I Am the Crown Prince in France

Chapter 643 High-tech Competition

The large-scale spread of civilian steam paddle steamers also has a very big benefit, that is, it can significantly increase the installed capacity of marine steam engines.

The number of civilian ships is dozens of times greater than that of warships. This can promote the rapid improvement of steam engines than simply installing steam engines on warships.

"Feeding the army with the people" is always the best model to promote new technologies.

Moreover, the propeller drives used by paddle steamers and the French Navy are completely different technical routes. There is no need to worry about other countries copying civilian ship technology to build warships. It is simply perfect.

While Joseph was busy planning the new shipyard, Watt was also planning famous financing matters with his company owner Bolton in the suburbs of Birmingham, England.

"You have to try to give up certain obsessions." Bolton, who has long, light-blond hair and melancholy eyes, carefully considered his words for fear of upsetting his talented partner. "Those investors are looking for high-pressure steam engines. We sometimes You have to cater to them.”

Watt waved his hands rhythmically and said: "Everyone knows that that thing has no merit except for its love of explosion!

"The new 27-horsepower steam engine will be put into production next month. That is a truly good product."

Bolton sighed: "My friend, you know, the French's high-pressure steam engine could reach this power two years ago. I heard that their latest model can already output more than 50 horsepower.

"As for the explosion, the factory doesn't care about it. It will only kill a few workers at most, and new workers will be able to replace it immediately. What they care about is the profit brought by greater power."

Watt lowered his head and muttered stubbornly: "Isn't it just 50 horsepower? I can do it without high-voltage technology..."

As they talked, the two came to a light yellow luxury villa.

Bolton whispered helplessly: "I beg you, at least mention the matter of the high-pressure steam engine in front of Sir Falconer later, otherwise the company's financial problem will really become a crisis."

Yes, the Bolton-Watt Steam Engine Company has suffered from fierce competition from its French counterparts in the past two years. Sales have been shrinking and profits have hit the lowest level in more than ten years.

To make matters worse, the company was involved in the London Gas street lighting project last year and became a subcontractor of distillation boilers and pressure instruments, losing all its money.

This caused problems with the company's cash flow, and Watt and Bolton had to bring in new shareholders in order to tide over the difficulties.

Sir Falconer warmly welcomed the two into the living room and quickly talked about investing in the shares. "Oh, let's be honest, my psychological expectation is to get 30% of the shares for 50,000 pounds."

Bolton frowned: "Sir Falconer, the company's assets are worth more than 200,000 pounds, and its annual income is more than 40,000 pounds. If you want to obtain 30% of the shares, you may have to invest 75,000 pounds."

Falconer smiled and shook his head: "What I value is the company's prospects.

"Last year Upper Hesse purchased a steam engine worth £50,000 for the automatic loom, but they chose French goods - a new high-pressure steam engine.

"With all due respect, your company's technology has begun to lag behind. After I become a shareholder, I'm afraid I will continue to invest in improving technology. Well, this is quite risky."

Bolton said hurriedly: "Actually, we have already started research on high-pressure steam engines."

He touched Watt: "Yes, James."

"Oh, yes, that damn high-pressure steam engine." Watt nodded reluctantly, "As long as it doesn't explode, everything will be fine..."

Bolton smiled awkwardly and changed the subject.

More than two hours later, Bolton and Watt left the villa dejected. Falconer did not relent, and his offer was unacceptable to both men.

Bolton returned to the door, suddenly gritted his teeth, and returned to Falconer's house.

"I know the significance of high-pressure steam engines very well," Bolton said seriously, "and the company will definitely speed up research and development in this area." Falconer shrugged: "But your chief technician seems to be only interested in standard-pressure steam engines."

Bolton took a deep breath and said, "Actually, I have a way to quickly acquire technology."

"Oh? Please tell me."

"John Sandel of the French United Steam Engine Company," Bolton said, "I know his uncle, and if we can get him to join us, we can immediately obtain high-pressure steam engine technology.

"We have a vast British market. As long as we create new products, we will soon beat the French!"

Falconer raised his eyelids and nodded: "Okay, if there is a high-pressure steam engine, I can invest 75,000 pounds."

…

Eastern Province of Bavaria, Freising.

After attending the Consultative Conference of the Parties to the Treaty of the Rhine-Seine, Count Rheinfels, who was returning, looked at the letter just sent from Vienna with a complicated expression.

It was a letter of mourning from His Majesty the Emperor - Leopold II died of smallpox three days ago.

Normally he should be sad when His Majesty the Emperor died, but at this moment he felt relieved.

He undoubtedly failed to attract Britain to join the Treaty of the Rhine-Seine this time, and Austria's severe trade situation will continue.

The death of Leopold II at this time would greatly reduce the attention paid to the matter in Vienna.

The new emperor will be busy with the coronation and will probably not interfere with this matter.

A few days later, Count Rheinfels' carriage drove into Schönbrunn Palace. He got off the carriage and immediately went to see the new Emperor Franz II.

The funeral of Leopold II was over. The atmosphere of sorrow in Schönbrunn Palace had faded. Instead, servants were busy arranging the furnishings for the coronation.

Count Rheinfels entered the Great Gallery Hall, but was a little surprised. He saw Franz II wearing a plain light blue coat and talking to Baron Turgut, Kobzl and other ministers.

Moreover, the Queen Mother and her cousin Baron Walter were also present.

He immediately stepped forward and gave Franz II a very standard chest-touching salute: "May God always bless you, His Majesty the Emperor."

Franz II looked up and saw that it was him, and immediately asked: "Count Rheinfels, you are back. How is the result of the negotiations?"

"This..." Count Rheinfels did not expect the new emperor to be so diligent, so he had to bite the bullet and said, "The vote failed. The French mobilized 50,000 troops and conducted a large-scale exercise in Karlsruhe. Hesse, Augsburg and other countries were forced to vote against it."

Baron Walter immediately screamed: "These shameless Frenchmen!"

Franz II signaled him not to get excited, turned to Baron Turgut and said: "Then, our country's finances will continue to be dragged down by trade?"

Because Leopold II died too suddenly, the young Franz II suddenly became emperor, and he felt confused and didn't know where to start.