I was the Founding Father of the United States

Chapter 121 Major House

Chapter 121 Major House

Two hours later, Chen Wenbin declined Countess Buffet's invitation to the ball and left the Palais de la Basilica with Franklin.

As soon as he got into the carriage, the fat old man complained loudly, "Damn bastard! You can go back by yourself, why did you have to drag me along?"

Look at those lovely Parisian socialites—isn't there one who makes your heart flutter?

"I'm afraid I'll get syphilis."

Chen Wenbin said something casually, which left the fat man speechless.

There are indeed quite a few syphilis patients among the French nobility. These days, he has been watching Chen Wenbin treat them and he feels a bit uneasy—these European nobles are really going too far!

Chen Wenbin ignored him, bent down and took out a glass bottle of alcohol from under the seat, then poured some onto a handkerchief and disinfected his hands and face—even though he tried his best to avoid it, he had still been enthusiastically touched on the cheeks several times by the French nobles he already knew.

There was nothing he could do; that was just French social etiquette. It was good enough that they didn't kiss each other on the lips. Besides, he felt that among those French nobles and intellectuals, there were definitely a few guys with abnormal tastes, because the way they looked at him was more intense than a woman's!

Damn it!

These Frenchmen are definitely potential followers of Slaanesh!

As he wiped his hands, Franklin coughed and said seriously, "—Robin, you asked me to leave with you, there must be something you want to say, right? I'm guessing it's about that North American West Company you and the Prince proposed?"

Chen Wenbin nodded and said, "—Benjamin, I will stay in Paris for a maximum of one more month, and then I will go to Prussia."

I need someone to stay and work with Samuel on this, but Samuel is too low-ranking and has no title. Someone has to be responsible for maintaining social connections with Parisian high society.

You don't need to handle the specific business; I'll write to David Jones and have him bring people to Paris to help Samuel with the company's affairs—so, how about considering the position of manager of the North American West branch, with a monthly salary of £80?

Franklin snorted. "I knew you were going to order me around again—at least one hundred and fifty pounds! I know this job won't last long!"

"make a deal!"

Chen Wenbin readily agreed. Franklin was, after all, a Fellow of the Royal Society of London, and highly respected in aristocratic circles. He was also shrewd and cunning, and had a silver tongue that could speak to anyone, making him a rare talent. It would be a waste not to make good use of him!

Seeing Chen Wenbin agree so readily, Franklin immediately realized he had asked for too little and quickly changed his mind, saying, "No! I want two hundred—three hundred pounds!"

Chen Wenbin knew his temperament well, and waved his hand, saying, "It's one hundred and fifty pounds! If you don't want it, I'll send Robert or Henry Courtes to France; they should be happy to vacation in Paris!"

"Bullshit!"

The fat old man cursed, then, knowing Chen Wenbin wasn't joking, had no choice but to agree, "Fine! Fine! One hundred and fifty pounds it is! You miser!"

After making the joke, he remembered something else and reminded him, "Robin, shouldn't you explain to His Majesty the King that you're using French funds and support to develop the port of New Orleans and the cotton plantations in western North America? Otherwise, people in London will question you!"

"I will write a personal letter to the King."

Chen Wenbin's expression turned serious. He looked at the Parisian street scene outside the car window for a moment, then said, "London is busy making money and paying off its debts right now, and has no intention of continuing to confront France."

Of course, if London doesn't approve of the deal, then let's abandon it!

Actually, I just wanted to use the French money and support to bring the Mississippi River under complete control.

Is it merely about controlling the Mississippi River's course?

Franklin curled his lip, not believing the nonsense at all. He already knew that Chen Wenbin planned to become a lord in the west, and that contacting the French for support was probably to obtain foreign assistance.

However, he was happy to see this happen; after all, the strengthening of North America's power was a good thing.

A week later.

Chen Wenbin's lawyer, David Jones, arrived in Paris with six lawyers from Robin Company and fifteen senior managers, along with Chen Wenbin's old friend, Charles House.

This Newport Harbor tax officer, who submitted a report with Chen Wenbin on scurvy prevention (stockpiling citrus fruits), then went through the connections of old Joseph Coates and gained the appreciation of the naval leader, has now been officially promoted to lieutenant commander in the Royal Navy.

When Chen Wenbin came down the stairs, he exuded confidence and immediately gave Lord Chen a big hug.

"—Dear Robin! My friend!"

House, dressed in a naval major's uniform, patted Chen Wenbin hard on the back and laughed as he looked at him, saying, "Congratulations on marrying the beautiful and noble Diana! I'm sorry I can't make it to your wedding—but I promise I'll be there when your first child is born."

"Charles! Long time no see!"

-

Chen Wenbin looked him over in his uniform and smiled, "I also want to congratulate you on officially becoming a gentleman of high society—I imagine many nobles and wealthy businessmen now want to marry their daughters to you, right?"

"Haha! Thank God!"

Charles House grinned and said, "Luckily I wasn't in a rush to get married! My child will inherit a large fortune from his maternal grandfather!"

"—Aren't you planning to marry a noblewoman?"

Chen Wenbin beckoned to David Jones and the others, gesturing for them to sit on the sofa. Then, looking at House with curiosity, he said, "You're already a naval lieutenant commander. You can at least independently command a large frigate. Even if you don't get a knighthood in the future, you can become a regional councilor, customs official, or landed gentleman after leaving the navy. Why not marry a noblewoman, and then—"

"Robin!"

Major House shook his head, looked at Chen Wenbin, and said enviously, "Not everyone can have such outstanding talent and ability as you!"

Noble titles and honors are of no use to me. I'd much rather marry a bride who can bring a substantial dowry than one of those indebted minor nobles!

Chen Wenbin remained noncommittal upon hearing this. In the British Navy, a lieutenant commander and an army colonel were the thresholds for commoners to enter high society.

Naval lieutenant commanders and army colonels and below were mostly commoners and sons of merchants, while officers above them were mostly sons of nobles or wealthy merchants closely related to the nobility, or illegitimate sons of nobles. Only a very few commoners could get the opportunity to be promoted like Charles House.

The British army also values ​​lineage.

For Charles House, his best option now is to find a minor nobleman with only unmarried female heirs, marry his daughter, and then work his way up to obtain a noble title and officially join the ruling class of England.

Choosing the daughter of a wealthy merchant may bring a substantial dowry, but it also greatly increases the risk of one's descendants falling into a lower social class.

However, this was House's own decision, and Chen Wenbin couldn't offer any advice.

He looked at Charles, pointed to David Jones beside him, and asked with a smile, "So, Charles, what brings you to Paris with David this time? Have you become a military attaché?"