Flowers, Swords and France

“After the market reluctantly absorbed the second batch of bonds publicly issued by the Ministry of Railways, these respectable officials in our country who live in deep offices once again proved how ignorant they are of the world. They actually only What confidence led these officials to issue a third tranche of bonds a few months later—within a year of the first tranche—is unclear.

What we can know is that the market is tired of the capricious financing behavior of this sector. After the initial novelty, the new round of bonds will probably be ignored by the market.

Although being so eager for quick success and acting blindly is a habit unique to our government, the behavior of officials from the Ministry of Railways of our government this time is obviously beyond our usual imagination...

April 7, 1850"

After reading the anonymous review word for word, Charles gently placed the newspaper in his hand on his desk.

"Clément, have you read this review too?" He suddenly raised his head and looked at his full-time secretary.

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"I see, sir." Clement nodded respectfully.

"So what do you think?" Charles asked with a smile.

"Throughout the ages, everyone has thought that they are smarter than the people in the government, but this is unrealistic - if someone thinks that people in the government are stupid, then they are obviously looking at the wrong angle." Clement said. Answer implicitly.

"From the perspective of observation... Hahahaha, he is really a tactful person!" After getting the answer from the other party. Ciel laughed, then stood up from his seat and strode out.

And Clément also held the document. Follow him step by step.

"Are everyone here today?" In the corridor, Charles asked his secretary in a low voice while nodding to the staff who attacked and moved out of the way from time to time.

"Everyone is here, sir."

"What are their current opinions?" Charles continued to ask.

"Judging from the gossip we have received... the situation is not particularly optimistic..." Clement Lechinsky carefully lowered his voice even lower, "They are all quite doubtful about the recent movements of the ministry, Mr. Some people also privately said that we are on the wrong track... Of course, most of them did not show any emotion. "

"Don't show your emotions. Just keep your doubts in your heart..." Ciel pondered.

Then, they arrived at the door of the conference room.

Ciel stood at the door, and then adjusted his mood slightly. Then he made a gesture.

Understanding, Clément quickly reached out to the doorknob and pulled hard.

Then, when all eyes were focused on the door, Ciel slowly walked in.

"Good morning, everyone." Ciel didn't meet anyone's eyes. Walk to your seat and sit down quietly.

The main seat remains vacant today.

"Your Excellency the Minister has other schedules today, so I will be in charge of today's meeting as usual."

Then, he opened the file in front of him.

"Everyone, I think you also know the purpose of this meeting. Yes, we are discussing fundraising. Before that, I think you also know the funding shortage we are facing, so let me emphasize it again. Due to our previous planning of 1849 and 1850 The construction of railway lines is ongoing, and we are spending a lot of money every day. Although the government has given us multiple grants and subsidies before, the two previous bond issuances have brought us a lot of money. The funding gap in front of us still makes people unable to be optimistic..."

Charles deliberately lowered his voice, then raised his head and scanned everyone, "I think that judging from the current situation, the department's third round of bond issuance is urgent. I am holding this meeting today to study issuance matters.”

After he finished speaking, it was like a switch was turned on, and the entire conference room was filled with a buzzing sound like a swarm of bees. Obviously, although they had been mentally prepared for it, Shire's decision still surprised these officials - even shocked them.

After whispering a few words to each other, the eyes of some officials gradually focused on a middle-aged man opposite Charles.

This middle-aged man is pale, looks very gentle and gentle, and his hands are clean. It is obvious that this is an official who has been hanging around in the agency all year round, and his hair is already gray, so it is obvious that he will not be retired for long. He is the new permanent secretary of the Ministry of Railways, Mr. Albert Mileche. After Mr. Jean Calvert resigned, this older and more experienced official took over his position.

After becoming the focus of everyone's attention, he frowned unnaturally, and then reluctantly raised his head to look at Ciel.

"Mr. de Treville, although our department has the power to raise funds on its own with the approval of Parliament, I think... it is better not to use this power too often. Didn't we just issue two rounds of bonds before? If it is so fast If we issue the third round, I'm afraid...I'm afraid...the market may not accept our bonds? Then it may be difficult for us to raise as much funds as you want."

Perhaps feeling that his tone was a bit harsh, he quickly softened his tone.

"Of course, I don't intend to question your decision... It's just that I think we might be able to delay the construction of some sections a little and concentrate the current limited funds to prioritize the completion of other more important lines. I think sometimes if we If you slow down the pace a little, you may be able to reach your ideal end point faster.”

After he finished speaking, he smiled slightly, obviously very proud of the motto that he suddenly remembered. No one in the ministry dared to openly oppose him, not even the new permanent secretary. They could only listen to his words with respect, and even if they had any opinions, they would only mention them tactfully.

However, his mood did not last long.

"I will consider what you said. However, I think the problem before us cannot be solved by delaying time." Charles looked at him seriously and revealed his thoughts. "Sir, what we need most now is action. Action! The problems before us are piled up, and none of them can be solved by delaying time. No matter how many difficulties we encounter, I will still do my best to promote the country The railway construction is running at a higher speed, the faster the better... Moreover, I think although we have some financial difficulties now, it is by no means insurmountable. Even if the intensive bond issuance in a short period of time will make the market somewhat dissatisfied. I believe that the country and the market will eventually understand the importance of railways to our country..."

Although Ciel did not express his intention clearly, his words were enough for people to understand - he did not intend to follow the advice, nor did he intend to back down in the face of foreseeable difficulties.

In this case. So what else do I have to hold on to? Looking at the other party's gaze, Mr. Albert Mileche thought secretly. They have already decided privately, so why should I continue to fight against them? This makes no sense...

At this moment, he thought of the fate of his predecessor - the man who had a bad relationship with the minister and Mr. de Treville. He soon lost his important position. I was thrown into a "fundraising research committee" with no duties and no power, and now I can only swallow the bitter pill sadly.

Since he insists on doing this, then do as he says. Who told them to be in power? Anyway, I won’t be the one in charge then, so I won’t be in charge of so much.

The old official sighed inwardly and lowered his head, no longer questioning the other party's opinion.

"Okay, if you think about it this way, then I have no objection. I will carry out your and the minister's will. This is our task."

very good.

Ciel laughed happily. In my heart, I was very happy that I had finally tamed these officials. "Thank you for your support and cooperation. Without your help, our work cannot be carried out. I fully understand this... Then, I will arrange our future tasks..."

At this moment, the office door suddenly opened, and Charles's secretary, Clement Lechinsky, walked in quickly.

Charles glanced at the other person and found that his face was pale, as if he had encountered something serious.

Charles frowned slightly, then called the other person over.

Clement immediately ran to Ciel's side, then leaned down and whispered in Ciel's ear.

After listening to his narration, Charles suddenly frowned, then raised his head and looked at his secretary.

Under Ciel's gaze, Clement's face became even paler, but he still managed to maintain his composure.

"Go back first and wait for me in the office. I'll come find you later." Soon, Charles regained his composure.

"Yes." Clément nodded quickly and walked out quickly again.

Then, Charles frowned again and forced himself to calm down. Then he looked back at the officials present - at this moment, the officials were also looking at him, as if trying to figure out what could make him lose his composure.

However, they did not see any valuable intelligence from Ciel's face.

"Everyone, continue our discussion," Charles returned to his usual slow tone, "As I just said, the issuance of a new round of bonds depends on you..."

………………

After the meeting was over, it was already afternoon, and Charles immediately walked back to his office, where his secretary was already waiting.

"What's going on? Why did such a serious accident suddenly happen?" He looked at Clément Leczynski sternly, as if he was questioning something.

"Sir, I just got the news at noon, so a lot of the information is not very clear yet." Beads of sweat appeared on Clement's forehead, "But judging from the situation reported over there, the situation does not seem to be particularly optimistic. …”

"What happened?"

"Probably... at least several people died." As if he couldn't bear the pressure brought by Ciel's gaze, Clement lowered his head. "Maybe more."

Ciel slowly looked away, then turned to look out the window.

After taking a few deep breaths, he had regained his composure.

"Prepare the carriage for me immediately. I want to go there and see for myself." After a moment, he ordered without looking back. "Hurry, hurry!"

………………

When Ciel arrived at the town where the accident occurred. It was already around five o'clock in the afternoon.

Without taking a break, he immediately jumped off the carriage, and then took his secretary and followed people to the construction site of the Paris-Chartres railway.

This railway is one of the important lines planned by Charles, and it has been accelerated. He attaches the most importance to the construction of this line-this is partly because this line connects the densely populated areas of Paris-Versailles-Chartres, and a railway is urgently needed. More importantly, in his design, this railway will have a small branch line in the future. Leading to Giverny, where his steel factory is located. It is precisely because of this that Charles has always let his good friend Albert de Foa-Gray stay there to supervise the smooth operation of the entire project. By the way. This person who has never studied engineering for a day. Is the deputy chief engineer here.

He didn't have to wait for long. Soon, his good friend Albert came to greet him with a few people.

"Charles, you are finally here." After seeing Charles, Albert sighed as if relieved.

Charles found that Albert was also quite nervous. He was always happy to talk and laugh, but he was actually so serious.

"Albert, how did you cause me such a big mess?" Charles tried to suppress his anxiety and asked him in a calm tone. "What happened?"

"There was an accident. A serious construction accident, Charles." Albert sighed again. "When the tunnel was being built, a landslide suddenly occurred..."

Sure enough. Charles' heart tightened.

The original text is in the six # 9 @book/bar!

"Take me there!"

"Okay!" Then, the group of people walked quickly to the place where the construction accident happened.

"Charles, we didn't expect this to happen. It's really terrible..." Albert was still talking to himself as he walked. "It was fine at the beginning. I don't know why a landslide suddenly occurred. Although many people ran fast, some people were inevitably buried there... We have tried our best to rescue, but there is still no way to save everyone."

"No way, no way, nothing can be done?" Charles couldn't help but frowned, but he quickly gathered his mind, "How many people died?"

Albert looked around carefully, then came close to Charles and whispered.

"Now several people have been dug out, but there are still missing people. They should also be buried in there. If these are added, I'm afraid..." His voice was inadvertently lowered, "I'm afraid there will be no less than fifteen."

"Fifteen!" Charles sighed.

The sky was gloomy at this time, and it was obvious that another spring rain was coming. Although the group was wearing black coats, the remaining coldness of the spring field still drilled into their bodies.

Then, they came to the place where the accident happened.

"That's it." Albert pointed to a small hill and whispered to Charles.

Because of the landslide, the tunnel had long disappeared, leaving only a pile of rocks. A group of workers and local residents were digging hard. Their clothes had long been stained by mud and coagulated blood, but they kept digging as if they were expecting God to show a miracle and dig out some survivors. Next to the ruins, there were some women and children crying loudly, obviously worried about the lives of their loved ones.

The gloomy weather, the desolate countryside, the tunnel buried by rocks, the crying people, all of this was just like a postmodernist graffiti, rough and ugly, making people feel even more depressed.

Charles suddenly felt a stinging pain in his eyes, and then quickly turned his head to look at Albert.

"What's going on?!" He asked Albert again in a harsh voice.

"Charles, don't worry..." Albert saw that Charles was a little anxious, and he quickly comforted Charles. Then he looked at the people who were coming over as if he had seen a savior.

"Let them come and explain to you clearly. They are all engineers on the railway. Unlike fakes like me, they are all top-notch. I, a layman, can't explain it too clearly..." Then, he pointed to one of the middle-aged men in dishevel and said, "This is Mr. Lezi, the chief engineer."

"I know. I have seen this person, otherwise why would I put him in such a position?" Charles replied coldly, "But. Now I know that I made a wrong decision."

"Charles..." Albert wanted to say something else when he saw Charles, but before he could say it, Mr. Lezi had already walked over.

"Mr. de Treville," after seeing Charles, the chief engineer raised his hand habitually, and then found that he was not wearing a hat on his head. So he quickly bowed to Charles. His voice was trembling, and he was obviously panicked to the extreme. "You are finally here!"

"You have brought me such a big surprise, how dare I not come?" Charles replied coldly. Then he waved his hand, "I don't want to hear any other nonsense from you, please tell me what is going on?"

"None of us wanted this to happen, sir!" Mr. Lacy's face twitched in pain. "The soil here has always been bad. And it has been raining recently. Although we have been careful enough, today, I didn't expect... I didn't expect that under such careful construction, water and mud would burst out directly, and then a landslide occurred, burying the entire tunnel..."

"Is this your explanation? I don't want to hear your professional terms. I just want to ask you why you caused such an accident!" Charles looked like he was furious. "Also, what should we do next?"

"We don't want to act rashly. But... we have to rush the construction, sir. If we don't hurry up, how can we meet the deadline within the specified time..." After Mr. Lacy said halfway, he immediately stopped talking in front of Charles, who looked very ugly.

Rushing the construction deadline, yes, it seems that this is indeed the reason.

Charles didn't want to ask any more.

Yes, these people must be responsible for the accident, so - can he say that he has no responsibility?

Springfield is a rainy season, so tunnel construction is bound to be risky. In addition, the construction speed has to be accelerated because of the rush to complete the work. In this way, it is normal to cause a major accident.

Charles looked up and looked at the accident scene in the distance, looking at the people lying on the ground covered with white cloth. They were no longer alive - there were still some underground.

If this explanation is valid, can it be said that I indirectly killed these people? It is because I kept pushing for the construction period that the probability of such a thing increased?

Charles did not answer his own question. He just suddenly felt more stinging in his eyes.

"The local police chief and judge are here. Do you want to meet them, Charles?" Albert asked cautiously, "Many of the workers here are locals, and some of them are among the victims, so they are more concerned about this matter."

"Okay, I'll go and meet them later." Charles said leisurely.

Seeing the leader's performance, the others dared not say a word, and they all stood by and dared not breathe.

Charles withdrew his gaze from there and scanned the group of people.

"Why are you still standing there? Why don't you go and save people quickly? Are you still thinking about other things now?" Two lines of tears left his eyes, and he looked extremely sad. "The country has supported you for so long, you can do whatever you want!"

"Yes!" After he scolded, the others hurriedly responded and then dispersed.

"Albert, you stay."

"Okay."

As if he couldn't bear to watch any more, Charles turned his back to the place where the accident happened and walked back, and Albert followed behind.

"Albert, we've made a big mess."

"Yes, Charles, I'm sorry..."

"Why did you hire locals? Wouldn't everything be fine if there weren't these crying and getting in the way?" Charles frowned. "Now we can't hide it anymore. Soon the reporters will spread the news, and then it will be troublesome! Hire more foreign workers in the future, and try to keep it secret when an accident happens. Do you understand?"

Albert opened his eyes wide and looked at Charles.

He was so sad just now.

"Charles...you...didn't you..."

"What's wrong with me? People die every day in the world. If every one of them is worth my sadness, then should I do something else? My mission is to build railways, not humanistic care!" Charles replied coldly, "Besides, now in addition to grief, there are more important things for us to do."

After a moment of silence, Albert recovered from his shock just now.

"What happened?"

"It's about how to deal with the aftermath. This is not a problem that can be solved by crying a few times and giving out pensions." Charles looked up and looked into the distance, "I had already thought about it when I came here. The outside world will launch an attack on us next. No matter what, we have given the outside world an excuse."

"What!"

"In short, remember this lesson. Our Ministry of Railways is facing big trouble now..." Charles deliberately lowered his voice, "If it was just an accident, it would be fine. The problem is that I have to issue a bond that is destined to fail. The outside world has long been very dissatisfied with us."

Then, he Sighing, "Damn it, it's so unlucky... Now two bad things are mixed together, do you understand? Two negative news will lead to more negative news, and finally become a vicious attack on us - isn't that how people outside the government always treat the government? No matter how much sincerity you use and how much achievements you make, they can only see that you haven't done anything well! In short, after this accident and the issuance of bonds, the outside world will probably have great doubts about us soon, do you understand? It seems that our plan has to be slightly advanced."

"...You mean..." Albert seemed to have understood something.

"Yes, this time I will try my best to handle the accident properly and give the outside world a good impression..." Charles sighed, "Otherwise, I can only trouble our minister to take responsibility. Well, it's almost time now anyway." (To be continued...)