Life of Being a Crown Prince in France

Joseph was somewhat surprised when he heard the words; he had seen reports of intimidation and attacks against the Tax Office in the intelligence briefings before, but he hadn’t expected things to have become so severe.

These Tax Farmers are too bold!

His first reaction was to have the intelligence bureau work with the police to give the attackers a taste of the iron fist of the law enforcement agencies, but then he thought of something else and immediately furrowed his brow.

Who are Robespierre and his subordinates?

They were his own creation—France’s “IRS”!

In future generations, the United States’ IRS would be able to arrest mafia bosses that even the FBI couldn’t handle, take away members of Congress in public, and catch keyboard warriors online with relentless determination.

Yet France’s “IRS” was being bullied by a gang of thugs like a meek little wife, running to him for help…

How could this be acceptable?

One must understand that, in this era that revered the law of the jungle, beating up Tax Officers and mass resistance to tax were common occurrences. If the tax department lacked a certain “killer instinct,” they simply couldn’t collect taxes.

This could be an opportunity for the Tax Office to toughen up.

Thinking this, Joseph looked up at Robespierre, “What do you plan to do about these nefarious criminals?”

Robespierre immediately responded, “I hope to assign more guards to the various Tax Offices…”

Joseph raised his hand to interrupt him, “There will be no guards, but I can issue every Tax Officer two revolvers and standard military swords. If necessary, you can even request cannons.”

The current standard issue for the Tax Office was one Charleville 1776 flintlock gun per person, along with batons, shields, and other equipment. Although this was already quite powerful, it clearly did not inspire sufficient confidence in the Tax Officers.

Robespierre seemed a bit slow to react, “Your Highness, but we are facing assassins…”

“So what, you are Tax Officers!” Joseph raised his voice, “You have received rigorous training at the Paris Police Academy, and you have the authority to investigate, interrogate, and arrest!

“Whether they be assassins, gangs, or smugglers, they should tremble upon hearing your names, not dare to threaten or even attack you. Attacking a Tax Officer is a serious crime, and when you are issued guns, you must make good use of them!”

Robespierre felt a surge of passion throughout his body upon hearing this. The Crown Prince was right—here he was, a proud Tax Officer, resolved to devote everything to the nation and the people, yet scared by a gang of thugs, which was an utter disgrace! Where were his resolve and faith when faced with danger?

Joseph saw the change in his eyes and continued to encourage him:

“You represent justice and all of France, and you also possess enough power to let these criminals know how formidable you are. Make them have nightmares just thinking about the reputation of the Tax Officers!

“Go, tell me whatever weapons you need and I will issue them immediately, but not guards.”

Robespierre immediately stood up straight and exclaimed, “Yes, Your Highness!”

After he left the Tuileries Palace, he immediately returned to his office, tore up the speech prepared to soothe his subordinates, and using the Crown Prince’s recent words as a template, wrote a new one.

Not long after Robespierre left, Brian came to Joseph’s office, excitedly saluted, and said, “Your Highness, Bertrand just came to me with the prepared agreement, proposing to raise the tax farming revenue to 540 million francs and to relinquish some trade-related taxes, ready for immediate signing. But as per your instruction, I sent him away.”

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Joseph smiled upon hearing this; the Tax Farmers Association was playing hardball—threatening the government’s Tax Officers on one side while offering generous tax farming agreements on the other.

However, from their actions, it was clear that his strategy of “accounting into the void” had taken effect, and the Tax Farmers’ confidence in manipulating the government through their revenues was starting to crumble.

So the next step in the operation to split the Tax Farmers Association could begin.

He gave Brian some instructions, and then summoned Fouche, asking the intelligence bureau to investigate the forces behind those who attacked the tax office.

These attackers were mostly sent by the tax farmers, and if they could catch them red-handed, the resistance to tax reform could be decreased further.

…

Palace of Versailles.

In the reception room of the Crown Prince’s Bedroom Palace, Charles, one of the heads of the tax farmers, kept glancing anxiously toward the door.

Since three days ago, his assets in France had been temporarily seized—the explanation from the High Court was that the intelligence bureau was conducting some investigations on him.

The banks he owned and the funds he lent were affected, and shareholders, having received the news, were anxiously inquiring about what exactly had happened.

Charles had sought every connection but couldn’t grasp the essence of it.

Finally, after spending thousands of francs, a captain from the intelligence bureau revealed to him that the investigation was conducted at the request of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.

So he hurriedly rushed here.

More than an hour had passed before the Crown Prince finally returned.

Charles hurriedly stood up and came forward to bow respectfully, contemplating how to subtly inquire about the seizure of his assets. Unexpectedly, the Crown Prince spoke first, “You are here to find out about the investigation the intelligence bureau is conducting on you, aren’t you?”

Charles was startled and immediately nodded, “Yes, Your Highness. I have always conducted legitimate business, and the intelligence bureau’s unprovoked seizure of my assets will result in substantial losses for me.”

“Legitimate business?” Joseph purposely elongated the tone, “It seems you have forgotten something.”

“I swear, Your Highness, my business is all legal.”

“It seems I need to remind you,” Joseph frowned, “You have been a long-time supporter of the Southern Netherlands Rebels, and you didn’t stop even while our troops were fighting with the rebels.”

Charles was instantly horrified, as France had declared war against the Southern Netherlands Rebels; according to what the Crown Prince said, that was a serious crime of aiding the enemy.

He repeatedly waved his hands in denial, “Your Highness, that’s impossible. I have always invested in various royal families and governments, and would never be interested in the slight benefits from the rebels.”

“Really?”

Joseph signaled Eman to bring over a document and began reading, “At your banks in Southern Netherlands, Charles-Bolton Bank, you provided three loans to the rebel organization last year. And helped them complete numerous fund transfers with the Netherlands and the Bank of England.”

Charles’ eyes widened, “This, this is impossible!”

Joseph directly threw the documents to him, “Take a look for yourself.”

Charles immediately saw it written there: Charles-Bolton Bank Brussels branch, loaned 37,000 Levas to Hellos Steel Company on October 21…

Charles-Bolton Bank Ghent branch, loaned 20,000 Levas to Ghent City Hall on December 1…

There were more records of loans and financial transactions that followed.