Chapter 520: The Royal Family's Costly Favor
Barely ten minutes after Furco and the senior tax bureau officials had left, Brienne arrived hurriedly with Eymond, bowing deeply to Joseph.
"Your Highness, there's a delicate matter that likely requires your personal intervention."
"Oh?" Joseph raised an eyebrow. "What's the issue?"
Brienne looked uneasy as he explained, "It concerns Her Majesty, the Queen. This morning, she summoned me and Baron de Breteuil to discuss the forged tax records by the Tax Farmers' General Association. Her Majesty believes this is not a severe matter and suggested that imposing a fine would suffice—there's no need for the High Court to pursue a case."
Joseph frowned slightly. "Why would the Queen suddenly take an interest in this matter?"
Brienne hesitated, lowering his voice. "Your Highness, I've heard that Count d'Artois pleaded the tax farmers' case before Her Majesty. Additionally, it seems Her Majesty recently received an extravagant diamond tiara, and the Countess de Polignac mentioned that Versailles is due for some renovations."
Joseph's expression hardened. It appeared the tax farmers' influence extended farther than expected—they had enlisted not only the King's younger brother but also the Queen's trusted inner circle.
If his mother, the Queen, truly intervened, this would complicate matters. Forging documents might seem like a minor offense, and given her close relationship with Count d'Artois and her confidantes, she could easily dismiss the issue.
The ongoing audits of the tax farmers hadn't even begun yet. If the forgery case were dismissed, the bank sector reforms—already ongoing for weeks—would have to be extended to prevent the tax farmers from fleeing France with their ill-gotten wealth. However, prolonging these reforms risked causing serious damage to France's economy.
Brienne said cautiously, "Your Highness, I believe only you can persuade Her Majesty…"
Joseph nodded and motioned for Eymond to fetch his coat.
He had confidence in his ability to reason with his mother. However, the allure of a diamond tiara and the prospect of palace renovations were no small temptations. He braced himself for a challenging conversation.
As his carriage approached the grand plaza of Versailles, a thought struck him, and his eyes narrowed slightly.
Even if he convinced his mother today, Count d'Artois could easily return to pressure her again. The Queen's fondness for her brother-in-law was well-known. If she relented and signed a pardon, the consequences would be disastrous.
No, the root of the issue had to be addressed.
When the carriage halted, Joseph stepped out—not toward the Petit Trianon to meet his mother, but to the residence of Count d'Artois.
Confronting the Count
Count d'Artois and his wife, Maria Josepha, were surprised to see the Crown Prince arrive unannounced. The Count hurried to greet him with a polite bow.
"My dear Joseph, what brings you here? We were just about to leave for a delightful outing—perhaps you'd like to join us?"
Joseph smiled faintly. "Let me guess, is this gathering hosted by Viscount Foulde? Or perhaps Mr. Hope?"
The Count's expression flickered briefly before he ushered Joseph inside. Frowning slightly, he asked, "What are you implying, Your Highness?"
Joseph wasted no time on pleasantries, turning to him directly. "Dear Uncle, it seems you've been spending quite a bit of time with the Tax Farmers' General Association recently."
The Count chuckled lightly. "I do maintain some acquaintances there. What concern is this of yours?"
Joseph nodded. "Then I suppose they've shown you considerable 'generosity' for your assistance?"
Count d'Artois stiffened slightly. His perception of Joseph had always been that of a polite, young nephew. Adopting a paternal tone, he said, "Joseph, I don't know where you're getting such ideas, but I'd prefer not to comment further."
Joseph's voice grew cold. "Dear Uncle, the investigation into the tax farmers is a matter of great national importance. Let me offer you some advice: do not entangle yourself further."
Count d'Artois was taken aback by the stern warning. Narrowing his eyes, he retorted sharply, "This, Your Highness, is none of your concern."
Despite rarely involving himself in state affairs, the Count held significant sway at Versailles as the King's brother, the Queen's confidant, and the Crown Prince's uncle. Furthermore, the tax farmers had offered him a bribe of 1.5 million francs—a sum too tempting to pass up.
Given the Queen's receipt of lavish gifts from the tax farmers and her favorable disposition, he felt confident that the matter would be resolved easily. His nephew's interference was an unwelcome obstacle.
Joseph picked up the tea Maria Josepha had brought and calmly stated, "Your actions are jeopardizing billions of francs for France. I'm not here to negotiate; I'm here to tell you that you must cease your involvement with the tax farmers."
"Joseph," the Count said icily, "my private associations are not for you to dictate."
Joseph inhaled deeply and replied in a measured tone, "You hold shares in the Royal Treasury Bank, the Paris Angels Company, and a significant portion of the Industrial Development Fund. These investments already yield you far more than enough to sustain your needs—and then some."
He fixed the Count with a piercing gaze. "Would it be worth risking your stable income over a paltry bribe?"
The Count faltered, his confidence visibly shaken. "What do you mean by this, Joseph?"
"I control the Royal Treasury Bank and Paris Angels," Joseph replied. "I have the means to dilute your shares. Your dividends from the Industrial Development Fund—and even your royal annuities—could face 'adjustments.'"
Panic flashed across the Count's face. His current investments brought him nearly 1.8 million francs annually. Any disruption to this income would be catastrophic.
"You… you can't…"
Joseph set his teacup down with a decisive thud. "Your income depends on the prosperity of France. By meddling in this investigation, you're endangering your own foundation!"
His stern rebuke left the Count red-faced and silent, reduced to an almost chastened posture, as if Joseph were the elder admonishing a wayward youth.
Finally, the Count stammered, "But… but I've already promised Viscount Foulde I'd intervene on his behalf…"
Joseph's icy glare cut him off. "If you persist, Uncle, I will have the Public Integrity Bureau pay you a visit."
"No! Please, there's no need for that!" The Count paled instantly. He had heard terrifying stories of the Bureau's relentless investigations—and as a nobleman, his private dealings were far from spotless.
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