Life of Being a Crown Prince in France-Chapter 686 - 595: Song of Poland (Requesting Monthly Votes)

Chapter 686: Chapter 595: Song of Poland (Requesting Monthly Votes)

Bailly continued to describe his envisioned “Northern Trading Point”: “Even if the British mobilize a large fleet, for instance, more than one third of their naval force, to blockade the entire western coast of the Southern Netherlands, we can still divert our ‘business’ to Dunkirk, or even continue operating in Calais.”

Joseph looked at his Trade Minister with some surprise, feeling that this plan didn’t seem to be thought up on the spot.

Dunkirk and Calais are both ports in the northwest of France, and are only a little over 50 kilometers from Ostend. Moreover, there are waterways connecting the two, making the transfer very easy.

He could already imagine the British coming to France furiously to question the rampant smuggling, with Bailly innocently claiming: A large number of Southern Netherlands smugglers had infiltrated Dunkirk, causing serious disruption to local order, but due to it being a remote town, the police force was insufficient, and currently, the French Government was dispatching police to handle the matter, asking the British side to exercise restraint and patiently wait.

They could even have the British “sponsor” some funds to combat the smuggling criminals from the Southern Netherlands.

Brian obviously appreciated the finesse of the plan as well, smiling and nodding, “The British will definitely regret selling Dunkirk to us. In fact, there are many small seaports on the north coast of the Southern Netherlands. I believe the British will find it difficult to blockade them completely.”

Dunkirk was sold to France for 400,000 pounds during the reign of Charles II.

Brian then thought of another issue: “Your Highness, those who are interested in engaging in smuggling… ah, ‘special trade,’ might not be very wealthy, so they possibly won’t be able to get ships. Also, the capital for purchasing goods is a big problem for them.”

Joseph smiled, “The Tripoli pirates we eradicated before left some ships, most of which are sealed in the leeward port of Gabes Bay. We can sell them to the ‘traders’ at a low price or even rent them out to them.”

Bailly immediately added, “Or use ships as a stake in the business.”

“Yes, taking a stake is not a bad idea.” Joseph gave him an approving look, and continued, “As for the purchasing capital, the Industrial Development Fund can provide guarantees, letting factories sell their products to ‘traders’ on credit.”

Brian hesitated, “Your Highness, won’t this be too risky? I mean, if the goods are seized by the British…”

“That’s why everyone must be compelled to buy insurance.” Joseph stated matter-of-factly, “Cargo damage insurance, personal accident insurance, and so on, minimizing the risks.”

Brian and the others exchanged looks with strange expressions; it was simply inconceivable to buy insurance for smugglers, but it seemed quite rational.

Joseph went on, “Additionally, have the Walloon Chamber of Commerce fund the construction of a rail track from Hengnei High to Ostend, facilitating the transport of goods.

“And recruit personnel locally to form a ‘Smuggling Patrol Team’ to protect ‘special trade.’ Equip them well, because they might clash with the British Navy’s marines who dare land.”

He then looked at Fouche, “The intelligence bureau also needs to cooperate fully. Hmm, let’s set up a ‘Trade Investigation Bureau’…”

That afternoon, Bailly, as chairman of the Special Trade Association, convened many departments of French finance, industry, taxation, police, and more, to start detailed planning on “special trade,” and submitted a preliminary plan to the Crown Prince after one week.

…

Poland.

Warsaw.

Inside the Warsaw Royal Castle, the orchestra played a melodious and grand tune. King Stanisław August Poniatowski walked side by side with Sais through the gorgeously dressed guards, expressing fervently, “Please convey my most sincere thanks to His Majesty the King and the Crown Prince. At this time when Poland needs help the most, only they still remember us here.”

Sais replied with a calm expression, “I will certainly pass on your message, Your Majesty. However, my visit to Poland is to discuss some church matters with the Archbishop of Poznan, so I might not return to Paris for a while.”

Stanisław August Poniatowski looked at his nephew, Prince Poniatowski, with confusion in his heart: Sais seemed to be a bishop appointed by Avignon, so why was he dealing with church matters?

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Prince Poniatowski reacted first, saying hurriedly, “It’s wonderful that you are staying in Poland. Oh, His Majesty has prepared a welcome dinner for you, which will start soon.”

“I’m very thankful for His Majesty’s hospitality,” Sais responded as he bowed. While walking down the corridor, he turned his head to the Prince and said, “Actually, if it weren’t for ceremonial needs, I would really like to avoid such social engagements.

“To be honest, Poland can’t afford to waste a moment right now.”

Stanisław August Poniatowski and his nephew looked at each other, both showing shock, “What do you mean?”

Sais’s voice lowered, “The Crown Prince instructed me to tell you that certain countries may act against Poland sooner than expected. War could break out in as little as six months.”

Prince Poniatowski’s expression immediately became somber, “We have indeed noticed unusual movements of Russia’s Mikhail Kakhovsky’s troops.”

“That should only be the beginning,” Sais said, “As Prussia and Austria cease their war, the Prussian Army will soon be assembling from Tuhel to Kulm, and Poland will face enemies on both fronts.

“However, the Crown Prince is pleased that you heeded his advice and didn’t get involved in the Prussian-Austrian war, which makes Austria more willing to maintain the status quo in Poland.”

As they arrived at the banquet hall’s entrance, Sais stopped and said, despite the impudence of the question, “I hope to understand in detail your country’s preparations for war, especially the construction of your armed forces.”

Two years prior, Joseph had urged Prince Poniatowski to form an army of 100,000 men—ones able to fight—in order to withstand the onslaught of Russia and Prussia.

The Prince was somewhat embarrassed, “At the moment, we have only recruited and trained 40,000 troops, though the Polish people are very enthusiastic about enlisting.”

Stanisław August Poniatowski added in a low voice, “However, training and funding are limiting us…”

Sais was visibly displeased with the progress of preparations, but had Joseph been there, he might have praised Prince Poniatowski.

Historically, until the outbreak of the second partition of Poland, the main Polish army numbered only about 30,000, plus some volunteer militias. With his warning, they had already formed an army of 40,000, two years ahead of history.

With a serious tone, Sais continued, “It seems you must accelerate the pace. As for military funding, the Crown Prince suggests intensifying the mining of the Tarnovsk Mountain Silver Mine. To His Highness’s knowledge, the mining scale there has not yet reached even 20% of the limit.”