Chapter 1596: The King's Opinion

Everyone looked at Duke Harvey; his attitude seemed incomparably important at this moment.

To the nobles, Duke Harvey was their representative.

To the clergy, whether they could cooperate with the nobles again depended on Harvey's attitude.

Since the establishment of the Bishop Cabinet, they had no way to continue resolving the problems facing a gradually weakening France.

Added to this was Louis XV's long-term neglect of state affairs, indulging instead in a life of luxury and corruption.

The already chaotic and collapsing policies were made even worse.

France now saw voices of resistance appearing in many places.

These members of the clergy were completely powerless in the face of such a situation.

After thinking for a few seconds, Harvey gave his answer: "The nobles should obtain the power that belongs to them."

The Prime Minister nodded: "Good, after the war ends, I will request it from Louis XV in my capacity as Archbishop; you should regain your former power."

Having received a definite guarantee, Duke Harvey sat back down.

He glanced at the other nobles who were still hesitating and said indifferently: "The France of today needs us; how do you choose?"

The nobles thought for a moment, then also sat down.

Seeing this, the Prime Minister finally felt relieved.

He looked at everyone and formally began the meeting.

The Prime Minister ordered someone to present a map, on which a place that looked like an island was marked.

And this island was named Australia.

The Prime Minister looked at the map and said in a deep voice: "Gentlemen, this is the New World discovered by the Longyan."

"It is currently ruled by the former Crown Prince of Longyan, Xie Fang."

"He established an independent regime there, used to harbor criminals from other countries, and to rapidly accumulate wealth."

"I believe you have all seen that the resources possessed by this continent are beyond our imagination; I once proposed to His Majesty that we occupy this continent."

"To turn this continent into our most important colony."

"For this, we sent out a fleet and established contact with the French who had once fled to the island; they indicated they could help us occupy this continent."

The Prime Minister's sharp gaze swept over everyone in the room, and he said seriously: "I believe you see the state our France is in now."

"I believe we urgently need a victory to boost morale."

The other bishops and priests had no reason to refuse and expressed their agreement.

As for the nobles, they were waiting for Harvey's stance; Harvey's attitude was what was truly crucial to them.

Harvey looked at the map of the entire Australia and asked: "We have all seen this continent, but is it really worth us taking the risk?"

"France is very far from this continent, and our current naval fleet is already stretched thin because of Britain and Longyan."

"If we send a fleet to attack Australia now, our naval situation might deteriorate further."

Facing Harvey's concerns, the Prime Minister retorted: "Duke Harvey, according to reliable intelligence, Xie Fang has established a laboratory in Australia, which is said to be not much different from the laboratories of Longyan."

"Setting aside the mineral deposits of the Australian continent itself, the factories and production technologies established by Longyan on this island alone are enough to tempt us."

"Our current level of craftsmanship is inferior to Longyan and not even as good as Britain; according to intelligence from America, the deciding factor in their battles is almost entirely on whose side the Longyan Weaponry and Equipment is."

"Australia is a regime established by Xie Fang, this Crown Prince of Longyan, but it is said that Liu Zheng sent him to Australia with the goal of having him build Australia into Longyan's backyard."

"However, according to intelligence, the relationship between Xie Fang and Liu Zheng is not harmonious; we should take advantage of this opportunity."

Duke Harvey thought for a moment and countered: "The relationship between Xie Fang and Liu Zheng is not good, but he is a Longyan person after all; I think Liu Zheng might send troops to support Xie Fang."

"And even if he doesn't support him, our warships and troops do not have much chance of winning against the troops of Longyan."

"But we are not without a chance of winning against these troops in Australia."

The Prime Minister smiled deeply and said: "Xie Fang has created a military leasing program in Australia; his Longyan troops are all being leased out now."

Harvey was stunned for a moment, looked at the Prime Minister, and revealed a smile: "If that is the case, then the opportunity to occupy Australia is feasible."

"But how are we to prevent support from Longyan?" Harvey continued to ask.

The Prime Minister chuckled: "The current Longyan army has placed the focus of its offensive on Europe; even if they still have troops, how many can they really send to support Australia?"

"Furthermore, we can set an ambush in Indonesia and other shipping lanes that the Longyan Fleet must pass through to stop Longyan."

Harvey nodded.

He imagined this war to occupy Australia.

"This war will cost us countless energy and financial resources."

"However, for the victory of this war, everything is worth it."

Harvey and the Prime Minister reached a consensus.

But just at this moment, Madame Pompadour and Queen Marie arrived at the conference hall together.

"Do you still have His Majesty in your eyes!"

"Prime Minister, such major military and political matters should be decided by His Majesty after he wakes up, not by you making such resolutions rashly."

Everyone's expression changed upon seeing the two of them.

The expressions of both Harvey and the Prime Minister were exceptionally ugly.

Indeed, according to French law, the decision they had made was simply an overreach of imperial power.

Although the Catholic Church was secretly controlling France, on the surface, the master of this country was still Louis XV.

The Prime Minister said in a deep voice: "Queen, Madame, His Majesty is currently in a coma, but the major affairs of the country cannot be dragged out."

"Duke Harvey also agrees with this matter."

Duke Harvey stood up and looked calmly at Queen Marie and Madame Pompadour: "Yes, I agree with this matter."

"At this critical moment, we cannot continue to wait for a king lying on a sickbed to make a decision, and he cannot make any decisions anyway."

Marie was stunned and then did not know what to say; she looked at Madame Pompadour.

Madame Pompadour shouted coldly: "But Louis XV is still the King of France; you cannot treat him this way."

"He has not agreed to the decision, so it cannot be executed."

Harvey stared at Madame Pompadour's beautiful face and said calmly: "Since when has it been a Mistress's turn to interfere in the state affairs of this country?"

Madame Pompadour's pretty face turned cold.

She hated it most when someone called her the Mistress of Louis XV.

The smell of ignited gunpowder suddenly permeated the air.

Everyone's expression changed; Louis XV's favor for Madame Pompadour had reached its peak, and the fact that their France could form an alliance with Austria was all because of her.