Flowers, Swords and France

In front of all the businessmen present, the minister stated his request in an unquestionable manner.

For a time, the entire room fell into a strange silence, and some people's faces became very ugly.

Obviously, the Minister summoned them here not just to let everyone know each other, or just to announce the government's suggestions. He was obviously giving an order to force everyone to accept an arrangement without any preparation in advance.

Although on the surface, these arrangements are beneficial to everyone's business activities, or at least they will not cause any harm, but the government... everyone does not believe that the government will be so kind. Obviously, if this arrangement is made, the government's control over the industry will be greatly strengthened, and it may even forcibly interfere with the operation of the industry. God knows what will be done by then.

It is early autumn, but there is still some summer heat left, so although the second floor is well ventilated, many people are still sweating and wiping with handkerchiefs.

However, although there are many people who have different opinions in their hearts, no one dares to speak out. Everyone is counting on others to speak out for themselves, so as not to offend the now powerful ministers - and the more this happens, the more difficult it becomes. No one spoke.

"It seems that many people still have different opinions. This is really regrettable." Charles sighed softly, "But this is normal. After all, such a matter is a major interference. I hope you will resolve it within a few minutes." Making a decision is really too demanding, but here’s my statement—— What has happened and what will happen in the future are all matters that must be done according to our determination. We will push forward with the greatest determination. Therefore, as businessmen, you should work hard to adapt to the new environment instead of complaining about what has happened. Everything. I think that’s a really positive and useful attitude.”

Seeing that the minister was speaking more and more seriously, and was secretly threatening that "businessmen who are unwilling to cooperate and disobey will treat the government negatively." Others finally couldn't sit still and began to express their willingness to accept the government's arrangements.

Of course, they did not change their minds instantly, but found that the attitude of the ministers and the government was irreversible, so they decided to temporarily agree to the ministers' request, and then wait and see. If the implementation is beneficial, they will continue to insist on it. If it is not good for themselves, they will obey the request. , to resist with a secretly negative attitude - after all, the minister is a layman, and even if he resists passively in the future, he will not be able to see the clues.

Ciel can naturally predict their thoughts, and he also naturally knows how to prevent them.

Yes, he does not understand shipbuilding or shipping, but he knows how to manage people from an organizational perspective, and he also knows how to employ people.

"It seems that you all understand the truth after all, and are loyal enough to the country. Seeing that you are so active, I have spent a lot less time, thank you." Charles laughed again, and then said to the silent people next to him. Mary, who was recording his remarks, made a gesture.

Mary took out a few pieces of paper from the folder knowingly, and then handed them to the person next to her.

"Of course, the establishment of such a federation is still my personal idea. The specific articles and charters still need special research and formulation by experts, so we don't need to confirm everything today. We only need to unify the intentions. ." Charles pointed to the piece of paper. "Since everyone has no other opinions, please sign the letter of intent first, so that you can become the first batch of members. I can assure you that government guarantees and subsidies will be given to you first, because you have Sufficient qualifications and prestige.”

There was another commotion, but under the watchful eye of the minister, no trouble occurred. One by one, these businessmen signed their names on the letter of intent, and in fact assumed responsibility for the federation.

"Since it is an organization, it should be run in an organizational way. Although the Federation is just you people now, it won't be long before it will be filled with hundreds or perhaps thousands of companies, involving many, many In this industry, the number of employees is even more numerous. If everything is If everyone is allowed to discuss and decide unanimously, then it will be obvious that nothing can be done. Therefore, imitating the company, this federation will set up the position of supervisors, allowing them to perform their duties and be responsible for external communication. Of course, these supervisors will be You people elect yourselves, so you must have prestige..."

As they signed one by one, Charles continued to explain, "Similarly, although the government will not take a dominant position or interfere in the operation of the federation, the government will also station a communication agency and regulatory agency. Because the government needs to work closely with various industries in order to control all aspects of the national economy, and it also needs to ensure that the subsidies and preferential treatment it issues are used efficiently enough so that public funds are not wasted. "

Although he spoke very low-key, of course the government agencies will not only be responsible for supervision and communication. With huge funds and subsidies, they will definitely exert an increasingly greater influence on the federation, and eventually occupy a dominant position. Gather all these companies involved in shipbuilding and shipping under your own baton, and then use the will of the government to pull them forward.

At this point in time, it is really hard to accept such a theory. Everyone has become accustomed to laissez-faire business and does not understand the meaning of doing so, so Charles did not explain it to them at all, but just said He can use his own attitude and power to forcefully implement these policies - this is an inevitable trend anyway, he just needs to slowly guide it and wait.

"Your Excellency, Minister! Can I ask some questions?" Just as others were actively or passively obeying Ciel's will, a businessman present suddenly shouted to Ciel, and soon attracted almost All eyes.

"Oh?" Charles looked a little surprised, and then scanned the name tag in front of his seat.

His surname is Dumel, and he comes from a shipping company in Marseille. "Mr. Dumel, do you have anything to ask?"

This is a man in his thirties. His age between middle-aged and young people makes him look calm and energetic, and he is dressed very formally, looking like a successful businessman.

"You just said that we should establish a federation and set up a supervisory board within the federation. I fully agree with these ideas, because in the past operations, I also deeply felt that the risks faced by our industry are too great and we need mutual cooperation. Support is one, and you need help from the government... so I support you." Perhaps because he was intimidated by Charles's power, Mr. Dumel was obviously a little reserved and his speech was not coherent, but basically. The meaning can be expressed clearly, "At the same time, you have also expressed that you do not want the government to interfere too much in our business activities. Then I would like to ask, if we encounter some conflicting situations during our operations - after all, in business This situation is very common during events - if so, do you think this issue needs to be arbitrated and resolved by the federation? It is a matter of authority after all.”

"Business activities naturally generate competition, and competition is also the source of enterprise progress. This can never be changed. However, competition can also be divided into benign and malignant. Take the shipping industry you are in as an example. If malignant competition is carried out, Competition results in everyone cutting prices, which on the surface is beneficial to customers and passengers, but in fact you have no spare time to update the ships, improve the environment of the ships, and even find ways to evade taxes... So we must stop this kind of competition. An important function of the Federation is to stop and arbitrate vicious competition. Let all industries develop healthily..."

Then, as if he was joking, Charles laughed, "Of course I also know that sometimes some people are not so good at listening to advice, but thank God, we live in a country with laws after all."

"I understand what you mean, Your Excellency Minister." Mr. Dumel nodded. "It seems that the Federation will have a high status in the future, and the supervisors will become important people in it. Then I will think about it again. Let me ask, are these supervisors appointed by the government, or are we elected by ourselves?”

"I just said that it is up to you to elect yourself. The government cannot control everything, but must pay attention to flexibility." Charles spread his hands, "However, considering that everyone is still unfamiliar with each other, it is impossible to achieve optimal results in the short term. Therefore, I think it is best for the first term of supervisors to be judged by the government The government will recommend it, and then all members of the federation will vote for approval. For example, I really want to recommend you, Mr. Dumel, although this is the first time I have seen you, but I think you are very smart and very good. Courage and even more ambition...that's what we need most."

"Thank you for your compliment, Your Excellency the Minister." Dumel opened his eyes wide, obviously flattered. He did not expect that he would suddenly get the opportunity to be recommended by the Excellency the Minister. "I have always wanted to make some contributions to the industry and all my colleagues. If you can recommend me... I will do my best to serve everyone!"

His words also shocked others. Because obviously, as the Minister said, no one knows anyone now, and no one has much prestige among each other, so whoever can get the approval of the Minister himself will be able to become the supervisor of this association. ——As for the voting, everyone can see it, and if we do it now, it is just a formality.

Moreover, it seems that this position is very powerful. Not only can it speak for the entire industry, but it can also maintain close contact with the government...

When they thought of this, their original worries turned into eagerness and attentiveness. They all rushed to speak, hoping to win the favor of the minister. However, the minister was no longer so generous this time, but reservedly said that he would refer to all the suggestions. people's opinions, and strive to put capable people in top positions so that the entire industry and the country's economy can benefit from it.

It wasn't until Charles said that he didn't have much time left here today that these people left the conference room one by one and went to eat and spend a noon that was a bit too long for them.

Charles still stayed in the conference room, carefully reviewing the record that Mary had just written for herself, as well as the signatures of these people on the letter of intent.

At this moment, the door was gently opened again, and a person walked in quietly.

"What's their attitude?" Charles asked without raising his head.

"Overall, it's quite positive, sir." The man replied quietly and respectfully, "Although they still have some doubts about your idea, they all seem to want to give it a try. After all, you have prestige and have achieved many political achievements. , they are willing to make some bets on you.”

"That's good enough. I don't expect to be able to hypnotize them." Charles shrugged, "Even half-hearted support is support. As long as they support me, I hope to carry out everything. Businessmen After all, we are pursuing profit, and as long as we let them see the benefits, they will eventually follow us forward. "

"You are quite right, sir." The man agreed, bowing.

He is the Mr. Dumel who suddenly spoke just now. Of course his name is not Dumel. His name is Kongze, and he is one of Charles's confidants.

However, the company he was working for was not a fake, but a shipping company that Charles had asked his distant relative Henry de Latouche Treville to help set up in Marseille. Charles asked Kunze to participate as a representative , firstly, to plant a nail among the businessmen and keep abreast of their dynamics and intentions; secondly, it was also to give Kong Ze a well-paid position to reward him for his hard work in serving him wholeheartedly for several years.

After Kongze received this unexpected gift, he was naturally overjoyed. He gained a legal identity, a decent social status, and a large amount of income, which further strengthened his continued work for Trey. The Weir family's determination to continue serving.

"Now, I have given you the platform. How well you can do it next depends on you." Charles said without raising his head, "I can use my influence to forcefully appoint the first supervisor, but You can't do this in the second and third terms. After all, the government can't keep doing this, otherwise it will reduce the enthusiasm of businessmen. So, if you want to keep these things, you have to perform well enough to make people think you are suitable for it. A supervisor."

"I don't believe this is more difficult than serving you, sir." Kong Ze straightened up slowly, and then looked ahead expressionlessly, "I have always carried out your orders with the highest standards, and It must be satisfactory to you, and you should not doubt my mind.”

"Hahahaha! You are not humble at all!" Charles couldn't help laughing, "Well, I hope this confidence will help you succeed."

"Speaking of which, sir, the thing you asked me to do before has come to fruition." Kong Ze suddenly lowered his voice, "We have found the remains of that gentleman and turned them into ashes to be taken away. Go back to the country.”

"Yes...really?" Ciel's laughter suddenly stopped, and his expression became a little strange.

These remains are those of his father, Edgar.

After Agnes told his grandfather where his father was buried, Charles followed his grandfather's wishes and prepared to turn his remains into ashes and bring them back to the country, and then bury them in the family cemetery. He gave this task to Kong Ze, and Kong Ze quickly used his network to find Edgar's remains.

When he thought about his 'father' ending up like this, Ciel didn't know what to say.

"Okay, bring it back to the country and leave it to me. Don't tell anyone about this, no one." After a while, Ciel gave the order.

Then, he turned his head and glanced at Mary next to him, but she just looked at the document in her hand with her head down expressionlessly, as if she had never heard anything.

If only everyone could be so well-behaved... Ciel suddenly felt a little tired.

Read the original text in Liu#9@书/吧!

"Okay, you go first," Ciel sighed dejectedly, "When will you set off over there?"

"If you have no other requirements, I can hit the road back to Marseille tomorrow and set off immediately without wasting your time." Kong Ze replied immediately.

This departure refers to going to Eastern Europe, Crimea and Odessa. On the one hand, it is to collect various local intelligence, and on the other hand, it is also to get in touch with Count Pierre Bezukhov and others.

Because it involves the relationship between two big countries, this matter is very secretive, and Ciel only asked vaguely.

"Well, hurry up. I hope you can handle everything properly." Charles waved his hand. "Go down and have dinner with those businessmen first. Disappearing for too long will make people suspicious. Besides, getting to know a few more people will be good for you in the future."

"I will never let you down, sir." Kong Ze saluted him again and then immediately exited the room.

There were only two people left in the room again.

Charles sat blankly in his seat, thinking a lot, and never spoke.

"Want me to bring lunch in, sir?" Mary asked suddenly.

"No, no need. I want to take a rest here. I'm not hungry." Charles shook his head.

"What seems to be bothering you?" Mary asked tentatively. "It seems to be like this these days. When a person is alone, his eyes become distracted."

"Yeah, I've been worried about one thing recently." Ciel nodded.

"Are you unhappy? Okay, can you tell me and make me happy?" Mary suddenly raised her head and looked at him.

The originally stern face suddenly showed a charming smile, as if she had changed into a different person, radiant and lively even the black dress could not cover up. "Maybe I can help you a little."

Seeing this smile, Charles suddenly felt relieved.

Should I tell her?

Charles suddenly had a desire to confide in her heart. This secret had been suppressed in his heart for too long, so that he was a little uneasy.

Although he had always concealed his inner uneasiness very well, Mary, who had always followed him, could always see some clues.

"Oh, it's really unlike you to be so shy..." Just when he was still worried about gains and losses, Mary continued to smile and said, "Do you know that you looked so handsome just now? I had a hard time not showing any abnormality!"

"What do you look like?" Charles asked back.

"It was when you said, 'Now everything on the French sea is under my control except the water monsters!'" Mary looked at Charles with great interest, "You were like a god at that time, you were so powerful."

"Is it so powerful?" Charles was confused by her half-truth, and repeated it himself, "Now everything on the French sea is under my control except the water monsters!"

Mary did not make any expression.

Charles picked up the pen on the table and pointed it forward like a sword, "Now everything on the French sea is under my control except the water monsters!"

"Hahahaha... not handsome," Mary couldn't help laughing, "I'm not so handsome when I'm being deliberate."

"I think so..." Charles nodded self-deprecatingly, and then laughed, "It turns out that I'm so handsome inadvertently!"

The two laughed like this, not caring whether people outside could hear it or not.

"Yes, sir, since you have such great power and such a smart mind, what else in the world can be difficult for you... You don't have to be sad, because..."

Her words of comfort were quickly interrupted.

"Lola is pregnant, and the child is mine." A calm word broke into her eardrum.

"What!?" The smile on Mary's face disappeared instantly, and she looked at him with wide eyes in disbelief. (~^~)