Chapter 293

Chapter 294 "Big Thunder" in Vienna

Talleyrand did not know the importance of the steam engine, but Joseph knew it better than anyone.

The steam engine is the soul of the first industrial revolution. Whoever masters the most advanced steam engine technology will have the key to the future!

And Watt, the soul of the British Industrial Revolution, will no longer be the chosen son in history.

Unlike later countries that invested heavily in technological competition, European countries in the 18th century were far from realizing the huge impact of these mechanical gadgets on national strength, so the British government had no intention of subsidizing the Watt Company.

In addition, the Treaty of Eden signed by Britain and France stipulated that France enjoyed negligible tariffs on industrial products sold by Britain. A year and a half ago, the British firmly believed that France could not have any decent industry. Products can be exported to Britain - so even if the British government wants to protect its own steam engine industry, it will be unable to do so under the restrictions of the treaty.

The French United Steam Engine Company has begun to set up a branch in Birmingham. On the one hand, it can easily repair the machines sold to the UK. On the other hand, it can also absorb British talents in this field. When it encounters good talents, it will go to France for business trips. They are trying to drain the UK from under the cauldron.

The funds used by the British to purchase steam engines can continue to be used to promote the technological research and development of the United Steam Engine Company.

It can be said that France has taken the lead in this regard and will take the lead step by step in the future!

Joseph had already written to the United Steam Engine Company to increase investment and increase production in order to occupy the British steam engine market as soon as possible.

Seeing that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince seemed to attach great importance to the export of steam engines, Talleyrand immediately followed the topic and said: "Your Highness, since this machine can be sold well in the UK, maybe we can also promote it in Austria and Bavaria."

Joseph gave him an appreciative look: "You are right, Archbishop Talleyrand. In fact, my main mission in going to Austria this time is to sign the Austria-France trade agreement with my uncle.

"Oh, it would be best if under the influence of Austria, other German states can take the initiative to sign a trade agreement with France. If it doesn't go so smoothly, I will at least sign the agreement with Saxony and Bavaria before returning to France.

"Oh, regarding diplomatic matters, I have to leave the hard work to you and your subordinates."

French industrial products need a broad market to have sufficient sales.

This time he went to find a market for French goods.

The wealthy core areas of Europe are naturally the best markets right now. The markets of Austria, Saxony, and Bavaria account for more than 60% of the German region. If possible, Joseph even wants to sign a trade agreement with Prussia.

As for small countries such as Poland, Denmark, and Italy, it is left to the Secretary of Commerce to sign agreements with them.

Bilateral trade agreements are still relatively new in Europe. The most representative one currently is the Treaty of Eden between Britain and France. Other European countries are also interested in trying, but they are not clear about the methods, so it is a good time for Joseph to take advantage of this information gap.

Of course, French products have not yet begun to be sold in Europe, which is one of the important reasons why the agreement can be signed. Otherwise, smart European countries will not easily let French goods in for dumping.

Along the way, Joseph was preoccupied with French industry and trade, but ignored that a big thunder was waiting for him in Vienna.

…

Ten days later.

Along the main road southwest of Vienna, the flag of the Austrian Forbidden Army stretched for several miles.

At the front of the group was the future HRE Emperor Leopold II. However, because Emperor Shinra was elected by the electors, his current official identity is still the Grand Duke of Tuscany.

He came to greet the Dauphin of France on behalf of the seriously ill Joseph II. Austria was about to use troops in the Southern Netherlands, and Prussia was likely to intervene in the war, so he wanted to use the opportunity of the French Dauphin's visit to gain France's support for Austria.

Next to him, the lady wearing the latest light purple dress from Paris Fashion Week and a wide-brimmed hat decorated with colorful feathers is the current Grand Duchess of Tuscany, Maria Vidolucci [Note 1 】.

Leopold II saw the French motorcade approaching from a distance and immediately signaled to the entourage behind him.

A group of ceremonial officers immediately raised the flag, and at the same time the band began to play cheerful music.

The carriage stopped, Eman jumped out first, then bowed and opened the door on the other side.

Leopold II, surrounded by a large number of Austrian officials, greeted Joseph, "Ah, dear Joseph, I have been waiting for you for a long time! Look, the whole of Vienna is welcoming you!"

As soon as he came up, he greeted Joseph as a relative, and the meaning was quite intriguing.

Joseph got out of the car, walked a few steps quickly, and saluted Leopold II: "Dear uncle, I am glad that you came to pick me up and made me feel like I was back in Paris. Oh, and mother, she let me Let me tell you that she misses you very much."

After a few brief greetings, Joseph politely bent down and took Maria Vidoluka's hand, kissing the back of her hand gently. This is an etiquette to show respect to a lady of high status.

"Dear aunt, you are like the spring rain and dew in Vienna, spreading endless kindness and care to everyone. You are the most dazzling morning light in Austria, illuminating the entire kingdom with nobility and grace."

Maria Vidoluka returned the favor with a smile, and at the same time looked at the handsome French Crown Prince. Coupled with the compliment just now, her heart was already filled with joy.

No wonder Clementine was full of praise for her cousin after she came back, and her reputation was well-deserved - I'm afraid she couldn't find a better son-in-law than him in the whole of Europe!

She glanced at the carriages filled with gifts in the distance and thought to herself: This should be the betrothal gift, right? Oh, no, no, the bride price should not be brought by the fiancé in person, it should be just a meeting gift.

The meeting gift is so generous. When the Queen of France actually pays the betrothal gift, it will probably have to fill more than a dozen carriages.

"Oh, you must be tired from the journey, right?" Victor Luca happily hugged his future son-in-law and gestured towards the city of Vienna, "His Majesty the Emperor has prepared a grand banquet and is waiting for you at Schonbrunn Palace."

She lowered her voice again and said with some regret: "Clementine didn't know you were coming and returned to Tuscany half a month ago. If you can stay in Vienna for a while, I can send someone to urge her to come back. "

[Note 1] Leopold II’s wife was Spanish Princess Maria Luisa. Because she has the same name as the wife of Carlos IV (the one who put the hat on him), her German name Maria Vidoluka is used for the convenience of narration in the article.