It was June 1st, 1836. And Napoleon II was in his office. The time was ten o'clock in the morning and he was already working on a specific topic that took France months to achieve.
Also inside was Charles-Louis, assisting him.
"Your Imperial Majesty, the Qing Dynasty has now successfully signed a treaty, allowing us to trade and opening up their ports for French merchants."
Napoleon II did not look up immediately. His eyes remained on the document in front of him, scanning the lines once more as if confirming something he already knew. The paper detailed the terms clearly. Access to key ports. Protection for French traders. Fixed tariffs. Recognition of French commercial presence along the coast.
Months of planning had led to this.
Now it was done.
"Which ports?" he asked.
Charles-Louis stepped closer, holding another set of papers.
"Xiamen, Ningbo, and Shanghai, Your Imperial Majesty. The agreement also allows us to establish permanent trade offices in each location."
