The Crown Prince of France - Chapter 47

Chapter 47: Commendation Ceremony

Since taking over the family business, Delaude Laborde had never been as restless as he was today.

The manager of Laborde Bank had brought him terrible news: the French government—specifically, the Crown Prince responsible for financial loans—intended to terminate their cooperation.

In the current grim state of France’s industrial and commercial sectors, government loans were the most lucrative part of Laborde Bank's business. Losing this account could spell doom for the bank.

Soon, the major shareholder of Ravelle Bank, Goldman, also approached him, confirming that the government indeed planned to end their partnership.

In this matter, the two banks were like ants on the same rope; they had no choice but to cooperate fully.

The two men discussed the matter with shareholders from both banks for a long time, eventually realizing that the crux of the problem lay with a newcomer: the French Reserve Bank.

This bank was a maverick that defied the tacit understanding of the banking industry. Without it, the French government would have no choice but to plead with Ravelle and Laborde Banks for loans.

Someone soon suggested, “Perhaps we can strike a deal with this French Reserve Bank.”

“So,” Count Laborde looked around the room, “does anyone know anything about this bank?”

No one spoke. After a long pause, Goldman frowned and said, “It’s likely a foreign bank that has just arrived in Paris.”

Laborde nodded. “It seems we’ll have to seek the help of Mr. Necker.”

...

In the garden of the villa belonging to Necker, senior advisor to the French Banking Association and a renowned banker, Laborde and Goldman explained the situation. They simply referred to the French government as “a certain major client” and presented the national debt as the client’s private debt. After finishing, they looked expectantly at Necker.

If anyone in Paris knew about the French Reserve Bank, it would be this master with his unparalleled sources in the banking world.

However, Necker merely smiled and shook his head. “I have not heard of this bank.”

He turned his attention to trimming a perfumed jasmine and added, “However, I believe you two have fallen into your client’s trap.”

“Trap?”

“He is a gentleman with remarkable patience.” Necker swept the cut flower branches into a pile and wiped the sweat from his brow. “At a time like this, you might think he wouldn’t dare resort to tricks, but I can almost guarantee that this French Reserve Bank is merely a ploy to intimidate you.

“If you become anxious about losing the business and approach him, he’ll lower the interest rates, pretend to halt cooperation with this fabricated bank, and compel you to disburse the loans quickly.”

Laborde and Goldman exchanged a glance, both struck with a sudden realization.

Necker’s expression was like that of a hunter spotting his prey’s hiding place. “I believe that if you do not yield, your client will go to great lengths to secure your loans in the final two days before his debt matures.”

Laborde nodded vigorously. “Mr. Necker, you truly are France’s finest banker! Without your guidance, we might have been thoroughly deceived this time!”

“We’ll follow your advice and hold out until the last day!”

...

The Apollo Hall of the Palace of Versailles, bathed in golden light, was the setting for a grand commendation ceremony.

The sharp sound of military drums and the solemn blare of trumpets came to an abrupt halt as the Marquis de Saint-Priest, the Minister of War, addressed the soldiers standing before him in a commanding voice: “Attention—”

An aide slammed his staff against the ground with a resounding “thud.” The soldiers stood tall and proud, as straight as swords.

Saint-Priest turned and saluted King Louis XVI, Queen Marie Antoinette, and the Crown Prince. “Your Majesties and Your Highness, allow me to present the heroes of the Battle of Amsterdam:

“Captain Marie François de Dubois!
“Lieutenant Thérèse Préville de Foucault!
“Second Lieutenant Louis André de Davout!” [Note 1]

After introducing each of them, Louis XVI stepped forward. He approached Dubois first, praised him at length, and then solemnly handed him a pair of brass cufflinks. “I hereby confer upon you the rank of major.”

He proceeded to Lieutenant Foucault to bestow a rank, while Queen Marie Antoinette took a flower crown from a maid and gently placed it on Dubois’ head, smiling warmly. “You are a hero of France.”

After she moved to the next recipient, Joseph stepped up to Dubois and delivered his prepared speech: “Your tactical strategies were outstanding. Without your leadership, the Dutch forces might have collapsed within the first two days.”

Joseph hadn’t intended to attend such a rigid ceremony. However, as the strategist behind the Dutch victory against Prussia, he had been strongly urged by both the Queen and the military to participate, leaving him with no choice.

Dubois immediately raised his hat in salute. “Your Highness, the credit is not mine. It was your overall strategic layout that forced the Prussians to retreat. As for the tactical arrangements in Amsterdam, they were actually devised by a friend of mine, Captain Berthier, before I departed. I simply followed his plans.”

Joseph felt the name sounded familiar and quickly asked, “Berthier? Which Berthier are you referring to?”

“Your Highness, it is Major Louis Alexandre Berthier under General Custine.”

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