The Fox of France No Chapter 291: Trade and Prosperity

Chapter 291: Trade and Prosperity

Dessalines toured various parts of France and eventually made his way to Paris, accompanied by those who praised it as the "City of Miracles." His first visit in Paris was with the Minister of Truth, Lucien, at Montmartre Heights.

Lucien had two possible locations to receive Dessalines, and one was the official Ministry of Truth building, which was originally the Bourbon Palace. (In its original history, this building had fallen into the hands of Murelle, becoming his residence and was nad the "Elysée Palace.") The other option was the Palace of Bliss on Montmartre Heights.

The Palace of Bliss was Lucien's private residence, built at the location where the "Sacred Heart Basilica" existed in another tiline. It was in close proximity to all the places of revelry on Montmartre Heights, yet it offered relative serenity. Perhaps in another tiline, the "Sacred Heart Basilica" was constructed here for the sa reason. However, unlike that other tiline, in this one, it was a place of earthly pleasures. If one were to find any similarity between them, it would be in the building's materials and colors.

Just like the "Sacred Heart Basilica" in the other tiline, the "Palace of Bliss" was primarily constructed with a special white stone called "London Castle Stone." When this stone ca into contact with rainwater, it would dissolve into white fragnts commonly known as glass shards, giving it the characteristic of becoming whiter over ti when exposed to wind and rain.

After Dessalines's arrival in France, the Ministry of Truth and the Departnt of Public Safety had been closely observing him, recording his every move, and sending these records to their respective analysis centers to determine his character and inclinations.

Both the Ministry of Truth and the Departnt of Public Safety ntioned a couple of key observations about Dessalines. Firstly, he was quite sensitive and could appear proud on certain matters. In truth, he had a certain level of insecurity about his background because he was highly sensitive to the politeness with which he was received. To put it more bluntly, he had a slight vanity problem.

Secondly, Dessalines had a strong aspiration for a luxurious "high-end lifestyle." For instance, when dining, he seed to prefer gourt foods like "truffles" and "caviar," even though observers could detect from his mannerisms that he didn't genuinely enjoy the taste of these delicacies. Truffles, for instance, had an odd flavor that only a minority appreciated on their first try. However, analysts believed that his love for truffles and caviar stemd from their representation of status and luxury.

Taking these observations and other details into account, Lucien chose to receive Dessalines at his private residence, the "Palace of Bliss."

Before this eting, so preparation was needed. For instance, Dessalines had to be subtly inford that Minister Lucien rarely received anyone at the "Palace of Bliss." Only those most highly regarded would have the honor. The Ministry of Truth building was usually crowded and not suitable for receiving esteed guests; it was reserved for ordinary individuals. Furthermore, the "Palace of Bliss" was the most opulent and prestigious place in all of France, and not having visited it would be seen as a sign of ignorance by those of true importance.

With these preparations in place, when Lucien extended his invitation and asked Dessalines to visit the "Palace of Bliss," Dessalines was almost unable to contain his excitent. His heart was filled with gratitude toward Lucien and the Bonaparte family.

Two days later, Lucien welcod Dessalines at the "Palace of Bliss." He inquired about Dessalines's life in France, and Dessalines expressed profound gratitude for the warm welco he had received from the French people.

Dessalines told Lucien that his trip to France had broadened his horizons, leaving him deeply impressed by the wealth and power of France. He hoped to receive France's assistance in transforming Saint-Domingue into a democratic and prosperous oasis, making it the Black France of Central Arica.

Therefore, he stated that France was the world's beacon of democracy and liberty, illuminating the path for people around the globe. France was also the helmsman guiding the progress of humanity. Only under France's leadership could the world's people achieve prosperity and liberation. The black population of Saint-Domingue was willing to follow the lead of France, under the guidance of the great leader and First Consul, Mr. Napoleon, towards freedom and prosperity.

Of course, the official statents were quite different. According to so "historical inventors," the eting between the two n was far from formal. They spent their ti indulging in food, drink, and playful banter. In the end, Dessalines posed a question to Lucien.

"Respected Minister Bonaparte, I am very curious to know how much salary you receive each year that allows you to own such a magnificent mansion."

Lucien led him to the rooftop of the "Palace of Bliss" and pointed to the roads leading from Paris to Montmartre Heights.

"Do you see those two-way four-lane roads?" Lucien asked.

"Am I seeing things, Minister?" Dessalines replied, puzzled. "All I see are so one-way two-lane roads."

"That's because the other two lanes are currently under our feet," Lucien answered.

Several years later, after Dessalines ca to power through a coup and beca the new president of Haiti, the newly appointed French ambassador visited him to present his credentials. In casual conversation, the ambassador asked him almost the sa question. President Dessalines then took the ambassador to the balcony of the presidential palace, overlooking the harbor below, and said:

"Ambassador, do you see the shipyards and power plants over there?"

"I don't see anything," the ambassador replied.

"Oh, that's because they are now under our feet," President Dessalines said with a smile.

Of course, these legends are highly unreliable and were likely fabricated by the British. However, according to the renowned historian George Le Fevre in his book, "A New History of the Roman Empire," the two n did have a sowhat similar conversation.

"Minister Lucien, being in France and witnessing such wealth here, I am both envious and curious. I want to know how France beca so prosperous," Dessalines asked.

"Of course, it's through trade," Lucien replied. "Trade is the source of wealth. For example, even if soone has vast land that yields wheat every year, enough to fill thousands of carts, will they be rich if they just hoard it in their storehouses without selling it? No, because things that don't enter the market aren't wealth. That wheat will only rot in their granaries until soone else can use it to grow cabbages. Will that person beco rich? Of course not. They are rely a beggar guarding a treasure trove.

Trade is the true source of wealth. Take , for example. Do you think the salary of a French minister could afford

such a palace? Impossible! But I'm involved in a lot of trade, and these trade ventures have made

wealthy. Saint-Domingue is a place rich in resources, capable of producing many things with trendous trade value. If you can master trade, you can beco as wealthy as I am."

After a friendly conversation, the two parties reached a general consensus on Saint-Domingue's status. According to their agreent, Saint-Domingue would beco an autonomous territory of France until it could pay the full amount for purchasing its national territory. Afterward, Saint-Domingue would beco an independent nation allied with France. France would assist the new black republic of Saint-Domingue in establishing its industries and protecting its land and trade security. Saint-Domingue would accept French guidance in foreign affairs and dostic policies and implent a French priority policy in trade.

It is said that after essentially reaching this agreent, Lucien reminded Dessalines, "One principle in trade is that a person cannot possess all the benefits because nobody can trade with themselves. Sharing interests creates a solid community and enables more talented individuals to stand by your side."

Later, after returning to Saint-Domingue, Dessalines voluntarily relinquished his position in the local army and offered his services as the Minister of Foreign Trade for the Autonomous Territory of Saint-Domingue. In this role, he utilized his position to enrich himself and many others, particularly those who had joined him in the initial uprising.

These black individuals who gained wealth through trade saw Dessalines as irreplaceable because he could lead them to prosperity. This strengthened his influence within the military despite officially stepping down. With the support of the military, he eventually led a coup, overthrowing the lifeti ruler of the Haitian Republic, Toussaint Louverture. He ascended to the position of the President of Haiti and beca the richest black man on the "Businessman's Gazette Wealth List."

In his moirs, he acknowledged that his mission to France, especially his conversation with Minister Lucien, taught him many valuable lessons that greatly benefited him in his political career. This contribution led to the newly-ford Haitian Republic becoming one of the more prosperous nations in Central Arica. (Of course, it also beca one of the world's most economically disparate nations, with no close rivals.)

Now, having reached an agreent with Lucien, Dessalines's only task was to patiently await the summons from the First Consul.