I Became A Genius Of The French Royal Family [EN]: Chapter 167

1790.

The last decade of the 18th century, just before entering the 19th century, began with the launch of the Provisional Assembly.

Since it was impossible to hold national elections right from the start, it was decided to form a Provisional Assembly to discuss state affairs.

The Senate, composed of nobles, was mostly, or rather, virtually entirely, made up of those influenced by me.

On the other hand, the House of Representatives was divided mainly between Robespierre and Danton.

Until now, they had walked together as comrades opposing the old regime, but once they became members of the Assembly, their tendencies were too different to mix as one.

Moderately checking and criticizing each other is necessary for healthy politics, so I decided to leave it as it was for now.

As long as I am here, the extreme behavior of Robespierre, who beheaded all opposition like in the original history, will not happen.

The Prime Minister, who would lead France’s first historical Assembly, was to be decided by a vote in the Senate and the House of Representatives.

And with the approval of 93% of all members, the Duke of Orléans, me, was elected as the first Prime Minister of historical France.

In fact, if I had wanted to, I could have had myself elected unanimously.

But honestly, that smells too much like a setup, doesn’t it?

Anything in moderation is good.

If I manipulate the election results too obviously, the election disaster of a certain country where the voter turnout exceeds 100% might be reproduced here.

Meanwhile, as the French Assembly officially began to function, Louis XVI issued an official statement respecting the decisions of the Assembly.

-France, establishing the most perfect political balance in all of Europe!

In fact, strictly speaking, it was a system that England had established long ago, but the French, drunk on national pride, didn’t care about such facts.

And originally, latecomers benefit from the pioneers.

My goal was clear.

To establish a system that best suits France today by adding modern systems little by little to the systems of England and the United States.

The first step was to normalize the messed-up finances and establish a modern bank.

The National Bank of Paris.

There was a good reason why France had failed to establish a modern bank in the past.

How could proper finance sprout when the social system had not escaped the Middle Ages?

In addition, various social problems overlapped, and France’s financial credibility hit rock bottom in Europe, so it would have been stranger if it had succeeded.

But today’s France is completely different from before.

First of all, the financial situation has dramatically improved as a bill was passed to collect taxes from not only the nobles but also the clergy.

Perhaps because of that, Finance Minister Turgot’s ears perked up whenever I met him recently.

“Your Highness! This is a miracle. The amount of tax expected to be collected this year is the highest ever—no, it’s beyond words. If we continue like this, we can quickly reduce the debt to a stable level.”

“The guys who live best in the country weren’t paying taxes, so there was no money in the treasury. Still, as tax revenue increases, so will expenditures, so we’ll have to manage it wisely.”

“Of course. Still, it seems much easier than before when we had to tighten our belts.”

“You can’t always see it that way. As finance develops in the future, new incidents and accidents will occur in proportion to it. Think of it as the problems you’ve been experiencing so far changing into different kinds of problems.”

It was not surprising that the finances became incomparably more affluent than before, as a matter of course.

Immediately, the 1st and 2nd estates [the clergy and nobility], who had not been paying taxes until now, occupied 40% of France’s land.

Moreover, most of that land was among the most fertile lands in France.

No matter how good France’s productivity is in Europe, the country cannot function properly.

It’s like playing chess with the rooks and bishops removed.

“But Duke…no, Prime Minister. Did the Vatican also approve of taxing even the clergy, let alone the nobles?”

“Even if the Vatican opposes what we’re going to do, what can they do? Well, to some extent, it was discussed in advance, so you don’t have to worry about that. Just push the policy with confidence.”

“I understand. Then I will continue to collect taxes like now.”

Turgot nodded with the happiest expression in the world.

Perhaps the people who welcome the current reforms the most are not the commoners, but financial officials like Turgot and Necker.

Of course, as Turgot feared, the clergy initially tried to avoid taxes by making various excuses.

“We are not as harsh as the nobles who revolted.”

“If you had revolted, you would not have been able to save your lives beyond paying taxes. But it is a serious crime just for the clergy to openly interfere in politics until now. His Holiness the Pope has emphasized so much that the clergy should be faithful to their original duties.”

If you don’t like it, don’t do religious activities here and leave.

Anyway, the Pope is on my side, not yours.

Public opinion? No matter how devout Catholics the French people are, the trend has already tilted.

If you keep resisting here, it will only look like you are whining because you don’t want to pay taxes.

As expected, after watching the situation for a while, they decided to pay taxes quietly after seeing the nobles’ heads being cut off spectacularly at the guillotine.

Turgot didn’t know the series of events that had taken place behind the scenes, so he wondered why the clergy had become so docile, but it’s not a problem at all.

“Now that tax collectors are not collecting taxes, there may be some confusion for a while. We plan to establish an agency dedicated to taxes and greatly increase the number of officials, so please compile a list of suitable people and recommend them—people who are strong enough not to be swayed by the persuasion or pressure of the nobles.”

“I understand. I will carefully select those who can enforce the law more strictly and squeeze well…no, enforce the law well.”

How much stress has been built up to show such a pleasant reaction?

Well, as much as that side shows enthusiasm, this side’s finances will become more solid, so I have nothing to lose.

Rather, should I praise it as excellent?

This is the attitude of exemplary officials.

Please continue to collect taxes with all your might in the future.

※※※

What is the characteristic that best expresses the countries of Europe?

The answer is jealousy and rivalry…and backstabbing.

“France’s movements are unusual, aren’t they?”

“Who are the fools who predicted that national power would be diminished by civil war?”

“No, honestly, how can you predict that the rebellion will be suppressed in 3 days? Anyway, we must pay close attention to what results France’s reforms will bring.”

It hurts even if a cousin buys land, so how envious must they be if a neighboring country’s national power becomes stronger?

Perhaps they feel like their guts are twisting.

According to Europe’s beautiful tradition of unconditionally undermining well-off countries, this French reform was bound to receive tremendous attention.

In particular, the influence of commoners has become stronger, and the results have limited royal power, so they must have been somewhat scared.

The reason why neighboring countries tried to suppress the French Revolution in the original history is similar.

If that spark reaches here, this side will also be in trouble? It was a manifestation of a sense of crisis.

Knowing that well, I took the initiative and dispatched diplomats in advance.

The incident that broke out this time is only a domestic issue in France, and it will have no impact on our allies.

We are busy with internal affairs, and we don’t have money to start new businesses~ We will never touch neighboring countries.

It is to spread this message.

And the surrounding countries, understanding my intentions, sent replies one after another.

“Prime Minister. This is an envoy sent by British Prime Minister Pitt.”

“Oh, really. Give it to me.”

I knew that the answer would come from England the fastest.

Roughly reading it, the content did not deviate from expectations.

Congratulations on France’s successful end to the civil war and hopes to become a relationship that will develop together in the future.

They also conveyed a subtle request that they had apprehended the Marquis of Belille for that reason, and that France would keep its promise.

Does this guy have a thick skin?

Who doesn’t know that he tried to use the nobles who revolted to see how it goes, and then immediately changed his attitude when it didn’t work out?

Anyway, Pitt sent this letter while being confident that I would know everything.

“He’s always an annoying friend. I’d feel refreshed if he lost in the next election, but it’s a pity that it won’t happen.”

Muttering to himself, he turned his gaze to the side, and Marie took a piece of apple and held it out.

Looking at her bulging belly, now carrying her third child, I quickly took the apple and ate it.

I should avoid using rough words as much as possible in case the child hears it.

Be careful with your mouth.

“Come to think of it, it seems like it’s time for news from Vienna…”

“Wouldn’t it be? My brother is incredibly envious about the current situation in France.”

“Is that so?”

“My brother wants to carry out reforms based on the Enlightenment. But it probably won’t work. He wants to become an enlightened monarch, but he doesn’t want to relinquish the power as Holy Roman Emperor.”

Marie made a rather sharp criticism with a nonchalant face.

“Still, wouldn’t the desire to reform be genuine?”

“Maybe so. So he’s subtly hinting that I would help. If France supports him, it will be a strong supporter diplomatically and militarily. But since I am French, I have made it clear that I can only provide help in a way that is in line with France’s national interests.”

“That’s fine. When the Austrian ambassador comes later, we’ll propose cooperation first. He’s your brother, not someone else, so how can’t we give that much help?”

Looking into Marie’s eyes filled with emotion, I smiled.

Of course, it’s not a lie that it’s for the sake of my wife’s brother, whom I love most in the world, but there’s a reason for this too.

Austria must become a breakwater that checks Prussia, which will become stronger in the future.

The Holy Roman Empire, which has less of a nationalist color than Germany, which prioritizes the integration and unity of the Germanic people, is less threatening.

In some ways, future Germany could be an even more threatening presence than England.

No matter how strong New France becomes and how much it increases its naval power, Germany can push directly towards France.

Right now, my French army all-stars would easily crush them if that happened, but I don’t know what will happen in the next generation or the generation after that.

So we have to prepare for candidates who will be a threat in the future from now on.

If we maximize Austria, it can check not only Germany but also Russia in the future, so it can be said to be killing two birds with one stone.

There’s no reason not to help as if we’re doing them a favor.

“By the way, hasn’t Joseph II consulted with his wife about the issue of Russia?”

“Russia?”

Even though Russia is an ally now, there can never be eternal alliances in the world.

This side is also connected by royal families and the territory is separate, but Austria will not be entirely pleased for Russia’s national power to grow.

There must be internal discussions going on in some way.

Marie, who had been searching her memory for a while, slowly shook her head.

“He said that it would become burdensome if Russia becomes too strong. But there was nothing more than that?”

“…Is that so?”

Well, even if she is his sister, he couldn’t have revealed too sensitive stories to someone who has become a member of the French royal family.

It seemed that I had no choice but to find out separately.

Of course, no matter how things go, I don’t have the slightest intention of invading Russia.

That Russian ending is not happening on this side.

While I was diligently refining my diplomatic strategy in my head, Grushi came running inside with a piece of paper.

“Your Highness, urgent news!”

“Hmm? Did the answer finally come from Austria?”

“No. It’s a report from New France.”