Catherine and the Black Emperor

Chapter 137. France's New Finance Minister

"Arnold—Minister?" Joachim asked with a suspicious look.

Jones smiled knowingly.

"Speaker Joachim is unaware that just a few days ago, French Finance Minister Hugo resigned, and the Director of the Accounting Department, Arnold, became the new Finance Minister. In other words, when Sweden applies for financial subsidies from France, it will need to contact Minister Arnold."

When Joachim heard this, he was thunderstruck.

Even Johannes and Lass found it incredible.

After returning to France from Sweden, Arnold served as the director of the Accounting Department, a department under the Ministry of Finance.

Although the Accounting Division is a top priority within the Ministry of Finance, Arnold faces competition from the Deputy Minister for the position.

How could the Secretary-General suddenly become the new Minister of Finance?

This is something they cannot understand.

"Jones, you're not kidding, are you?" Joakim said in a deep voice.

Although he asked this question, he had already convinced himself that what Jones said was true.

Jones wouldn't dare joke about such a thing, especially since Jones's appointment as ambassador to Sweden was actually suspected of ousting Arnold, since Arnold initially didn't want to return to France.

The two didn't get along, so Jones was even less likely to say such things.

But if it's true, it means that the deputy minister he's been trying to curry favor with has completely lost this election.

"Would I joke about that?" Jones retorted.

Actually, he was also extremely surprised when he first received the news.

He had to admit that he had underestimated the former French ambassador he had "squeezed out".

Fortunately, Arnold did not give Jones any reason to worry about retaliation—if Arnold had suddenly withdrawn or delayed the huge French financial subsidies to Sweden, Jones would have been in grave danger in Sweden.

Arnold's letter to Jones had only two demands: that the Hats be prevented from interfering in the upcoming parliamentary elections, and that the British ambassador, William, be expelled from Sweden.

If these two conditions are met, he will maintain the subsidies to Sweden and help Jones consolidate his position in Sweden.

This puzzled Jones greatly.

According to his understanding, Arnold should have asked him to find out who killed his niece and help him bring the murderer to justice.

William is the target.

The bigger target should be Elias.

Or deal with both of them at the same time.

But he doesn't need to think about it too much.

Because by agreeing to Arnold's request, he gained the support of the new finance minister, giving him leverage over Joachim, especially since William was his enemy!

"Tell me, what is Minister Arnold's opinion?"

Joachim was well aware of how delicate his situation was. The presence of Deputy Speaker Andrews here most likely meant that Jones was going to help him replace him as the new Speaker of the House.

For Jones, who has the support of the French finance minister, this is not difficult!

"Let our people give up this parliamentary election."

"That's impossible!"

Jones was interrupted by Lars before he could speak.

"Ambassador, you should understand that this is a golden opportunity for us, the Hat Faction, to deal with the Casual Hat Faction! Gaining more seats in parliament will allow us, the Hat Faction, to completely control parliament and seize the power of discourse in Sweden! This will also be of great benefit to you!"

Ras tried to persuade Jones, but Joachim raised his hand.

"No problem, we top hat faction will absolutely not participate in this parliamentary election."

"Speaker!" Ras exclaimed anxiously.

Joachim looked at the other man with an unquestionable gaze, and Ras sighed with resentment.

Joachim then looked at Jones: "Let's get to the second point."

"The second point is not much to say. Naturally, I hope that Speaker Joachim can sincerely accept and respect me and Vice Speaker Andrews. Otherwise, I will not be able to convey the respect of the Hats faction to France, and Vice Speaker Andrews may also be neglected, causing the Hats faction to fall into a split like the Casual Hats faction."

This statement, though seemingly euphemistic, was quite blunt to Joachim and the others.

From now on, Joachim and the Hat Faction must consult Jones on any decisions they make. Jones represents France, and if Sweden no longer respects Jones, it will lose French financial subsidies!

"There is no problem. It was all a misunderstanding. I didn't think it through. I would like to express my deepest apologies to the Ambassador."

As he spoke, Joachim bowed deeply to Jones.

Jones quickly stepped forward to help the other person up: "Speaker, what are you saying? Don't scare me like that—"

But a glint flashed in his eyes, raising Joachim to an even more dangerous place in his mind.

Such a person is truly dangerous!

Finally, on Jones's "suggestion," the action against the Hat Party leader Elias and the British ambassador William was able to be carried out again.

However, the people who went to the palace were changed to Joachim and Anders, determined to prevent Elias from succeeding!

Joachim and Andrews were in the carriage on their way to the palace.

"Shouldn't you explain to me what happened?" Joachim said angrily.

Andrews said calmly, "Do I need to explain? You've seen it all. With the support of the new French finance minister, Jones can now get the huge subsidies we need."

"Is that all? Don't you covet the position of Speaker?" Joachim pressed aggressively.

Andrews sneered, "Didn't you see? If I wanted this position, would Jones have let things slide so easily today?"

Joachim fell silent.

Indeed, this was the case. His previous actions of betraying his benefactor had thoroughly offended Jones, and if possible, Jones would have no choice but to replace him.

"If you really have the energy, keep a close eye on Johannes. You helped Ras rise to power, and he's loyal to you. Jones can't be easily swayed, but Johannes might be a different story."

After being reminded, Andrews closed his eyes and ignored him.

He was tired and no longer wanted to continue the struggle. It was time to let go of his obsession with the position of speaker.

I just hope Sweden will get better and better.

Now, Sweden cannot afford to lose French subsidies.

Because of Jones's delay, when Joachim and Andrews arrived at the palace, Elias was already there. What followed was a confrontation between the two leaders, while King Adolf maintained a smile throughout.

He listened to both of them, but didn't take their advice to heart, and finally pushed them away.

"The judicial department will investigate this matter. As for what you're saying now, let's wait until the parliamentary session to debate and determine the winner."

Meanwhile, at Garden Mansion, Building 7.

"My lord, Arnold has replied from France. He has agreed to all our requests, but he also requires that, in addition to sending the French princess's body back, we must hand over the British ambassador William to him. If they can do that, he will help us resolve the issue of the French ambassador Jones," Roman reported.

Sergei couldn't help but smile.

"It seems that the French princess is more important to Arnold than we thought. He's already a French princess now."

He became the Minister of Finance, wielding immense financial power over the entire French economy.

Yes.

Being a niece or a French princess is not enough.

Manon's mother and her uncle.

These are a brother and sister.

They're having an affair.

So, was Manon the daughter of a French prince, or Arnold's?

Answer.

it goes without saying.

"It's a pity that this French princess is now just a pile of bones, otherwise she could have received the strong support of the French Minister of Finance."

Sergei felt a slight pang of regret.