The day after Christmas in the Western calendar, discussions about post-war matters began.

These matters were not discussed publicly in the hall, but were negotiated one by one in private.

French Prince Charles and French Foreign Minister Talleyrand followed Lin Zexu and Niu Jian into Zhu Jingyuan's palace study.

Zhu Jingyuan was wearing casual clothes and sitting on a large couch.

There is a small table in the middle of the couch, with fruits, snacks, and tea on it.

Zhu Jingyuan directly asked Charles to sit opposite him, on the other side of the small table on the couch.

Let Lin Zexu, Niu Jian, and Talleyrand sit on the armchairs in front of the couch.

The five people were chatting and discussing the issues of post-war France and French Canada.

After saying hello, Zhu Jingyuan spoke first and asked a question that seemed a bit biased:

"Where do you plan to place the capital of the French Canadian colony in the future?"

As a result, Charles said:

But Charles, who was sitting opposite Zhu Jingyuan, already expressed his choice without hesitation:

"The British should have been migrating people from these areas to the south in the later stages of the war.

“If French Canada pursues independent development and avoids the influence of Ming Dynasty, then choose Boston as its capital.

“A new port city could even be built as the capital in the southernmost part of the French-speaking region.

"To cooperate, we must first connect the transportation network and plan several suitable high-standard main roads.

"How to determine the final location of the capital city should be made after understanding the local conditions."

The most important thing is that it is the largest city in the area and the best port in the area.

The question is where is the Dongyi Kingdom of the Ming Dynasty?

"The key is to look at the future development plan of France and the development plan of the Yinzhou colony.

Although Boston is roughly the geographical center, it is actually only approximately the midpoint in distance.

Talleyrand's expression suddenly became very confused.

"The northwest part of French Canada was merged into the Ming Dynasty. We will not abandon all the local population to Napoleon.

"The center of these railroads and highways on the Eastern Seaboard is of course New York, which will certainly promote the development of the New York region."

"If France still has enough money, even if it can borrow enough money, of course it is better to build its own roads.

Before Zhu Jingyuan spoke this time, Lin Zexu asked directly:

“Daming is willing to invest in the construction of roads and waterways, so you can’t allow Daming to operate these industries, right?

"Isn't that equivalent to Ming giving you free money? We, Ming, don't owe you anything?"

"Boston deviated from the route to New York and Quebec, and had fewer opportunities to contact the Ming Dynasty.

"If we continue to stop it now, we will inevitably suffer chaos in the future."

But the choice of this capital is related to the relationship with the Ming Dynasty.

"I can hand over part of this population to you and move them to settle on the land transferred to you by the British.

"Manhattan Island and Long Island are separated by a river, and they can go directly between each other after a bridge is built over the river.

Charles thought about the logic and whether Ming Dynasty would suffer if they cooperated like this.

Talleyrand frowned immediately after hearing this. This seemingly simple question was actually a very difficult one to deal with.

There are several important coastal or river cities here.

"Yes, people can migrate here. Ming Dynasty did not want a large number of French-speaking people to stay in the interior.

Talleyrand, who was next to Charles, interrupted at this moment:

"If France is prepared to fully cooperate with the Ming Dynasty in the development of the Yinzhou colony, then it will set its capital in New York.

"If Ming Dynasty does not come to help, this colony may be in turmoil again.

Talleyrand struggled for a moment, quickly found a reason, and suggested to Prince Charles:

"Not many people here speak French, and we have this as a colonial capital and it can be very difficult to manage.

Charles nodded repeatedly after hearing this:

Zhu Jingyuan took a sip of tea and watched the two people complete these interactions in front of him.

Talleyrand's tone and intention were as close as saying directly: Don't make a hasty decision yet, let's go back and discuss it privately.

"My friend's plan should be good, but if the road network is connected to New York, will it affect the navigation value of the St. Lawrence River?"

After making a decision, Charles turned to Zhu Jingyuan:

"Accept the original farmland and cities left by the British and help restore production in French Canada.

"But the problem is that France has reached its limit in mainland China and it is impossible to spend any more money to integrate French Canada.

Not only was I confused and helpless, but I was also a little surprised.

“The cities of New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Boston were connected to the Ming colonies in the north and inland.

"Bulk supplies still have to go out to sea via the St. Lawrence River."

There are relatively large plain areas in the northeast and southwest of this arc.

Charles nodded slightly as he listened:

Talleyrand could not help shouting:

"Your Highness Charles!"

First New York, then Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Boston.

Prince Charles here said matter-of-factly:

But the three cities of New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore were all under the eyes of the Dongyi Kingdom of the Ming Dynasty.

It seems that Boston can be chosen as the capital city.

France chose Boston as the capital of Canada, which is equivalent to making a gesture to be wary of the Ming Dynasty.

The original capital of French Canada was Quebec.

"No, I have actually understood it these days, and there is nothing to hesitate about.

"If France wants to cooperate with Ming Dynasty, then the problem of the French-speaking population in New York is not a problem.

Prince Charles indeed did not continue to make decisions directly, but after hearing this, he asked Zhu Jingyuan for advice:

"My dear friend, what do you think is a better arrangement? Do you have any suggestions for me?"

It seems that there are several places suitable for the capital.

Talleyrand's intention was to shelve the matter and prevent Prince Charles from making a promise to the Ming Dynasty on the spot.

Boston was also roughly located geographically in the middle of what would become French Canada.

Zhu Jingyuan thought for a while and made some simple assumptions:

Talleyrand shouted subconsciously:

"Your Highness Charles! We shouldn't make such a rash decision without carefully understanding the situation in Canada!"

If there was no Dongyi Kingdom in the Ming Dynasty, the ideal capital of French Canada would be New York.

Behind New York is the place where the distance between the mountains and the ocean is the shortest.

"I will be the king of France in the future, and I will make decisions at critical moments to avoid unnecessary wrangling.

"But it is not without its benefits. When Quebec freezes in winter, the products of the inland colonies can still be transported out through the road network.

“For example, in Boston, the northernmost city in the original English-speaking area.

“My suggestion is that the capital of French Canada should be located close to the original French-speaking area.

Only Boston pulled away slightly.

It is like the location of Shanhaiguan in the Ming Dynasty.

"It will facilitate direct communication between us on colonial affairs.

“And the transportation volume of roads and railways cannot be compared with water transportation.

Talleyrand was speechless.

"Your Highness, although New York is the largest city in eastern Yinzhou, the local population is mainly of British descent.

Charles vaguely understood Talleyrand's intention, but he still waved his hand and said:

"May I ask Your Highness the Prince, how will the road ownership and toll collection rights invested by Daming be distributed?"

"New York has the most complete infrastructure around it. It is not a difficult problem to make more than half of the French-speaking population."

"So the capital of the French Canadian colony should be New York!"
To be continued...