The dividends of war
Although Luxembourg is nominally still an Austria territory, this does not prevent France merchants from conducting normal trade there.
Austria officials in Luxembourg had already heard rumors that His Majesty the Emperor intended to cede Luxembourg to France as payment for the latter's military intervention against Prussia, and therefore they did not interfere with these "commercial transactions."
Moreover, 20,000 French Army are stationed in Luxembourg, a Bullet less than a quarter the size of Corsica. Even if they have complaints, they would only dare to grumble to acquaintances in the salon.
In Thum Square in Luxembourg City, the Secretary General of the French Steel Technology Association smiled as he handed signed agreements to Luxembourg mine owners sitting opposite him.
The mine owners immediately grabbed pens and hurriedly signed and stamped the agreement, as if afraid the France would renege on their promise.
After the agreement was signed, and the notary and Lawyer announced its validity, the mine owners finally smiled with relief and began to whisper among themselves.
"Now we don't have to worry about war destroying everything."
"I never expected the France would be willing to take over these Iron Mine..."
"Yes, although 30,000 Livre isn't a lot, it's enough for a family to live comfortably in Vienna."
"Oh, I plan to go to Brussels, of course, after the Rebellion there has been quelled..."
Yes, the whole of Luxembourg is currently shrouded in the shadow of war, especially given the previously lax discipline of the Prussia soldiers, which has made the local merchants very uneasy.
There have long been rumors that the Prussia and Hanover armies would engage the French Army in a decisive battle in Luxembourg. How could such a small place withstand the onslaught of 70,000 to 80,000 troops from both sides? The aftermath would inevitably be scorched earth.
Therefore, all Luxembourg are eager to sell their assets. High-quality open-pit Iron Mine that were previously difficult to buy for hundreds of Livre are now worth less than a zero, and they have to beg for buyers to sell them.
In the very center of the VIP section, Joseph wore a satisfied smile. He had bought all ten-odd of Europe's finest Iron Mine for less than 800,000 Livre —a steal.
It's important to understand that Luxembourg's steel production would later be able to meet almost all of Western Europe's needs. These Iron Mine would provide strong support for France's Industrial Revolution.
If we wait until the Industrial Revolution in Europe countries has entered a phase of rapid development and the demand for Coal and Iron has surged, the value of these Iron Mine would probably exceed 100 million Livre!
As for the war, even if half of France's military strength had to be transferred to Luxembourg, Joseph would not allow it to be affected by the war.
Because of his absolute confidence in regional stability, he even took advantage of this wave of sales to buy a number of handicraft Workshop and prime land.
The former could provide a large number of skilled smelting and mining workers, while the latter was used to build Ironworks.
In fact, several of France's fastest-growing steel companies, including Grigault Brothers Steel Company and Silk Steel Company, had already arrived in Luxembourg City, ready to expand their new plants there.
They had long been fed up with the low yield and mediocre quality of France Iron Mine, and had previously had to import large quantities of Russia Iron Mine or purchase crude Iron Ingot from Luxembourg, which was very costly.
Currently, their smelter can be built directly next to the Iron Mine, and the ore price is extremely favorable. This will lead to a significant increase in the cost, quality, and output of their Iron Ingot.
In particular, they had previously obtained Joseph's "Hot Blast Iron Smelting" technology from the French Steel Technology Association. After half a year of exploration, they had basically mastered it and completed small-batch trial production in China. Now, they can take advantage of the new technology to build a plant in Luxembourg, and the Iron Smelting and steel produced can be sold to German States nearby, earning substantial profits.
As long as Joseph firmly holds onto Iron Mine, the core resource, he has no need to worry about these private capitals getting out of control.
After all, developing the entire France Coal and Iron industry requires far more than just Royal House investment; it is essential to encourage private sector participation to the greatest extent possible. Joseph can provide them with advanced technology and concepts, and through state action, help them expand their markets, ensuring that every investment by Livre yields a substantial return.
After these private companies develop, they can contribute a large amount of tax revenue to support France Finance, ultimately leading to an overall improvement in national strength.
This can be considered the first wave of benefits brought about by France's victory in Luxembourg. Moreover, Luxembourg is a very small place, and it is close to France. Before its industries develop, it will not attract too much attention from the great powers, making it the best choice for France to expand its overseas influence.
After the signing ceremony concluded, Joseph, surrounded by the crowd, read a congratulatory speech and then gestured for everyone to attend the signing banquet. In his mind, however, he was already planning how to combine the rich coal resources of the Wallonia in the Southern Netherlands with Luxembourg's Coal and Iron resources to make it the core of France's industrial development!
Joseph then thought about the security situation in the area and frowned.
After all, Wallonia and Luxembourg are located on the very periphery of France. In the event of war, enemy forces could easily attack these areas, causing enormous damage to France's Coal and Iron core.
"Therefore, it would be best to turn Wallonia and Luxembourg into inland provinces, so that we can have a certain strategic depth..." Joseph boarded the Carriage and looked out the window at the Luxembourg and France businessmen who were all smiles as they rushed into the banquet hall. He couldn't help but sigh in his heart. Everyone else could just enjoy the fruits of their labor, while he had to worry about the whole of France.
Paris.
Eden Amusement Park.
Wow, it felt like flying!
Accompanied by childlike cheers, the little girl sitting on the carousel gripped the handle tightly with one hand and raised the other high as if waving a whip, letting her pale yellow skirt and pretty braided long braid flutter in the wind, while her gentle blue eyes were full of excitement and ecstasy.
After the rocking horse had circled once more, she turned her chubby little face and shouted to the man standing outside the fence, looking utterly bored:
"Uncle Alexei, can you make it 'fly' faster?"
"Oh, Grand Duchess Alexandra, I told you not to address me like that," Alexei lowered his voice, his expression showing displeasure. "There are outsiders here."
But he still gave a wink to the Guard beside him, who immediately ran to ask the amusement park staff, then quickly returned and whispered a few words to him.