Life of Being a Crown Prince in France

However, Therese faced considerable resistance in marrying Ludovico.

The primary reason was that Parma was too small.

The only princess of France marrying the Prince of Parma would make the French ministers feel embarrassed.

Indeed, in France, the marriage of princes and princesses is part of state affairs and must be discussed and decided by powerful ministers.

As expected, Ludovico soon nervously whispered, “Your Highness, but I’m worried that Her Majesty the Queen and those ministers may not approve of me…”

Joseph patted his shoulder, nodding, “I assure you, they are very satisfied with you, and equally pleased with Parma.

“Oh, I heard the Pope has also blessed you and my sister, even deciding to offer Ferrara as your wedding gift.”

As a branch of the House of Bourbon, Parma is a “trusted ally” that Joseph has cultivated in Northern Italy, and it is also central.

It so happens that Therese is also interested in the Prince of Parma. The marriage will further strengthen the ties between Parma and France.

When Ludovico heard “Ferrara” and “wedding gift”, his eyes widened in astonishment.

You must know that the land area of the Palma Duchy is less than 5,000 square kilometers, while Ferrara Province covers about 3,500 square kilometers.

If Ferrara could be acquired, Parma’s territory would directly increase by 70%!

Previously, Parma actively dispatched troops to participate in the Mediterranean Security Organization’s military operations against the Pope State, hoping to obtain part of Ferrara.

Yet, the Crown Prince has surprisingly given all of Ferrara to Parma!

Ludovico was so excited that his hands trembled, he quickly stepped back and bowed to Joseph, “You are so generous, I, I really don’t know how to express my gratitude… Oh, on behalf of my father, I promise that half of Ferrara’s tax revenue will always be handed over to France.”

Joseph helped him up, smiling, “Let that half of the tax revenue serve as my sister’s dowry.”

The tax revenue from Ferrara is a drop in the ocean for France, and over time it might even incite the discontent of the Parmans. It would be better to give this kindness wholeheartedly at once.

He then leaned over to Ludovico’s ear and whispered, “As long as Parma closely follows France’s lead, you will also obtain a part of Mantua south of the Po River, even the northern part of Modena.”

The Prince of Parma was so shocked that he was speechless.

The two places the Crown Prince of France mentioned earlier would connect Parma and Ferrara into a more cohesive whole, allowing them to defend northward along the Po River and have the Apennine Mountains as a barrier to the south.

Meanwhile, the majority of their territory would lie on the fertile Po River Plain.

This is simply the most perfect territorial formation!

Ludovico suddenly remembered that the Crown Prince seemingly mentioned “northern Modena” earlier, but how could Modena possibly relinquish its land to Parma?

He instinctively said, “But Modena…”

Joseph made a hush gesture, “His Majesty Ercole III will agree.”

If Parma is to be France’s “core” in Northern Italy, then it must have areas that depend on France.

Such as their territorial disputes with Modena.

Ludovico once again bowed to Joseph, and then, upon the latter’s gesture, eagerly went to invite Therese for a dance.

Now, Princess Therese is not only his beloved but also the future hope of Parma.

If Therese asked for the moon in the sky, he would undoubtedly retrieve it for her without hesitation.

One family’s joy brings another’s sorrow.

The other people from various Northern Italian states were listening on the sidelines of Joseph’s speech, and naturally, heard that Ferrara was entirely assigned to Parma. This made them grind their teeth against Ludovico in envy—this cunning fellow had seduced the French princess and snatched such a big piece of land!

Especially the diplomats of Modena and Milan, who were equally determined to obtain Ferrara, huddled together for a quiet discussion, deciding to seize the opportunity before things were finalized to try and assert their claims again.

Both first toasted Joseph, after which the Modena Foreign Minister cautiously said, “Your Highness, well, the war in Ferrara is nearing its end… Ah, you know, Ferrara and Modena have deep historical connections…”

In the 16th century, the Modena Duchy ruled together with the Ferrara Duchy, officially called the Ferrara-Modena Duchy.

Later, Pope Clement VIII found some excuse to forcibly annex Ferrara into the Pope State.

In reality, the Pope State had frequently engaged in such actions over the centuries, which was why the various Italian countries resented the Pope State.

The Modena Foreign Minister sneaked a glance at the expression of the Crown Prince of France, and continued, “So, do you think it would be possible to return Ferrara, or at least a portion south of the Po River, to our country?”

Joseph nodded, “Your request is very reasonable.”

The Modena Foreign Minister was delighted, only to hear the Crown Prince of France continue:

“However, this would cause friction between Modena, Parma, and Milan.

You see, Modena hasn’t ruled Ferrara in 200 years, why persist over it?”

The Modena Foreign Minister was anxious, “Your Highness, but…”

Joseph made a gesture with his hand, indicating to lower its pressure, “You need to change your perspective.

“Modena and Ferrara are separated by the Ren River, which makes management difficult.

“But if Modena acquires Bologna, there won’t be such issues.

“Moreover, from Modena to Bologna, there is the Ren River to the north and the Apennine Mountains to the south, making it hard to be invaded.”

The Modena Foreign Minister’s emotions soared like a rollercoaster, suddenly uplifting from despair, “Are you saying, giving Bologna to our country?”

“I do have this intent.”

“But, the Pope State presumably won’t relinquish it…”

“No, the Holy See has come to a profound realization that it must focus on serving Jesus, away from secular affairs.” Joseph nonchalantly made the sign of the cross, “The Pope entrusted me with the task of reallocating the control of Bologna, oh, along with the provinces of Ancona, Spoleto, and others.”

“Is, is this true?!” The Modena Foreign Minister’s eyes widened, and he quickly bowed down again, “Thank you, great Crown Prince! Modena is willing to accept any of your arrangements!”

Joseph then smiled, “You know, I still wish to entrust the lands of the Pope State to reliable friends.”

“Yes, Your Highness, Modena will always follow you!”

“Hmm, I remember His Majesty Ercole III has never remarried?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Joseph flashed a sly smile, “Then, I hope His Majesty can marry a lady from the House of Bourbon.”

He recalled that after the death of Ercole III’s wife, he never remarried, leaving the Modena Duchy without an heir.

“`

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