Chapter 595: A Special Trade Plan
Fortunately, Joseph had already laid some groundwork in Poland.
For example, he had advised Prince Poniatowski on critical matters, funneled resources to Poland via America, and promoted the awakening of Polish nationalism.
But Joseph knew well that Poland in this era was extremely fragile after enduring over a century of "Liberum Veto" (a system allowing any noble to veto decisions in parliament).
France, for the moment, couldn't directly intervene in Poland's affairs without severely antagonizing Russia and Prussia, effectively strengthening Britain's plans for an anti-French alliance.
Thus, the best course of action was to maximize Poland's own resistance. If Poland could hold out just a little longer, it would buy France valuable time to prepare.
With Prussia and Russia likely needing another six months to a year to fully prepare for war, Joseph had to use this time wisely to bolster Poland's defenses.
Back in Paris
Five days later, Joseph returned to Paris and headed straight to Versailles. He summoned Brienne, Talleyrand, Bailly, Fouché, and other key ministers to his private chamber.
Once everyone was gathered, Joseph had Fouché provide an update on the situation between Prussia and Austria:
"...The two sides have officially signed a ceasefire.
Both armies have begun withdrawing from Silesia, under British and Russian supervision.
Additionally, Baron Thugut has managed to consolidate his control over Vienna's political landscape…"
When Fouché finished, Brienne immediately remarked, "In that case, we'll need to adjust our diplomatic approach toward Austria."
Joseph raised his hand, cutting him off. "Our priority isn't Austria; it's Poland. We must help Poland prepare to defend against invasions from Russia, Prussia, and perhaps even Austria."
Bailly looked startled. "Your Highness, Prussia? But isn't Prussia currently allied with Poland?"
"Trust me," Joseph said firmly. "Prussia is even more eager to carve up Poland than Russia. The moment Russia makes a move, Prussia will tear up their alliance."
Over the next few hours, Joseph outlined his plan to aid Poland. The group worked together to refine the details.
When they were done, Talleyrand put away his notebook and said, "Your Highness, I'll depart for Warsaw tomorrow to oversee this operation."
Joseph shook his head. "We need to minimize France's involvement in this matter, so you can't go."
Looking at the assembled ministers, he asked, "Does anyone have a recommendation for someone who could handle this?"
Bailly suggested, "Your Highness, I believe Abbé Emmanuel Sieyès would be an excellent choice. He's meticulous, highly skilled in political maneuvering, and capable of operating discreetly."
Joseph nodded thoughtfully.
Emmanuel Sieyès, one of the three great leaders of the Thermidorian Reaction, was a master politician. His skill wasn't just "notable"—it was unparalleled.
Historically, Sieyès had survived every major political upheaval during the French Revolution. He had masterminded Napoleon's 18 Brumaire coup and was even suspected of orchestrating the downfall of Robespierre.
In this timeline, with France enjoying stability, Sieyès had no stage to showcase his talents and was currently serving as a vice-bishop in Chartres.
Sending him to help Stanisław II Augustus stabilize Poland's political situation seemed like an ideal use of his abilities. Furthermore, Sieyès's ecclesiastical background would provide the perfect cover—he could be sent to Poland under the guise of a Catholic mission without attracting undue attention.
Turning to Eymond, Joseph instructed, "Please send someone to Chartres immediately and invite Sieyès to meet with me."
Bailly interjected, "Your Highness, there's no need; Abbé Sieyès is already at Versailles."
Eymond quickly confirmed Sieyès's whereabouts and went to fetch him.
Meeting Sieyès
Not long after, a tall, thin man in his late forties entered. Despite being a clergyman, Emmanuel Sieyès exuded an air of sharp intellect rather than religious piety.
He bowed deeply. "It is an honor to receive your summons, Your Highness. I am Emmanuel Sieyès, at your service."
After explaining the mission in Poland, Joseph sent Sieyès on his way the very next morning. Sieyès departed for Warsaw with a sizable aid package to bolster Polish defenses.
Feeling reassured that the Polish matter was in good hands, Joseph enjoyed lunch with his mother before turning his attention to his state-sponsored smuggling plan.
Discussing the Smuggling Plan
When Joseph outlined his idea, Bailly, the Minister of Trade, was immediately enthusiastic. His eyes sparkled as he said:
"Your Highness, I believe this is an excellent plan. In fact, British and Portuguese colonies are rife with dissatisfaction over their trade policies. If we can offer cheaper goods, the locals—especially influential figures—will clamor to distribute them for us."
In both British and Portuguese colonies, the colonial powers treated their territories as cash cows:
Raw materials were purchased at the lowest possible prices.Finished goods were sold at exorbitant rates, with the colonies having no alternative but to buy them.
This stifled local industries and kept colonial populations impoverished. The prospect of affordable French goods was bound to be irresistible.
However, Brienne, ever cautious, voiced his concerns:
"Your Highness, such actions are nearly tantamount to declaring war on Britain and Portugal."
Joseph dismissed the worry with a wave of his hand.
"We'll operate covertly. And as for war, don't concern yourself—I have plans to handle that."
Seeing Joseph's confidence, Brienne didn't press further. Instead, he suggested:
"If we proceed, we should centralize smuggling operations in Tripoli. That way, even if the British catch wind of our activities, we can claim the region is too remote to manage effectively. Additionally, Tripoli already has a bustling trade scene."
Bailly nodded but raised another issue:
"Ships leaving the Mediterranean for North America must pass through the Strait of Gibraltar. The British control that choke point and could easily intercept smuggling vessels. It's simply too narrow to evade their patrols."
Joseph asked, "What do you propose?"
Bailly smiled. "We could use Ostend in the Austrian Netherlands as another smuggling hub. While the area is under Austrian rule, the locals predominantly speak French and have little regard for Vienna's officials.
"In fact," he added with a chuckle, "many residents are more aligned with the Walloon District's Commercial Council, which is under French influence.
"If we offer a lucrative opportunity, the locals will undoubtedly cooperate. Moreover, Zeebrugge, just 30 kilometers from Ostend, could serve as an alternate port. If the British heavily patrol Ostend, ships could simply divert to Zeebrugge to load their cargo."
Joseph was impressed. With careful planning, France's "special trade" could quietly undercut British and Portuguese dominance without directly provoking war—at least for now.
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