I'm the Dauphin in France

Chapter 822 Comprehensive Counterattack
For parliamentary countries like Genoa and Lucca, freedom of the press is the cornerstone of their political structure. But in monarchical countries, the press cannot be left alone.

With the cooperation of big capital, those politicians and orators can transform kingdoms and principalities into constitutional monarchies or even posthumous monarchies in just a few years.

Well, perhaps only France today dares to say that it is not afraid of capitalists and politicians causing trouble.

Joseph looked at Talleyrand approvingly:
"You are right. So we should give priority to 'developing' those countries that are easy to promote, such as Genoa, in order to create a 'role model effect'.

“For example, Genoa has developed better than its neighboring countries, and people in other countries will definitely take the initiative to accept Genoa’s ideas – that is, the ideas we ‘planned’ for them in advance.

"Genoa would soon become the centre of news and ideas for northern Italy, and eventually even the monarchs would have to accept it.

“At present, the publicity focuses on several aspects.

"First, we should make the Italian people yearn for and admire France. We should do our best to promote France's strength, fashion, elegance and happiness, and establish in the Italian people the idea that 'everything in France is right' and 'the French are the best'.

"Second, we advocate that small countries should not covet advanced technologies, but should focus on developing existing industries. This is easy to prove. For example, small countries have limited capabilities and cannot compete with large countries in developing technologies. Giving up technologies can save money and improve people's lives.

"The third is to spread Italy's hatred of Austria and incite people to demand the land occupied by the Papal States. The specific task can be left to Mr. De Nico, who has several editors who are very good at this.

"Well, first we need to establish several newspapers, theaters, and some civic organizations in Genoa and Lucca."

Talleyrand immediately replied:
“You mean the NGO?”

He had read the "Guidelines" Joseph had written to Fouché and knew what these organizations did.

Joseph nodded:
“Oh, there is another very important place, that is school.

"Provide special allowances to teachers so they can add something special to their lectures. Provide our printed teaching materials to schools for free. Or simply build new schools.

“Every knowledgeable person can influence hundreds of people around him.”

He thought for a moment and added: “For countries like Parma and Sardinia, we can only use subtle influence for the time being.

"I will have Mr. Beaumarchais write some new plays that meet the requirements of the publicity and organize a theater company to tour the northern Italian countries."

Segur drew inferences from this and reminded:

"Your Highness, novels and songs also have the same effect."

"That's right. From now on, we will write a new batch of plays, novels and songs at least every six months and put them in Italy."

After Joseph finished speaking, he looked at the two people in front of him and smiled:
"Do you think it is necessary for us to occupy the Italian states after implementing these strategies?"

Talleyrand and Ségur had only one thought in their minds at this moment - how did His Royal Highness the Dauphin come up with these brilliant ideas?

He is simply a political genius!
Although this operation will cost some money, it is almost negligible compared to the huge amount of civil servant salaries and military expenses required for direct occupation.

Even if a newspaper or theater is run well, it can make money.

And what France wants, raw materials, markets, and even manpower, will not be reduced at all. Segur bowed in admiration and said:
"Your Highness, as you said, military occupation is the least effective means."

Talleyrand looked at the notebook in his hand and continued:
"After we return, we will immediately work with Archbishop Brian to formulate a specific implementation plan according to your wishes."

In fact, Joseph had a very important plan that he didn't tell the two of them, which was the political infiltration of Genoa.

As long as they can control this most important port in northern Italy, they will control the maritime trade in northern Italy. If France controls the land trade here, the "closed management" of the "back garden" will be more perfect.

However, this matter should be handed over to the Intelligence Bureau.

As if sensing Joseph's thoughts, Fouché came to his office shortly after Talleyrand and Ségur left.

"Your Highness," the intelligence chief saluted, and then placed a list in front of Joseph, "General Tyne sent a message yesterday that the Flemish Parliament has been established, and this is the list of the first parliamentarians.

"General Tain said that if you defeat the Duke of York's army, the Flemish region will immediately convene a parliament, declare independence, and expel all foreign troops.

"Of course, the area around Leopoldsburg will be left for us to continue north."

Leopoldsburg is located in the province of Lohn, east of Antwerp. From here all the way north is Tilburg, the transportation hub of the Dutch province of Breda.

Joseph didn't look at the list, but just nodded and asked:
"How is Sihaik's army preparing?"

According to his plan, the French army will advance deep into the southern Netherlands in the name of "pursuing the remnants of the Duke of York". After defeating the Dutch army - in fact, the Netherlands no longer has any decent army, and Davidovich's 1 main Dutch troops are still surrounded in Gant - Scherck will lead the Flemish National Army to occupy these places, and then the French army will "retire after success" and recognize the Flemish Republic.

Although the Flemish army had little combat effectiveness, it was more than enough to deal with the Dutch citizens.

Moreover, the Flemish and the Dutch are close relatives with the same language and customs, and their ancestors can also find a basis for ruling Dutch provinces such as Zeeland and Breda, so there will not be too many obstacles in controlling this place.

Fouché said: “Your Highness, Scheig has left Louvain, and the Flemish army in Antwerp will also be under his command, with a total of 7 troops.

"However, he seemed to be worried about encountering the British army, so he stayed south of Dist."

Dist is only about ten kilometers away from Leuven. In other words, Sihek has hardly moved.

Joseph was not surprised, after all, he was chosen because he was a waste.

Joseph exhaled and said to Fouché:

"The Intelligence Bureau should also prepare to contact Tyne. I estimate that they will launch a counterattack against the British, Prussian and Austrian coalition forces in the next few days."

According to news sent from Italy yesterday, Napoleon's troops have arrived in Mantua.

As soon as he launches the attack, the Rhine Front will also attack the Duke of Brunswick at the same time.

By then, the Duke of York would inevitably panic, and Joseph wanted to take this opportunity to counterattack, making it impossible for him to leave or stay.

(End of this chapter)