Chapter 508: Make the Criminals Tremble, Mr. Robespierre!
Joseph was surprised by Robespierre's report. He had seen intelligence reports detailing threats and attacks on tax bureaus but had not realized the situation had escalated so severely.
The audacity of these tax farmers was staggering!
His initial reaction was to direct the intelligence bureau and police to strike back hard, showing these attackers the force of the law. However, another thought quickly crossed his mind, causing him to frown.
Who were Robespierre and his subordinates?
They were the foundation of his vision for a "French IRS"—an agency inspired by the modern American IRS, an organization that could arrest mafia bosses the FBI couldn't touch, haul congressmen out of public meetings, and even track down cybercriminals through their internet trails.
Yet here they were, timidly coming to him for help after being bullied by a handful of criminals. This wouldn't do.
In an era governed by jungle law, attacks on tax collectors and tax revolts were common. A tax department without some "bite" wouldn't be able to collect anything.
This was the perfect opportunity to toughen up the tax bureau.
Joseph's thoughts crystallized, and he fixed Robespierre with a sharp gaze.
"What's your plan for dealing with these despicable criminals?"
Robespierre immediately responded, "I'd like to request additional guards for the tax bureaus across the country—"
Joseph raised a hand, cutting him off.
"There will be no guards. Instead, I will authorize every tax officer to carry two pistols and a standard military saber. If necessary, you may even request cannons."
At present, tax officers were equipped with Charleville 1776 flintlock muskets, batons, and shields—a formidable arsenal for their time but not enough to instill confidence.
Robespierre was momentarily stunned. "Your Highness, but we're dealing with assassins—"
"So what? You are tax officers!" Joseph's tone rose. "You have undergone rigorous training at the Paris Police Academy. You have the authority to search, interrogate, and arrest.
"Whether it's assassins, gangsters, or smugglers, they should tremble at the sound of your name, not dare to threaten or attack you. Assaulting a tax officer is a serious crime. If you're armed, you must learn to use those weapons effectively!"
Hearing this, Robespierre felt a surge of resolve. The Prince was right. He was a proud tax officer, dedicated to serving the nation and its people. To cower before a gang of criminals was disgraceful. Where was his determination and conviction? Had they vanished at the first sign of danger?
Seeing the change in Robespierre's expression, Joseph continued:
"You represent justice, the entire French state, and you have the strength to make these criminals understand your power. Let them fear you so much that the mere thought of a tax officer gives them nightmares!
"Go now. Tell me what weapons you need, and I'll ensure you get them. But there will be no guards."
Robespierre snapped to attention and said loudly, "Yes, Your Highness!"
After leaving the Tuileries Palace, Robespierre returned to his office, tore up his previous speech meant to comfort his subordinates, and rewrote it based on the Prince's words.
Shortly after Robespierre departed, Brienne arrived in Joseph's office, beaming as he bowed in greeting.
"Your Highness, Viscount Berland just came to me with a proposal. He's willing to increase the tax farm fee to 540 million francs and relinquish control of certain trade-related taxes. The agreement is ready for signing. But per your instructions, I sent him away."
Joseph smiled. The Tax Farmers' Association was employing both threats and bribes—attacking tax officers on one hand while offering lucrative deals on the other.
Their actions indicated that his "illusion of wealth" had worked. The tax farmers' confidence in their ability to control the government with tax payments was crumbling.
The next step was to divide and conquer the tax farmers.
Joseph gave Brienne further instructions and then summoned Fouché to have the intelligence bureau investigate the forces behind the tax bureau attacks.
Most likely, the attackers were acting under the orders of the tax farmers. If he could uncover their involvement, it would further weaken their resistance to tax reforms.
Versailles Palace.
In the sitting room of the Prince's residence, Charles, one of the leading tax farmers, anxiously glanced at the door, his face lined with worry.
Three days earlier, his assets in France had been temporarily seized. The High Court's explanation was that the intelligence bureau was conducting an investigation.
Several of his banks and loan funds had been affected. Alarmed shareholders began bombarding him with questions about the situation.
Charles had pulled every string he could, but to no avail.
After spending thousands of francs, he finally learned from an intelligence bureau captain that the investigation was being conducted at the Prince's behest.
Panicked, Charles rushed to Versailles to plead his case.
Over an hour later, the Prince finally arrived.
Charles quickly stood, bowing respectfully. As he prepared to delicately inquire about the seizure of his assets, the Prince spoke first:
"You're here about the intelligence bureau's investigation into you, aren't you?"
Caught off guard, Charles nodded hastily. "Yes, Your Highness. I've always conducted legitimate business. The intelligence bureau's baseless seizure of my assets is causing me significant losses."
"Legitimate business?" Joseph's tone was cold and drawn out. "It seems you've forgotten a few things."
"I swear, Your Highness, all my ventures are lawful!"
"Really?" Joseph's expression darkened. "You've provided long-term financial support to the Southern Netherlands rebels. Even during their conflict with our army, your funding never stopped."
Charles was horrified. France had declared war on the Southern Netherlands rebels. By Joseph's logic, his actions amounted to aiding the enemy—a treasonous crime.
He waved his hands frantically. "That's impossible, Your Highness! I've always invested in royal families or governments, never rebels!"
"Is that so?"
Joseph gestured for Éman to bring over a folder. Flipping through it, he said:
"Your Charles-Botten Bank in the Southern Netherlands provided the rebels with three loans last year and facilitated dozens of fund transfers between Dutch and British banks."
Charles's eyes widened. "This… this can't be true!"
Joseph tossed the documents onto the table. "See for yourself."
Charles picked them up with trembling hands.
One record read: Charles-Botten Bank, Brussels Branch, October 21—loan of 37,000 livres to Herloss Steel Company.
Another: Charles-Botten Bank, Bruges Branch, December 1—loan of 20,000 livres to Ghent City Hall.
More records followed, detailing loans and financial transactions.
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