Chapter 524: Unleash the Power of Money!
Given the current scale of the Trade Alliance, attempting to fill one-third of France's trade gap seemed utterly unrealistic.
Yet Joseph, exuding unwavering confidence, scanned the room and said:
"What if I inject 20 million francs into the Trade Alliance?"
The room fell silent.
Even for these titans of politics and commerce, each accustomed to immense wealth and influence, the number 20 million francs hit like a thunderclap.
What did it mean?
With just 500,000 francs, one could establish a large merchant caravan capable of handling trade for a major city.
Last year, the combined profits of all French merchant caravans were estimated at 50 to 60 million francs. Joseph's proposed investment alone equaled nearly half a year's profits for the entire industry!
The gathered men swallowed hard, their eyes alight with excitement.
Under normal circumstances, creating a large caravan required at least two months of preparation. Even then, it would take additional time to gain a foothold in the market and begin full operations.
But this was no ordinary situation—this level of funding wasn't just adequate, it was opulent—to the point of extravagance.
If they used an extra 10,000 or so francs per caravan to aggressively hire personnel, they could establish the framework of new caravans almost overnight. With salaries high enough, workers from competing caravans would defect in droves.
They could even outright purchase other caravans. A 20% premium on the price would entice many to sell.
Add a few thousand francs to advertise their services and leverage the Crown's endorsement for credibility, and factories suffering from inventory stagnation would jump at the chance to work with Trade Alliance caravans.
In this scenario, 20 million francs could exponentially expand the Alliance's scale within a week, allowing it to dominate the market.
Dupont, barely restraining his enthusiasm, nodded.
"With such an enormous investment, reestablishing trade routes swiftly would not be a problem!"
Mirabeau, more familiar with the nation's strained finances, looked worried.
"Your Highness, mobilizing such a sum would place immense strain on the treasury…"
The Crown Prince's calm reply:
"Do not concern yourself with the funding. I will handle it.
"Monsieur Bailly, please establish the Trade Alliance as quickly as possible. The rest of you should contact your trusted caravans to finalize agreements for their participation."
Joseph didn't even question whether caravans would agree to join. With 20 million francs at stake, only a fool would refuse.
As for financing, Joseph planned to borrow the 20 million from the Royal Insurance Company. The company was thriving, flush with cash, and actively seeking lucrative investment opportunities.
And how would he repay such a colossal debt?
The answer was simple: the tax farmers would pay.
Initially, they could have bought 10 million francs in government bonds to settle matters. However, their audacity in plotting disruption meant it was time to revise the terms. Now, they'd each pay 10 million francs in fines instead.
Additionally, he could seize the opportunity to consolidate domestic trade, improve caravan management, and unify France's voice in international commerce—thereby significantly boosting its competitive edge.
Mirabeau and the others were still reeling from Joseph's casual decision to invest such a staggering sum when the Crown Prince turned to the head of the police force, Viscount Besançon:
"Please depart for Marseille immediately and personally oversee order at the port.
"If anyone incites strikes without just cause, arrest them on the spot. Ensure Marseille remains fully operational."
The police chief stood to attention and responded sharply:
"Yes, Your Highness!" Then, hesitating slightly, he added, "But if the agitators grow unruly…"
"You are authorized to open fire if necessary," Joseph replied without hesitation. "But try to avoid harming regular dockworkers and sailors."
"Yes, Your Highness!" The chief's confidence visibly grew.
Joseph next addressed Volant, the assistant to the Twin Trade Company's general manager:
"Volant, accompany the Viscount to Marseille. Once there, spread word that the Twin Trade Company will be bringing in large shipments and offering port workers, haulers, and supervisors a 20% pay increase.
"If unrest occurs, you are authorized to raise the rate repeatedly, even doubling wages if necessary.
"Also, quietly reach out to captains of incoming ships and encourage them to follow suit. Any additional costs they incur will be reimbursed."
"Yes, Your Highness," Volant said, bowing. "I'll ensure you're satisfied with the results."
Joseph then signed and stamped a draft order, handing it to Volant:
"Check with the Royal Treasury Bank to confirm that the Marseille branch can immediately release 1.5 million francs. If not, bring the funds directly from Paris."
After assigning these tasks with swift precision, Mirabeau and the others hurried off to execute their orders without delay.
Joseph then summoned Marat, instructing him to deploy trusted personnel to oversee the disbursement of these vast funds.
Given the astronomical amounts involved and the unconventional speed of spending, the temptation for embezzlement was enormous. Of those he trusted to resist such temptation, Marat's team was among the few.
A Week Later.
Robespierre stormed into the Tuileries Palace, his face dark with anger. Straightening his collar, he marched up to the second floor.
Behind him, three subordinates from the tax bureau carried wooden crates filled with documents.
Moments later, Joseph surveyed the spread of reports on his desk, his expression growing as grim as Robespierre's.
The documents detailed accounts unearthed through the ongoing tax audit—a record of misconduct so staggering it was almost unbelievable.
Robespierre's voice was cold and deliberate as he explained:
"This man, Paul Gossien Léon, originally owned 47 acres of land inherited from his ancestors. His family had never been in arrears on taxes.
"But tax farmer Jacques Étienne de Pocques suddenly advanced the collection deadline that year. Combined with a cold spring delaying the wheat harvest, 18 farmers in the village went bankrupt.
"Including tenant farmers abandoning their fields, over 30 households surrendered their land. In the end, Pocques acquired most of the village's property…"
Joseph read through Léon's file, his anger barely contained. It noted that Léon's second child was lost in a miscarriage during the ordeal, and his mother passed away the following year after being displaced.
Robespierre continued:
"In Stienne, tax farmer Leconnue relocated the tax collection point 10 miles from the village to a hunting lodge after consecutive years of flooding…"
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