"General Feldbur, I hope you and your army will be cautious when using it!

Prevent it from falling into the hands of countries with hostile relations with France!"

Jerome Bonaparte hinted to Louis Feldbur to prevent the Mauser rifle from being seized by natives and falling into the hands of the Kingdom of Britain.

Currently, the relationship between the French Empire and the Kingdom of Britain is nowhere near what it was during the Crimean War, and Jerome Bonaparte’s repeated annexation of European territories (especially Savoy and Nice) has successfully aroused dissatisfaction both domestically and internationally in the Kingdom of Britain.

If Britain learns that Jerome Bonaparte is secretly intensifying research on new weapons, the people of Britain, feeling persecuted, would not care if the Mauser rifle bullets could reach Britain; they would only see this move by the French Empire as a prelude to an impending invasion.

At that time, politicians swept away by fervent public opinion, in order to win the support of their constituents, would naturally choose to follow public opinion, thus tightening surveillance on the French Empire.

The naval forces of the Kingdom of Britain would also take the opportunity to boast the "French threat theory" to demand more shipbuilding funds from the Cabinet.

Jerome Bonaparte does not want every move he makes in the coming years to be closely monitored by Britain, as this would be detrimental to his actions in the European region.

Therefore, he must do his best to disguise himself as harmless, in order to lull the Kingdom of Britain into a false sense of security.

Louis Feldbur naturally also understands that the "hostile country" Jerome Bonaparte refers to is the Kingdom of Britain across the sea from France.

Louis Feldbur assured Jerome Bonaparte with a knowing nod, "Your Majesty, please rest assured!

I will engrave a corresponding number on each rifle and closely monitor their flow!

No rifle will fall into enemy hands!"

"General Feldbur, I hope you will not betray my trust in you!" Jerome Bonaparte said earnestly, patting the back of Louis Feldbur’s hand.

Subsequently, Jerome Bonaparte casually mentioned some information about the Chassepo Machine Gun.

Upon hearing that the "Chassepo Machine Gun" could fire over 200 rounds per minute, Louis Feldbur suddenly felt a chilling sensation all over and instinctively swallowed.

As a seasoned military man, Feldbur understood deeply that the firing rate of a weapon is a crucial factor in restricting a military’s combat power.

If the "Chassepo Machine Gun" can really reach the level that the Emperor described, then the French Army would inevitably carry out a series of reforms revolving around the "Chassepo Machine Gun."

As of now, Feldbur has not received news of large-scale reforms in the military, which indicates that the "Chassepo Machine Gun" has yet to be officially included in the equipment list.

Feldbur analyzed that either the General Staff has not yet devised a system suitable for both the "Chassepo Machine Gun" and the "Mauser Rifle," or the "Chassepo Machine Gun" has not reached the desired state.

Thus, adhering to the spirit of seeing is believing, Louis Feldbur decided to personally inspect the "Chassepo Machine Gun." 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

If the "Chassepo Machine Gun" is really as the Emperor said, Louis Feldbur would certainly want to get a few.

For the Senegal Colonial Army, which only has a reinforced regiment, sufficient firepower is their only way to defeat opponents.

Louis Feldbur immediately requested Jerome Bonaparte, "Your Majesty, may I have the honor of closely inspecting the ’Chassepo Machine Gun’!"

"The ’Chassepo Machine Gun’ has not yet been mass-produced, and the few existing ones are still being tested within the Northern Industrial Group’s campus!

If you really want to see it, I can find time to accompany you to the premises!" Jerome Bonaparte kindly said to Louis Feldbur.

Upon hearing that the Emperor was willing to take time out of his busy schedule to accompany him to the campus, a warmth welled up in Louis Feldbur’s heart.

"Your Majesty, I do not wish to take more of your valuable time for such a small matter!

If possible, please allow me to go alone!" Louis Feldbur immediately responded to Jerome Bonaparte.

Jerome Bonaparte agreed to Louis Feldbur’s request.

Then, Louis Feldbur hoped that Jerome Bonaparte would permit the colonial army to introduce the "Chassepo Machine Gun."

Looking at the particularly serious Louis Feldbur in front of him, after weighing the options repeatedly, Jerome Bonaparte decided to bring Louis Feldbur into the ranks of the army’s reform.

Originally, Jerome Bonaparte just wanted to discuss the telegraph issue with Louis Feldbur, but now that Louis Feldbur’s colonial army "voluntarily" presented itself, Jerome Bonaparte saw no reason to let the opportunity slip.

"General Feldbur!" Jerome Bonaparte asked with a particularly serious expression, "Please tell me honestly, as an Imperial soldier, whether you are willing to unconditionally follow the Empire’s directives!"

Louis Feldbur brought his legs together, responding solemnly, "From the moment I joined the army, I have dedicated everything to the military and the Empire (France)!"

"Very good!" Jerome Bonaparte nodded in satisfaction.

Then, Jerome Bonaparte told Louis Feldbur that the French General Staff planned to design an entirely new set of tactics around the "Chassepo Machine Gun" and the "Mauser Rifle."

Because changes in tactics inherently carry certain risks and may face backlash from some reluctant to reform, the General Staff must maintain a cautious attitude toward tactical innovation.

Before confirming that the new tactics are superior to the existing battalion-level group tactical system, the General Staff does not intend to implement the new tactics domestically or in Algeria.

The heavy responsibility of implementing tactics on a small scale naturally fell upon the shoulders of Louis Feldbur and others.

After listening to Jerome Bonaparte’s request, Louis Feldbur remained silent for a moment, then said heavily to Jerome Bonaparte, "Your Majesty, may I ask you a question!"

"Of course!" Jerome Bonaparte replied pleasantly to Louis Feldbur.

"Why did you choose me?" Louis Feldbur asked Jerome Bonaparte with doubt.

Of course, it was because you volunteered! If you hadn’t been willing to introduce the "Chassepot Machine Gun" and the "Mauser Rifle," I wouldn’t have chosen you at all!

Jerome Bonaparte thought to himself, and then, without flinching, lied to Louis Feldbur, "Because both Chief of Staff Nie’er and I need some leaders who are not too rigid to help us explore this path, and you happen to be one of them!"

"Besides me, who else?" Louis Feldbur felt slightly disappointed, thinking that Jerome Bonaparte had entrusted this task solely to him.

It now seemed that he had overthought!

However, Jerome Bonaparte’s next words uplifted Louis Feldbur’s initially gloomy mood again,

"Also, Governor of Gabon, Jerome Patterson!" Jerome Bonaparte answered Louis Feldbur, "Patterson started exploring this path in Gabon more than a year ago, and now he has gained some insights!

If you’re willing, you can communicate and verify with Patterson!

I believe he would be very willing to explore and exchange with an old battlefield veteran like you!"

Hearing that the Emperor’s nephew was undertaking the same task, Louis Feldbur felt a strong sense of importance.

After all, Jerome Patterson represented the future of the Empire.

Even though other princes of the Bonaparte Clan never recognized Jerome Patterson’s status, it did not hinder Jerome Patterson’s status in the Emperor’s mind.

Before Jerome Patterson served as Governor of Gabon, no one at the age of under 30 had ever assumed a governor’s role.

Though the position of Governor of Gabon was not as prestigious as that of Governor of Algeria, the advantage of Jerome Patterson lay in his youth.

As long as Jerome Patterson does not fall by the wayside prematurely, he is bound to rise to prominence.

Louis Feldbur being able to accept the same task as Jerome Patterson is enough to indicate his importance in the Emperor’s eyes.

A surge of impulse to die for a confidant filled Louis Feldbur’s mind.

At this moment, to Louis Feldbur, Jerome Bonaparte was like France’s only sun; as long as the Emperor continued to trust him, he was willing to fight with all his might for the Emperor and the Empire.

"Your Majesty, please rest assured! I will follow your instructions and maintain communication with Governor Jerome Patterson!" Louis Feldbur assured Jerome Bonaparte with resolute conviction.

In Louis Feldbur’s eyes, Jerome Bonaparte saw unprecedented determination and decisiveness, and couldn’t help but feel a secret joy.

Got another one conned!

Standing to the side, André von Beichu silently remarked inwardly, having followed Jerome Bonaparte for a while, he was well aware of the Emperor’s methods of persuasion.

The Emperor first uses a grand goal to tempt you, then expresses his regard for you, and finally, entices you with a visible future.

There are not a few generals like Louis Feldbur.

Don’t most people see through the Emperor’s tactics?

Of course not, most generals and politicians persuaded by the Emperor clearly understand his methods.

However, they are willing to let the Emperor persuade them.

The reason lies in the fact that the power structure of France is pyramid-shaped; the higher you climb, the fewer positions there are, so they must use all means to climb upward.

And the Emperor holds the vast majority of power in France, which means that as long as they follow his orders and act, the Emperor can help them achieve a leap in class.

Jerome Bonaparte happens to be the kind of result-oriented person, valuing only results.

With achievement, you have everything.

Conversely, without corresponding achievement, you lose everything!

Therefore, many who consider themselves underappreciated, even knowing Jerome Bonaparte is exploiting them, are willing to throw themselves into the Emperor’s embrace.

"General Feldbur, I believe that with your ability, you will certainly find a suitable path for France!" Jerome Bonaparte continued to encourage Louis Feldbur, "I can assure you, as long as you can outstandingly complete this task!

The position of Imperial Marshal will definitely be within your reach!"