Life of Being a Crown Prince in France

Historically, Robespierre was perhaps too radical in his operations, but his being known as the “Incorruptible” speaks volumes of his integrity.

After the Jacobins came to power, he, as France’s de facto leader, indeed devoted himself wholeheartedly to the welfare of the people—at least he believed so subjectively—and never used his power for personal gain.

He also had some resentment towards the wealthy.

Taking all these characteristics into account, Joseph believed he was the ideal candidate to oversee the tax system, unrivaled by any other.

Upon hearing this, Robespierre seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, yet also appeared somewhat deflated, “Your Highness, although I don’t have experience in tax matters, if you request it, I will do my utmost to perform well in this role. However, I think it might not be as risky as you previously described.”

“No, you clearly underestimate the dangers of this position,” Joseph said, “You will be threatened, intimidated, and might even face violent tactics. Of course, more likely are bribery and corruption.”

Seeing the confusion still apparent on Robespierre’s face, he elaborated on his plans to abolish the Tax Farmers system and the interests involved: “Originally, every tax revenue had to pass through these Tax Farmers, involving more than 500 million francs. To cling onto their share, they would definitely resort to any means necessary.”

This made Robespierre anxious, but he firmly stated, “Your Highness, please rest assured that I won’t fear any threats.”

Joseph nodded in satisfaction, “You will assist Count Fulco, oh, he is the newly appointed director of the tax bureau, to build a national tax system together.”

Fulco had taken over as Finance Minister in an emergency after Carolina’s dismissal, having served only three weeks before being replaced by Brian.

This man was highly competent in finance and loyal to the Royal Family, so Joseph appointed him as the head of the tax system.

However, as a noble bureaucrat, Joseph could only rest easy if someone like Robespierre was watching him closely.

Joseph continued, “You ought to be very familiar with tax laws, but you still need some training in finances and tax processes.

“So, you will attend the economics college at the Paris Police Academy for three months and get acquainted with your future subordinates there in advance.”

“Yes, Your Highness, I will follow your arrangement,” Robespierre pondered, then asked uncertainly, “Did you just say, ‘Police Academy’?”

“Yes, the Police Academy. You’ll also need to train in drill and command there. And your subordinates, once appointed, will all carry side swords and firearms.”

“…” This made Robespierre even more anxious.

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Joseph then personally took the new tax bureau inspector to Versailles Palace to meet the Finance Minister and the director of the tax bureau, effectively endorsing this politically inexperienced young man.

Leaving the Palace of Versailles, it was already past 3 p.m.

After Joseph entered the Paris City by carriage, he suddenly remembered the matters of fundraising and said to Eman, “Please go to the Royal Palace first. I want to check on the ‘Star Garden.'”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

The so-called “Star Garden” was a real estate project near the Royal Palace, promoted by leveraging the buzz of the World Fair.

Joseph had previously not paid much attention here, but upon returning from Silesia, he learned that the sales were not very promising.

Now being in need of funds, real estate was an asset he must seize quickly.

Joseph got off the carriage outside “Star Garden,” looked up, and examined this community which was originally part of the Royal Palace Gardens.

It was one of the first areas in Paris to have gas lighting installed, with the commercial area in the Western Wing of the Royal Palace nearby, complete with hospitals, schools, and other facilities. Logically, sales should have been flourishing.

After all, “Royal Palace Gardens” near the Tuileries Palace had sold out almost instantly, yet he learned from Brian’s report that this area had sold less than one-fifth.

The sales manager of “Star Garden” quickly learned of the arrival of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and hastened over with a group of subordinates to greet him.

After acknowledging their greetings, Joseph addressed the issue of sales.

“Yes, you are right, there are plenty of wealthy nobles,” the sales manager bowed and walked beside Joseph, “but after all, this place is a lot more expensive compared to the ‘Royal Palace Gardens.'”

“Royal Palace Gardens” were listed at 60,000 francs, with an actual transaction price around 70,000, while “Star Garden” was marked at 100,000, generally needing a discount to 95,000 francs to make a sale.

The sales manager continued, “Everyone feels that the Royal Palace Gardens will also have gas lamps installed sooner or later, so they expect prices here may drop, that’s why they are waiting…”

Joseph frowned and nodded. It seemed this was completely similar to real estate in future generations, buying highs not lows, fostering a price reduction expectation.

He immediately instructed the manager, “Please select the most conspicuous property and place my coat of arms on it.

“Then, in the newspapers, advertise that the ‘most expensive, most luxurious residential area in Paris’ has only the last 10 sets left. Remember, not as an advertisement, but get a journalist to write it as a news article, emphasizing that only those of the highest status can live here, and the prices will never drop.

“Afterwards, all those who come to buy a property must first enter a lottery, only those who win can make a purchase, and the price can only increase.”

“Lottery?”

“It’s a kind of draw, but make it more diversified, like having small balls with numbers for people to pick. Only those who pick a specific pattern three times qualify to buy.”

The sales manager hesitated, “Your Highness, but if the buyers lose patience and leave…”

“Do as I say, and it will sell faster,” Joseph smiled, “You can have someone sell the lottery tickets privately in the name of ‘Star Gardens’ management, to those who want to buy but didn’t get a ticket, a ticket for 2,000 francs. If not bought, next month it goes up to 3,000.”

Jokingly, those mere hundred-plus properties, all the rich in France were eyeing this place. Those future strategies like “scarcity marketing,” “concept marketing,” and the like, it would be odd if it didn’t sell.

Royal Palace Gardens took up less than a quarter of the area, more phases were still to be built. If all sold, the net profit could reach 20 million francs!

Previously, the condominiums in the “Royal Palace Gardens” had already sold for 70,000 Leva apiece. With gas street lights as an added bonus, those properties should at least sell for 100,000 Leva. Plus, later putting the real estate company on the market could rake in another substantial amount.