His Excellency the Count of Grandet

In fact, even if Charles had no intention of going to see the Duke immediately, the people sent by the Duke were already on their way.Just when Guillaume went to the National Guard and was about to find a few trusted guards to follow him, the Grandet family ushered in a new visitor, Colonel Roschild, who belonged to the Duke of Orléans' army establishment.

This man was about thirty years old, and he was neatly dressed in a black military uniform.The golden epaulets are shining, and the knee-high leather boots further accentuate the chilling heroism.It's just that there is a scar that is neither long nor short on the side of his face, so that a face that is obviously not bad looks more murderous.And probably because of the style of the duke faction, he also looked serious.

Charles had done some homework before and knew that this was the actual person in charge of military supply.Who will be the special supplier is determined by the Duke. If there are no major problems, then Colonel Roschild will have full power to report the conclusion to the Duke.Of course, such things as military supplies can only be handed over to cronies, so Roschild looks like a colonel, but he is actually one of the Duke of Orleans' confidantes.

In other words, seeing Roschild now is a good thing, which means everything is going well.Thinking of this, Charles felt better.

The two exchanged a few simple greetings, and Roschild went straight to the point: "Your Excellency, the Duke, is a little bit stuck, so let me ask if we can get wine that is both qualified in quantity and quality at the beginning of the year."

This is quite straightforward.It's just that whether this being unable to get away is an excuse, and which Duke Your Excellency is is debatable.The Duke of Chartres, that is, Ferdinand, is theoretically still in school; as for the Duke of Orleans...

Charles did not express his thoughts at all, and only followed Roschild's words: "Of course. We have prepared everything that should be prepared, and we are waiting for you to send someone to hand it over. If Your time is right, you can go and inspect the condition of the goods now."

Roschild nodded, then shook his head again. "Your guarantee is enough, we will send someone to take the wine away after a year." He said as he took out a money order from the purse beside him, "This is the advance payment that His Excellency the Duke promised to you. After the sampling inspection, we will deliver the balance to you as soon as possible."

"Then I'll accept it bluntly." Charles said politely, but a little doubt emerged in his heart.

If I had known that the soldiers were impatient to talk around corners and liked to make quick decisions, this would be too simple, wouldn't it?You don't even need to look at the real thing, just put 50 francs in his hands?Is the money too easy to earn a little?

Of course not.Since Roschild received Ferdinand's order, he has been paying attention to Shire's movements.In this way, they even know exactly which vineyard owner Shire bought from, and there are people watching during the transportation, so why do they need to double check?Originally, the sampling survey could have been avoided, but it was too obvious to say so, so he added that sentence.

Now, Roschild didn't see any shock on Charles' face opposite him, so he couldn't help but silently gave the Duke 32 praises for his eyesight, although his expression was still paralyzed.Looking at the recent development of the situation, what is needed is to be able to hold your breath at any time!

"There is also the question of the price," he said while trying to figure out what the Duke hadn't said, "When will you be free? We may need you to spare a few days to count them all before making sure."

"It's okay anytime." Charles promised.

This matter is definitely the top priority of the Grandet family's recent affairs - just kidding!Between the highest price and the lowest price, their profit can vary as much as 60 francs!That is the difference between an annual income of 70 million francs and an annual income of 30 million francs!Can it be the same?Of course, earning a little more is a little bit!

The meeting was brief, but the atmosphere was pleasant and friendly.Charles respectfully sent Roschild outside the door, turned around and couldn't help but think about the meaning behind it——

Judging from the deliberate aggressiveness of the other party when he first dealt with the duke, isn't this kind of development too ordinary?Could this be a new way of playing hard to get?Or is it that he thinks too much of his own role?

But no matter what, business stability is a good thing.Shire decided to settle the price issue first, and then think about other things.

In the next two days, Guillaume finally got rid of the disguised entanglement of Logan and Su Xie because of the accompanying guards in full force.Anyway, the person who secretly checked the bill had already been dispatched, and he no longer worried about driving Logan and Su Xie into a corner.

Before Charles was running around outside, he was not so at ease; now that Charles has returned to Paris, who else can touch his son under the nose of him, a colonel of the National Guard?Just a notary and a broker?

But it must be fair to say that Guillaume, in his youth, would never have been so hesitant.People's status is getting higher and higher, they have more and more things, and they have more and more things to worry about.Wealth, reputation, children... can't bear the loss, so naturally hands are bound.This is the reason why the so-called barefoot is not afraid of wearing shoes.

Fortunately, his Shire is getting more and more competitive, and he probably won't need his protection for too long...

While Guillaume was thinking with relief and regret when his son's wings would be hard enough to fly away, Charles continued to struggle with a pile of reports in the study.The desk was full of documents, and even several stacks were placed on the floor, so that Alphonse called out as soon as he entered the door: "Charles? Are you really Ciel?"

Alphonse was one of the few people who could enter Grandet's study without a pass.Because Charles knew that the other party was not interested at all, and was particularly unwilling to settle accounts.Besides, this is his only friend who can do both. "Are you finally here?" He greeted casually, his eyes still not moving away from the page.

"What is 'finally'?" Alphonse was very annoyed. "I already made an appointment with someone, but as soon as I received your letter, I came here immediately! Is this called 'finally'?" He wanted to strode in front of Charles, but there were too many people on the ground. Information, he can only tiptoe carefully across - this makes him even more unhappy, full firepower -

"Tell me about you. It took half a year to leave, and there were only a few letters. How worrying! The provinces are no better than Paris, where you can't eat well or live well. Why do you have to go?"

"Oh, let alone wine - look at this room! When does the Shire I know have to deal with these things every day? Are you really willing to do this?"

"Also, you are the one who asked me to come here! Now I have been here for at least a minute, you should give me a look, right? In your eyes, my charm is already beyond that," he said with two Holding a piece of white paper between your fingers and shaking it, "It's not as good as it is?"

After being bombed repeatedly, Charles could only put down his pen helplessly. "I was almost done... Well, for the six months, I have to apologize to you anyway." He stood up and vacated an empty chair for Alphonse.

This made Alphonse feel better.If he really meant to end his friendship, he wouldn't be there whenever he was called, and he wouldn't just open his mouth to criticize Shire. "It's not too bad!" He sat down, unbuttoned the top two buttons of his riding clothes, and took a good look at Charles, "You seem to have turned darker? This is terrible, there must be a lot of people in the Christmas salon A woman's heart is broken!"

Charles touched his cheek subconsciously, not caring much.It’s enough to have a fair face, what’s the use of being too pretty?He doesn't rely on his face for food.As for the Christmas salon, deal with deal with it.

"Look at you," he glanced at Alphonse's long legs crossed indifferently (the sitting posture is very rude by the standards of this era), "you must be having a good time recently? The Duke of Orleans Take it down?"

Alphonse wanted to educate Charles a few more words, but when he heard the words, he made a bitter face. "Did you do it on purpose?" Knowing that he only got a little light in the end last time, he insisted on mentioning the sad thing!

"Nothing," Charles replied in the most serious tone, "I just want to ask, do you have any extra gunpowder?"

"Of course." Alphonse replied indifferently.Their family does wholesale weapons, and gunpowder is no longer common. "You want to fill the bullets yourself? Then I don't recommend you to do it."

"I don't have that time yet." Charles denied. "As you can see, I'm busy here."

"Then what do you need gunpowder for? You can't blow up the house?" Alphonse was still not paying attention, and even said a cold joke.

This time Charles smiled. "I'm afraid it's more than blowing up a house."

Alphonse almost jumped out of his chair in shock. "You don't mean it, do you?!"

Seeing that the joke was getting big, Charles had to take the time to explain.He just wanted to blast rocks and flatten them to plant trees, that's all.

Alphonse pressed his heart exaggeratedly, as if he was still in fear. "I thought that after you went to the province for half a year, you would come back and learn some pastimes that even Parisians can't enjoy. However," he frowned, his tone unbelievable, "you buy a vineyard full of stones to plant trees?" Subtext, Haven't taken medicine for a few days?

Charles is not going to explain to him the benefits of one-stop wine production and how cost-effective this land is, because it will definitely take a lot of time. "Just say it directly, whether you will sell it or not!"

"Of course!" Alphonse said immediately, "You are my old friend, and I want a lot this time, so I will definitely give you a discount!"

Seeing his expression of "I know I'm cute", Charles squinted his eyes slightly, and deliberately asked: "Is the travel fee included? Is the labor included?"

"Hello!" Alphonse was waiting for praise, but what he was waiting for was these two insatiable words, with an expression of disbelief that bared his teeth. "Who did you learn from..." He changed his mind in the middle of speaking, "Bao is also fine, but you have to promise me one thing!"

"What?" Charbon just teased Alphonse, but he didn't expect him to agree, so he couldn't help being aroused curiosity.

"How long has it been since you hung out with us?" Alphonse complained. "Sometimes I can't help but wonder, are you still the same Charles I knew? Since your birthday this year, you feel like a different person." It's like—going to other provinces, you never thought about it before! Also, when did you care more about your own business than me?"

What, he has been very concerned, okay?As for the original owner... Charles was determined not to have a deep discussion with Alphonse on this aspect, otherwise he must have made too many mistakes. "You're not happy with taking care of your business anymore," he deliberately pouted, "tell me, what's your idea this time?"

This is a promise in disguise.Only then did Alphonse really cheer up, "Baden Springs! The time hasn't been set yet, but it's easy if you nod—I'll let them sort it out!"

For a long time, have you been waiting here all this time?Charles was angry and amused.Although he wasn't very interested in hot springs, but because of his guilty conscience, he'd better go.He has encountered even more difficult things, a group of playboys and rich ladies who only know how to eat, drink and have fun, is he afraid?

**

Colonel Roschild's work efficiency is quite high.After confirming that Charles had enough time, he came over the next day with several of the same black military uniforms.Because there was a lot of wine, it took several days to complete the inspections one by one.Guillaume still has several official positions, so he can only come to follow up the progress when he has free time.

However, the final price has yet to be discussed.Charles knew that the other party had to go through the process, at least until Colonel Roschild showed the proposed price to the Duke for review, and he could not offer him an offer until he approved it.Normally, this would have to wait until after Christmas, so he was in no rush.

It was at this time that the people who had been sent to investigate Logan and Su Xie had achieved results and brought Charles and Guillaume several account books.It was a screened account, and there must be something wrong, so they kept it.However, the purpose of some of the data was so obscure that even Charles couldn't check it, so Guillaume had to reconcile it himself.

It's really troublesome, and Charles couldn't help but slander.But think about it, if Logan and Su Xie were really so restless all the time, Guillaume would have found out that something was wrong a long time ago, how could they wait until now?It's just that he originally wanted to settle this matter before Christmas, but now it seems obviously too late.

Forget it, the holiday will be over soon, forgive them for not making any big splashes!

As the weather gets colder, more and more Christmas trees line the streets of Paris.Charles was driven by Guillaume to make some clothes again (Guillaume thought it was necessary), it was still Boisson's tailor shop, but this time he didn't meet Victor.I also want to know that the end of the year is the busiest time for the bank, and Victor must be so busy, how can he have time to run around?

Because of this, Charles pushed back his original plan to return the 25 francs to Victor a year ago.If someone lent it to him with his own hands, he had to thank him in person no matter what.But he is not like someone who is ignorant of current affairs, who clearly knows what to do, but deliberately chooses an inappropriate way to do it!

At this time, Victor, who was almost devastated, sneezed unexpectedly, and almost blew away the two 1000 million franc financing certificates at the top of the document.

Soon, Christmas came.This is a festival, and the more fashionable and popular Parisians have more ways to play.Charles learned about a series of celebration plans from Alphonse, and it would take half a month to complete the schedule, so he couldn't help feeling a little headache.He has no interest in spending money in a more "elegant and fashionable" way than a group of friends, and he can't imagine not going if he doesn't want to go.

Even coping is a lot of hard work, isn't it!

So, when he saw the elegantly smiling Annette again at the Christmas ball, Charles only felt that this headache had reached its peak.But at the same time, he had a strange expectation.If this Annette had come to dump him on his own initiative, nothing could have been better.

But of course things couldn't go as smoothly as he thought.

"Dear Charles, this time I haven't seen you for a longer time than last time." Annette said, there was no difference from before in terms of tone and expression. "It's not easy to see you—even today, I have to wait until now, after so many gentlemen, to get a chance to talk to you!"

This is the truth.The Grandet family transported so much wine to Paris, and people in the circle would know if they paid a little attention.Seeing that the big order with the Duke can be delivered, everyone is envious and jealous in their hearts, but on the surface they must express their congratulations generously.

This confirmed the rules of the game that Annette had taught Charles before. No one would say anything bad when the Grandet family was gaining power.But it's quite normal for others to say that, and when it comes from Annette's mouth, it inevitably carries other meanings.

"Dear madam, are you making fun of me?" Charles replied, while thinking about what the other party meant by this——

Isn't blame the normal development trend?With this expression of selective forgetting on his face, it's impossible for Annette to really not mind his perfunctory letters and the rapidly declining number of meetings, right?You know, the original body would secretly have a tryst with her every now and then!

Annette covered her mouth with a fine silk fan and smiled. "You are a complete joke. I have heard people say that you are probably earning the most among us this year. At your age, isn't that a condition for everyone to love you?"

Why do these words get more and more wrong the more you hear them, sour?

Charles rolled his eyes and realized in an instant.

Annette was jealous, obviously.On the other hand, as the surname Grandet became more and more valuable, it meant that there would be more and more women looking at him, and he would become more and more competitive.

A large part of the reason why Annette was able to dominate him before was because they were in the same circle.With similar status and status, there are enough opportunities for contact.

But according to the current development trend, as long as it goes well, within two years, he will completely get rid of this place and enter a higher social circle: princes and nobles with prominent families, businessmen and bankers who call the wind and rain, until the king who lives in the Tuileries Palace Your Highness!

That's the real Paris high society, where everyone wants to get in with their heads sharpened.If he can marry a wife in this range, and he wants to deal with a mistress like her, he doesn't need to think about it, it's a rhythm of crushing every minute——

Mr. de Sanchez is just an ordinary businessman, can he really challenge someone with a deep background?Learn about current affairs, it is serious to wash up and go to bed early.

At that time, An Nai specifically said that he would continue to monopolize him, and it was unknown whether this relationship could be maintained.In this way, what she should think about is not asking the teacher for the crime, but how to continue to tie him up.You know, if you continue to hang on to him now, there are only advantages and no disadvantages; maybe you can get a free ride and take her to a higher place.

I don't like men who are obsessed with women, especially when there are better choices in comparison.Now, Annette greeted him with a normal attitude, but she was secretly jealous inside and out of the words. The bad parts will be automatically ignored, and some things that should be minded will not be so much minded——

This shrewd woman!