บท 50: Chapter 50: All Into My Fold
Chapter 50: All Into My Fold
Dubois, in particular, was older and more aware of the importance of military organization, training, logistics, and other factors in enhancing combat effectiveness. He immediately took out a pen and paper and quietly repeated Joseph's points on military reform while quickly writing them down.
"Establish a national conscription system with comprehensive enlistment and pension regulations, making them part of the law...
"Create a French Ministry of War, gradually eliminating local garrisons, and unify the army's selection, evaluation, and promotion systems...
"Elevate the status of decorated soldiers, making ultimate honor the highest pursuit within the military...
"Develop a national armament production and equipment system, encourage the research of new weapons, and accelerate their deployment...
"Establish military hospitals..."
The more he wrote, the more excited Dubois became. If these measures were implemented, France would possess an invincible army capable of defeating any enemy. The humiliation of being forced to sign the Treaty of Paris would be completely erased, and everything France had lost would be reclaimed!
His father had died in the Battle of Legnica during the Seven Years' War when Dubois was only eight years old.
He only remembered that after France's defeat, the entire country was shrouded in gloom. His father's death brought no honor to the family. On the contrary, some people even mocked French soldiers as incompetent in front of him.
Dubois knew that as a mere major, he had no power to influence France's military reforms, but he could pass these valuable ideas to experts like Berthier for further development.
Out of the corner of his eye, Joseph saw how seriously and enthusiastically Dubois was taking notes. Sensing that the moment was right, Joseph flashed a sly smile, like a little fox who had just snatched a chicken, and said, "Major, you seem to agree with this military reform plan. Would you be interested in helping me push this work forward?"
"I would be honored to serve you, Your Highness..." Dubois started to say but then hesitated. "However, I'm not very skilled in this area, and I fear I may disappoint you."
Joseph thought to himself, "Then hurry up and bring me someone who is skilled in this area—like the future Chief of Staff." But outwardly, he continued to smile and said, "Your practical experience in combat is exactly what we need to refine the reform plan. To be honest, I'm currently gathering a team to study military theory, and I hope you can join and assist us."
Dubois immediately stood tall and said, "It would be my lifelong honor to follow you!"
Joseph nodded in satisfaction and then turned his smiling gaze toward André, speaking kindly, "Lieutenant, why didn't you continue your family's legacy by serving in the Royal Guard?"
André's eyes showed a flash of bitterness and regret. "Your Highness, I once had a great love that consumed me. Because of my pursuit of that love, some people got hurt... and I ended up in the Soissons Cavalry Regiment."
Joseph responded, "Would you be willing to serve under me?"
"Of course!" André could barely contain his surprise and joy. He declared loudly, "The Davout family's title was granted by the late King. It is our sworn duty to be loyal to the royal family! I will be your most loyal soldier, Your Highness!"
Joseph was equally pleased as he looked at the two men before him. With these two connections, Berthier and Davout, two military giants, would eventually fall into his hands.
...
Recently, all of Paris had been abuzz with talk about the new Paris Angel stores.
They couldn't help but notice—three new stores were being prepared simultaneously, like whirlpools on the ocean, drawing in endless supplies of wood, glass, paint, copper, and more from all over Paris.
The finest artisans in Paris were concentrated at the Paris Angel stores, working themselves to exhaustion, yet their faces were filled with fervent excitement.
Over the past week, they had earned more than they usually would in three months!
Every day, the Paris Angel supervisors prepared four meals and served them to the workers at regular intervals, attending to them carefully before politely asking them to continue working.
As for the meals, they consisted of roasted meat, buttered corn, white bread, and tomato vegetable soup, all richly flavorful and plentiful.
Not a single artisan complained of exhaustion, and none wanted to rest. If anyone mentioned taking a break, they would be angrily scolded—earning four times the usual pay meant that every second of work was a treasure!
At night, many oil lamps were lit inside and outside the store, illuminating the place as brightly as day. The artisans worked in shifts, with some even setting records of working three days and two nights straight, earning a whopping 28 livres in overtime pay.
Oh, overtime pay on top of everything else! It's unbelievable! When the workers learned that this was a directive from the Prince himself, they prayed for him several times a day.
In later centuries, some people often said that Westerners value freedom and a balanced lifestyle and have always been opposed to excessive work. In truth, 18th-century France was highly competitive. Factory workers commonly worked 14-hour days, and as long as they were paid, 20-hour days weren't out of the question.
Joseph hadn't anticipated that his rush to complete the new stores would have an unexpected effect—the idle Parisians made it their entertainment to watch the store construction, leading to Paris Angel's popularity soaring even higher. If social media existed in this era, Paris Angel would be trending in all top ten spots.
It's no surprise, though. With so few entertainment options in this era, watching the luxurious store being renovated around the clock was a rare treat.
The little boy who had once begged in the alley behind the Paris Angel store now had his hands full managing his chair-renting business with his sister and four other homeless children.
He had followed Joseph's advice, started renting out chairs, and made a fair amount of silver coins. His team had even grown to six members.
He had now rented a room, so he and his sister no longer had to go hungry. He was even planning to save more money and spend a few hours each day learning to read.
Time passed quickly.
Standing on Rue Saint-Denis, Brent, the general manager of Paris Angel Company, gazed at the luxurious and elegant new store in front of him, feeling a deep sense of pride and accomplishment.
In just seven days, the new store had been fully renovated. It was he who had led the company's staff and countless artisans in creating this miracle!
Of course, the 20,000 livres spent on renovations also played a significant role.
In the western and northern parts of Paris, two other stores just like this one were nearly ready. They would be finished by the end of the day.
Meanwhile, 30 leagues away in Reims, a new store was also awaiting its grand opening. However, due to some unforeseen issues, the company's new store there needed two more days to be completed.
This meant that Paris Angel now had five stores ready for business. Even the stores in Marseille and Bordeaux, according to reports from his subordinates yesterday, would be fully renovated by the end of the month.
At the same time, the square in front of the Paris City Hall was packed with people. Four to five hundred of them were anxiously awaiting the moment when Paris Angel Company shares would officially go on sale.
Yes, due to the impact of the "Bubble Act," this was the temporary stock exchange Joseph had chosen.
(End of Chapter)
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