Make France Great Again

To ensure that the coup does not undergo more dramatic changes, Jerome Bonaparte had no choice but to drag the Bank of France into it as well.

In historical records, the lesson of the Paris Commune was always at the forefront of his mind. To deal with this fickle group, he realized that the only effective strategy was to involve them in the action.

"Minister Fuld, remember that we must make the Bank of France come up with this money! Even if it means using other forces!" Jerome Bonaparte's words conveyed unwavering determination.

Fuld was stunned for a few seconds, his eyes filled with confusion. It seemed he didn't understand why Jerome Bonaparte insisted on borrowing from the Bank of France.

Even relying solely on the bankers who pledged allegiance to them, they had means to satisfy the army's needs.

Ultimately, deploying the army for a coup did not require many people; it only needed strict control of the National Guard, with a brigade of soldiers guarding critical transportation nodes to prevent the Legislative Assembly from seeking aid from the army in Seine Province. Once the situation stabilized, they could lift the blockade and complete the coup.

Amidst the confused expressions of the crowd, Jerome Bonaparte explained, "I once read a story in a book. During the Roman Republic era, to ensure the support of the wealthy within Rome, Caesar first incurred large-scale debts from these wealthy individuals. At the time, they weren't worried about Caesar's ability to repay, believing that a single expedition to Lhasa would bring them greater returns. However, to their surprise, Caesar, after obtaining substantial funds, chose not to embark on campaigns. Instead, he frequently held celebrations within Rome until all the money was squandered. Relying on the funds borrowed from the wealthy, Caesar gained the love of the Roman People and a large amount of debt.

The debt was so enormous that Caesar couldn't bear it. For the wealthy, if Caesar left the position of Governor, it meant all their investments would be lost, and the 'impoverished' Caesar had no money to repay them. What do you think the wealthy would do to recover their capital under such circumstances?"

Halfway through the story, Jerome Bonaparte revealed a meaningful smile as he looked at all the ministers present.

"Support him to continue being the Governor!" Fuld immediately reacted, excitedly speaking his answer.

Both Eugène Roué and Mornay showed an understanding expression.

"Exactly!" Jerome Bonaparte nodded to Fuld in response, "Under the support of the wealthy and the entire Roman People, Caesar continued to serve as the Governor of the Roman Republic, leading it to defeat the Gauls..."

Indeed, this story originates from Caesar, but Jerome Bonaparte got neither the individuals nor the events involved correct.

However, none of those present was a historian well-versed in Roman history, making it much easier to deceive them.

"Actually, we don't need their support, nor do we need the support of the Paris Bourgeoisie, but..." Jerome Bonaparte's tone shifted to a firm one: "I will not allow them to oppose me!"

The historical Second Empire was established on the premise that the vast majority of the Paris populace didn't oppose its foundation.

Despite Jerome Bonaparte's operation of rooting out evil, his support rate was even higher than that of his cousin during the same historical period. However, this didn't mean all Parisians would agree with his completion of the coup. As long as they didn't openly oppose him, he would allow the Parisians to vent some grievances under normal circumstances.

But for entities like the Bank of France, which could sway the balance of France, Jerome Bonaparte absolutely wouldn't allow them to play both sides against the middle.

They must either choose to support him or face obliteration.

Jerome Bonaparte admitted that rashly eliminating the Bank of France would only lead to the collapse of his regime, but he didn't mind this outcome.

Since the regime was doomed to collapse, why not take advantage of its downfall to let the flower of capital bloom more beautifully and bloodily in France?

"Mr. Fuld, you can inform those directors of the Bank of France. After the establishment of the Empire, the government will help the Bank of France expand their business throughout all of France, even entire Europe, just like the promise my uncle once gave them!" Jerome Bonaparte told Fuld, deciding to use a gentle approach before a hard one with the Bank of France: "If they aren't willing, then I can only express my regret. The last resistance of a soon-to-be-destroyed political force can be quite formidable!"

"Yes!" Jerome Bonaparte's attitude made Fuld feel a chill on his scalp.

There was a moment when Fuld questioned whether it was rational to follow such an uncompromising madman.

However, the next second, Fuld strengthened his resolve, realizing that only those who are sufficiently crazy and decisive can truly handle things.

"I believe the Bank of France will definitely yield to you!" Fuld sincerely told Jerome Bonaparte.

"No! We and the Bank of France are merely collaborators!" Jerome Bonaparte stated calmly.

After the discussion with Minister of Finance Fuld about the loan issue came to an end, Jerome Bonaparte turned his attention to Minister Reniao and General Saint Arno.

Before Jerome Bonaparte could speak, Minister Reniao preemptively said, "Your Majesty, I wish to resign from my position as Minister of War!"

These words left everyone, including Jerome Bonaparte, astonished.

From the dismissal of the Barrow Cabinet to now, Reniao had served as a minister for over a year. At this critical moment, he suddenly wished to quit.

Many faces displayed wary expressions, and Jerome Bonaparte was equally puzzled as he looked at General Reniao.

Although a month ago, Jerome Bonaparte had indeed promised Saint Arno that he would succeed Reniao as Minister of War, this was during a period when Audion Barrot and others had not yet pledged allegiance to Jerome Bonaparte. He believed the vote of no confidence would begin on November 1st.

To prevent the cabinet from being thrown into chaos, Jerome Bonaparte had to plan ahead.

Now that Audion Barrot and others had joined Jerome Bonaparte's camp, the power of the Elysée Palace Faction was far greater than before.

With the vote of no confidence unable to pass, subsequent arrangements became dispensable.

"Your Majesty, I understand my nature, and I am not a qualified minister!" Minister Reniao turned his gaze to General Saint Arno: "If it weren't for Saint Arno covering for me, I fear the entire Ministry of War could not have maintained its uniformity!"

"It's all due to your leadership, Minister!" General Saint Arno quickly told Minister Reniao.

"During this year and more, I realized that my skills and inclinations are more suited for the role of a General rather than a Minister of War!" Colonel Reniao sincerely looked at Jerome Bonaparte: "Therefore, I recommend General Saint Arno to succeed me as Minister of War. He can better assist us in completing this plan!"

The statement from General Reniao took Jerome Bonaparte by surprise. After a moment of silence, he addressed General Reniao: "Minister Reniao, I accept your request!"

"Thank you very much!" Minister Reniao smiled.

As a Minister of War about to resign, Reniao considered himself unqualified to attend this confidential meeting.

Just as he was about to get up and leave, Jerome Bonaparte spoke: "But before you resign, you are still the Minister of War, and you must attend the meeting!"

"Yes!" Minister Reniao sat back down.

"Since Minister Reniao chooses to resign, General Saint Arno, you will take over from Minister Reniao to draft the military plan! We must ensure our plan can capture them all in one fell swoop! Only this way can we minimize any adverse effects on us." Jerome Bonaparte told General Saint Arno.

General Saint Arno... no, it should be Acting Minister of Saint Arno assured Jerome Bonaparte that he would definitely complete the task.

"And remember, instruct your subordinate soldiers to exercise restraint. When dealing with those Congress members attempting to incite a rebellion, aim to arrest rather than kill whenever possible!" Jerome Bonaparte reminded Saint Arno.

The bloodiness of the Great Revolution remains vivid to this day. When heads rolled, not a single person believed they wouldn't be the next victim on the Gallows.

Killing cannot resolve issues; it can only escalate conflicts.

Jerome Bonaparte indeed could eliminate all representatives, but it would only result in more Republican Faction representatives emerging.

Those martyred representatives would be turned into harmless idols on altars, becoming their monuments, and in the name of justice, they would engage in relentless assassination plots against Jerome Bonaparte and his followers.

Expelling some and silencing others was the most effective solution.

Jerome Bonaparte's words made Saint Arno abandon the notion of conducting a second June massacre in Paris.

As Jerome Bonaparte laid out the coup's plans, he made a concluding statement: "Gentlemen, we must expedite our actions; time is no longer on our side! Once the National Assembly rejects our request to amend the constitution, we should act quickly to eliminate the Legislative Assembly that does not meet the democratic aspirations of France! Create a Legislative Assembly that belongs to us and all the French people!"

Those present were equally overwhelmed with emotion. After such a long time, they could finally resolve the Legislative Assembly.

"Alright! Meeting adjourned!" Jerome Bonaparte said after glancing at his pocket watch.

Then, he added, "Minister Reniao, please stay behind!"