Chapter 628: A Request from Charles
Cobenzl and Count Reichenfels exchanged glances, each seeing hesitation in the other's eyes.
To be honest, the Rhine-Seine Treaty had brought Austria far less than it had hoped for.
At the time of signing, Austria had high expectations of using the agreement to break into the French market and dominate the southern German territories. France even allowed Austria to impose relatively high protective tariffs on its key industries.
However, France's industrial growth was shockingly rapid. Its production scale, quality, and cost efficiency soon surpassed Austria's, let alone the smaller southern German states.
Even Austria's traditionally strong industries, such as iron smelting and glass manufacturing, were struggling against French competition.
The Iron Industry
France had invested heavily in the Walloon region of the Southern Netherlands, establishing numerous advanced ironworks. Every day, high-quality French iron products were shipped along the Rhine to southern Germany, dominating the market with better quality and lower prices than Austrian goods.
The Glass Industry
Although Austria remained the largest exporter of glassware, it relied on importing soda ash, dyes, and other chemical raw materials from France.
French soda ash was not only of exceptional quality but also cost just one-third of what other countries could offer. France had effectively monopolized the European soda ash market, claiming more than a quarter of Austria's profits from glass production.
France, meanwhile, used its cheap soda ash to lower the cost of its own glass production. Although French glassware was still limited to mid- and low-end products due to less advanced techniques, it had already started eroding Austria's market share.
Other French Dominances
French products like paper, cosmetics, furniture, and chemicals—despite Austria imposing tariffs of 60% to 80%—still outperformed Austrian goods in terms of price and quality.
Worse, when the treaty was signed, France's chemical industry was still underdeveloped. Consequently, southern German states had set chemical import tariffs at just 15%. French soda ash and soap had flooded these markets, bankrupting local competitors almost overnight.
Add to that the French knack for marketing—sophisticated advertising, elegant packaging, and beautifully designed department stores—and French products were outselling Austrian ones by multiples.
Cobenzl hated to admit it, but southern Germany was gradually becoming a dumping ground for French goods.
If Britain's proposal to unite southern German states to renegotiate the treaty worked, it would be a dream opportunity for Austria.
Still, it risked angering France.
Cobenzl dismissed Grenville and immediately reported the matter to Leopold II.
The Emperor's Chamber
From his sickbed, the Holy Roman Emperor gazed wearily at his Minister of State and coughed as he asked:
"Baron Thugut, cough what is your cough opinion?"
Thugut pondered briefly before bowing slightly.
"Your Majesty, this is an excellent opportunity to correct our trade imbalance.
"However, it is clear that Britain seeks to exploit this situation to sour our relations with France. Moreover, France may indeed react with hostility."
Leopold II leaned back against his pillows and sighed.
"So, we should cough ignore Britain's cough suggestion?"
"No, Your Majesty," Thugut replied.
"We should use Britain's intentions to our advantage and let them bear the brunt of the pressure."
"Go on, cough explain."
"I propose inviting Britain to join the Rhine-Seine Treaty, letting them put forth the demands for tariff renegotiation.
"Additionally, Salzburg can propose suspending the treaty's implementation during the renegotiation period, to be decided by a vote among all signatories.
"I believe that apart from France and possibly Baden, most countries will support a suspension.
"This way, even if France is angered, their ire won't be directed solely at us."
Leopold II broke into a fit of coughing but nodded approvingly.
"Your plan, cough seems sound. cough Proceed with negotiations cough and if Britain resists, cough offer concessions, like better ties with Prussia."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Leopold II didn't anticipate that the very next day, when Thugut presented the idea of Britain joining the treaty to Grenville, the British quickly agreed. In fact, Grenville even offered to include Saxony, Thuringia, and Prussia in the trade pact.
That same afternoon, Grenville left Vienna for Württemberg to discuss the treaty.
In his carriage, he instructed his assistant Kevin Ronit as the latter transcribed a letter to Parliament.
Kevin hesitated as he reviewed the draft and remarked:
"My lord, this plan could expose us to risks. Parliament may well reject it…"
"They won't," Grenville replied with a confident smile.
"The Prime Minister will see to that. Confronting France is inevitable; this isn't risk—it's necessity.
"What's more, Austria's desire to use us as a shield will only tighten our bonds. Southern German states will owe us a favor for standing with them."
Grenville leaned closer and added in a low voice:
"If needed, we can even threaten to withdraw from the treaty talks to leverage them further."
Versailles, Paris
Joseph carefully reviewed a list of gifts recorded by his secretaries before handing it to Aymon.
"Please have this list sent to the Gemini Company. Ensure they complete procurement within three days and ship everything to Russia as quickly as possible."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Joseph sighed, rubbing his temples in exhaustion. Just as he sipped his tea, his younger brother Charles burst in, shaking off his tutor's grasp.
The young boy bowed formally before standing with his hands clasped over his chest, his flushed face resolute.
"Brother, please go propose to Grand Duchess Alexandra!"
"Pfft—" Joseph nearly spat out his tea onto Aymon. He noticed Charles's tear-streaked face and, taking the handkerchief from his tutor, crouched to gently wipe his brother's tears. Smiling, he asked:
"What makes you suddenly want me to propose to her?"
"I…" Charles hesitated before puffing up his chest and declaring:
"Because I want to play with her! And I want to beat her with a sword!"
Joseph chuckled. "But what does that have to do with a proposal?"
"Because she's leaving for Saint Petersburg!" Charles exclaimed, tears welling up again.
"If she marries into the Bourbon family, she could stay in Paris forever!"
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