I'm the Dauphin in France

Chapter 671 Isn’t it just going to hell?
Of course, at present, due to their lack of strength, the Italian countries can only talk.

But if Austria, which has great influence in Italy, gives secret support, they really dare to bite off a piece of meat from the Papal States!

"Your Highness, why would Austria prevent the Holy See from supporting Poland?"

Joseph said without hesitation: "Austria is also going to take action against Poland."

He met Talleyrand's surprised eyes and told Hermand, who was standing at the door, "Please let Mr. Fouché come to see me."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Joseph frowned and said, "We need Poland to immediately strengthen its defense in the southwest."

Talleyrand said with some worry: "Your Highness, the relationship between Poland and Austria is close at present, they may not take it seriously."

"And it conflicts with the planned battle plan." Joseph sighed, "It seems that we are the only ones left to defend them. At least we have to stop the first wave of the Austrians' attack."

"You mean, we should send troops directly?"

"No, that would put us in a diplomatic crisis." Joseph shook his head and looked at the map beside the table, "We own 40% of the shares of the Tarnovsk Silver Mine.

"If the tough miners take up arms to protect the mining area, it's none of our business."

He looked at Talleyrand again and asked, "So, what's the situation in Ottoman?"

Talleyrand seemed relieved: "Selim III has agreed to provide logistical support to the Black Sea.

"In terms of trade, he asked for control of 40% of steam transport ships, for us to build a cannon foundry, and for us to provide 2 sets of infantry equipment in exchange for 70% of the priority purchase rights of cotton and sugar cane."

"You did a great job." Joseph nodded with satisfaction. "This will provide strong support for our Polish strategy."

If the Ottomans refused to support Poland, Joseph would have no choice but to use the smuggling ships of the "Special Trade Association" to purchase supplies from the Levant and transport them to the northern coast of the Black Sea.

Not only would this be extremely expensive, but the volume of transportation would certainly not be large.

If the Ottomans could supply the enemy nearby, it would be much easier. More importantly, the Ottomans had many merchant ships in the Black Sea, making it easy to hide the existence of the supply fleet.

As the two were talking, Emmanuel knocked on the door and said, "Your Highness, Viscount Kalona and Mr. Mesmer are back."

Talleyrand had already finished his work report and stood up to leave after hearing this.

A moment later, the "scam duo" walked in led by Emang.

The two of them hurriedly saluted respectfully, and then all kinds of corny compliments were thrown at the crown prince without paying any attention.

Joseph raised his hand skillfully to interrupt them, and then looked at Kalona: "Viscount Kalona, ​​have all the British 'funds' been handled properly?"

The latter bowed and said, "Please rest assured that every penny has returned to France, and I swear that no one can trace the whereabouts of this money."

In the London Gas Street Light Project, he and Mesmer worked together to obtain a total of 104 million pounds of "investment". However, after this huge amount of money was remitted from the UK, it was easy to trace it to France.

As a professional who had served as finance minister, Kalona was sent by Joseph to handle the money.

In the end, he lived up to expectations and, through various investments, loans, and share operations, ensured that all funds flowed safely into France.

He had been dealing with this matter for more than half a year and had just returned to France.

“You did an amazing job!”

Joseph praised him, then suddenly remembered what happened before about the Vatican and narrowed his eyes.

All he wanted was for the Holy See to issue a call for a "holy war" against heresy. Since Pope Pius VI was unwilling to help, he could help him make the call.

As long as the morale of the Poles can be aroused, what is the difference between the real Church and the fake Church?
He looked at Mesmer. It just so happened that he had a very talented person who was very good at "impersonation".

Joseph quickly planned it in his mind and confirmed that this method was feasible, so he took out a pardon from the drawer and handed it to Mesmer: "You have provided a lot of help to Viscount Kalona in London. Now it's time for me to fulfill my promise. This is your pardon. You don't have to go to prison anymore." Mesmer hurriedly took the pardon, unfolded it, and saw the signature and seal of Louis XVI on it. He was so excited that his eyes turned red, and he bowed to Joseph: "Thank you, Your Highness! Your most loyal servant will remember your kindness all his life! Oh, and His Majesty the King, his kindness is like..."

Joseph had no choice but to raise his hand again to interrupt him, and said with a smile: "If I remember correctly, all your property has been confiscated, right?"

"Yes, yes, Your Highness."

"So, even if you are free, you will still have to beg?"

Mesmer smiled awkwardly and said, "Your Highness, I used to be a doctor."

"But your medical license has also been revoked."

"This...is indeed true."

Joseph nodded: “So, do you want to live a decent life again?”

"Yes! Of course I do!"

"I need you to do something for me," Joseph said to the liar. "After the task is completed, I will give you a new identity and 2 francs. You will return to the upper class society."

Mesmer bowed again excitedly: "Thank you for your trust, Your Highness! I am willing to do anything for you, even if it means sacrificing my life."

Joseph smiled at him and said, "I need you to disguise yourself as a special envoy of the Holy See and go to Eastern Europe to help me spread some of the 'Pope's teachings'."

The room fell silent instantly.

Mesmer was clearly in a violent struggle.

He dared to deceive the king and the homeless, but he really didn't dare to falsely convey God's will!

Yes, in his view, the Pope's teachings are God's will.

He stammered and took a small step back: "Your Highness, this... this will send you to hell..."

Joseph kept smiling: "3 francs in bonus."

"I will be punished by God..."

"Fifty thousand francs."

"No, Your Highness, you can't do this..."

"Add another title."

Mesmer was stunned.

After a moment, he nodded with an expression as if he was going to a execution ground: "I... am willing to serve you."

He is not pretending. People of this era truly believe this.

However, what His Royal Highness the Crown Prince gave was really too much.

Go to hell. Enjoy your life first.

Fouché happened to arrive at this time.

After he saluted, Joseph pointed to Mesmer and said, "Please select some people who are familiar with church affairs to go to Poland with Mr. Mesmer."

After giving the task in detail, Joseph sent the two swindlers away and then continued to instruct Fouché: "You must send someone to confirm Austria's intention to send troops to Poland as soon as possible and closely monitor the troop movements on the Austrian-Polish border.

"Besides, it won't be long before Ottoman cargo arrives. You and the Crimean resistance need to prepare in advance."

(End of this chapter)