The Fox of France

Chapter 164: Peace and Business (2)

Joseph didn't make Lucien work too hard this time. He simply had Lucien organize some of the family's current investments, giving Lucien a more comprehensive understanding of Joseph's strategic vision.

"Joseph, what is this 'Zeus' project? Why is it consuming so much funding, and it looks like there will be more investment in the future?" Lucien inquired.

"This project," Joseph began, "is a revolutionary one, something that could put us decades ahead of the competition. Its impact can be compared to Watt's steam engine, perhaps even more profound."

In this era, James Watt had already improved the steam engine. In 1776, Watt's improved steam engine was already being used in mines to power pumps. In fact, there were several Watt steam engines imported from England in the Duke of Orleans' mines. Over time, Watt's steam engine had found widespread application in the textile industry, giving British textiles a dominant position in the global market.

However, the true potential of the steam engine had not been fully realized. Trains and ships were yet to be invented. So when Joseph likened the 'Zeus' project to Watt's steam engine, Lucien raised an eyebrow and responded, "Compared to the steam engine, it doesn't seem that remarkable."

Joseph shook his head and said, "You, my friend, are not a true scientist or an industrialist. You can't see the direction in which things are developing. This is of utmost importance. If successful, it could bury all existing modes of production in the annals of history."

Lucien recognized Joseph's credibility in matters of science, and he rarely boasted about such things. So, his curiosity was piqued. "Alright, Joseph. What is this 'Zeus' project?"

"Your security clearance is high enough," Joseph replied, "but remember, you must not breathe a word of this to anyone, especially those questionable women of yours. Do I make myself clear?"

"Crystal clear," Lucien affirmed. "I have plenty of other topics to discuss with those women. After all, there is no shortage of things to brag about, but who talks to women about academic matters? Although, I must say, there's one eccentric individual in this world who does."

"You know what? If you talk to her about science, she actually listens attentively, which only proves your charm," Joseph retorted.

"Alright, enough of this. For the sake of your pride," Lucien said, "let's get back to the main topic. What is this 'Zeus' project?"

"Well," Joseph began, "after Armand Lavasie developed the electric detonator, we conducted an underwater explosive test. Someone left a compass nearby, and I observed that when the wire was electrified, the compass needle suddenly moved. Though it might have been due to the ship's rocking in the sea, I repeated the experiment in the laboratory. I found that when current flowed through the wire, it indeed caused the compass needle to move."

"And how is that significant?" Lucien asked.

"Significant?" Joseph smiled. "Very significant. In the afternoon, I'll take you to the lab to see for yourself. But for now, let's deal with this issue."

"Damn, this seems like a complicated issue," Lucien said. "Although it involves some secrecy, Armand Lavasie should be able to handle this level of secrecy. Why am I being dragged into it? Joseph, you're heartless!"

After lunch, Joseph took Lucien to the new laboratory. The lab was a bit far from Paris, and they arrived at sunset.

Joseph led Lucien into a room with two machines on a table, both covered in wires. One had a crank handle, and the other was connected to a water pump with three wires.

"Go and crank that handle," Joseph instructed.

Lucien approached and began turning the handle.

"Faster, have you not eaten?" Joseph remarked.

"I really haven't eaten; my stomach is grumbling!" Lucien complained, increasing the speed of his cranking.

As Lucien cranked, the other machine connected by wires started to turn, and the water pump came to life, water flowing vigorously.

"How do you like this, my friend? Isn't it marvelous?" Joseph asked proudly.

"Well, it's entertaining," Lucien replied while continuing to turn the handle.

"Do you understand its significance now?" Joseph inquired.

Lucien paused and thought carefully. Then he nodded and said, "This is more useful than a steam engine."

Lucien had been with Joseph long enough to grasp the value of these two machines. Steam engines required complex transmission systems, clutches, and variable systems when used as industrial power to drive machines. To facilitate placement, multiple steam engines had to be set up in areas where steam engines weren't originally intended to be, such as textile factories. In the textile workshops, for fire safety reasons, steam engines shouldn't be present, but the transmission shaft couldn't be too long, resulting in machines and steam engines being only a meter apart.

Furthermore, different machines required different power and operated at different speeds, which meant either one machine per steam engine or a set of clutches and variable systems for each working machine.

This made the entire machine system highly complex. The more complicated the mechanical system, the more expensive and inefficient it became. However, the system showcased in the laboratory, transferring power from one machine to another, was much simpler and more efficient. This one advantage alone made it more suitable for use in various applications.

"If we widely use this machine to drive all our various machines, our production can greatly increase, and costs will decrease to unimaginable levels. No one will be able to compete with us," Joseph explained.

"I see," Lucien said, "but what are the main problems with the current plan?"

"Problems? They're everywhere," Joseph sighed. "First, we need a power source. I can't use you as a power source, can I? Using steam engines is good, but it requires a lot of fuel. France's coal mines are not under our control, and currently, there are no excellent coal mines in France. I've sent quite a few people to search for minerals on our newly acquired territories. If Providence blesses France and we find such a place, we'll need a significant sum to purchase these lands."

"Well, if we find it, the expense is certainly worth it. I understand, we need to make financial preparations," Lucien said.

"Of course, I have a backup plan. In the era before the steam engine, textile factories had to be situated along rivers with large waterfalls to harness hydraulic power for machinery," Joseph continued. "So, inspired by this, I proposed building a dam on a river with a significant drop, raising the water level, using the flowing water to drive a waterwheel, which powers the generator. Then, we use conductors to deliver electricity to the required electric motors."

"That's a good plan!" Lucien exclaimed.

"It is, but electric currents still suffer losses in conductors, which means the machines cannot be too far from the power station. Additionally, many aspects of this plan are still experimental. To make it practical, we don't know how many issues will arise and how much money will be needed. So... Lucien, do you understand why we need a lot of cash right now?"

Lucien nodded, "This will indeed require a substantial amount of money. But if successful, it will be worth it. Damn it, we need money for so many things... that scoundrel Napoleon, he only got a small amount of money from Austria!"

"The Austrian indemnity goes to the government, and Napoleon didn't receive much from it. Despite plundering Austrian villages during his conquest, the Austrian nobility was prepared. They quickly moved their wealth, such as gold, silver, and jewels, and didn't leave such valuables on their estates. So, the loot from the nobles was quite limited."

"Austria and Italy are not comparable," Joseph lamented. "Especially the Crown Under the Sun, he's a great guy. So, for now, we have to make as much money as possible on our own. Damn this peace! By the way, any progress in your dealings with the Irish lately?"

"They want to purchase weapons, but... the Irish don't have much money," Lucien said, shaking his head.

The Irish, after over a century of exploitation by the English due to King Henry VIII's split from the Papal Church, were quite impoverished.

"They share our common enemies," Joseph stated. "France and Britain's war is ongoing, and our government should support the just struggle of the Irish people without charge. I believe the government should fund the purchase of weapons for the Irish."

"Agreed!" Lucien said. "Let the government provide us with funds, and we can supply weapons to the Irish. Then we can tell the government that our ships ran aground and encountered storms near Ireland, so they need to order more weapons to effectively support the just cause of the Irish people."