Chapter 43: The Power of Money
In reality, Joseph had long intended to open a bank.
To consolidate a nation's finances, a bank is an indispensable tool, especially after the decline of the Royal Bank. France lacked even a symbolic "central bank," and the government's control over finance was virtually nonexistent.
Furthermore, the Industrial Revolution was on the verge of its explosive phase. This period would require massive financial support to ensure unimpeded industrial development.
Thus, establishing a bank was an imperative for Joseph, though according to his original vision, now was not the optimal time.
As everyone knew, banks heavily relied on the scale of their capital. A bank with a capital of one million livres, no matter how well managed, would struggle to compete against a rival with ten million livres.
Joseph had originally planned to significantly invest in the banking sector after more of his current resources had been monetized.
However, the current provocations by banking capital against the treasury, coupled with the likely issue of government Debt Default, prompted him to accelerate this process.
Fortunately, the Paris Angel Company's profitability was highly encouraging, even exceeding his expectations, which greatly bolstered his financial confidence.
The remaining question was how to proceed.
While 18th-century banking was already flourishing, from a financial history perspective, it was merely in its infancy. The audacious maneuvers invented by later financial titans had yet to emerge. To Joseph, France's financial landscape was like America in Columbus's eyes—brand new and rife with opportunities.
Over an hour later, the entire plan had crystallized in his mind.
After repeatedly confirming the plan's completeness and feasibility, a relaxed expression finally appeared on his face as he instructed Eman:
“Please send someone to notify Monsieur Brent, and have him come to me as quickly as possible.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Three hours later, Joseph returned to Versailles Palace, where he found Brent already waiting. The dedicated manager, in his haste, hadn't even taken a carriage, riding straight over on horseback.
Joseph first praised his efficiency, then summoned his personal architect, painter, carpenter, and accountant to his study and began to outline their tasks:
“From now on, you have only one task: to open as many Paris Angel franchise stores as possible in the shortest amount of time.”
He looked at Brent:
“You will be fully responsible for this matter. All my resources are at your disposal. Aim to open at least three stores in the Paris district within one week. Additionally, open another directly-owned store in Reims.”
Brent's expression turned solemn. Although, as per the Crown Prince's previous instructions, all necessary items for the new franchise stores—glass walls, display stands, lighting, and even staff uniforms—were ready, the decoration work for walls and floors would be very time-consuming. Especially with multiple stores simultaneously, completing it in just one week seemed an impossible task...
Joseph noticed his expression and smiled faintly, saying:
“For opening the first franchise store, you will receive a bonus of 1,000 livres. For the second, 1,500 livres. And so on; each additional store will increase the bonus by 500 livres.”
He then looked at the architect and the others:
“For opening the first store, each of you will receive a bonus of 500 livres. Each additional store will increase your bonus by 200 livres.”
With the 'power of money' buff applied, everyone became a superman!
Brent's heart pounded. He quickly calculated: if they could complete the three stores in Paris, he would earn 4,500 livres that week!
Four stores meant 7,000; five stores, 10,000...
If all seven franchise stores and one directly-owned store could open, his bonus would be a staggering 22,000 livres!
Enough money for a second villa!
With bloodshot eyes, he blurted out:
“Your Highness, rest assured! I swear to the Lord, I will not disappoint you!”
He eagerly waved at the architect, painter, and others. “Don't just stand there! Follow me!”
The group hastily bowed to Joseph in farewell, then sprinted out of the Crown Prince's chambers as if in a hundred-meter dash.
On the open ground outside Versailles Palace, Brent grabbed ten livres, shoved them into the coachman's hand, and shouted:
“Quick! To Paris, quickly!”
The painter, his brow furrowed, had just finished calculating his bonus:
“...Three stores, 2,100 livres... All completed, that's 9,600 livres! Oh, my God! 9,600!”
His heart seized, and his breathing grew ragged. He turned and yelled at the coachman:
“Monsieur Brébeuf, show us what you've got! Faster!”
After everyone had left, Joseph quickly penned a few lines, handed the paper to Eman, and instructed:
“Following this concept, promote it through all newspapers, salons, balls, and similar channels. Here's 15,000 livres; it must all be spent within one week.”
Eman had never heard such a strange request. He looked at the paper in his hand with a puzzled expression, where it read:
“On the 30th of Frost Moon, Paris Angel Company stock will officially be offered for sale across all of France. We welcome your subscription.
Slogan: 'Even a pig can fly if it stands on the leading edge of the wind. And the next leading edge is with Paris Angel!'”
Below that were details on the Paris Angel Company's business model and operating data.
Frost Moon was November, and the 30th was exactly one week away.
He immediately bowed with a hand to his chest, stating earnestly:
“Yes, Your Highness, I will do my utmost!”
Afterward, Joseph sent a servant to invite Archbishop Brienne, Monnot, and Comte de Robert to dine with him.
He had a specific purpose in inviting these three: the former two were high-ranking cabinet members who were on good terms with him, while Robert was nominally a state councilor but actually the King's Secret Police chief, closely connected to the royal family, and wielded immense influence.
At the opulent dining table, Monnot glanced around. Seeing no "audience" present to observe the Crown Prince's meal, he knew this dinner was no ordinary affair. He smiled broadly and raised his wine glass:
“Let us toast His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince.”
The others immediately echoed: “To His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince.”
After the fine wine had been drunk, Monnot first lavishly praised Joseph's ingenious handling of affairs in the Netherlands, then casually remarked:
“For Your Highness to remember us old fellows amidst such a busy schedule, it must certainly be for something good, haha.”
Joseph smiled faintly:
“You are all my trusted confidants. In truth, I wish to ask for your assistance.”
Archbishop Brienne also smiled genially, saying:
“Your Highness, please command us if there is anything we can do.”
Joseph wiped his mouth with a napkin, his expression turning serious:
“Actually, I am planning to open a bank, and I wish to invite you to invest.”
The greater the undertaking, the more one should avoid hoarding all the benefits.
Share a piece of the cake with others, and if anyone dares to covet it, you won't even need to lift a finger; those with vested interests will naturally sever their claws for you.
As long as he retained control over the bank's decision-making, distributing some profits was inconsequential.
These three high-ranking officials were the first batch of shareholders Joseph brought in. Naturally, there were even more influential figures to follow. With such individuals backing the bank, it was bound to flourish smoothly.
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