellency, our country generally agrees with the ceasefire."

"However... regarding reparations, as you know, our country's financial situation is extremely dire, and we simply cannot afford ten million thalers..."

1 million thalers is 3700 million francs. Not to mention that Prussia is currently in deficit for years and has just suffered a defeat, even during Frederick the Great's most glorious years, the national treasury didn't have that much money.

Count Montion waved his hand: "It can be paid in ten years, and the interest can be calculated according to the French Reserve Bank's base rate."

The Prussian Prime Minister, forcing a smile, said, "If we could reduce the reparations to 300 million thalers..."

The French envoy coldly stated, "The losses you have caused to our country are far more than 1 million thalers."

"In fact, the General Staff's initial estimate was 2700 million thalers. His Highness the Crown Prince reduced it to 1 million thalers precisely because of your financial situation."

"If you have any objections, I can have General Augero speak with you instead."

Baron Stein lowered his head in resignation. A major reason Prussia accepted the surrender was the hope that the French army would not enter Berlin; if Augereau were to come, how could he possibly come without troops?

Prince Heinrich cleared his throat to break the awkward silence: "I would like to discuss with you the issue of the garrison in Magdeburg, as well as the upper limit of our country's military."

According to the surrender terms proposed by Count Montion, France would station troops in Magdeburg, a major city in western Prussia, while limiting the number of Prussian troops to no more than 5.

The French envoy replied almost without hesitation: "These are basic requirements, and I don't think there's anything to discuss."

Herzberger shouted from the side, "Your conditions are too harsh; we need to negotiate seriously..."

“Excuse my bluntness, but you have no choice,” Count Montenton said, rising and walking toward the door. “Perhaps you need to discuss this further.”

"However, I must remind you all that General Augereau is not a patient man. It took me a lot of effort a couple of days ago to persuade him to wait in Potsdam for the time being."

The faces of the Prussian ministers were all ashen.

Baron Stein lowered his head and said, "It seems we have no choice but to report to His Majesty the King."

Prince Heinrich's hands trembled: "Accepting these conditions will destroy Prussia!"

"But what else can we do?"

"Perhaps there are other ways." A young man's voice came from the side.

Several Prussian ministers turned around in surprise and saw that the French envoy's assistant was still in the hall.

"Are you eavesdropping?" Herzberger snapped, his face stern.

Prince Heinrich raised his hand to interrupt him, then said to the excessively young Frenchman, "You just said there are other armistice options?" The young man nodded: "Actually, it's not just an armistice."

“We can be bolder, for example, by joining hands to create a better future.”

Prince Heinrich looked at him with surprise: "I don't quite understand what you mean."

The young man said earnestly, “You see, your country doesn’t actually need to always follow in the footsteps of the British. I know that Britain has provided you with some financial support, but our country can provide you with the same, or even more.”

"At the same time, your country will be rid of a powerful enemy, allowing you to devote more energy to Silesia. If I remember correctly, the Austrians still occupy your Legnica."

Foreign Minister Herzberg immediately shook his head: "France poses a huge threat to our country along the Rhine."

The young Frenchman smiled and said, “Our country can promise that it will not seek any land on the east bank of the Rhine. Then, the biggest problem between our two countries will disappear.”

Prince Heinrich realized something and hurriedly asked, "Could you tell me your true identity?"

“Of course,” the young man straightened his back, his demeanor exuding nobility, and said in a clear voice, “Gentlemen, I am Louis Charles Dieudonnée de France, Duke of Normandy.”

"I am here on behalf of my elder brother to discuss cooperation with your country."

"A French prince?"

Prince Heinrich then noticed the red heels on the young man's shoes—a privilege of the Bourbon royal attire.

The guard beside him then displayed a gold-inlaid ivory piece bearing an iris emblem.

Charles smiled and said, "This is my 'King's Secret Password.' Do you need to see my passport?"

Several Prussian ministers and Prince Heinrich exchanged glances and quickly bowed, saying, "Your Highness Charles."

Prince Heinrich turned to invite Charles to sit down, then asked eagerly, "You just mentioned cooperation?"

“Yes, cooperation.” Charles had been learning diplomatic skills from Talleyrand since his last visit to Warsaw, and he was now demonstrating great proficiency. “My brother even hopes that France and Prussia can form some form of alliance.”

Prince Heinrich's eyes were filled with shock: "Please tell me in detail."

"For example, our country will commit to providing you with unlimited high-yield sugar beet seeds, as well as the necessary fertilizers and planting techniques. The price will be consistent with that in our country."

"We can also sign trade agreements that will allow your products to be sold in France."

"After the necessary trade negotiations, your country may even be able to gain access to the Iberian-Apennine Common Market."

Prince Heinrich felt a little unreal. Just a moment ago he was pleading with France to reduce war reparations, and now the conversation has suddenly turned to trade negotiations.

However, if Prussia could truly gain access to the French and even Italian markets with low tariffs, it would be an absolute dream come true.

Charles continued, “Your country’s financial situation is not good, but it can be solved entirely by exporting sugar. At the current sugar price, if you increase your sugar beet planting area by another 60%, you can achieve a fiscal surplus.”

"In response, our country will provide loan support to help you expand your planting area."

Joseph knew very well that suppressing a militaristic country like Prussia was useless; it might even incite their resistance and lead to national unity and a drive for self-improvement.

The most effective way to deal with such countries is through economic control measures employed by certain major powers in later generations.

(End of this chapter)