His Excellency the Count of Grandet
Chapter 73
The Christmas holidays are quickly over.During this period, Charles fulfilled his promise and invited Alphonse and his father Jacques to have a meal together with Guillaume.
"That's exactly what I thought about," Jacques said thoughtfully after learning what the king said at the Christmas Salon, "I want to temporarily suspend the arms business at home and get busy with the factory first."
Alphonse nodded beside his father.Their family was originally a small arms dealer, and their income was not particularly small, but compared with the factory's profits, it was definitely not enough.And now even His Majesty the King is inclined to develop the domestic economy first, and the military industry must be slowed down first.
"It's very kind of you to think so," Guillaume affirmed, with a sigh of relief.After all, he is a person with several official positions, and he is always kept running between Paris and Marne, which is a bit overwhelming.Now Jacques concentrates on managing it, and he can just go and have a look when he is free.
Charles also agreed. "Then I will trouble you."
Old Mr. Compang has a relatively rigid character, and Alphonse has been complaining to him, but this character has now shown its advantages-they can safely hand over everything, and it will never happen like Logan and Su Xie did before. matter.
But in fact, even people with ulterior motives may not dare to do anything.You must know that although Logan and Su Xie did cause losses to Guillaume, they were discovered in time before the greatest harm was formed, and the end was closer to killing chickens to warn monkeys.
Confiscation of property, imprisonment for 20 years... There are so many ways to make money, why bother to take such a serious prison sentence?Taking a step back, it would be of no benefit to offend the rising Grandet family!
"Hey, I will try my best!" Alphonse said quickly.He has always been a straightforward person, and at this time he didn't think of the above possibilities at all, he just felt that he should listen to his father.Anyway, Charles has to make up his mind on major matters, and he is responsible for the implementation. Is there a more secure, reliable and profitable job than this?
Hearing his son's assurance, the serious nasolabial folds on Jacques' face finally loosened. "You're not young anymore," he said to Alphonse, "if you don't take care of yourself, Dad won't be able to help you in the future!"
The two families are familiar with each other, so as soon as the words fell, Guillaume laughed. "Young people are always more likely to be fascinated by the world of flowers and flowers. Just give him more time."
Jacques didn't refute and didn't speak, but his eyes turned between Charles and Alphonse.His meaning was clear: Charles was several years younger than Alphonse, why didn't he see this question?
Guillaume understood at a glance, and quickly pulled the man away to talk to the other side.
"You see, that's why I never wanted to come to your house with my father." Alphonse said bitterly, stretching his legs on the sofa. "Have you been compared again?" His words vividly imitated the old Mr. Compang's tone of hating iron and steel.Then he added another sentence: "Of course, this has nothing to do with you or uncle."
Charles, who had been sitting opposite him, stood up and changed his seat, sitting next to Alphonse. "I don't think your father wants you to be the best," he said. "He just wants to be successful, and that's a common problem with every father."
Alphonse frowned.Of course he knew that Jacques was for him, otherwise he wouldn't be reacting like this now. "Didn't I agree to everything..." He muttered.
"There is nothing more convincing than the facts." Charles put one hand on Alphonse's shoulder, "The factory can be officially put into operation at the beginning of the new year. When the first batch of goods is out, see the gold, uncle's Thinking will definitely change."
Alphonse continued to frowned.What, he always felt that his father's biological son was actually Charles, and he was the one who picked it up, okay?Although this is just his own idea, no matter how you say it, don't be right with Sherby.
Thinking of this, he looked at Shire carefully, and suddenly shouted in a fuss: "Wait, Shire! Why do I feel that it's only been a Christmas, and you seem to be more beautiful?"
A row of black lines slid down Ciel's forehead.It is really difficult for him to adapt to this kind of straightforward praise that is different from his aesthetics! "What are you talking about?" He said speechlessly, "Let's save this kind of sweet talk to coax women."
Alphonse didn't care what Charles said, he just stretched out his hand and wanted to pinch Charles' face. "Really, let me take a closer look! How did you do it? Maybe you should consider entering the cosmetics industry? You really don't?"
Ciel decisively grabbed the hand that was trying to move towards his face. "I think you probably have bad eyesight."
"How is it possible?" Alphonse exclaimed.Since his father Jacques was not far away, he controlled the volume a little. "What do women call me, you know!"
"Please allow me to remind you that I am a man." Charles threw the hand back, and there were more black lines on his face.What kind of image does Alphonse have in women's minds? Does it have anything to do with him?
"No, no, no," Alphonse said reluctantly, "It has nothing to do with men or women—to be honest, have you fallen in love? That's why you're glowing with that light?"
"...Huh?" Charles was almost confused.His first reaction was that Alphonse knew about him and Victor, and then he realized that it was impossible for the other party to know. "What's going on in your head?" He couldn't laugh or cry.
Alphonse had been observing Charles' reaction, and the brief moment of thought did not escape him. "He said no!" He felt even more that his guess was correct. "There must be a beautiful and gentle noble lady, right?" he said, slightly dissatisfied. "I'm your best friend, and you said it yourself! Shouldn't you be the first to tell me anything?"
Charles blinked. "But there are no nobles, and there are no young ladies..." There is a man who is cold before and lacks medicine, but can he say this?
"Really? Did I guess wrong?" Alphonse became suspicious.He felt that Charles had no reason to lie to him, so he believed it a little bit. "That's impossible!" he muttered, "Didn't you go to the Tuileries Palace? Aren't all the most beautiful and richest ladies in France there?"
Only then did Charles understand Alphonse's logic, and felt truly helpless. "Probably, but we've been talking about things all night. Not to mention Miss, I didn't even say a few words about Madam."
"No way..." This time it was Alphonse's turn to be speechless. "Such a great opportunity!" He said emphatically, and then thought of something else: "No, this is your first time to go to the palace, but it must not be the last time, right?"
"Whether it is or not, that's not the point." Charles straightened his face. "The point is that you should care more about the cotton than the girls! Think about what you just promised, huh?"
Alphonse languished. "Why are the factories all in the Marne province! Isn't the suburbs of Paris also very good?" He struggled, although he knew that this was a certainty and could not be changed.
Ciel returned a perfect smile showing all eight teeth. "I think the province of Marne is pretty good." There are no playboys who are not doing their jobs, and there are no random entertainment activities, which just makes Alphonse take care of himself.When the time is right, you can... Hehe!
Seeing his friend's expression, Alphonse suddenly felt a chill behind him.Why did he feel that Shire looked like he was weighing his weight, and then sold it at a good price?Could it be that he is oversensitive?
In any case, the Campangs left Paris shortly after the holiday.In January, Alphonse wrote to Charles, saying that everything was ready for the textile factory and that the railway from Nancy to Chalons was also completed.
This was a big event, and Guillaume couldn't get away, so Charles went to the east by himself.He hasn't been here for half a year, so that he feels that everything has changed completely compared to what he remembers——
Tall and tidy workshop, well-organized equipment, well-trained workers...
"You really did a good job." Charles did not hesitate to praise him. "If there is any problem, be sure to let me know."
Alphonse scratched his head, a little embarrassed. "Father said that if everything is prepared and you can't do it, then there is no hope for anything." He put down his hand and said: "If I have to talk about the problem, it is that the salary you give seems to be too high. gone."
"Huh?" Charles expressed his doubts with a nasal voice.
"Didn't we spend Christmas once?" Alphonse explained, "Some of the British workers we brought back went back, and I thought some of them would never come back again! As a result, just after Christmas, they brought more People are here—it’s all because I heard about your wages! It’s much better than theirs!" Even he had never heard of the welfare policy of overtime subsidies for workers, okay? ?
Charles smiled. "Isn't this a good thing?"
"But don't you think we should have been able to earn more money?" Alphonse didn't understand.
"No, it's the money we spend that makes us more money." Shire corrected.He is the one who has studied modern human resource management courses, so he naturally knows how to treat his subordinates in order to improve their corporate loyalty. "This is more complicated to say, and you will naturally know it in two years."
Alphonse nodded half understanding.Sometimes, he always feels that Ciel knows too many things like people of this era... Is this still an illusion?
Ciel patted his friend on the shoulder.He thought for a while, then added: "Those new workers also have to be trained. If you don't spend a small amount of money, it will be even more troublesome if there is an accident."
"Of course I remember this." Alphonse assured.
In this way, the textile factory was officially put into production at the end of January, and the production line of the ironworks began to run in mid-February.This is a big event, not only Guillaume, Victor also participated in the opening ceremony.And the latter also brought a few prominent figures to join in the scene, so that local officials came to hear the news one after another, which was very lively.
"You're really good at advertising," Charles said to this.
"That's exactly what I want to tell you," Victor accepted this as a compliment, "Remember to send the first batch of products to the palace, you understand."
Charles nodded understandingly.Now that there are no newspapers, magazines, TV networks, leading the trend can only rely on the upper class of society.And isn't the king the one at the top? "As long as His Majesty nods, the people below will definitely follow suit."
"That's right." Victor nodded.He was originally standing at the desk, but now he leaned down and kissed Charles: "According to this trend, by the end of next year, you will be the richest man in Paris."
Charles just wanted to say that most of the investment belonged to the Lafitte family, and that Lafitte would also be the richest man in Paris, but before he could say anything, he was blocked by Victor's tongue.
Here it is again, the conversation between the two of them alone will eventually become like this... Charles was helpless, and a timely knock on the door rescued him-two letters were sent from Paris, one was for him and the other was for him. For Victor.
Naturally, this cannot go on.Victor had a stinky face. Judging from his expression, if the person who wrote the letter was in front of him, there must be no good fruit to eat.
Charles opened his own, beaming with joy before he finished reading it.When he went to see Victor again, he found that his face was even uglier than before. "What's wrong?" he asked aloud.
Victor threw the letter on the table. "Something happened in Paris." With a livid face, he squeezed the words out between his teeth.
Charles keenly sensed the coming wind and rain from this reaction.He handed the letter in his hand to Victor, and then picked up the letter paper on the table——
Two letters, one good news, one bad news.The good news is that Ampere's research on electromagnetism is progressing rapidly, and in the past two months, he has produced enough results to write three papers, which is a godlike rhythm; the bad news is that there is a religious fanatic named Louville Gave the Duke of Berry a bullet, and this hapless, brainless fellow was the second son of the Count d'Artois.
Charles really wanted to swear a foul word.I'm really afraid of something!
The author has something to say: Jacques: Son, what do women call you?Papa always feels very concerned (-'`-;)
Alphonse: No, no, papa, it's really nothing! Σ(っ°Д°;) っCharle: Probably a girl killer, right?Hmm~o(* ̄▽ ̄*)oJacques: What? !Alphonse, come here, Papa hasn't talked about life with you for a long time! (o#゜盘゜) o Alphonse: ...can you still have fun QAQ
"That's exactly what I thought about," Jacques said thoughtfully after learning what the king said at the Christmas Salon, "I want to temporarily suspend the arms business at home and get busy with the factory first."
Alphonse nodded beside his father.Their family was originally a small arms dealer, and their income was not particularly small, but compared with the factory's profits, it was definitely not enough.And now even His Majesty the King is inclined to develop the domestic economy first, and the military industry must be slowed down first.
"It's very kind of you to think so," Guillaume affirmed, with a sigh of relief.After all, he is a person with several official positions, and he is always kept running between Paris and Marne, which is a bit overwhelming.Now Jacques concentrates on managing it, and he can just go and have a look when he is free.
Charles also agreed. "Then I will trouble you."
Old Mr. Compang has a relatively rigid character, and Alphonse has been complaining to him, but this character has now shown its advantages-they can safely hand over everything, and it will never happen like Logan and Su Xie did before. matter.
But in fact, even people with ulterior motives may not dare to do anything.You must know that although Logan and Su Xie did cause losses to Guillaume, they were discovered in time before the greatest harm was formed, and the end was closer to killing chickens to warn monkeys.
Confiscation of property, imprisonment for 20 years... There are so many ways to make money, why bother to take such a serious prison sentence?Taking a step back, it would be of no benefit to offend the rising Grandet family!
"Hey, I will try my best!" Alphonse said quickly.He has always been a straightforward person, and at this time he didn't think of the above possibilities at all, he just felt that he should listen to his father.Anyway, Charles has to make up his mind on major matters, and he is responsible for the implementation. Is there a more secure, reliable and profitable job than this?
Hearing his son's assurance, the serious nasolabial folds on Jacques' face finally loosened. "You're not young anymore," he said to Alphonse, "if you don't take care of yourself, Dad won't be able to help you in the future!"
The two families are familiar with each other, so as soon as the words fell, Guillaume laughed. "Young people are always more likely to be fascinated by the world of flowers and flowers. Just give him more time."
Jacques didn't refute and didn't speak, but his eyes turned between Charles and Alphonse.His meaning was clear: Charles was several years younger than Alphonse, why didn't he see this question?
Guillaume understood at a glance, and quickly pulled the man away to talk to the other side.
"You see, that's why I never wanted to come to your house with my father." Alphonse said bitterly, stretching his legs on the sofa. "Have you been compared again?" His words vividly imitated the old Mr. Compang's tone of hating iron and steel.Then he added another sentence: "Of course, this has nothing to do with you or uncle."
Charles, who had been sitting opposite him, stood up and changed his seat, sitting next to Alphonse. "I don't think your father wants you to be the best," he said. "He just wants to be successful, and that's a common problem with every father."
Alphonse frowned.Of course he knew that Jacques was for him, otherwise he wouldn't be reacting like this now. "Didn't I agree to everything..." He muttered.
"There is nothing more convincing than the facts." Charles put one hand on Alphonse's shoulder, "The factory can be officially put into operation at the beginning of the new year. When the first batch of goods is out, see the gold, uncle's Thinking will definitely change."
Alphonse continued to frowned.What, he always felt that his father's biological son was actually Charles, and he was the one who picked it up, okay?Although this is just his own idea, no matter how you say it, don't be right with Sherby.
Thinking of this, he looked at Shire carefully, and suddenly shouted in a fuss: "Wait, Shire! Why do I feel that it's only been a Christmas, and you seem to be more beautiful?"
A row of black lines slid down Ciel's forehead.It is really difficult for him to adapt to this kind of straightforward praise that is different from his aesthetics! "What are you talking about?" He said speechlessly, "Let's save this kind of sweet talk to coax women."
Alphonse didn't care what Charles said, he just stretched out his hand and wanted to pinch Charles' face. "Really, let me take a closer look! How did you do it? Maybe you should consider entering the cosmetics industry? You really don't?"
Ciel decisively grabbed the hand that was trying to move towards his face. "I think you probably have bad eyesight."
"How is it possible?" Alphonse exclaimed.Since his father Jacques was not far away, he controlled the volume a little. "What do women call me, you know!"
"Please allow me to remind you that I am a man." Charles threw the hand back, and there were more black lines on his face.What kind of image does Alphonse have in women's minds? Does it have anything to do with him?
"No, no, no," Alphonse said reluctantly, "It has nothing to do with men or women—to be honest, have you fallen in love? That's why you're glowing with that light?"
"...Huh?" Charles was almost confused.His first reaction was that Alphonse knew about him and Victor, and then he realized that it was impossible for the other party to know. "What's going on in your head?" He couldn't laugh or cry.
Alphonse had been observing Charles' reaction, and the brief moment of thought did not escape him. "He said no!" He felt even more that his guess was correct. "There must be a beautiful and gentle noble lady, right?" he said, slightly dissatisfied. "I'm your best friend, and you said it yourself! Shouldn't you be the first to tell me anything?"
Charles blinked. "But there are no nobles, and there are no young ladies..." There is a man who is cold before and lacks medicine, but can he say this?
"Really? Did I guess wrong?" Alphonse became suspicious.He felt that Charles had no reason to lie to him, so he believed it a little bit. "That's impossible!" he muttered, "Didn't you go to the Tuileries Palace? Aren't all the most beautiful and richest ladies in France there?"
Only then did Charles understand Alphonse's logic, and felt truly helpless. "Probably, but we've been talking about things all night. Not to mention Miss, I didn't even say a few words about Madam."
"No way..." This time it was Alphonse's turn to be speechless. "Such a great opportunity!" He said emphatically, and then thought of something else: "No, this is your first time to go to the palace, but it must not be the last time, right?"
"Whether it is or not, that's not the point." Charles straightened his face. "The point is that you should care more about the cotton than the girls! Think about what you just promised, huh?"
Alphonse languished. "Why are the factories all in the Marne province! Isn't the suburbs of Paris also very good?" He struggled, although he knew that this was a certainty and could not be changed.
Ciel returned a perfect smile showing all eight teeth. "I think the province of Marne is pretty good." There are no playboys who are not doing their jobs, and there are no random entertainment activities, which just makes Alphonse take care of himself.When the time is right, you can... Hehe!
Seeing his friend's expression, Alphonse suddenly felt a chill behind him.Why did he feel that Shire looked like he was weighing his weight, and then sold it at a good price?Could it be that he is oversensitive?
In any case, the Campangs left Paris shortly after the holiday.In January, Alphonse wrote to Charles, saying that everything was ready for the textile factory and that the railway from Nancy to Chalons was also completed.
This was a big event, and Guillaume couldn't get away, so Charles went to the east by himself.He hasn't been here for half a year, so that he feels that everything has changed completely compared to what he remembers——
Tall and tidy workshop, well-organized equipment, well-trained workers...
"You really did a good job." Charles did not hesitate to praise him. "If there is any problem, be sure to let me know."
Alphonse scratched his head, a little embarrassed. "Father said that if everything is prepared and you can't do it, then there is no hope for anything." He put down his hand and said: "If I have to talk about the problem, it is that the salary you give seems to be too high. gone."
"Huh?" Charles expressed his doubts with a nasal voice.
"Didn't we spend Christmas once?" Alphonse explained, "Some of the British workers we brought back went back, and I thought some of them would never come back again! As a result, just after Christmas, they brought more People are here—it’s all because I heard about your wages! It’s much better than theirs!" Even he had never heard of the welfare policy of overtime subsidies for workers, okay? ?
Charles smiled. "Isn't this a good thing?"
"But don't you think we should have been able to earn more money?" Alphonse didn't understand.
"No, it's the money we spend that makes us more money." Shire corrected.He is the one who has studied modern human resource management courses, so he naturally knows how to treat his subordinates in order to improve their corporate loyalty. "This is more complicated to say, and you will naturally know it in two years."
Alphonse nodded half understanding.Sometimes, he always feels that Ciel knows too many things like people of this era... Is this still an illusion?
Ciel patted his friend on the shoulder.He thought for a while, then added: "Those new workers also have to be trained. If you don't spend a small amount of money, it will be even more troublesome if there is an accident."
"Of course I remember this." Alphonse assured.
In this way, the textile factory was officially put into production at the end of January, and the production line of the ironworks began to run in mid-February.This is a big event, not only Guillaume, Victor also participated in the opening ceremony.And the latter also brought a few prominent figures to join in the scene, so that local officials came to hear the news one after another, which was very lively.
"You're really good at advertising," Charles said to this.
"That's exactly what I want to tell you," Victor accepted this as a compliment, "Remember to send the first batch of products to the palace, you understand."
Charles nodded understandingly.Now that there are no newspapers, magazines, TV networks, leading the trend can only rely on the upper class of society.And isn't the king the one at the top? "As long as His Majesty nods, the people below will definitely follow suit."
"That's right." Victor nodded.He was originally standing at the desk, but now he leaned down and kissed Charles: "According to this trend, by the end of next year, you will be the richest man in Paris."
Charles just wanted to say that most of the investment belonged to the Lafitte family, and that Lafitte would also be the richest man in Paris, but before he could say anything, he was blocked by Victor's tongue.
Here it is again, the conversation between the two of them alone will eventually become like this... Charles was helpless, and a timely knock on the door rescued him-two letters were sent from Paris, one was for him and the other was for him. For Victor.
Naturally, this cannot go on.Victor had a stinky face. Judging from his expression, if the person who wrote the letter was in front of him, there must be no good fruit to eat.
Charles opened his own, beaming with joy before he finished reading it.When he went to see Victor again, he found that his face was even uglier than before. "What's wrong?" he asked aloud.
Victor threw the letter on the table. "Something happened in Paris." With a livid face, he squeezed the words out between his teeth.
Charles keenly sensed the coming wind and rain from this reaction.He handed the letter in his hand to Victor, and then picked up the letter paper on the table——
Two letters, one good news, one bad news.The good news is that Ampere's research on electromagnetism is progressing rapidly, and in the past two months, he has produced enough results to write three papers, which is a godlike rhythm; the bad news is that there is a religious fanatic named Louville Gave the Duke of Berry a bullet, and this hapless, brainless fellow was the second son of the Count d'Artois.
Charles really wanted to swear a foul word.I'm really afraid of something!
The author has something to say: Jacques: Son, what do women call you?Papa always feels very concerned (-'`-;)
Alphonse: No, no, papa, it's really nothing! Σ(っ°Д°;) っCharle: Probably a girl killer, right?Hmm~o(* ̄▽ ̄*)oJacques: What? !Alphonse, come here, Papa hasn't talked about life with you for a long time! (o#゜盘゜) o Alphonse: ...can you still have fun QAQ
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