Chapter 262: The Tunisian Plot
"The Dey's stance is that the Tlemcen fortress to the west can be given to the great Sultan in exchange," stated Touess's envoy, Rum Zaganos, trying to sound as firm as possible. "But Wersini cannot be accepted."
The Tlemcen fortress marked the border between Morocco and Algiers, which was several hundred kilometers less than the Wersini territory that the British had proposed.
The Sultan of Morocco merely smiled and gestured for his guests to enjoy their tea, without making any commitments. He knew that the British needed him, so he could let them handle the difficult negotiations.
Sure enough, after hearing the translation, the Marquis of Wellesley immediately shook his head. "Envoy, I must remind you that just a few months ago, your country engaged in a sizable conflict with the French and suffered a complete defeat.
"Moreover, according to my information, the French Prince himself participated in that battle. This means that although the French are not taking action now—due to a massive internal uprising—I can assure you that once the unrest settles, they will quickly remember Algiers' provocation."
The translator quickly repeated this in Arabic.
Zaganos struggled to suppress his anger. If it weren't for the British stirring up trouble, Algiers wouldn't have lost over ten thousand elite soldiers in Annaba!
But he knew that Algiers was now extremely vulnerable. If the French did come seeking revenge, they would have no means to resist. So when the British proposed last month that Algiers exchange its border territory with Morocco for Moroccan support, the Divan quickly agreed.
Zaganos was here mainly to try and negotiate a better deal, so he couldn't afford to offend the British.
"We can offer an additional 100,000 Riyals..."
100,000 Riyals was equivalent to 2.2 million livres, almost the entire wealth of Algiers.
But the Marquis of Wellesley cut him off immediately. "Wersini to the west is the baseline for any further discussions. If you refuse, Consul Green and I will regretfully take our leave."
"Wait..."
The Algiers envoy tried to argue further but ultimately lowered his head in defeat. "Then, the Dey hopes that Britain will provide equipment for at least 20,000 soldiers to help us defend against France."
"I will petition Parliament on your behalf."
The Marquis of Wellesley smiled and turned to Ibn Abdullah. "Honored Sultan, then it is agreed to support Algiers..."
Abdullah simply rubbed his teacup and said, "Marquis, regarding the tariffs on British textiles and iron imports into Morocco, I've always thought we should renegotiate."
The Marquis of Wellesley's eyes flashed with anger. To think that the mighty Britain was being extorted by a small North African nation. But for the sake of his North African strategy, he swallowed his pride and nodded stiffly. "I will have my trade representatives discuss the details with you..."
A few hours later, with the "assistance" of the British, Algiers agreed to cede two provinces to Morocco and to ensure that the Algerian navy would gain greater political influence within the Divan. In return, Morocco would send troops and provide substantial supplies to help Algiers resist France, and at an opportune moment, they would work together to restore the rule of the Janissaries in Tunisia.
The next day, the Marquis of Wellesley left the city of Meknes. Just as he boarded the British warship, a messenger approached and saluted him. "Marquis, this is from Mr. Lambert in Tripoli."
The Marquis took the letter, opened it, and after consulting his cipher book, he suddenly became excited. He turned to the captain beside him and gestured for him to set sail immediately. "Please take me to see Colonel Acton right away. Ah, ever since the unrest in France began, our luck has been turning."
The letter mentioned that a man named Ali Ben Gour was frequently meeting with those opposed to the Pasha of Tripoli, suggesting that a coup might be in the works.
The letter noted that Ben Gour and his group didn't seem fully prepared yet, but the situation was worth monitoring.
The Marquis of Wellesley quickly entered the officer's quarters on the second deck and told the fleet commander, Colonel Acton, "Set sail immediately. We're heading to Tripoli."
Tripoli, located to the east of Tunisia, was a small country with a population of just 50,000 to 60,000. It had always pledged allegiance to the Ottomans but maintained close political and trade relations with France.
If a coup could change its political orientation, it would perfectly align with the Morocco-Algiers strategy, enabling a pincer movement against Tunisia from the east and west.
And since Ali Ben Gour was an Ottoman officer, there was a good chance this could draw the Ottomans into the fray as well. Even if they couldn't drive the French out of Tunisia, it would significantly alter the balance of trade in the Mediterranean!
Soon, the British fleet set sail for the Strait of Gibraltar. From there, it would take about ten days of sailing to reach Tripoli.
The Marquis of Wellesley looked out at the distant horizon and smiled to himself, murmuring, "While pressure is being applied on both wings, why not also stir things up in Tunisia?
"For instance, that 'Roman origin' lie fabricated by the French—perhaps it's time to help the Tunisians clear that up."
Paris High Court
The case of the Duke of Chartres seeking to lift the confiscation of the Duke of Orléans' estate and inherit the full legacy officially began.
Unlike the trials of the rioters, this high-profile case involving one of France's top noble families was closed to the public, with only a few select individuals allowed to attend, and journalists were strictly prohibited.
After the usual formalities, Prosecutor Danton stood to the side, watching the Duke of Chartres' legal team with a stern gaze.
A lawyer in his fifties, his face sagging with excess fat, stepped onto the speaking platform.
He began by meticulously outlining the prestigious status of the Orléans family, repeatedly emphasizing their honor and position. He then cited relevant laws on noble inheritance, speaking for over half an hour before finally demanding that the court grant the Duke of Chartres his rightful inheritance.
"Prosecutor, your statement," Judge Dippol turned to Danton. As the Prince had suggested, he was personally presiding over this trial.
Danton leaped onto the platform and loudly declared, "I have no objections to the Duke of Chartres' right to inheritance. However, I must remind the court that the Duke of Orléans was recently convicted of treason."
Judge Dippol was shocked to see Danton return to his seat so quickly—surely the Prince did not intend for the Duke of Chartres to walk away with this fortune? What was Danton doing?
Despite his unease, Dippol had no choice but to proceed with the trial. With the prosecution offering no resistance, the court quickly ruled that the Duke of Chartres would inherit the full estate of the Duke of Orléans.
(End of Chapter)
Friends, if you want to read chapters in advance, subscribe to my patreon.