Under the watchful gaze of the multitude, with a little suspicion, Charles proudly proclaimed the will of His Majesty, that is, himself, that he had summoned the group to-day, of course, not to discuss the matter, but to make them accept the decision, and then to cooperate with him in carrying it out. Pen % fun % Pavilion www.biquge.info

There is no doubt that there is a lot of opposition, and this is not unexpected.

In fact, it is no wonder that there is no objection, because he is tantamount to a blow to the entire French financial community.

Because of his work on several occasions, the construction of the French railways was in full swing, and the boom that lasted for several years kept the economy prosperous - in other words, it boosted the GDP by an unknown amount.

However, the feast has a cost, and the cost of this craze is huge debts, which the Empire's railroad business has accumulated at an astonishing rate in the last five years, and these bonds are now at their peak for debt servicing.

If nothing else, the second half of this year will begin to face very difficult debt repayment pressure.

But now that the empire is preparing for war, I don't know how much military spending to prepare, and it's too late to borrow money, so how can I have spare money to pay off debts? Even if there were, His Majesty the Emperor and Charles himself were not willing to repay the precious funds to the people, and there were too many places to use the money.

By now, opposition was already ringing everywhere, and almost everyone who came here was shaking their heads to say that they could not accept the Emperor's will.

And in order to control the situation, so that these people did not have time to form a unified voice immediately, Charles spoke again.

"I remember that just last year, when I had just become Minister of Communications of the Empire, I summoned you and told you that the war between the Empire and Russia was already on the line......" Charles looked around again, stopping the exchange of these people, "Yes, at that time, the decision was made. And now, the time is ripe...... War could come at any time, maybe even in a few months, and we don't even have time to discuss it slowly, but to put emergency measures as soon as possible, and what I have just said to you is part of the emergency measures. ”

"Doesn't it mean that the empire has begun to ease relations with Russia?" There was an uncertain murmur from the crowd, "I heard that the Imperial Government and the new Minister of Russia had a good conversation and were very frank......"

"It's a good conversation, and I like the Minister himself, but ......," Charles smiled and nodded, "and it's because we're going to fight them that we're going to have a good time with them, aren't we?" If we were still trying to bargain, we wouldn't be smiling at them. ”

It's brazen! The thought crossed almost everyone's mind.

However, from the words of His Excellency the Minister, they also understood that this would be a sure thing.

"War ......" someone silently recited this glorious and somewhat terrible word.

"As the elite of the empire, you are very lucky, you don't have to go to the battlefield, someone will shed blood and sacrifice in your place, risking your life." "And you, what the state asks of you are only to cooperate with the empire to implement a temporary economic measure, are you, as elites, not willing to make enough efforts for the empire and the entire nation?" ”

"We are willing to contribute to the war of the Empire, but is this request too difficult......" At this time, someone finally came to his senses, and then questioned Charles's decision in a low voice, "Your Excellency, this is not a trivial matter, this will shock the whole country!" ”

It was an old man with a gray goatee. He is Josdan Cappafiler, a director of the Banque de France, and a close friend of the current president of the Banque de France, Count Argou, and it is precisely because of his special status and his old age and high respect that he can also speak in front of the imperial government as one of the spokesmen of the financial world to some extent, and it is obviously most appropriate for him to be the first to stand up and question it.

At this time, the old man's pale face had already turned some red, and his carefully trimmed goatee was also trembling, obviously shocked and dissatisfied, "Your Excellency, you didn't tell us about this plan at the previous meeting!" ”

Last year, when Charles had just become minister, he gathered a large group of people into this club, and revealed to them that the empire was likely to go to war with Britain against Russia, so it was necessary to expand the construction of railroads and increase the amount of bonds.

Although they were surprised at the time, they quickly accepted Charles's request, after all, who would have too many government-guaranteed bonds?

However, they did not expect that a year later, the imperial government would come up with a system of deferring debt repayment, which made them angry.

"There's no doubt that this is a big deal, which is why I'm here to ask for your help." Without waiting for anyone else to speak, Charles immediately replied to the old man, "You are all important figures in the empire, and you have full prestige in the financial and industrial circles, if you express your support, then this initiative will become a reality, won't it?" ”

"But...... But how do we convince the people? Josdown-Cappafil's beard trembled even more, "Don't forget, Your Excellency, this is a bond that the people of the whole country have bought with great enthusiasm, and this is their trust in the country, in the Imperial Government!" If we do something like this...... What would they think if we did? What about the credit of the empire? ”

"The people will be happy because they will charge an extra three years of interest, won't they?" Charles asked coldly.

This rhetorical question was so sharp that Jostang Cappafler, who was still talking at length, was choked at once.

"That's not going to be everyone's mind." After a pause, Josdão Capafler finally found the word again, "For example, some people are in a hurry to use money......"

Of course, this is just a pretext, and although the number of people who have purchased the railway bonds issued over the years is huge, they are actually very concentrated, and most of them have been bought by the wealthy or financial institutions, and Stedam Cappafil himself and his friends have naturally bought a lot of them.

These financiers have a myriad of investment plans, each of which is clear, and if they suddenly stop paying their due debts, then their predetermined capital flow will be stable, and then the investment plan will come to a standstill due to lack of funds, and even the liquidity of the institution itself may be problematic.

But now, under the banner of "patriotism," he can't tell the truth, lest he seem to be interested in self-interest, so he has no choice but to oppose it from the point of view that "this will shake the credibility of the government."

"It's a very troublesome problem, and I admit that many people face similar difficulties...... "Charles was not surprised by the other party's reaction, because he was actually prepared, "so I was prepared in advance......

Then, Charles suddenly gestured to Mary, who was leaning next to him.

"This Mademoiselle de Leoland has recently succeeded Mademoiselle de Beauvan, who has just given birth, to preside over the affairs, and with her communication I have reached some consensus with Baron de Beauvan......"

Under everyone's unpleasant gaze, Charles continued, "Baron de Beauvang understands the difficulties of the government, and understands that the empire needs everyone's efforts today, so ...... He was ready to come forward and share the worries of the country, he was going to use his own money to help the country repay the bonds, and he had promised that from the day the government stopped paying, everyone could take the maturing bonds to the financial institutions under the barony to pay them, and they would all be paid in full at par value......"

Hell yes!

Only then did Josdão Capafler realize that the Imperial Chancellor had been secretly trickling up everything before he suddenly attacked, and poured out all the questions and answers at this meeting, which caught the family off guard, and at once could only do at his pace.

He did not believe that Baron de Beauwin was so patriotic, and the so-called full payment must be a joke, and he was now buying a large number of bonds, and it was strange that he did not take advantage of everyone's hurry to make some discounts, and in the end he ate three years of interest and discounts, and must have made a large sum.

But at this time, although he was angry, he did not know how to oppose it for a while.

Not because he was afraid of the Baron, but because he knew that the Baron had always coveted the position of President of the Banque de France.

Although the baron himself must have calculations, but after all, he is supporting the empire with real money, and if the baron is so patriotic, but the Count of Argoo is not so patriotic, then who is more suitable to sit in the seat of the president of the Banque de France? This is a fatal problem.

In his position, he can't easily express his opposition.

He was silent, his brows furrowed, and his plain and kind face became ugly.

"Your Excellency, it's just us here, you don't have to say a little nonsense, you know, this is just another coup d'état! It's just unbearable...... Aren't you afraid of ruining the credibility of the Imperial government? ”

"Hahahaha......" Looking at the old man's defense, Charles suddenly burst out laughing, which made almost everyone a little baffled. Jostang Kapafeller, in particular, felt like he had been tricked by this young man.

After laughing for a moment, Charles slowly suppressed his laughter, and then looked at the old man with a spring breeze on his face.

"You're right, it's a bit worrying, but ...... Is this the time to worry about this? Gentlemen, we are facing an imminent war! Now all we think about is how to win this war as quickly as possible, if we win, how can we build credit, if we can't win...... If we lose the war, then we won't even have the imperial government itself, and what credit will there be? So you don't have to ask any more questions, because there's only one answer – I don't care! It's a gamble after all, isn't it? If we lose, we'll be finished, if we win, we'll sit in the bank, as long as we sit in the bank, how can there be a way to use the winning gambling money to pay off the debt, right? I don't understand, what else are you worried about?! ”

Under the nervous or annoyed gaze of the others, Charles said this without hesitation.

is indeed honest, almost without reservation.

Under such circumstances, Charles's honesty made these people admire.

If it were ordinary politicians, or even His Majesty the Emperor himself, they would now certainly have made some rhetoric, boasting about the strength of the government, the invincibility of the imperial army, the support of Bonapartism among the people, and so on...... Some crazy stupid words, but the minister Charles was different, he was energetic and outspoken, and he didn't say these insults to their intelligence, but honestly said what was in his heart.

Yes, now His Majesty the Emperor, His Excellency, and the whole ruling group are already gamblers, and they have made up their minds, waiting for God, the dealer, to open the cup to verify the points, and they will not care about the cost of winning the game - because if the gamble fails, they will be left with nothing.

Because it's so bad, it's a little admirable.

"Your Excellency, we all know that you are an outspoken person, but your outspokenness is still beyond my expectations." Josadam-Cappafil was speechless for a moment, and he did not know how to accuse the Emperor and His Excellency of the Minister of arbitrariness, for since they had already reached this point, perhaps no accusations were of any use.

Now the only thing that can deter them is strength, and his strength alone is not enough, he lowered his head slightly, and then glanced at Alphonse de Rothschild who was standing not far away, with the influence of the Rothchild family, if he spoke out against it, then even the Imperial Minister would have to think twice.

Not a single person thought the same as him, many people looked at this young man.

Alphonse de Rothschild was also accustomed to seeing big scenes, and he was still unhurried, he bowed slightly to Charles, "Your Excellency, at such a critical juncture, your honesty and composure are really admirable. Since Baron de Beauvang was able to make such a sacrifice at a difficult time for his country, then ...... I think...... We can also ......"

Almost at the same time, there was a gasp of cold air, and people looked at each other again.

Alphonse de Rothschild seemed to be moved to make a decision, but it was clear that he could not be such a person, that is, he had already reached a tacit understanding with His Excellency the Chancellor.

So the question is, what kind of tacit understanding did His Excellency reach with him? What made him choose a position?

It's a difficult question to answer, but in any case, since the House of Rothchild and Baron de Beauvan have already come forward to take a stand, it is really necessary to think twice about opposing it, and for a moment, almost no one in the whole hall speaks again.

Jostang Capafeller, whose white hair and white beard were trembling slightly, wanted to say something, but several times he took it back and organized the wording again, and it was not until finally that he made a decision.

"Chancellor...... Your Excellency, Your Excellency, you ...... These things that you are talking about are too heavy, and this is not a decision that I can make at this moment, in a single situation, I have to ...... It is important to consult with colleagues and partners...... to be able to draw conclusions, please ...... Please ......"

"It's okay, you can talk to anyone you trust, if they can keep it a secret, of course." Charles knew who he was looking for, so he didn't think much of it, "However, you must stay here yourself, and we must come to a conclusion today!" ”

"Huh?!" Because he didn't expect Charles's attitude to be so tough, the old man was stunned.

"I've made it very clear, this is a very important matter, and it concerns the Empire, and we can't afford to put it off! I'm going to talk about a result today! "Charles wasn't interested in waiting for others to delay him with all sorts of tricks, so he had already made up his mind to get a result today." You don't have to go back today, we will make a final decision in the evening, whether we agree or disagree, we must take a stand. But don't worry, life here is no problem and you're sure to be satisfied. ”

That's really ...... Is...... Jostang Capafler did not expect that His Excellency the Minister, who was usually smiling, would be so resolute and stern today, and he suddenly didn't know how to speak.

But looking at the minister's expression, he knew that it was impossible for this young man to retract his decision, and he was obviously ready for everything.

Now that a resolution is to be made today, there is no time to waste.

"That'...... At the very least, at least let me write now, right? He asked, slightly protesting.

"Oh, that's fine." Charles smiled and nodded, then walked over to the champagne tower and picked up a glass of wine from the top, "There is still time for today, let's talk after dinner!" ”

In the light of the candlelight, the Imperial Chancellor, Charles de Treville, picked up the iridescent wine glass and held it high.

"Everyone, don't be restrained, we can do whatever we want here, no one knows!"

Mary, who was standing aside, was now looking at the young Imperial Chancellor with a look on her face, and she had been watching Charles from the moment until he had now picked up his glass.

How handsome and charming this is! When he stepped on, everyone could only crawl, didn't they?!

Yes, this is the power we want, this is the power I want! She could barely hold back her tears.

Thanks to the young man's care, she was brought to this place, approaching the highest hub in the entire empire, and smelling the smell of power.

The smell, so rough, so pungent, but ...... But it's so fragrant, it's intoxicating......

I love you.

She looked up at Charles, tears welling up in her eyes, but her hands slowly lifted.

"Smack" "Slap" "Slap"

Thin applause rang out.

Seeing the young lady say this, Alphonse de Rothchild hesitated and applauded, while the others, though reluctantly, in their conformity and fear of His Excellency's anger, clapped their hands lightly, even Josdão Cappafil clapped his hands lightly.

Amid thunderous applause, Charles drank the champagne. (To be continued.) )