Chapter 627: Request from Charles

Chapter 628 Request from Ciel

Kobucil and Count Rheinfels looked at each other again, and both saw movement in each other's eyes.

To be honest, the Treaty of the Rhine-Seine did not bring about what Austria wanted at all.

At the beginning of the signing of the agreement, everyone in Austria believed that they could take this opportunity to introduce their products to France and occupy the South German market.

France also allowed Austria to set fairly high protective tariffs in its own advantageous industries.

Unexpectedly, France's industrial development speed was simply shocking. Whether it was production scale, quality or cost, it didn't take long to completely surpass Austria, let alone other South German states.

Even Austria's traditional advantageous industries, such as ironmaking and glass manufacturing, began to be unable to withstand French competition.

In terms of the steel industry, France has invested heavily in the Walloon region of the Southern Netherlands and built many iron smelting plants. The smelting technology is very advanced. Every day, a large number of high-quality iron products are transported from there to the Rhine River and sold along the river to the south. All over Germany. From quality to price, they completely beat Austrian products.

As for glass products, although Austria is still the largest exporter, the production process requires the import of soda ash, colorants and other chemical raw materials from France. The price of soda ash in France is only two-thirds that of other countries, and the output is amazing. Monopolized the European market. This resulted in more than a quarter of the profits of Austrian glass going to France.

At the same time, the French used the cheap soda ash in their hands to significantly reduce the cost of their own glass. Although it can only produce mid- to low-end products due to backward technology, it has seriously impacted the Austrian glass industry.

On the other hand, France's advantageous industries such as paper, cosmetics, furniture, and chemical products, despite Austria's high tariffs of 60% to 80%, are still more affordable than local Austrian products.

What's more, France's chemical industry had not yet developed when the agreement was signed, so the tariffs imposed by the South German countries were only 15%. This caused French soda ash, soap and other products to sweep across South Germany overnight, causing all related industries in these countries to go bankrupt.

In addition, the French are particularly good at sales. For products of the same quality and price, they use some gimmicks, add exquisite packaging, and put them in exquisitely decorated department stores, and the sales volume can exceed that of Austrian products several times.

Although Kobczl did not want to admit it, in fact, the South German countries had gradually become a dumping ground for French products.

Therefore, if, as the British said, they could unite all the South German states and re-sign the "Rhine-Seine Treaty", it would be what Austria wants.

However, this still risks offending France.

Kobczl sent Grenwell away first, and then immediately reported the matter to Leopold II.

On the hospital bed, Emperor Shinra looked at the Minister of State tiredly, coughing and asked:

"Baron Turgut, ahem, what do you, ahem, think?"

The latter pondered for a moment, then leaned forward and said: "Your Majesty, this is a good opportunity to change our country's trade situation.

"However, the British clearly want to use this to damage our relationship with France. And France may indeed be angry because of this."

Leopold II leaned on the pillow and sighed:

"So, ahem, we should ignore, ahem, the British advice?"

"No, Your Majesty," said Baron Turgut, "we should take advantage of the British mind and let them bear the pressure."

"Please, cough, go on."

“I think the UK can be invited to join the Treaty of the Rhine-Seine, and then the UK can request a renegotiation of tariff rates.

"At the same time, let Salzburg propose that the implementation of the agreement be suspended during the renegotiation period. All the contracting parties will vote to decide whether to do so. I believe that except France and possibly Baden, other countries will agree to the suspension.

"In this case, even if France is dissatisfied, it will not vent its anger on our country."

Leopold II coughed violently again, nodded and said:

"Your method, cough, is very feasible, cough. Please talk to the British, cough. If they, cough, don't want to join, cough, you can give them, cough, some benefits. For example, with Prussia , ahem, improve the relationship.”

"Yes, Your Majesty."

What Leopold II didn't expect was that the next day, Baron Turgut proposed to Grenwell that Britain join the Treaty of the Rhine-Seine. The British agreed without hesitation and even said that they could. Including Saxony, Thuringia and even Prussia into this trade agreement.

That afternoon, Lord Grenville left Vienna and rushed to Württemberg to discuss the trade agreement.

In the carriage, he pondered and dictated a report to the British Parliament to his assistant, who wrote and copied it.

Kevin Ronid looked at the draft report and said with some hesitation:

"My lord, this matter will put our country at risk, and the parliament is likely to veto it..."

"No, the Prime Minister will definitely ask the MPs to agree." Grenville smiled, "It is destined that we will confront France, and it is not a risk.

"The Austrians want to use us to resist France, but they forget that this will also bring our country and Austria closer. At the same time, the South German countries will also owe us a favor."

He leaned forward and whispered: "If necessary, we can even threaten them by withdrawing from the negotiations on the Treaty of the Rhine-Seine."

…

Paris.

Palace of Versailles.

Joseph checked the gift list copied by the clerk one by one and handed it to Emang: "Please send someone to give this list to the Gemini Company, let them complete the purchase within three days, and then ship it to Russia as quickly as possible. ”

"Yes, Your Highness."

Joseph rubbed his forehead tiredly, and just picked up the black tea and took a sip when he saw his younger brother Charles throwing away the tutor's hand and running in with great strides.

The little boy bowed to Joseph, then clasped his hands on his chest, blushed, and said loudly: "Brother, please go and propose to Grand Duchess Alexandra!"

"Pfft -" Joseph almost sprayed Eman with a sip of tea. Only then did he notice that there seemed to be tears on Charles's face, so he took the handkerchief from the tutor's hand and knelt down to wipe away his tears. Smiled:

"Why do you suddenly want me to propose to her?"

"I..." Ciel hesitated for a moment, then finally puffed up his chest and said, "Because I want to play with her, and I also want to defeat her with a sword!"

Joseph smiled: "But what does this have to do with proposing?"

"Because she is going back to Petersburg!"

Joseph nodded: "She is going back to attend Prince Potemkin's funeral, right?"

"But I don't want her to leave!" Charles was so anxious that tears came out again. "If she can marry into the Bourbon family, she can stay in Paris forever!"