Life of Being a Crown Prince in France-Chapter 976 - 884 Duke of Florence

The Crown Prince Lucivide wiped his cold sweat and stammered:

"You know, if our country and France reach a trade agreement, it will surely invite retaliation from Austria..."

Talleyrand smiled: "France will provide you with the most resolute support with cannons."

His words had two obvious meanings - France’s cannons could help you fend off Austria or press against your forehead.

Talleyrand raised his glass to the pale Württemberg Crown Prince:

"Moreover, our country does not wish to establish an exclusive market; members of the Trade Alliance can continue trading with Vienna. Even the tariffs you charge Austria and your internal trade alliance agreement don’t matter."

This condition seemed to be aimed at reducing Austria’s pressure on the small countries in Southern Germany, but in fact, it was making secret moves.

With Austria’s current industrial capability and technological level, a significant technology gap has emerged between it and France.

Under equal tariff conditions, Austrian goods cannot compete with French products, so France is completely unconcerned about trade between Austria and the Southern German countries.

In contrast, if the Southern German countries and Austria could reach a low tariff agreement, French goods could enter Austria through these countries.

Under the technological conditions of this era, it is simply impossible to trace the origin of goods.

Yes, even in the 21st century, the informationized United States struggles with the problem of tracing origins. Eastern countries bypassed tariff barriers through Mexico to export to the United States massively.

Of course, Austria could fully raise tariffs on Southern German states after noticing something wrong, but that would isolate itself from the Southern German market.

Lucivide breathed a sigh of relief when he heard that exclusion of Austria was unnecessary, nodding: "I understand, Mr. Talleyrand, I will strive to facilitate the Trade Alliance."

Talleyrand extended his wine glass forward, gently clinking it with Lucivide’s, saying with a smile, "I look forward to the signing of the agreement."

The next day at noon.

Talleyrand caressed the slender waist of his new sweetheart, Countess Notman, whispering in her ear: "Oh, my honey, I have some official duties to attend to, but I’ll come see you next month."

After some affection, Talleyrand boarded his carriage and headed toward Rothenburg.

He would carry out a round of diplomatic operations among the Southern German countries to ensure the trade alliance would be established.

However, it is foreseeable that at least those countries that violated the loan agreement would definitely join.

...

A month later.

At the summons of Württemberg, France, Upper Hesse, Rothenburg, and four other countries held a founding meeting for the "Rhein Trade Alliance" in the capital of Baden, Karlsruhe.

Indeed, after France controlled the Rheinland region, it was also considered a country along the Rhine River, and thus the name "Seine-Rhine Trade Agreement" was revised accordingly.

This was specifically instructed by Joseph.

Previously, when the Rhine River was mentioned, people instinctively regarded it as a symbol of Germany.

And from now on, France will continue to emphasize its presence along the Rhine River, eventually making "Rhein" merely a geographical term.

The negotiation process of the trade alliance went smoothly.

The agreement text almost copied the previous "Seine-Rhine Agreement," and France also relaxed the negotiation conditions, so the main terms of the "Rhein Trade Alliance Agreement," including the tariff rates of each country, were largely settled within just five days.

Notably, at the suggestion of Upper Hesse, member countries of the trade alliance decided unanimously to condemn Austria’s behavior of tearing up the "Seine-Rhine Trade Agreement."

Jesus witnessed, this was not instigated by France, but those Holy Roman Empire states that were involved in wars against France and were refused compensation by Austria wished to express their dissatisfaction.

...

Central Italy.

Corina Pass, northeast of Florence.

Adrian looked back at the Medici family crest waving all over the hillside, feeling as if he were dreaming.

A few months ago, he was just a small merchant from Venice, facing the risk of losing all his family assets due to an investment fraud.

And now, he was the formidable Duke of Florence, with over eight hundred soldiers who had sworn loyalty to him, here to reclaim the ancestral property of the Medici family.

"Your Grace, the enemy has formed ranks a mile south," a tall hussar reported, bowing, "There are about a thousand of them."

The Duke of Florence looked help-seeking toward his brother-in-law nearby: "Ferrari, what do you think we should do?"

Indeed, just a week ago, the widow of the famous Gradini family in Tuscany, Caterina Lucrezia de’ Gradini, had married quickly.

The new Duchess of Florence brought with her a dowry of 280,000 ducats, 150 family guards, and her cousin Ferrari de Gradini. freeweɓnøvel.com

The latter had attended a military school in Naples for several years, naturally becoming the Duke’s Commander of the Imperial Guard.

General Gradini drew his sword and exclaimed loudly, "I will lead the soldiers and crush any enemy daring to stand before you!"

The French advisor Blot Bena, dressed in a priest’s robe, stepped forward to stop this rookie general and then bowed to Adrian: "Your Grace, I think, with your prestige as the ruler of Florence, you can easily disperse those presumptuous enemies."

"Ah? Oh, okay." Adrian nodded blankly.

Bena picked up a flag embroidered with the Medici family crest, and with four guards, rode forward to the front of the Tuscan army.

The Tuscan army’s commander immediately rode up, but Bena completely ignored him, raising the flag high, and walked along the direction of the military ranks, shouting:

"The great Medici family has returned.

"The old glory of Florence will be restored!

"The Duke of Florence promises that apart from Ferdinand III being expelled, all personal property and interests will be assured.

"Now, make way for the Medici family to return to their domain!"

A burst of murmurs instantly arose within the Tuscan army.

Undoubtedly, the Medici family is forever revered in the hearts of Toscanans.

During the rule of the Medici family, Florence was prosperous economically and was the center of commerce, culture, and art in Central Italy, leading the Renaissance era.

Awaiting for a moment, Bena continued: "His Majesty the King of France has acknowledged the identity of the Duke of Florence, and if necessary, General Napoleon would help him return to Florence."

The Tuscan army formation suddenly fell silent.

Though Tuscany was highly developed in commerce and the arts, it had always maintained a tradition of being "non-military."