Chapter 1239: Preparing for Decisive Battle
Monbeuil, the Viscount, braced himself for the Crown Prince's reprimand, even preparing for dismissal.
However, what he heard instead was, "You've done an excellent job. Despite the labor shortage, you managed to significantly boost production. After the war is won, I will consider awarding you a medal."
Monbeuil was both surprised and overjoyed. "You... you're serious? But these women..."
"They are great, as great as any other worker here!"
Joseph deliberately raised his voice. "Every person who contributes to France, whether on the front lines or in a factory, whether rich or poor, man or woman, is a true hero!"
Everyone in the workshop turned to look at him, especially the female workers dressed in men's clothing and wearing felt hats.
Joseph looked at the female worker who had stumbled earlier. "Did you know that the Crown Princess also opened a bakery in Paris? Every day, she kneads dough there or manages the cash register.
"You have absolutely no reason to feel ashamed of working here; those who look down on you should be the ones feeling ashamed.
"Many young women joined the army years ago, traveling with the troops and saving countless soldiers' lives in field hospitals.
"Every time you lift one of these rifles, you are hammering another nail into the coffin that will hold our enemies. You, and every worker here, have made immense contributions to our homeland! I salute you, madam!"
Kahn stood rooted to the spot, feeling as though she had a thousand things to say, yet finding herself speechless.
The next moment, tears streamed uncontrollably from her eyes, and her body trembled slightly as she bowed deeply to the Crown Prince.
The stout young woman loudly exclaimed, "Thank you, benevolent Crown Prince!"
The other workers immediately joined in with excited shouts, "Thank you, Crown Prince!"
"Long live the Crown Prince!"
"Long live France!"
Viscount Monbeuil finally relaxed. As the workers' cheers subsided, he quickly gestured for everyone to return to work.
He then pointed to the drilling machine behind him and said to Joseph, "Your Highness, in fact, these female workers perform quite well. Michel's skill with the drilling machine even surpasses many men, and they only require 35% of a male worker's wages."
Joseph, however, frowned. "What percentage of a man's workload can a female worker achieve?"
Monbeuil paused, then replied, "Around 40% to 70%, Your Highness. But some, like Michel and David, perform almost as well as male workers."
Joseph first expressed some confusion. "The names of the female workers here are quite unusual."
"Ah, it was to avoid trouble; we had them adopt male names when they entered the factory."
"That's unnecessary. Using their original names is a basic form of respect," Joseph stated. "Furthermore, their wages are far too low. You should first assess their workload, and if they perform as well as the male workers, they should receive at least 70% of a male worker's wages."
He knew that equal pay for equal work was impossible in this era; paying female workers the same as male workers would certainly provoke strong resentment from the men.
It was already remarkable that wartime necessity allowed so many women to enter factories; other aspects could be gradually improved later.
France had already taken its first steps into the Industrial Revolution, and the demand for labor would inevitably grow. This was a situation all European nations would face: whoever had more labor would possess a greater advantage.
If France could lead the way in integrating women into the workforce, it would significantly enhance its competitiveness.
Moreover, if both spouses in a household could earn an income, their purchasing power would also increase.
This rise in purchasing power would expand the French market, thereby fostering a positive production-sales cycle.
In the industrial age, markets were even more crucial than technology and resources.
Monbeuil quickly bowed. "Yes, Your Highness, I will certainly pay qualified female workers more."
He secretly rejoiced, knowing that with the Crown Prince's approval, he could hire more female workers in the future. The armory's production would consequently increase further.
Joseph continued, "Soon, I will have Mr. Denico send someone here to conduct an interview, primarily to report on the armory's contributions to the war effort.
"During this time, you should present the situation of the female workers—for example, their work capabilities and wages. You can prepare for this in advance."
Viscount Monbeuil's grin stretched from ear to ear, and he immediately bowed repeatedly, declaring, "Yes, Your Highness, I will not disappoint you."
After inspecting the percussion cap musket production workshop, Joseph discussed the relocation to Namur with Monbeuil.
Namur was currently France's largest coal and iron hub. In comparison, Charleville's iron output was no longer sufficient.
In fact, most of the armory's raw materials currently came from Namur. Relocating would significantly reduce transportation costs.
It was not until dusk that Joseph returned by carriage to Moriton Manor, where he was staying.
The next morning, as Joseph prepared to visit the Verdun supply depot—France's largest frontline logistics base—Eman swiftly approached. "Your Highness, General Berthier and General Moreau have arrived."
Joseph was somewhat surprised. "How did they track me down here?"
The previous week, he had received news via Chappe's optical signal towers that the main Coalition Forces had withdrawn from Northern Italy, prompting Moreau's Legion to be redeployed domestically, with the General Staff officers returning alongside them.
"Let them in."
Shortly after, Berthier, Moreau, and Victor entered the manor's reception room and saluted the Crown Prince by placing their hands over their chests.
Berthier took a document from his satchel and respectfully placed it before Joseph. "Your Highness, based on the current battlefield situation, the General Staff Headquarters has formulated the next operational plan. Please review it."
Joseph opened the topmost document. "Did something happen that made you specifically rush here?"
Berthier quickly replied, "Actually, we have some differing opinions regarding the next deployment."
Traveling north from Paris by train was now swift. They had departed Paris yesterday at noon, reached Verdun by afternoon, and then traveled by carriage to Charleville.
Joseph nodded. "Please, elaborate."
"Yes, Your Highness," Berthier stated. "After the Coalition Forces withdrew from Italy, we have not yet accurately ascertained the movements of their main army.
"According to the Security Bureau's assessment, Archduke Charles's army has passed through Bohemia and is likely currently near Dresden.
"We estimate that the Coalition Forces' next objective will be Baden, Mainz, or Cologne. Their total strength is approximately 300,000 troops.
"Our army currently has fewer than 140,000 troops along the Rhine River, and 50,000 of those are recently conscripted recruits."
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