Mediterranean hegemon

This time when United Motorcycles opened, Mussolini gave him enough face. Not only did he go there in person, but he also brought five ministers with him. Although these ministers also had their own entanglements with Contini, it has to be said that , this formation is still very large. Mussolini never brought so many cabinet officials with him when he visited Switzerland.

And because the company was not in Rome yet, Mussolini and others took a special train all night to go there. Although the old Ciano had arranged the best carriages, he also asked the railway department to arrange the highest priority all the way from Rome to Milan. The more than 500-kilometer journey took a whole night, so the final opening and launching ceremony were held in the afternoon - at least the officials were allowed to rest for a morning and be refreshed before showing up.

Along the way, several people were joking about the old Ciano, saying that they were going to Milan for a "pilgrimage" to meet Italy's youngest industrial tycoon and rising political star - the United Group's industries have now expanded to 7-8, and it is said that he has another While planning to open United Film Company and United Dynamics Company, Matteotti was involved in a reputation infringement lawsuit and actually prevailed, which made Contini even more famous.

Mussolini smiled and said: "Now when introducing Calais, he is said to be the son of His Excellency Minister Ciano. In a few years, maybe the introduction will be reversed, saying that this is Calais, chairman of the United Group." 's father..."

"Ha!" A bunch of people laughed.

"By the way, Matteotti's first appeal to the Supreme Court was reportedly rejected. He is still filing a second appeal, and is still using the power of the Socialist Party to put pressure on the court. What do you think of this?"

"Calais told me that as long as he finds evidence, he will sue the Socialist Party to the administrative court for violating the constitution and using administrative and political party power to interfere with the judiciary. He has already found a lawyer and added three more. Now all Seven of the top ten most famous lawyers in Italy are serving Calais." Old Ciano smiled, "Didn't Matteo Timo think that filing a complaint with the Supreme Court would clear up the fact that he embezzled public funds and entered the red light district? I wonder what he has been doing during his years as a parliamentarian? Has he spent all his energy on women? "

"It is unconstitutional to sue the Socialist Party?" Mussolini rolled his eyes and immediately shouted, "Okay, okay, he is indeed a young man who dares to think, dare to attack, and dare to fight. But he dared to challenge the Socialist Party at the age of 20. I am really I like it more and more. I think I would have been over 31 years old when I was timidly challenging the Socialist Party. Oh, I can’t compare, I can’t compare.”

After the start of World War I, Mussolini, who was still a backbone of the Socialist Party at the time, made a completely different voice regarding whether to join the war, especially whether to side with the Allied Powers and fight against the Central Powers. Mussolini was eventually expelled from the Socialist Party. This experience has always been with Mussolini. I haven't forgotten, so when I mention the Socialist Party, I feel resentful. Now because of the situation, he can't take action, but it doesn't mean that he can leave the Socialist Party alone. Contini stepped forward to make the Socialist Party disgraced, and he is completely happy to see the result.

Old Ciano complimented: "Leader, that's different. At that time, you challenged the Socialist Party single-handedly, and no one protected you. What Calais is doing now is because you and the ministers are supporting him. Otherwise, it's up to him." In those two days, there was no trace left.”

This compliment flattered Mussolini so cleverly that he couldn't help but feel happy.

When the special car arrived at Milan Station, the mayor of Milan and other government officials were already waiting at the train station to greet them. Contini and the others were at the end of the welcoming team. Although Mussolini and his entourage were to attend the afternoon ceremony, after all, He also wears the hat of visiting Milan for official inspection, so he is very knowledgeable and low-key.

When shaking hands, reporters rushed forward, and the spotlights flashed. But at this moment, a voice suddenly rang out: "Your Excellency, Prime Minister, I am a reporter from the "Socialist". You and the ministers are not doing official business in Rome." , went to Milan specifically to cut the ribbon to celebrate the opening of a private company, is it suspected of using public power for private use? "

Mussolini, who was originally smiling and very happy, suddenly elongated his face and sneered: "It seems that the Socialists are not happy about my coming to Milan for inspection? Isn't Milan the territory of the Italian country? Isn't it true that I As Prime Minister, you can’t come to Milan to visit?”

Next to him, the Secretary of Industry and Commerce, Alberto, immediately said: "Yes, we are indeed going to United Motorcycle to attend the opening and product launch ceremony, but I don't think there is any problem. United Motorcycle and even the United Group behind it were formed after the establishment of the new government A large-scale enterprise spanning multiple economic fields, it has set an example in all aspects and made special contributions in social undertakings, national defense and other fields. It has also created many firsts, founded Italy's first color newspaper, Color magazine, the first civil aviation enterprise, the first radio station, the first radio company, and the first airmail delivery are the best portrayal of innovation and change, and also a typical example of the government supporting local enterprises and supporting the national economy. If this If you don’t support typical figures and typical enterprises, who can we support? Will you in the next two days criticize the government for ignoring innovation, stifling change, and obstructing industrial and commercial progress? If you socialists can focus all your energy on innovation? I think Italy’s future will be better if we focus on industry instead of focusing on women’s bellies like some Socialist MPs.”

The crowd burst into laughter.

When the reporter was about to retort, Mussolini had already waved Contini over. While shaking hands warmly, he said: "Calais, you organized young students in Rome to welcome Fascist's just actions, and now you set up industry to solve the problem for the government. Regarding people's livelihood and tax issues, I think we should give you a lot of praise. As long as I am the Prime Minister for one day, I and the ministers will be your most powerful backing."

Alberto also said: "Since some people insist on questioning, I will announce a decision in public today. Mr. Galeazzo Ciano, in view of your contribution to industry and commerce and a series of new economic innovations, will you Are you willing to accept the appointment of Assistant to the Minister of Industry and Commerce in order to make new contributions to the Italian economy? This position does not occupy the official establishment of the government and does not pay a salary.”

Contini was stunned, why did he suddenly get involved in this, and Alberto was not a Fascist figure, he was a minister sent by the Italian Catholic Party. Just when he was stunned, the old Ciano was already signaling with his eyes. He quickly replied: "Of course I am willing. I hope to use my own modest efforts to contribute to the economic development of Italy. I am eagerly looking forward to the United Group and its subordinate industries. Under the protection of the new government, we will strive to advance towards the goal of innovation, change and growth! ”

Everyone started to applaud, and then a group of dignitaries took a group photo at the entrance of the train station. According to his identity, Contini could only stand at the edge of the team, but because of the stimulation of the Socialists, Mussolini deliberately wanted to confront them, so he Put Contini in the middle, with Mussolini and other ministers on the left, and the mayor of Milan and other local dignitaries in Milan on the right, as if the central and local governments surround Contini.

Having had enough limelight, Contini also calmly thought about it: it seems that hiring a lawyer to accuse the Socialist Party of violating the constitution will not go away. During this period, Matteotti is too busy with the lawsuit and is not in the mood to argue with Mussolini. It seems that The latter has tasted the sweetness, and the reporter's trouble just now probably strengthened his determination.

As for Alberto's strange movements, Contini understood it later. Old Ciano quietly told him in the car: "Your article about "Fracture and Inheritance" was read by the Pope, and he basically expressed his approval. Pius XI himself has a very good impression of you. He has asked an intermediary to tell you that he hopes you can visit him when you are free and pave the way for leaders to visit the Pope. Of course, you will inevitably donate to the Pope. Prepare at least 1 million. Lira."

This reason explains why Alberto of the Catholic Party took such a step of support just now. Contini nodded silently: It costs money to litigate and hire lawyers, and it also costs money to meet the Pope. It seems that this year’s Losses are expected to expand.