Chapter 1703 - 1609: Avignon Welcomes You

Chapter 1703: Chapter 1609: Avignon Welcomes You

Talleyrand paused for a moment, then his eyes flashed with fervor and anticipation. However, he lowered his head slightly and used a probing tone to say, "Your Highness, how do you plan to handle this unexpected situation?"

Joseph’s face broke into a smile, "The Holy Father will come to France to seek refuge. More precisely, the entire Holy See will relocate to Avignon."

"That’s wonderful," Talleyrand said, his voice rising with excitement, "Thank Jesus, the Holy See will gain lasting peace and stability. Our country can better fulfill its duty as the protector of the Holy See!"

As the top diplomatic expert, he was well aware of the great benefits that relocating the Holy See to Avignon could bring France.

Earlier, he had been worried that the Regent might consider the opinions of the Holy See and his devotion to Jesus, and be unwilling to ’invite’ the Pope here.

Now, it was clear there was no need for his persuasion; the Regent was evidently more proactive about this matter than he was.

In the future, the center of Catholicism would be in France, and with the tremendous influence over the Church, the political, diplomatic, and cultural tactics available would become extremely abundant.

For instance, the image of "Europe’s Arbiter" that France had been striving to create could now include the Holy See’s peace edict when mediating foreign wars, earning significant respect.

Diplomats responsible for mediation could even directly bear the title of Holy See envoy.

Regarding the appointment of archbishops in various countries, especially in smaller nations, the Holy See had considerable influence.

France could easily insert French archbishops in needed places, where sometimes their influence was even greater than local officials.

Talleyrand thought of this, and couldn’t help but silently repent for a few seconds for these thoughts of ’desecrating the Holy See.’

Actually, he had no idea that compared to Joseph’s plans to ’utilize’ the Holy See, he was as devoted as a lamb looking up to the shepherd.

Yes, Joseph had been planning to move the Holy See to Avignon for over a decade.

He didn’t have the religious burdens of this era’s people.

All France’s future major foreign wars would be ’Holy Wars,’ and France’s enemies would become ’Enemies of Christ,’ ’Servants of the Devil.’

Before a battle even commenced, the morale of the armies would already differ significantly.

As for future papal elections, they would essentially be just for show; could an archbishop not of French descent hope to become Pope?

Talleyrand recalled a matter and quickly cautioned, "Your Highness, the manner of ’welcoming’ the Pope still needs careful discussion to avoid making it appear as if our country is abducting the Pope..."

"You’re right," Joseph nodded, "The Holy Father will publicly announce his plan to seek refuge in our country outside Rome, and then return with the fleet.

Once the Holy See is settled in Avignon, the Holy Father will also visit various Italian and German countries, publicly expressing gratitude for our country’s assistance in saving the Holy See."

Talleyrand nodded quietly; the Regent had turned what would require France to avoid suspicion and clarify, into a wonderful promotional opportunity.

This journey bore no risk. Neither Italy nor the German states would dare to offend France by ’sheltering’ the Pope. Of course, there’s no need to visit Austria.

The Regent indeed had planned everything thoroughly.

Once Joseph finished the matters about welcoming the Pope in Avignon, he instructed, "By the way, you were tasked with convening the Mediterranean Security Organization meeting; it should be nearing the scheduled time, right?"

Talleyrand quickly replied, "Yes, Your Highness, it’s set for 11 days from now. However, now that the Pope has fled Rome, this meeting’s significance is no longer present."

Joseph initially sought to coordinate various Italian countries amidst the Roman chaos, intending to control the Holy See when the Pope was forced to request France’s military aid. But now the Pope had already been ’secured’ ahead of schedule.

Joseph shook his head, "No, that Captain Luca unilaterally dispatched troops into Rome, even feigning the Security Organization’s name; this matter needs careful resolution. Thus, you must personally go to Milan."

The venue for this Security Organization meeting was in Milan.

Talleyrand hesitated somewhat, "Your Highness, forgive me for saying, but perhaps you need not concern yourself with the attitudes of these small nations."

In an era dominated by survival of the fittest, large nations casually manipulated smaller nations; if a smaller nation dared defy, they faced armed invasion.

Even if France blatantly deployed troops to occupy Rome, no one would dare voice discontent. Jokingly, bind all of Italy together, they might not even stand a chance against two French army groups.

Joseph looked at the Minister of Foreign Affairs, his tone serious, "Do you know how to ensure power, especially transcendental power, can be maintained the longest?"

Talleyrand was taken aback, uncertainly responding, "I would think it requires transcending all with superior strength?"

"No," Joseph shook his head, "It’s ensuring power has rules and boundaries. Otherwise, even with immense strength, you would exhaust your resources maintaining endless borders of power."

Being someone from a later era, he understood well that controlling spheres of influence through economics, finance, and culture lasts far longer than high-pressure control.

Talleyrand was wise and immediately fell into contemplation. After more than ten seconds, he slowly nodded, "I understand, Your Highness. We are to encourage the cooperation of various Northern Italian countries with our strategy rather than force them to do so."

He grasped the concept to this extent, which was already commendable, as he lacked the experience in a fully industrialized and financial expansion era.

But Talleyrand quickly furrowed his brows, "Your Highness, various Italian countries might have partly grasped the situation in Rome; it may require some interests to keep them silent."

Joseph smiled, "You can completely tell them the course of events, except for those related to Charles."

"Ah? That might deviate from our goals..."

Joseph said, "You need to adopt an ’active attack strategy,’ this way, then like this..."

...

Southern Suburb of Paris.

On an inconspicuous path, several dozen cavalry in sharp military uniforms quickly passed by in formation, and in the center of the column was a "Gemstone IV" type carriage without any insignias.

Occasional passersby glanced over in surprise — such a formation would typically take King’s Avenue, yet at this moment they were enduring the bumps here.

Inside the carriage, Charles drew the curtain open slightly, quickly noticing something amiss and frowning at the nearest cavalry officer, "Captain Normand, this doesn’t seem like the road to Palace of Versailles."

The officer nodded, keeping his eyes forward, "Please remain quiet, Your Highness. I can only tell you this is the Regent King’s order."

More than 40 minutes later, the convoy stopped in front of Paris Royal Hunting Ground.

(Additional content untyped, the author apologizes. Will certainly add tomorrow.)