Flowers, Swords and France

The movements of these officials were uniform and their voices were very loud, just like soldiers undergoing review on the battlefield. Everyone was afraid of falling behind and making the minister unhappy.

Of course, their hearts are not as coordinated as they appear on the surface. Although they do not mind serving their country, they have never had the experience of using the railway system under their control to cooperate with the war before, so they do not know how to do it. He did not even know what more he should do in order to meet the needs of His Majesty, ministers and even the army.

Of course their bosses will take this into consideration.

"It's good that you have such determination, but determination alone is obviously not enough." Charles waved his hand and motioned for these officials to sit down first. "We have to use concrete actions to serve the country. There is already a rough plan for what we asked you to do. I called you here today to hand over this plan to you for execution and to listen to your opinions to make modifications. ”

After finishing speaking, Charles waved to several officers in military uniforms. The officers nodded knowingly, and then took out many documents from their briefcases.

"Based on military needs, when war breaks out, the Army will recruit a large number of trains and wagons to transport personnel and materials. This is inevitable, and the scale will be much larger than you imagine." After the document was distributed, At the time, Charles began to explain, "There will be a peak at the beginning. There will be great pressure in the first month, and then the demand will be smaller, but it will last for a long time. Your task is here Under such circumstances, we will do our best to meet the transportation capacity needs of the army, and at the same time use the remaining transportation capacity to ensure other basic transportation needs. There are several routes that are most important. I have specially marked them. The officials responsible for those routes We will receive the greatest support - but we must also bear the greatest responsibility... I stress again, because a large amount of transport capacity will be allocated, there will be a nationwide shortage of transport capacity. "

While Charles was speaking, the document was distributed to everyone, and then everyone studied it carefully. All the relevant officials frowned, obviously they found that the challenge they faced was not small. "So your first task is to face the upcoming difficult situation, with the help of your assistants, re-formulate the national train operation schedule, and make sure that there are absolutely no major problems."

"Understood." After Charles said nothing, many people immediately responded, but compared to the excitement just now, their momentum was a bit weaker. Obviously they all understood that the difficulty was not small.

"The other task is equally arduous." Charles continued, "After the war breaks out, in order to ensure the supply of the rear area, the Army will expand the station in our ministry and expand it into a large agency. Then, sergeants are stationed from this organization to every station related to the front line to monitor the transportation of materials and help eliminate interference to transportation..."

"What...?" Although his voice was not loud, these officials were all shocked. Not only the officials involved had ugly faces, but also the officials in charge of other lines were worried.

Is the military going to impose military control on the country's railway system? For a moment, these people had such questions in their minds.

Although the reasons for this arrangement are very good, it actually affects the control power of these officials over their subordinate lines. Army officers entering the station will not be easy to talk to, even if they are purely concerned about the supply of the army. It will definitely affect the following work.

These officials have lived a very comfortable life over the years due to the empire's railway construction boom and the protection of Charles. There is almost no one to supervise them within their scope of authority. They are also used to living a life of fame and fortune. Days, where would you want to be influenced by others?

Moreover, although it seems that this is just an expedient measure during the war to meet the needs of the war, these officials have experienced ups and downs for a long time. They certainly understand that it is easy for government departments to release power, and they want to take it back in the future. It's very difficult. What's more, he was still sent to the hands of the Army - when the time comes, he will have to reason with Qiu Ba's guns, who can do it? For a while everyone lamented inwardly.

However, due to the prestige accumulated by the minister for many years, none of them dared to raise objections on the spot - not to mention, there are army officers present here. If anyone dares to express any objections, they will show off their power or stab him. How should I behave in front of His Majesty the Emperor?

As officials of the empire, they have no right to oppose the policies of the imperial government, and they have no courage to oppose the will of His Majesty the Emperor. No matter what they think in their hearts, they can only implement it without reservation. Otherwise, as the minister said, If they threaten, they will definitely lose their jobs.

So all of a sudden the restaurant became very quiet, no one was willing to speak, and the original cheerful atmosphere disappeared.

"Hey, why are you so worried? Are you worried that you will not be able to complete your important tasks?" Looking at their expressions, Charles couldn't help but smile and patted the dining table with his wine glass, "Don't worry so much, you are all the best in the empire. Elite officials, and they have been trained for a long time in the past few years. They operate the most important railway industry in the empire and have extremely rich experience. I believe in your abilities..."

Amidst Charles's laughter, the officials had no choice but to laugh. At this time, the waiters had already pushed the dining cart to bring the dinner meals. Charles also stopped his lecture and began to talk to the officials. They dine.

Despite the gloom and gloom, Charles remained unaffected and kept chatting with the officials next to him. These people had no choice but to suppress their uneasiness, carefully chat with the ministers, and finish their dinner—— However, although the ingredients are rich and delicious, most people feel that they are not satisfied with the food after being hit by these news.

As if feeling the atmosphere in the restaurant, around eight o'clock, the officers present chose to leave one after another, but Charles had no intention of leaving and remained here.

At this time, the dishes in front of everyone have been consumed, and the remaining plates have been removed. Desserts and fruits are now placed on the dining table for people to use after the meal.

After drinking and eating, people will have a sense of emptiness mixed with satisfaction, which makes people feel trance-like. After the impact of the previous news, the spirits of these officials are even more depressed. Everyone's eyes are lowered, as if they are enduring It's like being tortured.

"Why are you all in such a posture today?" Charles poured himself another glass of wine. Today, due to the alcohol, his face has begun to turn red. Of course, he is still very conscious. "Is it because you are afraid? "If you really want to shrink from the battle and are afraid of the heavy responsibility you are about to take on, then it doesn't matter. I won't blame you. If you are self-aware, just tell me now and I will arrange successors for those people."

"Your Excellency, I...we didn't mean that..." Seeing that Charles seemed to be a little angry, Victor Lecamius, who had always regarded himself as the confidant of Your Excellency the Minister, finally couldn't help but speak, "Although we are responsible for the mission assigned by the empire. We are very nervous, but we are determined to follow you to overcome it, and we absolutely do not want to embarrass you because of our mistakes, please believe in our determination..."

"Please believe in us!" Seeing Victor Lecamius being the first to express his loyalty, the others were anxious and immediately agreed.

"Oh, it's good to be determined. This is what I want to see." Charles picked up the wine glass again and waved at the group of people, "Then let's drink another drink for the empire."

Victor Lecamius hurriedly picked up the wine glass and drank it along with the minister. However, the doubts and uneasiness in his heart were not extinguished by alcohol.

"Your Excellency, there is no doubt that we are willing to resolutely implement the will of His Majesty the Emperor and you, no matter how difficult it is, no matter how much it costs..." He gritted his teeth, and then looked at Charles carefully, "But , some of the arrangements, I...I really don’t understand..."

"What about?" Charles was not as angry as he feared, he just asked with a smile.

His kind attitude inspired Victor Lecamus. He considered that he had always been trusted and reused, so after hesitating for a while, he finally decided to go straight in. "Don't you think the military intervention is too deep? Originally, for To aid the defense of the Empire, I We are very supportive of the military having a liaison agency in our ministry, but... it is two different things to allow them to assist or interfere with our operations. This will seriously affect the safety of national transportation, because they are laymen and lack experience, and I have always had an impatient personality..."

In his heart, Victor Le Camus was completely opposed to any interference by the army in his department. However, this dispatching agency was arranged by Charles himself when he was at the Ministry of War, so he would not dare to say no even if he had the guts to do so. Support, as long as he tactfully says that he supports maintaining contact with the military, but is opposed to excessive interference by the military. At the same time, he does not dare to say that he is afraid of affecting his personal power. He can only say that he is afraid that lay soldiers will affect the safety and efficiency of transportation.

He believed that the minister would be able to understand what he said, and he also believed that if Charles wanted to resist, with his influence in front of His Majesty, the minister would be able to thwart the army's plot. So he really wondered why the minister seemed to accept this arrangement without any objection. This was really inconsistent with his understanding of the minister.

And his thoughts were largely those of other officials. They didn't understand why Charles agreed to do this.

"Your Excellency, Minister, I also support making every effort to serve the empire's war." Seeing someone opening the way, the veteran Ange Menech immediately followed, "But if the military interferes too deeply, I'm afraid it will be counterproductive... After all, we have accumulated very good experience over the years, and I think we can do a good job in rear transportation even without the guidance of the generals. "

"Yes, Your Excellency, Minister!" After these officials spoke, others couldn't help but follow. Anyway, the army people had left, and they were not afraid of having ears through the wall anymore.

However, while they were talking, Charles remained silent and listened quietly. After a while, he picked up the wine glass again and knocked it gently on the dining table.

The voice was very soft, but the officials who were familiar with His Excellency the Minister's style immediately stopped talking while insisting on their own opinions. As if they had received some order, the restaurant fell into silence again.

"You are actually right. These officers are inexperienced and may cause you inconvenience. And you definitely don't like to be stared at." Charles' tone was very calm and he did not accuse them. Meaning, "However, you all understand better that we are on a continent that has to fight a major war every few decades. The needs of the military are largely the country's needs, and no one can be alone in a war. We should make a little sacrifice for this, not to mention that the sacrifice is not very big.”

Then, he glanced at these people.

"Yes, these officers have no experience, but who has experience in the first place? If they are not allowed to participate for this reason, then they will never be able to master modern weapons proficiently, and this is our irresponsibility Yes, this shouldn’t be the case.”

Although his tone was calm, there was a certain rebuke hidden in his words, so officials could only remain silent.

Yes, in fact, this time there was indeed some "making a fuss out of a molehill". It was normal for officials to think that there was no need to do so. However, in Charles's view, this was a preview to accumulate experience for future European wars, and there was nothing unworthy. Even if it harms the interests of the department, it doesn't matter.

As an epoch-making means of transportation, railways have a very significant impact on the economy and military. After the Prussian experience was carried forward, starting from the end of the 19th century, the armies of various European countries were closely integrated with their own railway systems. It can even be said that , the railway systems of various countries in the mainland are operated in accordance with military needs.

Read the original text in Liu#9@书/吧!

Before the start of World War I, the major European powers (especially Germany and France) each mobilized millions of troops to confront each other within a few weeks, which was the pinnacle of this.

Because he understood this, Charles changed his usual style of treating his own territory as inviolable private property, and took the initiative to allow the Army to expand its dispatch agencies in his ministry, allowing them to learn how to operate the railway system starting from this war. And using it for military service is a good learning opportunity, and the experience learned will definitely be used in the future.

For him, it will certainly damage some immediate interests, but after all, there are greater interests behind it.

After Charles made this announcement, the officials who were originally agitated have fallen into despair.

The words of your Excellency the Minister are so high-sounding that no one can refute them from the front, not to mention that he has the power of life and death over the people present here. Originally they were counting on Ciel to stand up as their leader to prevent this from happening, but now they have understood that this was a measure supported by the Minister, so everyone can only lament in their hearts and accept the reality.

"However, you don't have to be so depressed." Seeing that they were starting to lose heart, Charles couldn't help but smile and liven up the atmosphere a little, "Your Majesty will see our efforts. As long as we can maintain our professionalism and integrity as always, Will you not receive the rewards you deserve for your dedicated service to the empire? This is impossible! Also, no matter who comes, I will continue to protect you, and no one will be harmed by serving the country. ”

After receiving Charles's assurance, others finally breathed a sigh of relief. What the minister meant was that they did not need to be driven by the officers, but could continue to take the lead.

"In addition, considering your mood, I have one more thing to tell you." At this time, Charles suddenly spoke again, "This matter also needs you to handle with peace of mind, and it also needs to be kept confidential."

"What's going on?" The officials were a little confused.

But they all could see that the minister deliberately waited until the army people left before he began to explain. It can be seen that this should be a private matter of the ministry.

"While you are performing the tasks at hand, you can start to take stock of the transportation volume, passenger volume and maintenance costs of the railways in your hand, estimate the actual value, and then compile it into a book and report it to the ministry."

In the silence, he added in a low voice, "This will be the basis for us to bring them to the market and hand them over to enterprises for operation..."

Even after receiving so much shocking news today, the minister's words still shocked these officials.

They looked at each other, and then they understood the true intention of Your Excellency the Minister in calling them here.

"In recent years, in order to build the empire's railway industry, the government has spent a huge budget and incurred huge debts. This is very abnormal. The government does not want to carry on debts all the time. Moreover, in order to operate it on its own For these railways, the government has also incurred huge personnel expenditures. Some railways were built and operated by private parties. , They have a lot of reasonable experience, we can learn from it, and think this is a good way to improve efficiency." In their confused eyes, Ciel began to explain slowly, "So, considering these circumstances. "We believe it is necessary to divest these debts and railway operations and hand them over to state-owned or private enterprises."

"Oh!?" The officials still looked at each other.

"After all, you will retire one day, and I will make arrangements for you first." Charles stopped evading and told them directly, "After all, being a director of a company is a decent job, and you can earn a lot of money. Not cheap.”

Separating management and operation from property rights, and gradually transferring the railways built by the government to public or private enterprises, can improve efficiency, reduce government expenditures, and of course... also allow private individuals to make a fortune. He can also take the opportunity to divest the government's powers, so that any possible successor of his cannot affect his control over the railway business.

Since that secret talk, he listened to the advice of Baron de Bovan and began to try every means to disperse the great power originally concentrated by him, especially to introduce enterprises to divide profits and wealth, and then continue to monopolize the railway business by controlling enterprises, while avoiding political risks.

The officials present certainly could not understand Charles's absolute plot, but they felt that the minister's approach was unusual. Although the reason on the surface was acceptable, they all knew that there must be a deep meaning in it, so they could not respond immediately.

But this proposal was also very tempting to them, because they all knew that the railway under their control was a very profitable business, and they also knew that the power in their hands would definitely fall to others after a period of time. If you can become a director in a state-owned or private enterprise after retirement, then you don't have to worry about your life after retirement.

As for the possible loss of state-owned assets... who cares.

"Don't be too anxious about this matter, but you have to take it to heart and implement it seriously." Charles reminded them emphatically, then he put his words aside and picked up the wine glass again, "Okay, I've finished my words, let's continue the toast. You have to pretend that nothing happened in this matter, understand?"