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The Fox of France - Chapter 453
🕑 Added 2024-04-02 05:50:36 +0000 UTCChapter 453: America Must Not Surrender
The British fleet has been a constant headache for the Americans. Meanwhile, in Louisiana, another individual was fuming over this situation. This person was Louis Bonaparte.
In the Bonaparte family, Louis was truly the first to independently stand out. Whether it was the eldest brother Joseph, the second Napoleon, or the third, Lucien, decisions were made after discussions among the brothers. Although the three brothers would arrogantly claim, "What else could they do but hold me back?" in reality, they did support each other, leading to their current situation.
However, the situation in the Americas was different. After losing India, North America held for France an importance equal to that of India for Britain. Joseph had repeatedly emphasized in family meetings: "France is the family's present, but North America could very well be its future." He even expressed his willingness to directly control the situation in Louisiana.
Napoleon, always fond of laughing at Joseph's expense and suggesting that Joseph was only good at causing trouble, would decisively say, "Joseph cannot leave!"
Joseph cannot leave, and neither can Napoleon. What about Lucien? Considering the need to balance the Ministry of Police, and recognizing that Lucien, albeit not very effective, was still needed at crucial times, and taking into account Lucien's personal desires, (Lucien: What? Leave Paris and the Moulin Rouge for a backwater like Louisiana? Even if you made me king there, I wouldn't go!)
Given Louisiana's importance and its distance, it was essential to have a trusted individual with the Bonaparte surname there. Thus, Lucien suggested, "Louis could go! He did quite well managing the Lorraine Steel Factory and his performance at the Roman Bank was also well-regarded. I think he is fully capable."
Napoleon was skeptical of Lucien's true intentions, possibly just wanting to send a brother off to free himself, Joseph, and Napoleon from the responsibility. Considering Lucien's current job, which was indeed irreplaceable, and acknowledging Louis's competency in business management as Lucien described—not yet legendary like Nathan Rothschild but still top-tier due to his substantial capital and deep understanding of economic fundamentals—Napoleon agreed.
"I can't do it, I can't!" was Louis's firm refusal at the time. "How can I, a businessman devoted to honest trade, suddenly become a governor in the Americas?"
Of course, this was just a superficial excuse. Louis's reluctance to go to the Americas was for reasons not unlike Lucien's.
"Don't worry, Louis. We don't intend to make you a governor. You have no political experience, and placing you directly in such a position would be seen as nepotism," Napoleon earnestly explained.
"I knew I couldn't be the governor," Louis replied, his smile reaching his ears.
"We're just planning for you to head to Louisiana to open a bank and serve as its chairman," Joseph added leisurely. "You've done well at the Roman Bank, and I believe you're fully capable of handling this job."
"What..." Louis's smile vanished instantly. "Joseph, you can't gang up on me like this!"
However, such protests were futile. The family meeting had already decided that Louis would go to Louisiana to become the chairman of the development bank. So, Louis set forth to Louisiana with two conditions: the first was to establish transatlantic wireless communication as soon as possible, and the second was that he would only serve for three years, after which someone else must take over.
Joseph and Napoleon readily agreed. Of course, what would happen after three years would be dealt with then. If Jérôme had matured a bit by that time, he could replace Louis. If not, they would address it when the time came. After all, it wouldn't be the first time they had not kept their word, especially Joseph, who once mentioned an Eastern philosopher named "Confucius" who said, "One must keep their word and ensure their actions lead to results, anything less is stubborn and inferior."
Thus, a common trait among the superior is to treat their words lightly.
However, after spending some time in Louisiana, Louis found the place not as bad as he had imagined. In Paris, he was the youngest, overshadowed by Lucien, Napoleon, and Joseph, who could easily overshadow him. Bullying Jérôme had no appeal, as Jérôme was too insignificant.
In Louisiana, Louis became the de facto ruler. Although Marcel, the governor, held the highest official authority, it was clear that the First Consul's brother was the real governor. Thus, in Louisiana, Louis found himself bullying others, a source of joy since time immemorial, diminishing his longing for Paris.
As a capable leader, Louis had been performing well, especially in his forte—making money. However, the current situation still infuriated him.
"Chairman, based on the latest information, the British did not
enter Chesapeake Bay. They encountered American ships laying mines at the bay's entrance and sank them. However, this made the British wary of mines throughout the bay and concerned about being trapped by mines if they entered. So, they attacked and burned Cape Charles and Watchapreague, then continued north. Their next targets are likely Atlantic City and New York," a manager outlined on the map with a pencil.
"Damn Americans, damn British, all worthless!" Louis cursed. "Burning Cape Charles and Watchapreague, what does that achieve? Any news from Cleveland?"
"The American forces have safely retreated, and the British did not pursue."
"If this continues, the Americans might seek peace. That cannot happen! We need a way to prevent them from seeking peace. Moreover, we cannot let America be defeated by the British. After all, if they lose with our support, who would dare to rely on us in the future? We must find a way to ensure the Americans achieve a victory! These worthless fools! After all the help we've provided, they still fail. It infuriates me!"
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