Jefferson was quite efficient at his work.
Early the next day, the proposal to join forces with France to eradicate the Barbary pirates had already been submitted by him to the United States Federal Congress.
There was also mention of purchasing two escort ships tacked on at the end, but it was mentioned briefly, as if he did not intend for Congress to pass that part of the proposal.
Two days later, at the French Embassy in the United States.
The ambassador to the United States, Victor Dupont—the eldest son of the president of the French Chamber of Commerce—hurried into an office on the second floor of the embassy and, with a tip of his hat, greeted the special envoy reading by the window:
"Archbishop Talleyrand, I've just heard from the United States Congress...
He took a couple of sips from a cup of water brought by a servant and continued, "The majority of the American congress members are in favor of contributing money to fight the pirates, but they want to reduce the amount to 150,000 US dollars. As for purchasing warships, they seem to lack enthusiasm. The final vote might have to wait until next week."
"Thank you for the update, Mr. Dupont."
Talleyrand closed his book indifferently, thinking to himself: Just as the Crown Prince predicted, getting these poor and miserly Americans to pay up wouldn't be easy. It seems necessary to approach that member of the "American founding faction"—what's his name again?
He took out his notebook from his pocket, where the Crown Prince's instructions were detailedly noted down.
"Hamilton." He found the name, looked up at Dupont, and asked, "Would you be so kind as to arrange a meeting with Mr. Alexander Hamilton for me?"
"Of course, Archbishop Talleyrand."
That very afternoon, in a private villa in Philadelphia, Talleyrand was able to meet with the "founding faction" leader Hamilton, as the Crown Prince had referred to him.
Yes, the United States had gained independence in 1783, and five years had passed, yet the United States still had not truly formed a nation. The so-called Federal Congress was merely a symbolic leadership body, with specific affairs decided separately by the assemblies of the thirteen states, essentially in a state of anarchy.
And the congressmen from the thirteen states were divided into two factions—the nationalists and the status quo faction. Although the United States had drafted a Constitution the previous year, setting a general direction for nation-building, the latter was still fiercely obstructing this process.
After some perfunctory small talk, Talleyrand suddenly sighed and said earnestly, "Mr. Hamilton, to be honest, I truly feel sorry for the United States."
"Oh? Why would you say that?"
"The people of the thirteen states have paid a tremendous price to win this great independence, yet to this day the United States is still fragmented, without even a central government to lead the nation."
Hamilton was stunned momentarily, then nodded in deep agreement. "You are absolutely right!"
"Those congressmen only consider their immediate interests, yet they slander those who wish to establish a united America as seeking 'centralization' and 'dictatorship'! Look at the Federal Congress now—it doesn't even have the power to collect a bit of tax."
Talleyrand agreed, "The loose and weak thirteen states have no deterrent force, and that's why even Mediterranean pirates dare to bully you."
"At this rate, it won't be long before the Native Americans, Canadians, or Caribbean pirates will turn their sights on you."
Hamilton clenched his fist tightly. "And those people in the Federal Congress keep preaching about the 'perils of centralization'... I think they're just scared of their power in the state legislatures being diminished."
"If it weren't for Shays' Rebellion that frightened them, the United States would still be under a confederate system now!"
"Look at the world; all strong nations have a strong government. Even better is to have a strong leader, similar to..."
The words "His Majesty the King of France" were on the tip of his tongue, but it was indeed hard for him to spit out such a clumsy lie, so after a brief pause, he changed tack:
"Just like England, France, and Austria. If we had a king right now in the United States, it wouldn't be long before we could escape our current impoverished and backward state!"
Talleyrand spread his hands, "Regrettably, the United States Federal Congress needs to strengthen its appeal to potentially give rise to your government."
He looked at Hamilton, who had an indignant expression on his face, and a hint of amusement flashed in his eyes; "Unity only comes internally when facing a powerful enemy." Find your next adventure on freewebnovel.com
"Speaking of which, there is currently an opportunity that could enhance the prestige of the Federal Congress, but sadly, your congress members don't care about it at all."
"Oh? What is it?"
"Buying warships to join the French Navy in fighting the Barbary pirates!"
Seeing Hamilton's puzzled look, Talleyrand immediately continued, "The warships to be purchased would belong to the Federal Congress."
"Imagine for a moment, after the pirates are eradicated, whether the headlines in the American newspapers would read 'The French helped us deal with the pirates' or 'Our warships went to the Mediterranean to exterminate the pirates'. Which one would better lift the American people's confidence in the Federal Congress?"
Hamilton's eyes lit up upon hearing this. Exactly! A victorious battle abroad is undoubtedly the best means to strengthen national cohesion, even if the opponents are just pirates.
And those foolish and shortsighted congressmen were even thinking about rejecting the proposal to buy the warships these past few days!
No! The warships must be bought; this is a prime opportunity to prompt the establishment of the United States government, and it would be best to buy several so that American warships can sink a pirate ship.
Thinking about buying the ships, his heart suddenly sank, "Archbishop Talleyrand, to be frank with you, I fear the Federal Congress might really be unable to allocate tens of thousands of dollars for two escort ships."
When merchant ships were hijacked by pirates, the states would pool money to ransom the crew, yet they were unwilling to contribute an extra cent to the Federal Congress in peacetime.
"This..." Archbishop Talleyrand pretended to ponder for a moment, "perhaps I could find a way to help you."
"Oh? Are you saying you could provide a loan?"
"That's not what I mean." Talleyrand leaned back in his chair, "I can try to persuade the French Government to accept your cotton in exchange for warships.
"However, as you know, if the funding to fight the pirates is not handled well, I might not find it too easy to speak on your behalf."
Upon hearing that warships could be obtained without spending money, Hamilton immediately responded without hesitation, "Please rest assured, I will contact all the 'Federalists' to ensure the bill is passed as soon as possible."
"That would be best."
As Talleyrand spoke, he put on a mysterious expression: "If I could secure a lower cotton import tariff for the United States, would you be interested?"
"Of course!" Hamilton nodded immediately. Cotton was a significant export for the United States, and increasing exports to France would bring substantial profits.
Talleyrand smiled: "However, this matter is not so simple, you see, I have quite a few personal connections to manage..."
"We wouldn't want to trouble you, how much 'expense' would you need?"
"Hmm, about 4000 US Dollars," Talleyrand said with a radiant smile.
In fact, whether it was paying for ships with cotton or increasing American cotton imports, it was part of Joseph's established policy—to promote the development of the textile industry, a sufficient supply of raw materials was essential. Yet, now it had become a card in Talleyrand's hand.
Hamilton agreed without any reservations: "As you have suggested, Archbishop Talleyrand. I will immediately apply for special funding."
With Hamilton, and the 'Federalists,' or as Joseph called them, the 'Founders', actively lobbying, all the bills regarding fighting pirates were passed three days later.
Even with the insistence of Hamilton and others, the Federal Congress eventually decided to exchange cotton for three escort ships.
After Talleyrand signed a series of agreements with Jefferson and received his 4000 dollar fee, he was content to board the ship bound for Russia.
In the ship's hold, there were also 15000 Charleville 1763 flintlock guns.
The Americans had quickly provided the guns. After all, following their independence, they had disbanded tens of thousands of militiamen, and a large number of firearms lay unused in warehouses, so using them to return a favor to the French was no issue.
The Lorraine Province of France.
Toul City.
"Ha, this is what they call exile?"
Mala looked disdainfully at the vast estate and the small castle-like cream-colored villa, scoffing, "If only all the poor in France could be 'exiled' like this."
He had always disliked dealing with bureaucrats, but for the sake of the French people, he resolutely went forward and rang the bronze bell at the gate of the fence.
Soon, from inside the cream-colored villa, a well-groomed nobleman in his fifties smiled at Mala and said, "It's cold. Would you like some hot cocoa to warm up?"
"Oh, I've been away from Paris for too long, I haven't even heard of the Justice Investigation Department, please forgive me."
"May I know the reason for your visit all the way here?"
Mala glanced at the cup in front of him but did not touch it, preferring the pure bitterness of coffee that could jolt the brain, over the sticky sweetness of cocoa.
"Viscount Carolina, could you tell me some clues about Mr. Jacques Necker's embezzlement?"
Carolina was visibly taken aback, then buried his head in enjoying his hot cocoa, calmly said, "I'm not quite sure what you mean, but Mr. Necker should be an upright man ..."
"You need not hide it." Mala pulled out a stack of papers and placed them beside the teacup tray, "These are copies of documents from his time as director.
"Many loans here are unusual. Specifically, the first loan he took out after taking office had a clearly excessive interest rate, and the bank that granted it had a special connection with him.
"Then there's this and this..."
Carolina glanced at the documents and shook his head, "I've been away from politics for too long, I don't quite understand these things anymore.
"If you think there's a problem here, then continue your investigation, why come to tell me?"
As he spoke, he looked towards the door at the servant with a strong face and some Germanic features, "Fred, is there something?"
"Oh, Mr. Marvin asked me to ask you, what shall we prepare for dinner?"
Carolina waved his hand, "Just the usual."
"Yes, my lord."
Once the servant had closed the door and left, Mala turned to Carolina again, "Although I suspect there are signs of embezzlement in these loans, it is very difficult to find evidence. You know, after all, these are things that happened over a decade ago. Like this loan of five million livres, although the interest is high, he can find plenty of excuses to make it seem reasonable."
"If you knew something and told me, I could send this embezzler to prison immediately!"
"You?" Carolina looked him over again with a faint smile, "Ah, I recall now, you are that famous journalist who often criticizes the government's policies."
"Yes, indeed."
"Then you should know about Mr. Necker's character. Besides, I truly know nothing."
Evans, Mala's assistant, got a bit anxious and loudly said, "I know you don't get along with Necker, so why not help us bring him to justice?"
Carolina shook his head calmly, "You must have heard some rumors. In fact, my relationship with Mr. Necker is harmonious."
Half an hour later, having obtained no useful information, Mala grabbed his hat, ready to rise and take his leave.
Carolina gestured toward the cocoa on the table, "Gentlemen, this is excellent cocoa beans, don't waste it."
Mala picked up the cup and drank it down in a huff, only to find the taste different from what he had imagined — rich and sweet, obviously with a lot of sugar added.
He normally couldn't afford such a sweetened drink.
"Thank you for your hospitality." He nodded, and with his assistant, left Carolina's villa.
On the country road outside, Evans looked back at the off-white building, disheartened, "It seems we've come in vain."
Mala frowned and shook his head, "Valois' intel shouldn't be wrong. But why won't Carolina tell us anything?"
"These shameless bureaucrats are all in cahoots. He must have taken Necker's bribe and is trying to cover for him!"
"But Valois said their feud was deep... maybe, Carolina just doesn't trust us. We'll come back tomorrow." Experience more content on freewebnovel.com
...
Twilight.
Next to the orchard of the Carolina Family Estate, Fred, the servant who looked like a German, stood next to a cart of coal and spoke in a low voice, "That person also took out Mr. Necker's loan documents from back then, saying they had issues. Apparently, there was one loan of five million livres, with a very high interest rate."
"Mala?" The "coal shipper" on the cart mused, "That name sounds familiar, isn't he someone from the newly established Justice Investigation Department?"
Lorraine Province of France is rich in coal, and people use it for heating. But coal mines struggle to transport coal to various locations, giving rise to the profession of coal shippers, who can be seen everywhere.
Fred immediately nodded, "Yes, Carolina also mentioned that department."
The "coal shipper" narrowed his eyes, "Did they trace something back to Mr. Necker? What did Carolina tell them?"
"I was sent away, I didn't hear what they said afterward. But they talked for over half an hour."
The "coal shipper" suddenly showed a cold gleam in his eyes, "Which means those two may well know something..."
"Where are they now?"
"Ferlick followed them to Old Vances's inn."
The "coal shipper" waved his hand, "Alright, you go back."
"Yes, Mr. Erice."
When Erice returned to a dilapidated dwelling in the Toul Urban District with the coal cart, he spoke sternly to the two burly men dozing off in bed, "Get up, we have work to do."
The two men, who had been sleeping like logs, suddenly sprang up, nimbly put on their boots, and pulled out daggers, pistols, and other items from the gap beside the bed, stuffing them into their clothes in a flash.
[Note 1] A confederation and a federation are different. A confederation is a formal union of states, with each state retaining its sovereignty and independence. A federation, on the other hand, shares political power with states and has a higher status than states, allowing for the unified allocation of resources among the thirteen states.