Chapter 43: Chapter 43: The Power of Money (Begging for Monthly Votes)
Indeed, Joseph had long planned to start a bank.
To straighten out a country’s finances, a bank is an indispensable tool, especially after the Royal Bank’s decline left France without even a symbolic “central bank,” leaving the government’s financial control capabilities virtually nil.
Furthermore, the Industrial Revolution was on the cusp of bursting forth. Massive financial support was needed during this period to ensure unimpeded industrial development.
Thus, for Joseph, establishing a bank was a necessary action; however, according to his plan, now was not the optimal time.
As is well known, banking relies heavily on the scale of capital. A bank with a capital of 1 million livres, no matter how well-managed, would have a hard time outperforming a competitor with a capital of 10 million livres.
Joseph’s original plan was to enter the banking sector after mobilizing more resources at his disposal.
However, the banking capital’s various provocations to the finance system, along with the looming possibility of a government debt default, decided him to accelerate this process.
Luckily, the Paris Angel Company’s profits were exceedingly good, even exceeding his expectations, which greatly bolstered his confidence in terms of funding.
What remained was to figure out the operations.
The carriage moved slowly. Joseph looked out at the trees and passersby sweeping past the window, silently organizing the specific plans for setting up the bank in his mind.
Although the banking industry of the 18th century was already thriving, from a historical perspective of finance, it was just beginning, and the various clever tricks invented by the future financial moguls had yet to appear. For Joseph, France’s financial field was like the American continent in Columbus’s eyes—fresh and full of opportunities.
After a little more than an hour, a complete plan had formed in his mind.
Having repeatedly confirmed the completeness and feasibility of the plan, a relaxed expression finally appeared on his face. He ordered Eman,
“Please send someone to notify Mr. Brent to come to see me with utmost speed.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
More than three hours later, when Joseph returned to the Palace of Versailles, he found that Brent had already been waiting for him— the diligent manager had ridden a horse directly here in the interest of time, foregoing a carriage.
Joseph first praised his efficiency and then summoned his personal architect, painter, carpenter, accountant, and other personnel to his study to assign tasks:
“From now on, your sole task is to open as many Paris Angel franchise stores as possible in the shortest amount of time.”
He looked toward Brent:
“You will be in full charge of this matter. You can utilize all the resources at my disposal, with the aim of opening at least three stores in the Paris area within one week. In addition, open a direct store in Reims.”
Upon hearing this, Brent’s face showed a grave look. Although according to the Crown Prince’s earlier instructions, the glass walls, display stands, lights, and even the staff uniforms for new franchise stores were prepared, the renovation work for new store interiors and flooring would be very time-consuming, particularly with multiple stores happening simultaneously—a one-week timeframe was virtually an impossible task…
Joseph, seeing his expression, smiled slightly and said:
“For opening the first franchise store, you will receive a bonus of 1,000 livres. For the second store, the bonus will be 1,500 livres. And so on, increasing by 500 livres for each additional store.”
He then looked toward the architects and others:
“For the first store you open, each of you will receive a bonus of 500 livres. For each additional store thereafter, an increase of 200 livres.”
With the money ability buff, everyone becomes Superman!
Brent’s heart raced as he quickly calculated that if he could open 3 stores in Paris, he could earn 4,500 livres in one week!
4,000 livres for 4 stores, 10,000 livres for 5…
If he could manage to open 7 franchise stores and 1 direct store, his bonus would be a whopping 22,000 livres!
He had the money for his second villa!!
Almost with bloodshot eyes, he blurted out:
“Rest assured, Your Highness! I swear to the Lord, I will not disappoint you!”
He eagerly gestured to the architect, painter, and the others, “Don’t just stand there, follow me!!”
The group hastily bowed to Joseph and sprinted out of the Crown Prince’s chamber like they were on a 100-meter dash.
In the open area outside the Palace of Versailles, Brent handed the coachman ten livres and shouted loudly:
“Quick! Back to Paris, quick!”
Mr. Painter furrowed his brows, having just calculated the amount of the bonus:
“…2,100 livres for the three shops… If everything is completed, that’s 9,600 livres! Oh, God! 9,600!!”
His heart gave a lurch, and his breathing quickened. He turned and roared at the coachman:
“Mr. Brebo, show your skills! Quick!”
After everyone had left, Joseph swiftly wrote a few lines, handed them to Eman, and instructed:
“Please follow these ideas, and advertise them through all newspapers, salons, balls and other channels. I’m giving you 15,000 livres, and you must spend it all within a week.”
Eman had never heard of such a bizarre request and looked at the paper in his hand doubtfully. It read:
[On November 30th, stocks of the Paris Angel Company will officially be released to the entire nation of France. We welcome your subscription.
Advertising slogan: “Stand at the blast of the wind, and even pigs can fly. The next blast, lies with the Paris Angel!”]
The rest of the paper contained information about the business model and operating data of the Paris Angel Company.
November 30th was exactly a week away.
He promptly bowed deeply with his hand on his chest, earnestly saying:
“Yes, Your Highness, I will do my utmost!”
Joseph then had a servant invite Brian, Mono, and Count Robel to join him for dinner.
He had a particular intention for inviting these three— the first two were Cabinet Ministers and on good terms with him, while Count Robel was nominally the State Counselor but in reality the head of the King’s Secret Police, closely connected with the Royal Family and with great influence.
At the luxurious dinner table, Mono looked around and, not seeing the “audience” that usually came to observe the Crown Prince’s meals, realized that this was no ordinary dinner. He raised his glass with a smile:
“Let us toast to His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince.”
The others immediately echoed: “To His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince.”
After enjoying the fine wine, Mono praised Joseph’s exploits in the Netherlands and then casually broached the topic:
“Your Highness remembers us old fellows amidst your busy schedule, there must be some good news, haha.”
Joseph smiled and said:
“You are all my closest friends. Actually, I would like to ask for your assistance in a matter.”
Brian responded with a cheerful smile:
“Please command me, Your Highness, if there’s anything you need.”
Joseph wiped his mouth with a napkin and put on a serious expression:
“In fact, I am planning to establish a bank and would like to invite you all to take a stake in it.”
When making big moves, it is always wise to avoid eating alone.
Giving a piece of the cake to others means that if anyone dares covet that cake, you don’t need to lift a finger; the stakeholders will take care of chopping off his claws for you.
As long as you hold the decision-making power in the bank, sharing some profits is inconsequential.
These three officials were the first batch of shareholders Joseph was bringing in, of course; there were even more influential figures to follow. With these people backing the bank, it was destined to prosper smoothly.