Life of Being a Crown Prince in France

Chapter 1150: Chapter 1056: The Unlucky Inventor

Fox continued, “The Persians have recently faced a devastating defeat. Their King was assassinated by rebellious soldiers. The current situation is not very optimistic.”

Most of the British ministers present had read the “Great Game” report—indeed, this report is very popular lately, and it’s a hot topic in various salons.

After Fox finished speaking, everyone’s expressions became solemn.

Sir Gracey had detailed the situation in Persia and Afghanistan in the report—

Persia had just been unified by Aga Muhammad, and Tehran’s coherence is not strong. With his death, those major tribes are likely to separate from the government and become independent.

That is to say, the Russian army will not meet strong resistance and will be able to invade Tehran.

Afghanistan is in even greater disarray. More than twenty princes each rule their territories, engaging in bloody battles among themselves. The Russian army wouldn’t even need to fight much; an Afghan prince out of power will invite them into his territory to protect himself from being slaughtered by his brothers.

Once the Russian army occupies Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, they will be able to swagger through the Khyber Pass into India.

The east side of the Hindu Kush Mountain is an endless plains, the Indian princely states have no natural defenses, and with their weak military capability, surrendering to the Russians is their only path.

The Russians will effortlessly occupy at least half of India — only when they reach Bengal or Maratha will they encounter some resistance.

Currently, the Indian colony is the British Empire’s most important “blood pump,” and cannot tolerate any mishaps.

The meeting at Ten Downing Street immediately shifted focus from sugar issues to Middle East strategy.

The meeting ended at twilight, and continued the next morning.

“I agree with Sir Gracey’s suggestion,” said Sea War Minister Jervis. “Our best strategy is to support the Persians or Afghans, to hold back the Russian army in the Middle East.

“We can send a marine corps to Persia and deliver some weapons to the Persians…”

Fox immediately shook his head, “No, as I said, we cannot directly confront Russia. That would make our diplomatic situation very unfavorable.”

William Pitt Junior nodded, “That’s right, France and Russia are already allied. We cannot continue pushing the Russians towards the Palace of Versailles.”

Jervis sighed, “Then, the only option left is to arm the Persians.

“But this requires a buffer time. Training Persian soldiers will take at least three to four months, and fortifying the forts may take even longer.”

After a whole day of discussion, the British leadership finally made a decision. Essentially, it followed the suggestions in the “Great Game” report because that was the historically confirmed most advantageous strategy after repeated weighing by the British Government.

Grenville signed the document submitted to Congress and again instructed Fox, “You will depart for Saint Petersburg tomorrow, seek to delay the Russians through diplomatic means for a while.”

He then looked at Jervis, “Please deploy officers to Persia, along with some Flintlock Guns and Cannons.”

Finance Minister Petit murmured softly, “But this requires a large sum of funds…”

Grenville couldn’t help but shake his head.

He was well aware of Britain’s current financial situation—

The expeditionary force in Portugal continually devours military expenditures.

Cape of Good Hope has not yet gained even 1 pence of income, and has repeatedly suffered attacks from Boer resistance organizations. Just over ten days ago, 120 soldiers were killed while collecting grains. The Governor of Cape required at least 1,500 more soldiers to ensure stability there.

These expenditures will burden Britain with at least millions of British Pounds in deficit this year.

Now funds are to be invested in the Middle East.

And to attempt to stall a giant like Russia, it’s not something that can be done with just a little money.

Grenville estimated that at least five to six hundred thousand British Pounds would need to be spent.

He struggled for a while and finally instructed Petit, “Release 100,000 quintals of sugar to the market and simultaneously reduce sugar subsidies by 20%.”

…

Paris.

In the building north of the French Academy of Sciences.

A thirty-something American, wearing a dark grey old coat, with high cheekbones and a hooked nose, looked out at the bustling streets and the technologically advanced gas lamps, admiring:

This country ruled by a monarch, yet the world’s largest republic United States is its ally.

This country in Europe with the most debts, yet provides the best treatment for scholars.

This country where the King can arbitrarily issue laws, yet has the world’s most well-developed patent law, which is truly strictly enforced.

“Excuse me, are you Mr. Eli Whitney?” A young staff member politely looked at him.

Whitney’s French was somewhat unskilled, and he stammered, “Yes, I am. Is it my turn for evaluation?”

“Yes, sir. Please follow me.”

Few minutes later, Whitney sat in a spacious hall, facing across him were seven members of the talent committee.

After brief pleasantries, an elder looked at the information in his hand and asked, “Your application mentions that you’ve invented the automatic cotton gin.”

“Yes, sir. It is based on a gear and claw structure and can increase the efficiency of removing cotton seeds fifty-fold. It has already been used in dozens of plantations…”

Another reviewer said, “However, as far as I know, you are entangled in a cotton gin patent lawsuit and have continued to lose.”

“Those shameless thieves stole it!” Whitney exclaimed, “I invented it from the first screw onwards!”

“Please calm down,” the reviewer said, “I’ve also seen your idea for the improved milling machine, but unfortunately, it’s just an idea. So, do you have any other achievements that can convince us?”

Whitney was anxious, his accent emerged, “Interchangeable parts production. Please see page five of the application. It’s my invention to enhance factory production efficiency, to train all workers uniformly, allowing them to use completely consistent tools and production steps, so that…”

The previous elder raised his hand to interrupt him, “Yes, you are very familiar with the ’standardized production model’, which is quite good. But it’s widely known that it was the Crown Prince who invented it six years ago, and now French factories almost all use it.”

Whitney was dumbfounded on the spot.

This exquisite method still resided in his mind, yet the French had already begun using it long ago.

Indeed, Joseph’s concept of “standardized production” was initially proposed by Whitney. Of course, Joseph’s theory is far more refined than his, as many people have repeatedly improved it later.

Moments later, Whitney dejectedly walked out of the review chamber. He knew that his talent application was unlikely to succeed.

This damn world! He was burdened with a mountain of debt due to his invention, but no one recognized his inventing capability.

At this moment, a young reviewer chased after him, “Mr. Whitney, please wait.”