The Crown Prince of France - Chapter 50

Chapter 50: All into My Bowl

Dubois, being slightly older, was deeply aware that the core of enhancing a military’s combat effectiveness lay in its organization, training, and logistics. Without hesitation, he took out a sheet of paper and a pen, whispering as he jotted down the points the Crown Prince had just mentioned regarding military reform.

"Establish a nationwide conscription system with comprehensive recruitment and compensation regulations, codified into law...

"Create the French Ministry of War, gradually abolishing local garrisons, and unify the standards for selection, evaluation, and promotion within the French army...

"Elevate the status of meritorious soldiers, making supreme honor the ultimate pursuit of the military...

"Develop a national-level arms production and equipment system, encourage research into new weaponry, and expedite the adoption of such innovations...

"Open military hospitals..."

The more Dubois wrote, the more exhilarated he became. If these measures could be implemented, France would surely possess an invincible army capable of defeating any enemy. The humiliation of being forced to sign the Treaty of Paris would be completely erased, and everything France had lost would be reclaimed!

His father had perished on the battlefield of Leuthen during the Seven Years' War when he was only eight years old.

All he could recall was that after France's defeat, a somber cloud blanketed the entire nation. His father's death had brought neither honor nor pride; instead, some cruel individuals would mock the incompetence of French soldiers right to his face.

Though Dubois knew that as a mere major, he had no power to influence France's military reform directly, he could at least deliver these precious ideas to experts like Berthier for further study!

Joseph caught sight of Dubois' focused and enthusiastic expression as he transcribed the ideas, sensing the moment was right. He allowed a sly grin, reminiscent of a fox stealing chickens, to creep across his face. "Major, you seem quite in favor of these reform proposals. Might I ask if you’d be interested in assisting me with this work?"

"I would be honored to serve Your Highness..." Dubois hesitated midway, then admitted, "However, I am not particularly skilled in this area and fear I may disappoint you."

Joseph thought to himself, Then hurry up and find someone capable, like the Chief of Staff, for me. But outwardly, he maintained a smile. "You possess extensive combat experience, precisely what is needed to refine the military reform plans. To be frank, I am gathering personnel to conduct research on military theory and hope you can help me."

Dubois immediately stood at attention and declared, "It would be the greatest honor of my life to follow Your Highness!"

Joseph nodded in satisfaction before turning to André with a warm smile. "Lieutenant, why have you not carried on your family’s legacy and remained in the Imperial Guard?"

A flash of bitterness and regret appeared in André's eyes. "Your Highness, within me burns a great flame called love. Years ago, my relentless pursuit of that flame caused harm to some people... In the end, I was reassigned to the cavalry regiment in Soissons."

Joseph responded, "Would you be willing to serve under me?"

"Of course!" André exclaimed, unable to conceal his surprise and delight. "The Davout family's title was bestowed by His Majesty the late king. Loyalty to the crown is the eternal vow of our house. I will be Your Highness's most devoted soldier!"

Joseph was equally pleased as he glanced at the two men before him. With these two connections, he believed that Berthier and Davout, two indispensable figures, would eventually fall into his fold.

...

Recently, all of Paris was abuzz about the new stores of Paris Angel Company.

It was impossible to ignore them—three stores being prepared simultaneously created whirlpools in the city, drawing in an endless flow of lumber, glass, paint, copper, and other materials from every corner of Paris.

The city’s top artisans had also gathered in these shops, working tirelessly but with an air of fervent excitement.

Over the past week, they had earned more money than they would typically make in three months!

Every day, the managers of Paris Angel Company ensured four meals were prepared and served to them punctually. After carefully attending to their needs, they politely encouraged them to continue working.

As for the food, it included roasted meat, buttered corn, white bread, and tomato vegetable soup, all rich and flavorful, with no restrictions on quantity.

Not a single artisan complained of exhaustion, nor did anyone wish to rest—anyone suggesting otherwise would be met with scornful curses. After all, quadruple wages were at stake! Every second not worked felt like an affront to their wallets.

At night, countless oil lamps lit up the inside and outside of the stores, making it as bright as day. Workers on shifts seamlessly took over, and some even set personal records, working for three days and two nights straight, earning 28 livres in overtime pay.

Yes, overtime even came with extra "pay"! The artisans found it unbelievable. Upon hearing that this was a request from the Crown Prince himself, many of them prayed for his well-being several times a day.

Contrary to what future generations might claim about Westerners valuing freedom and leisure over work, 18th-century France was quite competitive. Working 14-hour days in factories was standard, and as long as there was money, even 20 hours a day was not a problem.

Joseph had not anticipated that his rush to meet the opening deadlines for the franchised stores would bring unexpected benefits. The idle citizens of Paris turned watching the construction into a form of entertainment, further fueling the buzz around Paris Angel. If trending topics existed in this era, Paris Angel would undoubtedly dominate the top ten.

This was understandable; entertainment options were scarce at the time. A luxurious store being renovated non-stop was a rare spectacle.

Behind the Paris Angel store, the boy who had once begged in the alley, now accompanied by his sister and four other street children, was busy maneuvering stacks of chairs through the crowd.

Taking Joseph’s advice, he had started a chair rental business, earning a tidy sum of silver coins. His team had grown to six members.

Now, he rented a house where he and his sister no longer went hungry. He was even planning to save up enough money to spend a few hours each day learning to read.

Time flew by.

Brent, the General Manager of Paris Angel Company, stood on Saint-Denis Avenue, gazing at the luxurious and elegant new store with immense pride and a sense of accomplishment.

Seven days—only seven days had passed, yet the new flagship store was fully renovated. It was a miracle brought about by him, the company’s employees, and countless artisans working together!

Of course, the 20,000-livre renovation budget also played a crucial role.

In Paris's western and northern districts, two more identical stores were nearing completion and would be ready by the end of the day.

Meanwhile, 30 leagues away in Reims, another franchised store awaited its grand opening. However, the company’s new flagship store there required an additional two days to finish due to unforeseen delays.

This meant that Paris Angel now had five stores ready for business, and even in distant Marseille and Bordeaux, renovations were expected to be completed by the end of the month, according to reports from Brent’s subordinates.

At the same time, a crowd of four to five hundred people had gathered in front of the Paris City Hall, eagerly awaiting the moment when Paris Angel Company’s shares would officially go on sale.

Due to the restrictions of the "Bubble Act," Joseph had designated this location as the temporary stock exchange.

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