"It's impossible! We have to throw money out! ”

In the large hall of the palace, only Baron de Beauvois was left roaring loudly, while the others looked at the Baron and the Count of Argoo with different expressions. Pen, fun, pavilion www. biquge。 info

"Sir, I think that in this particular situation, we are going to scatter money, and we must do it resolutely and without hesitation, only in this way can stability be maintained!" Baron de Beauwin looked at the Count without flinching, "If the credit is not enough, wouldn't it be better if we created it out of thin air?" We can increase the supply of bank bills and put them into the market, and as long as the money circulates in the market, businesses and workers can get the financial support they desperately need, like a thirsty pond filled with fresh water. ”

No one got involved in the argument anymore, and they all understood that it had actually turned into a confrontation between two people, the baron and the count.

"The current gold and silver preparations are simply not enough to realize your ambitious plans." Count Argu looked at each other coldly, "We can't send money out of thin air, it will only cause inflation, and it may cause the most terrible run, you can't turn the Bank of France into a murderer, but if you follow your way, the Bank of France itself will be murdered...... If the Banque de France is unable to support itself in the face of a run, then the whole order in France will be finished, and all of us here will be finished. ”

Although this is the era of precious metal standard money, it is certainly impossible for a bank to have sufficient reserves, even for a national bank such as the Banque de France. However, Comte Arcouver believed that in order to maintain the stability of domestic finance, especially the stability of the Banque de France, it was necessary to maintain a high proportion of reserves and not to issue paper money out of thin air, which he believed was the most basic fiscal ethics and the only way to maintain the domestic financial order.

Therefore, under this idea, he is in favor of maintaining the market and also agreeing to restricting foreign investment and the outflow of precious metals, but he is strongly opposed to continuing to expand the supply of credit and indiscriminately issuing bank bills, and only recommends that the government reduce spending and achieve fiscal balance as soon as possible -- and this is also the view shared by many people in the financial circles.

"No, it's not going to be over, sir. We can use the present war as an excuse to limit the payment of gold and silver, and at the same time reduce the risk to the Banque de France, and the people will accept our measures, as long as we can give them prosperity. "At the same time, we can lower the denomination of bank notes and distribute them to the people of the whole country, for example, we can issue 50 or 20 francs to help companies pay their wages." ”

"This ......," the baron said, and the others finally couldn't sit still.

At present, the bank notes issued by the Bank of France are large bills, generally 1,000 francs or 500 francs, and the lowest denomination is 100 francs, which is destined to not be able to circulate in the market, because the monthly income of ordinary people is generally only about two or three hundred francs, so these banknotes can only be used as a means of redemption between traders and enterprises to circulate.

Baron de Beauvan actually meant that the use of small banknotes to carry out explosive additional issuance of money, and then through the branches of the Banque de France and local banks to the cities and villages of the country, because the small amount of banknotes will flow to the hands of ordinary people, so this part of the huge additional banknotes will be distributed to the hands of the people of the whole country, in fact, it is up to them to bear the consequences of the additional currency, and, because of the problem of information circulation between the various regions of the country, It is difficult for so many ordinary citizens to act in concert, and in fact it is impossible to achieve a nationwide run.

In other words, let the general public share the consequences of over-issuance of money, and in this way offset the lack of gold and silver reserves.

"It's a hoax, and it's a robbery of the people!" After a brief silence, the Count of Argyu became angry, and he shouted at the baron, "If we do this, prices will rise, and what will happen to the protests of the people?" The market will also be thrown into chaos. ”

"Paper money was created by God to be over-issued, and if we don't over-issue it, we are complacent, allowing some shiny little metal to limit our entire economy, and watching the massive unemployment of the people, this is a crime against the people!" The baron replied with the same loud reply, "Is there anything else we can do?" To tighten the monetary system in such a terrible situation would be suicide and would make the war unsuccessful, because the economic situation at home would greatly affect the front. ”

The baron knew that maintaining stability in the country and maintaining stability at the front were the two most important objectives for the government at this time, and that he could not afford to do too much about it, so he emphasized these two points to the government officials and His Majesty the Emperor.

He is telling His Majesty that the over-issuance of currency will bring serious problems, but at least the current problems can be solved, and the future difficulties can be talked about later.

"This kind of irresponsible practice is only done by a bold person like you." Count Argu sneered, apparently completely unconvinced, "And I, on the other hand, cannot take such an opinion. ”

"If you do, I can only assume that you are no longer up to the task!" The baron also sneered, "You think I will bring general poverty and bankruptcy, but I think I will bring general prosperity, maybe there will be a slight increase in prices, but this is a good thing, at least we keep jobs, and also allow businesses to make profits from it!" I'll be right! ”

"You want to test your rhapsodies with whole nations and peoples, this is a crime!" The Count raised his head and replied to the Baron, "As long as you have me, you will not want to let your wild dreams come true, the Banque de France will not become an institution with the goal of acting presumptuously, it will steadily lead the country to prosperity, and your wild dreams are better to stay in your study!" ”

"Then, I ask you to resign and stop making the country suffer with your conservative posture." The baron stood up and stared at the Count.

In front of this large group of national dignitaries, two influential figures in the financial world broke out into a fierce quarrel, and the whole point of view was almost irreconcilable, which also made the atmosphere of this imperial meeting extremely tense.

The Baron had always sought to replace the Count of Argoo as president of the Banque de France, and it was clear to everyone that the two of them had almost a public showdown today, which would end in the resignation of one of them.

It is for this reason that everyone did not dare to speak at once, lest they take the wrong position and become a thorn in the side of the winner.

"I support Baron de Beauwon." After a brief period of silence, Charles made it clear that "it is imperative that we seek to solve the problem in an aggressive way, inject new liquidity into the market, and boost confidence." I'm the Minister of Transport, and I'm in charge of a lot of construction, and now I'm also in charge of the production of munitions, and I'm dealing with a large number of companies, so I'm probably more aware of the problems caused by the lack of funds than any of you here. Now the most painful thing for enterprises is that they are not well funded, the bonds issued are not accepted by the market, and it is difficult to start work to meet the orders, and what is even more terrible is that even the government does not have much money to give them, so enterprises are generally in difficulty, and if this situation continues for too long, then I am afraid that it will bring about a wide range of enterprise bankruptcies...... Ultimately, it will affect the stability of the empire. ”

After a pause, Charles reiterated, "In the present situation, mass unemployment will not only affect military supplies, but, more terrifyingly, how can we suppress the unemployed workers' commotion in the case of a large-scale transfer of troops?" So, whatever the consequences may be, I very much agree with Baron de Beauwon, that at least we should stabilize the situation for now. ”

"The Army's combat mission is heavy, and domestic stability is indeed of paramount importance." His Excellency the War Secretary quickly echoed Charles at the end of his remarks, "So I also think that we may consider the proposal of Baron de Beauwon." ”

To be honest, he didn't know much about this kind of problem, but he instinctively wanted more stability in the country while maintaining the prosperity of business and the supply of munitions. At the same time, he had a good personal relationship with Charles, so he chose to echo Charles's speech, which invisibly made the Baron's supporters stronger.

The Minister of Transport and the Minister of War were so quick to say that the Count of Argyu had been dealt a heavy blow, and he looked at the two men steadily, as if to find out whether this was a well-prepared attack, and at this time, because there were people taking the lead, the supporters of Baron de Beauwin also spoke one after another, and there was a faint momentum to overpower the Count.

However, the most important arbitrator has not yet spoken.

With a glimmer of hope, the Count looked at His Majesty the Emperor on the throne.

"Your Majesty, what do you think we should do?"

He had been instrumental in the establishment of the Empire, and he had always been conscientious, and he believed that the Emperor would understand his painstaking efforts.

However, to his disappointment, at this time, His Majesty's expression was still unfathomable, and he did not directly express his support.

"Don't be angry, this is a major national matter, and you can't make a dispute of will." He said calmly, "I have heard all your disputes, and they seem to be two diametrically opposed opinions......

Then he looked at Baron Rothschild, "Sir, which opinion do you support?" ”

"Both opinions are very reasonable, and it is difficult to choose, Your Majesty." Baron James de Rotheschild, who had not spoken, replied to the Emperor's question, "I think the professionalism of the Count of Argourne and Baron Beauvann is unquestionable, they both genuinely want to solve the existing difficulties for the country, so I think there is no need for us to quarrel, but to unite and negotiate solutions calmly." However, I deeply regret that the opinions of the two seem to be irreconcilable, and I do not know how to decide, and this is left to you, Your Majesty. ”

After saying that no one should be offended, Baron Rothchild went on to say, "But, whatever it may be, I think that the Bank of Lancy will need a certain amount of gold and silver inflows to maintain credit, and I have expected this, and I have consulted my nephews Lionel and Anthony, who have told me that they can help the French government to have the Bank of England discount the English bonds held by France in large quantities, and in this way provide France with the necessary funds...... I think that will be a huge help for France. ”

The baron's words immediately caused a commotion.

The "Lionel and Anthony" he refers to his older brother, Nathan Rothchild, the eldest and second son of Nathan Rothchild, the head of the British branch of the Rothchild family, who have become the heirs of the family in England after Nathan's death, carrying on his father's business. Together, they wield the family's vast wealth and exert enormous influence in the UK's financial and political circles, and they can certainly have a significant influence on the policies of the Bank of England.

France holds a lot of British bonds, but there is no doubt that in the current situation, if France were to sell them in large quantities, it would cause chaos in the English market, and there would be no money, but if the Bank of England could accept these bonds and discount them, the situation would be different, and France would certainly have access to a lot of money.

And more importantly, in this case, the discount will rise a lot, and every percentage point of such a huge amount of money, every percentage point increase in the discount rate will bring a lot of money to the Bank of England and the Rothchild family.

Although the Baron did not support each other on the surface, he actually favored Baron de Beauwon, and this became one of the main reasons for the Rothschild family to support Baron de Beauwon.

The people here were also smart men, and of course they could hear Baron Rothchild's voice, and suddenly found that this baron had also become a supporter of Baron de Beauwon.

And this made Count Argu a little desperate.

He frowned, his body trembling slightly, obviously unwilling to accept such a reality.

"Mr. Rothschild, I am very grateful for the help your family has given us." His Majesty the Emperor nodded slightly, then pondered for a moment, then looked at Baron de Beauwon, "Mr. De Beauvan, how sure are you of your opinion?" ”

"There can be no certainty about anything, Your Majesty." Baron de Beauvang now looked more at ease, no longer as aggressive as he had been, "but I believe that with the British and our allies, we should be able to carry this policy through to the end without much risk, provided that we execute it properly, and that this will ensure that your war is completed victorious, and more importantly, that your country can maintain its prosperity." ”

"You're being irresponsible!" Count Argu interrupted him sharply, "Please don't use rhetoric to deceive us and Your Majesty, you are causing countless people to suffer because of this!" ”

"Yes, maybe, but so what? There will always be people in the world who will be damaged! In a war, in a crisis, tens of thousands, maybe many more will die, but I have to say that they died well for money, and they faithfully fulfilled their duties for the country and for Your Majesty...... It also benefits the country. Baron de Beauvang raised his hands and made an oratorial gesture, "And we are obliged to make their sacrifice worthwhile!" We will win the victory for Your Majesty and a new era for France with fearless spirit! ”

By this time, the baron had given up arguing with the Count, and his words were close to a declaration of victory.

And with the baron's words, this meeting also came to an end. In the end, His Majesty the Emperor did not make a decision on whose opinion to adopt, but announced the adjournment of the meeting and the discussion at the next Imperial Council.

After the meeting was dismissed, Count Argu was still pale and faltering, and his mood was very low.

Although the meeting was inconclusive, he could certainly see that the public challenge to him by Baron de Beauvan, without any restraint or rebuke, was undoubtedly an indication of the attitude of the Government and of His Majesty the Emperor, and that this was bad news for him, for his authority had been dealt a great blow.

Just as he walked out of the palace hall worriedly, a middle-aged man quickly approached him, and he turned his head to see that it was Carrion, the head of the palace.

"Sir, you don't seem to be in good spirits...... Do you want us to arrange for someone to take you home? The steward asked him with a perfect smile.

"No, my own carriage can take me back." Count Argu shook his head, of course he knew that the other party would not come to him for this matter.

Sure enough, the steward bowed slightly, supported the Earl, and then leaned into his ear and whispered.

"Sir, I regret to inform you that, after the Imperial Council, His Majesty the Emperor agrees with Baron de Beauwon, that we must face the present situation with a radical attitude and resolve the financial crisis that the Empire is now facing."

Count Argyu froze, and if it weren't for Carrion's support, he would have almost fainted and fell.

It stands to reason that the emperor rarely speaks in person, and when he does, it represents an unmistakable hint.

And for the Count, it was also a hint to tell him to resign as soon as possible.

Considering the previous merits, His Majesty did not announce it on the spot, and this was also a face-saving practice for him, and the next royal meeting should be to discuss how to implement Baron de Beauwon's comprehensive plan.

After composing himself, the Count regained his usual composure and demeanor.

"I am very sorry, sir." He said coldly, "Please tell your Majesty that with my attitude and style, I can hardly cooperate with the Baron's approach, and that I am old, so I beg him to allow me to resign from my position......"

"Huh? How does this work?! Carrion seemed taken aback, "Sir, don't be angry......"

"I'm not angry, this is my final decision, please forgive me, Your Majesty." The Earl was too lazy to act, so he coldly interrupted the court minister, "I will submit my resignation tomorrow morning, and I will not be allowed to attend the next Imperial Council." ”

"If this is your opinion...... "the court minister looked embarrassed and regretful, "then I can't force you...... Come, I'll help you out, sir. ”

==================================

"It seems that he has resigned in good spirits, Your Majesty."

In the halls of the palace, Charles, leaning against the window, watched the performance of Count Argour and Carrion in the square outside, and it was not until the Count had left the vestibule that Charles turned to His Majesty the Emperor and said. "I'm sorry about it, but it's time for him to take a break."

"Count Argus is a very respectable old man, and we have received great favors from him, so he deserves some respect." His Majesty the Emperor said calmly, "He must retire in style, and he must not be disturbed in any way thereafter." ”

"I won't let anyone bother him, Your Majesty." Charles replied respectfully.

It was during this royal council that the financial aristocracy sat down with government officials in the palace to attend the most important councils of state, which is a fitting illustration of the current political situation in France.

The group of financiers, who had opened the vaults of the Banque de France and financed the man on the throne, had gathered again and had come to an agreement after intense deliberations to help the emperor maintain his country – and in the process, they would become one of the most powerful pillars of the empire, the largest vested interest group under the patronage of the empire.

These ambitious, shrewd and ruthless people will not limit their eyes to the territory of France, they will use the power and force of the empire, and use the French army, which has been carefully crafted for decades since the era of the Revolution, to expand their interests and extend the financial hegemony of France to every corner of the world.

After a fierce debate, the more radical faction overwhelmed the conservative faction, and they were determined to pursue a policy of expanding financial hegemony with greater vigour, and finally establish a dominant position in the financial world.

After this invisible struggle, the Comte de Argous chose to retire with dignity and give rise to the more radical Baron de Beauwon, who would become the new president of the Banque de France and adapt to the expansion of the empire with his characteristic radical approach.

"Charles, Baron de Beauvang was recommended by you, and I remember how many nice things you said about him." His Majesty the Emperor suddenly spoke, "Not only that, but after the war, I will appoint you as Minister of Finance, so that the two of you can work together to carry forward your doctrine." ”

Charles bowed his waist and expressed his gratitude for the grace of His Majesty the Emperor.

"This is the time when your wish has been granted, but you must remember that this trust is by no means unconditional. You're vouching for both of you with your future. His Majesty the Emperor, who was sitting on the throne, looked at Charles rather indifferently, "If you can't solve this stall, then it is who you said big things in front of me, deceived me and deceived the entire empire, and then you need to take responsibility for yourself!" Do you understand?! ”

There is no doubt that these practices will cause a lot of after-effects, especially after the war, when the Empire's finances will be greatly affected, and since Charles is trying to protect Baron de Beauwon, he is indeed responsible for this.

"I will serve you wholeheartedly and take all responsibility, Your Majesty." Charles replied without hesitation.