Chapter 1685 - 1591: Sanctions

Chapter 1685: Chapter 1591: Sanctions

Joseph was well aware that to maintain France’s leadership position in Northern Italy, he could not rashly intervene in the affairs of the Pope State.

At the very least, it was necessary to convene the various Italian countries to go through the "policy discussion" process, and then dispatch troops in the name of the Mediterranean Security Organization.

This way, the Northern Italian countries would not develop a fear of "France wielding the stick of war indiscriminately on the Apennine Peninsula," and they could also contribute money and troops, enjoying a sense of "participation."

However, the uprising in Rome this time erupted too suddenly — indeed, if it weren’t for a young man named Charlie intervening unexpectedly, there would have been just a "riot" quickly suppressed. Therefore, both the French Security Bureau and the military had made no preparations.

Moreover, after the Holy See sought aid from Naples, there was simply no time left to complete the aforementioned steps before the rebel army would be crushed.

Nonetheless, Joseph was certainly going to punish Naples for disregarding French warnings and insisting on suppressing the Roman revolution.

Similarly, direct military intervention was also inadvisable — the matter was not worth initiating a national war.

Currently, due to the influence of England and Austria, Naples had not yet joined the Iberian-Apennine Common Market. Under the market’s tariff barriers, its trade partners were concentrated only in Austria and the eastern Mediterranean regions of the Ottoman Empire and Egypt.

Recently, Austria had just ended its internal strife, and trade volumes were bound to shrink significantly.

If the Ottoman Empire and Egypt broke off trade with Naples, this Southern Italian country would soon fall into a financial crisis.

Well, the economic sanction "weapon" beloved by certain major nations in later generations was something Joseph was more familiar with than anyone.

Of course, persuading the Ottoman Empire and Egypt to give up these trade interests would definitely require France to invest considerable costs, such as providing some technical assistance.

Joseph made such a big move not just to punish Naples.

Naples was the last piece of the puzzle on the Italian Peninsula; if France wanted to integrate the Mediterranean market, it must "gather in" Naples.

Through this economic sanction, it’s believed Naples will soon realize that the promises and markets of England and Austria are unreliable.

Only by joining the Iberian-Apennine Common Market can they stabilize their foreign trade.

The speed of the steam train was fast, and when the train stopped outside the Palace of Versailles, Joseph was saying: "The Security Bureau must prepare in Rome in advance from now on; although Charles’ approach this time was somewhat reckless, it also has some aspects worthy of reference.

"Also, you need to select a new Cardinal in the Holy See to replace Muzareli’s ’work.’"

He and Talleyrand walked into the Marble Courtyard and saw Count Saigul enthusiastically approaching: "Regent King."

Joseph smiled and nodded: "When did you return? You completed your mission on the Southern German trip exceptionally well."

Count Saigul glanced at Talleyrand proudly, and then bowed: "I was merely faithfully executing your plan, Your Highness.

"Oh, by the way, all the major countries in Southern Germany have agreed to discuss the issue of the Holy Roman Empire at the Stuttgart conference next month; do you see if you should attend in person?"

He and Talleyrand went one to Southern Germany and the other to Northern Germany, through a series of diplomatic maneuvers, almost uprooted Holy Rome.

In the Foreign Ministry, they were also opponents, although Talleyrand’s ability was stronger, the political influence of the Saigul family surpassed him.

So, Saigul was striving to take the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs, while Talleyrand had to use diplomatic achievements to respond to challenges.

This time, Saigul believed he had facilitated the "Southern German Dual Core" and the "Bavarian Border Invasion" incident, finally gaining some solid diplomatic achievements, and wanted to take credit in front of the Regent King, in the presence of Talleyrand.

"Your efficiency is astonishing," Joseph first praised, then shook his head, "But I have no need to go to Stuttgart. We don’t even need to send high-ranking officials."

Count Saigul hurriedly said: "But this is an important meeting to decide the future of Holy Rome..."

Joseph smiled: "That’s why we must make the German States feel they are deciding for themselves, and not that ’France made them kill Holy Rome.’ Let Bavaria and Cologne represent Southern and Northern Germany to host the meeting."

He paused and frowned slightly: "We ought to deliberately downplay the ’Germany’ concept in the future.

"For example, the countries of Northern Germany should be referred to as North Rhine or Westphalia. The central regions like Thuringia, Weimar, and Mainz are the Franconia area. The south should be called the Bayern-Wurttemberg core region."

Bayern is an abbreviation for Bavaria. The name of the later German soccer team Bayern Munich derives from this.

Germany, as a geographical term, is bound to cause Prussia to develop unrealistic dreams.

In addition, the Germanic Region also includes the Rhineland area. The Rhineland is an inseparable sacred territory of France.

Based on this, Germany has no need to continue using it.

"After this Stuttgart conference, use these geographic names to rewrite the ’Stuttgart Declaration’," Joseph looked at Count Saigul, "You need to coordinate this with several major countries in advance."

"Yes, Your Highness."

The next morning, Joseph was playing "high high" with Mitchell, making the little guy laugh with "giggles," when he heard the voice of the Court Officials: "His Majesty the King arrives—"

Joseph found it odd; his father often came to see his grandson, but today it was unusually early.

Louis XVI walked in between two guards, his face excited, though a flicker of loss flashed in his eyes.

Joseph handed Mitchell over to Alexandra and stepped forward to salute: "Father."

Louis XVI nodded, first expertly taking his grandson in his arms, kissing his little face, then turning to Joseph: "I know you might be busy, but that thing you must come and see."

"I am very much looking forward to it," Joseph guessed that for his father to come looking for him so early, it was likely that there had been a major breakthrough with the steam forging machine, "What is it you are referring to?"

Louis XVI hesitated for a moment before saying: "It was created by Mr. Whitney and the United Steam Engine Company together, the Sky Axis system, along with ancillary steam engines, milling machines, and such. It’s a host of exceedingly delicate things like creations of Jesus; it’s hard to explain all at once."

"Sky Axis?" Joseph did not find this term in his memory.

His Majesty the King dodged Mitchell’s "claws" pulling at his ear, explaining: "It seems the British originally came up with it, though they only used it in textile factories.

"Mr. Whitney and several technicians discovered its immense potential in precision machining, so they set about improving it."