"May our indestructible friendship last forever!"
Jero Bonaparte imdiately raised his glass to invite Lionel Rothschild.
"For friendship!" Lionel Rothschild also raised his glass with a feigned smile. He was unsure if spending 500,000 francs to buy a tenuous future was worth it, but investing in one more person gave him a greater chance to overthrow his uncle's hopes.
500,000 francs was not a significant expense for Lionel Rothschild, even though the Rothschild Clan had indeed lost so money in this revolution. However, he firmly believed that once the crisis was weathered, the family's lost fortunes would soon return to them. Those who attempted to squeeze the Rothschilds into bankruptcy would pay a heavy price.
"Your Highness, I must clarify in advance: the 500,000 francs is solely for your campaign funds. If I discover you are using this money for non-campaign purposes, I have the right to freeze all your funds!" Lionel Rothschild proclaid with both courtesy and firmness.
Based on his understanding of the Bonaparte Clan, if he did not impose usage restrictions on this investnt, the funds would quickly be distributed as rewards to subordinates. The generous Bonaparte would not hesitate to curry favor with subordinates by sharing gifts. Lionel, on the other hand, had no interest in being lavish with soone else's money.
At the sa ti, Lionel Rothschild had to admit that this was the only way the Bonaparte Clan could win people over. Without sufficient financial nourishnt, even the most loyal subordinates might harbor thoughts of betrayal.
Lionel Rothschild was convinced that so-called loyalty was rely a matter of not having enough incentives for betrayal.
"Hmm?" Jero Bonaparte gave a wry smile as his little sche was evidently seen through by the man in front of him.
However, in the capacity of a politician about to run for election, sotis facade was not so important.
"Baron Lionel, I think we can choose a deeper cooperation!" Jero Bonaparte continued, thick-skinned, to Lionel Rothschild: "I think the position of Minister of Finance should be occupied by a capable and resourceful person, especially soone like you!"
Though Lionel Rothschild knew Jero Bonaparte was rely dealing in empty promises, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitent.
The position of Finance Minister in France was one of the most lucrative posts in all of France and even across Europe.
If he could secure the position, he could leverage his power to seek benefit, possibly doubling the wealth of the Rothschild Clan.
Of course, Lionel Rothschild only pondered for a few seconds. As a "world banker," the Rothschild Clan was not confined to doing business in France. Delving too deeply into the politics of one country would only provoke resentnt from both that country and others.
For a "responsible" world banker, this was absolutely unacceptable.
"I have no interest in the position of Finance Minister!" Lionel Rothschild decisively declined Jero Bonaparte's "olive branch."
"That's truly a pity!" Jero Bonaparte appeared regretful, realizing he couldn't persuade his financial backer further.
"However, I can lend you another one million privately, at an interest rate of 1.5%!" Lionel Rothschild continued.
"My God, Baron! You're nothing short of a vampire!" Jero Bonaparte exaggeratedly remarked to Lionel Rothschild: "At an interest rate of 1.5%, you'd rather I jump into the waters of the Thas River!"
A monthly interest rate of 1.5% ant an 18% annual interest rate, implying that if Jero Bonaparte failed to be elected, he would have to consider jumping down from the top of Paris.
Sotis, being in debt was more terrifying than death!
"Your Highness, currently, in Europe, only the Rothschild Bank can lend you one million francs!" Lionel Rothschild retorted: "Moreover, once you ascend the French throne, can the Rothschild Clan still demand from you?"
Jero Bonaparte feigned a few seconds of deep contemplation, gritted his teeth, and said, "Fine! I accept your terms!"
"A wise choice!" Lionel Rothschild smiled.
However, Jero's next condition wiped the smile off Lionel Rothschild's face.
"However, I require the use of certificates issued by the Bank of England. The Bank of France's certificates are nearing bankruptcy!" Jero Bonaparte spread his hands helplessly: "I might be taking over a problematic ss."
"The French Governnt is already actively mobilizing!" Lionel Rothschild's hopes to deal in Bank of France certificates crumbled.
"God! Their so-called stabilization is rely to forcibly stop the French from exchanging currency through administrative orders, only damaging France's credibility!" Jero Bonaparte exaggeratedly responded.
In reality, the Bank of France's currency suspension had not lasted long. However, the high discount exchange rates from before could not be maintained for a long ti, and the certificates faced devaluation during this period.
Lionel wanted Jero to take over the devaluing certificates, which was simply wishful thinking.
"Of course, it will be the Bank of England's!" Unable to deceive Jero Bonaparte, Lionel Rothschild had to extinguish his little sche.
Amidst a facade of "joyful conversation," Jero Bonaparte and Lionel Rothschild made an indescribable deal.
Nonetheless, there was a slight sense of regret in both their hearts.
If the other party had been a bit more naive, the deal might have proceeded more smoothly.
Having finished all this, Jero Bonaparte could finally prepare for his cousin's funeral with peace of mind. The events of this day were more exhausting for Jero Bonaparte than anything that had happened in the past month, or even year.
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On the slightly advanced date of May 2nd, the morning sun shone brightly, suggesting a good day to go out and socialize.
On this sunny morning, an article titled "From Bonaparte to Bonaparte: A Review of the Life of Louis Napoleon" appeared in The Tis, like a thunderstorm sweeping through the press and public opinion circles of London, turning the turbulent waters of London upside down.
Equality, democracy, social responsibility... These Charter Faction pursuits were boldly printed in The Tis.
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