In front of all the businessmen present, His Excellency the Minister expressed his request in an unquestioning manner. Pen ~ fun ~ pavilion www.biquge.info

For a moment, the whole room fell into a strange silence, and some people's faces became very ugly.

It is evident that His Excellency the Minister did not summon them here for the purpose of making them known or merely announcing the Government's proposals, but was clearly giving orders to force them to accept an arrangement for which they had not been prepared at all.

While on the face of it, these arrangements are good for everyone's business, or at least not harmful, the government ...... People don't believe that the government will be so kind. Obviously, if this is arranged, the government's control over the industry will be greatly strengthened, and it may even forcibly interfere with the operation of the industry, and God knows what will be done at that time.

It's early autumn, but there's still some summer heat, so even though the second floor is well ventilated, many people are still sweating and wiping with handkerchiefs.

However, in spite of the dissenting opinions of many people, none of them dared to speak up, and everyone expected others to speak for themselves, lest they offend His Excellency, who was now in great power, and the more this was done, the less anyone spoke.

"It seems that many people still have different opinions in their hearts, which is really regrettable." Charles sighed softly, "But this is also normal, after all, such a matter is very interfering, and it is too demanding to expect you to make a decision in a few minutes." But what I'm saying is here - what has happened, and what is going to happen, is what is necessary according to our determination, and we will move forward with the greatest determination, so as businessmen, you should try to adapt to the new environment and not complain about what has happened. I think that's what really positive and useful attitudes are. ”

Seeing that His Excellency the Minister had become more and more serious, and secretly threatened that "businessmen who are unwilling to cooperate and disobey will treat the government negatively", the others finally could not sit still and began to express their willingness to accept the government's arrangement.

Of course, they did not change their minds in an instant, but found that the attitude of the minister and the government was irretrievable, so they decided to agree to the minister's request for the time being, and then wait and see, and if it was beneficial to implement it, they would continue to insist on it, and if it was not good for themselves, they would go against the evil and resist with a secretly negative attitude -- after all, His Excellency the minister is a layman, and even if he passively resists in the future, he will not be able to see the clues.

Their thoughts, Charles naturally expected, and naturally knew how to prevent it.

Yes, he doesn't know how to build ships or ship, but he knows how to manage people from an organizational point of view, and he also knows how to use people.

"It seems that you still understand things after all, and you are loyal enough to the country. Seeing that you are so positive, I have also taken a lot of effort, thank you. Charles laughed again, then gestured to Mary, who had been silently recording his speech.

Mary knowingly took a few pieces of paper out of the folder and handed them to the person next to her.

"Of course, the establishment of such a federation is still my personal idea, and the specific provisions and articles of association still need to be specially studied and formulated by experts, so today we don't need to determine everything, we just need to unify our intentions." Charles pointed to the piece of paper, "Since you don't have any other opinions, let's sign the letter of intent first, so that you can become the first members." I can assure you that government guarantees and subsidies will be given priority to you, because you have sufficient qualifications and prestige. ”

There was another commotion, but under the watchful eye of His Excellency the Chancellor, there was no trouble, and the group of merchants signed their names on the letters of intent one by one, and in fact assumed responsibility for the Federation.

"Since it is an organization, then it should be run in an organizational way, although now the federation is your people, but it will not be long, it will be filled with hundreds, maybe thousands of enterprises, involving many industries, the practitioners are even more innumerable, if everything is unanimously discussed and decided, then it is obvious that nothing can be done, so modeled on the enterprise, this federation will set up the position of supervisor, so that they can act on behalf of the authority, and be responsible for external communicationOf course, these supervisors will be elected by you, and they must have prestige......"

As they signed one by one, Charles continued to explain to them, "In the same way, although the government will not dominate or interfere in the operation of the federation, it will also have a communication and regulatory body, because the government needs to work closely with the various industries in order to control all aspects of the country's economy, and it also needs to ensure that the subsidies and preferences it issues are used efficiently enough so that public money is not wasted." ”

Although he said it very low-key, of course, the government's stationed agencies will not only be responsible for supervision and communication, but they will definitely exert more and more influence in the federation with huge funds and subsidies, and finally occupy a dominant position, bringing together all these enterprises involved in shipbuilding and shipping under their baton, and then they can be pulled forward by the will of the government.

At this point in time, it was a bit unacceptable to say such a set of theories, everyone was used to laissez-faire business, and did not understand the meaning of doing so, so Charles did not explain to them at all, but only used his attitude and power to force these policies - this is an inevitable trend anyway, he just needs to guide slowly and wait.

"Your Excellency! Can I ask some questions? Just as the others were obedient to Charles' will, either positively or passively, one of the merchants in the room suddenly shouted at Charles, and it quickly caught the attention of almost everyone.

"Oh?" Charles looked slightly surprised, then glanced at the name tag in front of his seat.

His surname was Dumere, and he came from a shipping company in Marseille, "Monsieur Dumere, do you have anything to ask?" ”

This is a man in his thirties, between middle age and youth, who looks calm and energetic, dressed very formally, like a successful businessman.

"You just said that you want to set up a federation and set up a board of supervisors in the federation, and I agree with these ideas very much, because in the past business, I also deeply felt that the risks faced by our industry are too great, and we need to support each other, and we need help from the government...... So I support you. "Perhaps because of the power of the Charles, the Monsieur de Durmere was obviously a little restrained and incoherent in his speech, but the basic meaning could be clearly expressed," and at the same time, you have also expressed your intention not to allow the government to interfere too much in our business activities, so I would like to ask if we encounter some conflicting situations in the course of our business, which is very common in business activities, after all, do you think that the federation should be responsible for arbitration and settlement? This is an important question, after all, it is a matter of authority. ”

"Business activities naturally generate competition, and competition is also a source of corporate progress, and this can never be changed. However, there are benign and vicious types of competition, take your shipping industry as an example, if there is vicious competition, the result is that everyone has reduced the price, ostensibly to benefit customers and passengers, but in fact you have no spare energy to update the ship, to improve the environment of the ship, and even try to evade taxes...... Therefore, we must put an end to this kind of competition, and an important function of the federation is to stop and arbitrate vicious competition, so that various industries can develop benignly......"

Then, as if joking, Charles laughed, "Of course I know that sometimes some people are not so good at persuasion, but thankfully, we live in a country with laws. ”

"I see what you mean, Your Excellency." "It looks like the Federation will have a high position in the future, and the supervisors will be important in it." Then I would like to ask, are these supervisors appointed by the government, or are they elected by us? ”

"As I said earlier, it's up to you to choose, and the government can't do everything, but it needs to be flexible." Charles spread his hands, "However, considering that everyone is still not familiar with each other, and it is impossible to judge the merits in the short term, I think it is better for the first supervisors to be recommended by the government, and then all members of the federation will vote and approve." For example, I would love to recommend you now, Monsieur Dumere, although this is the first time I have seen you, but I think you are very clever, very bold and more ambitious...... And that's what we need most. ”

"Thank you for the compliment, Your Excellency." Dumere's eyes widened, obviously flattered, he did not expect that he suddenly got the opportunity to be recommended by His Excellency the Minister. "I've always wanted to make some contribution to the industry and to all my colleagues, if you can recommend me...... I will do my best to serve you! ”

His words also caused shocks among others. For it is evident that, as His Excellency has said, no one knows each other and does not have much prestige among them, so whoever can obtain the approval of His Excellency the Minister himself will be able to become a member of the Board of Supervisors of the Federation -- as for what votes will be made, everyone can see that it is only a formality at present.

Moreover, it seems that the full power of this position is not only to speak on behalf of the entire industry, but also to maintain close contact with the government all the time......

As soon as they thought of this, their original worries instantly turned into eagerness and hospitality, and they all rushed to speak, hoping to gain the favor of His Excellency the Minister, who was no longer so generous this time, but only reserved that he would refer to everyone's opinions, and strive to let the capable people occupy the top position, so that the entire industry and the country's economy can benefit from it.

It wasn't until Charles said he had run out of time here today that they left the conference room one by one to eat and spend a noon that was a little too long for them.

Charles remained in the room, carefully reviewing the notes Mary had written for herself, as well as the signatures they had just signed on the letter of intent.

Just then, the door was softly opened again, and a man walked in quietly.

"What's their attitude?" Charles asked without looking up.

"Generally positive, sir." The man replied quietly and respectfully, "Although there are some doubts about your idea, they all seem to want to give it a try, after all, you have prestige and a lot of political achievements, and they are willing to bet on you." ”

"It's good to be able to do that, and I'm not expecting to hypnotize them." Charles shrugged his shoulders, "Even half-believing support is support, and as long as they support me, I have hope to push everything through." After all, businessmen are profit-seeking, and as long as we let them see the benefits, they will eventually follow us forward. ”

"You're right, sir." The man bowed down and agreed with him.

He was the same Monsieur Dumere who had just spoken suddenly, of course his name was not Dumere, his name was Conze, and he was one of Charles's henchmen.

However, his company was not fake, but a shipping company that Charles had helped set up in Marseille with the help of his distant relative, Henri de La Tourche Treville, and Charles had Conzé participate as a representative, in order to plant a nail among the merchants and keep abreast of their movements and intentions; Second, it was also to give Kong Ze a well-paid position, so as to reward him for his hard work in serving himself wholeheartedly in the past few years.

After receiving this unexpected gift, Kong Ze was naturally overjoyed, and he was given a legal status, a decent social status, and a large income, which also strengthened his determination to continue to serve the Tréville family.

"Now, I have given you the platform, and it is up to you how well you can do it next." "I can use my influence to force the appointment of the first supervisors, but I can't do that in the second and third sessions, because the government can't keep doing this, otherwise it will reduce the enthusiasm of the businessmen." So, if you want to keep these things, you have to be good enough to make people feel that you are a good fit to be a supervisor. ”

"I don't believe it's harder than serving you, sir." Kong Ze slowly straightened his waist, and then looked ahead with an expressionless face, "I have always carried out your orders with the highest standards, and I have done it reasonably well, you should not doubt my mind." ”

"Hahahaha! You're not humble at all! Charles couldn't help but laugh, "Well, may that confidence help you succeed." ”

"Speaking of which, sir, the one you told me to do earlier has come to fruition." Kong Ze suddenly lowered his voice, "The remains of that gentleman, we have found them, and they have been turned into ashes and are ready to be brought back to China." ”

"Yes...... Is it? Charles's laughter was cut short and his expression became a little strange.

This remains are the remains of his father, Edgar.

After Agnes told his grandfather where he was buried, Charles complied with his grandfather's wishes and prepared to take his remains back to China as ashes and bury them in the family cemetery. He gave the task to Kong Ze, who quickly found Edgar's remains through his network.

At the thought of his 'father' ending up like this, Charles didn't know what to say.

"Okay, leave it to me when you bring it back to China, and don't tell anyone about it, no one." After a few moments, Charles gave the order.

Then he turned his head and glanced at Mary beside her, who just looked at the paper in her hand with a blank face, as if she hadn't heard anything.

If only everyone were so well-behaved...... Charles suddenly felt a little tired.

"Alright, you go first," Charles sighed dejectedly, "when are you leaving over there?" ”

"If you don't ask for anything else, I'll be on my way back to Marseille tomorrow and I'll leave at once, without delaying your time." Kong Ze immediately replied.

This departure meant going to Eastern Europe, to the Crimea and Odessa, on the one hand, to collect all kinds of local intelligence, and on the other hand, to get in touch with Count Pierre-Bezukhov.

Because the relationship between the two great powers is involved, this matter is very secretive, and Charles only asks vaguely.

"Okay, hurry up, I hope you can get everything right." Charles waved his hand. "Let's go down and have dinner with those merchants first, disappearing for too long will make people suspicious, besides, getting to know a few more people will also be good for you in the future."

"I will not let you down, sir." Kong Ze saluted him again, and then immediately exited the room.

There were only two people left in the room again.

Charles sat in his seat in a daze, his thoughts wandering, and he didn't speak.

"Will you let me bring my lunch, sir?" Mary asked suddenly.

"No, no, I want to take a break here, I'm not hungry." Charles shook his head.

"What do you seem to be bothering about?" Mary asked tentatively. "It's like this these days, when I'm alone, my eyes are sloppy."

"yes, I've been worrying about one thing lately." Charles nodded.

"You're not happy? Okay, so can you make me happy by saying it? Mary suddenly looked up at him.

The face that had been flat suddenly showed a coquettish smile, as if it had been a different person directly, and even the black dress couldn't cover the lively atmosphere. "Maybe I can help you a little."

Seeing this smile, Charles suddenly felt a lot more relieved.

Should I tell her?

Charles suddenly felt a desire to confide in him, a secret that had been weighing on him for so long that it was a little unsettled.

Although he has always concealed the uneasiness in his heart well, Mary, who has always followed him, can always see a clue.

"Oh, you don't look like you like this......" Mary continued to laugh while he was still struggling, "Do you know that you are so handsome just now, that I finally didn't show anything abnormal!" ”

"What does it look like?" Charles asked rhetorically.

"That's what I just said, 'Everything on the French sea is now under my control, except for the water monster!' Oh! Mary looked at Charles with high interest, "You were like a god back then, that's how powerful you are. ”

"Is it that powerful?" Charles was overwhelmed by her half-truths, and then repeated to himself, "Now everything on the French sea is under my control, except for the water monsters!" ”

Mary didn't make any indications.

Charles picked up the pen on the table, and then pointed forward like a sword, "Now everything on the French sea is in my hands, except for the water monster!" ”

"Hahahaha...... Not handsome," Mary couldn't help laughing anymore, "it's not so handsome when it's deliberate." ”

"I think it's ...... too" Charles nodded self-deprecatingly, and then laughed himself, "So I'm so handsome by accident!" ”

The two of them laughed out loud, regardless of whether they could hear it outside or not.

"Yes, sir, so since you have so much power and such a clever mind, what else in the world is hard to do with you...... You don't have to be sad at all, because ......"

Her words of comfort were quickly interrupted.

"Lola is pregnant, and the baby is mine." A calm word broke into her eardrums.

"What!?" The smile on Mary's face disappeared instantly, and her eyes widened to look at him in disbelief. (To be continued.) )