Reincarnated as Napoleon II-Chapter 132: Thicc Economy

In the afternoon, Palace of Versailles, Napoleon II’s office.

The Minister of Finance, Henri Valois arrived in the office upon the announcement of Beaumont.

"Your Imperial Majesty," Valois bowed in reverence. "I hope the day is treating you well."

"I’m doing good, thank you very much," Napoleon II acknowledged his arrival and gestured for him to sit.

Valois nodded his head and took his seat on the vacant chair.

"Now, you know the drill, I need the report on the third quarter. How is our economy?"

Napoleon II’s expression remained neutral.

"So you are saying that there is a potential crisis."

"If unmanaged," Valois said. "Yes."

"What is your recommendation? As Finance Minister of the Empire?" Napoleon II asked.

"New markets."

Napoleon II’s eyes narrowed slightly.

"Be specific."

"Europe is finite," Valois said. "The Americas are developing, but protectionist tendencies are growing. South American instability complicates reliable demand."

He leaned forward slightly.

"Asia remains largely untapped for our manufactured goods. The population density is high. Infrastructure development is uneven. Demand for railways, machinery, communication systems, and military equipment will increase as those states modernize."

Napoleon II did not interrupt, he listened for more.

"If we do not sell to them," Valois continued, "others will. Britain is already positioning itself in India and along Chinese trade corridors. Not to mention the fact that the British are selling opium by the tonnage produced from India and exported to China."

"China...well I’m familiar with the crisis they are facing with opium. Are you saying that we should get to China first before the British dominate the market?"

"They are already dominating the market with opium, plus with the industrialized goods that they copied from us. We have to assert our dominance not only in Europe but in Asia, Your Imperial Majesty."

"But I heard that the Chinese won’t even want to trade with the West because they have no need for European products."

"Well that where they are wrong, Your Imperial Majesty. Our technologies, specifically the infrastructure, railways, electricity, appliances, transportation, communications, those are needed for China to control its vast territory. I am suggesting that the Foreign Minister of the French Empire send a delegation to Beijing and talk to the Emperor of China. Also, we should do the same to Joseon and Japan."

Napoleon II pondered for a moment. They’ll eventually penetrate the Asian market as it currently boasts the largest population and with a large population. Meaning huge market. If he recalled correctly, China has a population of about 450 million. Imagine just tapping 20 percent of the market since assuming that most of the population are poor, they’ll make copious amounts of money out of it.

"Okay, since it concerns the economy of our Empire, I’m going to send a delegation there in January using our modernized fleet," Napoleon II decided. "The same goes to the Kingdom of Joseon and Japan. But what about India? They have a huge population there as well."

"India is complicated," he said at last. "It is under British administration. Direct commercial penetration will be interpreted as political intrusion."

Napoleon II sighed. "I’m tired of hearing that we can’t do anything because the British got there first. Well, no worries. India is not our top priority. It’s the Chinese, Joseonese, and the Japanese."

"Your Imperial Majesty, there is a rumor that I have heard and I know this is out of my coverage as a Minister of Finance."

"Speak it," Napoleon II prompted him.

"There is a rumor that the Netherlands are considering joining the French Empire so long that it is ruled by Louis Bonaparte. They said that due to the Frankfurt treaty, where France now holds all territory west of the Rhine—west of the IJssel River—their domain has been reduced. They can’t even hold their colonies in Southeast Asia."

Napoleon II did not answer immediately.

He walked toward the large wall map mounted behind his desk. His hand moved to the Low Countries.

"Well, it would definitely be favorable to us if we take the Netherlands as a client state. But I want to make it look that they joined voluntarily and not forced by the French Empire. You know how our enemies would react."

"Britain," Valois simply said.

"Yes. Britain," Napoleon II repeated.

He stepped back from the wall map and returned to his desk. He did not sit.

"If the Netherlands approaches us formally," he continued, "we will receive them as equals seeking partnership. It must appear as an alignment for mutual security and economic stability."

Valois nodded.

"A client arrangement under my uncle, Louis Bonaparte, would satisfy domestic Dutch sentiment while securing our northern flank," he said. "Financial integration can be phased. Customs alignment first. Naval coordination second."

Napoleon II tapped the desk lightly with two fingers.

"And colonial administration?"

"If they struggle in Southeast Asia," Valois replied, "we can offer joint oversight under the pretext of logistical assistance"

"And gradually," Napoleon II said, "their dependency becomes structural."

"Yes, Sire."

Napoleon II finally took his seat.

"You will inform the Minister of Foreign Affairs of my position," Napoleon II continued. "Discreetly. No written memorandum that can circulate."

"I will speak to him personally," Valois said. "He will prepare exploratory channels. Informal conversations first. Nothing binding."

Napoleon II nodded once.

"If the Dutch wish to come closer, we allow them to take the first visible step."

"Yes, Your Imperial Majesty."

"And Britain?"

Valois allowed himself a small, restrained breath.

"Britain will protest regardless," he said. "But if the move appears voluntary and commercially justified, it weakens their ability to frame it as expansion."

Napoleon II leaned back slightly in his chair.

"Good. Let them protest. As long as they cannot prove aggression."

Valois stood slowly.

"Then I will coordinate with the Minister of Foreign Affairs regarding Asia and the Netherlands."

"Do so," Napoleon II replied. "And prepare projections on Asian trade penetration. I want figures. Shipping capacity. Industrial output allocation. Credit lines."

"Yes, Sire."

Valois bowed.

"I will have preliminary numbers within two weeks."

Napoleon II gave a short nod.

"See that you do."

Valois turned and walked toward the door. Beaumont opened it without being asked.