Chapter 1036: 945: Using Others' Money to Do Your Own Thing

Chapter 1036: Chapter 945: Using Others’ Money to Do Your Own Thing

Hmm? Wait. Joseph suddenly thought of something.

In the past, Prussia indeed couldn’t afford to delay.

But now there’s a new variable—

The Ottoman Empire is going to send troops, and they’re targeting Wallachia.

As Russia, which has great ambitions for the Balkan Peninsula, how could it possibly sit back and watch the Ottomans reclaim it?

Right next to it is Russia’s Moldavia, and their significant stronghold on the north bank of the Danube River— Iasi.

If the Ottomans manage to establish a foothold in Wallachia, then Moldavia will be the next to be threatened.

Poland’s previous wounds to Russia were too severe, and the latter is still recovering, so they absolutely don’t wish to engage in a war of attrition with the Ottomans in the Danube region right now.

Therefore, the most favorable situation for Russia is for Austria to keep the Ottoman Army outside of Wallachia.

Joseph’s mouth curled into a smile.

Then Russia must take some action.

For example, helping Austria secure a few months’ respite.

This would not be a difficult task for Russia.

All they need to do is deploy tens of thousands of troops on the East Prussia border.

No need to actually fight, or even threaten, just have the soldiers silently watch Konigsberg, ensuring Prussia doesn’t dare to easily open a new battlefield in Silesia.

Given the Russians’ tendencies, it’s not at all surprising if they directly swallow East Prussia while Prussia is busy fighting Austria.

Wait until William II sends envoys to Saint Petersburg for repeated diplomatic communications to ensure the Russians won’t take advantage, which can easily drag on for several months.

By that time, Archduke Karl will have surely dealt with the Ottoman Army, and then he can lead his victorious troops northward to start a bloody battle with Prussia.

Hmm, Austria’s situation is revitalized.

Germany continues to fracture internally.

Quite favorable.

Joseph glanced again at the Sultan’s envoy, as if, the most injured party is the Ottomans…

However, he didn’t feel he’d done anything to wrong them.

If the Ottoman Army is formidable and truly defeats Archduke Karl, he certainly wouldn’t have anything to say. It would simply be Jesus letting Austria go cold.

But now it’s the Sultan’s army that lacks fighting capability, constantly thinking about contending with European armies, which is like kicking the iron plate themselves, not to blame others.

And as for France, they have always hoped for the Ottomans to focus their attention on Egypt.

If the Ottomans suffer a setback in the north, it might actually be beneficial, as they would only have Egypt to ponder over in the future.

They would also become more reliant on France militarily.

Zagelos saw the Crown Prince of France looking over, and hurriedly continued:

“Your Highness, the Sultan hopes to acquire necessary weaponry and ammunition from his French allies.

“For example, 15,000 flintlock guns and 20 cannons.

“Ideally, you could also help train 2,000 Topizis New Army soldiers for the Empire.

“As a token of gratitude, His Majesty has decided to grant France trade privileges in the Levant, with all merchant ships exempt from inspection, aside from basic tariffs, exempt from all other taxes.

“And, priority purchasing rights for Egypt’s sugar and Syria’s cotton.”

Joseph was quite satisfied with the Ottoman’s offer.

The Levant is the easternmost area of the Mediterranean Sea, including relatively affluent regions like Syria and Aleppo, and goods transported here can spread eastward to Jazira and Iraq, with significant commercial significance.

With the Ottoman officials’ habits, merchant ships would be extorted under various pretexts.

Now that Selim III granted French merchant ships exemption from inspection, these people cannot make things difficult.

Although this might seem insignificant, it can save French ship owners a substantial amount of gold coins annually, as well as time in hassle.

As for tax exemption, no need to mention, it’s direct savings.

The various “port taxes”, “security taxes” and such of Ottoman ports accumulate to quite a significant amount.

And the priority purchasing rights for cotton and sugar essentially allow France to monopolize the Ottoman’s exports of these two commodities.

Of course, it’s based on bidding— the same price goes to France first.

Previously France obtained 70% of Ottoman sugar, now they’re covering the remaining 30%.

This will further stabilize the position of “sugar franc”.

With the priority purchasing rights, Joseph plans to transport grain from other regions to Egypt, allowing the fertile lands along the Nile River to be fully planted with sugar cane. But that’s for after defeating the Mamluks.

He pretended to ponder for a while, then nodded to Zagelos and said:

“The Sultan’s generosity makes it impossible for me to refuse his request.

“Moreover, I believe 15,000 flintlock guns are not enough; I can offer you 25,000. The Austrian-made M1722 flintlock guns.”

The Sultan’s envoy was about to say “We want French goods,” when Joseph continued:

“If you’re fighting Austria, using these guns is more suitable. Your soldiers can easily obtain ammunition and gun parts from defeated Austrian troops.

“Also, this gun is no worse than the Charleville. The Austrian Royal Guard uses them.”

Hmm, previously Napoleon captured an enormous amount of weapons from the Austrian Army, and they still occupy space in the warehouse, better to dispose of them quickly.

“The cannons are the same, 40 Austrian-made 6-pound and 12-pound cannons, including the corresponding shells.

“However, regarding the training of the Topizis New Army, I fear we might be out of time.

“You might have heard, the rebellion in Austria is nearing its end, training new troops could cause you to miss critical timing. I can dispatch some instructors to train soldiers on the way to Wallachia with the Empire’s army.”

Zagelos was overjoyed, didn’t expect the Crown Prince of France to double the quantity of weapons given to him.

When he returns, the Sultan will surely reward him greatly.

“I’m truly grateful to you, Your Highness,” he said excitedly, bowing deeply, “Our two nations will always be the strongest allies!”

Joseph smiled and nodded: “You’re absolutely right. Oh, I have a small matter, hoping our closest ally can help.”

“Please speak, Your Highness.”

Joseph said: “Currently Denmark is leading an organization for an International Maritime Treaty.

“It’s an organization aimed at regulating the maritime rights of nations, advocating that ‘the ocean is a shared entity of the world, belonging to no country; no one should interfere with other nations’ merchant ships conducting maritime trade’.

“Our country has already decided to join this Maritime Treaty Organization; I sincerely hope the Ottoman Empire can become a member nation as well.”

Zagelos quickly pondered, with the Ottoman Navy already seriously weakened, they long abandoned naval hegemony, joining this organization is actually quite beneficial.

He immediately nodded: “I will convey your invitation to His Majesty. Personally, I believe the possibility of His Majesty agreeing is quite high.”

Joseph’s smile became even more sincere: “If His Majesty can persuade other countries, like Georgia, to join the Maritime Treaty Organization, I’m willing to gift His Majesty an additional 3,000 flintlock guns.”