Fulco and other senior officials of the Tax Farmers Association had left less than ten minutes ago when Brian hurriedly followed Eman into the room and bowed to Joseph, "Your Highness, there's a tricky matter that I'm afraid requires your intervention."
Brian, with a distressed look, said, "It concerns Queen Mary. Her Majesty summoned me and Baron Breti this morning to speak about the forgery incident involving the Tax Farmers Association. Her Majesty implied that the matter was not serious and suggested a fine would suffice, thereby negating the need to pursue legal action with the High Court."
Joseph looked surprised, "How did Her Majesty suddenly take an interest in this matter?"
Brian leaned in closer and said, "Your Highness, I heard that the Count of Artuwa pleaded for the Tax Farmers Association in front of Her Majesty. Additionally, it appears that Her Majesty received an expensive diamond crown, and the Countess of Debeninac also mentioned that some renovations are planned for the Palace of Versailles soon."
Joseph immediately frowned—these tax farmers had quite an influence, even managing to involve the King's brother and the Queen's personal maid, taking the matter directly to the Queen.
If Mother really intended to get involved in this, it would indeed be troublesome. After all, forging documents was not a serious crime on its own, and given the Count of Artuwa and the maid's face, it wouldn't be surprising for her to lightly gloss over this issue.
At present, the inspection of the Tax Farmers' accounts had not yet begun. Without the case of forgery, it would be necessary to extend the "banking sector reform" time, otherwise, the Tax Farmers might flee the country with vast sums amassed from bleeding France dry.
And the banking sector reform had already been ongoing for nearly half a month. Any further delay would undoubtedly have a negative impact on the economy of France.
Brian said, "Your Highness, now only you can persuade Queen Mary..."
Joseph nodded, signaling Eman to fetch his coat for him.
He felt somewhat confident in persuading mother, but the temptation of the expensive diamond crown and the royal palace renovations was definitely significant—he would likely need to expend some effort in persuasion.
As he caught a distant view of Versailles Palace Square, an idea suddenly struck him, and he narrowed his eyes slightly.
Even if he persuaded Mother this time, the Count of Artuwa could simply pester her again. Mother had a very good relationship with her younger brother-in-law, and should she inadvertently sign a Pardon Letter, that would be problematic.
Thus, the issue needed to be resolved from the root.
The carriage stopped. Joseph got out, but instead of heading towards the Petit Trianon Palace, he turned towards the residence of the Count of Artuwa.
The Count of Artuwa appeared surprised at the Crown Prince's visit, and hastily, along with his wife, Maria Josepha, came out to greet him:
"Dear Joseph, what brings you here? We were just preparing to go camping—it should be quite fun. Would you care to join..."
Joseph nodded in greeting, smiling as he said, "Let me guess, it was either Viscount Ford or Mr. Hope who called for it?"
The Count of Artuwa hesitated for a moment, let Joseph into the house, and asked with a slight frown, "What is it Your Highness wishes to say?"
Joseph didn't beat around the bush and turned to look at him, "My dear uncle, your recent interactions with the Tax Farmers Association seem to be rather frequent."
The Count of Artuwa smiled, "I have some private affairs with Viscount Ford. Why the sudden interest, Your Highness?"
Joseph nodded, "Yes, I'd imagine he showed quite a bit of 'sincerity' in asking for your help?"
The Count of Artuwa's expression shifted. He had heard of the Crown Prince's increasingly active participation in politics, but still regarded Joseph more as the young nephew, thus he adopted a superior attitude:
"Your Highness, I don't know what you've heard, and I prefer not to elaborate on it."
Joseph's voice grew colder, "My dear uncle, the investigation into the Tax Farmers Association is of great importance. Let me suggest that it would be in your best interest not to get too involved."
The Count of Artuwa was not expecting such a forthright warning from his nephew and narrowed his eyes, retorting quite impolitely, "Your Highness, I believe this is none of your concern."
Though he seldom involved himself in the affairs of state, he was still the King's closest brother, the Queen's intimate friend, the Crown Prince's uncle, and thus held a very high position in Versailles, hardly intimidated by the Crown Prince.
Most importantly, the Tax Farmers Association had given him a bribe of 1.5 million francs to help settle this minor matter of forgery.
With additional lavish gifts for Queen Mary, this affair could easily be resolved, bringing the substantial sum of 1.5 million francs into his hands.
How could he possibly spit out the windfall within his grasp just because of a few words from the Crown Prince?
Joseph picked up the cup of hot tea that the Countess had just brought, and enunciated each word carefully, "Your actions could cost France hundreds of millions of francs. I'm not here to discuss it with you—you must cease your association with those Tax Farmers."
"My dear Joseph, I have no idea what you are talking about. Moreover, my personal relationships are not for you to dictate."
Joseph gently blew on the tea, speaking calmly, "You hold shares in the Bank of France Reserve and the Paris Angel Company, as well as a significant portion of the Industrial Development Fund. These profits are sufficient for all your expenses, even leaving a substantial surplus."
He glanced at the Count of Artuwa, "If for just a bit of money from the Tax Farmers Association, your stable income is jeopardized, that wouldn't seem worthwhile, would it?"
The other man was taken aback, "What are you implying, Crown Prince?"
Joseph said, "You know that I control the Bank of France Reserve and the Paris Angel Company, and there are many ways I could dilute your shares. As for your dividends from the Industrial Development Fund, even your pension, I can make them cut."
The Count of Artuwa panicked instantly. He was currently reaping nearly 1.8 million francs annually from various dividends and his pension—if these were to be affected, he'd truly be devastated.
Joseph placed the tea cup heavily on the table, speaking sternly, "Your income from these dividends and such is built upon the foundation of a thriving France.
"And yet you would destroy your own foundation for a mere pittance!"
He lectured fiercely, and the Count of Artuwa, with a darkened face, bowed his head and listened, ironically appearing as if Joseph were the elder.
After a long struggle, the Count of Artuwa managed to speak, "But, I've already promised Viscount Ford to intercede on his behalf..."
Joseph glared at him coldly; even now, he was still being stubborn!
He exhaled softly and said, "If you continue to insist on meddling in this matter, I will have no choice but to let the Official Investigation Bureau convince you."
"Don't! You can't do that!" The Count of Artuwa had heard of the crazed actions of the Official Investigation Bureau, and as a top-ranking noble, he was not without his shadowy dealings.