Life of Being a Crown Prince in France-Chapter 910 - 818: Changing Tactics

William Pitt Junior leaned back in his chair, unfolded the ship construction plan, and asked, "How much investment does this require?"

"600,000 British Pounds." Admiral Jervis, having evidently prepared a budget in advance, replied immediately, "This is for the development of new warships and the construction costs of the first 20 ships."

600,000 pounds is equivalent to 15 million francs, which is relatively economical without a predetermined research and development path.

After all, Joseph spent over tens of millions of francs to build the first batch of more than 20 "Light of the Mediterranean" class escort ships, even with existing steam engines.

Jervis glanced at the Prime Minister’s face, darker than a piece of coal, and added:

"A significant portion of this is for improving the steam engine. As you know, our steam engines prioritize stability with standard pressure technology, but now they require high-pressure modification to reach the necessary power for warships."

Deeply inhaling, William Pitt Junior paused for a few seconds before eventually nodding, "Alright, I’ll submit a funding proposal to Congress."

As the Prime Minister and Finance Minister, he clearly understood the state of England’s treasury.

With the massive sugar-derived revenue lost and having to subsidize the domestic sugar market, the war against France had nearly emptied England’s finances.

While 600,000 pounds might not seem like much—oh no, with subsequent construction requiring additional significant funds, the total would likely exceed 1 million pounds—it was still a considerable burden on England’s treasury at the time.

But Pitt knew well that reclaiming control of the Mediterranean was crucial; otherwise, the trade losses would far surpass 1 million pounds.

More importantly, England could not allow France to monopolize Mediterranean trade.

This was no longer merely an economic issue; it would enhance France’s political influence over the Mediterranean coastal countries, a scenario the balance-of-power policy of Britain could absolutely not accept.

So, whether 1 million, 2 million, or 3 million British Pounds, he must grit his teeth and come up with it!

After the Sea War Minister left, the Duke of Portland spoke worriedly to the Prime Minister: "Mr. Pitt, forgive my bluntness, but such a large-scale shipbuilding plan will put immense pressure on our finances."

William Pitt nodded and calmly said, "I will suggest to Congress the implementation of personal income tax."

Personal income tax could indeed provide the government with massive revenue, but it would offend every British citizen. Though it had been proposed, it had long failed to pass.

Yet now, Pitt could only play this trump card, even if it would severely impact his political future.

...

Birmingham.

In the office of the Bolton-Watt Steam Engine Company, the three largest shareholders were toasting in celebration.

"A 150,000-pound order!" Bolton exclaimed, shaking his head, "Thanks to God and our Navy!"

Forkner laughed heartily, "With this money, the company can immediately get out of trouble. Not only escape, but as long as the Navy keeps building new warships, we will become the richest men in England!"

Half a year ago, he invested 60,000 pounds into the company, acquiring 22% of the shares, but ever since, the company had been losing money—French steam engines had almost monopolized the European market, with even British mine owners acquiring many through smuggling.

Fortunately, Watt developed a new 27-horsepower steam engine model, which managed to retain some of the low-end market, but the situation remained financially untenable.

Just yesterday, a representative from the Chatehan Royal Shipyard approached them, requesting the production of a steam engine with over 50 horsepower.

The development and order contract amounted to as much as 150,000 pounds!

It should be noted that the company’s total assets were only 150,000 pounds.

The two collectively looked toward the company’s chief technician, Watt: "Now it’s up to our great inventor!"

"Five months’ time, that shouldn’t be an issue for Mr. Watt."

According to the production requirements, the company was expected to deliver a stable and usable high-pressure steam engine by March next year.

Watt, however, was momentarily stunned, unable to answer.

Bolt, using his left hand without a wine glass, patted him and chuckled, "Quick, tell us you’re full of confidence."

"This..." Watt hid his face behind the wine glass, stammering, "I will do my best."

He had always favored standard pressure steam engines, with hardly any technical reserves on high-pressure engines, leaving him feeling quite uncertain at this moment.

After the brief celebration, Forkner pulled Bolton downstairs, lowering his voice, "My old friend, if Mr. Watt fails to complete the development on time..."

Bolton immediately shook his head, "No, I believe in him, he has never disappointed me before."

"But this is a Navy order," Forkner’s voice grew colder, "If he messes up, we face not just bankruptcy, but possibly prison!

"Frankly, since joining the company, I’ve never seen him work on anything related to high-pressure steam engines."

Bolton was momentarily dumbfounded.

He knew Watt hadn’t researched high-pressure technology much, so if Forkner’s suspicion proved true, it wouldn’t be a joke.

Forkner continued, "The Mr. Sandler you mentioned before, that senior technician from the French United Steam Engine Company..."

Bolton shook his head, "I tried to win him over, but he completely ignored me."

What he didn’t know was that Sandler, though holding only 3.5% of the United Steam Engine Company shares, his portfolio exceeded Bolton’s, due to high product sales, annual stock dividends, and patent royalties. ƒreewebɳovel.com

For Bolton to attempt to bribe someone wealthier than himself to leave a thriving business and "suffer" back in England was utterly ludicrous.

Forkner spread his fingers, insisting, "Then we must offer more benefits to persuade him. At the very least, we must acquire some high-pressure steam engine technology from him; you absolutely must go to France again to try."

Bolton reluctantly nodded, "Alright, I will book a ticket now."

...

Brussels.

In a delicate little villa in the south of the city, Talleyrand was briefing the Crown Prince on his diplomatic achievements from this trip to Italy:

"Besides Genoa reaffirming its stance of neutrality, Parma, Modena, Lucca, including the Two Sicilies, all expressed willingness to abandon their neutral stance and strengthen trade and diplomatic ties with our country..."

Joseph was quite surprised to hear this.

It was quite understandable for small countries like Parma and Modena to lean toward France, as Napoleon’s tens of thousands of troops had swept through Melas, leaving them little choice.

But the Two Sicilies was the largest country on the Italian Peninsula. Its king, though of Spanish Royal Family lineage, had always adhered to aligning with Austria while maintaining balance among other great powers.

This time, had they actually changed their policy?