Chapter 47: The Commendation Ceremony
Delaude Laborde had never been as agitated as he was today since taking over the family business.
The manager of Laborde Bank had brought him extremely bad news today—the French government, or more precisely, the Crown Prince responsible for financial loans, intended to terminate their cooperation.
Currently, the industrial and commercial situation throughout France was bleak. Large government loans were the most lucrative part of Laborde Bank's business. Without this deal, Laborde Bank might not survive.
Soon after, Goldman, a major shareholder of Laville Bank, approached him, confirming the government's intention to end their cooperation.
In this matter, both banks were in the same boat and had to cooperate fully.
The two men and the shareholders of both banks deliberated for a long time, eventually realizing that the core of the problem lay with the French Reserve Bank.
This was an anomaly that didn't adhere to the banking guild's internal understanding. If not for it, the French government would have to beg Laborde and Laville Banks for loans.
Soon, someone suggested, "Perhaps we can strike a deal with this French Reserve Bank."
"So," Count Laborde addressed the group, "who has any information about this bank?"
Laborde nodded. "It seems we'll have to seek Mr. Necker's help."
In the garden of Necker, a renowned banker and senior advisor to the French Banking Guild.
Laborde and Goldman recounted the events, simply referring to the French government as "a certain large client" and the National Debt as the client's private debt, then looked at Necker expectantly.
If there was anyone in Paris who understood the French Reserve Bank, it would undoubtedly be this most well-informed master in French banking.
However, Necker merely smiled and shook his head. "I haven't heard of this bank."
He bent down to trim the jasmine, then added, "However, I believe you two have fallen into your client's trap."
"A trap?"
"He's a very composed gentleman," Necker said, sweeping the fallen branches together and wiping his brow. "The more you think he wouldn't dare to play tricks, the more certain I am that this French Reserve Bank is merely a ruse to intimidate you.
"If you approach him, worried about losing business, he'll be able to lower interest rates, pretend to stop cooperating with that fictional bank, and demand you disburse the loan quickly."
Laborde and Goldman exchanged glances, both feeling a sudden realization.
Necker wore the expression of a hunter who had pinpointed his prey's hiding place. "I believe that if you don't compromise, he will go to any lengths to secure your loan in the final two days before the client's debt is due."
Laborde nodded vigorously. "Mr. Necker truly is France's most outstanding banker! If it weren't for you, we would have been thoroughly deceived this time!"
"We'll follow your advice and hold out until the very last day!"
...
In the Hall of Apollo at the Palace of Versailles, a grand commendation ceremony was underway, bathed in golden light.
The urgent beat of military drums and the solemn blare of trumpets ceased simultaneously. Marquis Saint-Priest, the Minister of War, announced loudly to the soldiers standing before him, "Attention!"
A nearby aide struck his staff forcefully against the ground, producing a dull thud. The soldiers stood ramrod straight, heads held high and chests out.
Saint-Priest turned and saluted Louis XVI with his hat. "Your Majesty the King, Your Majesty the Queen, Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince, allow me to introduce the heroes of the Battle of Amstelveen—
"Captain Marie-François de Dubois!
"Lieutenant Thérèse-Préville de Foucault!
"Second Lieutenant Louis André de Davout!
"..."
After he had introduced them all, Louis XVI stepped forward first, approached Dubois, praised him profusely, then took a pair of brass cufflinks and solemnly presented them to him. "You are hereby formally granted the rank of Major."
Afterward, he moved to Lieutenant Foucault to continue the awards, while Queen Marie took a garland from a lady-in-waiting, smiled, and placed it on Dubois's head, saying softly, "You are a hero of France."
After she moved on to the next award recipient, Joseph then approached Dubois and delivered his prepared commendation: "Your tactical strategy was brilliant. Without your command, the Dutch forces might very well have collapsed in the first two days."
He had not originally intended to attend such a ceremonious and formal event, but as the mastermind behind the repulse of the Prussians in Holland, both the Queen and the military had strongly insisted on his presence at the commendation ceremony. He had reluctantly acquiesced.
Dubois immediately saluted with his hat. "Your Highness, these achievements are not solely mine. It was your overall strategic design that forced the Prussians to retreat. As for the tactical arrangements at Amstelveen, they were actually planned by a good friend of mine, Captain Berthier, before I departed. I merely followed his instructions."
Joseph felt as though he had heard a familiar name and quickly inquired, "Berthier? Which Berthier are you referring to?"
"Your Highness, it is Major Louis Alexandre Berthier, under General Custine."
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