I'm the Dauphin in France

Chapter 1132 A More Stable Backyard
Wilson's men suddenly realized that everyone around them was looking at them with hostility. Unable to think of a way to argue, they hurriedly lowered their heads and fled into the nearest alley.

In front of the Basilica of San Nazareo Romagna, the manager of the Fellini silk reeling factory led dozens of newly recruited porters back to the factory.

The large number of people still in line immediately dispersed in disappointment.

Just then, someone waved a newspaper and shouted, "This Milan skills training school says that if you study there for a few months, you can get a job that only guild laborers can do!"

"Guild helpers" may sound like inexperienced low-level workers, but in reality, they have stepped into the threshold of becoming artisans—"technical talents" who can work in industries with qualification requirements.

Previously, to obtain this certification, one needed to join a guild, sign an apprenticeship contract with a master, and study for at least 5 years, or even more than 10 years in some industries.

During this period, not only did they receive very little pay, but they also had to pay guild dues and were even forced to purchase guild-certified tools—which were usually priced much higher than the market price.

However, after obtaining the guild's qualification, one can engage in work monopolized by the guild, with almost no competition, making it a "secure job".

Now, after just a few months of training at that vocational school, one can do jobs that used to be reserved for craftsmen. The temptation is simply too great!

Immediately, a group of people gathered around and cautiously asked the man, "Excuse me, does that school have an age limit for apprentices?"

Where is the school located? How much is the tuition?

"Do I need to pay a membership fee after completing the course?"

The man holding the newspaper read aloud: "The school is located in the northern part of the Porta Romana district. Anyone between the ages of 10 and 40 can attend, but must pass an entrance screening. People with physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or criminal records will not be admitted."

"The tuition fee is 5 francs, but you can pay it off in advance and have it deducted from your wages after you find a job. There are no membership fees."

"Moreover, apprentices can apply for a 'bread loan,' which allows them to receive one pound of bread for free each day at school, and repay it with their wages later."

The crowd fell silent for a moment, then a boy of about thirteen or fourteen asked in a low voice, "Sir, is this a school run by the church?"

In his memory, only churches had run similar "welfare" schools, but those schools only taught children to read and to recite religious legends.

“No, it’s not a church.” The man holding the newspaper immediately shook his head. “It’s run by a French production management consulting firm. It’s to help Milanese people find jobs more easily.”

The boy made the sign of the cross: "Thank you, gentlemen of France. I apologize for insulting them before."

After he finished speaking, he immediately turned around and ran south.

The others hesitated for a moment, then hurriedly followed suit—it was the direction of the Porta Romana district, and who knew if there would be any spots left if they arrived late.

If the advantageous industrial chains of various cities are the anchor for stabilizing the economy of northern Italy, then vocational training schools are the buffer.

For example, in Milan, the current silk reeling, wood carving, and art industries can provide about seven or eight hundred jobs, while training schools can accommodate more than five hundred people.

These 1300 people may not seem like many, but they can drive a large number of industries related to clothing, food, housing, and transportation, and solve the livelihood problems of at least tens of thousands of families.

Milan has a population of only 13. The city's economic situation can be stabilized immediately.

As these advantageous industries continue to develop, goods can also be sold to Germany, the Ottoman Empire, Russia, and other regions. At that time, the demand for labor will increase significantly, and Milan's population will likely be insufficient. The development of cities in northern Italy will also increase their purchasing power, effectively expanding the market for French goods—meaning Italians earn money from Germany, Russia, Turkey, and other countries to buy French products.

That's why Joseph was willing to invest heavily in helping the various countries of northern Italy develop their respective industries. If the younger brothers are too weak, it will be a serious burden on the elder brother.

Moreover, in addition to market benefits, France can also rely on this "industrial aid" to strengthen pro-French sentiment in northern Italy.

Governments that have received large loans from France will become even more firmly dependent on it.

At the same time, various French patents, technical standards, laws, and regulations also entered Italy along with industrial aid. Later, even if Italians wanted to politically separate from France, they would find that their domestic industrial situation simply wouldn't allow it.

The "backyard" will become more stable and wealthier, and will be able to provide greater support to France in critical moments.

As for the loans totaling more than 1400 million francs provided to various countries, Joseph originally planned to issue a batch of national bonds in northern Italy.

The nobles here are actually quite wealthy—selling 1 million in government bonds shouldn't be too difficult, provided the interest rate is right. This can be seen as using Italian money to boost their own industrial development.

Afterwards, France can also make a considerable amount of money through equity investments in industries in various countries and through patent revenue. In fact, even training schools can be profitable.

However, after learning that Naples had become involved in the riots in northern Italy, Joseph decided to have Ferdinand IV "share" some of the costs.

Inside a carriage on a street in Florence.

Count Costantini frowned as he watched the once indignant citizens disperse.

He couldn't understand when the Florentine government had planned such a large-scale tanning plant and leather goods processing plant.

It is said that French caravans had placed advance orders for large quantities of leather boots and bags, which quickly alleviated the unemployment problem here.

Right now, everyone in town is talking about new jobs and training, and nobody is paying any attention to the topic of Italian unification.

The carriage stopped.

Costantini glanced at the villa of the famous writer Carlo Botta and gestured for his attendant to knock on the door.

He heard that Botta was recently writing a monumental work called "History of Italy," which would greatly help Italians form a sense of identity, so he planned to visit him and, if necessary, provide financial assistance for the book.

However, just as the maid opened the door, before Costantini could even introduce himself, he heard a roar from the second floor: "These Milanese are nothing but a bunch of shameless pigs!"

"Milan only has Leonardo da Vinci and Bramante as true artists, yet they dare to call themselves the art center of the Apennine Peninsula?!"

"Florence has Caracciova, Sanmartino, Pergolesi, Scarlatti, and so much more! It is the true center of art; even the great Renaissance began here!"

The cursing suddenly stopped when the maid informed the villa's owner that a distinguished guest had arrived.

(End of this chapter)