Chapter 399: Chapter 393 Approaching War
"Patterson! How have you been recently? Do you have any plans for your future?"
Jerome Bonaparte, who called Jerome Patterson from the Elysee Palace to the Tuileries Palace, inquired about his future plans with a tone that was friendly yet authoritative.
Although in Jerome Bonaparte’s heart, he had already arranged the next plans for Patterson, he still wanted to hear what his nephew from the New Continent intended.
"Your Majesty, I hope you will allow me to join the French Army and serve the Empire!" Jerome Patterson answered Jerome Bonaparte, standing tall.
After observing attentively around the Seine River and the Paris Railway Station for the past few days, Jerome Patterson felt that the whole of Paris seemed to be in a state of high tension and mobilization. Every day, trains and freighters would shuttle between Paris and the Outer Province, each loaded with goods.
This atmosphere reminded Jerome Patterson of the scenes from the Mexican-American War seven years ago.
Although Jerome Patterson, who lived in New York at that time, was very young, he could never forget those scenes.
Therefore, Jerome Patterson concluded that the French Empire was likely on the verge of facing a war.
Empowered by the competitive genes of the Bonaparte, and the "Ranger" spirit cultivated by listening to stories of adventurers from the New Continent, Jerome Patterson did not want to miss this upcoming war.
Even if Jerome Bonaparte hadn’t asked what Jerome Patterson wanted to do, he would have found a suitable opportunity to explain his ambitions to Jerome Bonaparte.
Upon hearing Jerome Patterson’s words, Jerome Bonaparte remained silent for a moment before he spoke seriously and without any emotion: "War is not child’s play! It’s a bloody collision between one group and another, it’s hundreds of thousands of people fighting for tens of kilometers of territory! Once the war begins, I won’t allow anyone to withdraw from it for any reason! Even if you are my nephew..." Jerome Bonaparte paused, then corrected himself: "No, precisely because you are my nephew! I will assign you to a unit with a high casualty rate during the war to receive the baptism of war!
Trust me! There, you will see your comrades, with whom you share daily life, being pierced by the enemy’s bayonets, you will hear the painful groans of your teammates, and you will smell the nauseating mix of feces, blood, and brains!
Tell me! Can you endure this? If not, then you’d better stay behind lines! Otherwise, on the battlefield, no one will tolerate you!"
Jerome Bonaparte’s words did not deter this passionate young man. Yearning for war deep down, Jerome Patterson saluted Jerome Bonaparte with a standard military salute and responded in a resolute tone: "I assure you! No matter what happens, I will not back down! I will take responsibility for my actions!"
"Very well!" A smile appeared on Jerome Bonaparte’s face. He was more satisfied with this nephew in front of him. Now he needed a member of the House of Bonaparte to assist him in managing the army, and he didn’t care if Jerome Patterson truly understood war; he just needed the people of Paris and the army to see that the Bonaparte Clan was fighting alongside them.
If the Empire were not yet in a completely stable phase, Jerome Bonaparte would consider following his uncle’s example by personally leading the army against the Russian Empire.
In this inevitable war, as long as France plays its role well, the Russian Imperial Army is no match for France.
Moreover, wasn’t the reason Jerome Bonaparte perfected the Chief of Staff system just so he could make better decisions and concurrently select a qualified Chief of Staff to aid him?
In terms of strategy and tactical direction, Jerome Bonaparte was far inferior to the generals in Paris, but his advantage lay in his control over the future direction of the war.
Grasping this is equivalent to seizing the lifeblood of future warfare. Just imagine, when you’re using the previous generation’s technology in war, the opposition has already moved on to weapons that are half a generation to a generation ahead of yours in terms of confrontation.
All the opposing ruler has to do is defeat you before you can upgrade and replace your technology.
On the other hand, Jerome Bonaparte’s word "very well" excited Jerome Patterson immensely, and he cautiously asked, "Does that mean you agree?"
"That’s right!" Jerome Bonaparte pointed to Jerome Patterson and said, "You are now appointed as a Lieutenant in the French Dragon Cavalry."
"That’s great!" A renewed joyful smile spread across Jerome Patterson’s face. This young man, filled with heroic dreams, was already fantasizing about himself clad in armor galloping across the battlefield, charging into the enemy: "Your Majesty, where is my unit now?"
"So eager to return to the unit?" Jerome Bonaparte chuckled, teasing.
"Of course! I’m eager to defeat the enemies for you, for the Empire!" Jerome Patterson boldly replied to Jerome Bonaparte, standing tall without any fear.
"Your spirit is commendable!" Jerome Bonaparte was quite satisfied with Jerome Patterson’s enthusiasm, but then he changed the subject: "However, your task now isn’t to head to the barracks!"
"Then what do I need to do now?" Jerome Patterson inquired once again to Jerome Bonaparte.
"You now need to substitute for me in overseeing the railway bonds for a period!" Jerome Bonaparte explained the issue of railway bonds to Jerome Patterson.
Jerome Patterson’s expression changed from excitement to hesitation.
Although he had come into contact with some financial knowledge during his time in the New Continent, it was merely superficial. It was indeed challenging to ask someone with superficial knowledge to supervise the substantial sums of railway bonds.
"Your Majesty, I haven’t studied the management of railway bonds!" Jerome Patterson said to Jerome Bonaparte in a dejected tone.
"Don’t worry! I’ve specifically ordered Minister of Railways Barroso to assist you! Actually, all you need to do is prevent anyone from exploiting the name of Prince Lucien Murat to cause trouble!" Jerome Bonaparte replied to Jerome Patterson.
Although Lucien Murat himself had not engaged in any overstepping actions during his tenure as an elder, there is no guarantee he wouldn’t be tempted by the billions of francs in railway bonds.
If he were to act recklessly in private, Jerome Bonaparte would find it very difficult to handle the situation.
Someone like Jerome Patterson is indeed an excellent tool for monitoring.
Once the war begins, Jerome Bonaparte would personally take charge of the railway bond issue.
"But..." Jerome Patterson hesitated a bit. From his expression, it seemed he wasn’t keen on taking the position.
"Don’t worry! Once the war starts, I will naturally appoint someone to replace you and then transfer you to the battlefield!" Jerome Bonaparte said to Jerome Patterson.
"I am willing to take this position!" Jerome Patterson said to Jerome Bonaparte.
"Good! You should report to the Ministry of Railways now! I’ve already informed Minister of Railways Barroso!" Jerome Bonaparte said earnestly, patting Jerome Patterson on the shoulder, "When you get there, make sure to communicate with them if you encounter something you don’t understand! Learning more always has benefits!"
Feeling the warm concern from Jerome Bonaparte, Jerome Patterson felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He was determined to help his uncle maintain the operation of the railway bonds: "Understood!"
"Go!" Jerome Bonaparte gently pushed Jerome Patterson.
Jerome Patterson stepped back a few steps straight, then saluted Jerome Bonaparte in a standard military manner.
Jerome Bonaparte also returned the salute to Jerome Patterson.
Shortly after Jerome Patterson left, there was another knock on the study door.
Jerome Bonaparte, who was reviewing documents, looked up and responded to the person outside the door, "Come in!"
The door opened, and Vilnius, dressed in a tailored black suit, appeared at the doorway. She walked gracefully towards Jerome Bonaparte and gently lifted his chin with her long, fair fingers.
Jerome Bonaparte, busy with his work, looked up at the little one pretending to be an adult in front of him and smiled indulgently, "What’s up?"
Seeing this, Vilnius sat on Jerome Bonaparte’s lap, pressing her back closely against his chest, and spoke in a coquettish tone, "Can’t I come to see you even when there’s nothing? I’m your secretary, after all!"
Jerome Bonaparte wrapped one arm around Vilnius’s waist, gently stroked her hair with the other, and softly said, "You do know you’re the secretary!"
"How could I not know!" Vilnius pouted displeasedly at Jerome Bonaparte, "I’ve been helping you as a supervisor, haven’t I!"
"Alright! My little supervisor!" Jerome Bonaparte teasingly pinched Vilnius’s round little face again and said, "Is there some good news you want to tell me!"
"How did you know?" Vilnius looked up surprised, making eye contact with Jerome Bonaparte.
"What else would you come here for?" Jerome Bonaparte shrugged at Vilnius.
"Can’t I just come to see you!" Vilnius responded in a coquettish tone.
"Alright then! Stop teasing!" Jerome Bonaparte put both hands on Vilnius’s waist and whispered near her earlobe, "Is there a new product from the Northern Industrial Group!"
"Yes!" Feeling the warmth emanating from her earlobe, Vilnius blushed slightly and nodded to Jerome Bonaparte, "Bashirio asked me to tell you that the new field artillery you requested them to develop is complete!"