"I apologize for the delay, everyone. Please refresh and check back in ten minutes." The young author expressed deep regret.
With such magnitude in mind, the idea of filling a third of France's trade deficit was indeed a pipe dream.
Yet Joseph appeared utterly confident as he looked around at everyone and said, "What if I were to invest 20 million francs into the Trade Alliance?"
The room fell silent at once.
Even though these business and political magnates were accustomed to the high life and were themselves extremely wealthy, the figure of 20 million francs still sent their minds buzzing.
What did this amount represent?
500,000 francs was enough to establish a large trading caravan—capable of influencing the trade volume of a major city.
The total profits of all French trading caravans last year were estimated to be around 50 to 60 million francs.
With this move, the Crown Prince was investing nearly half a year's worth of national caravan profits!
Immediately, several of them swallowed hard, excitement gleaming in their eyes.
Ordinarily, forming a large trading caravan with ample funds would take about two months to prepare, after which the market would gradually be familiarized with, starting normal operations.
But the funds at hand were more than sufficient, they were extravagant! It was a serious overflow!
If each trading caravan invested an additional 100,000 francs to recruit help, almost overnight their framework could be established—as long as the wages were high enough, employees from other caravans would flock to the Trade Alliance of their own accord.
They could even acquire other trading caravans. Many would be willing to sell their ompanies for a 20% premium.
They could also allocate a few thousand francs for advertising in their cities, hiring people to spread good word of mouth, with the added credibility of the Royal Family and government backing, factories burdened with stockpiles of goods would definitely choose the caravans of the Trade Alliance without hesitation.
In this way, with an investment of 20 million francs, the existing scale of the Trade Alliance could double within a week, swiftly monopolizing the market.
Dupont nodded subconsciously, "With such a large capital investment, quickly restoring trade routes would be no problem!"
Mirabeau, as a Cabinet Minister well-informed of the national finances, expressed concern, "Your Highness, if we mobilize such a large amount of money, the treasury might have difficulty sustaining the pressure..."
It was a joke, as after the tax reform, the government's operational funds for the next year hadn't even been fully gathered yet. With another 20 million taken out, the government might have to shut down next year.
Joseph spoke calmly, "There's no need to worry about the money, I'll handle it.
"Mr. Bailly, please construct the Trade Alliance as quickly as possible, and the rest of you contact your respective caravans for agreements to join."
He didn't even ask if the caravan bosses were willing to join the Trade Alliance—with a whopping investment of 20 million on the table, anyone who refused would surely have their head examined.
As for the funding issue, he planned to borrow 20 million from the Royal Insurance Company in advance. The insurance company's sales were booming and they had ample cash on hand, actively looking for investment opportunities.
And how to repay this enormous loan in the future?
Of course, that would be the Tax Farmers' concern.
To pull off such a huge maneuver and still expect to emerge unscathed?
Originally, buying 10 million francs of government bonds per family would have settled matters, but these insatiable fellows insisted on hardening their head, so now it would be changed to 10 million as a fine!
Incidentally, their money could also be used to integrate the domestic trade system, improve caravan management levels, speak with one voice in foreign trade, and thus significantly enhance competitive strength.
Mirabeau and the others hadn't expected the Crown Prince to casually throw out 20 million francs and were still trying to advise His Highness to be cautious, but they saw Joseph had already turned to the Chief of Police, Viscount Besancon, "Please leave for Marseille immediately and make preparations to control the port with police officers.
"If anyone instigates a strike without cause, arrest them immediately. Ensure the port maintains normal order."
The head of Police Headquarters immediately stood at attention and responded loudly, "Yes, Your Highness!" However, there was a hint of hesitation in his eyes, "Your Highness, if those people cause serious trouble..."
"You have permission to shoot on sight," Joseph stated without hesitation. "But try to avoid harming ordinary dockworkers and crew members."
"Yes, Your Highness!" Viscount Besancon now appeared much more confident.
Joseph then turned to the assistant manager of the Twin Brothers Company, "Mr. Vorant, you will also accompany Viscount Besancon to Marseille. Once there, spread the word that in the near future, the Twin Brothers Company will have a large number of urgently needed goods arriving, and at that time an extra 20% will be paid to the dockworkers, tugboat men and port managers.
"If the port really starts causing trouble, you can keep raising this amount until the wages double if necessary.
"Afterwards, make private contact with other captains coming to port, asking them to increase their pay as well. We will cover the additional costs."
"Yes, Your Highness, I will make sure to meet your expectations," Vorant bowed and took the assignment.
Joseph then drew a check from the drawer, signed his name, stamped it, and handed it to Vorant, "Please confirm with the Bank of France Reserve first that the Marseille branch can pay out 1.5 million francs at any time. If not, then bring the money directly from Paris."
After a series of rapid task assignments, Mirabeau and the others took their orders and left, not daring to delay their execution for a moment.
On Joseph's side, he summoned Mala, ordering him to dispatch personnel to oversee the entire process of the funds allocated this time.
After all, the sum was simply too large and had to be spent quickly through unconventional means, making it difficult not to tempt those handling it.
For the moment, only Mala and his men seemed capable of resisting the lure of money.
Robespierre approached the Tuileries Palace with a grim expression, straightened his collar, and strode upstairs.
Behind him, three subordinates from the Revenue Office carried wooden boxes filled with report materials.
Before long, Joseph, looking at the files spread out on the table, had an even more somber face than Robespierre.
These were all questionable accounts of the Tax Farmers, found based on public appeals recently reviewed by the Revenue Office.
The findings were simply shocking!
The commander-in-chief of the British Army would attend the Governor's Advisory Council and become a member, while the district commanders joined the Provincial Governments' Advisory Councils and also became members. The Advisory Councils had many secretaries, each responsible for certain departmental functions, which gradually evolved into the central ministries and provincial government departments.
At the county level, the tax collector was a principal official, responsible for not only tax collection but also a range of administrative and judicial matters. Additionally, there was a Chief of Police in charge of maintaining public order, as well as the police station, tasked with upholding law and order and carrying out suppression.
Government officials were initially chosen from company employees, with many at first juggling dual roles. After Hastings became Governor...