Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 497 The Emperor's Thoughts

After Baron Haussmann's transformation, Paris has transformed from a dirty and chaotic city into a fashion capital. The core streets have been renovated, and a series of facilities, including a sewer system and the Place de la Châtelet, have been built. Although the cost was enormous, many writers and artists still enjoy traveling to Paris.

Located on the right bank of the Seine, the Tuileries Palace was the residence of French emperors, including both Napoleon I and Napoleon III. The name "Tuileries" comes from a lime kiln located there. This 16th-century palace witnessed a series of significant events for France, including the French Wars of Religion, the Thirty Years' War, the Fronde, and the French Revolution.

Napoleon III, with a cigar in his mouth, reflected on the first half of his life: a life of wandering, imprisonment, becoming president, and then emperor. He could say that his life had been worthwhile.

Subsequently, France revitalized its status by exploiting the Eastern Question. Externally, it acquired nearly twice the size of France through intervention in American affairs; internally, it encouraged economic development and railways. This successfully led to the Industrial Revolution in France and increased its market share.

Thinking of his achievements over the years, Napoleon III felt his life was complete. If it weren't for Prussia and Iran.

Napoleon's actions towards Prussia can be seen as a miscalculation. He hadn't anticipated the Austro-Prussian War would end so quickly, and he had already lost his chance to mediate. Then, his demands for Mainz from Prussia were thwarted, and his attempt to purchase Luxembourg was rejected by Prussia. France was facing its most serious diplomatic crisis since 1815.

Napoleon III began an active diplomatic alliance effort. Austria was naturally his first choice for courting, but Austria was no longer the same. Influenced by Iran's economy and Prussia's military, Franz was unwilling to engage in a confrontation with Prussia. Furthermore, France had supported Italy in seizing Milan from Austria; although Milan had been returned, Austria would not intervene. Therefore, Napoleon III's attempt to form an alliance with Austria failed.

After his failed alliance with Austria, Napoleon III attempted to win over Russia, but Russia's primary desire at this time was to weaken France. Russia actually hoped for a weakened France in order to restore its own interests in the Black Sea; how could it possibly ally with France?
After being thwarted by Austria-Hungary and Russia, Britain became Napoleon III's next diplomatic target. However, Britain consistently pursued a balance of power policy on the continent, and a strong France was not in its interest. Instead, Britain hoped that Prussia would become strong enough to counterbalance French hegemony on the European continent. Moreover, Napoleon III's ambitions toward Luxembourg and Belgium also troubled Britain, making it unwilling to form an alliance with France.

Even the weakest and most incompetent Italian, Napoleon III, was not spared. But after being routed by Austria and Sicily, Italy's only remaining hope was to reclaim Rome, which was held by the French. Italy was hoping for France's defeat so it could seize Rome; why would it ally with France?

Napoleon III grew increasingly agitated; how could he have encountered so many problems? The only consolation was the renewed mining activity in Louisiana, and the influx of people from Quebec increasing the local population. It was, in a sense, the most reassuring place.

"Your Majesty, should we try to win over Italy again? If we can resolve the issue of Rome, they will join us."

The newly appointed Foreign Minister, the Marquis de Lavalette, offered his suggestion to Napoleon III, but it had already been rejected. Most of the French population, especially Napoleon's strong supporters—the peasantry—were Catholic. If the remaining Papal States were given to Italy, they would likely excommunicate him, and he and his family would be finished. This was unacceptable.

As for Britain, Russia, and Austria, there's no need to continue courting them, since they won't intervene anyway.

"This won't do. Oh, what should we do now?"

For the first time, Napoleon III felt utterly helpless. "Your Majesty, Iran..."

The Marquis had barely uttered two words when the Emperor immediately looked up at him. Iran was indeed someone worth courting, but the price to pay would likely be enormous.

He had originally planned to invite Amir to Paris for a talk, but the other party declined, which was a public slap in the face for him.
Even if we take a step back, he wasn't just slapping himself in the face; he was slapping the face of the entire French Empire! This passage is now blocked.

However, if they can truly win over Iran, then Austria will certainly follow suit. Even if they don't care about Iran, they should consider Austria's influence; Iran holds considerable sway over Austria.

But what benefits does France have to offer in exchange? In terms of market share, Iranian kerosene has already dominated France, and Iranian textiles sell very well there. There are also dried fruits and other produce, but these only account for 7% of Iran's exports, ranking sixth among its export destinations, after Austria, Britain, Prussia, Russia, and the Far East.

When it comes to the military, Iran still prefers Prussia. And that's exactly what it's doing. Having exhausted its two major diplomatic maneuvers, it probably doesn't have many other options left.

"What benefits do you think we can exchange?" Napoleon III asked.

"Your Majesty, the Empire has not only overt diplomacy, but also covert ones. If we can seize upon a few scandals involving the Iranian government, or incite some individuals to coerce them..."

Marquis Rawalette believed he had a strong chance of success in this matter. Iran had recently undergone significant changes in its government following the liberal movement, the Russia-Iran conflict, and the Council of Experts elections. The conservatives had suffered heavy losses, but the reformists hadn't gained a majority either. In the Marquis's view, Nasser al-Din Shah had already offended both factions. The fact that things hadn't erupted yet was simply because the elections had just ended and they were still in a honeymoon period.

Therefore, sending spies to make contact is a feasible method. Moreover, they are also trying to extract some documents from the Iranian embassy in France, preferably Prussian and Austrian documents, so that he can use these materials to adjust his mindset.

"You and Lang Dong will handle this matter. You must uncover those secrets of Iran."

This was the first time the emperor had issued such an order, and now that a breakthrough had finally appeared, they were determined to get in. Although the probability of instigating this was extremely low, what if it succeeded? Besides, they had the successful experience of Russian spies, which they could emulate.

Prussia, Prussia—these three words were always on Napoleon III's mind. His refusal to recognize the North German Confederation was a shameful policy blunder for France.

(End of this chapter)