Stanisław August Poniatowski spoke with extreme humility, "Your Majesty, Poland will always be under your protection. Every nation knows that any improvement in Poland is inseparable from your grace."
"Is that so?" Catherine II slightly shook her head, "I have heard that you are incessantly instilling in your people the idea that they are Polish, whether they speak Polish, Russian, or German."
A cold sweat instantly broke out on the back of the King of Poland. He knew that if he misspoke a single word at this moment, it could plunge Poland into hell.
But the smile on his face became even more radiant, "Your Majesty, this is just a trick to coax those Prussians and Romanians who are reluctant to pay taxes. If they feel they are Polish, they will pay taxes to the King of Poland, won't they?"
The main ethnic groups in Poland, namely the Poles and Lithuanians, did not make up a high proportion. There were a large number of Prussians, Russians, Austrians, and Romanians within its borders. This was one of the important reasons why it was difficult to form a united defense against foreign invasions.
Stanisław II continued, "Some foolish officials in Warsaw somehow spread this 'deception' to Ukraine. There is really no need for that there.
"Oh, if this makes you uncomfortable, I will order them to stop such propaganda right now."
The idea of Polish nationalism had been widely embraced over the past two years, so deeply ingrained in people's hearts that there was no further need for the government to promote it.
Later, he would have the Congress issue a prohibition, forbidding the promotion of the "Great Polish Nation" ideology. But a tide of thought cannot be halted by decrees; it might even provoke a rebellious spirit among the populace and stir up another height of fervor.
However, this deprived Russia of excuses to trouble the Polish Government—look how hard I've tried, but these wretches just won't listen, there's nothing I can do.
Catherine II narrowed her eyes, as if accepting Stanisław's explanation, then abruptly asked, "Then what about the significant expansion of the Warsaw army these past few months? Is it also to scare those wretches who refuse to pay taxes?"
Stanisław II felt his scalp tighten. Honestly, if it weren't for the thorough contingency plans his nephew and Mr. Sais made before he set out, he would surely have been too nervous to speak at this moment.
Fortunately, the Tsar's question was not beyond expectation.
"Your Majesty, it's also just to make some money," he pleaded pitifully, "You know, the debt problem in Poland has become extremely serious."
"I think more troops will only consume more finances to maintain," the Tsar's voice was somewhat icy, "Tell me who exactly all these troops are meant to fight against?"
Stanisław II struggled to keep calm, feigning injury, "Your Majesty, these troops are truly just a business venture.
"Mavahovski, to make some money for the national treasury, thought of the Bulgarian approach of organizing useless wretches into mercenaries.
"Just as Austria expressed their need to deal with the rebellion in Slavonia, so I allowed him to recruit some people to earn commission.
"Rest assured, once the business with Austria is done, I will immediately disband these troops. Ah, in fact, I don't even have the money to feed so many soldiers."
This, of course, was just to buy time. As long as Russia was temporarily not opposed, once these new recruits were seasoned, we wouldn't have to fear Russia raising objections again.
"Alright," Catherine II finally smiled again, "Stanisław, I must remind you that only Russia truly supports Poland and wishes for her to become strong. Without Russia, Poland would fall into danger."
Stanisław II quickly bowed, "Yes, Your Majesty, please believe that this is my thought as well."
The next day at noon, Catherine II received a letter from Potemkin.
The letter advised her not to trust Stanislaw II. After the new constitution was passed, Poland was gradually drifting away from Russia, inching closer to being a sovereign state. Russia should, as ever, be prepared for war with Poland and not let its guard down.
Though he was in Iasi, he had been tipped off by his romantic rival Zubov, discovering that the King of Poland was trying to influence the Tsar. He immediately wrote this letter.
Catherine II hesitated for a moment before tossing the letter into a drawer.
Actually, Potemkin's reminder was unnecessary. As one of the most capable monarchs in Europe, she had long realized that Stanislaw II's flattery hid ulterior motives.
Yet, unusually, she found herself wavering. Although all signs from Poland indicated that they were preparing something, Stach had also assured her that these would be rectified.
For some reason, she suddenly recalled his melancholic and world-weary gaze and felt, in an instant, that she should trust him once—that Poland would still be the submissive and obedient protectorate it used to be...
Southern Netherlands.
Edmond Henry Demville gazed at the sailboats under the setting sun, feeling a surge of unreality.
In his more than twenty years, he had never imagined that he would become a sailor, just as he had never envisioned clearing that horrendous debt.
The old Demville had tormented him for sixteen whole years, leaving him with an inheritance of 5,300 Leva in debt.
The old drunkard's life had consisted only of swill and drunken rages. Six years ago, he had, in a drunken mishap, killed a noble, and the court sentenced him to twenty years in prison and a 3,000 Leva compensation payment.
He had the good fortune to die before going to jail. Demville's mother, in order to pay off the debt, had sold all their property and borrowed from every friend and relative who would lend to her, finally managing to pay off that 3,000 Leva.
Afterward, she had worked herself to death.
After so many years, 3,000 Levas in interest upon interest had, in effect, become over 5,000.
When a desperate Demville laden with debt had lost all hope, one of his distant relatives, also one of his greatest creditors, Maderno, introduced him to a very profitable job opportunity.
He could earn 1,600 francs a year. In less than four years, he could be free of debt!
That was running maritime business with the Wales Gang.
At that time, Demville was still quite disillusioned because he had never set foot on a boat in his life, let alone be a sailor.
However, Maderno informed him that the Wallon Commercial Committee had recently established an "Ocean Commercial School" where he could learn how to become a sailor. The tuition was only 30 francs, and he could start learning first, with the tuition fees to be paid later.
So, after undergoing four months of intensive training, Demville successfully passed the assessment for "apprentice odd job worker" and then obtained a position on board the "Leisure."
Hmm, the Wales Gang's quota for sailors was already full. Nevertheless, the boatswain of the "Leisure" had promised him an annual salary of 1,550 francs as long as he ensured he sailed with the ship six times a year.