French Empire: But Napoleon IV

Chapter 5 Famine, otherwise there would be no famine.

"Seven days, just seven days, everyone give me seven days. I will find a way to bring down the price of grain and renovate the streets for everyone."

Looking at the crowd, Eugène Napoleon set himself a tight deadline. Within this month, he had to change the public's perception of the Bonaparte dynasty.

Every minute and every second is precious. Eugène Napoleon was forced to issue the order because he knew he would be fired in a little over a month if he failed. Only if he succeeded could there be any further discussion.

The noisy crowd quieted down, and after a moment, someone started clapping. Then, the applause spread from person to person, growing louder and louder until it echoed throughout the entire street.

"We're willing to give you time!"

The surrounding Parisians began to shout, "They've already given a pledge, what more could they ask for?"

Once people realized that Eugène Napoleon was truly different and had renewed hope for tomorrow, they gradually dispersed. Before leaving, some even expressed their gratitude to Eugène Napoleon for his actions.

Eugène Napoleon, who had made the pledge, simply stood there, watching the crowd disperse, and breathed a sigh of relief. In fact, it was the first time he had given a speech in front of so many people, and his palms were already sweating.

He knew that most of his promises were just empty words. With his current power and the 200 million francs he held, it was impossible for him to improve the lives of the French people, lower food prices, or renovate old Paris.

However, failing to deliver on promises was not an option; the people had to be given enough benefits so that they would still be willing to follow him, the son of Napoleon III, when his father's prestige plummeted.

"Eugène, you did a great job."

Eugénie's approving voice came from behind. Hearing this, Eugénie Napoleon saw her in the carriage, the door open, speaking to him. This muddy terrain was still too challenging for Eugénie.

Back in the car, Napoleon thanked his mother for her praise, but was still deep in thought about where the money would come from.

"I think I underestimated your abilities. Eugene, you have indeed grown, but your seven-day deadline... I'm willing to offer you 300 million francs to help you."

Looking at her son deep in thought, and thinking that he might have made a promise on a whim, Eugénie considered her own wealth, gritted her teeth, and kept only a small amount for herself, giving the rest to support Eugénie Napoleon.

Hearing his mother say this, Eugène's eyes lit up at first, then dimmed again. One million francs was a lot, but it was not enough compared to what he had in mind.

"Eugene, if you really need funds, I think I can go to Rothschild Bank or the Bank of France and sell some of my jewelry."

"Rothschild Bank... Bank of France... Thank you, Mother, but 300 million francs is enough. I think I have a way to fulfill my promise to the people."

Upon hearing his mother recite the names of the two banks, Eugène Napoleon muttered them for a while before embracing her with overwhelming joy. He had already devised a way to acquire a vast amount of funds.

Is there any way to make money faster than ransacking houses? Of course there is, and that is to ransack two houses.

Of course, Eugène Napoleon couldn't just confiscate property for no reason; no one would allow him to act recklessly, even though he was the only son of the royal family and the 13th Army in Paris was under his command.

However, if things escalate, Napoleon III, who was at the front lines, would be forced to return to Paris and personally announce the removal of himself from the position of crown prince.

Although Eugène Napoleon could not confiscate property, the methods he devised were similar.

Back in his study at the Tuileries Palace, Eugène Napoleon, as Governor of Paris and Crown Prince of France, did not immediately summon Prime Minister Olivier, but instead sent someone to find a banker to meet him.

Adolph-Ernest Fold, the founder of the Bank of Paris, was a royalist but opposed to absolute monarchy, and belonged to the Orleans faction, not the Bonapartist faction.

This person had made contact with the new government on September 4th and pledged financial guarantees to the new government.

Eugène Napoleon felt no remorse whatsoever when he ripped off this man.

As for why he didn't choose the larger Bank of France, it's because although this bank, which has the functions of a central bank, has already shifted its allegiance and is essentially a private enterprise, it was passed over in Eugène's mind due to its importance and functions, as well as the fact that it has many shareholders and makes it difficult to resolve its debt.

As for the Rothschild family's bank, it was only because Alphonse Rothschild himself maintained a neutral stance during the September 4th incident that he was forced to meet with guests in mid-September.

This attitude is now rare among bankers in Paris.

Eugène Napoleon couldn't possibly leave those who opposed his rule alone; he chose to first target a neutral faction.

BNP Paribas became the best choice. As the fourth largest bank in Paris, BNP Paribas has total assets of nearly 300 million francs and can provide loan funds of up to 100 million francs.

Especially since Fold was the bank's founder and a major shareholder, if he made a mistake, Eugène Napoleon could quickly liquidate the bank's assets and clear his own debt.

"Your Highness."

"Mr. Ford, please have a seat."

You can't cheat them all; if you do, they'll be unhappy and might rebel. If they don't rebel, you won't be able to clear your debts.

As I was pondering how much loan I should take out, there was a knock at the door, and then an old man in a tuxedo walked into the room.

Looking at this banker who was nearing the end of his life, with less than five years left to live, yet still siding with the defense government and stirring up political trouble, Eugène Napoleon put on a bright smile.

As a member of the Orleans faction and a supporter of the transition from a constitutional monarchy to a republic, Fold chose to ignore Eugène Napoleon's overtures and simply sat down.

"Is there something you wish to discuss with me, Your Highness?"

"Sir, I would like to borrow money from you in my own name. I wonder if Mr. Ford would be willing to do this business?"

Upon hearing that the Crown Prince wanted to borrow money from him, Fold, unaware that his position had been exposed, had a glint of shrewdness in his eyes.

Fold was curious about what this newly appointed Governor of Paris, who was so eager for money, was going to do. In order to inform his own people, Fold first did some calculations in a mysterious manner, and then looked at Eugène Napoleon with a serious expression.

"Your Highness, you should know that France's finances are not in good shape, and in principle, I should not lend you money. However, if you can explain your intentions regarding the funds, I can consider providing you with a loan between 500 million and 1000 million francs."

"That's wonderful, Mr. Fold. You know, I was on my way back today... so I was hoping to buy some bread for them and alleviate the food problem in Paris."

"...Alright, Your Highness, I can approve a loan of 1000 million francs for you if you really want to use the money for the people."

Unexpectedly, the Bonaparte dynasty would soon fall. When Fold heard that Eugène Napoleon intended to help the people, Fold, feeling that he was overthinking things, decided to lend 1000 million euros to the innocent crown prince.

Fuld didn't dare to take advantage of Eugène Napoleon's ignorance and set the interest rate too high, since Napoleon III would most likely have to repay the money later.

Knowing His Majesty's habits well, Fold knew that if he set an unreasonable interest rate, His Majesty would definitely use it as an excuse to simply refuse to repay the loan.

Unfortunately, this banker, who had one foot in the grave, signed documents intending to profit from the Crown Prince's charitable act.

He hadn't realized at all that the prince before him was far more greedy than the emperor he was wary of.