I'm the Dauphin in France

Chapter 596: Polish Song (asking for monthly ticket)

Bailly went on to describe his envisioned "Northern Trading Point":
"Even if the British mobilize a large number of warships, for example, more than one-third of the naval force, to blockade the entire west coast of the Southern Netherlands, we can still transfer our 'business' to Dunkirk or even Calais to continue operations."

Joseph looked at his trade minister with some surprise, feeling that his plan did not seem to be something that was thought up on the spur of the moment.

Dunkirk and Calais are both seaports in northwestern France, only 50 kilometers away from Ostend, and there is a river connecting the two, making the transfer very easy.

He could already imagine that when the time came, the British would come to France angrily to question the rampant smuggling. Bailly would say with an innocent look on his face: A large number of smugglers from the Southern Netherlands had sneaked into Dunkirk and caused serious damage to the local order, but because it was a border town, there was a shortage of police force. The French government was currently mobilizing police to deal with the matter. The British were asked to exercise restraint and wait patiently.

It is even possible to get the British to "sponsor" some funds to combat smugglers in the Southern Netherlands.

Brian obviously also appreciated the ingenuity of this plan, and nodded with a smile:
"The British will definitely regret selling Dunkirk to us. In fact, there are so many small seaports on the north coast of the Southern Netherlands that I think it will be difficult for the British to completely blockade them."

Dunkirk was sold to France by Charles II for £40.

Brian then thought of another question: "Your Highness, those who intend to engage in smuggling...ah, 'special trade' are probably not very rich, so they may not be able to get a ship. In addition, the purchase of funds is also a big problem for them."

Joseph smiled and said, "We previously wiped out some of the Tripoli pirates, leaving behind some ships. Most of them are sealed in the leeward port of the Gulf of Gabes. We can sell them to the 'traders' at a low price, or even rent them to them."

Baiyi immediately added: "Or use the ship as a stake."

"Yes, it's not bad to buy shares." Joseph gave him an approving look and said, "As for the funds for purchasing goods, the Industrial Development Fund can be used as a guarantee, allowing the factory to sell products on credit to the 'traders'."

Brian hesitated and said, "Your Highness, isn't this too risky? I mean, if the goods are confiscated by the British..."

"So we have to force everyone to buy insurance," Joseph said as a matter of course, "cargo loss insurance, personal accident insurance, etc., to minimize the risk."

Brian and the others looked at each other strangely - buying insurance for smugglers was simply unbelievable, but it also seemed quite reasonable.

Joseph continued: “In addition, let the Wallonia Chamber of Commerce fund the construction of a wooden track from Hennegau to Ostend to facilitate the transportation of goods.

"Also, recruit local personnel to form an 'anti-smuggling patrol' to protect the 'special trade'. They must be well-equipped because they may clash with the British Marines who risk landing."

He looked at Fouché again: "The Intelligence Bureau must also fully cooperate. Well, let's set up a 'Trade Investigation Department'..."

That afternoon, Bailly, as president of the "Special Trade Association", convened many French departments including finance, industry, taxation, and police to begin detailed planning for the "special trade", and submitted the preliminary plan to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince a week later.

……

Poland.

Warsaw.

In the Royal Castle in Warsaw, the band played melodious and solemn music. King Stanislaw II and Sieyès walked side by side between the guards standing in their best clothes. King Stanislaw said eagerly: "Please convey my most sincere gratitude to His Majesty the King and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. At this time when Poland needs help the most, they are the only ones who care about this place."

Sieyès said calmly, "I will certainly convey it to you, Your Majesty, but I came to Poland this time to discuss some Vatican matters with the Archbishop of Poznan, so I may not return to Paris for a while."

Stanisław II looked at his nephew Prince Poniatowski and wondered: Sieyès seemed to be the bishop appointed by Avignon, so why was he involved in the affairs of the Vatican?

Prince Poniatowski was the first to react and said hurriedly, "It's great that you are staying in Poland. Oh, His Majesty has prepared a welcome dinner for you, which will start soon."

"Thank you very much for your hospitality, Your Majesty." Sieyès bowed, and as he walked through the corridor, he turned his head and said to the prince, "In fact, if it were not for the need of etiquette, I would like to avoid such social activities.

"It should be said that Poland has no time to waste at the moment."

Stanislaw II and his nephew looked at each other, both of them were shocked: "What do you mean?"

Sieyès lowered his voice and said, "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince asked me to tell you that some of the surrounding countries may take action against Poland earlier than expected. War may break out in as early as half a year."

Prince Poniatovsky's expression suddenly became serious: "We did notice unusual movements of Mikhail Kakhovsky's corps in Russia."

"This should be just the beginning." Sieyès said, "With the truce between Prussia and Austria, the Prussian army will soon gather in the area from Tuchel to Kulm, and Poland will face the situation of being attacked from two sides.

"However, His Royal Highness is very happy that you followed his advice and did not get involved in the Austro-Prussian War. This made the Austrian side more willing to maintain the status quo in Poland."

As they were talking, the group had already reached the entrance of the banquet hall. Sieyès stopped and said:

"Although it may be a little abrupt to ask this, I hope to learn more about your country's preparations for war, especially in terms of military construction."

Two years ago, Joseph had instructed Prince Poniatowski that he must form an army of more than 10 people, which had to be capable of fighting, in order to withstand the fierce attacks from Russia and Prussia.

The prince was a little embarrassed: "At present, only 4 troops have been recruited and trained, but the enthusiasm of the Polish people to join the army is still very high."

Stanislaw II added in a low voice: "It's just that training and funding issues restrict us..."

Sieyès was obviously quite dissatisfied with the progress of the preparations, but if Joseph were here, he would probably praise Prince Poniatowski.

Historically, until the Second Partition of Poland began, the Polish main force had only about 3 people, plus some volunteers. However, under their own warning, they had formed an army of 4, two years earlier than in history.

Sieyès said solemnly:

"Your Majesty, it seems that you must speed up. Regarding the issue of military expenditure, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince suggested increasing the mining of the Tarnovsk Mountain silver mine. As far as Your Royal Highness knows, the scale of mining there has not yet reached 20% of the maximum output."

(End of this chapter)