Life of Being a Crown Prince in France-Chapter 608 - 519: The Royal Family’s Precious Item

Chapter 608 -519: The Royal Family’s Precious Item

Fulco and other senior officials of the Tax Farmers Association had left less than ten minutes ago when Brian hurriedly followed Eman into the room and bowed to Joseph, “Your Highness, there’s a tricky matter that I’m afraid requires your intervention.”

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“Oh? What happened?”

Brian, with a distressed look, said, “It concerns Queen Mary. Her Majesty summoned me and Baron Breti this morning to speak about the forgery incident involving the Tax Farmers Association. Her Majesty implied that the matter was not serious and suggested a fine would suffice, thereby negating the need to pursue legal action with the High Court.”

emptation of the expensive diamond crown and the royal palace renovations was definitely significant—he would likely need to expend some effort in persuasion.

As he caught a distant view of Versailles Palace Square, an idea suddenly struck him, and he narrowed his eyes slightly.

Even if he persuaded Mother this time, the Count of Artuwa could simply pester her again. Mother had a very good relationship with her younger brother-in-law, and should she inadvertently sign a Pardon Letter, that would be problematic.

...

Thus, the issue needed to be resolved from the root.

The carriage stopped. Joseph got out, but instead of heading towards the Petit Trianon Palace, he turned towards the residence of the Count of Artuwa.

The Count of Artuwa appeared surprised at the Crown Prince’s visit, and hastily, along with his wife, Maria Josepha, came out to greet him:

“Dear Joseph, what brings you here? We were just preparing to go camping—it should be quite fun. Would you care to join…”

Joseph nodded in greeting, smiling as he said, “Let me guess, it was either Viscount Ford or Mr. Hope who called for it?”

The Count of Artuwa hesitated for a moment, let Joseph into the house, and asked with a slight frown, “What is it Your Highness wishes to say?”

Joseph didn’t beat around the bush and turned to look at him, “My dear uncle, your recent interactions with the Tax Farmers Association seem to be rather frequent.”

The Count of Artuwa smiled, “I have some private affairs with Viscount Ford. Why the sudden interest, Your Highness?”

Joseph nodded, “Yes, I’d imagine he showed quite a bit of ‘sincerity’ in asking for your help?”

The Count of Artuwa’s expression shifted. He had heard of the Crown Prince’s increasingly active participation in politics, but still regarded Joseph more as the young nephew, thus he adopted a superior attitude:

“Your Highness, I don’t know what you’ve heard, and I prefer not to elaborate on it.”

Joseph’s voice grew colder, “My dear uncle, the investigation into the Tax Farmers Association is of great importance. Let me suggest that it would be in your best interest not to get too involved.”

The Count of Artuwa was not expecting such a forthright warning from his nephew and narrowed his eyes, retorting quite impolitely, “Your Highness, I believe this is none of your concern.”

Though he seldom involved himself in the affairs of state, he was still the King’s closest brother, the Queen’s intimate friend, the Crown Prince’s uncle, and thus held a very high position in Versailles, hardly intimidated by the Crown Prince.

Most importantly, the Tax Farmers Association had given him a bribe of 1.5 million francs to help settle this minor matter of forgery.

With additional lavish gifts for Queen Mary, this affair could easily be resolved, bringing the substantial sum of 1.5 million francs into his hands.

ged to speak, “But, I’ve already promised Viscount Ford to intercede on his behalf…”

Joseph glared at him coldly; even now, he was still being stubborn!

He exhaled softly and said, “If you continue to insist on meddling in this matter, I will have no choice but to let the Official Investigation Bureau convince you.”

“Don’t! You can’t do that!” The Count of Artuwa had heard of the crazed actions of the Official Investigation Bureau, and as a top-ranking noble, he was not without his shadowy dealings.