Chapter 629: Trade War and Deterrence

(Sorry for the incomplete ending. Please wait 10 more minutes for the rest. Apologies in advance.)

The day after Talleyrand attended Potemkin's funeral in Russia.

The second floor of the Tuileries Palace.

Joseph frowned as he looked at the solemn expressions of Brienne and Mirabeau, finally fixing his gaze on Trade Minister Bailly. "So, which countries support Salzburg's proposal?"

Bailly took a deep breath and said, "Currently, aside from Baden, which has sent envoys to consult us and has yet to take a position, all other treaty nations agree to hold a vote on England's inclusion in the Rhine-Saone Treaty."

Brienne immediately added, "England has absolutely no need to join the trade agreements between France and Germany. Clearly, this is someone manipulating things behind the scenes."

*Given England's vast colonies and industrial capacity, why would they willingly open their markets to these small Southern German states? Out of goodwill? Out of altruism?*