French Empire: But Napoleon IV

Chapter 116 Negotiations Begin with the Capitalists (Seeking first subscription, collection, and continued reading)

「帝国目前仅有116门Reffye火炮，而这已经是从69年的1月到今年7月的产量，甚至里面还有24门是开战后才匆匆下线的。」

In an era before the concept of production lines existed, artillery production was remarkably low.

Historically, by the time of the armistice in February 1971, the total wartime production of this artillery piece was 217 pieces, which meant that in six months, an average of only about 30 artillery pieces could be produced per month.

If we take into account the gradual increase in production, the output in September might not even exceed 25.

door.

Schneider Electric, which has been paying close attention to this issue and has also received orders for military artillery, is quite familiar with this data.

"If we provide enough manpower and mobilize resources, can we break through the production limit of 50 cannons in October? The Empire needs this cannon."

Although the bronze barrels would shorten the range and lifespan of the cannons, we couldn't worry about that too much. Something that works is better than nothing, and the disadvantages of artillery needed to be addressed as soon as possible.

To be honest, Eugene's goal is to produce more than 100 guns a month. Only with this output might he have a chance to achieve parity with or even gain the upper hand over the Prussian artillery in local battles.

However, 100 doors represents a three-fold difference compared to historical records, which is quite alarming. Eugène, fearing he might scare Schneider away, didn't immediately make this request.

The requirement of 50 doors a month was enough to make Schneider frown, and he spoke with some difficulty.

"Your Highness, this requires a large amount of funds and raw materials. Given our current financial situation, I'm afraid... Besides, I can only manage my own businesses and factories."

Not to mention how difficult it is, I don't have the authority to do it myself, so I can't expect one factory to achieve the target of 50 units.

As Eugène looked at Schneider, his true intentions became clear: he clearly had plans for Schneider. This heavy industry leader, who had brought the company to its current position, possessed strong management and resource allocation abilities.

Such talent would be invaluable in wartime. The only concern is the misuse of public resources; Schneider might divert resources to his own company.

But compared to his still unstable position, everything had to give way to the war. Schneider might as well be a little greedy, as if other officials weren't.

As for postwar monopolistic behavior, by then, his prestige in France would have reached its peak, and he would have held national military power. He wouldn't be so easily overwhelmed by a capitalist.

"Mr. Schneider, I hope you can take on the role of director of the newly established Military Control Commission. This commission will serve the wartime needs of the people and will be responsible for important issues such as industrial production, resource allocation, and material distribution."

Regarding funding, I have nothing to hide from you all. Tonight I will negotiate with the Rothschilds and Cammondo to secure sufficient loans for the Empire. Mr. Schneider, you only need to tell me, with the money, can you actually do it?

The Schneider Electric of today is not the Schneider Electric of the future that is detached from worldly affairs. Although Schneider Electric is large now, it has not yet reached the level of a conglomerate.

In a chaebol structure, one needs to keep a low profile and control government affairs without participating in politics. However, Schneider, who still needs political status, understands the immense power of the position Eugène has given him.

"If I can guarantee the supply of funds and raw materials, I can do it. I need the full support of the government. Perhaps I will requisition all the steel mills and chemical plants in Paris, all the transport vehicles, and recruit a large number of workers."

"Is all of this alright? I will sign the decree, and Prime Minister Olivier will also sign the decree. We will authorize you to take full charge of France's industrial production. Trust me, no one will dare to stop you."

Schneider's power was temporary, but he didn't intend to hold onto it for long. What kind of business tycoon would he be if he gave up being a politician for a few years?

One party needed to enhance their political influence, while the other needed their ability to manage and coordinate businesses. It was a mutually agreeable cooperation between the two parties.

With the Republican Party defeated, the already crumbling empire became everyone's only option. As for the few Republican parties in the South, nobody took them seriously.

Just as in ancient Eastern countries, where conquering the north from the south is extremely difficult, in France, where the political center has always been in the north, conquering the north from the south is equally difficult.

The three of them had no other choice but to defect to Prussia. However, all three of them were men of principle and would not lie down and enjoy themselves without any resistance.

In this situation, the three who have already agreed to be on the same side as Eugène need to assist him properly to ensure that he does not repeat Nathaniel's mistakes and prevent the Empire from being unable to defeat Prussia.

After seeing Olivier and the others off, Eugène was about to rest for a while when a servant came in to announce that Alphonse Rothschild and Moses de Camondo had arrived.

Unlike the three centrists and Olivier who came with them, the two bankers did not arrive empty-handed.

Of course, they didn't come with two boxes of gifts. Rothschild brought a lean, middle-aged man, who was his chief legal counsel.

As for Camondo, he brought an accountant and a young clerk carrying ledgers. Looking at this entourage, Eugène knew that this battle would be even more difficult than the previous talks.

Everyone before them had something to ask for, and Eugène could give these two bankers something in return.

However, unlike politicians who gamble, bankers seek either short-term gains or long-term, high-quality assets that they can hold onto.

An empire on the verge of collapse clearly cannot be transformed into a valuable asset simply by Eugène's words.

"Good evening, Your Highness."

The Rothschilds, who had come with great force, upon seeing Eugène, this neutral banker, unlike his fellow Jews, maintained the most basic courtesy and bowed to Eugène first.

"I apologize for keeping Your Highness waiting. We needed to do some preparations, so we arrived a little late."

"It's alright," Eugene said with a smile. "I just finished my conversation. Please have a seat, gentlemen. We can begin now."

A servant served red tea. Camondo, whose heart was with the Empire, first looked at Rothschild. He had come mainly to see Rothschild's attitude. If His Highness could persuade Rothschild, he would basically agree without His Highness having to say anything more.

However, under Fonseca's gaze, Rothschild didn't touch his teacup at all. Instead, he took a thick document from his briefcase and pushed it in front of Eugène.

After the negotiations began, Rothschild's unfriendly attitude caused both men present to twitch their brows slightly.

Eugène didn't need to look at the documents Rothschild handed him; just by looking at Rothschild himself, he knew exactly what was written in the documents—mainly the loan proposal he had put forward to the two of them.

Rather than reading cold, hard words, Eugène prefers to listen, as he can glean extra information from the other person's tone and manner of speaking.

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