I'm the Dauphin in France

Chapter 1417 French Literature Promotion Bureau
Moreover, even if suitable oak is found, it cannot be used for shipbuilding immediately after being cut down. It must first be air-dried for at least 10 years, while the British Navy requires 14 years.

This is because wood contains a lot of moisture. If it is loaded directly onto a ship, it will shrink and twist after drying. This can lead to a significant reduction in the structural strength of the ship, or even cause it to leak and become unusable.

Therefore, keel wood for battleships is a precious strategic resource in any major naval power—the cost of a single keel usually accounts for 5% to 8% of the total cost of the ship.

Previously, France had taken advantage of its good relations with Russia and the United States to purchase a large quantity of marine oak, but with the application of iron keel, it ended up gathering dust in the warehouse.

Joseph narrowed his eyes and asked the Minister of the Navy, "Aside from the construction requirements for the 'Decisive Battle-class,' how much keel and rib wood is left?"

Marquis Lesar replied without hesitation, "One keel is suitable for first-class and second-class ships, and fourteen keels are suitable for third-class ships. There is plenty of rib wood, enough to build at least 34 third-class ships."

Joseph nodded and instructed, "Spread the word that the Admiralty has decided to build 15 Alexander-class battleships."

The Alexander-class is France's most advanced pure sailing third-class battleship, and is the latest modification of the Dreadnought-class, which is the benchmark for 74-gun third-class battleships.

Marquis Lessar paused for a moment, then hesitated, saying, "Your Highness, 15 ships might be a bit too many. The navy simply can't afford that many construction funds. If we spread it over three years, we can only build a maximum of three ships per year..."

Joseph immediately shook his head: "You misunderstand. I only said 'spread the word.' In reality, we won't build a single one."

"what do you mean?"

Joseph smiled and said, "Get a corrupt official from the Brest Shipyard to contact the British and sell all this oak to the British Navy."

The Navy Minister's eyes widened immediately: "This, how can this be?"

Joseph gestured for him not to be nervous: "The price must be three times the market price, and it must be paid in gold coins, not pounds. Oh, and it would be best to get a few special passes for the British through this; they might come in handy later."

Marquis Lessar probed, "You mean, to tamper with these timbers?"

"After the incident with the Yuecheng wooden ship shaft, the British will definitely be more vigilant, so we'll sell them good timber. That money is enough for us to start construction on at least three more 'Decisive Battle' class ships."

Marquis Lessar said urgently, "Your Highness, but this will also cause the British to start building more third-class ships."

Joseph nodded: "This is exactly the result I wanted."

Currently, Britain's financial situation is also very tight. Building more expensive warships will reduce the funds available for other purposes.

In future naval battles, a few more traditional sailing warships would only be more cannon fodder.

On the contrary, the addition of three steam battleships to the French Navy will genuinely enhance its combat capabilities.

Marquis Lessar knew that His Highness the Crown Prince's decisions were usually correct, so he bowed and accepted the order, then thought of a question: "Your Highness, what if the British don't buy it? I mean, three times the price might be a bit too expensive."

“Three times is the final transaction price; the asking price should be five times the market price,” Joseph smiled. “For the British, the greatest value of these raw materials lies in their ability to slow down our shipbuilding speed. They will certainly accept it.”

After lunch, Joseph was frowning as he looked at the report Baron Brettj had just sent regarding Poland's request for a loan of 900 million francs when Emmanuel's voice came from outside the door: "Your Highness, Monsieur Beaumarchais and Baron Denicco have arrived." "Please let them in."

Joseph looked up, gave an order, then picked up a pen and signed the loan documents.

Two weeks ago, Poland's Szymborska, with an overwhelming 95% approval rating, decided to continue its full-scale offensive against Russia. This left Siegfried, who had gone to persuade Poland to maintain only a limited front and gradually rebuild its national strength, helpless.

However, Joseph also received a report from the Security Service that the "pawns" previously sent back to Russia were operating very smoothly and would be carrying out some major operations in southwestern Russia while the Poles launched their general offensive.

With the Ottoman and Persian armies in the South Caucasus finally deciding to launch a full-scale attack, this wave of attacks from Russia will not be so easy to deal with.

So he decided to give the Poles one last chance.

This at least ensures that Russia has no spare capacity to cause trouble on the Eastern Front before the decisive naval battle between France and Britain.

Beaumarchais and his entourage entered the reception room and bowed to Joseph, saying, "It is an honor to be summoned by you, Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Joseph smiled and gestured to the sofa: "Please sit down."

Beaumarchais brought members of the French Dramatists' Association, of which Beaumarchais is the current president.

After the servant served tea, Joseph exchanged a few brief pleasantries before getting to the point: "I need to promote maritime trade."

He then mentioned incentive policies such as reducing port taxes, lowering insurance premiums, and providing subsidies, and looked at Baron Denicco: "The Paris Commercial Daily should continue to publish these stories and interview some merchants who make money through trade in the Americas to downplay the dangers of going to sea."

The latter, being an experienced man, immediately nodded and said, "Yes, Your Highness. Do you think we should arrange a story similar to 'A handsome captain, through experience and wisdom, outmaneuveres a foolish British warship and regularly dates a beautiful American widow'?"

"You can arrange it as you see fit; I trust your experience."

Joseph then turned to Beaumarchais and said, "I have some ideas for a script that I need the help of the excellent playwrights you recommend to complete."

Beaumarchais gestured to the two men beside him: "This is the person you need, Your Highness."

“Monsieur Louis Bernierdan, whose work ‘City People and Country People’ was performed at the Court Theatre last month.”

“Monsieur Pierre Leblanc. His Don Carlos always makes the ladies and young women who watch it weep uncontrollably.”

“Very good.” Joseph nodded and looked at the two playwrights who were slightly nervous. “The script I’m going to write is called Pirates of the Caribbean. It tells the story of a pirate named Jacques Eberg, who sails the Black Rose and outmaneuvers the British fleet in the Caribbean Sea in search of treasure.”

Aidan and Leblanc immediately took out their notebooks and began to take notes. They had heard that several of the writers who had ghostwritten novels for the Crown Prince back then had now become renowned authors throughout Europe.

Joseph then began telling the story of the first Pirates of the Caribbean film, except that Captain Jack Sparrow was replaced by the Frenchman Jacques, and Barbossa was replaced by the wicked first mate from England. The beautiful heroine, Elizabeth, is now the daughter of the governor of the Florida colony.

(End of this chapter)