French Empire: But Napoleon IV

Chapter 9 Corrupt Army, Ghost Employees

Eugène Napoleon's prestige is now exceptionally high in Paris, and dark bread is considered an unpalatable brick by the upper and middle classes.

Therefore, the black bread did indeed help some people, and with the help of spies planted by Eugène Napoleon, it was no surprise that public opinion in Paris shifted in favor of the Bonaparte royal family or, more specifically, Eugène Napoleon himself.

The statements made by Eugène Napoleon, through the propaganda of certain individuals, began to circulate among the public.

Most capitalists and royalists were unaware of this sudden surge in prestige; only a few republicans, such as Gan Bida, who had considered using it to win over the public, were alarmed.

But what could they possibly say to Eugène Napoleon? If they rashly revealed that Eugène Napoleon was a wolf in sheep's clothing, the Parisians who had sympathized with the Republicans because of the "Bodin affair" would probably turn against them in the next second.

But to ask Gan Bida and others to distribute bread is simply a pipe dream.

Gambetta himself wanted to do that, but he was dedicated to representing all the people persecuted by the empire as a lawyer and giving speeches in debates, which meant he couldn't afford to spend much francs.

As for capitalist funding, that's even more impossible; even those bank capitalists wouldn't be willing to part with millions of francs for the people.

If they really wanted to, given their massive spending spree with their vast capital, it would be very difficult for the Commune to have been born in Paris.

Not to mention, the main supporters of the Republicans, such as Henri Senucci and Edward Cohen, were Jewish bankers. They were the type to act only after seeing tangible results, and they wouldn't easily spend millions of francs on a mere battle of public opinion among the lower classes.

"Napoleon, Napoleon, Napoleon~"

On the 28th, after visiting nine districts and distributing bread at most distribution points, Eugène Napoleon finally set off for the 13th Army's garrison.

The 13th Army was mainly stationed at the border of districts 14 and 15, with its headquarters located inside the Montparnasse train station. It was indeed unrealistic to station tens of thousands of military personnel in the city center.

However, upon entering the camp, Eugène Napoleon sensed something was amiss. The soldiers were very welcoming of his arrival, but he felt that the army before him did not seem to have as many people as he had imagined.

Even considering factors like being stationed in various locations and having to perform duties, a military force of 6 men shouldn't only consist of a few hundred men when a crown prince comes.

"Your Highness."

"Hello, Field Marshal Cornwall, may I ask how many men your troops have?"

"Your Highness, there are a total of three infantry divisions, with a total strength of 2.2 men."

"Why is there so little?"

Because the number was quite different from the 6 people he remembered, Eugène Napoleon frowned.

When he met Colonel, the commander of the 13th Army, who came to greet him, Eugène Napoleon did not ask him any questions in front of the soldiers to embarrass him. Instead, he followed him to the command post before raising his own questions.

When Conrobel, who had just taken over the 13th Army, discovered a pile of messy accounts within the army, he could only manage a wry smile when questioned by Eugène.

"I think Your Highness needs to see these things."

He took a revised ledger from the drawer and handed it to Eugène. Seeing Conrobel's bitter expression, Eugène raised an eyebrow and looked down at the ledger.

The government reported a total of 2.8 people and paid salaries to 2.8 people, but in reality there were only 2.2 people.

There were 6,000 people with empty salaries, which was still different from the 60,000 people I remembered, but I knew that I had misjudged.

It is clear that the 8 troops were likely acquired in mid-August, after setbacks in the front-line battles, combined with the retreat of front-line soldiers and the gradual conscription of new recruits.

However, the fact that there are already 6 people on payroll in this army that has not yet been further expanded is something that Eugène finds hard to believe.

He dared not imagine how much more pay this unit would receive if Cornwall didn't investigate, and as the war escalated further and the government was too busy to oversee it.

"Phew~ Marshal Cornelius, how much salary do you need to make up for the quota of 6000 people?"

"In this state of war, a private's salary is 22.5 francs, plus monthly allowances and other subsidies, so at least one person needs 25 francs. 6000 people would cost 15 francs."

"Insects, a whole bunch of insects! How can this country be governed properly with people like that around..."

Despite his lack of military capabilities, the extremely loyal Cornwall made no attempt to conceal anything, compiling all the data he had already researched and calculated over this period.

Eugène, who originally came to the army to reward the skills of the three armies, was in a bad mood at the moment. The French Crown Prince, whose mood was affected by the serious corruption in the army, quickly adjusted his mindset.

Corruption is not the most important issue; let's leave this trivial matter for later. If he doesn't fall from power, we'll settle accounts later. If he does fall, then let him be left to cause trouble for the future of the Republic.

Eugene knew that his more important task at the moment was to win back the morale of the troops and restore the army to full strength.

"Here's what we'll do, General Cornelius. I'll give you 300 million francs. I hope you can replenish the army, and then each soldier will receive a monthly allowance of 10 francs from the royal family. Also, we'll replace all the old Minié rifles in the army with Châteppé rifles."

Without a doubt, if a regular army can collect salaries from 6000 people without actually using them, then the claim that they have been uniformly equipped with Chassepot rifles is likely a mishmash of weapons.

Eugène Napoleon, who was well aware of this, did not hesitate to spend the money that belonged to capitalists.

Anyway, if he wins, why should he pay back the money? If he loses, why should he pay back the money? In short, it's money that he doesn't have to pay back, and Eugene doesn't hesitate to spend it.

"By the way, tell the soldiers to be patient. After the war ends, I will suggest to my father that their wages be raised to 25 francs per month."

Privates have very low salaries, but because the army provides room and board, they can save more money each month than a policeman in Paris can save every day at 3 francs.

Therefore, the quality of recruits for the French army can only be described as uneven, and it is not entirely composed of ordinary people.

"We guarantee the mission will be completed."

Without hesitation, Conrobel accepted Eugene's request.

That's the benefit of loyalty. Even though he became a French marshal at a young age, he was willing to comply with any request made by the 14-year-old heir of the Bonaparte family.