Chương 80: Chapter 80: Political Bargains
Chapter 80: Political Bargains
Monot bowed respectfully to Joseph and Brienne, and then said seriously, "This cabinet decision will determine the future direction of our finances, so everyone will approach it with extreme caution."
Brienne immediately smiled, "Count Monot, I've heard that your child is about to turn 15 and is quite exceptional."
He opened his arms toward Monot. "This might be a bit forward, but I believe he would be an excellent choice to inherit your title."
Monot's eyes lit up instantly. "Are you saying you have a way to make that happen?"
Monot was in his sixties, and his first wife and only legitimate son had died from illness. Although he had several illegitimate children, French law prohibited them from inheriting his estate.
Brienne nodded. "It will take some time, but I believe there are ways to accomplish it. I can promise you that."
Monot immediately grasped Brienne's hands in gratitude. "Archbishop Brienne, you have always been the Minister of Finance I respect the most! That will never change."
Monot had always had a good relationship with Brienne and, more recently, with Joseph. Now that the Prince was firmly backing Brienne, Monot had mostly made up his mind. However, he was determined to secure some political benefits for himself.
Brienne was quick to offer a reward. Securing the inheritance rights for a count's illegitimate child was no easy task. Without Brienne's influence in the Church and his power as Prime Minister, it would have been nearly impossible.
Of course, Monot was taking a significant political risk, but he calculated that even if Brienne were to fail, he would at least earn the Prince's favor, ensuring he wouldn't walk away empty-handed.
Brienne bowed in gratitude. "Thank you for your trust, Count Monot. You will always have my friendship."
With the deal sealed, Monot began to strategize for their side. "Archbishop Brienne, regarding tomorrow's decision, how confident are you?"
Brienne replied honestly, "At the moment, only the Prince and you are confirmed to support me."
Monot considered this. "By tradition, the military will not involve themselves in such matters. On the Duke of Orléans' side, there are the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, making them three as well. Therefore…"
Brienne finished the thought, "Count Nicolet's stance will be crucial."
Count Nicolet was the Minister of Records, usually the least notable of the cabinet ministers. But now, he had become the focal point of this political storm.
Monot lowered his head in thought. "The Duke of Orléans is likely already trying to win him over."
Joseph asked, "What do you think the Duke of Orléans might offer him?"
Monot thought for a moment. "It will probably be money—a large sum—or perhaps an estate. You know, the Duke of Orléans is very wealthy."
Joseph then inquired, "Can you tell me more about Count Nicolet?"
"Hmm, he was once an advisor to the King and later became Minister of Records on Viscount Calonne's recommendation. However, he hasn't achieved much and is often referred to behind his back as 'Invisible Nicolet.'"
After listening to Monot, Joseph smiled. "I think I'll have a talk with him."
...
As the evening approached, Count Nicolet walked respectfully beside the Prince, strolling slowly along the stone path on the edge of Versailles' square. He was well aware of the current situation, simply waiting for both sides to make their offers.
However, he had expected Brienne to approach him, not the Prince himself.
"Trade negotiations?" Nicolet asked in surprise. "Your Highness, are you saying I should lead the trade negotiations?"
Joseph nodded. "Yes, soon we will begin renegotiating the Eden Treaty with Britain."
Nicolet was puzzled. "But what does that have to do with me? Such negotiations are usually handled by the Foreign Minister and the Minister of Finance."
Joseph smiled. "Not necessarily. The Finance Minister handles the specific terms, while another person manages coordination and communication with the British. After today's cabinet meeting, it's clear that Vergennes and Archbishop Brienne will find it difficult to work together. Since the Finance Minister must be involved in the negotiations, we need someone else to assist him. Someone like you."
Nicolet felt a spark of excitement. Leading negotiations with the British would give him political capital that all his previous work in the census office couldn't match. The legendary Count of Vergennes' greatest achievement was forging the Franco-American alliance, and secondly, signing the Eden Treaty. Could it be that he, too, had a chance to achieve such acclaim?
But then he hesitated. "But, Your Highness, I have no experience in this..."
Joseph reassured him, "It's quite simple. You only need to uphold France's dignity in front of the British. I know you have excellent abilities, but you've never had the opportunity to showcase them. If you can demonstrate your diplomatic skills in these negotiations, you might even have the chance to become the next Foreign Minister."
Nicolet's breath quickened, not just because the position of Foreign Minister carried more power, but because he was already tired of the census work—endless reports and data, nothing exciting, and even ridicule. The role of Foreign Minister would allow him to operate on the world stage, dancing between nations with freedom and grace. What a grand and exhilarating prospect!
He looked at Joseph, asking earnestly, "Your Highness, are you sure the trade agreement will be renegotiated?"
"Absolutely sure. You can confirm this with the British Ambassador."
"And Archbishop Brienne will co-lead the negotiations with me?"
"I am conveying the Archbishop's own intentions."
Joseph smiled, knowing that when Monot mentioned Nicolet's wealth and dissatisfaction with his low profile in the cabinet, he knew exactly what to offer him.
Sure enough, Nicolet stopped, turned to Joseph, and placed a hand on his chest. "Your Highness, you will have the vote you seek."
Joseph nodded in satisfaction. "Count Nicolet, I should remind you of one last thing. If Archbishop Brienne is removed as Minister of Finance, then Necker and Vergennes will lead the negotiations instead."
Nicolet immediately responded, "Indeed, Your Highness. I will not let that happen!"
Compared to the allure of becoming Foreign Minister, the Duke of Orléans' offer of several hundred thousand livres paled in comparison.
Joseph bid Nicolet farewell and walked back toward Versailles, reflecting on the nature of politics. Politics is much like haggling in a marketplace—someone makes an offer, someone else counters, and the highest bidder wins.
Some are shrewd, able to drive the price up by playing on the buyer's desires. Or, if you're powerful enough, you simply take what you want by force. But in the end, it's all a matter of negotiation.
(End of Chapter)
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