Chapter 670 Isn’t it just going to hell?

Chapter 671 Isn’t it just going to hell?

Of course, currently, the Italian countries can only pay lip service due to their lack of strength.

But if Austria, which has huge influence in Italy, gives secret support, they really dare to bite a piece of flesh from the Papal State!

"Your Highness, why does Austria want to prevent the Holy See from supporting Poland?"

Joseph said without hesitation: "Austria is also going to attack Poland."

Facing Talleyrand's surprised gaze, he told Eman who was standing at the door: "Please let Mr. Fouche come to see me."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Joseph frowned and said: "Poland must immediately strengthen its defenses in the southwest."

Talleyrand said with some worry: "Your Highness, the current relationship between Bo and Austria is very close, and they may not take it seriously."

"And it also conflicts with the planned battle plan." Joseph sighed, "It seems that we are the only one to help them defend. At least we have to block the first wave of the Austrian offensive."

"You mean, we send troops directly?"

"No, that will put us into a diplomatic crisis." Joseph shook his head and looked at the map on the table, "We can own 40% of the shares of the Tarnovsk Mountain Silver Mine.

"It's none of our business if tough miners get armed to protect the mines."

He looked at Talleyrand again and said, "So, what's the situation on the Ottoman side?"

Talleyrand seemed relieved: "Selim III has agreed to provide logistical support to the Black Sea.

"In terms of trade, he asked for control of 40% of the steam transport ships, for us to assist in building a gun foundry, and to provide 2,000 sets of infantry equipment in exchange for 70% of the first right to purchase cotton and sugar cane."

"You did a very good job." Joseph nodded with satisfaction, "This way our Polish strategy can be strongly supported."

If the Ottomans refused to support Poland, Joseph would have no choice but to use the smuggling ships of the "Special Trade Association" to purchase supplies from the Levant and transport them to the north coast of the Black Sea.

Not only is this extremely expensive, but the transportation volume will certainly not be too large.

If Osman supplies supplies nearby, it will be twice the result with half the effort. More importantly, the Ottomans had many merchant ships in the Black Sea and could easily hide the presence of supply fleets.

While the two were talking, Eman lightly knocked on the door and said, "Your Highness, Viscount Carlona and Mr. Mesmer are back."

Talleyrand had already finished reporting his work, and after hearing this, he stood up and left.

After a while, the "liar duo" walked in under the leadership of Eman.

The two of them hurriedly saluted respectfully, and then hurled all kinds of disgusting compliments at the crown prince for free.

Joseph skillfully raised his hand to interrupt them, and then looked at Kalona: "Viscount Kalona, ​​have all the British 'funds' been properly handled?"

The latter bowed as if taking credit and said: "Don't worry, every penny has returned to France, and I swear, absolutely no one can trace the whereabouts of these money."

For the entire London gas street lighting project, he and Mesmer cooperated and obtained a total of 1.04 million pounds of "investment". But after this huge sum of money was remitted from the UK, it was easily detected that it had flowed into France.

As a professional who had served as finance minister, Kalona was sent by Joseph to handle the money.

In the end, he did live up to his trust and allowed all funds to flow safely into France through various investments, loans, share operations and other means.

He had been dealing with this matter for more than half a year before, and he had just returned to France.

“You did a great job!”

Joseph praised him, and suddenly remembered the previous things about the Holy See, and couldn't help but narrowed his eyes.

All he wanted was for the Holy See to issue a call for a "holy war" against heretics. Since Pius VI was unwilling to contribute, he could help him make the call.

As long as the morale of the Poles can be inflamed, what is the difference between the true Holy See and the false Holy See?

He looked at Mesmer. It just so happens that I have a talent here who is very good at "fake".

Joseph quickly planned it in his mind to confirm that this method was feasible, so he took out a pardon letter from the drawer and handed it to Mesmer: "You provided a lot of help to Viscount Carlona in London. It’s time for me to fulfill my promise. This is your pardon and you won’t have to go to jail again.”

Mesmer hurriedly took the pardon letter, unfolded it, and saw the signature and seal of Louis XVI on it. His eyes turned red with excitement, and he bowed vigorously to Joseph: "Thank you, Your Highness! Your most loyal servant will remember it throughout his life." Your kindness! Oh, and His Majesty the King, whose kindness is as..."

Joseph had no choice but to raise his hand to interrupt him again, and said with a smile: "If I remember correctly, all your property has been confiscated, right?"

"Yes, yes, Your Highness."

"So, even if you are free, you still have to beg?"

Mesmer smiled awkwardly and said, "Your Highness, I used to be a doctor."

"But your medical license has also been revoked."

"This...is indeed true."

Joseph nodded: "So, do you want to live a decent life again?"

"Yes! Of course I do!"

"I need you to do something for me," Joseph said to the liar. "After the task is completed, I will give you a new identity and 20,000 francs. You will return to the upper class society."

Mesmer bowed again excitedly: "Thank you for your trust, Your Highness! I am willing to do anything for you, even if it means sacrificing my life."

Joseph looked at him with a smile and said: "I need you to disguise yourself as a special envoy of the Holy See and go to Eastern Europe to help me spread some 'Pope's decrees'."

The room fell silent instantly.

Mesmer was clearly struggling.

He dared to deceive the king and deceive the tramp, but he really did not dare to falsely convey God's will!

Yes, in his view, the papal decree is the will of God.

He pursed his lips and took a small step back: "Your Highness, this... this is going to hell..."

Joseph kept smiling: "A bonus of 30,000 francs."

"I will be punished by God..."

"Forty thousand francs."

"No, Your Highness, you can't do this..."

"Add another title."

Mesmer was stunned.

After a moment, he nodded with an expression as if he was on the execution ground: "I...will be willing to serve you."

He is not pretending, people of this era really believe this.

However, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince gave too much.

Go to hell. Enjoy this life first.

It happened that Fouche also arrived at this time.

After Joseph saluted him, he pointed to Mesmer: "Please select some people who are familiar with academic affairs to go to Poland with Mr. Mesmer."

After explaining the task in detail, Joseph sent the two scammers away, and then continued to instruct Fouche: "You must send someone to confirm Austria's intention to send troops to Poland as soon as possible, and closely monitor the troop movements on the Austrian-Polish border.

"In addition, the Ottoman cargo will arrive soon, and you and the Crimean resistance need to prepare in advance."