บท 19: Chapter 19: Assistant Minister of Finance
Chapter 19: Assistant Minister of Finance
When the cabinet ministers heard this, regardless of what they truly thought, they all stood up to congratulate the Prince. Flattering words poured in from all directions.
As Joseph politely returned their greetings, the golden doors of the hall were pushed open, and the herald's voice rang out, "His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Queen!"
The ministers were surprised to see King Louis XVI, who rarely attended cabinet meetings, entering the room. They quickly turned toward him and Queen Marie Antoinette, bowing respectfully.
Louis XVI was familiar with the ministers, so his social anxiety wasn't as bad. He smiled and said, "You all are as diligent as ever. Oh, can someone tell me what you were discussing?"
Monot immediately responded with a bright smile, "Your Majesty, we were just expressing our respect for the Prince's remarkable achievements in his police reforms!"
Louis XVI and the Queen took their seats at the head of the table, both looking pleased, especially Queen Marie, who eagerly recounted Joseph's recent accomplishments once more.
Seeing that the atmosphere was just right, Monot glanced meaningfully at Joseph and then cleared his throat. He stood up and said, "Your Majesty, during the time the Prince served in the Police Department, he has shown exceptional talent. I recall that you mentioned if the Prince performed well at the City Hall, he might be considered for the position of Assistant Minister of Finance."
Queen Marie smiled and nodded.
The Minister of Justice, Sumial, frowned slightly and glanced at the Duke of Orléans, but seeing no reaction from him, he muttered just loudly enough for those nearby to hear, "His Majesty only said the Prince could be allowed to become acquainted with financial matters..."
But his words were just loud enough for a few people nearby to catch.
Queen Marie's smile faded as she scanned the room, her gaze finally settling on Finance Minister Brienne. "Archbishop Brienne, what do you think of this matter?"
Monot shot a reassuring look at Joseph, signaling that he had already spoken with Brienne.
The round-faced old man stood up, bowed to the Queen, and without hesitation said, "Your Majesty, I believe the Prince is fully capable of serving as Assistant Minister of Finance."
Being the Archbishop of Toulouse and the Prime Minister, as well as the Minister of Finance, his approval meant that others would not object.
Queen Marie's smile returned, and she was about to announce the appointment when Brienne added, "However, Your Highness, the current financial situation is critical, and your experience in this area is somewhat limited. Therefore, I must insist on retaining the final say in financial policies. The Prince should not bypass me in handling financial matters. I hope Your Majesty will agree to this."
Joseph couldn't help but smile wryly. You're really that worried I'll mess up the country's finances? But who else but me can save the treasury?
He was contemplating how to persuade the old man when the Duke of Orléans suddenly stood up and said, "Archbishop Brienne, the country's financial affairs are numerous. Many small matters have always been handled by the Assistant Minister of Finance. If you personally oversee every detail, it will undoubtedly distract you from more important tasks. I believe your focus should be on advancing the new tax law, rather than being burdened by minor matters."
The room fell silent, and everyone was surprised. The last time the cabinet met, the Duke of Orléans and the Prince had nearly come to blows, so why was he now speaking in support of him?
Queen Marie cautiously asked Brienne, "What responsibilities does the Assistant Minister of Finance currently handle?"
"Primarily dealing with loans and repaying national debt, as well as some tax legislation matters," Brienne replied.
The Queen's concerns eased. These were straightforward tasks; there were long-standing practices for loans with banks, and legal experts assisted in drafting legislation. Joseph would surely manage these responsibilities with ease, and it would allow him to become familiar with financial matters.
Without further hesitation, she politely consulted with Louis XVI and then announced, "The Prince will fully handle the responsibilities previously managed by the Assistant Minister of Finance. All other matters must be approved by Archbishop Brienne.
"Effective immediately, the Prince is appointed Assistant Minister of Finance. Count Barrandon, please prepare the appointment documents."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Joseph bowed in acceptance of the appointment, said a few formal words, and then glanced at the Duke of Orléans, wondering what he was planning.
Although the Duke of Orléans remained calm, inwardly, he was smug.
He knew that with Joseph's recent rise in prominence, it was impossible to prevent him from becoming Assistant Minister of Finance. So, he had started planning a trap for Joseph days ago.
Next month, there was a 6 million livre national debt that needed to be repaid. The Duke had already arranged with the bankers to halt all loans to the government.
He could already imagine the headlines: "Prince's Mismanagement Triggers Government Debt Default, Leading to a Financial Crisis."
Queen Marie encouraged her son and then turned to Brienne. "Let's begin today's agenda."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The round-faced old man took out the prepared documents, put on his gold-rimmed glasses, and said, "Given this year's fiscal situation, I believe the budget for the second half of the year must be further reduced."
He looked at Queen Marie, who nodded. "Indeed, I've reviewed your report and fully support the proposal. On behalf of the Royal Family, I pledge to reduce our annual expenses by 1 million livres to help ease the financial burden."
"Thank you for your generosity, Your Majesty," Brienne said before turning to the middle-aged man with the long face and large nose seated on the right side of the table. "I suggest the navy reduce the construction of one battleship and two second-class ships. This will save the treasury 1.35 million livres."
The Navy Minister, the Marquis de Castries, immediately jumped to his feet and protested loudly, "This is unacceptable! The British fleet already far surpasses ours! We need to build four more battleships just to maintain our trade routes, and now you want to cut one? And two second-class ships on top of that!"
Queen Marie gestured for him to calm down and then looked at the other ministers. "What are your thoughts?"
Most expressed support for the cuts, thinking that since the budget was limited, it was better to reduce naval expenditures than their own. Castries was sweating profusely, realizing he couldn't rely on the others. His eyes fell on the Prince.
He had heard that the Prince had recently fought gang members in the Saint-Antoine district, so he assumed the young prince was a strong-willed hawk who would support expanding the navy.
Turning to Joseph, he asked, "Your Highness, do you support Archbishop Brienne's budget cuts? This will only weaken us further against the British!"
"No!" Joseph's response was firm. "Cutting one battleship is unacceptable!"
"Exactly..." Castries began, but he was stunned into silence when Joseph finished his sentence.
"I believe the navy's entire battleship construction program should be put on hold!"
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