"After the defeat of Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore, the Maratha became a powerful confederation in central India. Scindia, a Maratha prince, hired thirty thousand French mercenaries, commanded by General Pierre Cuillier-Perron. Decaen may contact the Maratha and Perron during this trip to India..."
Goebel slowly recited intelligence about India, but Georgiana barely listened. She watched the people playing ball and strolling along the circular path outside the Burgundy residence, wondering how she would get through tonight.
"Are you listening?" Goebel suddenly asked loudly.
"I am." She propped her forehead on one hand, sounding impatient.
She was living in a solid fortress now, while Napoleon, who excelled at attack, seemed to be planning another siege.
Soldiers preferred high-risk strategies. In their minds, whether they followed a cautious defensive commander or an aggressive one, they might die in battle either way. Following the former also made it hard to gain any spoils. Soldiers preferred action. Even if she proposed withdrawing to Martinique to rest and regroup, few besides the sick and wounded would likely agree.
"I don't want to hear intelligence about India anymore. What is happening in the city now?"
"In fact, the millers have not raised prices by much. Bread outside the city is seven sous, while in Paris it is ten sous. The difference is not that great," Goebel said. "The main reason is that there is already a large group of day laborers in the countryside who live by buying bread. We are afraid someone may attack the carts and ships transporting grain. Also, the Orleans Railway Company has been established, and the National Guard is now responsible for protecting the route."
In other words, this was a reasonable price increase. Grain prices overall were simply too high now.
When food was abundant, bread could cost