Life of Being a Crown Prince in France-Chapter 639 - 548: England’s Strategic Direction
Chapter 639: Chapter 548: England’s Strategic Direction
The Marquess of Wellesley’s expression also became grave.
He silently continued to flip through the pages until he saw that the next segment of the report was about France’s diplomatic status.
It was equally astonishing.
Spain, as a relative of the Bourbon family, had always had a very good relationship with France.
It goes without saying that ever since the United States declared independence, they had been allies of France.
Austria, due to France’s substantial aid to them during the Silesian Wars, now appeared quite harmonious with France.
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The countries of Southern Germany had signed the Rhine-Saone Treaty with France, and trade was booming.
The Dutch Patriot Party had received help from France, and although there were some grievances concerning the affairs of the Southern Netherlands, overall, they lived in peace with France.
The Italian states always sought to balance between France and Austria, not daring to offend either side.
Russia was cooperating with France in developing the Donbas region, and Catherine II was very pleased with France’s investment there. With the two nations’ trade volume continuously increasing, rumors even suggested she considered marrying her great-granddaughter to the Crown Prince of France.
Wellesley couldn’t help but feel a sinking sensation in his heart.
A Franco-Russian alliance?!
That would create a terrifying colossus on the European Continent. With the current strength of Austria, Prussia, and others, they were simply incapable of contending with them.
In other words, France’s current diplomatic landscape was as wonderful as heaven itself.
Apart from Prussia, there were hardly any enemy states, and they were likely to receive the strong support of Russia.
Wellesley narrowed his eyes, realizing that he needed to quickly disrupt France’s international situation; otherwise, once it established dominance on the European Continent, England would never have its day in the sun again.
This was England’s long-held policy of “European Balance of Power”—the Continent must remain fragmented; never allowing a hegemon to emerge.
He looked at William Pitt Junior and said in a grave tone, “It seems we must act to maintain the balance.”
The latter nodded, “Indeed, we can’t afford to waste much more time.”
He glanced at the part of the report Wellesley had turned to and continued, “It also mentions the various reforms that France has carried out over the past two years.
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“We must admit, they have done very well.”
“They resolved their tax issues first and then took the opportunity to crack down on the restless nobility. Then they pushed for banking reforms, streamlined the financial system, and even established something called the ‘Industrial Development Fund,’ successfully stabilizing the anger of the nobles.
“After all this, their precarious finances began to stabilize. This was also the guarantee for their rapid industrial development thereafter.
“Next, they carried out land reforms, gaining a great deal of public support. Oh, and they recently took back tax collection rights. Although there were conflicts with the Tax Farmers and several hundred people were killed, domestic support for them actually grew louder.
“The Duke of Leeds predicts that with improved taxation, French industrial development will surge even more fiercely, greatly impacting our products in the European market.”
William Pitt Junior glanced again at the report, “The Duke of Leeds seldom mentioned France’s military affairs before, but you have already supplemented that. Likewise, it’s nothing to be optimistic about.
“Actually, His Majesty has essentially agreed to shift the nation towards a strategy against France.
“At present, I have instructed the Cabinet Ministers to strategize for their respective areas of responsibility. We will have several discussions afterward; oh, and you might also need to submit a report on the military aspect.
“After finalizing all the plans, they will be submitted for His Majesty’s signature and execution.”
He never mentioned Congress throughout. Although England was nominally ruled by Congress, in reality, those populist MPs were only capable of quibbling over taxation. As for such major strategies involving the fate of the nation, it was essentially the elite from the Noble House and the King who would discuss and decide.
William Pitt Junior sighed deeply after speaking, “It looks like our peaceful lives are about to end.”
As they were talking, the carriage stopped in front of St. James’s Palace.
The Marquess of Wellesley stepped out of the carriage and saw his mother and older brother waiting with more officials; then, all around erupted in cheers, “Our hero has returned!”
“It’s the Guardian of the Far East, the great Marquess of Wellesley!”
Wellesley found these praises rather grating. After briefly embracing his mother and older brother, he quickly followed William Pitt Junior into the ballroom celebrating his triumphant return.
He forced a smile, delivered a speech, danced the opening waltz, and then retreated to an inconspicuous corner, contemplating his next strategic moves against France.
A graceful figure in a white gown floated towards him, standing not far off with a glass of wine, expectantly waiting for Wellesley to invite her to dance.
This noble miss named Catherine Kitty Parkman was an object of Wellesley’s pursuit, but she had shown little interest in him until he had won a resounding victory in India, and her opinion finally shifted.
However, she waited for a good fifteen minutes, and the young officer who once burned with passion for her only hung his head silently, showing no intention of dancing with her.
Disheartened, she was about to move closer when she saw Lord Grenville, the Foreign Minister, approaching him, and she reluctantly stopped.
“Congratulations,” Grenville toasted Wellesley with a smile, “To a great victory.”
“To victory.”
The latter clinked glasses with him, made small talk, and soon the topic turned to England’s current grand strategy.
“As you’ve said, the current international situation is very favorable for the French people,” the Foreign Minister nodded, “But that doesn’t mean we can’t do anything.”
Wellesley had worked in a diplomatic capacity and knew well how difficult it was to launch an attack against France on the diplomatic front, and so he responded with surprise, “Do you already have a countermeasure?”
“I have some general ideas that I wanted to discuss with you.” Grenville always held Wellesley in high regard, often saying he was not nearly as clever.
“I have always believed that one must not be too greedy in doing anything. If one is unwilling to give up anything, in the end, one will lose everything.”
Wellesley nodded, “Please continue.”
“In the past, we were against Russia’s claims over Poland in order to better control trade with Russia.”
Grenville raised his glass slightly, “However, this not only offended our ally Prussia but also created a situation where Prussia and Austria were at odds.”
Wellesley contemplated and said, “Do you mean to say that our safeguarding of Poland has blocked the expansion of Prussia and Austria to the east?”
“Indeed, that’s the case. Without the involvement of Russia, it would be difficult for Prussia and Austria to expand eastward, especially Austria, which would prefer to focus its efforts in Romania instead. And this is precisely the situation that the French would be pleased to see.”
