Shire took Brownie to the machine gun factory to collect ammunition.
The process was unexpectedly smooth. As soon as the staff saw Shire, they gave him the green light all the way, even supplementing Major Brownie with ten M1909 Hotchkiss machine guns.
Shire understood that this was because they knew what happened last night, including Francis's change in attitude towards the Dejoka family.
The factory employees are always particularly sensitive to such matters. They get insider information from the butler and servants, with a sensitivity and speed comparable to the Intelligence Bureau.
Joseph, as the head of the tractor factory, was certainly no exception. Last night, he received a notification from Francis:
"Starting tomorrow, Shire will assist your work!"
Joseph has worked for Francis for a full twenty years, so he certainly understood the meaning of Francis's words.
This means almost handing over the management of the tractor factory to Shire, as long as Shire proves he has the ability to manage the factory in the coming period.
"Shouldn't this be Pierre's asset?" Joseph wondered.
Francis is very far-sighted in his actions. He had already made a long-term plan for his successor:
Pierre has four children, three sons and one daughter.
The eldest son, Jarell, is studying economics in Britain. He is a candidate to inherit the property and engage in business.
The second son, Dorian, is being trained to become a lawyer and will strive to enter politics.
The third son, Harry, was arranged to enter military school. Now, unfortunately, he has gone to the battlefield as an officer, with his fate uncertain.
All these arrangements were made by Francis, intending to have the three grandsons develop towards the military, politics, and business. With that, the Bernard family could establish a strong force to join the two hundred families.
For this, he also carefully planned for his granddaughter Elise to marry into one of the two hundred families, paving the way for the future.
As for Shire, the only son of Dejoka, he was an exception that had long been excluded from the family development plan.
But now, he suddenly returned and became the prospective successor of the tractor factory... What does this imply?
After thinking for a while, Joseph seemed to understand. It was because the Germans were going to invade, similar to General Gallieni being ordered to become the military commander of Paris in a crisis.
Poor Young Master Shire!
Joseph sympathized deeply with Shire's fate. He lost his inheritance rights simply because of his mother's identity and had to live and study with poor children.
However, Joseph knew that the affairs of rich people were none of his business. He just followed Francis's arrangements!
Early the next morning, Joseph waited at the factory gate. He saw Shire pushing a bicycle from afar, followed by a large group of fully armed soldiers.
His face changed, and he hurriedly went up, concernedly asking:
"Young Master Shire, what happened? Did they trouble you?"
Joseph had watched Shire grow up, and in his heart, he regarded him as half a son. He would not allow anyone to bully him.
Major Brownie looked at Shire unexpectedly:
"You are the master? These factories are yours?"
While speaking, he sized Shire up again. Shire was wearing a coarse cloth coat, a cap with exposed threads, and riding a shabby bicycle, looking nothing like a rich person.
Shire replied:
"Not entirely. I'm just temporarily taking over, thanks to the Germans!"
Major Brownie's face suddenly changed. He gave a self-mocking smile:
"So, your plan is actually to have us protect your factory?"
"Heh, clever little fellow. You used us!"
The soldiers behind also showed displeased expressions. The vast majority of them were from workers and peasants, and they hated capitalists to the bone. Now hearing that Shire, this little capitalist, used them in the name of "patriotism" to protect his factory, they were all gritting their teeth:
"We ended up like this because of capitalists like you!"
"We die on the front lines because of your schemes, and now this again!"
"Damn little fellow, we almost got fooled by his appearance!"
...
Shire turned back calmly and faced Major Brownie and his soldiers:
"Watch your language, Major!"
"In principle, you need to protect the tractor factory, motorcycle factory, and machine gun factory. They share the same owner."
"Recently, they have given everything, providing food and ammunition to you for free."
"They could have taken their remaining assets and fled, but they didn't do so!"
Shire intended to use this to gain favor.
This was crucial. Only by gaining the recognition of the soldiers would they risk their lives to protect the factory!
Major Brownie was half convinced. He didn't believe a capitalist would be willing to do such things.
At this moment, a soldier behind said:
"I heard about this. It seems it was a merchant named Francis, who spent all his savings overnight to buy food."
"I heard it too. That's why we changed our marching direction and chose Davaz as our resting place!"
...
Joseph timely added:
"Yes, these factories are Mr. Francis's. What you heard is true. He gave everything to this war, to France! He even sold the factories in the safe southern regions to buy the machine gun factory!"
Joseph then turned his gaze to Shire:
"This is Mr. Francis's youngest grandson, Young Master Shire. Do you have any further questions?"
Major Brownie stood solemnly. He stepped forward and saluted Joseph, saying:
"Understood, sir!"
"Salute to you, to Mr. Francis, and..."
Major Brownie looked at Shire with eyes full of apology:
"Salute to you, Young Master Shire! Very sorry!"
Shire raised his eyebrows slightly, generously saying:
"No problem, Major!"
"We are all for France!"
Major Brownie was instantly stimulated. He felt a surge of blood to his head. He nodded emotionally, his eyes filled with determination:
"Yes, for France!"
The soldiers behind also responded one after another:
"For France!"
"For France!"
...
They were thoroughly impressed by the spirit of the young man in front of them.
Such a great soul, although he is young and weak, and a wealthy capitalist, he possesses a heart of gold to give everything for his country!
Standing before him, the soldiers even felt ashamed.
Immediately, through their eyes and expressions, the soldiers reached a consensus:
"This capitalist is different. He is a patriotic capitalist."
"Such a capitalist is certainly worth protecting!"
"This type of capitalist should not be destroyed by the enemy but should lead us to victory!"
...
Shire was very satisfied with this but needed a perfect ending.
Shire turned his gaze to Joseph:
"Take them to have a good meal and arrange a place for them to sleep. These are the warriors defending France, and they deserve this!"
Joseph nodded:
"As you command, Young Master Shire!"
"Gentlemen, follow me!"
The soldiers were overjoyed. As they passed Shire, they all slightly raised their military hats or nodded to pay respect:
"Thank you very much, Young Master Shire!"
"You are a good man, Young Master Shire!"
...
Shire stopped Major Brownie:
"Take the time to rest, Major! You only have four hours of rest. After lunch, training will begin!"
"Training?" Major Brownie looked puzzled. Does this young fellow even know how to train troops?