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"You are the true leader of the French Revolution!" exclaimed the middle-aged man with fervent flattery, "While those cowards shrink back under the despot's tyranny, only you continue to bravely fight for the French people."
"It is my eternal cause!" Pride and satisfaction emerged on Saint-Just's face. He had little interest in money or beauty, but relished others' adulation.
Without drawing attention, the middle-aged man pulled a stack of Bank of France Reserve banknotes from his pocket and placed it beside Saint-Just, whispering, "This is your operational funding."
These notes had been collected by the States-General of the Netherlands from local peasants. They didn't care much for such flimsy currency, but the French people seemed quite willing to accept it.
Saint-Just immediately pushed the money back, "Operational funds should be managed collectively by the 'club.' I cannot accept them privately."