By midday, the cabinet eting concluded.
As the Navy Minister erged through the gilded doors of the conference hall, his beaming smile was brighter than on his wedding day.
Not far behind him, however, Mirabeau and several other ministers from the rising noble faction wore somber expressions.
Once they rounded the corridor, Baye glanced at Mirabeau's face and said, "You've noticed it too, haven't you?"
Mirabeau nodded gravely. "The Prince's decision to allocate an additional 20 million francs to the Navy is indeed unusual."
This funding was in addition to the Navy's regular budget. Combined with the sum Carloona secured from Britain earlier, the Navy had already received a total of 40 million francs in extra funding.
This was unprecedented for a Navy that had experienced three consecutive years of budget cuts, with its newly built warships being even smaller in tonnage than Russia's.
Baye quickly added, "Exactly. Beyond that, His Highness also instructed to purchase large amounts of timber, oil, rope, and even cotton. It's clear he's preparing for a disruption in trade routes."
Vernier chid in, "Don't forget the grain stockpiling—despite there being no signs of a poor harvest this year."
These instructions had been issued by the Prince just before the cabinet eting concluded.
"So," Baye lowered his voice, "is war on the horizon?"
"It seems Britain might be making a move," Talleyrand said, struggling to keep up with the others. As soone well-versed in Britain's strategic ambitions, he added, "The Prince is clearly preparing in advance."
He paused briefly, then shook his head. "But what puzzles is that His Highness has tasked with negotiating a new trade agreent with the Ottomans."
Joseph's directive was to negotiate a mutual reduction in tariffs and expand the range of goods allowed between France and the Ottoman Empire, indicating a desire to boost trade.
Mirabeau was equally perplexed. "If war with Britain is imminent, diterranean trade would be at risk of disruption."
Vernier imdiately countered, "That's precisely why the Prince allocated 20 million francs—to secure naval dominance."
The others exchanged dubious looks.
"That amount of funding is far from sufficient," Mirabeau remarked.
Baye nodded in agreent. "And if we were confident about defeating the British at sea, there'd be no need to stockpile supplies in the first place."
The group discussed the matter further, unable to reach a definitive conclusion.
If only the Marquis de Castries had been present, he would have excitedly inford them that the Navy's steam-powered warships were poised to drive the British fleet out of the diterranean. Once war broke out, the eastern diterranean trade with the Ottoman Empire would beco a critical market for France.
Finally, Talleyrand exhaled and said, "I believe we should trust the Prince's judgnt."
The others nodded in agreent. In their mory, the Prince had never made a flawed decision.
A Few Months Earlier
Caribbean Sea, South of North Arica
Port-au-Prince, Saint-Domingue
In a dimly lit basent, abolitionist leader Vincent Ogé adjusted the central candle fla, casting light on the faces of over a dozen individuals seated around the room.
Most of them were light-skinned mixed-race individuals, with four black representatives and one white man among them. These were the leaders of various abolitionist organizations across French Saint-Domingue.
"Thank you all for arriving on ti," Ogé said as he stepped to the front, his gaze sharp and commanding. "The Bookman Revolt has already seized most of Tortuga. Nearly all the Governor's forces are now concentrated in the north. Our chance has co!"
The room erupted in restrained cheers, fists clenched in celebration.
Ogé continued, "One week from now, we will assemble east of Port-au-Prince. I will lead half our forces, along with Major Jonas, to storm the Governor's residence."
Turning to a mixed-race man in a French military uniform, Ogé instructed, "Major Oriol, you will lead a battalion to seize the Parliant. Others will spread out to maintain order in the city."
The two officers stood and saluted. "Understood, Mr. Ogé."
Ogé raised his fist emphatically. "We now have weapons as sophisticated as the Governor's Guard. Major Jonas even has artillery.
"We will quickly take control of Port-au-Prince and demand Parliant vote to pass the Abolition Act. Everyone will gain freedom and equality, and the era of darkness in Saint-Domingue will co to an end!"
The room resounded with hushed but fervent cheers.
After the excitent subsided, a gray-haired black man wearing a coarse linen jacket rose slowly.
"Mr. Ogé, how do we plan to deal with the French forces from Europe? By now, they might already be crossing the Atlantic."
Ogé's expression turned resolute. "Then we fight them until they accept the Abolition Act!"
The elder shook his head, sighing. "Mr. Ogé, our current forces cannot defeat a French expeditionary army—just as we failed years ago."
Ogé raised a hand, cutting him off. "Mr. Troque, this ti, our supplies are not limited to a single shipnt.
"In fact, a certain nation has promised to provide 30,000 pounds sterling worth of supplies each month. We will prevail!"
The "supplies" Ogé referred to included flintlock muskets, uniforms, tents, food, and dical supplies.
Troque's face lit up with hope. "Praise be to God for granting us this chance."
He had participated in two failed uprisings before, both crushed due to insufficient arms and ammunition. This ti, the situation was different.
An hour later, Ogé, having finalized plans for the uprising, returned to his residence.
As soon as he arrived, his steward approached and whispered a few words in his ear.
"A French governnt envoy?" Ogé frowned. After a brief mont of contemplation, he headed toward the guest room.
In the parlor sat a middle-aged man in a black coat, his powdered wig slightly disheveled.
Ogé took a deep breath and entered, announcing loudly, "If you're here to persuade to support suppressing the Bookman Revolt, you're wasting your ti…"
The man rose at the sound of Ogé's voice and bowed.
When Ogé saw the man's prominent nose, deep-set eyes, and furrowed forehead, he gasped.
"Y-you're Brissot?"
The visitor smiled warmly. "Indeed, that is my na. You must be Mr. Ogé. It's an honor to et you."
Ogé hurriedly returned the bow. "I once heard your speech in Philadelphia. I also have a copy of your Notes on Southern Black Arica in my library—it's profoundly insightful!"
"I'm glad you found it aningful," Brissot replied.
Suddenly struck by a thought, Ogé asked with bated breath, "Was your visit here authorized by the King?"
Brissot nodded. "Yes. His Majesty has agreed to sign the Abolition Act."
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